This weekend an eclectic group of releases hits our screens, but none is very exciting really. We have two “big” Hollywood releases that are by all measures train-wrecks. We also have an Oscar nominated period film, an art-house thriller, and a Bollywood sequel. So without further ado, let’s check them out.
Gods of Egypt
Directed by: Alex Proyas
With: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Gerard Butler
Heads up: Mortal hero Bek teams with the god Horus in an alliance against Set, the merciless god of darkness who has usurped Egypt’s throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. This looks abysmal! A train-wreck and not even in a fun way. It’s is just a bunch of white actors playing Egyptian gods in a nightmare of CGI calamity, Avoid!
Zoolander 2
Directed by: Ben Stiller
With: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz, Will Ferrell, and Kristen Wiig
Heads up: In this sequel for the 2001 cult classic comedy, Derek and Hansel are lured into modeling again, in Rome, where they find themselves the target of a sinister conspiracy. Many like me had big hopes for this film since its brilliant promos hit the web last year. Alas the film itself was received very poorly by both critics and audience upon its release in the US two weeks ago. I’d say avoid this one too.
Trumbo
Directed by: Jay Roach
With: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, and Helen Mirren
Heads up: In 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood’s top screenwriter, until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. The film recounts how he used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice under the blacklist. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, this is a chance for you to know more about a very important era in the history of Hollywood, and it doesn’t hurt that the film has a stellar cast. I say go for it.
Colonia
Directed by: Florian Gallenberger
With: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, and Michael Nyqvist
Heads up: The story of a young woman’s desperate search for her abducted boyfriend that draws her into the infamous Colonia Dignidad, a sect nobody ever escaped from. Despite the presence of three fine actors in the main roles, this film is garnering really bad reviews, citing it as generic and uninspired. Catch it later on TV.
Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive
Directed by: Ram Madhvani
With: Manish Paul, Pradhuman Singh, and Sikander Kher
Heads up: The story of a Bollywood director is hired by an American talent agent to make a film on Osama bin Laden. The plan to use an Osama doppelganger in order to prove his death boomerangs when a Taliban arms dealer hijacks their idea to prove he’s alive. This is a sequel to a 2010 film. It is safe to say the original is forgotten by now, but if you were a fan back then, then this one is for you.
