There is not a major release coming out this weekend, which feels more reminiscence of Ramadan schedule from yesteryears. That doesn’t mean there are not plenty of films coming out, so let’s walk through them and see whether any of them is worthy of your time.
UglyDolls
Directed by: Kelly Asbury
With: Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, and Pitbull
What is it about: An animated adventure in which the free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with a desire to be loved, and ultimately discover who you truly are is what matters most.
Heads Up: This star-studded animation is a failure commercially and critically States-side. The critics think it outright rips off better films such as A Toy Story, and see it as a cynical corporate attempt to sell toys and merchandises to kids. However, I don’t think this matters with its target audience who will only see cute colorful things sing and dance for 90 min. So unless you are training your kids to have a better taste in films from a young age, this one should be OK (considering there is not really much for them to watch right now).
A Dog’s journey
Directed by: Gail Mancuso
With: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, and Marg Helgenberger
What is it about: A dog finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he meets.
Heads Up: This is the sequel to 2017’s hit A Dog’s Purpose which made over US $200m worldwide against US $20m budget. Unlike the first film, this one is enjoying warmer critical reception. This is yet another family release that you can take your kids to see, but unlike UglyDolls, this is a film adults might enjoy watching.
The Beach Bum
Directed by: Harmony Korine
With: Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Isla Fisher, Jimmy Buffett, Zac Efron, and Martin Lawrence
What is it about: A rebellious stoner named Moondog lives life by his own rules.
Heads Up: From director Harmony Korine (Mister Lonely, Trash Humpers, Spring Breakers), who it seems has made this film for Matthew McConaughey just to play himself. Reviews were mixed and the film was a big flop when it came out in the US last March. This is a film that’s gonna be heavily censored in our screens, so if you are interested at all, just wait for it to come out on DVD or streaming.
De De Pyar De
Directed by: Akiv Ali
With: Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, and Tabu
What is it about? A 50-year-old single father faces disapproval from his family and his ex-wife when he falls in love with a 26-year-old woman.
Heads Up? I am really amused that a popular romantic comedy from Bollywood is acknowledging the age disparity between its male and female protagonists as a plot motivation. Judging by the trailer, this looks like a by-the-numbers love triangle rom-com, but it has a secret weapon which is Tabu, an actress who is getting better and better with age and always classes up any film she is in. I’d say why not.
Lizzie
Directed by: Craig William Macneill
With: Chloë Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, Jamey Sheridan, Fiona Shaw, and Kim Dickens
What is it about? In 1892 Lizzie Borden lives a quiet life in Massachusetts under the strict rules established by her father. Lizzie finds a kindred spirit in the live-in maid, Bridget, But tension mounts in the Borden household, leading to a violent breaking point.
Heads Up? A crime drama based on true events lead by two strong lead performances. Reviews are mostly positive, but I think it will be heavily censored, thus it’s better to be watched at home since it’s already out on DVD, that is if you are intrigued.
The Convent
Directed by: Paul Hyett
With: Hannah Arterton, Clare Higgins, Rosie Day, and Michael Ironside
What is it about? During the 17th Century a young woman is saved from execution and led to a priory to repent her sins but discovers a greater evil lies within.
Heads Up? A period horror film about a nun who is also a witch? Judging by the trailer, I expect many jumps scares and not that memorable of film. I’d say pass.
