Weekend movie preview: Comedy, YA and horror fans, rejoice

This weekend's new movies look interesting, for the most part. At least two are getting rave reviews, but unfortunately, the movie I most want to see is getting slammed by critics. It figures. For what it's worth through, the options are there if you want to see a good comedy or a decent horror flick. Usually those are the genres that get harped on...but guess what? Summer 2013 is turning out to be the summer of great comedy (The Heat, This Is The End) and horror (The Conjuring). Considering that at the beginning of the summer I'd fully expected the blockbusters to be among my favorites of the season, this is huge news.

So, what are the comedy and horror choices? First, the comedy: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright collaborate again on The World's End, a movie about a bunch of Brits who go on a hilarious pub crawl. This is the group of such gems as Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, so I expect fans of both to flock to see it. Reviews for The World's End are off the charts great, especially for a comedy. Seriously? Rotten Tomatoes at 94 percent?! If comedy's your thing, it might be time to hit the theater soon.

The horror choice is a home invasion gore fest called You're Next. This film is also getting extremely solid reviews, particularly for horror, so if you are one of the millions of horror fans loyal to openings, get your tickets. This is a good one. I have a friend who's seen it and tells me it is the horror event of the season and a heck of a lot of fun at that (think Cabin in the Woods). I'd like to see it, but I'm no fan of gore and I'm pretty easily grossed out. Maybe. Maybe I'll brave it. If you do, let's hear what you thought in the comments!

And finally, last but not least...oh, wait, yes it is least: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is limping into theaters, riding bad buzz and terrible reviews. Ugh. I've read the first few books in the Cassandra Clare series and I really liked them. Once again, Hollywood has apparently managed to screw up a great thing. I'm saying right now that I'm skipping it...but I could be fibbing. I might just call an audible as I approach the ticket window. If I do, expect a review - and I'll be as honest as I can be, even if The Mortal Instruments movie sucks.

One last note: If you're lucky, Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine might be opening near you this weekend. Check the listings, because this film (which is supposedly awesome) is expanding in a big way right now. My theater doesn't have it (boo, hiss) but maybe I'll get a treat next week.

That's it folks, aside from last week's holdovers, The Butler and We're the Millers. I think both will probably finish in the top three, with The Butler number one. Don't discount the power of horror fans for a second though, You're Next could do quite well too.

Happy weekend theater, everyone!

Photo courtesy of Film School Rejects