Here to take a look at the films coming out in wide and limited release this coming weekend. I’ll give you my thoughts to help you decide what’s worth checking out.
- The Lazarus Effect – So at first I thought this was just Olivia Wilde’s standard issue horror film that every actress seems to do at some point in their career. But then I realized the rest of the cast includes Donald Glover, Evan Peters, and Mark Duplass. Surely rounding together all of these known entities means they saw something worthwhile in this project. It’s about a team of researchers who bring back one of their team after she dies, but shit goes crazy. Not the most interesting or original set up and the trailer doesn’t really have unique edge to it, but it seems like it could be a decent watch for those horror lovers who haven’t had any options recently.
- Focus – I’ve seen so many TV spots for this movie and all I can pay attention to is how insanely good looking Margo Robbie is (and I still don’t believe that she is my age – 2 months younger even!). What’s Focus even about? It looks like Margot and Will Smith have a bit of cat and mouse going in the bedroom/doing some sort of con job? I don’t know, but apparently Jada Pinkett Smith thinks it’s hot watching Will have sex with another lady on screen which I think is kind of awesome. I really liked the director/writer duo Glenn Ficarra and John Requa’s previous two movies I Love You Phillip Morris and Crazy, Stupid, Love which makes me kind of curious to check this out. Just don’t think it will happen in theaters.
- Maps to the Stars – So yeah, this is a Cronenberg movie. It looks rightfully bonkers for a film that’s supposed to be a satire about Hollywood. I hope it does more for me than Cosmopolis which I’m not sure viewers are even supposed to get. Oscar winner Julianne Moore seems to be turning up scenery chewing to the max as a washed up actress, and Mia Wasikowska, Robert Pattinson, and John Cusack round up the supporting cast. I’ll admit, I’m totally overwhelmed by whatever the hell is happening in the trailer, but I also plan to check this out to see if I can figure it out. Available on VOD and playing in select theaters.
- ’71 – This action thriller follows Jack O’Connell through a night of danger in Belfast, as he is persued by enemies. I can certainly see the action aspect, but I’m most curious about the thriller part. O’Connell was quite impressive in Unbroken (still need to see Starred Up) and I’m excited to see him in more projects. It helps that this is sporting a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Will be watching this when I can.
Playing in select theaters. - Everly – Double feature with John Wick anyone? I’m totally down to watch Salma Hayek be a total badass and survive the night after some sort of crime boss type warns her that she’ll be dead soon. This looks plot thin as hell, but if it delivers on some fun action set pieces and ass-kicking isn’t that all you really need out of this type of movie?
Available on VOD and playing in select theaters.
