CINEMA REWIND

Opening this weekend in wide release are Tony Scott's Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington, and Imagine That, starring Eddie Murphy.  Both films received mostly mixed reviews from the critics.  The Hollywood Reporter said that, "despite the ever-energetic Tony Scott at the throttle, the sleek new edition isn't as transporting as it should have been."  Some critics, like USA Today, found the movie to be great: "The new Pelham takes the chilling original premise and modifies it for an era steeped in technology, making for an energetic and engrossing adaptation."  Others, such as the Austin Chronicle, felt the opposite: "Loud, abrasive, and featuring performances seemingly calibrated to be heard over the cacophonous roar of Travolta's mad, bad overacting."

Although also receiving mixed reviews, most critics agreed that Imagine That worked solidly as a family film and that Murphy did a fine job.  Village Voice said "Imagine That does manage to get a crowd tearing up on cue for its emotional climax; as much as it works, it's through the personal charm of Murphy and Shahidi."

As far as box office this weekend, the two new releases will have heavy competition from The Hangover and Up.  But even without a #1 opening for Pelham or Imagine That, both films should open fairly well.