It’s no surprise that the latest interpretation of Stephen King’s “Carrie” comes after a summer of superhero flicks like “Man of Steel” and “The Wolverine.” Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), who spends most of the movie developing her psychic powers while being ostracized by the popular high school crowd, could very well be the newest member of the X–men.
Joseph Gordon–Levitt’s first (and, hopefully, not last) time writing, directing and starring in a feature is the story of Jon Martello (Gordon–Levitt), a materialistic partier whose obsession with internet porn has taken a toll on his sex life.
“Disconnect” is an intense, multi–perspective drama whose four star–packed storylines are tethered by loss, emotional detachment and internet crime. The film is an anthology of topical offenses, from cyberbullying to identity theft, offering important information about privacy and internet security without getting overly–educational or preachy.
Directed by: Walter Hill
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater
Rating: R
Runtime: 91 min.
“Bullet to the Head,” based on the crime noir graphic novel “Du Plomb Dans La Tete,” is certainly graphic but offers nothing novel. The stereotypical action flick follows hitman Jimmy Bobo (Sylvester Stallone) and self–righteous Detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang) as they join forces to stop a conspiracy involving greedy businessmen, corrupt cops and other action movie cliches.
The plot and characters are just tools to engineer more reasons for shooting, but even that leaves something to be desired.
"Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters"
Directed by: Tommy Wirkola
Starring: Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton
Rating: R
Running Time: 88 minutes
Once upon a time (read: 2004), Universal Studios brought the nostalgia of horror icons into the action/adventure genre and created “Van Helsing,” a film that performed well in the box office but not with the critics.
"Mama"
Directed by: Andres Muschietti
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster–Waldau, Daniel Kash, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nélisse
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 100 min.
Every trailer for "Mama" brags about producer Guillermo Del Toro’s participation, but don't walk in expecting “Pan's Laybrinth." Jessica Chastain ("Zero Dark Thirty") and Nikolaj Coster–Waldau star as Annabel and Lucas, a hipster couple who gains custody of Lucas' nieces, who have been living in the woods since their parents' deaths with their ghostly guardian, Mama.