Unlike last weekend, the screens should be on fire this time around, with the return to the Alien universe and so many new releases in a wide range of genres.
Alien: Covenant
Directed by: Ridley Scott
With: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, and Danny McBride
What is it about? The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.
Heads Up: 2012’s Prometheus has split the Filmphoria gang between fans and haters. Alien: Covenant is set a few years after that, and we can verify that this is a better movie than Prometheus, whether you liked it or not. Faizan Rashid has watched it, and in his 3½-star review calls it “a worthy addition to the franchise and the film Prometheus should have been or wanted to.”
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Directed by: Niki Caro
With: Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh, and Daniel Brühl
What is it about? The story of keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, who helped save hundreds of people and animals during the German invasion.
Heads Up: Although New Zealander director Niki Caro is a well-regarded director (The Whale Rider, North County, and the upcoming remake of Mulan) I wouldn’t rush to the cinema to watch it. Lloyd Bayer has watched it, and in his 3-star review summarises: “As a holocaust film, Zookeeper’s Wife could have done with a little more urgency yet well intentioned and equally inspiring.”
Colossal
Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo
With: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Austin Stowell, and Dan Stevens
What is it about? A woman discovers that severe catastrophic events are somehow connected to the mental breakdown from which she’s suffering.
Heads Up: This bizarre Sci-Fi comedy has been critically acclaimed for its “genre-defying execution” and for Anne Hathaway’s performance. This is on my list to watch on big screen, and I think you should but it there too.
Everything, Everything
Directed by: Stella Meghie
With: Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson, and Anika Noni Rose
What is it about? A teenager who’s lived a sheltered life because she’s allergic to everything, falls for the boy who moves in next door.
Heads Up: Based on a YA novel, this should appeal to its young target audience. You know who you are.
Stratton
Directed by: Simon West
With: Dominic Cooper, Tom Felton, Gemma Chan, and Tyler Hoechlin
What is it about? A British Special Boat Service commando tracks down an international terrorist cell.
Heads Up: a B-Action film from director Simon West (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider). Please skip, there are many better offerings this weekend.
A Man Called Ove
Directed by: Hannes Holm
With: Rolf Lassgård, Bahar Pars, and Filip Berg
What is it about? Ove, an ill-tempered, isolated retiree who spends his days enforcing block association rules and visiting his wife’s grave, has finally given up on life just as an unlikely friendship develops with his boisterous new neighbours.
Heads Up: A part of DIFF365 program on Vox Cinemas – Mall of Emirates, This Oscar nominated film is screening starting this weekend. It’s a delightful film that’s best described as a cross between Gran Torino and Forest Gump. I have seen this already, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
