Desi Today Magazine
Learning to Drive
Release: August 21, 2015
Plot: After breaking up with her husband, Wendy (Patricia Clarkson), starts taking driving lessons from Sikh instructor, Darwin (Oscar winning “Ghandi” Ben Kinsley) who is having marriage problems of his own. Together they strike up an unlikely friendship and go on a journey that they never would have imagined. The movie is not about learning to drive, it’s about learning to live and to love—how to be.
Good: Well the obvious: seeing a Sikh character portrayed in large scale Hollywood film makes all of us extremely proud! But aside from the very biased reason to like this movie, “Learning to Drive” is truly a film for viewers of all tastes. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn. If not for anything else, watch the film for the amazing on screen chemistry between the two stars: the dialogue, the banter, the quick wits and genuine interaction is one for all to see.
Bad: Can we say it’s “bad” that so far this film is only getting Oscar buzz instead of an official standing?!
Regression
Release: August 28, 2015
Plot: “Regression” is an American-S
panish psychological thriller about a father accused of sexually abusing his daughter (Emma Watson,) but has no memory of this. This leads to a conspiracy which shakes the nation.
Good: This deliciously disturbing thriller is written and directed by the talented Alejandro Amenábar who is even choosing the soundtrack for this film. The storyline will catch your attention right away and will have your “black or white” ethical ground in question throughout. A great thinker and a great plot!
Bad: Some are skeptical as to whether Miss Hermione Granger will be able to carry such a challenging role. She has, however, surprised us before by expanding her range in films like “Perks of A Wallflower” (despite her wavering American accent in the film) she did great so who says she won’t do the same here.
Everest
Release date: September 25, 2015
“Everest,” directed by Baltasar Kormákuri, tells the tale of a climbing expedition to Everest distraught by an unexpected snow storm. This shocking film is actually based on a true story and stars the beloved Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightly and Robin Wright.
Good: This action packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seats!
Bad: Everest movies have been done almost to death. Do we really need another one? We’ll see if this one has something different to bring to the plate very soon.
Pawn Sacrifice
Release: September 11, 2015
Based on a true story, this film is a bio-pic of the genius chess player, Bobby Fischer (Tobey Mcguire). You’ll watch at the edge of your seat as Fischer gets caught between the reigns of two empires when he challenges a Russian champion during the height of the Cold War.
Good: Hollywood finally gets a peek into the fascinating (and equally insane) mind of Bobby Fischer.
Hotel Transylvania 2
Release date: September 25, 2015
Plot: The once old-school Hotel has changed a lot since the arrival of Mavis’ husband, Jonathon and is even admitting human visitors! Dracula must, however, find a way to get his traditional father to accept these changes during an unexpected visit, meanwhile he must also deal with his half human half vampire grandson who seems to lack all supernatural abilities.
Good: All our favourite comedians from the first “Hotel Transylvania” are in the sequel!
Bad: Although it seems like a fun and lighthearted flick, it is not likely to be one of those family movies which parents will also enjoy. Unlike our favourite cartoon flick “Inside Out,” this may not be a movie all ages can enjoy.
Mississippi Grind
Release Date: August 13, 2015
Plot: After facing great financial loss, gambling addict Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) is determined to change his luck. He is convinced that his new found poker playing friend, Curtis (Ryan Reynolds) is the answer to his prayer. Together, the two go on a road trip to New Oldeans to participate in a high-stakes poker game. The trip, the game, and their inherent character flaws lead the two strangers to creating an unbreakable bond.
The good and The bad: Whether most audience will like this movie is definitely a “gamble” (see what we did there).
Some may say the casino addict storyline is predictable will others say their honest portrayal of the human condition is unlike any other film this year.
