This weekend we are back in sequel-land with two biggies, accompanied by two noteworthy Indian releases. So let’s see what’s waiting for us at the multiplexes this time around.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Directed by: Joachim Rønning
With: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Harris Dickinson, and Michelle Pfeiffer
What is it about: Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play.
Heads Up: When it comes to Disney’s remakes of its classic animations, Maleficent to me is one of their best, because this retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale gave us the story from the prospective of the “bad guy” and fleshed out Maleficent as a complex and sympathetic antihero. This time around she goes to war with another strong queen played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Step aside Aurora and Phillip, no one cares about your love story when these two queens are duking it out.
Zombieland 2: Double Tap
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
With: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, and Emma Stone
What is it about: Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family.
Heads Up: 10 years after the surprise success of Zombieland, we are finally getting a sequel. Just looking at the ever expanding cast of this film makes me grin. I don’t know if this will be better than the original, but I know I will be there opening weekend to find out.
Laal Kaptaan
Directed by: Navdeep Singh
With: Saif Ali Khan, Simone Singh, Zoya Hussain, Henry Douthwaite, and Sonakshi Sinha
What is it about: Revenge is a dish best served cold. Will Laal Kaptaan’s thirst for blood ever be quenched?
Heads Up: Saif Ali Khan transforms himself into a mythical version of a Naga Sadhu (warrior disciples of Shiva) in this revenge thriller from the director of Manorama Six Feet Under and NH10 Navdeep Singh who is a proven talent, even though he only made just two movies in 12 years. The trailer and talent qualifies this as one to watch.
Jallikattu
Directed by: Lijo Jose Pellisseri
With: Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Sabumon Abdusamad
What is it about: A portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.
Heads Up: From Lijo Jose Pellisseri, Director of Amen, Ee. Ma. Yau., and Angamally Diaries, Jallikattu premiered at TIFF2019 and received widespread critical acclaim. So if you’re apprehensive about Malayalam cinema because of the commercial masala films from Telugu & Tamil cinema, then this should be a good entry point for you to know the distinction.
Killers Anonymous
Directed by: Martin Owen
With: Tommy Flanagan, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Jessica Alba, and Gary Oldman
What is it about: A support group of killers is held regularly. The participants sit in a circle of trust and share their transgressions.
Heads Up: This action crime film was panned completely by critics. I usually enjoy this kind of quirky high concept crime films, but I’d listen to the experts when it comes to this one.
