Best New Movie Bets: June 13 | Two Sequels, Two Indies & a Sci-fi Flick

New to the box office are two sequels and two Indies; one a sci-fi effort and the other an attempt to make viewers cry all of the tears they didn’t during “The Fault in Our Stars”. 

22 Jump Street

What's it's About: Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) go undercover as college students to crack a case. 

Pros: The first film was a surprisingly stellar buddy film. Setting it apart was its leads' genuine chemistry and its script, which featured a wealth of biting humor that found a balance between its raunchiness and unexpected sentiment. With most of the old team coming back to reprise their roles both behind and in front of the camera, the chances that it can strike close to the quality of the first film is high. 

Cons: Brie Larson is one cast member who did not return for the sequel. She played the pivotal role of Schmidt’s love interest and her chemistry opposite Hill was a key aspect to the original. Let’s face it, there is always doubt that a sequel can rival the quality of its predecessor aka The Triple S Rule (Skeptical Sequel Syndrome). In other words, expectations while substantial, might need to remain tempered. 

The Signal

What it’s About: A computer guru lures three friends on a road trip to his lair and a mystery begins.

Pros: This low-budget sci-fi thriller has been generating positive waves amongst those who saw it at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Alongside veteran actor Laurence Fishburne, the cast is filled with up-and-comers. Olivia Cooke from “Bates Motel” is the most proven talent among the young cast and she makes this an intriguing project as a result.

Cons: As with any film there are gambles and a sci-fi mind bender might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Lullaby

What it’s About: A young man (Garrett Hedlund) who left his family years ago learns that his father (Richard Jenkins), who has suffered with cancer for many years, has decided to be taken off of life support. 

Pros: Richard Jenkins has been generating awards buzz amongst critics and as one of the most consummate actors of his generation there is no question that he will tug at the heart strings. Garrett Hedlund, a rising talent who's been on the brink of a mainstream breakthrough for years, leads a cast of Oscar nominees (Jenkins) and winners (Jennifer Hudson). Amy Adams drops in for a supporting role, re-teaming her with Hedlund, who she co-starred with in “On the Road”. 

Cons: The setup makes Hedlund’s character largely unsympathetic. Plus, watching someone blatantly suffer is just not appealing in any capacity, it’s heartbreaking.

How to Train Your Dragon 2

What’s It’s About: Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) returns with his dragon for a new adventure that finds him reuniting with his long lost mother. 

Pros: The first film was an enchanting family movie that had a little something for everyone. The animation was spectacular and the story full of magnificent heart. The trailer for the long awaited sequel looks exciting and the vocal roles are well cast. Why everyone doesn’t have an accent is a tad peculiar though not a major distraction. 

Cons: Can’t think of any cons to seeing this wholesome movie about a boy and his dragon. The only issue with the original was Hiccup’s dragon not being named something more dragon-ish than “Toothless”.

Are you looking forward to any of these movies? What do you think of Best New Bets new layout? Eclectic Pop wants to hear from you! You can share your thoughts by tweeting @EclecticPop or leaving a comment below.