Movies out today: It's all about the big name buddy team-ups

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Three new movies hit South African cinemas today. Plus, on Sunday, you can catch instant 1996 classic Trainspotting again on the big screen for free at select Nu Metro theatres. If you haven't already done so, request your 2 tickets here.

Moving on though to the normal weekly release schedule...

The Heat:
Two of Hollywood's most popular funny ladies - Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy - team up for this female riff on the buddy cop formula. Bullock is the uptight, arrogant FBI agent forced to work with rough and ready Boston cop McCarthy in their attempt to capture a drug kingpin. From the director of Bridesmaids.

A commercial success, The Heat has actually also fared pretty well with critics. Evidently the plot is tired, and the film is way too long, but the material is elevated by the fantastic chemistry of the two comically gifted, fearless leads. 65% Fresh on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.



Pain & Gain:
Directed by Michael Bay, this dark crime comedy is based on a bizarre true story. A group of ambitious Miami bodybuilders become embroiled in kidnapping, torture, extortion and murder among other things. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie, along with Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris, Rob Corddry and Rebel Wilson.

Critics agree that character-driven Pain & Gain is a major change of pace for Bay. Mixing satire and graphic violence it's uneven, but oddly fascinating. Spirited performances from the leads too. 46% Fresh.   


The Reluctant Fundamentalist:
Screening in limited release is this adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name. Riz Ahmed is a young Pakistani man of privilege whose ability to move between East and West - and fondness for America - changes in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This political drama also stars Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber and Kiefer Sutherland. Directed by Mira Nair.

A regular on the film festival circuit, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is apparently ambitious and thought-provoking but is hampered by a jerky script that can't decide what it wants to say or what the film should be. Stunning acting by leading man Ahmed though.  54% Fresh.

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