WTWTW (8/2/13)

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND (8/2/13)

American Graffiti (1973)

★★★ (Cole) ~ ★★★★ (Jesse)

        Going down in history as one of the most resonating and iconic movies of all time, American Graffiti captures the teenage life of the 60's to an epic caliber. I was surprised to see that it was currently available for free on Xfinity on Demand, so I decided to include this in the weekly WTWTW. See the full review for a more in depth look at the film.

MPAA Rating: PG

FREE on XFINITY ON DEMAND

Scream (1996)

★★★ (Cole)

As cheesy as it is, Scream is a guilty pleasure of mine. I don’t know if I’d consider it a classic horror flick, but it’s still pretty serviceable, not to mention juicy. It’s dark; it’s intriguing; it’s scary; it's well plotted. It possesses most of the qualities that make a good horror movie... Despite its less-than-stellar acting. One of its major assets is how you put yourself in the place of the main characters, and experience their fear as the unknown masked killer stalks them down, and kills them. When you reach the end, and you’re shaking, and on the edge of you’re seat, you’ll know what I mean when I say that Scream is a real scary movie.

MPAA Rating: R
Available on NETFLIX INSTANT STREAMING (Click HERE To Add Scream to Your Queue)

Jack Reacher (2012)

★★★ (Jesse)

        Jack Reacher is a swift and slickly made thriller that features Tom Cruise (title role) as a former U.S. military officer who turns vigilant and takes matters into his own hands (he doesn't care about justice, he cares about what's right). The film is shot by the screenwriter of The Usual Suspects (Christopher McQuarrie) and it has effectively coarse action scenes in small doses. Watch for a restless, breathtaking car chase through the streets of Pittsburgh, a villain who will creep you out big time (interesting casting choice in director Werner Herzog), and an extended cameo by Oscar winner Robert Duvall (if you dug Days of Thunder, you might cherish the image of him and Cruise in the same scene). Overall, Jack Reacher is an entertaining yarn that might have been overlooked last Christmas. It's a solid rental with style to burn.

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Available at REDBOX ($1.20) & XFINITY ON DEMAND ($4.99)

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

★★★ (Jesse) ~ ★★ ½ (Cole)

       With a juicy script, strong performances, and harmless t.v. cop show overtones, The Lincoln Lawyer is an entertaining, fly by the seat of your pants ride. It also represents the best acting you'll ever see by Matthew McConaughey. He plays with confidence and aggression, a morally misguided defense attorney representing some shady (mostly guilty) clients. On the way to his court appointments or meetings with his defendants, he rides in a Lincoln Town Car (with his own personal driver I might add). Involving and absorbing yet containing a few plot holes (not to mention unsure character motives), this film nevertheless glides by on its slick, no nonsense approach. What The Lincoln Lawyer doesn't answer though, is whether or not to root for or feel any sympathy towards McConaughey's character (Mickey Haller). If you can get past that, basically you're left with a courtroom drama, a lightweight character study, and a hip hop music video all rolled up into one. I just wish that it didn't conclude without tying up a few loose ends first. However, The Lincoln Lawyer is, what I think to be a great "movie night" selection. Time to order the Pizza!

Available at YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE & XFINITY ON DEMAND ($2.99)
MPAA Rating: R


-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson