Movies this week: 12 Years A Slave and I, Frankenstein release on January 31

12 years A Slave

In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Cast - John Ridley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Taran Killam, Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Michael Kenneth Williams, Garret Dillahunt, Chris Chalk

Director - Steve McQueen

Verdict - Already touted as one of the best movies of the year, 12 Years A Slave is a brilliant movie period. The cast is impeccable, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender in particular dilvering solid performances. The well paced action and the genuine emotion makes this film a must watch.

IMDb - 8.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes - 97%

Release Date - January 31

I, Frankenstein

In a modern retelling of Mary Shelley's classic story, Frankenstein's monster adopts the name Adam and becomes involved in an all out war between gargoyles and demons.

Cast - Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney.

Director - Stuart Beattie

Verdict - Although stories about creatures of legend like Frankenstein and Dracula have been done before, Stary Baettie's take on the monster is quite different. Aaron Eckhart dilvers a great performance but even then the movies doesn't really entertain you much. The plot has too many holes and doesn't do justice to Mary Shelley's creature.

IMDb - 5.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes - 5%

Release Date - January 31