Happy new year folks! Even though January is usually a dumping ground when it comes to new releases, but here in the UAE it’s actually one of the better months, because we get to see the wide release of awards contenders and DIFF films. So let’s check out what’s in store for us.
The Disaster Artist
Directed by: James Franco
With: James Franco, Dave Franco, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, and Seth Rogen
What is it about? When Greg Sestero, an aspiring film actor, meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true.
Heads Up: The story of the making of The Room, one of the worst most infamous cult films of all time, is a crowd pleasing romp. This was screened in DIFF2017 and I really enjoyed it. I watched it there with Lloyd Bayer and he too was ecstatic about it. In his 4⅟₂-star review he wrote “What makes The Disaster Artist a remarkable standout is the fact that this is a moving and at times inspiring love letter to a film that not only flopped, but flopped spectacularly“. So yeah, I think you should definitely see it.
Molly’s Game
Directed by: Aaron Sorkin
With: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Michael Cera, and Kevin Costner
What is it about? An Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target.
Heads Up: Based autobiography of Molly Bloom, Oscar winning writer Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The Social Network, Moneyball, and TV’s The West Wing) is making his directorial debut with this film, which also screened at DIFF2017. This film is also really good, and very sharply written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and Jessica Chastain is marvelous in it as usual. I’d say between this and The Disaster Artist, you should be all set this weekend.
Insidious: The Last Key
Directed by: Adam Robitel
With: Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, and Angus Sampson
What is it about? Parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet – in her own family home.
Heads Up: The 4th installment in the Insidious horror franchise is receiving the weakest reviews in the series, so if you are a fan, then by all means go see it. Otherwise stay clear.
Message from the King
Directed by: Fabrice du Welz
With: Chadwick Boseman, Luke Evans, Teresa Palmer, and Alfred Molina
What is it about? A mysterious outsider named Jacob King from South Africa arrives in Los Angeles to avenge his younger sister’s death.
Heads Up: Chadwick Boseman is an interesting and charismatic actor who’s finally getting the recognition he deserves playing Black Panther in the MCU films, but this revenge thriller is met with lukewarm middling reviews. Given that there are better offerings that are out this weekend, I’d say save this one for home viewing later.
