You know what they say – sequels are rarely better than the originals. “Be Cool,” the sequel to 1995’s “Get Shorty,” opens this weekend and continues that trend. Also opening this weekend are the family comedy “The Pacifier” and the sci-fi thriller “The Jacket.”
John Travolta reprises his role in “Be Cool” with an ensemble cast – Uma Thurman, Vince Vaughn, Cedric the Entertainer, Harvey Keitel, The Rock, Danny DeVito, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. Unfortunately, the extra star power doesn’t translate into a better film, according to the nation’s print, broadcast, and online critics. They think the film wasted its many talents and is “one of the weakest sequels in recent memory,” “inept,” “lazy,” and “brain-dead.” “Be Cool” has an uncool Tomatometer of 29%, as of this writing. Compared to the original’s 83%, it’s a major misfire.
Disney’s family comedy “The Pacifier” didn’t fare well with critics, either. Following the footsteps of former action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger and a string of box office duds, Vin Diesel tries his luck with comedy. Unlike Schwarzenegger, critics don’t think Diesel has any comedic muscles to flex. They think the film is clumsily and hastily put together and lacks any comedic punch. The Pacifier has a very weak 27% on the Tomatometer.
Faring much better is Warner Independent’s sci-fi thriller “The Jacket,” starring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and Keira Knightley. Critics have a mixed reaction towards the film. They think that although it’s a “unique” and effective thriller, it’s also a big “mess,” trying to tie together too many genres and plot points. The Jacket has a mixed 50% on the Tomatometer.
If you have to see an opening movie in wide release this weekend, “The Jacket” is the most recommended.
