Kam's Movie Kapsules for 5-15-15

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam's Kapsules:      

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun         

by Kam Williams

For movies opening May 15, 2015

BIG BUDGET FILMS   

Mad Max: Fury Road (R for disturbing images and pervasive intense violence) Tom Hardy plays the title character in this reboot of the apocalyptic sci-fi franchise as a warrior haunted by his turbulent past who joins forces with a group fleeing across the barren desert to escape a despicable tyrant (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Co-starring Charlize Theron, Zoe Kravitz, Adelaide Clemens and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

   

Pitch Perfect 2 (PG-13 for profanity and sexual innuendo) Female empowerment sequel finds the humiliated acapella group, The Bellas, reuniting to restore their dignity in the World Championship competition. Ensemble includes Anna Kendrick, Elizabeth Banks, Hailee Steinfeld, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow and Katey Sagal.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS 

Absolution (R for profanity, drug use and graphic violence) Steven Seagal stars in this action thriller as a contract killer who comes to the assistance of a woman (Adina Stetcu) on the run from a politically-connected mobster (Vinnie Jones). With Maria Bata, Byron Mann and Josh Barnett.

Childless (R for profanity, sexual references and drug use) Otherworldly dramedy  about a recently-deceased teen (Natalie Dreyfuss) who tries to set the record straight from the grave after the adults in her life (Joe Mantegna, Barbara Hershey, Diane Verona and James Naughton) start reciting self-serving accounts of the family dynamic. Cast includes Jordan Baker, Scott F. Anderson and Trevor Trout.

Dark Star (Unrated) Reverential biopic about H.R. Giger (1940-2014), the Oscar-winning special f/x wiz best known for his work in the Alien and Species film franchises. (In Swiss German with subtitles)  

Every Secret Thing (R for profanity and disturbing images) Adaptation of Laura Lippman’s novel of the same name starring Elizabeth Banks and Nate Parker as detectives playing a game of cat-and-mouse with a couple of recently-paroled child killers (Dakota Fanning and Danielle Macdonald) and one’s overprotective mother (Diane Lane). With Colin Donnell, Common, Amy Tribbey and Jaden Michael.   

Forbidden Films (Unrated) Holocaust documentary analyzing 40 Nazi movies still banned because of their offensive and inflammatory content, including such anti-Semitic pictures as The Eternal Jew, The Rothchilds and Jew Suss. (In German with subtitles)

Good Kill (R for violence, rape, profanity and sexuality) Afghan War drama examining the toll that bombing the Taliban by drones takes on a former fighter pilot (Ethan Hawke). With Zoe Kravitz, January Jones and Bruce Greenwood.  

I’ll See You in My Dreams (PG-13 for sexuality, drug use and brief profanity) Romantic dramedy revolving around a retired widow in her seventies (Blythe Danner) who gets another shot at love when she meets a velvet-voiced gentleman (Sam Elliott) at a speed-dating event. Support cast includes Martin Starr, Rhea Perlman, June Squibb, Malin Akerman and Mary Kay Place.

Know How (Unrated) Musical-driven drama relating the real-life plight of five teens being raised in the NYC foster care system. Co-starring Deshawn Brown, Niquana Clark, Michael Dew, Gilbert Howard and Gabrielle Garcia.

One Cut, One Life (Unrated) Veteran filmmaker Ed Pincus (1938-2013), considered the “Father of the Personal Documentary,” turned the camera on himself to shoot this biopic after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Featuring appearances by Paul Giamatti and relatives Jane and Ruth Pincus.   

Our Man in Tehran (Unrated) Iran Revolution documentary chronicling the critical role played by Canada’s Ambassador Ken Taylor in the rescue of a half-dozen Americans who took refuge in his nation’s embassy during the 1979 hostage crisis.

The Surface (Unrated) Seafaring saga about a pilot (Chris Mulkey) and sailor’s (Sean Astin) struggle to survive after a boat collides with the wreckage of single engine plane floating in the middle of Lake Michigan. With Mimi Rogers, Chike Johnson and Elvis Thao.   

Where Hope Grows (PG-13 for brief profanity, an accident scene, mature themes, teen sexuality and underage drinking) Tale of redemption about a self-destructive, former pro football player (Kristoffer Polaha) who gets a big lesson in life after befriending a grocery store clerk (David DeSanctis) with Down Syndrome. Supporting cast includes Danica McKellar, William Zabka and Kerr Smith.