Opening This Week

We've got a weekend of blockbusters on our hands, folks. And of all of the openings only two look like they might be half decent and that's just because one has a pretty sweet cast and one has Michael Caine. Anyway, here we go:

State of Play
US congressman, Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), is rising higher and higher in popularity, until his research assistant/mistress is murder. That's when the floodgates of his secrets are opened and shit hits the fan. It's up to two ruthless reporters, Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe) and Della (Rachel McAdams) to uncover the truth. However, things are harder than they seem with Cal's friendship to Stephen, their bitchy editor (Helen Mirren), and a conspiracy that is beyond what they imagined. Also starring Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, and Jeff Daniels.

Crank 2: High Voltage
If you have seen the first one then you know that some dude (Jason Statham) falls from a helicopter at the end and dies. If not, I just ruined the bad ending. Sue me. Anyway, it turns out he's not dead and a group of assholes stole his heart and replaced it with some artificial battery powered one. He goes on a wild killing spree in search of his heart for a whole 96 minutes. That's about it. Also starring Amy Smart.

17 Again
If you have ever seen a movie in your life ever then you have probably already seen this idea before. Some old guy (Matthew Perry) is suddenly turned back into his 17 year old self (Zac Efron) and he needs to navigate high school and lead a life that will better his adult existence. It stars Zac Efron so I already knocked a few stars off of my rating for it. But I do give him credit for taking on such a new and different role. /sarcasm

Is Anybody There?
You'll only be able to see this one if you happen to live in New York or LA. It's about a ten year old boy (Bill Milner) who is growing up in an elderly-care facility that is run by his parents. The story centers around his bond with the home's newest arrival, a retired magician named Clarence (Michael Caine). Also starring no one important.

Sleep Dealer
Here's another one for you lucky folks who live in New York or LA. Memo (Luis Fernando Peña) intercepts a radio transmission that motivates him to leave his home and go to Tijuana. When he gets there, he goes to dangerous lengths to secure himself a job in the hi-tech factories that he once only dreamed about. Debut from newcomer Alex Rivera and it doesn't look too great.

So pretty much, you can see a political thriller starring everyone under the sun, Jason Statham blow shit up and kill people for an hour and a half, a 21 year old playing a 17 year old, an old magician woo a little boy, or some dude traveling to Tijuana. Personally, I'd go see the magician, but that's just because I'm hoping he'll be able to teach me a thing or two about wooing people with my sleight of hand. Hey-o!