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A family vacationing at a remote cabin is taken hostage by a group of strangers armed with medieval weapons and forced to make an impossible decision under the premise that the world is ending. Even then, failing to make a decision could still have apocalyptic results. Are these the end times, or just crazy times? Written by M. Night Shyamalan, Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, and Directed by Shyamalan this allegorical story based loosely on depictions of the Book of Revelation features an unlikely cast including Jonathan Groff, Rupert Grint, and Dave Bautista; however, it’s Bautista who steals the show as the empathetic and gentle giant carefully guiding and coaching the ensemble, bravo Bautista. Breaking form from his special plot twist schtick, Shyamalan also appears to be reaching into slightly different story telling territory; and yet, in doing so doesn’t build up to the “big reveal” leaving the viewer a little less Shyamalan-wowed at the conclusion of its 100 minute runtime. Bottom line, maybe more of a rental than a theatre watch but still fun for the dark suspense that it is. Knock at the Cabin is rated R.

Mid-flight over the South Pacific, Captain Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) is forced to land his plane on a small war torn island inhabited by criminals. By first light it’s only a matter of time before the residents will see the hostage value in the fourteen passengers and flight crew on board. Now searching for a way to get his passengers off the island safely, the only real help and muscle comes from Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), a suspected murderer being extradited on the same flight. Against all odds there may be just enough fight left in this flight to see another day. Written by Charles Cumming and J.P. Davis and Directed by Jean-François Richet this action driven January Popcorn chomper leaves little in the way of freshness, but, both Butler and Colter have the charisma to carry this old school “B” quality flick to the finish line. With wince inducing close calls and even larger firepower, this guilty pleasure delivers as advertised in a respectably brief one hour and forty seven minutes. Plane is rated R.

A reclusive English teacher, Charlie (Brendan Fraser), finds himself in search of something honest and true in his daily life as well as the writings of his students. Eternally optimistic, the answer to his searches may in fact be with his own daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink); but, the strained nature of their relationship may be irreconcilable, finding absolution and relief may only come at an extreme conclusion.
Written by Samuel D Hunter and Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this emotionally heavy hitting powerhouse is true to form and another pitch perfect installation from Aronofsky, once again wringing out performances unexpected and transcendent from his ensemble, Fraser in particular delivers his career best to date. Meanwhile, symbolism, narrative richness and thematic complexity brings extra depth and meaning to The Whale, there’s plenty to discuss and ruminate over at the film’s conclusion. With awards season just around the corner, this should be a “must see” on your list of year’s bests. Running just shy of two hours, The Whale is rated R.