Here to take a look at the films coming out in wide and limited release this coming weekend. I’ll give you my thoughts to help you decide what’s worth checking out.
- The Forest – A sister must try to find her sister who has traveled to the Suicide Forest in Japan to take her own life.
Directed by Jason Zada (directorial debut!)
Starring Natalie Dormer, Taylor Kinney, Eoin Macken, Stephanie Vogt
The beginning of January horror movie of the year. There’s always one if you haven’t been paying attention. There’s nothing about this that seems inherently bad, but it certainly feels a bit by the numbers as far as the supernatural tales go. The part where she’s using the child’s toy feels especially been there-done that. If you’re really just looking to catch a movie that doesn’t require much thought or you’ve been craving a horror movie then I’m sure this would be suitable, but as it is, if anything I’d just watch at home. - The Masked Saint – A pastor/wrestler picks up the identity of a part time vigilante despite the contradictions to his faith.
Directed by Warren P. Sonoda (…Trailer Park Boys)
Starring Brett Granstaff, Lara Jean Chorostecki, Diahann Carroll, Patrick McKenna, Roddy Piper
Woof. This is the religious themed wrestling movie we have all been waiting for.. they’re hoping at least. These movies always make a bunch of money, so I’m not surprised to be seeing another one (seems like there’s been more and more over the last couple years) and it’s hard to not just say the same things over and over with each one. They all look terrible. This one is just bizarre (and when I saw what the director had done previously, it didn’t make much more sense). The concept of a wrestler turned pastor is pretty original though, you have to admit. Ridiculous and dumb, but original. - The Revenant – Two adult sisters throw a party at their parents’ house one last time.
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter
Check out Nate & Nick’s review which is quite complimentary of the movie. I will forego reading before I see it, but just from their score I’m even more excited to see this movie. It was my most anticipated movie of the year going into 2015 just based on the talent and concept, and when I saw the brilliant trailer I knew I had anticipated right. This whole movie just looks like a crazy, gorgeous, epic film that needs to be seen at the cinema. I cannot wait to see it this weekend.
- Sherlock: The Abominable Bride – A special episode in the adventures of Sherlock and Holmes.
Directed by Douglas Mackinnon (lots of British TV)
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves
For fans of the BBC hit Sherlock this holiday special is being screened in select theaters. it’s only 89 minutes, so it really is just an episode, but it tells a complete story and has been fairly well-received so far, so if you’re really into the show it might be worth it just to see your favs on the big screen. I have yet to start Sherlock though, so for the uninitiated it doesn’t have a huge appeal.
