The first week of December has less appealing offerings than last weekend, but it still has it merits, so let’s see what’s in store for us.
The Edge of Seventeen
Directed by: Kelly Fremon Craig
With: Hailee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner, and Woody Harrelson
What is it about? High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother.
Heads Up: This high school dramedy is getting a surprisingly strong reviews, so don’t be turned off by the bad trailer, and go for it. Hailee Steinfield has proven herself in supporting parts, and this lead part gives her the opportunity to establish herself as a contender for one of the best young actresses out there. As a bonus, Woody Harrelson is in it playing a teacher!
Underworld: Blood Wars
Directed by: Anna Foerster
With: Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, Tobias Menzies, and Charles Dance
What is it about? Vampire death dealer Selene must fend off brutal attacks from both the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her. With her only allies, David and his father Thomas, she must stop the eternal war between Lycans and Vampires, even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Heads Up: Just like vampires, this franchise refuses to die, and it needs a brave soul to drive a stick to its heart or burn it to smithereens in a scorching daylight. I advise you to avoid.
Complete Unknown
Directed by: Joshua Marston
With: Rachel Weisz, Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates, and Danny Glover
What is it about? When Alice shows up out of the blue at Tom’s birthday dinner in New York City, the guests are immediately charmed by her intriguing stories. But things become increasingly complicated as questions arise as to who she really is, how she leads her life, and what she really wants.
Heads Up: I am torn about this one. On the one hand the two leads are really terrific, but on the other hand reviews are mediocre. I think it is better to hold on and watch this one when it comes on DVD or a streaming service.
Bad Santa 2
Directed by: Mark Waters
With: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, and Tony Cox
What is it about? Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.
Heads Up: While Bad Santa was a huge commercial success and amassed an even bigger cult following throughout the year, this one seems destined to join the likes of Zoolander 2 and Independence Day Resurgence in the category of ill-fated long gestating sequels that no one has asked for. Reviews are dismal, so I’d say rewatch the original if you must.
Kahaani 2
Directed by: Sujoy Ghosh
With: Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal, and Jugal Hansraj
What is it about? A mysterious woman charged with kidnap and murder.
Heads Up: Although Vidya Balan and director Sujoy Ghosh are uniting for this installment, Kahaani 2 is not a sequel to the smash hit 2012’s Kahaani, which is a relief, cause that mean we will get a fresh and different story. I would personally watch Vidya Balan paint a wall or read the phonebook, so of course I’m sold.
