This weekend in Austell there are two main film releases, which are "Identity Thief" and "Side Effects." These films are currently at Carmike Cinemas Movies 14 and/or Regal Cinemas Stadium 22 in Austell, in addition to various theaters in the Atlanta. Are the films worth seeing this weekend? Lets find out!
"Identity Thief"
The main thing we know about "Identity Thief" is baked into the title. Someone has their identity stolen. The concept is relatively simple but with the actors gearing up for the lead roles reveals that not all hope is lost.
The film centers around Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman). He is mild-mannered account rep and discovers at a gas station his credit card limit has been reached. Considering Sandy only uses said card for gas and coffee.
Upon investigating the incident at a gas station, Sandy discovers his identity has been stolen. When he views the woman behind his pain and agony he chooses to drive from Colorado to Florida in order to catch the woman with his name (Melissa McCarthy).
While this might seem like pure insanity to most, those who have had their identities stolen might understand the urge to initially help capture the theft themselves. And it looks like audiences agreed since the film came out on top at the box office over the weekend.
Regardless, when debating on viewing "Identity Thief" in theaters keep in mind the film is not considered fresh by Rotten Tomatoes terms, garnering a 24% fresh rating among critics.
New Jersey Times critic, Stephen Whitty explains "the whole thing's not much of anything, really - just a little more than an hour-and-a-half of crude jokes and clumsy plotting, all wrapped up with a feel-good ribbon at the end."
James Beradinelli of Reel Views insists that while "a lot of movies released into theaters deserve the label of "bad." Only a few cross the line into "reprehensible." Say hello to 'Identity Thief.'"
The New York Post's Kyle Smith reminds potential viewers that while "we can forgive the silly setup, without which there can be no film, but like many a road movie, this one has a better start and finish than middle."
Despite the overall consensus, Gary Wolcott of the Tri City Herald concludes that "chemistry is the reason things click. Actors with the ability to connect their characters to you always overcome a multitude of movie sins."
While I would like to agree with Wolcott's theory, there are plenty of atrocious features where the acting is good but the overall product is not. Only a viewing in the future will allow me to say one way or the other.
The trailer for "Identity Thief."
Showtimes for "Identity Thief" in and near Austell.
"Side Effects"
For weeks, various promotional spots for "Side Effects" have been plastered upon my television screen at both home and work.
The feature is about a successful couple, Emily (Rooney Mara) and Martin (Channing Tatum), who are living perfect lives. Riddled with anxiety, Emily's psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), prescribes her anti-anxiety medicine. However, soon thereafter the couples world begins to unravel due to the side effects of her medicine.
In the initial trailers for the film, Law is painted as the prime bad guy, but as spots progressed one begins to wonder if he is a victim. While I sadly am unsure of such at this point myself, I am still curious to discover the answer.
When debating "Side Effects," keep in mind, the film is considered fresh by Rotten Tomatoes terms, garnering a 85% fresh rating among critics.
Likewise, the majority of reviews read much like Rene Rodriguez's of the Miami Herald. He reveals, "The main thing to keep in mind while watching Steven Soderbergh's playful new thriller is not to take the movie too seriously or else you'll feel betrayed by the end."
Famed film critic Leonard Maltin of Indiewire writes, "Soderbergh and Burns keep us guessing who's who and what's what right to the end of their serpentine story."
And Roger Ebert adds, "[It] coils beneath what seems like a realistic plot and whispers that something haunted and possessed is going on."
Not everyone has high praise for the feature though. Peter Rainer of Christian Science Monitor believes "Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns maintain a tone of taut creepiness, but the plot's double and triple crosses are more ingenious than believable."
Finally, I must say I agree with the majority on "Side Effects" without a viewing. The film appears to be full of twists and turns to entertain right up until the end. The challenge will be whether or not audiences agree.
The trailer for "Side Effects" is located within the article.
Showtimes for "Side Effects" in and near Austell.
For locations near and in Austell the safe bets are always Carmike Cinemas Movies 14 and Regal Stadium 22 in Austell. And as always, remember to be informed when making your decision!
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