By Markus Tschiedert
“The Equalizer 3”, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” are holding their own at the top of the German cinema charts. The Berlin thriller “Retribution” with Liam Neeson didn’t even make it into the top ten.
Stallone and Statham can expect chances this week with their 4th outing as “The Expendables”, as well as the horror sequel “The Nun II”. But both reboots offer nothing but solid cinematic fare.
“The Expendables 4” – Action monkeys with big guns
THE STORY: Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his Expendables squad are sent to attack a terrorist with a nuclear bomb detonator. The first attack goes wrong, the Expendables are reorganized – without Christmas Lee (Jason Statham). He sets off on his own and has the right nose.
THE STARS: Sylvester Stallone has been a veteran of action cinema since “Rocky” and “Rambo”. Jason Statham (“Meg 2”) also appeared in the first three parts. Andy Garcia (“The Untouchables”) and Megan Fox (“Transformers”) are new on board.
THE DIRECTOR: Former stuntman Scott Waugh (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”) moved to the director’s chair in 2012 and has of course only directed action stuff like “Need for Speed” and “Act of Valor”.
BG RATING: The fourth part also pays homage to the action heroes of the eighties – but this time with far fewer old stars. The series should be rejuvenated. Once again everything will be ruined with cool sayings and big weapons. It’s pretty silly at times, but offers enough entertainment value (103 minutes, free for ages 18 and up).
“The Nun II” – moments of horror on a continuous loop
Scene from “The Nun II” Photo: Warner rental
THE STORY: The death of a priest who was burned alive is just the beginning. More mysterious murders follow. The Vatican suspects the demon Valek is behind this in the form of a nun. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) is supposed to investigate the case because she has already met Valek once.
THE STARS: Taissa Farmiga is the younger sister of Vera Farmiga (“Conjuring”) and became known through the TV series “American Horror Story.” Like Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet (“Elle”) also starred in the first part as Maurice, who was possessed by the demon.
THE DIRECTOR: Michael Chaves is an avowed horror fan and previously shot “The Conjuring 3”.
BG RATING: It just has to be dark for it to be pretty spooky. But the evil nun does the same antics again: first eerie silence, the victim looks afraid, and suddenly the demon jumps into the picture. Frightening moments on a continuous loop (109 minutes, free for ages 16 and up).
“Do you remember” – age doesn’t protect against folly
Scene photo from “Do you remember”: Günter Maria Halmer in conversation with Konstantin Wecker Photo: Majestic
THE STORY: Günter (Günther Maria Halmer) forgot the cheese in the supermarket. His wife Marianne (Senta Berger) teases him about it. Which of the two is more forgetful? On their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple take a drug that is supposed to help against dementia. How long does the high last?
THE STARS: Senta Berger has been in the film business for over 70 years and made it to Hollywood. She celebrated her last success in 2016 with “Welcome to the Hartmanns”. Günther María Halmer is currently in the cinema with “Grandchildren for Advanced Students” and had one of his first roles in “Gandhi”.
THE DIRECTOR: The short film “The Best Breasts in the World” paved the way for Rainer Kaufmann to the cinema. He directed, among others, “Town Talk”, “The Pharmacist” and “Long Hello & Short Goodbye”.
BG RATING: An old married couple in a house who argue, argue, and even be foolish. It sounds depressing at first, but thanks to great acting and ironic sayings there is also a lot of lightness (94 min., free from 6).
The special film: “The Simple Things”
Scene from “The Simple Things” Photo: Rental New Visions
THE STORY: A car breakdown in the mountains brings Vincent (Lambert Wilson) back to earth. Hermit Pierre (Grégory Gadebois) helps the billionaire and lets him live in his hut. Vincent doesn’t want to go back to his old life. The annoyed Pierre wants to get rid of him again, without having any idea what Vincent really plans to do.
THE STARS: Already at the beginning of his career, Lambert Wilson was filming in the mountains alongside Sean Connery in “On the Edge of the Abyss”. The Frenchman was last seen in “Benedetta” and “Matrix 4”. His compatriot Grégory Gadebois is known from, among other things, “À la Carte” and “Everything went well”.
THE DIRECTOR: Eric Besnard also directed “Á la Carte”. Before that he filmed “My Witty Family” and “Pear Cake with Lavender”.
BG RATING: A film that wants to slow us down. This is achieved with images of wonderful mountain landscapes and a clear plot. The two protagonists form opposites, which creates amusing moments. Cinema to make you feel good (96 minutes, free from 0).