This is a quieter weekend when it comes to new releases, and except for the return of Xanader Cage to the screen after 15 years, nothing else really screams for your attention. So let’s just take a look at the highlight of this weekend’s newcomers:
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage
Directed by: D.J. Caruso
With: Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone, Tony Jaa, and Samuel L. Jackson
What is it about? Xander Cage is left for dead after an incident, though he secretly returns to action for a new, tough assignment with his handler Augustus Gibbons.
Heads Up: The third installment of the xXx series marks the return of Vin Diesel to one of the franchises that helped solidify his position as one of the most viable action heroes of our generation. Just like the Fast and Furious series, this film has a diverse and international star-studded cast. It will be dumb and loud, so think of it as a summer film only it’s released in the middle of winter. I for one would like to see it on big screen.
The Family Fang
Directed by: Jason Bateman
With: Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Kathryn Hahn, and Christopher Walken
What is it about? A brother and sister return to their family home in search of their world famous parents who have disappeared.
Heads Up: The Family Fang is Jason Bateman‘s second directorial feature. It received strong reviews upon its release in the US praising its strong performances and its outlook on dysfunctional family dynamic. That said, the film is already out on home viewing, so you don’t really have to watch it in cinema.
The Bye Bye Man
Directed by: Stacy Title
With: Douglas Smith, Doug Jones, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Faye Dunaway
What is it about? Three friends stumble upon the horrific origins of the Bye Bye Man, a mysterious figure they discover is the root cause of the evil behind man’s most unspeakable acts. They discover that there is only one way to avoid his curse: don’t think it, don’t say it. But once the Bye Bye Man gets inside your head, he takes control.
Heads Up: This low budget horror is trying to make a new iconic horror boogeyman but reviews suggest otherwise. The trailer makes it look like a bad remake of Candyman. That said, watch it if you are into slasher horror films, then forget about it.
Ballerina
Directed by: Eric Summer, Éric Warin
With: Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Maddie Ziegler
What is it about? An orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for Paris, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera house.
Heads Up: This family animation is a French -Canadian production. The animation looks good considering its limited budget, and its reviews are very good. That said, it’s a family film targeted at young audience, and doesn’t seem like an essential viewing for mature audience.
