Your weekend 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, television, and gaming fronts, every Friday the Weekend Preview gives you the rundown of your options and an educated guess as to which ones make the most sense.
Nick Nunziata and I predicted the box office returns for these films last Sunday.
At the Movies
Star Trek Beyond
Director: Justin Lin
Stars: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban
Current RT Meter: 88% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $62,000,000
Nick’s box office prediction: $70,000,000
The Star Trek franchise is in a big upswing, and Star Trek Beyond is an enormous example of that. The reception has been insanely positive from both fans and general audiences. This looks to be a real celebration of this 50-year-old franchise. The cast is on point, the premise is classic Trek, and director Justin Lin looks to have brought a whole new energy to the series.
The Verdict: Boldly go see this as soon as possible.
Ice Age: Collision Course
Director: Mike Thurmeier and Galen T. Chu
Stars: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo
Current RT Meter: 13% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $39,000,000
Nick’s box office prediction: $44,000,000
We’ve gotten more than enough Ice Age movies but don’t tell the box office that. The movies have always been dependable when it comes to returns, but the franchise is finally diving into The Land Before Time territory. There’s better-animated fare available at the theaters, so this seems like it’s a little less necessary than usual.
The Verdict: Wait to rent this one for the kids so you can take a nap in the other room.
Lights Out
Director: David F. Sandberg
Stars: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Maria Bello
Current RT Meter: 79% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $11,000,000
Nick’s box office prediction: $20,000,000
It’s been a good year at the box office for horror. Lights Out has everything going for it as far as a solid date night scarefest is concerned. Simple premise, good visual execution, and it’s a nice piece of counter-programming to the other new releases. Will it have any staying power? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s nice to see wide-release horror making a strong comeback.
The Verdict: Why not? It looks like a fun way to spend a night.
On the Tube
Bojack Horseman
Netflix continues this strangly honest depiction of depression and fame that somehow manages to be extremely funny. The show has been the premiere animated series for Netflix so they are going all out for this newest season. Will Arnett is doing some of the best work of his career and season three looks like it will continue that streak.
The Verdict: He’s Bojack the horse. Don’t act like you don’t know.
For the Gamers
I Am Setsuna
Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest RPGs ever made, and I Am Setsuna is hoping to capitalize on this fervent fanbase. The reception has been somewhat mixed but it’s also a game that’s made for a more niche crowd. The design looks beautiful and the combat has a warm familiarity to it. This won’t be a huge hit but it’s not really designed to be. It’s for the fans and we love those kinds of games.
The Verdict: If you’re a fan of Chrono Trigger and classic JRPGs, you should give this one a try.
