Captain Phillips
Tom Hanks stars in another heart-wrenching drama about the kidnapping of a US cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips by Somalis pirates. The film is based on the true story of the hijacked MV Maersk Alabama in 2009. Phillips is taken hostage by the Somalis captain Muse and the film explores the complexity of the situation through the relationship between Muse and Phillips. Knowing Tom Hanks’ records of successful movies, the film will not disappoint. In addition, the story explores the injustice of the current global system and the effects of capitalism and dire poverty.
“Once the pirates are on board this becomes a tale of a ship with two captains, and it’s critical that Hanks is matched by an equal and opposite force to prevent the drama from becoming unbalanced. This Greengrass has found in the shape of newcomer Barkhad Abdi, an electrifying screen presence who brilliantly captures both the raging determination and embattled desperation of the pirates’ emergent leader, Muse. At their first on-screen confrontation, the seasoned Hollywood pro and fiery first-timer produce tangible sparks as Muse orders Phillips to ‘Look me in the eye – I’m the captain now!’ Inevitably, the power struggle between these two men becomes emblematic of the film’s wider culture-clash themes, with both depicted as pawns in a much larger game over which neither has any control,” wrote Mark Kermode of The Guardian.
Thor: The Dark World
Fans of Chris Hemsworth’s huge biceps, rejoice! The great Thor returns to save another unfortunate universe from evil aliens. And like the metaphorical carrot at the end of the stick, his love interest Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) is literally a lady-in-waiting for the return of the hero. Never fear, for another cheesy twist is here, Thor unites with Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the not-so-evil brother this time, to save the nine realms. Knowing these types of films, there will be a lot of special effects, giant aliens and mass destruction. There may even be some storm or another signal of the descent of evil. And, of course, there will be plenty of barely amusing puns.
“The movie needed more grandeur and less dim attitude – above all, it needed a vision. Entrusted to director Alan Taylor, best-known for multiple episodes of The Sopranos, Mad Men and Game of Thrones, it feels entirely made by committee – the definition of house style, without a personal stamp in sight,” wrote Tim Robey of The Telegraph.
Ender’s Game
Another sci-fi movie based on a best-seller series of books; it seems like a trend. Sometimes it is a good thing and other times it fails miserably. This film seems to straddle the iffy middle. It also stars some very young actors, confirming the fear that if you do not start your career by the age of 12, then you are doomed forever. Ender Wiggin is a young boy who is recruited by the International Military to save the universe from the Formecs, yet another movie about maniacal aliens.
“With Ender’s Game arriving in theaters, the conversation can now shift to the merits of the movie itself, for better and worse. It’s a polished sci-fi epic with the kind of sheen and stunning visual effects that should appeal to mainstream audiences, and while it doesn’t reach the lofty thematic heights it aspires to — nor carry the moral complexity of the novel — it’s nevertheless an entertaining ride with some unique and timely issues on its mind,” wrote Bryan Bishop of The Verge.
Escape Plan
If you have been fostering a longing for Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone movies, your prayers have been answered. The two action giants team up for one destruction-filled movie. Knowing the type of films the duo is famous for, do not expect anything that is cognitively enticing. This movie is for those who love mindless action and a lot of explosions that make no sense. Stallone and Schwarzenegger have to escape from the world’s most secure prison, which is known to no one.
“By the standards of both stars’ respective filmographies, “Escape Plan” reps a relatively low-key iteration of their trademark skull-crackery; fights are limited to punches and judo holds, with nary a throat-ripping or eye-gouging to be seen, and it isn’t until the film’s final third that our heroes even wield a gun,” wrote Andrew Barker of Variety.
