<< THIS WEEK'S NEW CINEMA RELEASES >>

Just three movies to catch up with this week…

MY TOP PICK TO SEE

Top of the list is BOYHOOD, the life of a young man, Mason, from age 5 to age 18. The movie description doesn’t seem much, but this is a groundbreaking movie using the same actors from the age of six up to 18. Every year, the director filmed the next part of the movie, edited it (without showing the actors), and then filmed the next part the following year. So we see the actual changes in the ages of the actors over the twelve year period. Its meant to be a stunning piece of cinema with general viewers and critics praising it. The Guardian’s Xan Brooks calls it … an astonishing achievement; [and] a beautiful movie. Do not miss this one!

OTHERS TO SEE

For all you vampire lovers, here’s one not to miss! WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. Follow the lives of Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) - three flatmates who are just trying to get by and overcome life's obstacles-like being immortal vampires who must feast on human blood. Hundreds of years old, the vampires are finding that beyond sunlight catastrophes, hitting the main artery, and not being able to get a sense of their wardrobe without a reflection-modern society has them struggling with the mundane like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts. It’s a comedy mocumentary - and the trailers look great.

MAYBE/MAYBE NOT

INTO THE STORM is is a disaster movie in which storm trackers, thrill-seekers, and everyday townspeople document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton. I’ve already posted my review of this movie and give it only **1/2. Check out my review and you can decide for yourself whether you go see it or not. It will depend, I think, on whether you are interested in the special effects and don’t mind the poor quality of the rest. I agree with The Hollywood Reporter’s Stephen Farber who says, The script by John Swetnam is rudimentary, with only the most minimal and pallid stabs at characterization... Nevertheless, once the funnel clouds begin swirling, Quale and his special effects team achieve some remarkably authentic and frightening moments.

That's it for this week. See you at the movies!

NB: synopses of movies are adapted from IMDB. Opinions are mine unless quoted from cited sources.