PLANNING ON HEADING out to the cinema this weekend?

There are a few movies out this week, but which is a must-watch, and are there any you should avoid?

We take a look.

Jackie

What we know

Natalie Portman is getting much kudos for playing Jackie Onassis in this portrait of her life in the days in the aftermath of the killing.

What the critics say

• “This is a movie broadly about Jacqueline Kennedy in the wake of her husband’s assassination, but it’s also about her efforts to shape the country’s perception of the event amid her deep trauma, and to leave out the uglier parts. Pablo Larrain’s new film is a wonderful subversion of one of Hollywood’s favorite genres: an illustration of public life that understands its inherent artifice.” - The Atlantic
• “Apart from that voice, Portman is so damn smart. She nails Jackie’s irreducible mix of shyness and slyness, each quality reinforcing the other. She also understands what the White House refurbishment meant for Jackie’s sense of self.” – Vulture

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 8/10
• IMDB: 7.7/10

Lion

What we know

Based on a true story, this is about a young Indian boy (played by Dev Patel) who is adopted to Australia after getting lost in Calcutta. In his mid-twenties, he then decides to try and return home.

What the critics say

• “Like its hero, Lion often finds itself torn between two worlds. Garth Davis’ film is working from true source material: Saroo Brierley was separated from his family as a child in India and adopted by an Australian couple; years later, he discovered his birthplace using Google Earth. ” - AV Club
• “The enormous pain of his loss is sometimes mitigated by the excitement of discovery. You fear for him, and also root for him, and mostly you are captivated by his story and the sophisticated simplicity of its telling.” – NY Times

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 7.4/10
• IMDB: 8.0/10

Split

What we know

In M Night Shyamalan’s latest, James McAvoy plays a man who has multiple personalities. Not, it seems, the most sympathetic to those who have the condition in real life.

What the critics say

• “This psycho-thriller showcases an awards-worthy performance from James McAvoy. Shyamalan papers over plot-holes with dry black humour and well-judged suspense, and — as always — holds back some surprises.” – Empire
• “The film’s torment of its female leads does border at times on exploitation; on the other hand, it does pave the way for Casey to come into her own, the character’s history of abuse giving the nous she’ll need if she’s to survive this subterranean nightmare.” – Gamesradar

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 7.1/10
• IMDB: 7.5/10

Which one would you go see first?