Theatrical Releases Of The Week

NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Director:  Ivan Reitman
Stars:  Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?:  Portman and Kutcher play lifelong friends who, in lieu of relationships, decide to become Fuckbuddies.  Hilarity ensues.  Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig, and, of course, Ludacris all make appearances.  Director Reitman says ". . .  with this generation in particular, young people find it easier to have a sexual relationship than an emotional one.  That is how the sexes deal with each other today."  I suppose I should expect such open-mindedness from the producer of They Came From Within.

SHOULD I SEE IT?:  I feel as if, at this point in the game, you know which side of the "Do I want to go see the latest Ashton Kutcher movie?" debate you lie on.  If the presence of Portman or Kline pique your interest, let me direct you to a listing of Reitman's shaky post-Ghostbusters resume.  While you're at it, dwell on the possibility of this ass-clown directing Ghostbusters 3 in a year or so (I don't think it'll really happen, but it is a threat).

THE COMPANY MEN
Director:  John Wells
Stars:  Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?:  Downsizing, and what a varied grouping of white collar workers do when their world comes crashing down around them.

SHOULD I SEE IT?:  The reviews are mainly positive, with longtime TV Jack-Of-All-Trades John Wells making a strong theatrical directing debut.

THE WAY BACK
Director:  Peter Weir
Stars:  Jim Strugess, Colin Farrell, Ed Harris

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?:  A bunch of prisoners escape from a Siberian Gulag during WWII.  Based on an autobiographical book entitled The Long Walk, by Slawomir Rawicz, it's a moving story of courage and determination. . .

SHOULD I SEE IT?:  . . .  a story that, unfortunately, turned out to be complete horseshit.  Yep, this is one of those Oprah-style "Duped by the Fictional Autobiography" type of stories.  Wah wah.   On the flip side of that, and from my perspective;  who cares?  It's still a new film directed by Peter Weir, one of the best directors working, with a terrific cast.  And if you want historical accuracy, read a book (but not The Long Walk)!  Is "My Darling Clementine" an accurate portrayal of the life of Wyatt Earp?  Nope.  Is it a great movie?  Yes, it is.

Critics seem to be generally pleased with this one, although the January release for such a high-profile film is suspect.  Proceed with caution.