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, Wolverine is back and going for broke in Logan, relive the same day again and again in Before I Fall, Jessica Chastain fights the good fight in Miss Sloane, we meet the mysterious Jasper Jones, and Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson are Alone In Berlin.
Here’s what to watch!
Logan
Rating: MA15+
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Stephen Merchant
Synopsis: In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
Trailer:
Why you should care: There’s so many reasons… Hugh Jackman’s final outing (for now) as Wolverine promises plenty of feels, plenty of action, and a more violent streak than it’s predecessors. I’ve seen the film and trust me, it’s one of the best X-Men movies yet and you won’t be disappointed.
Who should see it: X-fans and those with a Jackman jones.
Before I Fall
Rating: M
Starring: Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Jennifer Beals
Synopsis: February 12 is just another day in Sam’s charmed life until it turns out to be her last. Stuck reliving her last day over one inexplicable week, Sam untangles the mystery around her death and discovers everything she’s in danger of losing.
Trailer:
Why you should care: It’s been described as Groundhog Day meets Mean Girls, but this is no comedy. The reviews have been solid for this teen drama, and if it can stick the landing and wrap things up effectively this might be a good diversion this weekend.
Who should see it: Drama queens
Miss Sloane
Rating: M
Starring: Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Synopsis: A story of a brilliant and ruthless lobbyist who is notorious for her unparalleled talent and her desire to win at all costs, even when it puts her own career at risk.
Trailer:
Why you should care: Jessica Chastain could just read the phone book and I’d be interested. Tie that to a so-relevant-it-hurts story of gun control and the results could be great. It was briefly in the Oscar conversation, mostly for Chastain’s performance, and from the reviews it seems that maybe she should have been there on Oscar night.
Who should see it: Fighters and idealists
Jasper Jones
Rating: M
Starring: Toni Collette, Hugo Weaving, Levi Miller, Angourie Rice, Dan Wyllie and Aaron McGrath
Synopsis: In the dead of night during the summer of 1969, Charlie is startled when he is woken by local mixed-race outcast Jasper Jones outside his window. Jasper leads him deep into the forest & shows him something that will change his life forever, setting them both on a dangerous journey to solve a mystery that will consume the entire community. In an isolated town of secrecy, gossip & tragedy, Charlie faces family breakdown, finds his first love, & discovers what it means be truly courageous.
Trailer:
Why you should care: I’m not familiar with the book on which it’s based, but the murder mystery element is certainly makes this more intriguing than you standard Aussie drama fare. The well-known actors will get most of the attention, but it seems like most of the burden rests on the two young leads. If they can knock it out of the park, this might be something special.
Who should see it: Aussie sleuths
Alone In Berlin
Rating: M
Starring: Emma Thompson,Brendan Gleeson, Daniel Brühl
Synopsis: Based on the international best-selling novel by Hans Fallada, ALONE IN BERLIN shines the light on two ordinary people who made an extraordinary impact. Berlin, 1940. Working class couple Otto and Anna Quangel receive the news that their only son has been killed on the battlefield. They decide to resist the Nazi regime in their very own way, risking everything to try and turn the tide on German support for the cause.
Trailer:
Why you should care: The cast in this is top notch, but damn if it doesn’t look boring! Maybe I’m just not the target market, or I’m just not a war movie fan, but there’s nothing here that interests me.
Who should see it: Ze Germans
So, what’s getting your hard earned dollars? Are you in it for the action or the prestige? Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you’ve watched, and if it’s any good!