This week in theaters, we have an amazing number of new wide releases, and three of them are true stories, each one in a different genre: "Deepwater Horizon", "Masterminds" and "Queen of Katwe". The other one, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" is another dark fantasy from Tim Burton.
Synopses, details, critical reception, trailers, clips and more after the jump.
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Official Synopsis
On April 20th, 2010, one of the world's largest man-made disasters occurred on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. Directed by Peter Berg (Lone Survivor), this story honors the brave men and women whose heroism would save many on board, and change everyone's lives forever.
Film Details
- Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O’Brien, Kurt Russell, Ethan Suplee, John Malkovich
- Director: Peter Berg
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Running Time: 107 min.
- Rating: PG-13 for prolonged intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 81% (126 fresh, 29 rotten, score: 7.0/10)
- Metacritic: 67 out of 100 (35 positive, 12 mixed, 1 negative).
Peter Berg follows his brutal "Lone Survivor" with the even more harrowing true story of "Deepwater Horizon". Berg convincingly puts moviegoers in the midst of the fiery inferno with the help of impressive visual effects that don't suffocate the story's human element, and a strong cast. Disaster movies don't get any better than this.
Trailers, Clips, Posters and More
MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
Official Synopsis
From visionary director Tim Burton, and based upon the best-selling novel, comes an unforgettable motion picture experience. When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds a magical place known as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers...and their powerful enemies. Ultimately, Jake discovers that only his own special "peculiarity" can save his new friends.
Film Details
- Starring: Asa Butterfield, Eva Green, Ella Purnell, Judi Dench, Samuel L. Jackson, Allison Janney, Chris O'Dowd, Kim Dickens, Rupert Everett, Terence Stamp
- Director: Tim Burton
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Running Time: 127 min.
- Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and peril
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 64% (88 fresh, 50 rotten, score: 5.9/10)
- Metacritic: 59 out of 100 (21 positive, 13 mixed, 3 negative).
Tim Burton returns to his stylish dark fantasy roots in "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", but critics have pointed out that it's more of a mixed bag than the director's previous works. The narrative elements seem to be the most problematic, and it's not as engaging as it could have been. Anyway, fans of the book and of the genre might find enough to enjoy.
Trailers, Clips, Posters and More
MASTERMINDS
Official Synopsis
In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people's money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime. Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash...only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most.
Film Details
- Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Owen Wilson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Kate McKinnon,
- Director: Jared Hess
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Running Time: 94 min.
- Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, some language and violence
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 40% (20 fresh, 30 rotten, score: 4.8/10)
- Metacritic: 49 out of 100 (9 positive, 12 mixed, 5 negative).
"Masterminds" has a good true story premise for a comedy and an amazing cast. And yet, the film fails to be as amazing as it promised to be. It's heavy on the slapstick, but lacking in clever writing. It's not a total disaster, just more of a missed opportunity that you can check out if you've got nothing better to do.
Trailers, Clips, Posters and More
QUEEN OF KATWE
Official Synopsis
"Queen of Katwe" is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair ("Monsoon Wedding") from a screenplay by William Wheeler ("The Hoax") based on the book by Tim Crothers, "Queen of Katwe" is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher ("The Darjeeling Limited") and John Carls ("Where the Wild Things Are") with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe (R) nominee David Oyelowo ("Selma"), Oscar (R) winner and Tony Award (R) nominee Lupita Nyong'o ("12 Years a Slave") and newcomer Madina Nalwanga. For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong'o), is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential. Recognizing Phiona's natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she's inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling. She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments, but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family.
Film Details
- Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza
- Director: Mira Nair
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Running Time: 124 min.
- Rating: PG for thematic elements, an accident scene and some suggestive material
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 91% (93 fresh, 9 rotten, score: 7.2/10)
- Metacritic: 73 out of 100 (32 positive, 4 mixed, 0 negative).
"Queen of Katwe" is your typical Disney feel-good movie. It's got strong performances and a great true story premise, and it delivers thanks to Mira Nair's thoughtful direction. A must-see if you're in an inspirational mood.
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