By Chris Kavan - 07/11/18 at 07:42 AM CT
While the update this week is short on content, it's high on quality. Three out of the seven films receiving ratings are big enough to talk about, and I think that's a pretty damn fine ratio. The three films include an updated (and gender-swapped) version of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a mystery/thriller that plays out from a computer screen (inside looking out) and a biopic about the great American hero, Neil Armstrong. Good contenders this time around, just the kind of update I approve from the board.
I have to say, there are a lot of films that use modern technology as a a big part of the story and with social media and such becoming such a huge part of our lives, it only makes sense. I have to admit that Searching looks to take things to another level. John Cho stars as a father of a missing daughter (Michelle La) who realizes that even though a local detective is on the case (Debra Messing) there is little to nothing to go on. That is when he decides to look into the one place no one has gone yet: his daughter's laptop (though I would think police would probably look into that quickly). But, whatever, the main point is that the majority of the film is filmed through the perspective of a computer screen. Horror films have kind of done this (Unfriended being a prime example) but this is more of a crime/drama/mystery - and it looks pretty interesting. The second trailer tries to play up a more "horror" angle (for the kids!) but I don't think this is going to be scary, but will definitely keep you on edge. Rated PG-13 for thematic content, some drug and sexual references, and for language.
I'm actually a big surprised we haven't gotten a stand-alone film about Neil Armstrong yet. The man is a modern American hero, the first man to walk on the Moon (which, I believe, is officially part of the U.S. because... flag? and maybe golf?). But now that I think about, I have no idea if Armstrong's life is interesting or not. I guess it is because we're getting First Man. The film follows the life of Armstrong and the sacrifices he had to make to become the first man on the moon. I don't know that exactly that entails, but it must be good enough for a full-length film. At least it's a person who deserves this treatment. Rated PG-13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language.
Looking a bit further into the future gives us The Hustle. The film follows a pair of con artists (Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson) who have both seen better days. With nothing else to lose, the two take part in a con wherein the loser has to leave town for good. If this sounds familiar, it is because this a remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - which itself was actually a remake. Following in the footsteps of Overboard and Ocean's Eight, it is also a female-led remake. I never was a fan of the Steve Martin/Michael Caine 1988 version. So I guess if I didn't like it, maybe it deserves an update. I'm not 100% sold - while I generally like Hathaway, I find Wilson a bit grating overall. Rated R for some crude sexual references (plans to appeal rating).
That is all for the major films receiving their MPAA Ratings due, but be sure to check out the full list below:
FIRST MAN
Rated PG-13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language.
THE HUSTLE
Rated R for some crude sexual references.
JULIET, NAKED
Rated R for language.
LA QUIETUD
Rated R for strong sexual content, and brief language.
THE LITTLE STRANGER
Rated R for some disturbing bloody images.
SEARCHING
Rated PG-13 for thematic content, some drug and sexual references, and for language.
THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, teen drinking, language, and some violence.
