It’s the first Weekend of 2017, and it has some significant big releases in different genres, so let’s check them out.
The Great Wall
Directed by: Zhang Yimou
With: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, Lu Han, and Andy Lau
What is it about? The story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure.
Heads Up: Hailed as the largest film ever shot in China. It’s going to be spectacular, but the reviews are rather weak. Be aware that the marketing is deceiving as they are concentrating on the Western Stars who are gonna play more of supporting roles to the Chinese main characters.
The Birth of a Nation
Directed by: Nate Parker
With: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, and Penelope Ann Miller
What is it about? Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher in the antebellum South, orchestrates an uprising
Heads Up: After great buzz coming out of Sundance Film Festival last year followed by a record purchase deal, the film was tainted by the controversy that followed its director and star Nate Parker, and the film’s prospects of award consideration went away. That said, this film is still worth watching, but be aware that the film is gonna be very brutal and gory. Lloyd Bayer watched it at the Dubai International Film Festival last month, and his review summarizes “Birth of a Nation might not be perfect but it is a competent retelling about a catalytic moment in the black freedom struggle.”
The Founder
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
With: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, and John Carroll Lynch
What is it about? A salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California.
Heads Up: The story behind the creation of McDonalds maybe did not catch fire when it comes to awards buzz, but it still got very good reviews. Michael Keaton has been on a roll since his comeback a few years ago. I’d say go for it.
Friend Request
Directed by: Simon Verhoeven
With: Alycia Debnam-Carey, Brit Morgan, and William Moseley
What is it about? When a college student unfriends a mysterious girl on-line, she finds herself fighting a demonic presence that wants to make her lonely by killing her closest friends.
Heads Up: I watched the trailer and I already regretting wasting my time on that, so please don’t make the mistake of watching the actual movie. Avoid!
