This weekend, enjoy a selection of films directed by some of the greatest filmmakers. From acclaimed sci-fi classics to intense thrillers, these movies have gained high ratings, often above 70 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes. Here are some top picks: ALSO READ: Weekend movie picks: Top new releases The Usual Suspects (1995) Directed by Bryan Singer, this film features Kevin Spacey, who won an Academy Award for his performance. The story begins with a ship on fire in San Pedro Bay, leaving 27 dead and only two survivors. U.S. Customs agent Dave Kujan interrogates one of the survivors, con artist Roger Verbal Kint, who recounts how he and his criminal associates were hired by the mysterious Keyser Söze. The heist goes wrong, leading to chaos and death, and Verbal reveals surprising twists about the mastermind behind the events. Interstellar (2014) Directed by Christopher Nolan, this epic sci-fi film stars Matthew McConaughey as Cooper, a former NASA pilot. In 2067, Cooper is chosen to pilot the Endurance spaceship through a pothole to find a new habitable planet for humanity, which is on the verge of extinction. Cooper and his team face challenges such as time dilation and dangerous planets, ultimately leading to a self-sacrificial act to ensure their mission's success. ALSO READ: Of heartfelt dramas and thrilling mysteries; a weekend film guide Gone Girl (2014) In David Fincher’s psychological thriller, Rosamund Pike stars as Amy Dunne, and Ben Affleck as her husband, Nick. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing, and media scrutiny intensifies. As Detective Rhonda Boney investigates, Nick becomes the prime suspect. It’s revealed that Amy staged her own disappearance to frame Nick for her murder, manipulating evidence and organising her return under false pretences. Fight Club (1999) Another classic from David Fincher, this film explores themes of identity and consumerism. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton star in this gritty drama about a disillusioned narrator who finds relief in support groups and forms an underground fight club with soap salesman Tyler Durden. The story evolves into an anarchistic group, Project Mayhem, and the narrator ultimately discovers a shocking truth about Tyler's true identity. Shutter Island (2010) Martin Scorsese’s psychological thriller features Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of a patient from Ashecliffe Hospital. As he uncovers disturbing practices at the hospital and struggles with his own traumatic past, he learns that he is actually a patient himself, in a role-play designed to help him regain his sanity. The Irishman (2019) Martin Scorsese’s film reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a sprawling crime saga. The story follows Frank Sheeran, an elderly hitman reflecting on his past as he recalls his involvement with the Mafia and the murder of Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa. The film explores Sheeran’s life, legal troubles, and search for redemption in his final years. Reservoir Dogs (1992) Quentin Tarantino’s debut film is a crime drama featuring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen. Following a bad heist, the film delves into the violent aftermath and the tense interactions among the criminals. Tarantino’s sharp dialogue and nonlinear storytelling make this film a standout. The Terminal (2004) Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film stars Tom Hanks as Viktor Navorski, an Eastern European tourist who becomes stuck at the airport when his country falls into political turmoil. Unable to enter or leave the U.S., Viktor makes the terminal his temporary home. Along the way, he forms a bond with a flight attendant, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their friendship blossoms as they navigate their complicated lives.
