By Chris Kavan - 04/12/17 at 11:16 AM CT
After a certified deluge of big-name ratings last week, the board is slowing down a bit. We have the next big, apocalyptic disaster film in Geostorm and an inspirational true story about a sales-man -turned-pastor who tries to save a small church and changes lives (including his own) in the process. There is an impressive list this week, but those are really the only big names on it. But, as always, feel free to check out the rest, maybe there will be a diamond in the rough.
There are two types of people out there: those who enjoy films where most of the known world is destroyed, and those who hate them with a passion. I admit, I do enjoy the odd disaster movie - 2012, San Andreas, Twister - small or large, destruction is always a bit entertaining - you know, provided you forget that in reality thousands to millions of people would have lost their lives if such an event ever occurred. In any case, the upcoming Geostorm looks to follow in the fine footsteps of its destructive forebearers. In the near future, with climate change threatening life on Earth, the nations unite to create the Dutch Boy Program - a satellite program that surrounds the world and utilizes geoengineering technologies in order to protect the planet from natural disasters. For two years the program works like a charm but then the program begins to do the opposite - cause disasters that soon threaten to wipe out all that is trying to be saved. Two estranged brothers are tasked with tracking down and fixing the problem before geostorms destroy humanity. I have to say, the trailer looks wild - people frozen solid, a iced plane falling out of the sky, tornadoes, tsunamis, giant hailstones and lots of lighting. Will it be good? Well, as good as any disaster film could be - it has Gerard Butler, Abbie Cornish, Daniel Wu, Ed Harris, Andy Garcia and Jim Sturgess to help things along. My dad absolutely adores these kind of movies, so if I don't see it in theaters, lord knows I'll be checking out at some point in time. Rated PG-13 for destruction, action and violence.
The other wide-release flew under my radar, as I hadn't even added it to the database until it popped up on this very list. The title in question is All Saints. The film is based on a true story of a salesman who turns pastor, Michael Spurlock (played by John Corbett) who is ordered to shut down a small church but instead forms a bond with a group of Southeast Asian refugees, move that not only changes their lives, but his own. I'm guessing this is going to fall squarely in the faith-based genre though it doesn't seem as pandering as some of the other films that fall in this genre. It has a few recognizable names, besides Corbett, Cara Buono, Barry Corbin, David Keith and Gregory Alan Williams are going to help things along. If you've followed along at all, you know this is not my cup of tea, but hopefully this true story is closer to the facts than the abhorrant I'm Not Ashamed. Rated PG for thematic elements.
That's the big news for the week, but if you're so inclined, check out the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
ALL SAINTS
Rated PG for thematic elements.
BREAKING BROOKLYN
Rated PG-13 for language and brief drug content.
FEMALE FIGHT SQUAD
Rated R for violence, language and a scene of sexuality.
FIRST KILL
Rated R for violence and language.
FOREVER MY GIRL
Rated PG for thematic elements including drinking, and for language.
GEOSTORM
Rated PG-13 for destruction, action and violence.
THE LAST POKER GAME
Rated R for sexual content and language.
LITTLE BITCHES
Rated R for sexual material and language throughout, drug use and partying - all involving teens.
LONG STRANGE TRIP
Rated R for drug content throughout, language and some graphic nudity.
THE PEOPLE GARDEN
Rated R for some language, disturbing images and brief nudity.
THE RECALL
Rated R for violence, language and some nudity.
STEP SISTERS
Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, partying, language and drug references.
VICTORIA AND ABDUL
Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language.
WHY WE'RE KILLING GUNTHER
Rated R for violence, language and some sexual material.
