This weekend we return to the comic book realm with the release of the latest X-Men film. As a counter programming, we have a British espionage thriller, a Jane Austin adaptation, and a Bollywood drama, so let’s roll them out.
X-Men: Apocalypse
Directed by: Bryan Singer
With: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Oscar Issac
What is it about? With the emergence of the world’s first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.
Heads Up: The two predecessors for this film 2011’s X-Men: First Class, and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past were met with rave reviews and commercial success, but at least critically this film is not being met with the same enthusiasm. I choose to believe in director Bryan Singer‘s vision for the X-Men even if this is the lesser film of the series.
Our Kind of Traitor
Directed by: Susanna White
With: Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Stellan Skarsgård, and Naomie Harris
What is it about? A couple find themselves lured into a Russian oligarch’s plans to defect are soon positioned between the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service, neither of whom they can trust.
Heads Up: Adapted from a novel by the master of espionage John le Carré (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, A Most Wanted Man, and TV’s The Night Manager), this film has strong reviews, intriguing premise, and a good cast. Although this weekend there is a big elephant in the room (X-Men: Apocalypse), I think this film worth a look.
Love & Friendship
Directed by: Whit Stillman
With: Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, and Xavier Samuel
What is it about? Lady Susan Vernon takes up temporary residence at her in-laws’ estate and, while there, is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica — and herself too, naturally.
Heads Up: For the ones of you who have no interested in comic book films, here is a period romance adapted from the novella Lady Susan by Jane Austin. Reviews are positive across the board, so this is an easy recommendation. Note that this film is playing only in a couple of screens, so check your local listing.
Sarbjit
Directed by: Omung Kumar
With: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randeep Hooda, and Darshan Kumaar
What is it about? Based on a true events, the story of Sarabjit Singh; a farmer from Bhikiwind, Punjab, near the Indo-Pak border, who crossed the border after having a couple of drinks, and was mistaken for an Indian spy and sentenced to death. Sarbjit‘s sister Dalbir lead the fight with the Pakistani government for decades to prove his innocence and secure his release.
Heads Up: Films based on such “true events” tend to be sensationalized and get the other side riled up. That said, the trailer promise a well made film with good production values. If this is your kind of films, get yourself ready for a tough and emotional watch.
