Once again, Sully takes over the box office as apparently Blair Witch, Bridget Jones's Baby, and Snowden failed to perform on their opening weekend. I've already heard the not-so-positive reviews of Blair Witch, but I thought Bridget Jones's Baby would draw in the date crowd, and hoped Snowden would do really well (I've heard it's good). This doesn't bode well for any of these films, because we have The Magnificent Seven riding in on the scene this week. I'm assuming it and others will trample most of the competition this weekend.

Tonight we have another batch of movies based on/inspired by true stories. If following along, you know how I feel about most of those... Some of these look really good, though!

Denial (9/30/2016):

I wonder if this movie is based on a belief that eventually spawned an entire conspiratorial group, because I've seen people making this claim, that the holocaust never happened. I always found it fairly odd and wasn't sure how they came to that standpoint. Hopefully Denial will touch on that, because it's an intriguing subject to me. I never knew there was any prominent case made, involving a court suit for libel and all, regarding the matter.

Now, I'm not sure how accurate the movie will portray the actual course of events, but it looks really good. The trailer is the new standard length, but does a great job of not showing too much and revealing any pivotal plot twists. The acting by both Rachel Weisz (Complete Unknown, The Light Between Oceans) and Timothy Spall (Enchanted, Secrets & Lies) looks great and I've always liked Tom Wilkinson (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Shakespeare in Love)! I'm looking forward to seeing this movie and I hope it does really well. I'm uncertain if it's receiving a full release or limited, however.

Masterminds (9/30/2016):

Obviously this being made into basically a slapstick comedy, with Zach Galifainakis (Birdman, Due Date) playing a role I feel he's played many times, that this is a very loose interpretation on the real event it's based on. Nothing wrong with that, but again, I hate they can even label it as being based on a true story. The first time I saw the trailer I know I had a laugh or two, but I didn't so much get a smile from it on future viewings. Maybe it'd be different when watching it, but it concerns me.

The trailer isn't poorly done, I just don't think the movie looks very appealing to me. Definitely nothing I would spend top dollar to see in the theater. But that's just me. It looks like the comedic timing and chemistry between many of the actors are spot on, which will go a long way. I like the actors attached to the project, so I'm definitely going to see it once released on Redbox/Netflix. Masterminds also features the comedic chops of Jason Sudeikis (We're the Millers, Horrible Bosses), Kristen Wiig (The Martian, Bridesmaids), Kate McKinnon (Finding Dory, Sisters), and Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris, Wedding Crashers).

The Birth of a Nation (10/7/2016):

Given all the controversy surrounding this movie, it's uncertain just how well it will do in theaters. This doesn't necessarily stem from the movie itself, but rather those who wrote and directed it. I can understand people boycotting the film. Then again, I've also known many people who are justice warrior types, who conveniently disregard facts about individuals who create content they have attachments to and support them anyways, sooooooooo... I don't know...

All that aside, it's a shame, because I think the trailer is really good and it looks like a very well made movie. Whether all the historical facts are present or not (many take liberties as you've seen), the drama and acting looks great. The Birth of a Nation stars Nate Parker (Non-Stop, The Great Debaters), Armie Hammer (The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Lone Ranger), Gabriel Union (Bad Boys II, Bring It On), Aunjanue Ellis (The Help, Ray), and Jackie Earle Haley (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Watchmen) among others.

Loving (11/4/2016):

Loving stars Ruth Negga (World War Z, The Samaritan) and Joel Edgerton (Black Mass, The Gift) and their chemistry looks great, just from the trailers. I maybe sort of possible teared up a little during parts of it. I've just recently become aware of Ruth Negga from Preacher. I loved her in that series and I'm bound to in this movie as well.

It's hard to imagine a point in time where interracial marriage was illegal. But then again, look at how long it's taken for same-sex marriages, and that's still currently being contested. It's a sad affair. I'm really interested in this movie and the story being told. It's another that I'm uncertain if getting a full release or not. I'll keep my eyes open! Will Dalton (Live Free or Die, From Faith to Freedom) also stars.

Bleed for This (11/23/2016):

Boxing seems to be making a rather large comeback to the big screen! Speaking of comebacks, that the focus of Bleed for This! It centers around World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza, who survived a near fatal car crash and was left uncertain if he would ever be able to walk again, let alone get back into the ring. Obviously he didn't give up and eventually made an incredible return. I'm unfamiliar with Vinny Pazienza, and am not huge into boxing, but this looks really good. I don't think I'd ever be strong enough to make it through such a tragic ordeal and hopefully I never have to. I'd much rather hear about the tale than to live it!

Miles Teller (Two Night Stand, 21 & Over) certainly seems to run hot or cold with his movie selections. Maybe I'm just biased against that new Fantastic Four movie... Either way, I loved Whiplash, sans some rather unbelievable segments, but the performances throughout were amazing. His included. I feel this film will be along those lines. Bleed for This also stars Arron Eckhart (Courage, Meet Bill), Katey Sagal (Pitch Perfect 2, Sons of Anarchy), and Ciaran Hinds (There Will Be Blood, Munich).

Did any of the featured movies interest you? Have you ever heard of the belief that the holocaust never took place? Do you know anyone personally that believes that? Are you familiar with the heist which inspired Masterminds? Does the fact that it's far-fetched, slap-stick comedy deter you? Have you seen the original The Birth of a Nation? Do you think the controversy around the director will seriously hinder the film's reception? Have you known anyone to be opposed to interracial marriage? What about same-sex marriages? Are you a boxing fan? Are you familiar with Vinny Pazienza?