New in Theaters February 22: Dark Skies, Snitch

By Chris Kavan - 02/21/13 at 12:34 PM CT

Last week we had a veritable avalanche of new movies - many of them opening to solid numbers - it still wasn't enough to top the record-breaking pace that was seen in 2012. Still, with some wins finally in the books for action (thank you Die Hard!) - maybe a second movie in that genre can spawn another hit? Considering the success of Mama (one of the highest-grossing horror films in years) perhaps another early-season horror film can follow in its footsteps. As for me, I'm gearing up for the Oscars.

SNITCH Will Dwayne "The Artist Formerly Known at The Rock" Johnson be able to match the semi-success of Bruce Willis? Or will his fall flat like Arnold, Sly and Statham? Snitch is one of those movies based on true events - probably used as loosely as possible - and I'm guessing we're in for a lot more action and a lot less social commentary about drug dealing. Granted, I do enjoy Johnson in action roles - he brought muscle-bound awesomeness to Fast Five and he just has the persona that was apparent way back in The Mummy Returns. He's just built to be an action star. Considering how many other films he has coming this year ( G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Pain & Gain, Fast and Furious 6) - if this movie utterly fails, it could mean a long year for Johnson (see also the saga of Taylor Kitsch from 2012). Granted you can't quite compare the two, as Johnson is a more established name, but still - here's hoping for the best.


DARK SKIES It seems every year we have at least one horror breakout film in the January - February window. But can there be room for two such movies? Mama has been a huge hit - already topping the likes of Insidious, The Woman in Black, The Devil Inside and Paranormal Activity 4. Now we have Dark Skies following not too far on the heels of that monster hit. Yet despite the best efforts of Keri Russell, J.K. Simmons and Josh Hamilton, I can't help but feel I've seen this before - mainly because all the ads I've seen are cliche-filled horror rubbish. Yet that hasn't stopped horror movies from opening big in the past (just how many exorcism movies are out there, now?), so don't hold that against it. It really comes down to how bored horror fans are and whether they are going to support another mediocre horror film.


Will you be watching anything new this weekend? With the big awards show on, I admit, I won't be making any trek out. We'll if Sunday spells success or disaster for the new entries.

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