After an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong—the system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything…and everyone along with it.
Dean Devlin (writer/producer, “Independence Day”) makes his feature film directorial debut with suspense thriller “Geostorm,” starring Gerard Butler (“Olympus Has Fallen,” “300”), Jim Sturgess (“Cloud Atlas”), Abbie Cornish (“Limitless”), Alexandra Maria Lara (“Rush”), Daniel Wu (“The Man with the Iron Fists,” “Warcraft: The Beginning”), Eugenio Derbez (“How to Be a Latin Lover”), with Oscar nominees Ed Harris (“The Hours,” “Apollo 13”) and Andy Garcia (“The Godfather: Part III”).
Butler stars as Jake, a scientist who, along with his brother, Max, played by Sturgess, is tasked with solving the satellite program’s malfunction. Cornish stars as Secret Service agent Sarah Wilson; Lara as Ute Fassbinder, the ISS astronaut who runs the space station; Wu as Cheng, the Hong Kong-based supervisor for the Dutch Boy Program; Derbez as space station crew member Hernandez; with Garcia as U.S. President Andrew Palma; and Harris as Secretary of State Leonard Dekkom. The film also stars Zazie Beetz (upcoming “Deadpool 2,” TV’s “Atlanta”), Adepero Oduye (“The Big Short,” “12 Years a Slave”), Amr Waked (“Lucy,” “Syriana”), Robert Sheehan (“The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” “Season of the Witch”) and Eugenio Derbez (“Instructions Not Included”).
The film, written by Dean Devlin & Paul Guyot, is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Devlin, and Skydance’s Dana Goldberg. Herbert W. Gains, Electric Entertainment’s Marc Roskin and Skydance’s Don Granger are the executive producers. Rachel Olschan of Electric Entertainment and Cliff Lanning co-produce.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Roberto Schaefer (“Finding Neverland,” “Quantum of Solace”); production designer Kirk M. Petruccelli (“White House Down”); editors Ron Rosen (“Godzilla”), Oscar nominee Chris Lebenzon (“Crimson Tide,” “Top Gun”) and Oscar nominee John Refoua (“Avatar”); costume designer Susan Matheson (“The Big Short,” “Safehouse”); and VFX supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun (“Clash of the Titans,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still”). The music is by Lorne Balfe (“The LEGO Batman Movie”).
Warner Bros. Pictures and Skydance present, a Skydance production, an Electric Entertainment production, a film by Dean Devlin, “Geostorm.” Set to hit theaters October 20, 2017, it will be distributed in 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX, by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
“Geostorm” has been rated PG-13 for destruction, action and violence.
Thanksgiving may not have the sheer volume of movies as Christmas, but it’s no less special when it comes to heartwarming, funny, and even chaotic films that capture the holiday spirit. Here’s a ranked list of the top Thanksgiving movies you should add to your holiday viewing tradition.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Why Watch: The definitive Thanksgiving movie, John Hughes’ comedy about an unlikely duo (Steve Martin and John Candy) trying to make it home for Thanksgiving is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Why Watch: This animated classic reminds us of the simple joys of friendship and togetherness, all with Snoopy’s iconic charm. Perfect for family viewing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)
The Blind Side (2009)
Why Watch: A feel-good drama about family, generosity, and second chances, this Sandra Bullock-led film captures the spirit of Thanksgiving through its heartwarming true story.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Pieces of April (2003)
Why Watch: A raw and quirky indie film starring Katie Holmes as a black sheep daughter trying to host Thanksgiving for her estranged family. It’s funny, awkward, and touching in equal measure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Why Watch: Directed by Jodie Foster, this chaotic comedy-drama starring Holly Hunter captures the ups and downs of a family Thanksgiving in all its messy glory.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Addams Family Values (1993)
Why Watch: The hilarious Thanksgiving play sequence alone earns this gothic comedy a spot on the list. The Addams family’s twisted charm is perfect for holiday laughs.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Dutch (1991)
Why Watch: This underrated road-trip comedy follows Ed O’Neill as a man escorting his girlfriend’s bratty son home for Thanksgiving, delivering laughs and heartfelt moments.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Why Watch: Though more closely associated with Christmas, this classic opens during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and celebrates holiday magic and kindness.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Why Watch: Al Pacino’s Oscar-winning performance anchors this drama about loyalty and redemption, set against a backdrop of Thanksgiving break.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Tower Heist (2011)
- Why Watch: A lighthearted heist comedy featuring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller, set during the Thanksgiving season. It’s not deep, but it’s a fun, entertaining watch.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Honorable Mentions
The Ice Storm (1997): A dark Thanksgiving drama for those who prefer serious fare.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Thanksgiving frames this Woody Allen classic about family dynamics.
With this lineup, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your Thanksgiving movie marathon as memorable as the feast itself!
directed by Prashanth Neel, brings a bold and gritty spectacle to the big screen, marking a triumphant return for Prabhas in an action-heavy role. Known for his high-energy, raw style (seen in KGF), Neel continues his signature approach here, blending intense action scenes with grandiose settings reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. The film revolves around Deva (Prabhas), a powerful yet calm figure with a complex past, and his involvement in a politically charged power struggle with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character Varadha. This layered storyline introduces us to the fictitious city of Khansar, where betrayals and power dynamics keep viewers on edge.
Critics generally appreciate Prabhas’s magnetic performance, noting that he captures the larger-than-life heroism he’s celebrated for since Baahubali. His portrayal, paired with intense fight choreography, keeps the audience engaged, particularly during standout sequences that elevate the film’s dramatic intensity. Prithviraj’s character as Deva’s friend adds an intriguing dynamic, though Shruti Haasan’s role feels underused. While fans of action-packed cinema and Prabhas’s iconic style will enjoy the exhilarating visuals and powerful cinematography, some critics feel the plot loses momentum in the second half, with multiple subplots that dilute its emotional depth. The story is intentionally left open-ended, setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Overall, Salaar is an ambitious action film that will satisfy fans of Prabhas and high-octane spectacles. However, those seeking a tight narrative or deep emotional connections might find it lacking. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars—a solid experience for action enthusiasts, with room for a more focused storyline in its sequel.
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Rating: (4/5)
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a visually ambitious sci-fi film featuring an ensemble of Indian cinema legends, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is set in a dystopian future with a storyline that weaves mythology and science fiction, creating a unique cinematic experience for viewers.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a futuristic society where technology and ancient themes intersect. It begins with an immersive setup that introduces us to Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, who grapples with complex moral and existential questions in a world marked by political and ethical turmoil. Although the pacing can feel slow in parts, especially as it establishes the mythological underpinnings, the intensity and scope build significantly as the story progresses.
One of the most captivating aspects is the stunning visual effects. The production team, with a budget reportedly over 400 crore INR, utilized advanced CGI to craft expansive landscapes, dramatic space battles, and futuristic cityscapes that resemble scenes from Hollywood sci-fi giants. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Bachchan, stand out with their thrilling choreography and careful dramatic build-up. These sequences balance between traditional Indian cinema stylings and Hollywood’s polished sci-fi tropes.
While Kalki 2898 AD relies heavily on genre conventions, it manages to bring a fresh twist by blending mythological symbolism with modern sci-fi elements. However, some may find the film’s narrative occasionally predictable, and the focus on visual spectacle occasionally overshadows character development. Yet, the powerhouse performances from the lead cast, particularly Bachchan and Padukone, provide the emotional depth needed to keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Kalki 2898 AD is an impressive venture into the sci-fi genre for Indian cinema, successfully balancing myth with high-tech fantasy. While not without flaws, it’s an enjoyable and bold cinematic experience that’s worth a watch for fans of both Indian mythology and science fiction.
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