Welcome to another weekend movie guide.  This week we see TONS of Oscar nominated films either released or re released.  Lets get into it.  

These are the movies that were released on Friday, January 21th, 2011
The Mechanic - Rated R

A hitman (Jason Statham) is teaching an apprentice (Ben Foster) the ways of killing people and is also out for revenge.  I could go the “I already saw this one” route.  I could crap all over this.  But I won’t.  Why?  Because whatever action film Jason Statham finds himself in he makes it work.  The plot could be ridiculous, action could be less then realistic, but Jason Statham makes the movie worthwhile.  Add in rising star Ben Foster and I have a hard time thinking this will be bad.

Verdict - Lets just hope there is not any ridiculous car stunts and I will be all set.

The Rite - Rated PG-13

A young priest (Colin O’Donoghue) is disillusioned but must learn to carry out exorcisms.  That might include having to get a demon out of Anthony Hopkins.  Anthony Hopkins is the only reason I would even look at this movie twice.  I still do not have much faith in this movie.

Verdict - A demon possessed Anthony Hopkins isn’t enough to draw me in

These films were released in a limited release that will see a release in Lansing on January 28, 2011

Rabbit Hole - PG-13

A Couple’s (Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart) life is turned upside down after loosing their young son.  Word of mouth is good.  Nicole Kidman is so good in this movie that she nabbed an Oscar Nomination for Best Actress.  I am very curious about Aaron Eckhart and if he can match Kidman.  I think Two-Face can pull it off

Verdict - I will need to bring some tissues when I go

Blue Valentine - Rated R

This is a movie about a couple (Ryan Gosling and Michele Williams) as they hook up, get married, and then their marriage dissolves. But their story is not told in a linear fashion.  Blue Valentine is a lot like Rabbit Hole.  Its getting released in more theatres because the Female Lead (Michele Williams) is up for Best Actress.  The non-linear aspect of the story intrigues me but I want to watch Aaron Eckhart more.

Verdict - Might not see this right away but will definitely see this at some point

Three movies are seeing re-releases this week due to the Oscar push.  

They are
The Social Network – Rated PG-13, Inception – Rated PG-13, 127 Hours – Rated R

The Social Network has been back in theatres for a while but after the Oscar nominations came out I suspect it will get a full re-release.  127 Hours is getting a wide release to get behind James Franco for Best Actor.  Inception is being shown in Lansing this week but I am not sure how long it will be in theatres.

Box Office Top 5 Movies In The Country
1. No String Attached - Rated R
2. Green Hornet  - Rated PG-13
3. The Dilemma - Rated PG-13
3. The King’s Speech - Rated R
5. True Grit - Rated PG-13

Nothing too surprising this week.  Critics have not been kind to No Strings Attached but that doesn’t mean it wont make money.  I am interested to see how the Oscars will shape the box office next week as a lot of nominated movies are in theatres right now.

Still In Theatres
Black Swan -Rated R, Country Strong Rated - PG-13, Gulliver’s Travels - Rated PG, Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows: Part 1 - Rated PG-13, Tangled - Rated PG, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Rated PG, The Fighter - Rated R, The King’s Speech- Rated R, The Social Network - Rated PG-13, The Tourist - Rated PG-13, Yogi Bear - Rated PG

These are the movies released on DVD the week of January 18, 2010

RED - PG-13

Old people kicking ass comes to DVD.  I have heard nothing but good things and there already is sequel buzz.

Secretariat - Rated PG

This is the heart warming story of a horse and a boy . . .er a woman and her attempt to win the triple crown.  Diane Lane makes this worth watching.

Glee Season 2 Volume 1

For all you Gleeks out there, Glee is back on DVD.  If you dont know what a Gleek is, pick this up because your girlfriend knows what I am talking about.

Next week another great Horror movie comes to DVD, we see the release of Single White Female Redux, and James Cameron takes us into the ground.  I have to get my security blanket ready for that one.