Welcome to another edition of Weekend Movie Alert, where we remind you that there’s something good happening this weekend, even when the rest of the world is falling apart. Such is the magic of movies, and possibly heavily-buttered popcorn. Opening this weekend are two films, either of which should serve to chase the doldrums away, whether you need a warmhearted laugh, or a goofy, action-y one.
First up, we’ve got “Adventureland”, from the director of “Knocked Up”. This movie is the modern equivalent of all those nutty-teen comedies that John Hughes put out in the 80′s. In fact, it’s set in the 80′s, so expect to hear your favorite/most hated 80′s songs. These flicks follow a couple of teens around and let us in on their angsty, quirky lives. Who knew that America was so full of clever, droll, insightful teenagers? They must live in other cities than mine, ’cause the ones I see everyday just kinda make crass remarks and wear 10 pounds of metal in their faces. Anyway, one of the main reasons to see this movie, aside from the well-trod and predictably comfortable plot, is Bill Hader, who you will know from Saturday Night Live. This guy’s funny in everything he does, and he’ll probably be getting his own vehicle before too long, so now’s your chance to get in on him while he’s still (relatively) small.
“Adventureland” also features Ryan Reynolds, who’s something of a chameleon: he can do action, as in “Blade 3″ (and the upcoming Wolverine flick), he can do comedy, as in “Van Wilder”, and he can be a romantic lead, as in “Definitely, Maybe”. He can do it all, and he does do it all. So if he’s in it, at least the parts he’s in will be good. “Adventureland”. It’s not just a job, it’s a friggin’ movie.
Next up, the latest in the amazing car enthusiast series, “Fast and Furious”. I was hoping that for this fourth installment, they’d go with “More Faster and Furiousest”, but I’m thinking they had to drop the extra “The”s due to some kind of contractual disagreement with the Repetitive Title Authority. Besides, hearind “Fast and Furious” just reminds you of the very first movie, which is exactly what the studio is hoping you’ll think, because then maybe you’ll come see it, hoping it’s a re-release, and not in fact an all-new movie.
But hey! There’s actually more to it than you thought, because all four of the original stars are back in their original roles! Which is a huge coup on the part of the studio, ’cause those guys must be hard to sign up, considering how strong their careers … yeah. Hold on, I gotta stop sniggering.
But after all the jokes are finally done (maybe) you’ve got to admit this flick holds appeal. Vin Diesel doing the Vin Diesel thing, Jordana Brewster being cute as hell, Michelle Rodriguez acting tough as only she can, and Paul Walker maintaining his status as the Blond Keanu Reeves. Fast cars! Gunplay! Crazy stunts! Gratuitous female flesh! Seriously, I’m surprised this movie doesn’t force you to stand up in your seat and sing the National Anthem while the country’s flag waves on-screen, ’cause it just doesn’t get any more American than this. If you don’t go see this, you’re probably a Communist.
