This weekend we have a Disney family spectacle leading a pack of small releases. Keep reading to know more.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Directed by: Lasse Hallström, Joe Johnston
With: Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman
What is it about? A young girl is transported into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice.
Heads Up? This Disney family fantasy has little to no buzz even in the week leading to its release, even though it’s directed by not one but two of yesteryears A-List directors: Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, The Cider House Rules) and Joe Johnston (Jumanji, Captain America: The First Avenger). That said, given that it’s a PG-Rated fantasy film aimed to young children, I think it will be at least a harmless spectacle.
White Fang
Directed by: Alexandre Espigares
With: Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones, and Paul Giamatti
What is it about? A loyal wolfdog’s curiosity leads him on the adventure of a lifetime while serving a series of three distinctly different masters.
Heads Up? An animated film version of the classic children novel. The animation looks old fashioned, and the reviews suggest the film is a faithful adaptation of the beloved book. I think children will enjoy this one.
Looking Glass
Directed by: Tim Hunter
With: Nicolas Cage, Robin Tunney, Marc Blucas
What is it about? A couple buy a desert motel where they find that strange, mysterious events occur.
Heads Up? The latest Nicholas Cage vehicle is getting trashed by critics and deemed as derivative and hallow. The film is already available on VOD so I don’t see why you should go out of your way and watch it in cinema. Or indeed, why watch it at all.
Summer of 84
Directed by: François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell
With: Graham Verchere, Judah Lewis, Caleb Emery, and Rich Sommer
What is it about? After suspecting that their police officer neighbor is a serial killer, a group of teenage friends spend their summer spying on him and gathering evidence, but as they get closer to discovering the truth, things get dangerous.
Heads Up? A nostalgic horror suspense cashing on the pop culture renaissance of everything 80s. In his ★★★✩✩ review Lloyd Bayer wrote: “Aesthetically, Summer of 84 will please every adult viewer who grew up in the titular era, and is bound to find something relatable in this film“.
