This week's film releases include Avatar: Fire and Ash, Is This Thing On?, and The Voice of Hind Rajab. These titles join other films currently in theaters, such as Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and Hamnet.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar series, is scheduled for release this Friday. Directed by James Cameron, the film introduces a new Na'vi group, referred to as the "ash people" or mountain Na'vi. These characters are depicted as residing in Pandora's mountainous regions, having been affected by volcanic eruptions. They are also portrayed as adopting technology, a characteristic that differentiates them from other Na'vi tribes. Stephen Lang returns in his role as the antagonist, Miles Quaritch. The film has a runtime of approximately three hours and fifteen minutes. Previous films in the series include Avatar and Avatar: The Way Of Water. The film is described as an adventure film featuring action sequences.
Is This Thing On?
Is This Thing On? will open in limited theaters this Friday. The film stars Will Arnett as Alex and Laura Dern as Tess. The narrative centers on Alex, who begins performing stand-up comedy after his wife Tess proposes ending their marriage. One source indicates Alex's decision to perform was initially motivated by a desire to avoid a comedy club's cover charge, leading him to discuss his impending divorce on stage. Concurrently, Tess considers a return to coaching women's volleyball. The film is based on the experiences of British comedian John Bishop and is directed by Bradley Cooper. This project marks Cooper's third directorial effort, following A Star Is Born and Maestro. The film explores themes related to mid-life challenges, including interpersonal relationships with friends, the impact on their two sons (one source specifies 10-year-old sons), and the development of new relationship structures. It is described as a drama and comedy-drama.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
The Voice of Hind Rajab is currently in limited release and is scheduled for nationwide expansion in January. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film is set within a Red Crescent call center in the West Bank, where operators respond to calls for assistance from individuals in Gaza. The plot involves an operator named Omar, portrayed by Motaz Malhees. Sources indicate Omar received a call, with some stating it was from a man in Germany regarding relatives in Gaza, after which Omar established contact with five-year-old Hind. Other sources report Omar receiving a call directly from Hind or about a missing family. Hind is depicted as being trapped in a vehicle with deceased family members. The vehicle's location is described as being surrounded by military vehicles or tanks and experiencing active shelling, bombing, and strafing. The narrative details subsequent efforts to secure clearance from the Israeli military for an ambulance, reported to be eight minutes away, to reach her location. A central component of the film is the incorporation of actual audio recordings of Hind's calls from January 29, 2024, with the on-screen actors' performances presented as real-time reactions to these recordings. The film is described as a drama and documentary-style film.