Unlike last weekend, this Diwali weekend is full of big releases from Hollywood and Bollywood. So let’s check them out
Thugs of Hindustan
Directed by: Vijay Krishna Acharya
With: Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Amitabh Bachchan
What is it about? A band of thugs led by Khudabaksh Azaad, who aspires to free Hindostan from the rule of the expanding British East India Company. Alarmed, British commander John Clive sends a small-time Tthug from Awadh, Firangi Mallah, to infiltrate and counter the threat.
Heads Up? This big action adventure film is hailed as the most expensive Bollywood production to date with estimated budget of US $42m. It’s also the first time Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan appear on-screen together. This is Bollywood’s answer to (and an imitation of) Pirates of The Caribbean, and it looks like so much fun. So of course you should go and see this one.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Directed by: Bryan Singer
With: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, and Aidan Gillen
What is it about? A chronicle of the years leading up to Queen’s legendary appearance at the Live Aid (1985) concert.
Heads Up? This movie is infamous for its troubled production which resulted in the studio firing Bryan Singer weeks before shooting wrapped. The result is a film that is described as a by-the-number biopic with one standout segment and a great lead performance by Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. I am curious to see it, but not as excited about it as I was before Snyder was fired.
Overlord
Directed by: Julius Avery
With: Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, and Mathilde Ollivier
What is it about? The story of two American soldiers behind enemy lines on D Day. + zombies.
Heads Up? This is J.J. Abrams produced zombie horror thriller meets revisionist war drama looks like a treat for genre fans. The critical consensus says: “Overlord offers A-level fun for B-movie fans of multiple persuasions“. Sounds like my kind of a movie!
The Grinch
Directed by: Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
With: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, and Angela Lansbury
What is it about? A grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.
Heads Up? The latest adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ famous book is an animated one. In 2000, Ron Howard directed a live action version with Jim Carrey as the titular Grinch, and it was a huge hit. Now the internet’s favorite actor Benedict Cumberbatch is taking over the mantle and the reviews are mostly OK. I think the kids will enjoy it.
A Private War
Directed by: Matthew Heineman
With: Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan, Tom Hollander, and Stanley Tucci
What is it about? One of the most celebrated war correspondents of our time, Marie Colvin is an utterly fearless and rebellious spirit, driven to the front-line of conflicts across the globe to give voice to the voiceless.
Heads Up? This biographical war drama based on true events is well reviewed by critics. It especially hails Rosamund Pike’s performance and its recreation of the horror of war. Watch it if you are looking for a more adult oriented drama.
