Big holiday releases are still coming, with a Transformers prequel/spin-off and a King Khan film, so let’s check them out:
Bumblebee
Directed by: Travis Knight
With: Hailee Steinfeld, Dylan O’Brien, Justin Theroux, and John Cena
What is it about? On the run in the year of 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken.
Heads Up? Transformers will go down in history as one of the most cynical cash-grab franchises of all time, so when Bumblebee was announced as a prequel/spin-off, many were quick to write it off, but now the reviews are coming out and they are excellent, with the critics consensus that “Bumblebee proves it’s possible to bring fun and a sense of wonder back to a bloated blockbuster franchise“.
Zero
Directed by: Aanand L. Rai
With: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif, and Salman Khan
What is it about? A vertically challenged man, who is full of charm and wit, with a pinch of arrogance. Born to a wealthy family and raised in an environment of affluence and indulgence. When he meets two women, his experiences with these women take him on a journey to complete his ‘incompleteness’ and broaden his horizons to find a purpose he never knew he had.
Heads Up? Shah Rukh Khan is teaming up with two of his frequent leading ladies Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif, and working for the first time with director Aandand L. Rai (Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa, Tanu Weds Manu Returns). There’s a certain charm to trailer, but this could go south very easily to join the other two big Khans who produced the biggest flops of 2018. I would advise you wait for the initial reviews and word of mouth before buying your tickets.
Vox Lux
Directed by: Brady Corbet
With: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, and Raffey Cassidy
What is it about? In 1999, teenage Celeste survives a violent tragedy. After singing at a memorial service, Celeste transforms into a burgeoning pop star. By 2017, adult Celeste is mounting a comeback after a scandalous incident that derailed her career.
Heads Up? One of the most polarizing films of awards season but the general take away is that Natalie Portman gives a fierce award-worthy performance. I am very interested in seeing this one.
Anna and the Apocalypse
Directed by: John McPhail
With: Ella Hunt, Malcolm Cumming, and Sarah Swire
What is it about? A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven – at Christmas – forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.
Heads Up? This a holiday film, a musical, and above all a zombie horror comedy. There are great zombie horror comedies like Shaun of The Dead and Zombieland, which became instant classics and cult favorite, so I am hoping this will be a good entry to the genera, and the reviews indicate that it is worth watching.
