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, television, and gaming fronts, every Friday we’ll give 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
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
Director: Dave Green
Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry
Current RT Meter: 33% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $54,000,000
Nick’s box office prediction: $28,000,000
If you’re a Turtles fan, the new movie looks to be giving you exactly what you want. For those who long for a return to the gleeful days of the ’80s cartoon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows has you covered. Introducing incredibly accurate versions of Bebop, Rocksteady, Casey Jones, and Krang should awaken the inner child in any longtime fan. Our own Brandon Rhea got a kick out of the film, but it does sound like this is for young kids and die-hard lovers of the Turtles only.
The Verdict: If all you’ve ever wanted is to see Krang on the big screen, you gotta go. Everyone else can probably pass.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Director: Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
Stars: Andy Samberg, Imogen Poots, Bill Hader
Current RT Meter: 81% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $21,000,000
Nick’s box office prediction: $13,000,000
The Lonely Island returns to multiplexes with a sharp satire of those concert documentaries that have become popular in the last decade, with particular inspiration coming from controversial musician Justin Bieber. This brilliant comedic trio and the film’s numerous cameos will guarantee some laughs, but the comedy might be a little too ribald for some. Andy Samberg has gained more fans thanks to his stint on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, so it’s likely that this will fare better than some of the other films he’s headlined.
The Verdict: Any excuse to laugh is a good one.
Me Before You
Director: Thea Sharrock
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer
Current RT Meter: 50% Fresh
My box office prediction last Sunday: $9,000,000
Nick’s box office prediction: $8,500,000
Author Jojo Moyes is adapting her own novel to the screen which should make fans of the author happy. Romantic films are always tough to judge since the way they have to be sold can often belie their true nature. Regardless, Emilia Clarke is one of the most recognizable female stars working today due to her prominent role in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and this looks like a good starring vehicle for her.
The Verdict: The date movie of the weekend, but might be more enjoyable when you can snuggle together on the couch at home.
On the Tube
Feed the Beast
AMC tries its hand at another drama adapted from a foreign series (remember Low Winter Sun?) with restaurant crime story Feed the Beast. The previews have been a little melodramatic with confrontations between lead actors David Schwimmer and Jim Sturgess not having much heat, but the Mob story might be more compelling as the series goes on.
The Verdict: I’m just bummed this took Preacher‘s time slot.
For the Gamers
The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine DLC
The Witcher 3 has been getting loads of critical praise and this expansion pack seems to be exactly that: a true expansion to the vast and exciting world of The Witcher. Promising 30+ addition hours of gameplay, fans of the game owe it to themselves to add this tale to their Witcher 3 experience.
The Verdict: More Witcher 3 is a good thing.
