SALT LAKE CITY, July 15, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Two films hit theaters today.
“Ghostbusters” is the reboot of the 1984 classic. This new film stars Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. The film has been the object of a lot of fan pre-release anger because of the decision to use four women. “Ghostbusters” also has the distinction of having the “most disliked movie trailer in YouTube history,” according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter.
Tom Rothman the head cheese at Sony told The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s the greatest thing that ever happened. Are you kidding me? We’re in the national debate, thank you. Can we please get some more haters to say stupid things?”
Because of the mixed feelings about the cast and the early reviews from Europe, Box Office Mojo is predicting the film to open in second place estimating the film will bring in about $46 million. “The Secret Lives of Pets” is set to score around $52 million its second weekend, keeping the animated film in first place.
The other release is Bryan Cranston’s “The Infiltrator,” which opened Wednesday. The undercover/thriller is predicted to take in about $4.0 million, leaving the film in eighth place.
Here’s the estimated weekend tally, according to Box Office Mojo:
“The Secret Life of Pets” – $54.3 million
“Ghostbusters” – $46 million
“Finding Dory” – $11.4 million
“The Legend of Tarzan” – $10.9 million
“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” – $7.5 million
“The Purge: Election Year” – $6.6 million
“Central Intelligence” – $4.3 million
“The Infiltrator” – $4.1 million
“The BFG” – $4.1 million
“Independence Day: Resurgence” – $3.9 million
The Reviews:
The Infiltrator
Starring: Bryan Cranston
Rated R
A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money-laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
“The Infiltrator” is strictly a character study of an undercover agent who must assume different personas as he burrows deeper and deeper into the violent world of drug cartels.
Bryan Cranston has proven time and again he’s no slouch when taking on difficult roles. In fact, he’s been quite prepared since his “Breaking Bad” days as “Walter White.”
What “The Infiltrator’ doesn’t do is reach for anything new. We’ve seen this plot many times before and the film does little to enhance the genre. Check out films like “Sicario,” “American Hustle” and “Traffic.”
Overall, “The Infiltrator” has the feel of a movie wanting to be much better, but can’t overcome its own pacing and script.
It gets a C and is rated R.
Ghostbusters
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones
Rated PG-13
In Paul Feig’s reboot of the 1984 film, New York is beginning to suffer a ghost invasion of immense proportions, causing paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.
Despite all the outrage early on this year questioning the idea of using an all-woman cast to lead the new “Ghostbusters” franchise into the 21st century, the question is now answered.
“Ghostbusters” is a very funny film. It’s a well-directed, audience-pleasing comedy. That being said, the laughs are really coming from the cast of supporting players including Zach Woods as a tour guide and Karan Soni as a takeout delivery guy.
Audiences will love the celebrity cameos, situational comedy and background jokes as well as the film’s high-energy pacing and special effects.
What was lacking was the main characters weren’t all that funny. Yes there were some laughs provided by each of the main ladies, but, for the most part, the quintet was only reacting to the action on the screen, not pushing it forward.
Again, I liked the film and laughed a lot. But I think there should have been more comedy emanating from the girls on the front line.
“Ghostbusters” gets a B and is rated PG-13.
