Last weekend of 2016 is upon us, so happy new year folks. 2016 had its ups and downs, but hopefully it will end up on a higher note. Let’s check out what’s in store for us this weekend, including this year’s awards season front-runner, a video game adaptation, and a whooping 4 horror films.
La La Land
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
With: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and J.K. Simmons
What is it about? Sebastian and Mia are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.
Heads Up: This year’s Oscars frontrunner according to all predictions. Young Damien Chazelle directed the highly acclaimed Whiplash, and he is at it again only this time it’s a musical. I am in!!!
Assassin’s Creed
Directed by:Justin Kurzel
With: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons
What is it about? When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society
Heads Up: Many had hoped that Assassin’s Creed would be the one video game cinematic adaptation that would be actually good, but alas it seemed is not the case, and we are gonna be still waiting for that. For me personally the film is perceived as a spectacular failure that I have to watch it to believe it.
The Monster
Directed by: Bryan Bertino
With: Zoe Kazan, Aaron Douglas, and Scott Speedman
What is it about? A mother and daughter must confront a terrifying monster when they break down on a deserted road.
Heads Up: 8 years ago director Bryan Bertino directed a good horror film called The Strangers, and now he is back directing The Monster, another horror film that was even better received by critics. If you are looking for a horror fix, here is one of many films released this weekend that you can check out.
February
Directed by: Oz Perkins
With: Emma Roberts, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, James Remar, and Lauren Holly
What is it about? Two terrified girls must battle a mysterious evil force when they get left behind at their boarding school over winter break in this chilling and suspenseful horror film.
Heads Up: Another horror film with female leads and strong reviews. It looks like a cross between The Exorcist and Girl Interrupted, and I am intrigued.
I Am Not a Serial Killer
Directed by: Billy O’Brien
With: Max Records, Christopher Lloyd, and Laura Fraser
What is it about? In a small Midwestern town, a troubled teen with homicidal tendencies must hunt down and destroy a supernatural killer whilst keeping his own inner demons at bay.
Heads Up: Based on a book with the same name, this horror film received exceptionally strong reviews. So yeah, pick and choose cause if you are a horror fan, you are in luck this weekend.
Within
Directed by: Phil Claydon
With: Michael Vartan, Erin Moriarty, and Nadine Velazquez
What is it about? A thriller centered around a widower who moves into a seemingly perfect new home with his daughter and new wife.
Heads Up: The one horror film released this weekend that seems cheesy and generic. Avoid!
