This week wasn’t a great week in terms of solidy “fresh” movies, but still, there’s a Box Office Battle to be had, so let’s have it!
First is Machete, which came in at 72% fresh on RottenTomatoes. However, the movie is #2 at the box office, raking in $13,127,000, according to BoxOfficeMojo. The critics’ verdict was that it was delightfully cartoony and violent, perfect since it’s being heralded as the first “Mexpolitation” movie. But for some, it was a bit too Looney Tunes:
“[I]ts mixing of the old and the new has an infectious vibe at times, but you can’t help but wonder if Rodriguez will ever grow past his obsession with recreating the gutter past.”–Q Network Film Desk
“Machete is a day laborer’s wet dream that men and women of all immigration and employment status can enjoy together in peace, harmony and wanton blood lust. The only one who might ask for a refund is Shaft.”–Richmond.com
“Machete brings director Robert Rodriguez’s career full circle and emerges as one of his very best films.”–Common Sense Media
The American is this week’s #1 film, coming in at 61%fresh and making $1 $11,425,000 at the box office. Critics felt that this was a subdued entry in the classic spy drama genre, however, it’s subdued take on the classic European-esque spy has left some critics feeling bored, while others felt illuminated:
“Women are necessary in The American, like the Italian landscapes and winding stone stairways.”–PopMatters
“I enjoyed, and am recommending The American as a victory of style over substance.”–Combustible Celluloid
“If you’re expecting a star-propelled thriller with the usual bob, weave and one-two punch, this isn’t your ticket.”–Denver Post
Going the Distance is the loser in this battle, coming in at #5. It’s rated at 48% rotten and raked in $6,900,000. Critics felt that this movie, while being more honest and straightforward than most romantic comedies, the story is dull overall:
“A charming, but ultimately forgettable romantic comedy. At least this time, there’s no sperm donor involved.”–The Trend
“As a riotous comedy, Distance falls short, but it still racks up several miles for sweetness.”–E! Online
“The only reason you root for a reunion at the end of this unromantic romp is because these two jerks really deserve each other.”–NewsBlaze
The top five movies of the week are:
- The American–$13,127,000
- Machete–$11,425,000
- Takers–$10,900,000
- The Last Exorcism–$7,410,000
- Going the Distance–$6,900,00
All ratings from RottenTomatoes; all monetary stats from BoxOfficeMojo
