A week of few but note-worthy releases. I’m on board with 75% of them. Read on for a preview of this week’s new movies.
The Goldfinch
Directed by: John Crowley
With: Nicole Kidman, Finn Wolfhard, Ansel Elgort, Luke Wilson, Jeffrey Wright, and Sarah Paulson
What is it about: Theodore Decker was 13 years old when his mother was killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The tragedy changes the course of his life, sending him on a stirring odyssey of grief and guilt, reinvention and redemption, and even love. Through it all, he holds on to one tangible piece of hope from that terrible day — a painting of a tiny bird chained to its perch.
Heads Up: Though John Crowley comes from a good track record as a director (his last, Brooklyn, was especially good), his latest is being panned across the board with hardly any points of praise. Nicole Kidman and Sarah Paulson may yet be worth their screen time here, but I’d rather give this a pass.
Strange But True
Directed by: Rowan Athale
With: Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Amy Ryan, Brian Cox, and Greg Kinnear
What is it about: It’s been five years since high schooler Ronnie Chase died in a tragic accident. But the shock of his death is reignited when his ex-girlfriend, Melissa, visits Ronnie’s mother and brother and tells them she believes she’s pregnant with Ronnie’s child. Ronnie’s family tries to dismiss Melissa’s incredible claim – and is plunged into a web of lies, fears, and unrelenting suspense.
Heads Up: The premise is as intriguing as the second-tier cast but this B-thriller may just be worth a weekday evening out. Early word has critics disliking it, but genre audience liking it. Pick your side!
Official Secrets
Directed by: Gavin Hood
With: Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode, and Keira Knightley
What is it about: The true story of British Intelligence whistleblower Katharine Gun (Keira Knightly), who leaked a top- secret NSA memo exposing a joint US – UK illegal spying operation against members of the UN Security Council. The memo proposed blackmailing member states into voting for war.
Heads Up: How strange that Keira Knightley is slowly building a resume of good performances. Her movies though don’t usually get the same praise. This seems to be different though. The supporting cast and a re-emerging Gavin Hood round out a good reason to make this the movie to watch this week.
Dream Girl
Directed by: Raaj Shaandilyaa
With: Ayushmann Khurrana, Nushrat Bharucha, Anu Kapoor, Vijay Raaz, and Manjot Singh
What is it about: Set in an intensely crazy, unusual, bizarre space in North India, our protagonist Karm, stumbles upon a job like never before. He joins a love line office and everyone thinks he will not fit in until they hear his beautiful voice and becomes the most popular female friendship caller, Pooja. So, what happens when –a Haryanvi cop, a young spoiled Delhi brat, Karm’s Girlfriend’s brother all fall in love with Pooja !!!
Heads Up: Ayushmann Khurrana has an eye for ideas and scripts that tend to be new and well-executed, reason enough to watch this. Plus, the hilarity of the trailer should sell this movie well enough.
