Weekend Movie Reviews: The American, Takers, and Going the Distance

The box office released quite a few new films this weekend, from rom-coms about the ups and downs of the infamous long distance relationship to spy thrillers featuring the ever-hunky George Clooney. So for some guidance when sorting through the plethora of choices for the next time you visit the theater, here are a few movie reviews to help you sort through the options:

The American

Jack is an assassin that has had enough of the hard life—tired of constantly moving and being on the run, the American spy retreats to the Italian countryside after a particularly nasty job in Sweden. In Italy, Jack escapes into the quaint confines of a quiet medieval town, where he takes an assignment to build a weapon for Mathilde, a secretive contact of his. As time passes, Jack becomes involved in an affair with the beautiful Clara—but as their relationship progresses, their fling turns into love, a love that is seemingly innocent and free of danger. But Jack may be in more danger than he thinks if he lets complacency get the best of him. With beautiful film work and an uncharacteristically restrained performance from George Clooney, The American isn’t your typical spy movie—but it’s still worth a watch.

Takers

Takers is the tale of a group of notorious criminals who make a living by seamlessly pulling off bank robberies—and they haven’t been caught yet. But when the crew attempts to pull of a final bank heist that involves more money than they have ever attempted to deal with before, their reputations—and their freedom—are put at stake by a hard-hitting detective who won’t rest until he has them all behind bars. Featuring a cast of all-stars such as Matt Dillon, Chris Brown, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Idris Elba, and T.I., Takers is a fast-paced action movie with enough grit and action to keep you on the edge of your seat. But be warned—don’t expect anything too groundbreaking—this film delivers pure entertainment, and not much else.

Going the Distance

Erin and Garrett meet in a bar over breakfast the morning after Garrett has just had a nasty breakup with his girlfriend. Bonding over beer and banter, the two hit it off immediately, sparking a six week long summer romance that takes them through every nook and cranny of the Big Apple. But when it’s time for Erin to leave for San Francisco and Garrett to stay behind for his job in NYC, neither of the two want the relationship to end. So with Erin on the West Coast and Garrett on the East, the two stay together—and stay in touch—through texts, calls, and e-mails, much to the chagrin of Garrett’s friends and Erin’s protective older sister. But despite the naysayers, the unlikely couple may just have found the real thing—now, can they make it last? With humor that somehow manages to be both witty and raunchy, a lighthearted belief in the power of true love, and the sweet chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, Going the Distance is a romantic comedy that is sure to leave you smiling.

Photos from David Shankbone and nicogenin via flickr