Movies based on video games don’t have a great track record, and unfortunately, the trend continues with Need for Speed; critics say that despite a couple decent action scenes, this slick action flick stalls when it comes to plotting and characterization. Aaron Paul stars as Tobey Marshall, a hotshot driver and mechanic with something to prove: he was framed in the vehicular death of a friend and served time in prison. He decides to avenge this injustice by entering a risky cross-country race against his former nemesis. The pundits say the cast is strong in underwritten roles, but on the whole, Need for Speed lacks the giddy panache to make it a ride worth taking. (Check out our video interview with Paul, as well as our gallery of the stars and cars of Need for Speed.)
As is usually the case, the latest effort from director Tyler Perry wasn’t screened for critics prior to its release in theaters. In The Single Moms Club, a disparate group of women are tasked with coming together to plan a school event after their kids get into trouble. Guess the Tomatometer!