An eclectic set of movies premiere at South African cinemas this week. They make their debut alongside two Bollywood action thrillers, in the form of Coolie and War 2 (coming to both Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor); music documentary 6 Days, centred on KPop band DAY6 (showing at select cinemas on Wednesday, 20 August and Saturday, 23 August); and, finally, the Throwback re-release of feel-good romance Chocolat.
If we’re betting on which of the new cinema releases will be the biggest hit at the box office, our money is definitely on dark comedy actioner Nobody 2. Bob Odenkirk is back as unassuming but deadly assassin Hutch Mansell, who is forced to take a break from his workaholic ways. However, a family vacation in a small tourist town soon puts him in the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator (John Ortiz), shady sheriff (Colin Hanks), and unhinged crime boss (Sharon Stone). Also with Connie Nielsen.
A new week, a new horror movie releasing to critical acclaim. This time it’s the turn of Together, which puts a supernatural, body horror spin on toxic co-dependency. Real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie play a longtime pair whose move to the countryside has led them to abandon everything familiar in their lives except each other. As their relationship takes strain, an encounter with a mysterious force begins to transform their lives in multiple, disturbing ways.
Look out for our review of Together soon.
For families this week, there’s animated sports comedy Grand Prix of Europe, which is a co-production between Germany and the United Kingdom. Centred on the mascots of Europa-Park, the film sees young mouse Edda (voiced by Gemma Arterton) aspire to become a race car driver. She gets her chance with the 50th anniversary of the European Grand Prix, where entry allows her to meet her idol Ed (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and help her family’s business. Also with the voices of Hayley Atwell and Lenny Henry.
Jonathan Majors needs a career comeback after domestic abuse charges, and evidently film festival drama Magazine Dreams does a great job at spotlighting the disgraced star’s on-screen talent. In the movie, Majors plays aspiring bodybuilder Killian Maddox, whose obsession with becoming a Mr. Olympia champion pushes him towards complete mental and physical breakdown. Depression, aggression and loneliness build as he fixates on perfection and dreams of superstardom.