Bob Richards' movie reviews, September 10

CREATED Sep. 10, 2012

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  • It was the worst box office total in 10 years, and the first time since 2008 that no movie could pull in at least $10 million. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com

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 It was the worst box office total in 10 years, and the first time since 2008 that no movie could pull in at least 10 million. The weak box office champ was The Possession which pulled in just 9.5 million for first place, Lawless was second, The Words could only muster 5 million for third place, and no other new release made it into the top ten. The one bright spot: 2016 Obama’s America became the second highest grossing political documentary ever with 26 million so far.

1. "The Possession," $9.5 million ($3.5 million international)
2. "Lawless," $6 million ($1.4 million international)
3. "The Words," $5 million
4. "The Expendables 2," $4.7 million ($14 million international)
5. "The Bourne Legacy," $4 million ($13 million international)
6. "ParaNorman," $3.8 million ($2.4 million international)
7. "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," $3.6 million
8. "The Campaign," $3.5 million
9. "The Dark Knight Rises," $3.3 million ($13 million international)
10. "2016: Obama's America," $3.3 million

(Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed – Go Films – Rated PG-13)
While Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed is a bit amateurish and lacks some authenticity and polish, it does have an involving story that is surprisingly moving. If you overlook its weaknesses, there is a decent film inside. I kind of liked it. 3 Stars Out of 5

(The Words – CBS Films – Rated PG-13)
The Words is a story within a story within a story. That makes for a confusing film that is genuinely so-so. Just about the whole movie is told in flashback…there is a flashback of the flashback. That makes for an uneven film which tends to get the audience lost. While the cast is adequate, the story isn’t. There are just too many gimmicks. It could have done with less words…or at least less flashbacks…or less stories within stories. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5

(Sleepwalk With Me – IFC Films – Not Rated)
Mike Birbiglia wrote, directs, and stars in Sleepwalk With Me. He must be an acquired taste, because I just found him annoying. His incessant navel gazing is irritating to the point I just want to smack him…hard…The guy questions his ability to breathe…and he delivered a bland, unfunny movie.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5

(The Cold Light of Day – Summit Entertainment – Rated PG-13)
In The Cold Light of Day, Bruce Willis & Sigourney Weaver seem to be in check cashing mode, like other aging stars who seem to be willing to appear in the worst drivel just for a paycheck. Willis is in the movie for about ten minutes, and Weaver is…well, lets just say I hope she meant to be that funny. Star Henry Cavell is going to be the new Superman…I hope he takes some charisma lessons before then. This inept, unintentionally hilarious film is a Taken wannabe with rogue CIA agents selling secrets or something. If you bought a ticket, you are feeling the cold light of being taken. 2 Stars Out of 5

(Branded – Roadside Attractions – Rated R)
Branded is nonsensical mishmash that is bad in epic proportions. Here’s a quick rundown of the plot…a marketing genius becomes a shepherd who sacrifices a red cow and then sees fast food creatures coming out of people’s heads. I’m not kidding. The Russian film makers must have gone on a two week bender with some vodka brewed from cow dung and greasy McDonald’s wrappers when they wrote this. This bizarre, anti-beef, vegetarian screed is a hilarious, misguided, awful mess. It’s almost worth seeing for just how bad it is. I said almost. A marketing genius…becomes a shepherd…who sacrifices a red cow…and then sees fast food creatures coming out of people’s heads. Yeah. 1 Star Out of 5

For Bob Richards' past reviews and more, visit his website, bobrichardsmoviereviews.com.