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Here's a look at this week's new releases, one a pleasant surprise and the other another summer dog...


Prince of Persia
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Alfred Molina, and Ben Kingsley
Quick Take: Bet you thought this would be the dog — surprise, this one's actually pretty good. Based on a video game, the film is a mix of quirky comedy, decent character development, and just enough action to make for a strong summer popcorn movie. Gyllenhaal does a nice job in the lead role and the supporting cast works well. Mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer has a knack with these kind of films. After all, he's the man that built a major film franchise around the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride at Disneyland. Director Mike Newell ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") does a good job pacing the film and it's a fairly enjoyable ride. In a summer that has so far been underwhelming, this film delivers on its promise.
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Sex and the City 2
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristen Davis and Chris Noth
Quick Take: "Sex and the City" has never been my kind of show, but it has a legion of devoted fans. And whether it is your favorite genre or not, there has always been a certain flair to the production. The show and even the first movie installment had a certain wit and a point. This follow up has neither. It is one cliché after another, hackneyed dialogue, and a plot that verges on offensive. Whether you agree or not, many Middle Eastern nations despise America for our culture of excess. "Sex and the City" personifies that culture of excess. So to take those characters, in one of those films, and deposit it in Abu Dhabi seems a bit crass. But, for those characters within the movie to spend time complaining about Middle Eastern culture, mocking the people, and acting out, just reenforces the culture of excess and oblivion we receive criticism for. It is ironic that Cattrall's Samantha complains about the people of Abu Dhabi not respecting her cultural values and style while she's doing the exact same thing to them in their own home country. Perhaps if the ladies were receiving criticism from conservatives while in New York City I could understand, but since the shoe is on the other foot it just seems ill-conceived. Also ill-conceived was some of the opening sequence, which included an odd, flamboyant wedding sequence and a live performance from Liza Minelli channelling her inner Beyonce. And, yes, you read that last sentence correctly. Plus, at 146 minutes, the film feels like a self-absorbed, self-indulgent eternity. I like what the "Entertainment Weekly" critic said, "When did 'Sex and the City' get so long and mean so little." This movie is a giant bomb.
Rating: R for some strong sexual content and language.
Verdict: One star out of four.

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