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.
- Goosebumps – The childhood favorite book and television series gets a twist in this Jumanji-esque premise. The creatures and villains of author R.L. Stine’s books come to life and reek havoc on an idyllic community.
Directed by Rob Letterman (Gulliver’s Travels, Monsters vs. Aliens)
Starring Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rus, Amy Ryan, Jillian Bell, Ken Marino
This looks like a fun and intriguing way to approach Goosebumps, which is such an expansive property with so many stories. The ability to bring many of the creatures to the movie and make it kind of scary but more comedic was so creative. If you’re going to reboot existing properties, putting an original twist on it is certainly welcome. This seems perfect kid’s entertainment that I’d actually want to check unlike a majority of family friendly movies. Don’t think I’ll be able to see this in theaters but hopefully I’ll watch with some of my young cousins once it’s available at home. - Bridge of Spies – The true story of a lawyer who’s tasked with negotiating the freedom of a pilot held captive in the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda
This looks like prime Spielberg Oscar material. Real life story, historic setting, high stakes, wartime issues – it’s basically his bread and butter. I wasn’t thrilled by his most recent in this category, Lincoln, and avoided War Horse entirely. I’m hoping this is the best out of those three, although I’m not sure if I can prioritize this movie. It looks like something I’d watch on a Sunday afternoon with my dad, which is by no means bad, but it also means I wouldn’t run out to theaters for it. Regardless of what I think, this will be an Oscar contender. - Crimson Peak – A young new bride moves into her husband’s estate only to discover it is mysteriously haunted.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Babe of the Week Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam
This sounds like a mix of one of my favorite movies Rebecca and the fantastic Jane Eyre. But with real ghosts! I am all about del Toro getting back to his horror roots, and I really hope this is a good one. If it’s anything close to Pan’s Labyrinth I’d be thrilled, but I’d be happy as long as it’s a solid film with enough story to back up the style. An artful horror movie is always welcome, and a nice diversion from the standard teen horror popcorn flick that comes out more regularly. I’m hoping I can see this in theaters, but there’s actually a wealth of movies out right now that I am jonesing to catch (which is definitely not a complaint).
- Beasts of No Nation – A young African boy is forced to be a child soldier in his war-torn country.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective Season 1, Jane Eyre)
Starring Abraham Attah, Idris Elba, Ama K. Abebrese
This story looks devastating but the filmmaking beautiful. Fukinawa was majorly impressive in Jane Eyre, and even more so directing the entire first season of True Detective. No one could forget that tracking shot. He’s certainly a director to watch, and that would make me interested in this regardless of the material. It does help though that this subject matter looks quite compelling and I’d love to see Idris Elba in a role that really showcases his talent. It’s also fascinating how Netflix is releasing this in theaters to make an Oscar bid. They’ve already changed the landscape of television production, and I suppose movies would be the next venture, if this proves successful.
In limited release, but available on Netflix Instant Watch. - Steve Jobs – Another take on the founder of Apple.
Directed by Danny Boyle
Starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels
Lindsay and I have talked a lot about how this movie has so many elements that would make this an instant watch for us – Boyle, Sorkin, Fassbender – yet we could muster no excitement for the film. The idea of a Steve Jobs biopic just does not appeal to me at all. I’m not fascinated by the man. A fair point would be that Zuckerberg wasn’t exactly prime material either – or so we thought. I can’t doubt Sorkin’s ability to craft a brilliant story out of a supposedly dull subject after the masterpiece that is The Social Network. I’ll have to see this to judge if it’s anywhere near that level, although I’ll remain in doubt until then.
Limited release, expanding wide next week.
