Sing
This animated feature will capture both adult and child audiences as it looks to go both ways with it’s humor and heart. It’s a seemingly simple plot of animals auditioning for a musical, but of course the meat and bones is in the script. Voices include Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, and John C. Reilly. The word is that it’s silly, fun, and has kids dancing. If you have a child and can’t resist their dancing then this might hit the spot.
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Fences
This is the greatly anticipated adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Directed and starring Denzel Washington with Viola Davis as co-star, this movie is set up for greatness. The buzz is overall positive as it’s said to be an uplifting journey that showcases rich acting at it’s best. I smell an Oscar…
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A Monster Calls
Here we have the alternative to SING for the more whimsical crowd. This one focuses on a child who finds an unlikely ally when he needed it most. It features the vocals of Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, and Liam Neeson. Early reviews say that it’s a visual spectacle to behold and that it’s a thinker. Might be better for the older kids as it has a slight view on death and might be sad for some folks. Might have to put this one on hold for now.
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Hidden Figures
If you are slightly still sad about no woman president just yet, you might get a lift from this one. It’s the true telling of 3 African-American women working at NASA assisting in the first launch of an astronaut into space. Stunning performances include Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer, of whom I’ve always admired. The word is that it’s satisfying to those that love breakout social justice stories and inspirational themes. I’m all in.
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Patriots Day
More true stories, but this one more recent. The true account of the Boston Marathon bombing and how the community fought back to find the suspect. Not only does this story have impact, but the talent involved works great. Mark Wahlberg, JK Simmons, John Goodman, and Kevin Bacon fit the bill. The early buzz says it holds a thrilling tension and grip while balancing the many perspectives involved. Upon watching this trailer I teared up a bit. It has me hooked!
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Silence
If you need more Liam Neeson with a bit of a serious tone, this one might be for you. Martin Scorsese tells the story of Christian missionaries in search of their mentor in Japan at a time when Christianity was outlawed. Apparently Scorsese has been waiting 28 years to bring us this adaptation of an acclaimed novel. I hear that it’s riveting, but abstract. The trailer presents visuals that feel somewhat disturbing… I might pass, but might have to watch on account of Oscar worthiness.
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The Autopsy of Jane Doe
For a turn in the complete opposite direction we have this haunting tale of coroners that come across an unusual corpse. The more they work on her the more they piece together a disturbing secret and awaken something or someone. It stars Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch, who both are pretty awesome at what they do whenever they do it. Early reviews say that it’s somewhat brainless, but gains real horror as it goes. If you know me I’ve been waiting for a good spooky one. Fingers crossed for a win here!
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Assassin’s Creed
If you are a gamer you might enjoy this jaunt. It’s the screen adaptation of the very popular video game which centers around a character finding his descended past of secret societies and assassins. Using that past skill set the lead, played by Michael Fassbender (yays), takes on the present day Templars. Word though is that it’s narrative lacks coherence, but is slightly better than other adaptations of the sort. Pass….
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Passengers
As pairings go we could’t be more optimistic with Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. They star in this space thriller where they wake up 90 years too early on a journey to inhabit another planet. Something goes seriously wrong on the ship. Sadly, the word is not so good on this one as it’s said that the idea was too great for the output. Critics tore it a new one, but broad audiences where a bit more accepting. You make the call.
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Why Him?
Another stunning pairing as Bryan Cranston and James Franco go head to head in a daughter vs boyfriend rated R comedy. You’d think that this story line would get old, but the machine just keeps churning them out. Critics chewed this one up, but spit it back out stating that it’s not as funny as proposed and disposable. I love these guys, but might have to stick to their other works for now.
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