Your time is valuable and at the end of a long week, the discretionary time must be spent to its maximum value. In order to help narrow choices down on the film and television front, every Friday we’ll give you the rundown of your options and an educated guess as to which ones make the most sense. There is a very complex formula involved. Usually, that formula includes us watching the things and then telling you if they’re good. OK, we admit it’s not exactly the recipe for Coke, but we’re trying to help.
I predicted the box office returns for this film last Sunday, but I must admit that my track record hasn’t been too accurate thus far.
On the Screen
Everybody Wants Some
Director: Richard Linklater
Stars: Blake Jenner, Tyler Hoechlin, Wyatt Russell, Will Brittain, Ryan Guzman
Current RT Meter: 95% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $8,500,000
A week after the big release was a massive superhero film come two small films to diversify audience’s palates. The first is the triumphant return of director Richard Linklater to the style of his classic Dazed and Confused and if the reviews are accurate, it’s a big winner. Linklater’s eye for talent and ability to mine his formative years and create cinematic gold is unsurpassed. This is one we’ll probably be talking about with the same reverence to his 1993 coming of age flick.
The Verdict: Can’t miss. No superheroes fight in this, so if that’s what you’re looking for you may want to search elsewhere.
Miles Ahead
Director: Don Cheadle
Stars: Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Michael Stuhlbarg, Emayatzy Corinealdi
Current RT Meter: 67% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $4,500,000
The story of jazz legend Miles Davis comes to the silver screen thanks to Don Cheadle’s inner fire and ability to use his power for good. The actor co-wrote, directed, and stars in a movie that not only will show a new generation what of the incendiary and amazing artists of his era but also hopefully a new filmmaking talent in Cheadle. There’s always the fear of a vanity project but this one looks to be insulated by a great supporting cast and material driven more towards art than commerce.
The Verdict: It’ll be one of those films that finds its audience much later in the game.
On the Console
MLB The Show 16
Every year Sony unleashes the latest installment in their flagship baseball title and every year they make it a little better. Do they make it a lot better? Not usually, because this is the only show in town. There’s no Xbox One baseball game. EA and the other publishers of baseball titles got out of the game years ago. MLB The Show 16 is going to be a beautiful and dense gaming experience for fans of baseball. Will it boast enough change to show some growth? We shall see.
The Verdict: It’s good to be the king.
Adr1ft
Though the reviews haven’t been spectacular, Adr1ft is a brilliant concept and for owners of the Oculus Rift a must-buy. A first-person game where the player assumes the identity of an astronaut lost in space, the game is all about subtlety and grace rather than bombastic heroics. In short, Gravity: The Home Game. If frantic attempts to find oxygen and struggles to maintain equilibrium are your bag this game’s the one for you.
The Verdict: It’s not a generic retreat and that means a lot.
On the Tube
Opening Day
Baseball returns on Sunday and instead of just running with the one ESPN game there are four to choose from. The World Baseball Classic is a year away and there are no games being broadcast from overseas. This is it, folks. From now until November it’s time to play ball!
The Verdict: No matter who you follow, Opening Day is a special one.