A very busy weekend at the cinemas. Between rom-coms and actions, there are plenty of new releases vying for your attention, so let’s check them out.
The Predator
Directed by: Shane Black
With: Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, and Olivia Munn
What is it about? When a young boy accidentally triggers the universe’s most lethal hunters’ return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.
Heads Up: I’m looking forward to this, despite the middling reviews. The sequel to the classic sci-fi action is directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys) which means there will be a good mix of humor and action.
Destination Wedding
Directed by: Victor Levin
With: Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, and Dj Dallenbach
What is it about? The story of two miserable and unpleasant wedding guests, Lindsay and Frank, who develop a mutual affection despite themselves.
Heads Up? Winona Ryder is re-teaming with her Bram Stoker’s Dracula costar Keanu Reeves after more than 25 years. The reviews are tepid so far, so it will come down to whether you find the stars likeable.
Juliet, Naked
Directed by: Jesse Peretz
With: Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, and Chris O’Dowd
What is it about? a long suffering girlfriend starts an unlikely transatlantic romance with once revered, now faded, singer-songwriter, who also happens to be the subject of her boyfriend’s musical obsession.
Heads Up? Based on a novel by Nick Hornby (About a Boy, High Fidelity, Fever Pitch), and starring a fantastic cast. This romantic comedy is being very well received critically, and the trailer is very funny. That’s why I am very much looking forward to seeing this one.
A Simple Favor
Directed by: Paul Feig
With: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding
What is it about? a blogger seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend sudden disappearance from their small town.
Heads Up? Paul Feig (The Heat, Bridesmaids, Spy) is a well known comedy director, but this film is a mystery thriller, which is very different from any of his previous films. Based on the premise, stars, and trailer, I am intrigued by the Gone Girl vibes, and encouraged by the strong reviews it is receiving.
Final Score
Directed by: Scott Mann
With: Dave Bautista, Pierce Brosnan, and Martyn Ford
What is it about? After deadly terrorists abduct his niece at a soccer match, an ex-soldier with lethal fighting skills wages a one-man war to save her and prevent mass destruction.
Heads Up? A straight-up action film starring Dave Bautista that is described as “Die Hard in a football stadium“. If this premise appeals to you, then by all means.
Manmarziyaan
Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
With: Abhishek Bachchan, Tapsee Pannu, and Vicky Kaushal
What is it about? A free-spirited Punjabi young woman who lives with her extended family, doing her best to be a good daughter, but youthful desires have led her to an affair with am impulsive natured guy with commitment issues. Would she choose love, or would she go for the husband material guy her family is pushing her to marry?
Heads Up? Anurag Kashyap is not only Bollywood’s most prolific director, the quality of his films seems largely unaffected by the sheer output. After last year’s Mukkabaaz, this is another love story by Kashyap, this time based on the classic love-triangle. Though the trailer suggests it to be more like a product of producer Anand L Rai (Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa, Tanu Weds Manu Returns), Kashyap fans will know what to expect from the maverick auteur. The only wild card seems Abhishek Bachchan, restarting his career with Manmarziyaan. Make this a must-watch.
