Mama: Mama started out as a short film, which was apparently terrifying. The full-length feature film does its best scary movie impersonation. Also, helping it along are its considerable bonafides. Academy Award-nominated actress Jessica Chastain (currently on view in Zero Dark Thirty) plays the mother of two adopted orphaned girls and Academy Award nominated director Guillermo Del Toro serves as the executive producer. The production is a high-toned horror movie about two feral girls who were abandoned and found to be living on their own for five years before being rescued. But, whatever weird presence that was watching over the girls hasn't entirely left the building. Boo!
Perfect For: Though rated PG 13, the movie isn't a gore fest, but a scare fest. Things go bump in the night, with slithering visual reveals. But, I would still go with the older kids rather than the middle schoolers.
What the Critics Say: Surprisingly, some say kind things, much of it owing to the pedigree of the cast and the filmmakers. Mostly, they praise the restraint and tastefulness employed. Writes the Hollywood Reporter: “In essence, Mama represents a throwback and a modest delight for people who like a good scare but prefer not to be terrorized or grossed out.”
Our Take: It might be too bloodless for a horror flick, but if you have seen al the Oscar bait, might be a worthwhile afternoon jaunt.
The Last Stand: Say it with me: "He's baaack!" That is, Arnold Schwarzenegger, everyone's favorite muscled meathead with a thick accent, is back from politics and. starring in this light-hearted action adventure flick. He's a little older and a little slower, but just as buff, all of which he pokes fun of in the previews. He stars as a former cop who, with a ragtag, small-town crew that includes Johnny Knoxville, Luiz Guzman, and Zach Gilford, must stop an escaped drug kingpin from getting away. Unleash every action sequence trick known to man.
Perfect For: Fans of South Korean director Kim Jee-woon, action flicks, and of course, Ahnold!
What the Critics Say: Also, shockingly, pretty kind things. They like the light-hearted return of the action star, and think it's well-made, mindless fun. Writes Variety: “’I know what's coming,’" Schwarzenegger grunts, ‘because I have seen enough blood and death.’ He sure has, and the weight of that legacy lends this often broadly comic endeavor the elegiac tone of a career salute.” Says the AP: ‘‘The Last Stand’’ is the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie you didn’t even realize you wanted to see.”
Our Take: for Schwarzenegger fans, it looks like a good time.
Broken City: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in this mystery thriller about an ex-cop turned private investigator (Walhlberg) hired by a conniving mayor (Crowe) to find out if his wife is cheating on him (Zeta-Jones). There's all sorts of misdirection and double crossing and political intrigue.
Perfect For: Fans of thrillers and the main actors.
What the Critics Say: They've not been unleashed on this movie which is a bad sign.
Out Take: The premise seems interesting but it looks like trailer spoiled whatever the plot twist is going to be. We're confused, but possibly confused enough to rent it at a later date.
