With so much grabbing for your attention and dollars these days, it’s easy to miss when the latest releases are heading to a cinema near you. So come back every week as we here at So, Is It Any Good? preview the new movies hitting screens, and give you the lowdown on what to watch this weekend.
This weekend, return to Wonderland with Alice Through The Looking Glass, Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are The Nice Guys, and Sam Neill is on the Hunt For The Wilderpeople.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
Rating: PG
Starring: Johnny Depp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowska
Synopsis: Alice Kingsleigh has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps & sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass & returns to the fantastical realm of Underland & her friends the White Rabbit, Absolem, the Cheshire Cat & the Mad Hatter, who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time.
OUR VERDICT
Trailer:
Why you should care: Alice In Wonderland was a huge movie for Disney ($1 billion+ worldwide), so it’s no surprise that they’re diving back down the rabbit hole for another tale with Alice. But when Alice is your least interesting character, it’s hard to build a movie franchise around her, so here we have another candy coloured concoction that puts the gallery of colourful rogues (Mad Hatter, Red Queen, Time) front and centre. Johnny Depp returns for another deep dive into madness, but at this point aren’t we all just a bit sick of his schtick? The first movie was pretty, but soulless, and even with a change of director (The Muppets director James Bobbin is on board for this one) I don’t see this one being that much different. But what do I know? Disney is probably readying themselves for another avalanche of cash.
Who should see it: Mad movie fans
The Nice Guys
Rating: MA15+
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger
Synopsis: A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.
OUR VERDICT
Trailer:
Why you should care: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of my favourite movies, so even though this looks a bit like KKBB 2.0, I’m excited to see it. I like the interplay between Gosling and Crowe, and I especially like Crowe in this type of comedy movie, it suits him. If this movie has even half of the fun of Kiss it’ll be a good time. Shane Black, you have my money.
Who should see it: Nice, and not-so-nice guys and gals
Hunt For The Wilderpeople
Rating: PG
Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rhys Darby, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House
Synopsis: Ricky (Julian Dennison) is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle (Sam Neill) in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together to survive in this hilarious and heartfelt adventure.
Trailer:
Why you should care: I’m not sure what this movie will be, but I’m pretty sure I’m in. What We Do In The Shadows was a comic gem, and now director Taika Waititi has been given the reins of Thor: Ragnarok, so he must be doing something right. This trailer is a bit all over the place, but it has a Wes Anderson action movie vibe to it, which I’m digging. You just can’t say no to a Terminator joke either.
Who should see it: Comic adventurers
So, who’s getting your hard earned dollars this weekend? Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you’ve watched, and if it’s any good!