7 Word Weekend Movie Review: Conviction, Jackass 3D and Helen Mirren is a bad ass

New Movie Releases Reviewed in 7 Words Each

Conviction (limited) - Spend all night thinking up that title?

Jackass 3D - There're some things that shouldn't be 3D.

Red - Helen Mirren, guns, I am so there.

Hereafter is technically being released this week. But as it's limited to a few screens in three cities, I figure I'll talk more about Clint Eastwood's latest flick next weekend when it goes wide. Word is very mixed on it with a lot of critics panning it. Which for me in this instance, is a good thing. But more on that next week.

Jackass 3D comes out this week. I've never been a huge fan of Jackass. Johnny Knoxville can be absolutely hilarious and I even used to enjoy watching Bam Margera's show. I do love stunts and have laughed at Jackass from time to time, but they tend to do a little too many gross things for my taste. So while for me I could see enjoying the stunts flying off the screen (which I hear is actually pretty spectacular), I would just be afraid of the inevitable -how shall I put it- money shots in 3D. Caveat emptor as some old Latin speaking guy might have said. Pretty much though, this one of those titles that I kind of laugh at the idea of reviews. If you're a fan of it, you'll be seeing it, if not, you won't. I don't really see a lot of people in the middle on this one.

Now while I don't see myself watching it in theaters, Conviction looks like a must see. It's based on the true story of a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. More to the point it's about his sister who believing his innocence put herself through high school, college and law school so that she could one day see the ruling overturned. Through her perseverance, 18 years later, due to DNA evidence as well as other things uncovered, he was freed. The downside for me as far as the movie is concerned is that pretty much all the female leads are not ones I care for.  Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver, Clea DuVall and Juliette Lewis... It's like a who's who of actresses I can't stand. Well, on occasion Minnie Driver is alright. On the other hand it also has Sam Rockwell and he rarely disappoints. Regardless it's an amazing story that I'll look forward to watching. Just not on a big screen.

I don't care who you are, you have to admit that Red looks fun. It has been ages since I looked at a movie coming out and thought John Malkovich looked good in it. But this looks to be playing to the crazy Malkovich of old. Throw in Ernest Borgnine and Morgan Freeman and you're quickly building a great base. In a year that has had some pretty dismal action comedies (not to mention movies in general) this looks like the gun blazing, action packed fun the summer was lacking. Plus, Helen Mirren as a bad ass... who doesn't want to see that?

 Have a great weekend everyone!