While the rain seems to have finally slowed down in Knoxville, the cold certainly has not. You know where it’s warm? Your local movie theaters. As you escape the cold this weekend, you will be able to check out the newest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a western featuring an all-star cast, or a critically-acclaimed foreign film that has finally made its way to Knoxville.
Captain Marvel
Marvel Studios is back with the next superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” fans have been clamoring for more Marvel films and the conclusion to the cliffhanger ending of “Infinity War.” While “Captain Marvel” will not provide closure to the fight against galactic titan Thanos, it introduces an important new character. That character might just be integral to the upcoming film “Avengers: Endgame.”
Set during the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” follows the story of pilot Carol Danvers. After a near-fatal crash, Carol is saved by the alien race known as the Kree. But the lifesaving operation comes with a twist: it fuses her DNA with that of the Kree. Carol gains some of the most powerful abilities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Naturally, her next move is to fight an evil race of shapeshifting aliens looking to take over the galaxy. The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn and Djimon Hounsou. This is the film to see if you are looking for an exciting superhero adventure.
The Kid
“Captain Marvel” may be the biggest name from this week’s releases, but it’s not the only new film with an all-star cast. New western adventure “The Kid” features favorites like Chris Pratt, Adam Baldwin, and Ethan Hawke. These names are big enough that each actor could headline a movie by themselves — so this cast is a bit of an event. The film has not received much press, however, which might be an indicator of its quality.
Judge for yourself: After Rio Cutler’s sister is kidnapped by his uncle, he is forced to go on a journey across the Southwestern United States to save her. Along the way, he ends up crossing paths with colorful characters like Sheriff Pat and infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. The two draw Rio down different paths: Will he become an outlaw? Or will he be a hero and save his sister?
Birds of Passage
Critically-acclaimed Columbian film “Birds of Passage” finally makes its way to Knoxville this weekend. The film takes place during the early years of drug trading in Columbia. Set in the 1970s, it follows the rise of an indigenous Wayuu family’s rise and fall in the drug trade. It premiered at the 2018 Cannes film festival as the official entry from Columbia — and received rave reviews. Some critics have compared the film to other celebrated crime films like “The Godfather” and “Scarface”, as well as crime television shows like “The Sopranos”. Fans of crime dramas or foreign language films will be excited to finally see “Birds of Passage” this weekend.
