As the Oscars are approaching, this weekend we have two Oscar nominated films among the weekend’s new releases. So let’s check them out.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Directed by: Martin McDonagh
With: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell
What is it about? A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit.
Heads Up: One of 2017’s highly acclaimed films, which even had a gala screening at DIFF2017. It’s a winner of 3 Golden Globes, 5 BAFTA Awards, and is up for 7 Oscars next month including Best Picture. Best Actress, and two nods for Best Supporting Actors. Martin McDonagh’s previous two films were also highly acclaimed (In Bruges, 7 Psychopaths), so it goes without saying that you should see this one.
Game Night
Directed by: John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein
With: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Jesse Plemons, and Kyle Chandler
What is it about? A group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves trying to solve a murder mystery.
Heads Up: The director duo’s previous output was the poorly received remake of Vacation. However, this one is getting very strong reviews, and the trailer promises a hilarious fun and carnage film. I’d say make time for it.
Mom and Dad
Directed by: Brian Taylor
With: Nicolas Cage, Selma Blair, and Anne Winters
What is it about? A teenage girl and her little brother must survive a wild 24 hours during which a mass hysteria of unknown origins causes parents to turn violently on their own kids.
Heads Up: This horror comedy is a hoot! It has a great crazy over-the-top Nicolas Cage performance and Selma Blair more than holds herself against that. It is a fun film to watch in cinema, and I can personally vouch for it.
Every Day
Directed by: Michael Sucsy
With: Angourie Rice, Justice Smith, and Debby Ryan
What is it about? A shy teenager falls for someone who transforms into another person every day.
Heads Up: This teen romance based on a bestselling novel has a high concept that would make it appealing for its target audience. I think teenagers might enjoy it more than adults, so I would sit this one out until there is a clear verdict about it.
The Insult
Directed by: Ziad Doueiri
With: Adel Karam, Kamel El Basha, and Camille Salameh
What is it about? After an emotional exchange between a Lebanese Christian and a Palestinian refugee escalates, the men end up in a court case that gets national attention.
Heads Up: With this film Lebanon finally got a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nomination. The courtroom drama from the highly acclaimed Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri (West Beirut, The Attack) offers a peek into Middle East conflicts and divisions. I am rooting for it come Oscar night, but I am also hoping it attracts audience as well.
Welcome to New York
Directed by: Chakri Toleti
With: Sonakshi Sinha, Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Johar, and Lara Dutta
What is it about? Two people who win an all-expense paid trip to New York, land themselves in complete chaos.
Heads Up: A fish out of water slapstick comedy is a recurring theme in Bollywood. This one has Bollywood laughing at itself, which might turn out to be amusing.
