Opening this week
'G-Force,' 'Orphan,' 'The Ugly Truth'
Compiled by LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 |
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| _blankDarwin (voiced by Sam Rockwell) is one of the guinea pigs in the new Disney film “G-Force.” |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – A number of new movie releases will hit theaters this week, including the following films opening in wide release:
“G-Force”
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer brings his first 3-D film to the big screen with “G-Force,” a comedy adventure about the latest evolution of a covert government program to train animals to work in espionage.
Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws.
Tapped for the G-Force are guinea pigs Darwin (voice of Sam Rockwell), the squad leader determined to succeed at all costs; Blaster (voice of Tracy Morgan), an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude and a love for all things extreme; and Juarez (voice of Penelope Cruz), a sexy martial arts pro; plus the literal fly-on- the-wall reconnaissance expert, Mooch, and a star-nosed mole, Speckles (voice of Nicolas Cage), the computer and information specialist. Along the way, the G-Force encounters myriad other members of the animal kingdom, including pet shop layabout Hurley (voice of Jon Favreau) and the rabidly territorial hamster Bucky (voice of Steve Buscemi).
Directed by Academy Award-winning visual effects master Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr., “G-Force” promises a high-octane thrill ride, proving once and for all that the world needs bigger heroes. The movie is rated PG.
“Orphan”
The tragic loss of their unborn child has devastated Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard), taking a toll on both their marriage and Kate’s fragile psyche as she is plagued by nightmares and haunted by demons from her past.
Struggling to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives, the couple decides to adopt another child. At the local orphanage, both John and Kate find themselves strangely drawn to a young girl named Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) ... but Esther is not what she appears to be, and – concerned for the safety of her family – Kate tries to get John and others to see past Esther’s sweet facade. But her warnings go unheeded until it may be too late ... for everyone.
Dark Castle Entertainment’s “Orphan” is directed by Jaume Collet- Serra (“House of Wax”), from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson and a story by Alex Mace. Rated R.
“The Ugly Truth”
The battle of the sexes heats up in Columbia Pictures’ comedy “The Ugly Truth.”
Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a romantically challenged morning show producer whose search for Mr. Perfect has left her hopelessly single. She’s in for a rude awakening when her bosses team her with Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), a hardcore TV personality who promises to spill the ugly truth on what makes men and women tick. Rated R.
The following will open in limited release.
“The Answer Man”
From first-time writer-director John Hindman comes “The Answer Man,”
a romantic comedy starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham about love and the search for meaning.
Arlen Faber (Daniels) is the reclusive and misanthropic author of “Me and God,” a book that has redefined spirituality for an entire generation and has been translated into over 100 languages. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of his still wildly popular book, Arlen is still sought after as the man who has all the answers. Arlen find his world turned upside down with his life collides with Elizabeth (Graham), a single mother who might just be able to provide the salvation he needs. In addition, Arlen forms an unlikely friendship with Kris (Lou Taylor Pucci), a young man fresh out of rehab who is searching for meaning. Both Elizabeth and Kris are hopeful that Arlen has the answers, but the truth is, he hasn’t got a clue. Kat Dennings and Olivia Thirlby also star in this charmingly witty romantic drama. Rated R.
“In the Loop”
“In the Loop” is a smart comedy and Sundance Film Festival hit from the acclaimed team who created the award-winning BBC TV comedy series “Alan Partridge” and “The Thick of It.”
The film is drawing instant comparisons to some of the great political and absurdist comedies such as “Doctor Strangelove,” “Wag the Dog” and “Thank You For Smoking.” With razor-sharp, truly laugh- out-loud dialogue the film pokes fun at the absurdity and ineptitude of world leaders. With everyone looking out for number one, and the fate of the free world at stake (but apparently incidental), the hilarious ensemble cast of characters bumbles its way through Machiavellian political dealings, across continents, and toward comic resolutions that are unforeseeable.
This film is not rated.
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Article published on Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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