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 Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Enemy)
Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
I did not watch this trailer. I didn’t feel the need too. Based on Villeneuve’s name alone I am completely sold on anything he directs until he fails me. Between Sicario, Enemy, and Prisoners I consider him 3/3 (shame on me for not seeing Incendies or his other earlier work yet). Add to it that it’s an alien sci-fi movie and I’m even more on board simply for the fact that his filmography is so incredibly varied. I’d love to see him take on every genre. Not one of his films have hit the same note, and they’ve all been great. Add to it the perpetually-on-fire Amy Adams and I can’t see a downside. Cannot wait to check it out this weekend.
Directed by Farren Blackburn
Starring Naomi Watts, Charlie Heaton, Jacob Tremblay, Oliver Platt
So this looks like it could be a fun little horror thriller. I love Naomi Watts and she’s joined by the actor who played Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things and the amazing young actor who starred in Room. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a knock out of the park by any means, but I’m interested in the premise and what exactly the mystery is here. It also seems like it might hit some of the same notes as The Babadook theme-wise if that tickles you.
Directed by David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim, First Sunday)
Starring Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique
In the same vein as every other family reunion ensemble that we usually get at least one of every year, this one is in time for the holidays. Meanwhile I’m still hopped on horror from Halloween. I know some people are in a rush for this jolly season. This one seems to be more comedy leaning than dramedy although I’m sure some sad moments will be peppered in there considering it’s about a family who’s lost their matriarch recently. There’s a lot of funny people in here, and it could be worth the watch. I’m just not sure I’d be worried about checking it out anytime soon.
LIMITED RELEASES
Directed by Bryan Bertino (The Strangers)
Starring Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, Scott Speedman
So is this movie a metaphor or what? I am feeling like it is (also reminiscent of aforementioned The Babadook). It’s about a mother post-divorce taking her child on a trip to see her father. They break down and it seems something wicked is in the woods. It’s by the director of The Strangers which gives it some immediate cred. That movie is a freaky, tension filled horror, and if this has the same vibe then I’ll definitely have to watch it.
