Two new sequels are opening in theatres this weekend, and you can expect one of them to do enormous business, despite atrocious reviews.
That film is Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the new sequel to Man of Steel and second entry in the DC Extended Universe film series. What really needs to be said about this one? You already know if you’re planning to see it or not. Henry Cavill returns as Superman, and Ben Affleck plays Batman, who is not happy with the destruction and fatalities resulting from the Man of Steel’s endless battle with Zod in the previous film. Amy Adams and Laurence Fishburne also return from Man of Steel. Other new cast members include Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, and Holly Hunter as a U.S. senator. Director Zack Snyder is back as well. Reviews are so terrible, and I’ve heard mostly negative word-of-mouth. Still, this will be a massive hit.
Also opening this weekend is My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, the sequel to 2002’s hugely successful Oscar-nominated comedy. Nia Vardalos returns as star and screenwriter, along with John Corbett as her husband. And basically the entire cast of the first film is back. (I guess we’re to assume that CBS’s short-lived My Big Fat Greek Life is non-canon?) The sequel picks up years later, with Toula and Ian facing martial trouble while raising their college-age daughter. I think it’s safe to say that we should expect more of the same in this one. Comedy sequels tend to recycle the formula of what made people love the first film, usually to diminishing returns. Director Kirk Jones previously directed What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Waking Ned Devine. Critics don’t seem too impressed either so far. I found the first film quite funny, so I’ll definitely check this one out eventually.
Opening in limited release this weekend are Rocky Handsome, a Bollywood action film; I Saw the Light, a biopic starring Tom Hiddleston as country music legend Hank Williams, which premiered at last fall’s TIFF; and Born to Be Blue, another music biopic (and this one a Canadian production that also premiered at TIFF!) starring Ethan Hawke as jazz musician Chet Baker.
What are you planning to see this weekend?
