By Chris Kavan - 07/27/16 at 11:11 AM CT
Hopefully you had a long week to get ready for this because we have not one, but two wide-release films getting their ratings due. I always say I want more, but things are slowing to a trickle these last few weeks. I can't even say I'm that excited over what managed to get their ratings this week, but hopefully some of you are. Anyways, there's probably a good chance that Meryl Streep gets nominated for yet another Oscar portraying an heiress who wants to be an opera singer despite the fact that, you know, she can't actually sing. On the other hand, nothing in the world has me interested in a big-screen adaptation of CHiPs - even if the excellent Michael Peña is in one of the lead roles.
Miss Streep is an acting icon and, I am not afraid to join the chorus, definitely one of this generation's greatest actresses. I can't say every single role of hers knocks it out of the park, but she tends to choose some juicy roles and, more often than not, gets the recognition she deserves. So, what to make of the upcoming Florence Foster Jenkins? After a few ho-hum films (Ricki and the Flash, August: Osage County and Suffragette), I think this film looks to hopefully put Streep back on track. Based on the true story, Streep portrays New York heiress (and title character), Florence Foster Jenkins, a woman who adores the opera, so much, she dreams of becoming a star herself. Despite the encouragement of her close friends, the fact of the matter is Jenkins can't sing to save her life. Still, dreams are a matter of perspective and Jenkins blissfully goes through the motions of becoming a star of the opera stage. Co-stars include Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, Christian McKay, Nina Arianda and John Kavanagh. It has a very British feel about it, despite the New York setting and though it's getting a wide release, I have a feeling this is one critics rather than a general audience is going to embrace. We'll see how it does in August and whether it can garner enough praise for any kind of awards consideration. Rated Rated PG-13 for brief suggestive material.
When you turn a classic television show into a modern movie you get mixed results. Beverly Hillbillies, Adams Family, Bewitched, Car 54, Where Are You?, Dragnet, Charlies Angels - for every decent turn, you can probably find at least three times as many stinkers. That's why I have little confidence in CHiPs. Look, Dax Shepard is relatively funny guy and I thought Hit and Run was a competent comedy but that doesn't mean CHiPs is going to be any good. Granted, he manged to get Michael Peña for the Ponch role, so at least he's got that going for him. Peña has proven adept at drama and comedy, so he's versatile. That being said, I was never a fan of the show so I don't see why this has appeal... however, that's the same thing I said about 21 Jump Street and man, did that turn out to be hilarious. Can lightning strike twice? Let's just say I'm not holding my breath for this one. Rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language, some violence and drug use.
That's the main attractions this week, but be sure to check out the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
CHiPs
Rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language, some violence and drug use.
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
Rated PG-13 for brief suggestive material.
THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS
Rated PG for thematic material and language.
MALIBU ROAD
Rated R for drug content throughout, sexuality, brief nudity, language and some violence.
NO MANCHES FRIDA
Rated PG-13 for crude sexual content, drug material, teen smoking and drinking, brief strong language and gestures, and thematic elements.
THE TRIBUNAL
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including sexual issues.
UNDER THE SHADOW
Rated PG-13 for terror, scary images and brief language.
THE VESSEL
Rated PG-13 for some partial nudity/sensuality and thematic elements.
