Tag Archives: Charlize Theron

Snapshot Review: ‘The Fate of the Furious’

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS 

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Photo courtesy of EPK.TV

Critical Rating: 2 stars (out of four)

Rated: PG-13 for prolonged sequences of violence and destruction, suggestive content and language

Directed by: F. Gary Gray (“Straight Outta Compton,” “The Italian Job”)

Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Charlize Theron, Nathalie Emmanuel, Kurt Russel, Luke Evans

Story snapshot: Dominic “Dom” Torretto (Vin Diesel) finds himself working against his own team. Because Dom is such a fearsome opponent, Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Tej (Tyrese Gibson) and the rest of the crew take on an unlikely partner, their one-time enemy Deckard (Jason Statham).

The scoop: Like all the “Fast & Furious” films, “Fate of the Furious” is big, dumb fun. Plot holes? Yeah, it’s got ’em. Great acting? Not so much. Of course, fans of this franchise don’t queue up for witty dialogue and philosophical ideas. Mostly, they want to see fast cars do impossible things. And … there’s plenty of that. Since it’s in the trailer, it’s no spoiler to note that one sequence features a tank, a nuclear submarine and a Lamborghini. “Fate of the Furious” is not a good movie, but it moves like lightning, and it’s hard not to smile at the goofiness. In other words, see it if you liked the first seven pictures. Avoid it at all costs if you didn’t.

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Video Verdict: Reviews of ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ and ‘Million Dollar Arm’

Tom Cruise, left, and Emily Blunt fight to save Earth in the science-fiction thriller “Edge of Tomorrow.”  Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

Tom Cruise, left, and Emily Blunt fight to save Earth in the science-fiction thriller “Edge of Tomorrow.”

Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

This week’s major home video releases include an old-West comedy by Seth MacFarlane, an inspirational sports movie from Disney, and an action-packed science-fiction picture with Tom Cruise.

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Video Verdict: ‘Prometheus,’ ‘Rock of Ages’

Tom Cruise plays singer Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages.”

A film celebrating the music of the 1980s and director Ridley Scott’s return to science-fiction lead this week’s home video releases.

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Video Verdict: ‘Snow White and the Huntsman,’ ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’

Kristen Stewart plays the title character in the fantasy film “Snow White and the Huntsman.”

This week’s home video releases are anchored by an ensemble comedy about the joys of parenthood and an update of the beloved Snow White fairy tale.

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Video Verdict: ‘The Descendants,’ ‘My Week With Marilyn,’ ‘The Adventures of Tintin,’ ‘The Three Musketeers,’ ‘Happy Feet Two,’ ‘Young Adult’

George Clooney, left, and Shailene Woodley play a distressed father and daughter in writer-director Alexander Payne’s “The Descendants.”

This week’s home video releases are anchored by two movies that played key roles in the recent Academy Awards ceremony.

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Video Verdict: ‘The Road,’ ‘Dear John’

Channing Tatum, left, and Amanda Seyfried share a tender moment in the romantic drama “Dear John.”

This week’s major home video releases are distinctly different in subject matter, but both were adapted from popular novels.

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