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.
WIDE RELEASES
Directed by Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead 2013)
Starring Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette
I thought the Evil Dead remake was really entertaining and well-directed so I’m excited to see Alvarez’s follow up. This time he’s got an original idea and script and will really be able to show what he’s capable of without the remake stigma. He’s got Jane Levy back as his heroine in this one as she takes part in an amateur heist where somehow the blind man they are attempting to steal from becomes the villain trying to hunt them down. I’m not exactly sure how that will play out but it’s an interesting concept and the trailer was super tense. Can’t wait to check this out.
Directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz (Secuestro express)
Starring Edgar Ramírez, Usher Raymond, Robert De Niro
It’s another Robert De Niro boxing movie, but this one is really about the boxer he’s training who took part in an iconic boxing match. It looks fairly by the numbers as far as sports movies go, but could be solid if you’re into that sort of thing. Nick has his complaints about the movie but sitll thought it was worth the watch. Check out his review here.
Directed by Richard Tanne (directorial debut!)
Starring Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers
I’m sure some may question if we need a romantic film about Obama, but just as many will love the idea. Take out the equation of who’s it about, and you pretty much have a Before Sunset with two African American lawyers in 1980’s Chicago. That’s not a movie commonly seen for sure, so I appreciate that kind of story being on film. It doesn’t seem like they are doing some hack-y impressions either which is nice. From what we see in the trailer there are a few moments that are a bit ham-fisted, but I hope they blend in better among the dialogue and it’s overall more naturalistic.
LIMITED RELEASES
Directed by Clea DuVall (directorial debut!)
Starring Cobie Smolders, Vincent Piazza, Melanie Lynskey, Jason Ritter, Clea Duvall, Ben Schwartz, Natasha Lyonne, Alia Shawkat
These little indies are a dime a dozen, but they are quite often a perfect low-key afternoon watch. I can see this becoming just that when it inevitably hits Netflix instant watch. It’s for sure all white people problems and definitely resembles The Big Chill, but I do like this cast a lot so I’d give it a go. I am especially all for anything that puts Natasha Lyonne on my screen more (bless you OITNB). It’s Clea Duvall’s first movie, and Sara Quinn from one of my favorite music groups Tegan & Sara made her debut movie score.
