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Here's a brief take on new films I saw this last week.

Cop Out
Starring: Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, Seann William Scott and Guillermo Díaz
Quick Take: This is a buddy cop picture — a genre Bruce Willis if familiar with. What you're expecting is a little bit of action, a few laughs and a nice distraction from life. This movie provides that, for the most part. But it's a huge disappointment for Kevin Smith fans. The director — known for his off-color, off-beat indies — sells out with this film. There are some funny moments but Smith doesn't have a great eye for action or some of the conventions of the genre. Plus, a little Tracy Morgan goes a LONG way.
Rating: R for pervasive language including sexual references, violence and brief sexuality.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

The Crazies
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell and Joe Anderson
Quick Take: This is a re-make of the 1973 film from legendary zombie-movie maverick George A. Romero. The film takes place in rural Iowa and centers on a government accident that turns the locals to their darker natures. This is a surprisingly strong film for the genre. Director Breck Eisner brings a strong touch and, unlike most modern horror films and re-makes, "The Crazies" relies on tension and setting the scene to provide chills instead of out-and-out violence. Not that the film doesn't have it's violent moments. For the genre, though, "The Crazies" is a cut above recent fare.
Rating: R for bloody violence and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Starring: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Kevin McKidd, Sean Bean and Pierce Brosnan
Quick Take: This could well be a "Harry Potter"-like franchise in the making. Set around Greek Mythology, Percy Jackson discovers he's the son of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Soon he's paired with other youths that share a supernatural lineage and must go on a quest to save the world. The film is aimed at kids but is entertaining for fans of all ages. You can see the potential for the series, as the initial film was more entertaining than the first installment of the "Harry Potter" series.
Rating: PG for action violence and peril, some scary images and suggestive material, and mild language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

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