The films premiering this weekend all have something in common. Whether it is the loss of the pathway to safety, the loss of the will to do good, or something else altogether, this weekend’s premiers encounter a loss and will surely identify with everyone. “The Woman in Black,” “Big Miracle,” and “Chronicle” all premiering Friday are films that are sure to succeed at the box office.
“The Woman in Black” is one of the first films featuring Daniel Radcliffe since the end of Harry Potter. Undoubtedly it will do well as his fans pour into theaters to see the star play such a different role. Based off of the novel of the same name, the film is about Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) a grieving widower who travels to a village to gather the affairs of a deceased client together. He soon finds that the residents of the village are hiding the fact that the house he resides in is haunted by a woman in search of something. The trailer alone comes off as captivating but the actual image of the “woman in black” resembles the image of a ghost from the film “Insidious.” Hopefully the production of the film will be creative in reference to the novel.
Based on a true story, “Big Miracle” follows John Carlson (John Krasinski) as he discovers whales that are trapped under the Alaskan ice. With the help of his ex-girlfriend Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), the media, and the small Alaskan town he figures out a way to get them out to see before it is too late. There’s nothing like a movie about helping animals to make one feel all warm and gooey inside. There are sure to be laughs, considering that John Krasinski plays a part in the film, as well as some tear jerking moments for those who can relate to the plights of the whales.
“Chronicle”
“Chronicle” is another thriller exhibiting “found-footage” like production. It follows a few teenagers going about their everyday life with the realization that they have superpowers. This isn’t some Disney type movie where they become superheroes. They just do they average things that any teen with telekinesis would do such as mess with people. This includes terrifying a little girl by making a teddy bear move about her. The film stars some pretty unknown actors in order to go with the theme of “found-footage.” Shot by hand, viewers can watch as one teen starts to use his powers in a negative life-threatening way. Aside from the ending, what the trailer doesn’t show you is the source of these powers. The revelation of that will probably be the most important part of this film which is sure to be a hit.
Chioma Iheoma is an A&E editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com