A very busy week at the cinemas with so many releases to sort through! So without further ado, let’s see what’s in store for us.
Vice
Directed by: Adam McKay
With: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, and Sam Rockwell
What is it about? The story of Dick Cheney, an unassuming bureaucratic Washington insider, who quietly wielded immense power as Vice President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel today.
Heads Up? Adam McKay‘s follow-up to The Big Short is one of the most polarizing films of award season, but that did not stop it from being nominated for a whooping 8 Oscars, besides winning a bunch of other awards, especially for Christian Bale who as usual disappeared in the role he is playing. This film should be an entertaining to watch, so I am sure gonna watch it.
Mary Queen of Scots
Directed by: Josie Rourke
With: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, and David Tennant
What is it about? Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, finds her condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution.
Heads Up? A historic drama based on a bestselling book with two excellent actresses in the leading roles. Reviews are softer than expected and the consensus about it is that it is more of a noble failure. I am a big fan or these two fine ladies, so I will catch up with it when released for home viewing, since it doesn’t seem to be a must-see in cinema.
Serenity
Directed by: Steven Knight
With: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Diane Lane, and Jason Clarke
What is it about? The mysterious past of a fishing boat captain comes back to haunt him, when his ex-wife tracks him down with a desperate plea for help, ensnaring his life in a new reality that may not be all that it seems.
Heads Up? Steven Knight‘s second film in two weeks (although this time as a director, not only a writer). These crime-thrillers can be rewarding if done right, but many are botched in execution. There is also the matter of its R-rating which suggests this will be censored for sexual content. I would advise you wait to see what the word of mouth is before eventually watching at home.
On the Basis of Sex
Directed by: Mimi Leder
With: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, and Kathy Bates
What is it about? The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and what she had to overcome in order to become a female U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Heads Up? The biography of the US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg garnered two films this year. This one and the documentary RBG, with the latter faring much better critically (including being nominated for an Oscar) and even doing very well (for a documentary) at the box-office. There are too many more interesting releases coming out this weekend to really recommend this one, but I would definitely consider watching it.
The Kid Who Would Be King
Directed by: Joe Cornish
With: Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Tom Taylor, Patrick Stewart, and Rebecca Ferguson
What is it about? Old-school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon joins forces with a band of knights and the legendary wizard Merlin when the wicked enchantress Morgana threatens the future of mankind.
Heads Up? Joe Cornish‘s follow-up to the excellent Attack the Block is another film about a ragtag group of kids fighting off a foe that’s out of their league. Reviews are excellent, so yes you should see this one.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Directed by: Tatsuya Nagamine
With: Sean Schemmel, Christopher Sabat, and Chris Ayres
What is it about? Goku and Vegeta encounter Broly, a Saiyan warrior unlike any fighter they’ve faced before.
Heads Up? The beloved martial arts anime series has been going strong since the 1980s, between manga, TV, films, video games, and even theme park attractions. This one is for the fans, and its reviews are solid. It will be available in English and the original Japanese, so be aware of that while choosing your ticket.
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Directed by: Krish Jagarlamudi, Kangana Ranaut
With: Kangana Ranaut, Danny Denzongpa, and Suresh Oberoi
What is it about? Story of Rani Lakshmibai, one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and her resistance to the British Raj.
Heads Up? This historic drama co-directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut who has a knack for playing women who have to discover their strengths through the course of the movie (Queen, Revolver Rani, Tanu Weds Manu x 2). Though based on a historical character and event, this movie was written by the writer of the Baahubali movies (and he is co-director as well), so expect the melodrama to be on-point. Though Kangana is always immensely watchable, take the wait-and-watch way with this movie too.
