Breakfast Club Movie Maven Kate Black reviews this week’s new movie releases:
50/50 is a comedic drama starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen. Based on writer, Will Reiser’s own experiences of dealing with cancer, this tender, heartfelt, funny story is about friendship, love, and family. Gordon-Levitt is shocked when diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. However, rallying around him is his best friend, played by Rogen, his therapist, played by Anna Kendrick, and his mother played Angelica Huston. They take the journey with him through his struggle to beat the disease. 
Rating: This is a genuine, funny, and inspirational story that is skillfully directed and perfectly executed by a talented ensemble cast- the ideal blend of humour and drama.
The Whistleblower is a biographical thriller based on Kathryn Bolkovac’s time served as an American peacekeeper in Bosnia during civil unrest in the ‘90’s. Rachel Weisz stars as the uncompromising officer Bolkovac, as she uncovers an underground network of human trafficking. After members of the security forces are implicated in crimes against civilians, she must fight not only to protect the innocents, but also herself and the evidence.
Rating: While some of the material is difficult to watch, the story is compelling, well-acted, and relevant viewing for anyone interested in recent historical events.
Real Steel is an action/drama geared towards the 10-12 year old in all of us. Enjoying this film depends on whether or not you’re a fan of robots and boxing. This flick is set in the future and features Hugh Jackman as a former boxer who reluctantly teams up with his son to train the perfect fighting robot boxer. While the film did well at the box office and succeeds at producing some awesome special effects, the final result seems forced and insincere. 
Rating: Unless you’re a fan of robot boxing and Rocky, even diehard Jackman fans may have a hard time with the more than two plus hours of hollow melodrama.
