As the World Cup* is heating up, it’s keeping people busy, and occupying so many cinemas screens*. That’s why among this weekend’s handful of releases, only one is a big star-studded film, and geared toward women. Keep reading to know what to see and what to avoid.
*Most of the cinemas in UAE are showing the World Cup matches live.
Ocean’s 8
Directed by: Gary Ross
With: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway
What is it about? Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s annual Met Gala.
Heads Up: The spin-off/remake of the Ocean’s franchise boasts an equally impressive all-star female cast. Reviews describe it as fun, and audience in the US responded rather well to it. I would say check it out for sure.
Beirut
Directed by: Brad Anderson
With: Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike. Mark Pellegrino, and Dean Norris
What is it about? Caught in the crossfires of civil war, CIA operatives must send a former U.S. diplomat to negotiate for the life of a friend he left behind.
Heads Up: This thriller is written by Tony Gilroy (who wrote the screenplays for all Bourne films, and wrote and directed Michael Clayton, and Duplicity) and directed by Brad Anderson (The Machinist, Session 9). The reviews are very good, praising it as “a complex, tightly plotted tale of international intrigue, further elevated by strong central performances“. I’d say give it a chance.
Marry Shelley
Directed by: Haifaa Al-Mansour
With: Elle Fanning, Maisie Williams, Tom Sturridge, and Douglas Booth
What is it about? The love affair between poet Percy Shelley and 18-year old Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, which resulted in Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein.
Heads Up: This period drama is from Saudi director Haifaa Al-Mansour (Wadjda) and it is her first Hollywood film. Screened during 2017’s Dubai International Film Festival, the film wasn’t well reviewed, blaming a weak script for smoothing out a fascinating life and undermining a fine lead performance. I would say don’t bother.
Until Midnight
Directed by: Tariq Alkazim
With: Ahmed Khamis Ali, Chuka Ekweogwu, and Hiba Hamoui
What is it about? When Salem, a newlywed man returns home, he finds an unexpected visitor with sinister intentions.
Heads Up: Emarati director Tariq Alkazim‘s second feature is a horror film, and while I’m all for encouraging the local talent, this one, judging from the trailer, is not particularly well written or acted, neither the concept seems that interesting. Avoid!
