This weekend: ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ & more

By Zack McGhee | Friday, October 16, 2009, 11:42 AM

I’m still sore and swollen from Wednesday’s wisdom teeth adventure, but thought I’d check in with an update on what’s opening in Dayton theaters this weekend. I’m also curious about what (if anything) you’re planning to see in theaters or at home, so be sure to comment.

One of the year’s most anticipated films opens this weekend: Where the Wild Things Are, adapted from the widely adored children’s book by Maurice Sendak by Dave Eggers and Spike Jonze, and directed by Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adapation.). Wild Things is getting rave reviews in many publications, but some critics have been underwhelmed. I hope to have a review for you on Monday.

The breakout hit and supernatural thriller Paranormal Activity (click the link for my full review) starts in Dayton today exclusively at the Greene. (It opened a week ago in Cincinnati, West Chester, and Columbus.) I say, don’t believe the hype: It’s a big waste of time.

Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler star in Law Abiding Citizen, a revenge-themed action thriller that’s been getting generally poor reviews. USA Today seems to give the consensus view: “Deep within Law Abiding Citizen lurks a thought-provoking movie. But most of what we see on the screen is implausible, superficial and only marginally involving.”

A remake of the cult horror classic, The Stepfather, also opens wide today, transforming its R-rated ’80s inspiration into a PG-13 thriller. The original made its DVD debut on Tuesday (just in time for the remake’s release), and I saw it for the first time as a result. My take? From 1987, the original The Stepfather is good but doesn’t live up to its promise. Terry O’Quinn (John Locke on TV’s “Lost”) impresses in the title role, bringing a complex character to life from a simple script. I am sort of curious about the remake, although it was not screened for critics — never a good sign.

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