New Movies to Crave: A Bloody Barbarian, Frightening Vampires and Some New Spy Kids

By Chris Kavan - 08/19/11 at 11:13 AM CT

It's all about remakes, reboots and sequels - which means it's probably going to be a pretty sad week for new movies... unless audiences are craving a little blood.

1) The grittier, bloodier version of Conan the Barbarian, starring the massive Jason Mamoa, looks to be the best draw for those craving action. However I have a pretty strong feeling that's all you're going to get out of this one as I expect story and characters to be an afterthought. As a gladiator once put it "Are you not entertained!?" Considering the critical pummeling it's getting, it better at least deliver on the battles.

2) On to another remake - that of the vampire horror/comedy Fright Night. I liked the original - it was a different take on the genre and managed to mix in the fun with horror. I don't know if this slick, new take will be as good. Colin Farrell doesn't bother me that much but none of the other actors have made an impact on me, at least not in any of the trailers I've seen. This may do for a rental on a rainy day but I just don't feel any spark coming from this movie at all.

3) Another franchise getting a fresh start is Spy Kids. The fourth entry - All the Time in the World in 4D, gives us a whole new set of kids to root for. Mainly because the first Spy Kids came out in 2001 and the actors portraying them (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) are now Spy Young Adults and can't quite fit the mold - though it looks like they will make an appearance. Instead, Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook are the new kids on the spy block. This series has always been quirky - thanks to Robert Rodriguez - but the movies tend to all run together and get lost in a haze of CGI and juvenile humor. I'm guessing we're in for more of the same; whether audiences will be back for more remains to be seen.

4) Finally, for those looking for something a bit more dramatic - Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess come together for One Day. You should know by now I'm not a fan of romantic films. Even though I have a higher opinion of this than romantic comedies, I still won't be rushing out for this one.

We'll see if any of the newcomers can dethrone Apes or if the CGI simians can make it a three-peat. I'll be back on Sunday with the scoop.