What's New in the Box Office

Hello, everyone!  There are a lot of new releases in the box office this week, so I hope there is something out there that meets your fancy.

The Expendables (R)

Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat (IMDb).

This film's cast is practically a roll call of the most popular action flick actors.  Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, and more unite to make this sequel to the 2010 original, entitled The Expendables.

ParaNorman (PG)

 A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse (IMDb).

ParaNorman hails from the same production company that presented Corpse Bride and Coraline, Laika Studios.  It promises to have the same darkly humorous feel of those two films, in a style that I can best describe a Burton-esque.

Sparkle (PG-13)

Set in the 1960s, three sisters form girl group and soon become Motown sensations, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart (IMDb).

Sparkle is gaining notoriety because it is Whitney Houston's final film after her death February this year at the age of 48.  This will no doubt give a film that may have flown under the radar more attention.  Houston recorded two songs for the sound track, though I am not sure if they are included in the film.  I only hope that  Sparkle a swan song fitting for one of such talent and voice as Whitney Houston.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (PG)

A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears (IMDb).

I am really excited for this one!  It seems like a warm and fuzzy, family-friendly film.  The premise is interesting, and hopefully the writing will realize its potential.  Trailers say it is about slowing down appreciating every day moments.  Who doesn't need a message like that?

That is it for wide release.  Here is what is out on limited release this week.

Cosmopolis (R)

Riding across Manhattan in a stretch limo in order to get a haircut, a 28-year-old billionaire asset manager's day devolves into an odyssey with a cast of characters that start to tear his world apart (IMDb).

Compliance (R)

When a prank caller convinces a fast food restaurant manager to interrogate an innocent young employee, no-one is left unharmed. Based on true events (IMDb).

Robot and Frank (PG-13)

Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team (IMDb).

Why Stop Now (NR)

When a college piano prodigy tries to check his mother into rehab, he is taken hostage by her drug dealer and swept along on a wild adventure.