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 Man From U.N.C.L.E. – An American and a Russian special agent are teamed together to work with the daughter of brilliant scientist to stop a world-threatening plan from executing.
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Babe of the Week Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Hugh Grant
A review will be up for this tomorrow, but suffice it to say I am a huge fan of this movie. I thought it was so entertaining and delightful. Please check this movie out! - Straight Outta Compton – A biopic covering the time period when the rap group NWA formed and became a phenomenon.
Directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Law Abiding Citizen)
Starring O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., Aldis Hodge
With mostly positive reviews so far, this seems like it will be worth checking out for sure. The casting department did a hell of job finding great fits for the roles (of course it helps that Ice Cube is played by his own son O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and I’m especially excited to see Short Term 12‘s Keith Stanfield as Snoop Dogg. While I am a fan of rap & hip hop music, I was at the oldest a baby while NWA was active, so I’m not too familiar with the culture and history surrounding the group. From what I know though, and what the trailer is suggesting it seems like a story worth telling and one which we don’t have much of on film.
- Mistress America – A girl’s life in New York City becomes more exciting after befriending her future step-sister.
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Starring Greta Gerwig, Lola Kirke, Heather Lind, Cindy Cheung
I wasn’t sure what to think going into Frances Ha, despite how much everyone seemed to love it. I came out completely sold on the movie and Greta Gerwig. It’s about a frustrating character and relentlessly hipsterish (something I’m not inherently against, may I add) but it has undeniable charm and a delightfully quirky performance from Gerwig. That alone makes me excited to see her next collaboration with Baumbach. The trailer has moments that make me laugh and ones that puzzle me, but Frances Ha alone has already sold me on at least checking this out. - People Places Things – A father who’s recently been left by his wife, raises his daughters and finds new love.
Directed by James C. Strouse
Starring Jemaine Clement, Regina Hall, Jessica Williams, Stephanie Allynne, Michael Chernus
This looks just like any other harmless, lightweight indie watch. The only particularly interesting elements are some of the cast, specifically Jemaine Clement. It seems like an underuse of his comedic talent, but also could be a role to differentiate from his usual movies. He’s not exactly playing against type, but he’s definitely very tone downed despite having his same dry wit. The romantic pairing of Clement and Hall is intriguing for sure (in a world where Hall would be Williams’ mother). I’m not sure it’s enough to prioritize this movie, but if it’s ever on cable I might give it a try.
