The release of one of the most anticipated films of the fall (Justice League) has no big challengers on the screens this weekend, but if you are looking for counter-programming, then there are a few films that may satisfy your need, so keep reading.
Justice League
Directed by: Zack Snyder
With: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, and Ray Fisher
What is it about? Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.
Heads Up: The Fifth entry in the DC Extended Universe is bound to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors when it comes to massive commercial success, that said, only Wonder Woman has been critically embraced in this franchise, as Man Steel, Batman V Superman, and Suicide Squad were largely panned by critics. Our own Lloyd Bayer was mixed to negative on this one. In his 2/5 stars review he wrote: “In the end, and despite being salvageable, Justice League is content with breeding familiarity. This includes a villain that is both weak and boring, and with an agenda that we have seen one too many times“.
Wonder
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
With: Julia Roberts, Jacob Tremblay, and Owen Wilson
What is it about? the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
Heads Up: Based on a bestseller book, this family film is aimed to inspire and uplift, and it will work as a counter-programming to Justice League. It helps when the film is starring Julia Roberts whom we don’t see much lately on big screen, and the wonderful young Jacob Tremblay (Room) playing the lead. It’s also worth noting that the reviews are very solid.
Earth: One Amazing Day
Directed by: Richard Dale, Lixin Fan, Peter Webber
With: Robert Redford, and Jackie Chan
What is it about? Earth: One Amazing Day, an astonishing journey revealing the awesome power of the natural world. Over the course of one single day, we track the sun from the highest mountains to the remotest islands to exotic jungles.
Heads Up: Another family oriented film, the sequel to BBC’s Earth is universally praised for its breathtaking visuals. This is a film that parents and kids would enjoy thoroughly especially if you are into nature documentary.
Maze
Directed by: Stephen Burke
With: Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Barry Ward, and Martin McCann
What is it about? Inspired by the true events of the infamous 1983 prison breakout of 38 IRA prisoners from HMP, which was to become the biggest prison escape in Europe since World War II.
Heads Up: Showing only in Vox Cinema MoE as a part of their DIFF365 programming, this Irish film based on true events has garnered positive reviews from the Irish critics, and while a crime thriller might not find audience in the week Justice League is released, hopefully it will considered after the hype of comic book fans quiet down and before it’s pulled off the screen.
Tumhari Sulu
Directed by: Suresh Triveni
With: Vidya Balan, Neha Dhupia, and Manav Kaul
What is it about? A beautiful, enthusiastic and happy-go-lucky Mumbai housewife’s routine life changes when she unexpectedly lands herself with the exciting job of a night RJ on a leading radio station.
Heads Up: Vidya Balan is a national treasure and one of the best actresses of her generation (if not the best). She has proved time and time again that she is one of a few Bollywood starlet that can carry a film without the need of a male co-star. Her wholesome appeal combined with a feel-good theme for a movie makes this an easy pick. Can’t decide to watch the movie or not, simply ask yourself: why not?
