Another July weekend of high-profile releases. We have three big Hollywood films, all sequels, plus a period drama from the Civil War era in the United States, and a very intriguing Bollywood crime drama. All it all, it is a good week to escape from the heat of summer and watch a few films at your nearest multiplex. Let’s see what is in store for us.
Star Trek Beyond
Directed by: Justin Lin
With: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, and Idris Elba
What is it about? The U.S.S. Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.
Heads Up: 2009’s Star Trek franchise reboot at the hands of J.J. Abrams was very successful both financially and critically, but then its sequel, 2013’s Star Trek: Into Darkness, wasn’t as well received in both measures. 3 years later and with new director Justin Lin, who revitalized the Fast and Furious franchise, we are hoping that the theory that the odd entries in the Star Trek franchise are better than the even ones will prove true this time around as well, and the buzz around this film indicates the theory applies. If you’d ask me I would say go for it!
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Directed by: James Bobin
With: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen
What is it about? Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to help the Mad Hatter.
Heads Up: One of the biggest flops of the year both critically and commercially. I say don’t bother unless you are a die-hard fan of the original.
The Conjuring 2
Directed by: James Wan
With: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and David Thewlis
What is it about? Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.
Heads Up: The first Conjuring was an excellent horror film, one of the best entries in the genre in recent years. The reception of this sequel upon its release in the US suggest the sequel is on par with the original. I say go for it for sure.
Free State of Jones
Directed by: Gary Ross
With: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, and Keri Russell
What is it about? A disillusioned Confederate army deserter returns to Mississippi and leads a militia of fellow deserters, runaway slaves, and women in an uprising against the corrupt local Confederate government.
Heads Up: An Oscar-bait, this film unfortunately flopped commercially and critically in the US. I could not really recommend this film when there are much better alternatives in the same week. Wait till it’s released on TV if you must.
Madaari
Directed by: Nishikant Kamat
With: Irrfan Khan, Jimmy Shergill, Vishesh Bansal
What is it about? A man named Nirmal loses his family in a man-made disaster, he starts the journey of seeking answers asking for accountability which urges him to take revenge.
Heads Up: Irrfan Khan is one of the best actors working in world cinema today, not only in Bollywood. This film looks really intriguing in narrative and visually. This is now on my must watch list, and I think you should put it there too.
