NATCHA ON FILM – Even though there are seven films out this week, the quality of what is on offer is pretty poor. Highlights include “Mard Payak,” a documentary about a champion fighter, and “Everest,” a story about two men trying to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. “Pawn Sacrifice” looks promising and could be a hidden gem. The other films, however, are probably not worth your time.
Mard Payak
Shown exclusively in only SF theaters, this movie is about a champion Muay Thai fighter and boxer and it doesn’t look that bad.
“Mard Payak” is a movie based on the true story of Sarmart Payakaroon, a Muay Thai fighter and boxer who won the hearts of many with his numerous victories. The film depicts the national hero’s life beginning from his childhood, through to his struggles to become a professional fighter.
The story then goes on to show his successes in the ring, followed by his downfall.
The film is adapted from an interview of Sarmart Payakaroon, as well as people close to him, to realistically portray the life behind the Muay Thai and boxing world champion.
Siam Yuth
This movie seems like a low-budget version of “300”, except it takes place in ancient Siam. I mean, even the movie poster looks quite similar to the “300” poster.
In this brainless action film, you can expect to see a lot of sword fighting and even fighting with rocks, as weird as that may sound. Oh, and a lot of people get kicked in the face.
Everest
Probably the biggest movie to come out this week, Everest comes with huge expectations.
“Everest” is apparently based on a true story of two climbers who in 1996 started their ascent to the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest. With little to no warning, a huge storm engulfs them and they struggle to survive the freezing temperatures.
Although the plot is pretty simple, the cinematography looks pretty good and it could be worth watching.
Good Kill
“Make no mistake about it. This ain’t PlayStation, we’re killing people.” No quote from a movie has ever made me cringe so much.
“Good Kill” is about an ex-pilot who is now a drone pilot fighting the Taliban. However, he soons begins to question the ethics of what he’s doing and realizes that he could possibly be creating more terrorists than he’s killing.
This film seems to be one of those low-budget war films that has absolutely nothing going for it.
Cooties
Imagine “Shaun of the Dead” except this virus only affects pre-pubescent kids.
“Cooties” is a horror comedy about a special virus that hits an isolated elementary school and transforms children into flesh eating savages. A band of teachers must fight the children and try to survive.
These type of movies tend to be really bad with a high number of cheesy jokes.
Pawn Sacrifice
I’m not sure why but this film feels similar to the “Imitation Game”, although the plots are quite different.
“Pawn Sacrifice” takes place during the Cold War where an American chess prodigy is caught between the two superpowers as he faces his own struggles. The chess prodigy also faces a tricky opponent from the Soviet Union.
It looks really interesting and is worth a watch when it comes out.
Green Inferno
This week’s movies are pretty bad but this one probably tops the list.
“Green Inferno” takes place in the Amazon where a group of student activists travel to try and save the rainforest, but they soon realize they aren’t alone and are surrounded by a native tribe. Taken and held captive, the group realizes death is imminent.
Student activists and a tribe of cannibals make for a gory film that is probably worth avoiding.
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