For the 2nd half of BuRStS, the biggest film of the week — The Secret Life of Pets — isn’t the one MHT is recommending to buy. I’m sure if you have kids, there’s probably no shot you can’t buy it and I’ll be the first to say, “Sorry!” to you about that. However, check out this week’s 2nd batch of recommendations of what to buy, rent, stream and skip for the week of December 6:
Don’t Think Twice –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Group of actors with an Improv background play an Improv group. Guess they’ll be winging it here.
Why Buy?
Keegan-Michael Key and a 99% Tomatometer.
Why Rent?
The film held the highest per-screen gross ($92,835) from July to October (until Moonlight opened at $100,519 per screen).
Why Stream?
It’s a spur of the moment decision.
Why Skip?
You like your movies like you like your life: Dull and scripted.
MHT Verdict: Buy it!
It’s funny, filmed in NYC and has half of Key & Peele. What more could you ask for?
The Great Gilly Hopkins –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Foster kid hates being a foster kid until the foster home wins her over.
Why Buy?
Kathy Bates, Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Julia Stiles… that’s a heckuva supporting cast surrounding Sophie Nelisse who plays the titular character.
Why Rent?
The film is directed by Stephen Herek who has helmed 19 films and some of aren’t even terrible.
Why Stream?
Like Gilly Hopkins, streaming is great!
Why Skip?
Herek also directed Holy Man.
MHT Verdict: Rent it!
Originally, I was ready to be more joking about this movie but I watched the trailer and it looks better than the description leads you to believe.
The Hollars –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: One of those dysfunctional family ensemble flicks.
Why Buy?
Member Jim from The Office? You love Jim from The Office! (He directs and stars.)
Why Rent?
The ensemble cast is filled with familiar faces and a lot of talent.
Why Stream?
Even with all the movie has going for it, Rotten Tomatoes reviews aren’t glowing at a 43% Tomatometer.
Why Skip?
You have a dysfunctional family of your own that you don’t want to watch.
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
The cast is too good to completely skip but we’re setting our expectations to unstun.
The Late Bloomer –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Based on the true story of Ken Baker who didn’t go through puberty until age 27. Get ready for a lot of erection jokes!
Why Buy?
You’re a huge fan of erection jokes.
Why Rent?
The concept sounds so ridiculous, you have to watch it.
Why Stream?
Another strong ensemble cast (but not as strong as some of the other releases this week.)
Why Skip?
Puberty was painful enough the first time.
MHT Verdict: Skip it!
Audiences hated it more than critics on Rotten Tomatoes (18% vs. 20%) which is hard to accomplish.
The Secret Life of Pets —MOVIE HOT TAKE REVIEW—
Super Simple Synopsis: If the plot of Toy Story were told with animated pets who talk when the owners aren’t around and the cast was doubled in size.
Why Buy?
Your kids won’t shut the hell up about it. (I’m not really a fan of your kids, by the way.)
Why Rent?
You love animated movies with a flimsy plot and a bunch of recognizable voices.
Why Stream?
Maybe this is the time Kevin Hart doesn’t disappoint.
Why Skip?
The trailer didn’t impress you, either.
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
The Secret Life of Pets might be the most overrated film of 2016.