New Movies In Theaters This Week

New Movies In Theaters This Week

There are two new films in wide distribution this week. Although they are very different in tone, both are critically respected and both are expected to perform quite well at the box office.

Prometheus is Ridley Scott's dark new sci-film, which has critics raving about its look and feel, but puzzling over its muddled script. It has received positive reviews from 73% of critics, including a four-star encomium from Roger Ebert, who gushed, "Ridley Scott's 'Prometheus' is a magnificent science-fiction film, all the more intriguing because it raises questions about the origin of human life and doesn't have the answers. It's in the classic tradition of golden age sci-fi, echoing Scott's 'Alien' (1979), but creating a world of its own. It's a seamless blend of story, special effects and pitch-perfect casting, filmed in sane, effective 3-D that doesn't distract." It is rated R for "sci-fi violence." Sadly, there are no "sci-fi breasts." It is expected to take in about $60M in about 3300 theaters.

If Prometheus underperforms, the #1 spot could go to the animated franchise comedy Madagascar 3, which is also supposed to pull in more than $50M in about a zillion theaters (actually 4000 or so). 78% of the reviews have been positive. Rated PG.

I just noticed that Weekend Warrior has resumed his weekly analysis. Here's this week's column.