Here to take a look at the films coming out in wide and limited release this coming weekend. In this weekly Film Guide, I’ll give you my thoughts to help you decide what’s worth checking out.
- Captain America: Civil War– The world’s heroes are divided over the growing political nature of how to handle those with powers.Directed by Anthony Russo & Joe Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie
Is it even a choice anymore if you are going to see Captain America: Civil War? It feels like the biggest movie of the year, definitely thus far, and it’s similar to Game of Thrones where even if you’re exhausted from all the characters and minutia you just need to watch it so that you’re in the know. Not only was Winter Soldier one of the best received MCU movies, making its follow up more hyped but the cast makes it feel more like an Avengers movie than an offshoot. Almost the whole gang is here, and this time they’re not getting along. Never mind that similar feelings were abound in the previous two Avengers movies – this time they mean business. Philosophically I feel more aligned with Captain America on the issue dividing our heroes, but the fact that Iron Man and Black Widow are on the opposing side is really inspiring me to forget ethics and morals. Lindsay has a positive review up for this one, so go read that and let us know what your thoughts were on the matter.
- A Bigger Splash– A couple’s trip is crashed by the woman’s former beau.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love)
Starring Tilda Swinton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson
I never saw I Am Love, but I actually can recall the lush looking visuals, and they seem to be apparent in this film as well. The color palette is so vibrant and locale so luxe that at the very least this movie will be very pretty. The director of this film is also set to direct the Suspiria remake, so hopefully his visual chops are up to snuff. The plot with two pairs becoming entangled seems done before, but the cast is quite cool and I’d like to see the performances. Ralph Fiennes was excellent in The Grand Budapest Hotel, really showing his knack for comedy so his presence here especially is a draw. If this is available, it might be pleasant diversion from the superhero spectacle. - The Family Fang– Siblings must deal with their parents (who have a history of performance art) disappearance.
Directed by Jason Bateman (Bad Words)
Starring Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken, Kathryn Hahn
Before the pull quote made the comparison, I got a serious The Royal Tenenbaums vibe from this movie. It has the whole eccentric family plot nailed, and I love the idea of the prankster parents. I can easily see how one would go from a whimsical yet overwhelming childhood to a resentful and melancholy adulthood in this scenario. Nicole Kidman and Jason Bateman seem like a little oddball pairing here, which could prove to be interesting. Not sure if it warrants a theater watch, but I’d definitely check it out at home.
