This weekend of September is surprisingly packed with many big releases from Hollywood and Bollywood. Let’s take a look at what’s in store for us this weekend.
Ad Astra
Directed by: James Gray
With: Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler, Ruth Negga, Tommy Lee Jones, and Donald Sutherland
What is it about: Astronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe.
Heads Up: This space sci-fi drama from directory James Gray (Two Lovers, The Yard, The Lost City of Z) has been hailed by critics as “a visually thrilling journey through the vast reaches of space while charting an ambitious course for the heart of the bond between parent and child“. This should be your first and most important stop at the multiplex this weekend.
Rambo: Last Blood
Directed by: Adrian Grunberg
With: Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Yvette Monreal, and Sergio Peris-Mencheta
What is it about: Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.
Heads Up: The Fifth (and presumably final) installment in the Rambo series. Despite being one of the defining action franchises of the 80s, no one was clamoring for another, but we got one anyway. The trailer promises an 80s action film in its aesthetics, and 11 years ago Rambo 4 was an effective hyper-violent film. So if you’re nostalgic for Rambo or an action movie fan then go for it, otherwise don’t bother.
Downton Abbey
Directed by: Michael Engler
With: Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, and Maggie Smith
What is it about: As the beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.
Heads Up: For the fans of the series (count me one of them) this is a must see, but if you are not one of those, I think you will surely miss a lot of the intrigue and backstrory that made this series one of the most popular dramas of the last decade, so you might wanna sit this one out.
The Zoya Factor
Directed by: Abhishek Sharma
With: Sonam Kapoor, Dulquer Salmaan, and Sanjay Kapoor
What is it about: Based on the book by Anuja Chauhan of the same title, the story of Zoya, a young and successful advertising executive who becomes the good luck charm for India’s cricket team during the World Cup.
Heads Up: This looks like a bubble gum romantic comedy that is suitable for a date night. If you are in the mood for a Bollywood rom-com, and especially if you love the book or the leads, then this is for you.
Prassthanam
Directed by: Deva Katta
With: Sanjay Dutt, Manisha Koirala, Ali Fazal, and Jackie Shroff
What is it about: A rural politician marries a widow with kids and gains a respectable position and trusts his stepson more than his own in political matters; thus upsetting his son beyond limits.
Heads Up: Director Deva Katta is Hindi language remaking his 2010’s award winning Tamil language film. Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Manisha Koirala would hold sway in the 90s, but can still attract yesteryear fans. If they or rural political drama intrigues you, then should be on your radar.
