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Posted March 29, 2017 by Scott Davis in Features
 
 

The Preview Reel: Ghost in the Shell and The Boss Baby


Welcome to the “Preview Reel” column, where we look at the week’s upcoming wide release movies. Two iconic 1990s properties dominated the box office last weekend as Beauty and the Beast and Power Rangers held the top two spots. This week features a film trying to capitalize on a popular anime property, Ghost in the Shell, and DreamWorks tries something original with The Boss Baby. Let’s break them down to see if either are worth your time.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell PosterWhat we are excited about: The trailers have done a nice job of focusing on the film’s futuristic world and visuals rather than its complicated story. They have put Scarlett Johansson front and center in most of the marketing, and that is smart since she is arguably the most bankable actress in Hollywood right now (sorry Jennifer Lawrence, we don’t think you would’ve been able to make Lucy the huge hit it was). Futuristic worlds, cool visuals, and Scarlett Johansson might be enough for us to make a trip to the theater, even though we are not that familiar with the source material.

What we are worried about: The movie seems to be all flash and no substance, which is being said with no previous knowledge from the source material. We have a feeling this remake will try to tame some of the original’s loftier narrative aspirations to attract a wider audience, but this opinion is just based off what the trailers have given us so far. Hopefully there is more to the film than just impressive visuals.

The Buzz: There was a lot of controversy when it was announced that Scarlett Johansson would be playing the lead in this movie since many thought it should have gone to an Asian actress. There are fair arguments to be had here, but we can see why Paramount decided to cast her, given her recent track record. Since then, the trailers have been moderately received and it seems there is some buzz heading into this weekend. The film has received mostly positive reviews so far, which should help it earn around $30 million for the weekend.

Final Thoughts: This seems to be a borderline worthy trip to the Cineplex, we are leaning more towards going because of the scope and Scarlett Johansson.

The Boss Baby

The Boss Baby PosterWhat we are excited about: The trailers for this new comedy have amused us, and we’re buying whatever Alec Balwin is selling these days. This seems to be a unique animated movie from a non-Disney/Pixar company, which is rare these days. It could fall into common animated comedy tropes to be sure, but we are hoping the voice cast and the fun premise carry it far.

What we are worried about: This is one those animated movies we like to see what reviews say to see if the premise works, and reviews have not been kind in that regard to say the least. Many say it is a juvenile farce and something only kids will enjoy, which is a real bummer. What Disney and Pixar strive at is a movie that appeals to all ages in a family, including strong themes for older kids and adults. This Fox/DreamWorks production seems to have missed that mark.

The Buzz: The buzz for the film had been fairly positive as the internet reacted favorably to Baldwin playing a boss baby in an animated movie. The negative reviews will hamper its opening weekend numbers and look for a weekend around $30 million as well.

Final thoughts: We were excited for this one, but based on many initial reviews it has been getting, we might just wait for this one to hit DVD shelves.

Scott Davis

Scott Davis

Scott Davis is a recent graduate of Oakland University where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for the student newspaper on campus, The Oakland Post, where he became the paper's managing editor. He also earned a minor in Cinema Studies at OU. Scott enjoys all things film and TV related, especially the blockbuster kind. He might be the biggest Christopher Nolan fan you know.