Eid-al-Adha weekend is here, and with it a slew of releases to dive into. There’s enough holidays to catch the many movies, so go out and enjoy yourselves at the cinemas!
Bilal
Directed by: Khurram H. Alavi, Ayman Jamal
With: Ian McShane, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Jacob Latimorw
What is it about? A thousand years ago, one boy with a dream of becoming a great warrior is abducted with his sister and taken to a land far away from home. Thrown into a world where greed and injustice rule all, Bilal finds the courage to raise his voice and make a change. Inspired by true events, this is a story of a real hero who earned his remembrance in time and history
Heads Up: It is not expected that the movie will challenge the best of the animated movies from Hollywood. But as a regional movie, it is a proud moment for the animation and movie industry here. Give the trailer a watch, and if it even mildly interests you, go watch the movie on the big screen (in English or Arabic). Support the production!
Ben-Hur
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
With: Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, and Morgan Freeman
What is it about? The epic story of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother, an officer in the Roman army. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption.
Heads Up This movie is generating the same amount of interest that Pan did last year – which is to say, none. The strictly mediocre trailers aside, the movie is a massive critical and box-office failure. Save your time and money, stay away from it.
Sully
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
With: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, and Laura Linney
What is it about? The story of Chesley Sullenberger, who became a hero after gliding his plane along the water in the Hudson River, saving all of the airplane flights 155 crew and passengers.
Heads Up: All of 86 years old, and Clint Eastwood keeps churning out movies with vigour — and most of them very good too! This time, he sets the stage for Tom Hanks to again bedazzle us with this immense talent as an actor in this dramatization of the true story of the Hudson River landing. The movie was shot almost entirely with Digital IMAX cameras, so not just make sure you watch the movie, but head to one of the IMAX cinemas if you can; there are 3 in Dubai now! (VOX @ Mall of the Emirates, Novo @ Ibn Batuta Mall, Novo @ Dubai Festival City)
Pete’s Dragon
Directed by: David Lowery
With: Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Karl Urban, and Robert Redford
What is it about? The adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon.
Heads Up: Another Disney classic adapted to live action hits the screen this weekend, and this one too comes on the back of massive critical acclaim. This one is directed by David Lowery, of the highly under-watched gem Ain’t Them Bodies Saints. Make this your #1 watch for the weekend, and take the kids along (if any).
Lights Out
Directed by: David F. Sandberg
With: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, and Maria Bello
What is it about? When her little brother, Martin, experiences the same events that once tested her sanity, Rebecca works to unlock the truth behind the terror, which brings her face to face with an entity that has an attachment to their mother, Sophie.
Heads Up: Based on an excellent and very scary short (see it on YouTube), this is one of those recent horror movies that garner critical acclaim and a following among genre fans, much like It Follows and The Conjuring. Horror and cinema fans, gobble this one up!
