This week at the movies, we have Ben Affleck playing an actor who plays Superman on TV ("Hollywoodland"), Tony Jaa doing what he does best ("The Protector"), and four young men toying with witchcraft ("The Covenant"). What do the critics have to say?
Affleck as George Reeves romances Lane’s Toni Mannix, wife of MGM studio head Eddie Mannix.
More than a whodunit, "Hollywoodland" explores fame’s transience and the price paid in pursuit of it. The focus of this cautionary tale is George Reeeves (Ben Affleck), a struggling actor who finds notoriety as the Man of Steel on the ’50s TV series "The Adventures of Superman." Much to his dismay, kryptonite for actors turns out to be unemployment, as he finds it difficult to get roles because he’s so well known as Superman. His torrid love affair with the wife of MGM’s studio chief doesn’t help his cause, either. His death, caused by a bullet to the chest, remains shrouded in mystery: Was it suicide or murder? Critics say the movie doesn’t quite fly with its lumbering narrative, but the performers are in top form. As of this writing, "Hollywoodland" has a Tomatometer of 68%.
Say hello to my little friend…
Tony Jaa is out for revenge in the actioner "The Protector." Traveling from his native Thailand to Australia, he seeks those responsible for killing his father and kidnapping his elephants. For action junkies, Jaa’s acrobatics will thrill, but for those looking beyond the back flips and high kicks will find less to enjoy, critics say. "The Protector" currently sits at 55% on the Tomatometer.
Somebody forgot to bring the hot dog buns to this BBQ.
In "The Covenant," the descendants of five families with supernatural powers will settle an old score. Since the movie was not screened, we’ll have to wait to see what kind of spell it will weave on the critics. In the meantime, we can play our favorite game, Guess the Tomatometer!
Mad props to "Jbourne37," who edges out "Dionne Warwick" and "Gary Coleman" as our new favorite psychic friend. He/she came the closest to guessing the Tomatometer for both "Crank" and "Idiocracy." And let’s not forget "gerke," who correctly guessed the Tomatometer for "The Wicker Man."
Recent Ben Affleck Movies:
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41% — Jersey Girl (2004)
07% — Surviving Christmas (2004)
44% — Daredevil (2003)
06% — Gigli (2003)
