Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to spend the weekend than by watching some movies?! Four such diversions hit theaters today, and, as usual, there is something for everyone. As we do every Friday, here’s a handy guide to the new releases.
Terminator Salvation
What’s the story: If this is how the end begins, wake us when it’s over. We caught Terminator Salvation last night, and about the nicest thing we can say is that it’s better than X-Men Origins: Wolverine. For those of you who haven’t seen the ubiquitous trailer—and be thankful if you haven’t, since it gives away the entire movie—Christian Bale stars as John Connor, all grown up and leading the Resistance in its struggle against the machines; you might want to check the postage on Mr. Bale, as his performance is one of the all-time great mail-it-in efforts. The same can’t be said about Sam Worthington, who plays a mysterious antihero named Marcus Wright (oh, hell, since it’s in the trailer anyway: he’s a machine, too!), and does yeomanly work amongst the giant killer robots. If you’re looking for some fireworks over the holiday, we guess you can do worse than Terminator Salvation. At the very least, director McG knows how to blow stuff up real good.
Who should see it: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
What’s the story: The sequel to Night at the Museum finds Ben Stiller returning to the scene of one of his biggest hits, as a security guard who watches museum exhibits come to life. With its goofy special effects, broad comedy and silly premise, Battle of the Smithsonian looks like the type of film we would have loved in the fifth grade. Expect it to make mucho cash.
Who should see it: Sasha and Malia Obama.
The Girlfriend Experience
What’s the story: Steven Soderbergh’s Godardian take on the life of a high-class escort just so happens to be one of the better films we’ve seen this year. With a jumbled narrative that would make Quentin Tarantino blush and a riveting lead performance from a porn star (that would be Sasha Grey, the amazingly beautiful blank slate, as the escort), The Girlfriend Experience is proof that Mr. Soderbergh has no rivals when it comes to skill behind the camera. Does he have to make everything look so easy? If you’re a fan—and frankly, who isn’t?—you’d be wise to check this one out. (It’s also still available via On Demand until May 28.)
Who should see it: Ashley Alexandra Dupre.
Dance Flick
What’s the story: To answer your question: Yes, they are still making Wayans brothers movies. Though this one is from director Damien Dante Wayans, nephew of Damon, Keenan Ivory, Marlon and Shawn. As you can probably tell from the title, Dance Flick is a spoof of dance films done in the vein of Scary Movie. We’d be lying if we said the trailer didn’t make us chuckle, but don’t take that as a sign of quality.
Who should see it: The Fly Girls.
