6 great movies to binge-watch this weekend

The Antique The promo blurb for ‘The Antique’ (late 2014/2015) goes: “As the only heir to the throne lies at death’s door, Godo Kingdom is in pandemonium therefore, an innocent girl must journey to a land where mortals are forbidden, in search of an antique. But will she return?” If it sounds like the makings […]

The Antique

The promo blurb for ‘The Antique’ (late 2014/2015) goes: “As the only heir to the throne lies at death’s door, Godo Kingdom is in pandemonium therefore, an innocent girl must journey to a land where mortals are forbidden, in search of an antique. But will she return?” If it sounds like the makings of a great adventure drama, then you’re right. Helmed by two directors (DJ Tee and Darasen Richards), this gem, said to be inspired by events around Southern Nigeria in the 19th century, stars Olu Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola and many other great thespians.
Akintola’s performance alone is worth the ticket price, while DJ Tee’s stunning cinematography elevates the movie to instant classic status.

American Sniper

Directed by Clint Eastwood, true life story ‘American Sniper’ stars charismatic Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, whose skills as a sniper made him a hero on the battlefield. The movie continues to shatter box office records, grossing well-over $300m (or N60.5bn) as audiences connect to the story of the U.S Navy SEAL who is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. It’s at once a touching, personal story and an action-packed tale.

Fury

Brad Pitt headlines ‘Fury’, set in April 1945, when the Allies are making their final push in the European theater. Pitt’s battle-hardened Army sergeant named Don Collier, leading a Sherman tank and a five-man crew, undertakes a deadly mission behind enemy lines. The whole ‘hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned’ trope plays wonderfully well in this great film, as they face overwhelming odds trying to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. Directed by David Ayer.

Fifty Shades of Grey

When young student Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, steps in for her sick roommate to interview prominent businessman Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) for their campus paper, little does she realize the path her life will take. So begins the adaptation of one of the most successful novels ever published, as Christian, enigmatic as he is rich and powerful, is drawn to Ana, and she to him. This movie, however, is for adults only and continues to generate controversy – and cash – at U.S and global box offices.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

The IMDB listing for director Matthew Vaughn’s light-hearted, heavily action-packed film goes: “Gary Unwin, whose late father secretly worked for a spy organization, lives in a South London housing estate and seems headed for a life behind bars. However, dapper agent Harry Hart (played by Colin Firth) recognizes potential in the youth and recruits him to be a trainee in the secret service. Meanwhile, villainous Richmond Valentine (a camp, funny Samuel L. Jackson) launches a diabolical plan to solve the problem of climate change via a worldwide killing spree.” This gem has more thrills than two James Bond movies combined.

Jupiter Ascending

From the directors of the famous Matrix trilogy comes ‘Jupiter Ascending’, a sci-fi extravaganza that while not doing well sales-wise, is a stunning spectacle. Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under signs that predicted future greatness, but her reality as a woman consists of cleaning other people’s houses and endless bad breaks. Caine (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered hunter, arrives on Earth to locate her, making Jupiter finally aware of the great destiny that awaits her: Jupiter’s genetic signature marks her as the next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos. Straightforward, action-packed special effects galore!