New Movies In Theaters January 24th - Rotten Tomatoes

New Movies In Theaters January 24th - Rotten Tomatoes

There's only one new movie in wide release this week, another in limited release, and two expansions involving Oscar hopefuls.

I, Frankenstein (2700 theaters, not pre-screened for critics, PG-13). "Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans." The trailer/previews look just awful, but then again I'm not in the target demographic.

Gimme Shelter (400 theaters, 14% positive reviews, PG-13). The official blurb: "Based on a true story that centers on 16-year-old Agnes "Apple" Bailey (Vanessa Hudgens), Gimme Shelter uncovers the struggle for survival and the hope of redemption through the harsh realities of life on the streets." The RT consensus is "In spite of its obvious good intentions -- and the compelling true story that inspired it -- the heavy-handed Gimme Shelter can't overcome its cliche-riddled script."

Nebraska (expanding to 1000 theaters, 91% positive reviews, rated R for language) is an offbeat, melancholy black-and-white dramedy from director Alexander Payne, who is actually from Omaha. Bruce Dern plays a foolish old codger who thinks he's won a big magazine sweepstakes. Grudgingly accompanied by his son, he makes a road trip to Nebraska to claim his prize.

Dallas Buyers Club (expanding to 1100 theaters, 93% positive reviews, rated R for lots of things, including female nudity from a minor character). It's a drama about the early days of HIV diagnosis and treatment. This isn't as good a movie as the 93% would lead you to believe, but it's good, and the performances are tremendous. It may win the Oscars for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. (Those two actors, Leto and McConaughey, already won the Golden Globes and the SAG awards.)

Box office:

It's not very likely that I, Frank will push Ride Along from the catbird's seat. It should finish in second place with a total in the mid teens. The other three films mentioned above will probably finish out of the top ten.