Whats out? 9th – 15th Feb

Welcome back to the weekly roundup of films released this week! We have the finale to the worse series made (and yes I am including the Human Centipede trilogy in there), soldiers playing as themselves in a true story, a story about a failed world yacht record attempt and our first true blockbuster of the year. So, if you thinking of heading to the cinema this week and want to to know a little more about what the new films are about, then, let me help you out. 

Fifty Shades Freed

Synopsis

Believing they have left behind shadowy figures from their past, newlyweds Christian and Ana fully embrace an inextricable connection and shared a life of luxury. But just as she steps into her role as Mrs Grey and he relaxes into an unfamiliar stability, new threats could jeopardise their happy ending before it even begins.

Starring  Jamie Dornan,

Analysis

Ugh, please see something else, please.

 

The 15:17 To Paris

Synopsis

In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack a train bound for Paris, an attempt prevented by three Americans travelling through Europe. The film follows the course of the friends’ lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack.

Starring  Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos

Analysis

Clint Eastwood has used an interesting method in this film, in using the actual Americans who helped to thwart the attack. It is bold no doubt, but to have the whole rely on three non-actors is maybe not the best idea for such a big film. Especially as the story goes back into the three men’s past. Why not just have actors for all of it you ask? I say it is because as good as Clint Eastwood is, he does have a penchant for supporting Republican values and bringing these into his films. This could be detrimental to the film and I feel a whole film set around the actual events instead of going back into their past would have been a much more appealing watch.

 

The Mercy

Synopsis

The incredible story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth) and his solo attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The struggles he confronted on the journey while his family awaited his return is one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times.

Starring; Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz

Analysis

A film that has sadly been well and truly lost in the shuffle during award season, as I have heard next to nothing about it. If a drama is released in January and February and it isn’t up for awards, then you should be worried as to why it is being released now. This could mean a few things. They are dumping it in a place where no one will notice it’s release due to all the Oscar buzz about other films around it. Or they are hoping that because it is award season that people want to go to the cinemas to see what films could be winning the big awards, and that their non nominated film could steal some of the rub off these films. I will let you decide which, though to its credit, I haven’t heard too many negatives about the film. It could be they saw a slot in between Phantom Thread and The Shape of Water with the main competition a stupid, stupid film. So why not release it now and get that market!?

Black Panther

Synopsis

King T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakanadan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war

Starring  Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong‘o

Analysis

Released during the week as a Blockbuster is want to do (Hey midnight shows!). There is a lot of interest to see how this film does. In the Marvel Universe, this is the biggest risk. Is there an audience for this film, can Black actors carry this film (yes this is a real question held in the mind of film studio executives).

With the lack of success and belief in Cloverfield Paradox, which leads were black, a small shot to the arm may have occurred. Paramount wisely sold that film to Netflix. But it wasn’t because of the actors, they were the saving grace of the film. The film fell at the script level. This is a Marvel/Disney film though and the script shouldn’t be much of an issue. From what has been shown and early reports, we are in for another hit and more importantly a different type of film, set as far away from the Goddamn city environment. I have high hopes and I am pretty sure this film is going to perform well. How well? Only time will tell!

Next week we have Lady Bird (Unless you live in Northern Ireland and Ireland), A full release of The Shape Of The Water (Another up for all the Oscars) and the worst comedy ever Father Figure (may not be that bad, but I am dreading it). So, see you next time for more movie chatter!

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