Weekend Box Office Preview: June 5
The biggest release this weekend and the one with the broadest appeal is Land of the Lost starring Will Ferrell. Based on the 1970s children’s series by Sid and Marty Krofft, the movie spoofs the original and takes liberties with characters and plot points. Instead of a father and his children, this time around paleontogist Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell), his assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) slip into a time vortex. Trying to find their way home, the threesome encounter a bizarre world inhabited by a primate named Chaka (Jorma Taccone), dinosaurs and weird reptile creatures called Sleestaks. While the original show and the 1991 remake were for kids, it seems that the movie, rated PG-13, is aimed at an older audience looking for nostalgia or a Ferrell/McBride laugh-fest. From the looks of the promo materials, it’s walking a fine line between a wacky, fun parody or a tacky, over-the-top snoozer. Can the starpower of Ferrell draw in crowds?
The Hangover, the newest raunchy guy comedy from Old School director Todd Phillips, is rated R, but sure to be one that teens will try to sneak into. Starring Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Bradley Cooper, the story follows the three friends as they retrace their steps the morning after a wild night in Vegas to find their soon-to-be-married best friend. As is the trend with this brand of comedy, the movie pushes the limits of its R rating, so tread carefully.
For a bit of counterprogramming, Nia Vardalos goes back to her Greek roots with My Life in Ruins. As a tour director, Vardalos leads a group of tourists around Greece and learns about life and love in the process. While it likely won’t be the success that My Big Fat Greek Wedding was, the movie looks like a sweet diversion.
Best bet this weekend: Go see Up if you haven’t already.
Coming up: Family movie Imagine That with Eddie Murphy
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