It’s officially the last weekend of summer, and there are some great offerings out there this week. Before we go through this week’s new movies, we thought we’d remind you that our brand new weekly movie show Film Friday was launched earlier today. The show, which will be posted every Friday at 12pm midday UK time, previews the weekend’s new releases, and recaps our top three movies currently playing. Head over here, or take a look at the bottom of this post to watch episode one.
Onto this week’s releases.
Straight Outta Compton (UK, still playing in the US)
Rating: *****
Synopsis: In 1988, a groundbreaking new group revolutionizes music and pop culture, changing and influencing hip-hop forever. N.W.A’s first studio album, “Straight Outta Compton,” stirs controversy with its brutally honest depiction of life in Southern Los Angeles. With guidance from veteran manager Jerry Heller, band members Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren navigate their way through the industry, acquiring fame, fortune and a place in history.
Our review: “Brutally honest, and still very relevant; perhaps more today than ever; one of the best films of the year so far. Amazing.” [Read the full review]
Hitman: Agent 47 (UK, still playing in the US)
Rating: *
Synopsis: Genetically engineered from conception to be the perfect killing machine, he’s the culmination of decades of research, endowed with unprecedented strength, speed, stamina and intelligence. Known only as Agent 47 (Rupert Friend), his latest target is a corporation that plans to unlock the secret of his past to create an army of killers even more powerful than him. With help from a young woman, the elite assassin confronts revelations about his own origins in an epic battle with his deadliest foe.
Our review: “A pointless addition to a movie series that shouldn’t have been revived. Dull and drab from the off.” [Read the full review]
We Are Your Friends (UK and USA)
Rated: ***
Synopsis: Young Cole Carter (Zac Efron) dreams of hitting the big time as a Hollywood disc jockey, spending his days and nights hanging with buddies and working on the one track that will set the world on fire. Opportunity comes knocking when he meets James Reed, a charismatic DJ who takes the 23-year-old under his wing. Soon, his seemingly clear path to success gets complicated when he starts falling for his mentor’s girlfriend, jeopardizing his new friendship and the future he seems destined to fulfill.
Our review: “A well-rounded drama that engrosses from the off without really hitting any bum-notes along the way.” [Read the full review]
Barely Lethal (UK)
Rated: **
Synopsis: Seeking a normal adolescence, a special-operations agent (Hailee Steinfeld) fakes her own death and enrolls in high school as an exchange student.
Our review: “Despite it’s very different twist, Barely Lethal turns out to be just another teen movie.” [Read the full review]
45 Years (UK)
Rated: N/A
Synopsis: Kate Mercer and her husband are excitedly planning a party to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. However, one week before the celebration, a letter arrives for her husband. The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. As the party nears, there might not be a marriage left to celebrate.
No Escape (USA)
Rated: N/A – review due next week
Synopsis: American businessman Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson), wife Annie and their two young daughters arrive in Southeast Asia to begin a new life. As his company plans to improve the region’s water quality, the family quickly learns that they’re right in the middle of a political uprising. Armed rebels attack the hotel where they’re staying, ordered to kill any foreigners that they encounter. Amid utter chaos, Jack must find a way to save himself and his loved ones from the violence erupting all around them.
Sinister 2 (USA, still playing in the UK)
Rated: N/A
Synopsis: Hiding from her abusive, estranged husband, Courtney Collins lives in a rural house with her 9-year-old twins, Dylan and Zach. Young Dylan receives nightly visits from ghoulish kids who show him disturbing images of families being slaughtered. It’s all part of the grand plan of Bughuul, the evil spirit who recruits innocent children to murder their loved ones. The only hope for his intended new victims may be a former deputy who’s familiar with Bughuul’s fiendish work from the past.
Watch our brand new weekly film preview show, Film Friday.
