By Chris Kavan - 08/27/15 at 07:47 AM CT
It turns out the one August weekend that managed to beat the same period in 2014 is probably going to be the only week to do so this year. Last week a trio of films could barely manage to break into the top three. We have two new entries this week - a politically-themed action thriller and the EDM-based romance/drama We Are Your Friends. I have a feeling neither are going to make that big of impact in theaters, with Straight Outta Compton and Mission: Impossible Rouge Nation continuing their runs.
NO ESCAPE A businessman takes a job in Thailand after getting an offer he can't refuse. After moving his family down, the city soon breaks down in riots and foreigners are targeted for immediate execution. Now, the man and his family must find refuge or escape before falling victim to the rioters. Owen Wilson stars as the father, with Lake Bell playing his wife - Pierce Brosnan is also along for the ride. Nothing I have see elevates this beyond a typical action film - other than the political angel going for it (tenuous at best), there's really little to distinguish it. I'm sure there are tense moments and a lot of action, but seeing as how this is being dumped at the end of August, I have a feeling it's going to be pretty by-the-books and will open to middling numbers and fall out of the top 10 quickly. If there's any consolation, I doubt the movie has a very high budget and hopefully overseas grosses will be enough to put it in the black.
WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS If nothing else, at least We Are Your Friends is guaranteed to have a great soundtrack (provided you're into the whole electronic music scene). Zac Efron plays a DJ looking for fame and fortune - who happens to be stuck between a forbidden romance and his old friends. I wonder how many cliches they will be able to fit in one movie? If your theater allows alcohol, I bet you could have a grand time making up a drinking game to this one! Efron is joined by Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski, Jon Bernthal, Jonny Weston and Shiloh Fernandez in what is sure to appeal to, I don't know exactly what crowd, but some people are bound to show up. Young people? Females? EDM fanatics? Who knows - but I don't think this will cause many ripples and will also likely come and go rather quickly.
I don't expect a very exciting weekend, which means, maybe, I can finally check out Straight Outta Compton and end August on a high note. I'll see you Sunday with the results.
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