By Chris Kavan - 08/09/17 at 09:33 AM CT
It has been a summer drought when it comes to substantial ratings updates recently, but now I there's a veritable deluge of new movies to celebrate. First and foremost is a reboot of a classic sci-fi film - usually I would despair about plans to remake such a memorable and groundbreaking film, but this one may be the very rare one that actually surpasses expectations. Aside from that, we have a horror film dealing with a now-outdated technology (what's next, Modem? The horror! The horror!) that will bring a brand new meaning to shake it like a Polaroid picture. And Tyler Perry is returning as Madea in a sequel to one of his most successful films from his alter ego, scaring up another good time along the way. So here's hoping the coming weeks play out much like this one - just the right number to keep things rolling smoothly.
I know, I know - when you think reboots or remakes, there are so many that not only fail to live up to expectations, but just fail as good entertainment. It's doubly so when you're trying to make a new version of something that's already considered a classic. Blade Runner is one of Ridley Scott's triumphs and certainly is one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time. You would have to be mad to even consider touching it, but don't tell that to Denis Villeneuve. The man behind such films as Sicario, Prisoners and Enemy - films that don't exactly scream sci-fi (but have plenty of character and emotional impact) is giving us Blade Runner 2049 and, barring all natural order of things and what I've experienced with remakes, this one looks very promising. It helps that Harrison Ford is coming back to reprise his role as Rick Deckard (not in the main role, but it will be welcome none-the-less) and has the very capable Ryan Gosling as his lead. Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista, Barkhad Abdi, Lennie James and Edward James Olmos are also on board to help things along. The trailers have been outstanding and fans seem to be anticipating this one. They certainly aren't playing things too safe - this has earned an R for violence, some sexuality, nudity and language. Here's hoping this one doesn't disappoint as I've already had to weather Ghost in the Shell and Valerian.
Horror comes in many shapes in forms, but outdated technology is always great for a scare. We're beyond Ouija Boards and creepy dolls, nope, we've reached the point where the age-old Polaroid camera is the new horror icon. In the very cleverly-titled Polaroid outsider Bird Fincher, who is a fan of vintage photography, finds an old camera, one that uses film (but not the kind you have to develop - the kind that spits out a picture after you take it) - and also one that apparently carries a death curse - everyone who has their picture taken meets a gristly demise. It's like Final Destination meets something you might find in your parents (or grandparents) attic - and maybe you will. Best to just burn all Polaroid cameras you find - plus, finding film for the thing is going to be real pain these days. In any case, a bunch of pretty people are going to die in various ways. Rated PG-13 for violence/terror, thematic elements, brief strong language, some teen drinking and drug material.
Tyler Perry has done a great job at turning his Madea persona in to a money-making machine. But, let's face it, a lot of the time the character has a very specific appeal. Yet he found out that adding a little horror to the comedy mix made for some big cross-over appeal and Boo! A Madea Halloween went on to make $73.2 million, the second-most popular Madea film of all time (behind Madea Goes to Jail - still the king with $90.5 million). It's no surprise that Perry is going for a second shot at glory with Boo 2! A Madea Halloween. This time Madea (Perry) is on a camping trip with Bam (Cassi Davis) and Hattie (Patrice Lovely) but, unknown to them, this particular campground is haunted by monsters, goblins and all sorts of bad things - all coming after them! But this is not a horror film, it's a comedy through and through - audiences liked the first one well enough, I don't see why this one also won't play well. It comes out in October once again, and should receive a nice bump for the holiday. Rated for sexual references, drug content, language and some horror images.
Those are the big three for the week, but there is more where that came from in the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
'TIL DEATH DO US PART
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements involving domestic abuse, violence, some sexuality and
language.
AXL
Rated PG-13 for suggestive material, language and some violence.
BLADE RUNNER 2049
Rated R for violence, some sexuality, nudity and language.
BOO 2! A MADEA HALLOWEEN
PG-13 for sexual references, drug content, language and some horror images.
GUN SHY
Rated R for language, some sexual content/nudity and drug material.
HANAZUKI: FULL OF TREASURE
Rated G
POLAROID
Rated PG-13 for violence/terror, thematic elements, brief strong language, some teen drinking and drug material.
SAVING CHRISTMAS
Rated PG for mild language and some thematic elements.
SLAMMED!
Rated R for strong sexual content, pervasive language and some violence.
