This week at the movies, we've got a brand new Enterprise (Star Trek, starring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto) and a failed delivery (Next Day Air, starring Donald Faison and Mike Epps). What do the critics have to say?
Star Trek
It boldly goes where no Trek has gone before. This new Trek will live long and prosper. No matter what clichés they may use, there's no getting around the critics' main point: JJ Abrams' Star Trek is stirring mainstream entertainment, and breathes new life into the moribund franchise. It's an origin story, one that tells the tale of how Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) became, well, Kirk and Spock. The pundits say Abrams' action-packed, visually remarkable take on such venerable material will reward both fans and newcomers alike, and sets an impressive new course for one of pop culture's most enduring series. Not only is Star Trek Certified Fresh, it's the best-reviewed wide release of the year. To top it all off, it's the best-reviewed entry in the Star Trek franchise to date. (Be sure to check out Starfleet Command, RT's one-stop shop for all things Trek. Also, see this week's Total Recall, in which we count down all the previous Trek films by Tomatometer.)
Next Day Air
Caper comedies walk a fine line; if you get too bogged down in the crime itself, the laughs can suffer. Such is the case with Next Day Air, which critics say has some moments of madcap intensity but falters from a lack of discipline. The movie stars Donald Faison as an inept deliveryman who unwittingly drops a large shipment of cocaine at the apartment of two incompetent bank robbers; pretty soon, in Tarantino-esque fashion, a number of colorful characters intersect with wacky results. Or not, say pundits, who find the film's tonal shift from slapstick to surprisingly cold-hearted violence unpleasant.
Also opening this week in limited release:
- Audience of One, a documentary about a pastor's attempt to make a Christian sci-fi epic, is at 80 percent.
- The Dardenne Brothers' Lorna's Silence, about a young woman who becomes entangled with the mafia, is at 80 percent.
- The Argentine import The Window, a contemplative take of an elderly man's final days, is at 80 percent.
- Atom Egoyan's Adoration, a drama about the strange nature of interpersonal relations in our techie age, is at 76 percent.
- Outrage, Kirby Dick's expose of closeted Congressmen, is at 75 percent.
- Julia, starring Tilda Swinton as a lonely alcoholic who commits a desperate act of violence, is at 71 percent.
- Rudo and Cursi, which reunites Y Tu Mama Tambien stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna in a dark road comedy about two would-be soccer players, is at 69 percent.
- Objectified, a documentary about commercial design and its impact on consumers, is at 50 percent.
- Love N' Dancing, starring Amy Smart in a dramedy about an unlikely pair that makes a run toward a national swing dancing competition title, is at 17 percent.
- Little Ashes, a biopic of Salvador Dali's early days starring Robert Pattinson, is at 14 percent.
Related Items
| Movie: | Adoration |
| Next Day Air | |
| Outrage | |
| Objectified | |
| The Window | |
| Love 'N Dancing | |
| Julia | |
| Audience Of One | |
| Little Ashes | |
| Summer Hours | |
| Lorna's Silence | |
| Rudo and Cursi |
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Boxman writes: on May 07 2009 06:38 PM Many people are predicting star trek will open with 60-65 million. Im guessing around 70 million but im not sure what do you guys think? (Reply to this) |
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ledawg1138 writes: on May 07 2009 06:46 PM Stanlry B.: 95 million Good to hear rave reviews for "Trek". It's this year's "Iron Man". (Reply to this) |
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tomwaitsjr writes: on May 07 2009 06:53 PM I agree with ledawg. 95 million sounds right. (Reply to this) |
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Sputnik99 writes: on May 07 2009 07:18 PM 95? Are you kidding me? After all the rave press this movie has been getting, it'll make $115 million, easy. Remember, it's a holiday weekend. People like to see movies on holidays. (Reply to this) |
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scifimark writes: on May 07 2009 07:28 PM In reply to this comment (#2459876) im not sure about 115, remember this is star trek and some people wont see it just because of the name. I think when word of mouth gets around some of those people will go see it (Reply to this) |
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Hans M. writes: on May 07 2009 07:29 PM I expected Star Trek to be well done, but the critics so unanimus with praise. Awesome! We are so looking forward to seeing this. The Dali film is the worst of the lot. Seriously, Robert Pattinson, as Dali? I wonder how much his agent paid for him to get that role... half-assed fools all around produce a half-assed movie, more than half-assed, I see at 14%. Assed. Lots of great foreign films, I see. A good week it seems. (Reply to this) |
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tomwaitsjr writes: on May 07 2009 08:02 PM HSX predicts aboutb $72 for opening. I'll stick with ledawg until he lets me down. . . -Greg (Reply to this) |
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rebranded001 writes: on May 07 2009 08:12 PM Referring to characters in "Next Day Air" as "colorful"? I think we know what you're really trying to say here. You'd think electing one of them as President would halt this sort of nonsense. (Reply to this) |
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stump69 writes: on May 07 2009 08:19 PM In reply to this comment (#2459760) Since we're all using the WAG method anyway, I'll go out on a limb and say the total take, including Thursday night showings, will hit $150M or better. (Reply to this) |
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WallEField writes: on May 07 2009 08:20 PM I'm saying 75 million for an opening, but I'd love to see it blast past all expectations, and it's entirely possible since it has 4 days to do it in. (Reply to this) |
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ledawg1138 writes: on May 07 2009 08:40 PM In reply to this comment (#2460004) And when I do let you down, it will be bloody, no doubt. (Reply to this) |
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GreenBastard writes: on May 07 2009 08:42 PM I saw it yesterday and LOVED it! I'm going again with some buddies. I cant wait for the sequel to the prequel! Bit more action than Trekies are used to! Best film of the year so far by miles (Reply to this) |
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davenet writes: on May 07 2009 08:42 PM I was actually surprised to see that it opens on some 200 less screens than Wolverine. However let's not forget about the IMAX locations and extra day. I'll predict a $94 million 4 day opening weekend. But with positive word of mouth, great reviews and it's only major competition next weekend being Angels and Demons a drama it should have great legs heading into the Memorial Day weekend. (Reply to this) |
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Superzone writes: on May 07 2009 09:02 PM I just saw Star Trek tonight, and it's simply amazing. If you have any doubt about whether or not you'll enjoy it, just go see it. I hope it makes a lot of money in it's theatrical run, because it greatly deserves it. (Reply to this) |
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scifimark writes: on May 07 2009 09:34 PM im seeing it with my gf tomorrow matinee, (taking her kicking and screaming) and taking my dad to an imax showing at 7 (Reply to this) |
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Sherrie L. writes: on May 07 2009 09:53 PM Planning on going soon. I'm an old Trekker & was there at the begining. I have always loved the premise. All TV variations & the films. Some of the films were artistically better than others I suppose, but they all took me "where no one has gone before" and were enjoyed. (Reply to this) |
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shane f. writes: on May 07 2009 09:57 PM Big bangs, a flimsy script and more explosions. Hollywood rubbish for the simple mind. No brain cells required here. Entertainment = a green screen explosions. Lots of good indie films and thought provoking foreign films with interesting stories around... oh but wait, they may have subtitles! Run...! (Reply to this) |
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didoman writes: on May 07 2009 10:13 PM Bring on the TV series. Once LOST finishes, JJ should bring this and the movie crew and do a Star Trek TV series (Reply to this) |
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rebranded001 writes: on May 07 2009 10:16 PM In reply to this comment (#2460341) Those types of movies are for pretentious, self-aggrandizing, sycophantic film school-attending closeted homosexuals. Fortunately, that's the only kind of box office draw they bring in too...otherwise we'd see a lot more of them. Give me boobs and guns. (Reply to this) |
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kipcanyon writes: on May 07 2009 10:30 PM i just got back from seeing it...WOW!!! it's a fantastic blend of new and the old. they all say their classic lines...its just a great film. go see it! (Reply to this) |
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