The stormy weather must have prevented many from going to the cinema. Otherwise, the current front-runner “Uncharted” with Spider-Man star Tom Holland would certainly have made even more money. But 330,000 visitors are quite impressive. Karoline Herfurth’s “Wonderful” took second place in the German cinema charts, followed by the animated film “Sing – The Show of Your Life”.
This week, the first Oscar contenders join them with “King Richard” (6 nominations) and “Belfast” (7 nominations). On March 27th, both Kenneth Branagh and Will Smith have trophy hopes. Let’s see how this affects the cinema charts next week.
“King Richard” – Will Smith coaches his tennis daughters
THE STORY: Even when his two daughters were small, Richard Williams (Will Smith) was determined to train them to become tennis professionals. Although the family lives modestly, the father manages to convince the rich managers from the tennis business. But not at any price, the well-being of his teenage girls is more important to him. Or is Richard just playing a game to get the most out of business wise?
THE STARS: Will Smith received two Oscar nominations for Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness. For “King Richard” he is in the race for the third time. Aunjanue Ellis (“Men of Honor”) plays his wife in the film.
THE DIRECTOR: After several short films, Reinaldo Marcus Green took part in TV series such as “First Step” and “Top Boy”. King Richard is his first major feature film.
BG RATING: Venus and Serena Williams, under their father’s tutelage, actually led the world’s elite tennis game. The biopic is processed respectfully, is very emotional and also captivates non-tennis fans (145 min., free from the age of 12).
“Belfast” – Kenneth Branagh on the traces of his childhood
THE STORY: In the summer of 1969, little Buddy (Jude Hill) witnesses political unrest in Belfast. The family considers moving to England. But the nine-year-old refuses to leave his grandparents (Judy Dench & Cirián Hinds), who live in the same house. But the boy has to grow up.
THE STARS: Jude Hill, now 11, was spotted out of 300 applicants. Judy Dench, who is still best remembered as James Bond’s former boss, can hope for her second Oscar after “Shakespeare in Love”. Cirián Hinds (“Justice League”) is nominated for the first time.
THE DIRECTOR: Kenneth Branagh is currently on screen as Hercule Poirot in Death on the Nile. The famous Shakespeare interpreter (“Henry V.”) only directed “Belfast” and was nominated for an Oscar for it.
BG RATING: Branagh is Irish by birth and virtually filmed his own childhood fate. A touching family story told in impressive black and white images from a child’s point of view. The political dimension of the Northern Ireland conflict therefore remains of secondary importance (99 min., accessible from the age of 12).
“Studio 666” – Rock’n’Roll to scare
THE STORY: The rock band Foo Fighters wants to record their 10th album. Südwind are looking for an unusual location for this. An old house near Los Angeles promises the right spirit for the six rockers. However, an evil spirit reigns supreme and takes possession of frontman Dave Grohl. The first death is not long in coming.
THE STARS: Dave Grohl was once part of Kurt Cobain’s band Nirvana. After his death he founded Foo Fighters. The band includes Nate Mendel, Taylor Hackford, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee, all of whom play themselves in the film.
THE DIRECTOR: BJ McDonnell has worked behind the camera on a number of horror films such as The Nun and Zombieland 2. Studio 666 is his first feature film as a director.
BG RATING: A hectic mix of comedy, shocker and music film. However, quite flat, brutal, tasteless and loud. Only for hardcore fans (108 min., free from the age of 16).
The special film: “Hazy Clouds”
THE STORY: 17-year-old Paul (Jonas Holdenrieder) comes across as obstinate and mysterious to those around him. His teacher (Devid Striesow) is attracted to it, his father (Peter Jordan) doesn’t get along with him. When someone his own age is found dead in the woods, Paul is immediately suspected.
THE STARS: Jonas Holdenrieder (“Fack ju Göhte”) has been in front of the camera since he was 12 years old. Devid Striesow (“Close shot”) played the adult Hape Kerkeling in “I’m off then”. Peter Jordan (“Solo for Weiss”) came to film via the theater and can currently also be seen in “The Girl with the Golden Hands” in cinemas.
THE DIRECTOR: Christian Schäfer learned his trade in Cologne. His graduation film “Dieter Not Unhappy” was already shown at the Max Ophüls Film Festival, where “Trübe Wolken” also premiered in 2021.
BG RATING: “Trübe Wolken” is about alienation, being an outsider and the search for identity. Big issues in a desolate provincial town. The title of the film says it all and unfortunately the characters also remain nebulous and bulky (105 min., free from the age of 12).
Classic of the week: “Total Recall”
THE STORY: Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) dreams of a trip to colonized Mars. Since that is not possible, he has memories planted in his brain that have never existed before. Something goes wrong. Quaid wakes up believing he’s a secret agent starting a revolution on Mars.
THE STARS: In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the peak of his career. Today, the 74-year-old can no longer build on the successes of “Terminator” and “Conan”. Sharon Stone was still unknown at the time and only became a star in 1992 with “Basic Instinct”.
THE DIRECTOR: Paul Verhoeven went to Hollywood in 1985 and shot one hit after the other with “Robocop”, “Total Recall” and “Basic Instinct”. Now the Dutchman is working in Europe again and recently surprised with “Elle” and “Benedetta”.
BG RATING: One of the last science fiction films made without CGI. The result can still be seen today. Especially since the story is implemented quickly and wittily and is still entertaining after 32 years. Revival is on March 1st (113 min., free from 16).