This weekend has more than usual new releases, but have no fear, we will go through the clutter and highlight the important ones. This weekend we have a sports drama, a thriller, a video-game adaptation, a romance and a Bollywood action-thriller.
Southpaw
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
With: Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, 50 Cent, and Rachel McAdams
Heads up: A melodrama about a boxer, who after losing his wife, must fight his way to regain the custody of his daughter. Critics were mixed on this film, but they were universal in their praise for Jake Gyllenhaal‘s powerful performance, despite the tired predictable story. Considering the other options this weekend, I think this might be the most interesting one.
No Escape
Directed by: John Erick Dowdle
With: Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, and Pierce Brosnan
Heads up: The story of an American family that is caught in the middle of a coup oversees, and must escape to safety or face immediate execution. The premise can make for a suspenseful and action packed film, so I think this is an option worth consideration.
Hitman: Agent 47
Directed by: Aleksander Bach
With: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, and Zachary Quinto
Heads up: Based on the famous video-game, this is a story of an assassin who teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the mysteries of her ancestry. The first film iteration of Hitman was failure, and it seems this is one is an even bigger one. Stay away!
We Are Your Friends
Directed by: Max Joseph
With: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, and Emily Ratajkowski
Heads up: The story of an aspiring DJ, who attempts to find the path in life that leads to fame and fortune, caught between a forbidden romance and the expectations of his friends. If you are a fan of Zac Efron films, then go watch it, otherwise skip it.
Phantom
Directed by: Kabir Khan
With: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Rajesh Tailang
Heads up: This is the fictionalized story of a global hunt for the people responsible for the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai. It is a wish fulfillment with the tagline “A Story You Wish Were True”. Maybe it’s a cheap exploit of a tragedy, but its for sure big and loud. I would advise waiting awhile till the initial reviews come out.
