One gut-busting raunchy comedy stands out this week amongst lots of schmaltzy feel-good movies, with a thriller thrown in for good measure. Here’s what we have to look forward to this Mother’s Day weekend.
-
Bad Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising
Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) are expecting their second child and preparing to move out of their house. They soon reunite with Teddy (Zac Efron) to help battle the sorority sisters of Kappa Kappa Nu, led by Shelby (Chloë Grace Moretz), who moved in to their neighboring house.
Despite basically being a beat-for-beat remake of its predecessor in terms of story, Bad Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising makes up for that by surpassing the original when it comes to comedy. It’s raunchier and funnier in every way, and the low-brow humour really works. Yes, it’s juvenile and crass but still laugh-out-loud once you embrace it, as Kervyn did in his review that gave it 4/5 stars.
Book now at Nu Metro or Ster Kinekor
-
Mother’s Day
MOTHER’S DAY is the latest star studded ensemble comedy from director Garry Marshall (“Pretty Woman,” “Valentine’s Day”). Bringing together Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts along with Jason Sudeikis, it’s a celebration of mothers everywhere. This big-hearted comedy invites us all to enjoy the laughter, tears and love as three generations come together in the week leading up to Mother’s Day.
Too lightweight in terms of drama, and too few laughs to be called a comedy, not even the star-studded cast could save this one from being a contrived, predictable pile of manipulative mush. Mother’s Day is the cinematic equivalent of an almost-forgotten last-minute gift – rushed, thoughtless and cringe-worthy. So if you’re looking for something to do with your mom this Mother’s Day, I wouldn’t recommend risking the 8% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Book now at Nu Metro or Ster Kinekor
-
Miracles from Heaven
When Christy discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired. Based on a true story.
Even with its profound story and emotionally robust performance from Jennifer Garner, Miracles from Heaven falls into the trap that so many faith-based films do, by losing focus and preaching to the choir while waggling a rebuking finger at non-believers. Still, those that do enjoy faith-based films will be happily undeterred by the 48% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, even though it is unlikely to convert those that don’t.
Book now at Nu Metro or Ster Kinekor
-
Regression
Minnesota, 1990. Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) investigates the case of young Angela (Emma Watson), who accuses her father, John Gray (David Dencik), of an unspeakable crime. When John unexpectedly and without recollection admits guilt, renowned psychologist Dr. Raines (David Thewlis) is brought in to help him relive his memories and what they discover unmasks a horrifying nationwide mystery.
Artistically, Regression holds its own, shored up by the excellent performances of leads Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson. Unfortunately, the story is a major pitfall, it wallows in the tropes of a psychological thriller and ends up being tepid and mediocre. What’s more frustrating than anything is the hints of a better, deeper story that wasn’t explored, while what was explored is only worth 14% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Book now at Nu Metro or Ster Kinekor
-
Mignon “Mossie” Van Wyk
I am Luna van Wyk. A 14 year old girl. This is the story of Mignon “Mossie” Van Wyk, my older sister. Oh and her best friend Adriaan Prinsloo, who I think she should marry. But that’s just me. For some weird reason Mossie falls in love with older guys – enter Leon Rossouw – obviously without a shirt. This is a story about love, naturally, but it’s more about being a teenager and how rough life can be. It’s a story about monsters and running shoes. About letting go and holding on. About friendship. It’s a story about my sister and how she learns to fly.
I’ll admit, I enjoy the occasional teenage romance-comedy-drama, like Juno or The DUFF, and Mignon “Mossie” van Wyk looks like it’s right at home in those genres. I’ll also admit I’m more sold on it based on the descriptive synopsis rather than the trailer, but at least the trailer shows we’ve got another high-quality local production to look forward to, and hopefully a beautiful story as well.
Book now at Nu Metro or Ster Kinekor
Last Updated: May 6, 2016
