This week at the movies offers something for everyone: dystopian sci-fi, sweet romantic comedy, a family movie about a supernatural little boy, and a historical drama starring (and directed by) Russell Crowe.
Ex-Machina
Perhaps the scariest thing about Ex-Machina’s trailer is the series of quotes from real-life gurus in tech and science, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Larry Page, warning us all against the development of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Alex Garland, the screenwriter responsible for 28 Days Later, the best zombie movie in recent memory, is making his directorial debut here. A computer programmer is summoned by an elusive tech CEO to work on his top-secret project, a seductive robot, Ava, who is not what she appears (they never are). Casting Domnhall Gleason who was in an installment of Black Mirror, the cult British TV show, is a nice touch.
Perfect For: You were a fan of Her, iRobot, Blade Runner, and can’t get enough of duplicitous artificial intelligence ‘bots.
What the Critics Say: They admire the ambition and the artful filmmaking, but acknowledge it doesn’t quite add up. Still, intriguing. Writes the New York Times: “While Mr. Garland wants to tease your brain, he's an entertainer, and in time ditches science and philosophy for romance and action.” Writes Entertainment Weekly: “Ex Machina is beautiful and ominous and features another delicately nuanced performance from (Oscar) Isaac, who's quickly making a habit of them. But in the end, for all of Garland's ambition, his reach winds up exceeding his grasp.”
Our Take: Did you say dystopian sci-fi futuristic movie about robots? I’m there.
Watch the Trailer:
Little Boy
Set in the 1940s, a little boy is led to believe that he can move mountains with his mind (literally) and sets about using his supposed superpower to bring his father back from war. It’s a not very hidden message about faith, wrapped in a magical realism fairytale, and stars an assembly of big-time actors (Emma Watson, Tom Wilkinson, and Michael Rapaport).
Perfect For: You like existential fairytales dusted in heavy doses of sweetness.
What the Critics Say: Hokey. A.V. Club: “’Believe the impossible,’ the tagline commands. It's a promise this shameless film has no intention of breaking.” The Hollywood Reporter: “The entire picture, though well-meaning and even thoughtful, is finally just a little too gooey.”
Our Take: Though a little cheesy, it’s probably an enjoyable family outing.
Watch the Trailer:
The Water Diviner
Russell Crowe acts in his directorial debut about a father of a war-torn family in search of his missing sons after Australia’s tragic Battle of Gallipoli during WWI. Part romance, part drama, all epic and dusty landscapes, the story takes place in Turkey, a not common setting.
Perfect For: You like brooding, romantic historical dramas; Russell Crowe.
What the Critics Say: Not bad for a first-time director, though he’s less sure-footed with the romantic stuff than he is the war-torn stuff. Writes the Hollywood Reporter: “Making his directorial debut with the brawny and big-hearted Australian war drama The Water Diviner, Russell Crowe taps a deep well of symbolism, cultural empathy and good old-fashioned storytelling.”
Our Take: If you go in for these sorts of movies, it doesn’t look like a bad way to spend an evening.
Watch the Trailer:
Adult Beginners
Nick Kroll stars as an entrepreneur who loses everything the night before the launch of his company, and retreats to his sister’s house in the suburbs. Penniless and depressed, he hopes to stay with his sister, her husband and young kid for three months while he figures out what to do with the rest of his life. Drolly funny. Also starring Rose Byrne and Bobby Canavale.
Perfect For: You are a fan of indie comedies and Nick Kroll.
What the Critics Say: Sweet, not super substantial, but enjoyable. Writes Variety: “Rose Byrne and Nick Kroll play a sibling duo navigating their shared and respective crises in this warmly appealing dramedy.”
Our Take: I’d see it.
Watch the Trailer:
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