This weekend is dominated by typical holiday films that vary in genre but, generally speaking, can all be described as family entertainment. So keep reading to know more.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
With: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart
What is it about? Four teenagers discover an old video game console and are literally drawn into the game’s jungle setting becoming the adult avatars they chose.
Heads Up: I am skeptical about this one because the trailer made no effort whatsoever to make this one look or feel like the original beloved film from the 90s. That said, the cast is great and the reviews are mostly positive, so even if I have my doubts, I think I am gonna check it out at some point.
Father Figures
Directed by: Lawrence Sher
With: Owen Wilson, Ed Holms, Christopher Walken, J.K. Simmons, and Glenn Close
What is it about? Upon learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about their allegedly deceased father, two fraternal twin brothers hit the road in order to find him.
Heads Up: A slapstick road trip comedy that doesn’t look like it has any nuance to it, and the lack of early reviews (even though it is opening this weekend) suggests it’s no good. That said, the cast of seasoned actors in supporting roles is impressive, and the two leads Ed Holmes and Owen Wilson are usually charming. It’s the kind of film that is perfectly fine for a home viewing, but not necessarily a film I would rush to see in cinema.
Ferdinand
Directed by: Carlos Saldanha
With: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Bobby Cannavale, and Gina Rodriguez
What is it about? After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, a giant but gentle bull is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure.
Heads Up: John Cena popping up in movies delight me to no end nowadays, and you might say he is the new Dwayne Johnson. Here he is doing voice work and just watching the trailer made me chuckle a lot. This G-rated animation looks like it’s full of heartwarming family entertainment, and I can’t wait to watch it with my kid.
Tiger Zinda Hai
Directed by: Ali Abbas Zafar
With: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anupriya Goenka
What is it about? East Indian agent Tiger joins forces with Pakistani agent Zoya to battle a ruthless militant.
Heads Up: The Sequel to the blockbuster hit Ek Tha Tiger from a few years ago. If you thought that movie looked and felt over the top, have seen the trailers for this one? As is the case with any Salman Khan movie, there is little one can say to detract his fans or convince his haters about this movie. For those yet undecided, perhaps stay at home and read a book.
Photocopy
Directed by: Tamer Ashry
With: Mahmood Hemaidah, Sherine Reda, and Farah Youssef
What is it about? When a retired old man in Cairo begins to learn about the extinction of dinosaurs, it sets off a series of events that will give his life renewed meaning.
Heads Up: If you wanna watch an arthouse Egyptian film with seasoned actors in the lead, here is your chance. Note that it’s shown as a part of DIFF365 program, so it’s only showing in one VOX screen in Mall of Emirates for a limited time.
