It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.

A week after some serious snow and Jeju life is back to normal. Since it’s no longer any trouble to get out to the theatres, here is what you can expect to find in theatres this weekend.

We open this week with a movie from 2014 about American chess great Bobby Fischer, anchored with a great performance by Tobey Maguire. Pawn Sacrifice dives deep into Cold War tensions between America and the Soviet Empire.

Next, one for the kids. Kung Fu Panda 3 is here, and ready to impress and delight kids all over.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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Pawn Sacrifice (2014, Edward Swick)
Chess prodigy Bobby Fischer challenges the Soviet Empire.

There have been a number of films inspired by the life of chess great Bobby Fischer, and now you can add a gripping drama to that list.

Set during the height of the Cold War, this true story follows the chess prodigy as he finds himself caught between two superpowers when he challenges the Soviet Empire. Pawn Sacrifice chronicles Fischer's terrifying struggles with genius and madness, and the rise and fall of a kid from Brooklyn who captured the imagination of the world.

This movie is part-biopic, part drama, and features great outings by both Maguire and co-star Liev Schreiber. This movie might not be much more than two people staring at a board and moving around small pieces of wood, but boy, does it ever work. This is the drama to check out this weekend.

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Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016, Alessandro Caroloni, Jennifer Yuh)
Po faces two epic threats as his adventures continue.

Now here’s one for the kids.

When Po's long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China, defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible - learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!

Sequels often can’t live up to their predecessors, but that isn’t a problem the Kung Fu Panda franchise has. Between its great voice acting, witty dialogue, colourful characters, riveting story, and beautiful animation, this is a kids film that isn’t just for kids; it can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.