The Weekend Cheat Sheet: May 23, 2008

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 23, 2008

We know that you are all live busy lives; it explains why you never call us anymore. And while we understand that everyone is hustlin’ and bustlin’ all over town, just trying to make a livin’, we know that you also want to catch a flick on the weekends. On top of that, we know that since your time is valuable, you don’t want to waste it on another cinematic turd. Therefore, we’ve created the “Weekend Movie Cheat Sheet” to help you make those snap decisions. Need a date movie? A popcorn flick? A thriller? We’ve got you covered — and we’ve got you in and out faster than you can say “Hey, those Film School Rejects really know what they are talkin’ about…”

What type of movie are you looking for?

A Popcorn Movie… and a Family Flick!

We recommend: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Why: Indiana Jones is back in what could be one of the definitive “popcorn movies” of 2008. It was characters like Indiana Jones and directors like Steven Spielberg in the 1980s that ushered in the dawn of the big summer blockbuster. In this round, Harrison Ford is back as an aging Dr. Jones, but he still gets to have a fun adventure with a new sidekick (Shia LaBeouf) and a friendly faced leading lady (Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood). And sure, this one isn’t going to make you forget about the legendary Indy trilogy that preceded it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a whole lot of fun. It’s entertaining, nostalgic and well worth the price of a ticket and a big tub of butter-soaked popcorn.

As well, we have also dubbed this one the family flick to see this week, so take the kids, feed them some sugar and enjoy.

A Date Movie…

We recommend: What Happens in Vegas

Why: It seems that Fox has surprised us with What Happens in Vegas, which stars notorious chick flick actors Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. Sure, they are the ones on the poster, but it is a stellar supporting cast that includes Rob Corddry, Lake Bell, Dennis Farina and Dennis Miller that really makes this film worth seeing. Be ready to have that “When are we getting married on a whim and winning $3 million on a slot machine?” talk with your lady afterwards, but otherwise this should be an easy date movie choice, should you pass on Indiana Jones.

A Thriller…

We recommend: Staying home…

Why?: If it is a real thriller you are after, your best bet is to wait until next week when The Strangers hits theaters. This week there is a whole pile of nothing, as no one wanted to go toe-to-toe with the man in the fedora and leather jacket.

A Take-a-Chance Flick…

We recommend: Son of Rambow

Why: This indie darling from Sundance 2007 finally made its limited release a few weeks back and this weekend sees it sneak into more markets across the country. From director Garth Jennings, Rambow tells the story of two unlikely young friends who find themselves working together to make their own version of the 80s classic First Blood. It combines some great performances from two talented young actors with a really sweet and imaginative story. For children of the 80s, this could make for an excellent companion piece to that other 80s movie that came out this week. What’s that one again? — oh right, Indiana Jones.

So there you have it, the quick and easy way to go to make all of your movie-related decisions this weekend. Check back every Friday morning for more of the Weekend Movie Cheat Sheet. We’ll see you at the movies…

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