Not only it’s officially the kickoff of the movies’ summer season, this weekend witnesses the kickoff of Phase 3 of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) as well, and that is a heck of a start. Now if you are not into comic book films, have no fear, cause there are plenty of counter-programming offerings, so let’s check them out:
Captain America: Civil War
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
With: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Renner, and Don Cheadle
What is it about? After another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps, one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.
Heads up: Critics across the board are impressed by Civil War; our own Faizan Rashid gave it a 4.5/5 Stars, and in his review he wrote: “In everything but its title, the new Captain America sequel is an Avengers film in disguise. The Russo brothers weave a grand, fun, witty superhero action spectacle using the assortment of characters introduced over numerous years (and films), channeling their collective energy to deliver an experience that’s even more satisfying that the actual Avengers sequel from last year“.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Directed by: Matt Brown
With: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Toby Jones, and Stephen Fry
What is it about? Growing up poor in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar earns admittance to Cambridge University during WWI, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy.
Heads up: This is a film that is based on a true story about the short life of this famed Indian mathematician. This film was screened during DIFF2015, and it garnered a positive review from our own Lloyd Bayer who gave it a 3.5/5 stars. In his review he wrote: “It’s a poignant film in as much as an emotional roller coaster but an extraordinary story told almost a century after Ramanujan’s early and tragic death in 1920”. So please don’t overlook The film just because you are eager to watch Captain America: Civil War. Their should be a place for both films in your agenda given its about an important figure and given its positive reception and strong cast.
Where to Invade Next
Directed by: Michael Moore
With: Michael Moore, Krista Kiuru, and Tim Walker
What is it about? To learn what the USA can learn from other nations, Michael Moore playfully “invades” them to see what they have to offer.
Heads up: Michael Moore‘s film are very polarizing and controversial. They are technically documentary but they are not by any mean objective, yet they are always entertaining. Note that this film is already released for purchase and will be available for rent next week, so you don’t really need to see it on big screen.
Robinson Crusoe
Directed by: Vincent Kesteloot, Ben Stassen
With: Yuri Lowenthal, Laila Berzins, Sandy Fox, and David Howard
What is it about? A retelling of the classic tale about an adventurer who survives a shipwreck is retold from the perspective of the animals on the island he washes up on.
Heads up: This film is from Belgian animation studio nWave Pictures. It doesn’t have the budget of a Disney, Pixar or DreamWorks, but it seems that with their modest production budget, they’ve achieved decent production values. This film is purely for kids, and it would be a good way to introduce is them to such a classic tale of survivor, but I don’t think adults would get much of it.
1920 London
Directed by: Dharmendra Suresh Desai
With: Sharman Joshi, Meera Chopra, and Vishal Karwal
What is it about? After receiving a gift from Rajasthan, Veer Singh, a London-based Indian starts experiencing supernatural occurrences. When his condition deteriorates, his wife Shivangi seeks the help of an Exorcist named Jai to help rid Shivangi and her husband from the evil spirits.
Heads up: This is third installment in the 1920 Horror Series (2008’s 1920, and 2012’s 1920: Evil Returns), which is written and produced by the master of Indian horror Vikram Bhatt. The two films before it where successful critically and financially. This film looks well made with lavish production values, even though it looks like it is “borrowing” a lot from Japanese horror film. I’d say if you are into Bollywood horror, then you will be satisfied with Vikram Bhatt production.
