It seems that sport biographical films are where it’s at this weekend and you may all be surprised whether you like sport or not. We have two of them to choose from this week. Not only that but we have yet another animation for the family, a horror for those who are a little more hardcore and big “blockbuster” with tons of action and well let’s face it a couple of very good looking actors, this always makes me happy.
42
42 is biographical drama of African-American baseball player Jackie Robinson, the first black man to play in the major league. The story covers his struggle in his early career after being signed by Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey. Despite his immense talent, Robinson is faced with racial abuse all around, including that of his fellow team mates. However, even though he finds it hard to keep his own frustrations in check he excels at the sport he loves, finally obtaining the recognition he truly deserves.
Not only does this film have Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford telling the story of one man’s struggle it also has a soulful soundtrack with music from the likes of Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and the Nat King Cole trio. Promising to give us all an education of 50’s America with a touching, enticing story to touch maybe some of the hardest of hearts.
See If You Liked: The Blind Side, Invictus
Insidious: Chapter 2
Insidious 2 see’s the return of the Lambert family, happily reunited after Josh went into the Further to get his son Dalton back. However, the paranormal events haven’t gone away, which become more and more terrifying. When the family begins to notice strange behaviour from the father, they start to wonder; is it really Josh that came back? Or had something followed him back from the Further.
With the return of Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne as Josh and Renai Lambert we just may be in for another rollercoaster ride of terror and jump out of your seat moments the 1st instalment delivered. Not for the faint hearted this could be very well a must for those who can’t get enough of the paranormal thriller.
See If You Liked: Insidious, Paranormal Activity.
Justin and the Knights of Valour
After Justin (Freddie Highmore) has made an awe inspiring visit to his grandmother’s house and bidding farewell to the love of his life Lara, Justin embarks on an adventure which he hopes will see him honoured a Knight. Throughout his journey, he meets the feisty yet beautiful Talia (Saoirse Ronan), a strange and quirky wizard called Melquiades (David Walliams), the handsome Sir Clorex (Antonio Banderas) and is mentored by 3 monks who teach him the ancient ways of The Knights of Valour.
Justin is another animation to grace our screens this year, riddled with some big time actors lending their voices, and a few comedic moments. But something just sticks out saying I swear I have seen this before. Maybe this kind of story is getting old but you may just feel this is a good all round family fun film.
See If You Liked: How to Train A Dragon, Brave.
Rush
Rush is a biographical story of formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. After only a few weeks after this horrific accident, we see him defy all the odds and get back behind the wheel to keep on wowing the crowds.
Directed by Ron Howard and starring Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Lauda. Rush is based in the 70’s where men’s egos in this sport override the dangers and would do anything to push themselves to the limit. Rush is a story full of lunatics and dreamers, a decent watch if you like that sort of thing.
See If You Liked: Senna, Ron Howard
White House Down
When Washington policeman, John Cale (Channing Tatum) has an interview for the secret service things don’t go exactly to plan and is denied the chance to serve President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). However, a group of paramilitaries launch an attack on the White House and take President Sawyer hostage, Cale is then offered the chance to redeem himself by saving the President. Not only has Cale got the unenviable task of saving the president he has to juggle keeping his daughter safe too. Will he be up to the task to save the country and its president?
This film has cliché written all over it, big explosions, lots of action and men trying to be all macho. However, this can be forgiven, whilst it may not prove to be an epic masterpiece it certainly has something for everyone. Lots of macho action for the men and not one but TWO pieces of eye candy in Tatum and Foxx for the ladies. This film is certainly on my list this weekend.
See If You Liked: Olympus Has Fallen, Air Force One.
MY PICK OF THE WEEK: 42.
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