Kam's Movie Kapsules for 8-23-13

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam's Kapsules:      

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun         

by Kam Williams

For movies opening August 23, 2013

BIG BUDGET FILMS   

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (PG-13 for intense violence and suggestive content) Lily Collins stars in this adaptation of the Cassandra Clare fantasy novel of the same name about a Brooklyn teenager who discovers that she’s descended from a long line of half-angels locked for generations in battle with a host of demonic creatures. Cast includes Lena Headey, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Jamie Campbell Bower.

The World’s End (R for sexual references and Pervasive profanity) Sci-fi comedy, set in England, about five friends (Simon Pegg, Eddie Marsan, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine and Nick Frost) who unwittingly reunite for drinks for the first time in decades during an invasion of the planet by alien robots. With Bill Night, Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike.

You’re Next (R for profanity, sexuality, nudity and graphic violence) Horror thriller about a festive family reunion at a remote, rural retreat ruined by the arrival of a gang of ax-wielding maniacs. Stars Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, Joe Swanberg and Amy Seimetz.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Drinking Buddies (R for pervasive profanity) Joe Swanberg directs this romantic comedy, set in Chicago, about a couple of flirtatious co-workers (Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson) already in committed relationships who come to question their commitments when they unexpectedly end up alone together for a whole weekend. With Ron Livingston, Ti West and Jake M. Johnson. 

The Frozen Ground (R for violence, sexuality, nudity, profanity and drug use) Fact-based crime thriller about an Alaska state trooper (Nicolas Cage) who tracks down a serial killer (John Cusack) with the help of a woman (Vanessa Hudgens) who barely escaped the bloodthirsty psychopath’s clutches. Support cast includes 50 Cent, Radha Mitchell and Dean Norris.   

The Grandmaster (PG-13 for violence, profanity, smoking and brief drug use) Historical biopic chronicling the life and times of sensei Yip Man (Tony Leung), founder of the karate school attended by the legendary Bruce Lee. With Ziyi Zhang, Hye-kyo Song and Chen Chang.

Paradise: Faith (Unrated) Second installment in the Ulrich Seidl trilogy revolves around a Born Again, door-to-door Christian missionary (Maria Hofstatter) whose life is turned upside-down when her long-lost Muslim husband (Nabil Saleh) returns to Austria from Egypt after a long absence. Featuring Natalya Baranova, Rene Rupnik and Daniel Hoesl.

Savannah (PG-13 for brief sexuality) Jim Caviezel stars in this true tale, unfolding in the post-bellum South, about the son of a plantation owner who forfeited his inheritance in order to live close to nature down by the riverside. With Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bradley Whitford and Jaimie Alexander.     

Scenic Route (R for profanity, violence and a scene of sexuality) Survival road saga about two buddies (Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler) whose lifelong friendship is tested when their dilapidated pickup truck breaks down in the desert. With Miracle Laurie, Christie Burson and Peter Michael Goetz.

Short Term 12 (R for profanity and brief sexuality) Character-driven drama about a social worker (Brie Larson) who, with the help of her co-worker boyfriend (John Gallagher, Jr.), does her best to help at-risk teens assigned to the foster care facility she supervises. Cast includes Kaitlyn Dever, Rami Malek and Keith Stanfield.

Therese (Unrated) Audrey Tautou plays the title character in this costume drama, set in the Roaring Twenties, about a miserably-married socialite’s desperate attempt to escape her gilded cage. With Gilles Lellouche, Anais Demoustier and Catherine Arditi. (In French with subtitles)

The Trials of Muhammad Ali (Unrated) Conscientious objector documentary revisiting disgraced Heavyweight Champ Muhammad Ali’s legal battle to overturn his five-year sentence for refusing to serve in Vietnam because “Ain’t no Viet Cong ever call me [N-word].”

Una Noche (Unrated) American Dream drama, set in Havana, about a fugitive from justice (Dariel Arrechaga) who makes a break for Florida by boat with the help of his best friend (Javier Nunez Florian). With Anailin de la Rua de la Torre, Katia Caso and Greisy del Valle. (In Spanish with subtitles)