Biggest movies you can watch in South Africa this week

We have two (much-needed) shorter weeks in a row thanks to Freedom Day on 27 April and Workers Day on 1 May. That means it’s the perfect time to sneak away for some quality time in front of the big-screen.

Luckily there are several blockbusters to keep you busy following a somewhat quieter release schedule last week.

CAPTAIN AMERICA : CIVIL WAR

Age restriction: 10-12 PG V

Run time: 147 mins

Starring: Chris Evans, Elizabeth Olsen, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson

Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Synopsis: After an international incident involving Steve Rogers and the Avengers causes collateral damage, politicians are forced to devise a system to keep them in check.

This splits the Avengers into one faction led by Steve Rogers, who rallies against government regulation, and the other by Tony Stark, who supports the new order of accountability.

RATCHET & CLANK

Age restriction: PG

Run time: 94 mins

Starring: David Kaye, James Arnold Taylor, Jim Ward

Directed by: Jericca Cleland, Kevin Munroe

Synopsis: Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy.

When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colorful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy.

Along the way they’ll learn about heroism, friendship, and the importance of discovering one’s own identity.

JANE GOT A GUN

Age restriction: TBA

Run time: 98 mins

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Joel Edgerton, Natalie Portman

Directed by: Gavin O’Connor

Synopsis: Jane Got a Gun centers on Jane Hammond, who has built a new life with her husband Bill “Ham” Hammond after being tormented by the ultra-violent Bishop Boys outlaw gang.

She finds herself in the gang’s cross-hairs once again when Ham stumbles home riddled with bullets after dueling with the Boys and their relentless mastermind Colin.

With the vengeful crew hot on Ham’s trail, Jane has nowhere to turn but to her former fiancé Dan Frost for help in defending her family against certain destruction.

Haunted by old memories, Jane’s past meets the present in a heart-stopping battle for survival.

QUEEN OF THE DESERT

Age restriction: 7-9 PG

Run time: 128 mins

Starring: Nicole Kidman, James Franco, Robert Pattinson, Damian Lewis

Directed by: Werner Herzog

Synopsis: A curious and adventurous young woman eager to explore the world outside of England, Gertrude Bell (Kidman) goes to the British embassy in Tehran where she quickly falls in love with a secretary of the embassy, Henry Cadogan (Franco).

This sparks the beginning of a life-long adventure among the beautiful but misunderstood peoples and cultures of the Middle East.

Along the way, her path intersects with archaeologist T.E. Lawrence (Pattinson) also known as Lawrence of Arabia, and Major Charles Doughty-Wylie (Lewis), the British Consul General in the Ottoman Empire.

FREE STATE

Age restriction: 10-12

Run time: 106 mins

Starring: Andrew Govender, Deon Lotz, Keith Gengadoo

Directed by: Sallas de Jager

Synopsis: Jeanette is a beautiful open minded law student. She decided to study while her boyfriend is completing his national military service.

They are set to be engaged when he returns. During her summer holiday with her father in the Free State a random act of kindness by an attractive Indian man sparks an unexpected love affair.

Despite being warned not to act on these feelings she decides to pursue this relationship. Secret meetings followed, since it was against the law at the time to have an interracial relationship.

When their secret comes out, it leads to a very tragic turn of events.

BAAGHI

Age restriction: TBA

Run time: TBA

Starring: Tiger Shroff & Shraddha Kapoor

Directed by: Sabbir Khan

Synopsis: Baaghi is the story of Ronny, a rebellious 23-year-old from Delhi. Fearing his unruly and angry temperament his father sends him to a disciplinary academy set in a sleepy town in Kerala.

While traveling to the academy he meets Siya who also carries a rebellious streak but nonetheless spark fly between them.

After his enrollment, Ronny encounters the star student Raghav and things get awry between them when Raghav falls for Siya as well.

Years later Ronny is informed that Siya is abducted and is called upon for help to rescue her from the gritty underbelly of Thailand.

Lost in the midst of a new city Ronny comes face to face with his nemesis, Raghav. They both still love Siya unconditionally and are in a battle to win her heart.

But there will be only one person who will. Who will it be the rebellious Ronny or the furious Raghav?