The start of the new semester may be stressful for some, with adjusting to new seating arrangements and teachers. As the weekend approaches, be sure to invite your friends over to complain about their new schedules and see some great films.
This week the theatres will have movie-goers gripping their seats in either suspense, or an attempt not to fall over in laughter. Premiering Jan. 27 are “The Grey,” “Man on a Ledge,” and “One for the Money.”
“The Grey”
“The Grey,” starring Liam Neeson, is going to be a film of epic proportions. I highly recommend going to AMC Loews in White Marsh where the film can be viewed in IMAX in order to get the full effect. The film circles around Ottway (Liam Neeson) whose job is to protect an oil-drilling team on an excursion to Alaska. On the way there, their plane crashes in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.
Along with the blistering cold and hardly any supplies, hungry wolves begin to follow the team. Judging by the trailer alone, the film appears to be shot beautifully, and the wolves are pretty scary looking. The action packed film will resonate well, considering blood thirsty wolves are almost as scary as the grades of recently turned in term papers.
“Man on a Ledge”
Set in an extremely different location, “Man on a Ledge” also preys on a very common fear, that of heights. In New York City, wanted fugitive Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) stands on the ledge of a high-rise as if he is about to fall. Along with New York City’s atmosphere, news media, passers-by, and police alike all stop to watch if the man will jump.
The plot becomes more involved as Cassidy soon claims to police negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) that he was wrongfully framed for stealing an expensive diamond as his friends try to clear his name. With such a great hook, there’s no way this film can be a dud. There are enough explosions, evil smirks, and risks to keep anyone interested.
“One for the Money”
“One for the Money” features current American interests such as the New Jersey accent and the bad economy. Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl), who has recently lost her car and her job at Macy’s, goes into the recovery business, hunting down criminals who have skipped on their bail.
She comes in contact with old naked guys and street-walkers before she gets a $50,000 dollar job picking up Joe Morelli (Jason O’Mara), her ex-boyfriend from high school. While categorized as a thriller, this film comes off more on the comedic side as Katherine Heigl grows accustomed to simply holding a gun. Her family’s dinner conversations appear as hilarious in the trailer, but there’s no telling how funny they’ll be in theatres.
Chioma Iheoma is an A&E editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com