Among the releases of this weekend, we have two that are highly anticipating + a Nicholas Cage film + a horror film + two very different Bollywood releases. Let’s check them out.
The Girl on the Train
Directed by: Tate Taylor
With: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, and Justin Theroux
What is it about? A divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shock waves throughout her life.
Heads Up: Based on the bestselling novel of the same title, this is the film that everyone wanted to be the new Gone Girl. The reviews so far though are lukewarm. That said, Emily Blunt is such a good actress, and it is always great to see her on screen, so I say go for it.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Directed by: Taika Waititi
With: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, and Rima Te Wiata
What is it about? A national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.
Heads Up: Taika Waititi is a multi-talented actor, writer, and director. He co-directed one of the highlights from DIFF 2014 What We Do in The Shadows, and he is helming the upcoming Thor: Ragnarök. This film is my favorite film of the year so far, and I highly recommend this magical film that will sure entertain the whole family.
USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage
Directed by: Mario Van Peebles
With: Nicolas Cage, Tom Sizemore, and Thomas Jane
What is it about? The harrowing true story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, who were stranded in the Philippine Sea for five days after delivering the atomic weapons that would eventually end WWII. As they awaited rescue, they endured extreme thirst, hunger, and relentless shark attacks.
Heads Up: This film is based on a true story but I don’t know how categorize it. Is it a naval war film? Or a disaster film? Perhaps a survival film? Maybe a court room film? Is it all of that? There is something intriguing about that, and in the same time, it could be a total debacle. Can’t argue with one thing though: it has one of the most unintentionally-funny trailers this year. Either way, I’m curious.
The Disappointments Room
Directed by: D.J. Caruso
With: Kate Beckinsale, Mike Bizon, Charles Carroll
What is it about? A mother and her young son release unimaginable horrors from the attic of their rural dream home.
Heads Up: Let’s just say The Disappointments Room is living up to its name as it has not even a single favorable review on Rotten Tomatoes. Avoid, or you will be…. <wait for it>… disappointed!
Mirzya
Directed by: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
With: Harshvardhan Kapoor, Saiyami Kher, Art Malik, and Om Puri
What is it about? A timeless folktale about star-crossed lovers is played out in two parallel worlds, one real, and one fantastical. As the lovers grapple with forces that seek to keep them apart in both avatars, they discover that even a moment of true love is worth an entire lifetime.
Heads Up: The title refers to the boy in Mirza-Sahiban, a couple as popular in Indic traditions/folk as Laila-Majnu, Heer-Ranjha, or the Shakespearean Romeo-Juliet. The film’s director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has helmed some excellent movies over the years (Aks, Delhi 6, Rang De Basanti). To add to that, Gulzar saheb is not only the lyricist for this movie, he has also written the movie — his first script in 17 years. Plus, the movie introduces Anil Kapoor’s son Harshvardhan Kapoor as Mirza/Mirzya. At a relatively short run-time for the epic scale it promises, I say go for it!
Tutak Tutak Tutiya
Directed by: Vijay
With: Prabhu Deva, Tamannaah, and Sonu Sood
What is it about? A simple man’s life gets complicated when he finds out that his new wife is possessed
Heads Up: If only the film lives up to its premise! Alas from the look of it the film promises a horror comedy ala Bhool Bhulaiyaa, but the trailers mainly features lots and lots of dancing and item numbers. When Farah Khan is featured more prominently than your leading lady in your trailer, you know you are in trouble.
