In a jam-packed weekend, there will be two sequels, one was done right and one wasn’t, India’s most expensive production to date, an Oscar hopefuls, and more. So keep reading.
Creed II
Directed by: Steven Caple Jr.
With: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, and Dolph Lundgren
What is it about? Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, light heavyweight contender Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago.
Heads Up? The follow up to the smash hit Creed is yet another Hollywood success story. Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed has proven a worthy successor to the Rocky mantel. If you enjoyed the first film, the this would be a film you should see as well.
The Girl in the Spider’s Web
Directed by: Fede Alvarez
With: Claire Foy, Sylvia Hoeks, Lakeith Stanfield, and Stephen Merchant
What is it about? Young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials.
Heads Up? The second film in the Millenium trilogy, after the highly acclaimed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, doesn’t have neither the original director David Fincher, nor the original Lisbeth played then by Rooney Mara. And although I was initially excited to see Claire Foy’s Lisbeth, the film very much tanked with both audience and critics. It’s a further proof that not all successful films need sequels.
Beautiful Boy
Directed by: Felix van Groeningen
With: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney, and Amy Ryan
What is it about? Based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse, and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.
Heads Up? This drama, which is based on a true story, is in the conversation for award season especially for the heart-wrenching turns of both Carell and Chalamet. The film is also boasting excellent reviews, so I think this one should be on your to-do-list for the weekend.
2.0
Directed by: S. Shankar
With: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Amy Jackson
What is it about? After facing a threat that is beyond the current understanding of science, the Government seeks the help of scientists. Dr. Vaseegaran suggests to assemble Chitti to fight against it.
Heads Up? With a reported budget of US $75m, this Tamil Sci-Fi thriller is by far the most expensive Indian film of all time. Beside its original Tamil version, the film is also being released in Hindi and Telugu. The first reactions from social media are positive, especially praising Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the villainous role. I personally thought the trailer promises a hooky film, but I could be proven wrong.
Welcome Home
Directed by: George Ratliff
With: Emily Ratajkowski, Aaron Paul, and Riccardo Scamarcio
What is it about? A couple spend a weekend at a vacation rental home in the Italian countryside in an attempt to repair their relationship, but soon become victims of the homeowner’s sinister plans.
Heads Up? Despite its two charming leads, this direct to video (literally, as the film is available on VOD) is panned by critics for “squanders its potential with ham-fisted execution“. Avoid.
Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer
Directed by: Yuzuru Tachikawa
With: Tôru Furuya, Megumi Hayashibara, and Rikiya Koyama
What is it about? Detective Conan investigates an explosion that occurs on the opening day of a large Tokyo resort and convention center.
Heads Up? Attention millennials, your favorite detective has a new case, and it’s coming to cinema near you in three different versions: the original Japanese, plus an English and an Arabic dub. Based on the famous anime, this film is already a smash hit in Japan and overseas, and I have a feeling that it will be a hit here as well.
