Opening this week at a theatre near you:
Photo courtesy of Columbia Picturess
“Spectre” (2015)
While M (Ralph Fiennes) battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond (Daniel Craig) is trying to uncover a sinister organization called SPECTRE after receiving a cryptic message. “Spectre” Website
What to Watch For: This is the fourth film where Daniel Craig has played 007. He is scheduled for one more turn after this film.
Word on the Street: While “Skyfall “(2012) was shot entirely in digital, this film and possibly the next Bond film were shot on 35mm film.
My Take: I always love the cars in the Bond films.
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
“The Peanuts Movie” (2015)
A new girl is attending Charlie Brown’s school, and Charlie tries to figure a way to get the courage to talk to her. Meanwhile, Snoopy is embarking on his most dangerous mission: flying his doghouse in World War I. “The Peanuts Movie” Website
What to Watch For: The film uses a new animation technique while still keeping the characters true to their comic strip origin.
Word on the Street: The producers auditioned more than 2,000 kids to find the right voices for the characters.
My Take: I love that musician Trombone Shorty is being used to voice the teacher in the film.
Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions
“Miss You Already” (2015)
The life-long friendship of two women (Drew Barrymore, Toni Collette) is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill. “Miss You Already” Website
What to Watch For: The film is based on a BBC radio play written by Morwenna Banks. Banks has adapted her work for the screen.
Word on the Street: Both Jennifer Aniston and Rachel Weisz were both cast at different points for the part that Drew Barrymore eventually played.
My Take: Toni Collette never gives a bad performance.
Photo courtesy of Focus Features
“Suffragette” (2015)
Maud (Carey Mulligan) has worked at a laundry service since she was 12. Maud is married to Sonny (Ben Whishaw) who also works in the laundry, and they have a young son named, George (Adam Michael Dodd). It’s hard, dangerous work that is filled with long hours and unappreciative bosses, and Maud believes that her workplace is unfair as women do the toughest work but earn half of what the men earn. She starts listening to friends, including rebel rouser Edith Ellyn (Helena Bonham Carter), about the woman’s right to vote movement and starts getting involved with the cause. It’s a path that will cause her great pain and anguish as she soon will have to choose between a cause that is dear to her heart and her family who needs their mother and wife. “Suffragette” Website
What to Watch For: The film was the first movie ever to be filmed inside the Houses of Parliament.
Word on the Street: Many film critics are saying that Carey Mulligan gives an Oscar worthy performance.
My Take: I find it interesting that Helena Bonham Carter is the great-granddaughter of the Prime Minister who was in power during the key years of the suffragette movement
Photo courtesy of Broad Green Pictures
“I Smile Back” (2015)
Laney (Sarah Silverman) seems to have the perfect suburban life with two loving children, a great husband and a home that everyone dreams about. Laney has a secret: she suffers from depression and has a drug problem. Can she get the help that she needs or will she destroy her family? “I Smile Back” Website
What to Watch For: This is actress Paige Dylan’s first film as a screenwriter.
Word on the Street: This film was the talk of many film festivals with everyone mentioning Sarah Silverman’s gutty performance. She won the Seymour Cassel Award at the 2015 Oldenburg Film Festival.
My Take: I am a big fan of Josh Charles, who plays Laney’s husband.
Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing
“The Cut” (2014)
In 1915 Armenia, Nazaret (Tahar Rahim) is kidnapped by the Ottoman Empire and is forced to work in a labor camp. Years later, he escapes and goes on a quest to find his twin daughters, the only surviving family members of the war. “The Cut” Facebook page
What to Watch For: Director / screenwriter Fatih Akin won the Vittorio Veneto Film Festival Award at the 2014 Venice Film Festival.
Word on the Street: Akin dedicated the film to journalist Hrant Dink, who worked to give voice to human rights in Turkey.
My Take: I loved Akin’s 2009 film, “Soul Kitchen.”
Photo courtesy of Amplify
“Difret” (2015)
A young lawyer (Meron Getnet) travels to an Ethiopian village to represent Hirut(Tizita Hagere), a 14-year-old girl who shot her would-be husband. The husband was trying to practice one of the oldest traditions in his country; abduction into marriage. “Difret” Website
What to Watch For: Angelina Jolie-Pitt felt so strongly about this film that she agreed to be its executive producer. The film is based on a true story.
Word on the Street: The film won the Audience Awards at both the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival.
My Take: I really want to see this film.
If you can’t get to the theatre this weekend, then stay at home and watch movies on Atlanta’s CW.
Sunday
1:00 pm
“Runaway” (1984) Set in the future, a police officer (Tom Selleck) finds out that someone is programming robots to kill. Now, he must hunt down the people behind the killer robots.
3:00 pm
“The Code” (2009) A veteran thief (Morgan Freeman) picks a younger crook (Antonio Banderas) to help do one final job to pay back the Russian Mob.
