Around this time of year usually marks the release of films that are in the run for awards. This weekend sees the release of two of these. Other than that, the new releases are in the smaller size, as Star Wars-Mania is still taking the world by storm. So let’s checkout what’s in store for us this weekend at the movies:
Joy
Directed by: David O. Russel
With: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper
Heads up: Joy is the wild true story of Joy Mangano and her Italian-American family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty by inventing the Miracle Mop and becomes a matriarch in her own right. This film received mixed reviews from critics, but they are almost unified in their praise of Jennifer Lawrence‘s performance, which is already garnered a few best actress nominations. Our critic Lloyd Bayer also has nothing but praise for Ms. Lawrence. He wrote in his 3-star review “As an inspirational true story, Joy works almost entirely because of the absolute and commanding delivery from Jennifer Lawrence“. That said, David O. Russel‘s films are not for everyone, so I am giving this one a cautious recommendation.
The Big short
Directed by: Adam McKay
With: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt
Heads up: Four outsiders in the world of high-finance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight and greed. I am of two minds when it comes to this movie, in one hand, it is well reviewed, the cast is stellar, and it is supposed to be a hilarious comedy about the market crash of 2008, but on the other hand, due to its rating (R for pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity) the film might be shred to be pieces by the censor like what happened with The Wolf of Wall Street. I would advise to wait to hear the word of mouth about the level of censorship of the film before buying your ticket.
Bone Tomahawk
Directed by: S. Craig Zahler
With: Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins
Heads up: Four men set out in the Wild West to rescue a group of captives from cannibalistic cave dwellers. This film has been popping up in best of 2015 lists as a great genre film. It’s a Horror Western and is supposedly very brutal, so if you are a horror fan and not faint of heart, then you should see it.
Extraction
Directed by: Steven C. Miller
With: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, and Gina Carano
Heads up: A former CIA operative is kidnapped by a group of terrorists. When his son learns there is no plan for his father to be saved, he launches his own rescue operation. Very poorly reviewed film that looks like a direct to video thriller, so don’t waste your time of money.
