Opening this week at a theatre near you:
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
Batman is used to handling The Joker on his own, but now he realizes that he just might need some help. The Lego Batman Movie Website
What to Watch For: This animated movie has voice talent including Will Arnett (Batman), Zach Galifianakis (The Joker), Michael Cera (Dick Grayson), Rosario Dawson (Barbara Gordon), Ralph Fiennes (Alfred), Jenny Slate (Harley Quinn), and Billy Dee Williams (Two-Face).
Word on the Street: The film is currently at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.
My Take: I can’t wait to see this film. I loved The Lego Movie (2014).
The film opens in Atlanta area theatres on Friday.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Photo courtesy of Lionsgate
John Wick’s (Keanu Reeves) retirement didn’t last long as he now has to travel to Rome to take on a squad of assassins to defend a former associate who has seized control of the assassins’ guild. John Wick: Chapter 2 Website
What to Watch For: The film is the sequel to the surprise 2014 hit John Wick. There are already plans for a third film.
Word on the Street: The director of the movie, Chad Stahelski, is a former stuntman and co-directed the 2014 film.
My Take: I just hope that the bad guys don’t kill his dog in this one.
The film opens in Atlanta area theatres on Friday.
Fifty Shades Darker (2017)
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Ana Steele (Dakota Johnson) is trying to move on from her relationship with Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), but it’s Christian who makes the first move to get back together. Their romance blossoms, this time under Ana’s conditions, and things seem to be working out, that is until Christian’s dark past threatens to tear the couple apart. Fifty Shades Darker Website
What to Watch For: Fifty Shades Freed was filmed back to back with Fifty Shades Darker, guarantying that there will be a third movie.
Word on the Street: Like the first film, Fifty Shades Darker was given an R rating by the MPAA for “strong erotic sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language.”
My Take: It will be interesting to see how well this film does at the box office so close to Valentines Day.
The film opens in Atlanta area theatres on Friday.
The Salesman (2016)
Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios
A young couple Emad (Shahab Hosseini) and Rana (Taraneh Alidoosti) are appearing in a play together and have moved into a new apartment. One fateful decision changes their life together forever. The Salesman Website
What to Watch For: The film is nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at this year’s Academy Awards and won two awards at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
Word on the Street: Many film critics thought that Taraneh Alidoosti might get an Academy Award nomination for the role.
My Take: I am a big fan of writer/director Asghar Farhadi, who wrote and directed the brilliant About Elly (2009) and the spectacular A Separation (2011).
The film opens Friday exclusively at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
Oscar Nominated Shorts: Live Action and Animation (2017)
Photo courtesy of Shorts.tv
Short films, both live action and animated that have been nominated for this year’s Academy Awards. Oscar Nominated Short Films Website
What to Watch For: The films come from all over the world including USA, Spain, Hungary, Canada and Switzerland.
Word on the Street: Many film critics feel that the Disney Pixar film Piper is the frontrunner for the animated short Oscar.
My Take: I love going to see these films every year.
The film opens exclusively on Friday at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
If you can’t make it to the theatre this weekend, then stay at home and watch movies on Atlanta’s CW.
Saturday
1:00 pm
No Small Affair (1984) A 16-year-old teenager (Jon Cryer) takes a picture (without her knowledge) of a lounge singer (Demi Moore). Even though he doesn’t know her, he decides to start an ad campaign to promote her singing career.
Sunday
1:00 pm
Species (1995) A group of scientists try to track down and trap a killer alien (Natasha Henstridge) before she successfully mates with a human. Cast includes Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and Marg Helgenberger.
3:00 pm
No Small Affair (1984) A 16-year-old teenager (Jon Cryer) takes a picture (without her knowledge) of a lounge singer (Demi Moore). Even though he doesn’t know her, he decides to start an ad campaign to promote her singing career