The Creation of Limited Releases

January 22, 2010

Another soft week for limited releases with only a handful on our list, and only one of them is earning overall positive reviews. In all likelihood, all five will struggle at the box office.

Creation - Reviews
A Biopic about Charles Darwin. Since it's a sympathetic portrayal of the man who many people believe discovered evolution, it was bound to create controversy in the United States, which is one of the few western nations to not embrace the science. However, the controversy might be the only thing to save the film, as most critics have complained that it is quite dull. That said, Paul Bettany is earning praise for his performance in the movie and it might be worth checking out just for that. But for most people, they will have to wait for the home market. Creation opens tonight in seven theaters in New York, Los Angeles, etc.

Drool - Reviews
Laura Harding stars as Anora, a suburban wife of an abusive husband who decides to leave him with the help of her new neighbor, Imogene. However, when their plan goes has wrong, they head on a road trip with his corpse in the trunk. Not the usual type of film for the art house crowd, and with only two reviews (both negative) it is unlikely to thrive in limited release. Perhaps it will find an audience on the home market. Drool opens tonight at the Laemmles Sunset 5 in Los Angeles.

The Girl on the Train - Reviews
A young lady claims she was the victim of an anti-Semitic attack perpetrated by six Arab teens. However, while the media goes ballistic over this, her mother is suspicious of her claims. This French film is earning good, but not great reviews, while the number of prominent French actors could help it during its limited release. The Girl on the Train opens tonight at the IFC Center in New York City.

The Paranoids - Reviews
A film from Argentina about a struggling screenwriter, Luciano, whose life is filled with fear thanks to his many phobias. One day, Manuel, his best friend and a successful TV producer returns from Spain. In Spain, Manuel created a successful TV show called The Paranoids, which he based on Luciano and not in a flattering way. Reviews are only mixed, which is a kiss of death for a limited released. The Paranoids opens tonight at the Cinema Village in New York City.

To Save a Life - Reviews
A movie for the Churchgoing set, but one that is aimed at teens. This is an under-served segment of this niche market, but with terrible reviews, this movie is unlikely to have any crossover appeal. Additionally, it is the widest release on this week's list, which could further hurt its box office chances. Maybe it will surprise. To Save a Life opens tonight in more than two dozen theaters in smaller markets nationwide.

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Filed under: Limited Releases, To Save a Life, Creation, Los paranoicos, La fille du RER, Drool