The month of August opens with bunch of interesting offerings. It is a good problem to have when you have too many films to choose from, don’t you think?
The Dark Tower
Directed by: Nikolaj Arcel
With: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor, Claudia Kim, and Jackie Earle Haley
What is it about? The last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim, also known as the Man in Black, determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.
Heads Up: The Dark Tower Saga is considered author Stephen King‘s magnum opus. The acclaimed and popular book series that was first published in 1982 has 8 parts so far, with more promised by the author. It’s translation to big screen though has been a rocky process, and its cinematic future hinges on how well this film does financially and critically. I am hoping this one would work. The two leads certainly are among the most talented charismatic leading men working today.
The Big Sick
Directed by: Michael Showalter
With: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, and Anupam Kher
What is it about? A couple deals with their cultural differences as their relationship grows.
Heads Up: Almost unanimously regarded as one of the best films of the year, The Big Sick is one Rom-Com that we have been yearning for. Seek it out and take your significant other, perfect for date night. Among many good offerings this weekend, this one is easily my pick for the movie of the week.
6 Days
Directed by: Toa Fraser
With: Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish, and Mark Strong
What is it about? In April 1980, armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in Princes Gate, London and took all inside hostage. Over the next six days a tense standoff took place, all the while a group of highly trained soldiers from the SAS prepared for a raid the world had never seen the likes of.
Heads Up: A hostage drama based on true events, it looks intense. Check it out if you like these kind of gripping thrillers.
The Wall
Directed by: Doug Liman
With: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Cena, Laith Nakli
What is it about? Two American Soldiers are trapped by a lethal sniper, with only an unsteady wall between them.
Heads Up: Doug Liman has made some very good action films (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Bourne Identity, and Edge of Tomorrow), and this one is another action war film only on a smaller scale, and it was met with mostly positive reviews. I am interested.
Jab Harry Met Sejal
Directed by: Imtiaz Ali
With: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Evelyn Sharma
What is it about? The story revolves around Harry and Sejal’s journey across Europe. A search for Sejal’s engagement ring makes Harry understand love & relationships better.
Heads Up: A globetrotting Bollywood Rom-Com is not exactly an original idea, but what this film has going for it is an excellent director (Imtiaz Ali: Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Rockstar) and the chemistry between the two leads who worked together earlier in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. This is perhaps the first time I have been excited about a Shahrukh Khan film since… Chennai Express.
