Opening this week at a theatre near you:
“Money Monster” (2016)
Photo courtesy of TriStar Pictures
Financial TV host Lee Gates (George Clooney) and his producer (Julia Roberts) are held against their will in the studio by a disgruntled investor (Jack O’Connell) who wants Lee to hold the people who ruined his life accountable. “Money Monster” Facebook Page
What to Watch For: The film is directed by two-time Academy Award winner, Jodie Foster.
Word on the Street: Foster wanted no one else but Clooney to play the TV host.
My Take: The script was co-written by Alan DiFiore who wrote for one of my favorite TV shows, “Grimm.”
“Last Days in the Desert” (2016)
Photo courtesy of Broad Green Pictures
Jesus (Ewan McGregor) is spending forty days of fasting and praying in the desert. As he begins to leave the desert, he is confronted by the Devil and tested like never before. “Last Days in the Desert” Website
What to Watch For: Writer/director is Rodrigo Garcia who is mostly known for his TV work and was nominated for his direction of the pilot episode of “Big Love.”
Word on the Street: The cinematographer is three-time Academy Award-winning Emmanuel Lubezki Morgenstern.
My Take: One of my favorite young actors, Tye Sheridan, is in this film.
“High-Rise” (2015)
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
Dr. Robert Lang (Tom Hiddleston) has moved into a 25th-floor apartment within a new high-rise tower. Dr. Lang will soon regret moving in as things in the building start unraveling very quickly. “High-Rise” Website
What to Watch For: The film was up for four awards at the 2015 British Independent Film Awards.
Word on the Street: The film is based on the novel of the same name by J.G. Ballard.
My Take: Besides Hiddleston, the impressive cast includes Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, and Elisabeth Moss.
“The Man Who Knew Infinity” (2016)
Photo courtesy of IFC
Growing up poor in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar (Dev Patel) gains admittance to Cambridge University during WWI. He becomes a pioneer in mathematical theory with the help and guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons). “The Man Who Knew Infinity” Facebook Page
What to Watch For: It took ten years for writer/director Matt Brown to bring the film to the silver screen.
Word on the Street: The film was selected as the opening gala film at the 2015 Zurich International Film Festival.
My Take: I always enjoy Jeremy Irons’ work.
“Being Charlie” (2016)
Photo courtesy of Paladin
Charlie (Nick Robinson) is a troubled young man, battling drug addiction. He is forced by his parents to enroll in a rehab program. While in rehab, he meets a fellow addict, Eve (Morgan Saylor), who will change how Charlie sees the world. “Being Charlie” Info
What to Watch For: Cary Elwes reunites with his “A Princess Bride” director, Rob Reiner.
Word on the Street: The film is partly autobiographical. Rob Reiner’s son, Nick, co-wrote the script based on his own battles with drug addiction.
My Take: One of my favorite films of the past few years is a Rob Reiner film, “Flipped.”
“A Beautiful Planet” (2016)
Photo courtesy of IMAX
An IMAX documentary that explores Earth and beyond from the International Space Station. “A Beautiful Planet” Website
What to Watch For: The film is narrated by Jennifer Lawrence.
Word on the Street: The film won the Truly Moving Picture Award at the 2016 Heartland Film Festival.
My Take: The IMAX documentaries are always stunning.
If you can’t get to the theatre this weekend, then stay at home and watch movies on Atlanta’s CW.
Saturday
1:00 pm
“Can’t Hardly Wait” (1998) The class wallflower makes his move on the class beauty at an all-night graduation party after learning she has been dumped by her jock boyfriend. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry and Lauren Ambrose star.
3:00 pm
“Big” (1988) A 12-year-old boy is shocked to wake up in the body of a 30-year old man (Tom Hanks) after making a seemingly futile wish to a fortune-telling machine.
Sunday
1:00 pm
“Wedding Crashers” (2005) Two womanizing divorce lawyers and lifelong friends (Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn) sneak into weddings to get acquainted with romantically inspired female guests.
3:30 pm
“Can’t Hardly Wait” (1998) The class wallflower makes his move on the class beauty at an all-night graduation party after learning she has been dumped by her jock boyfriend. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry and Lauren Ambrose star.=
