’71
What’s it about?
British soldier Gary Hook (Jack O’Connell) is separated from his unit during a Belfast riot. Unarmed and injured in hostile territory, he’s got to survive the night – but who can he trust?
What did we think?
Amy Currie says: Director Yann Demange’s depiction of Northern Ireland at the height of the ‘Troubles’ is bleak, ugly and very, very well done. There’s certainly plenty of action, but it’s thoughtful and unglamorous. There are no goodies or baddies – just people trying to make sense of a sad and terrible mess. You won’t exactly have fun watching this, but you’ll be glad you saw it.
Dior and I
What’s it about?
A beautiful behind the scenes fashion journey following Raf Simons as he creates his first collection as creative director of one of the most prestigious haute couture houses in the world, Christian Dior.
What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: This story is as beautiful in subject as it is told. Much like the dreamy dresses you see being hand sewn by the masters at the height of their profession, director Frederic Tcheng has woven the history of Christian and the freshly anointed prince Raf Simons’ technique as a designer, vision and aesthetic seamlessly. Despite being acutely aware of the awe inspiring final runway presentation that was the finale and climax to the film, I was still overwhelmed by the “oohs”, “ahhs” and simply lost count of the number of “wows” that audibly filled the cinema throughout the screening. Dior and I is one of the best fashion documentaries of all time. And be warned – a simple bouquet of flowers will never be enough ever again. Sublime.
Shaun the Sheep
What’s it about?
When Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A delightful movie that proves quality storytelling doesn’t even need dialogue to charm the heart. Amazing characterisation and a surprisingly emotional storyline will leave everyone from toddler to imaginative adults with plucked heartstrings. Even if you aren’t familiar with Shaun and his pals you’ll still find something in this heartfelt comedy.
Get Hard
What’s it about?
Will Ferrell is James King, a wealthy businessman found guilty of fraud who befriends a hard working small business owner, Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart), in order to prepare for his time in jail.
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: Filled to the brim with racist jokes, rape “humour”, a weird thing against gay people, and a silly number of lazy gags about its title, Get Hard shows a decent rapport between Ferrell and Hart but fails to present any form of humour that isn’t absolutely, totally, 100% morally bankrupt. It gets the extra half star because Kevin Hart is tolerable.
Cinderella
What’s it about?
Disney raids its back catalogue to gives one of its most iconic tales a coat of live-action paint.
What did we think?
Amy Currie says: Director Kenneth Branagh’s take on Cinderella doesn’t stray too far from the source material, but plumps the story up enough to be interesting. It’s a beautiful chocolate box of a film that gives its familiar characters a bit more depth (but manages to resist the urge to update by simply cutting-and-pasting modern sass onto fairytale staples). Helena Bonham-Carter’s fairy godmother is a delight, but Cate Blanchett’s wicked stepmother steals the show. Oh, and the Prince (Game of Thrones‘ Richard Madden) wears some very, very tight breeches which can only be described as enchanting. See it before the clock strikes 12.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
What’s it about?
When a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his nemesis Plankton must team up in order to get it back.
What did we think?
NOTE: Our reviewer declined to comment as she couldn’t bear to spend one more second of her life thinking about this film.
What’s Popular
The Promise
What’s it about?
WWI saw many atrocities, but the Armenian genocide is one that is fading from history. That story is told via the romantic rivalry between a medical student and a renowned journalist with Anna, an Armenian freshly returned from France.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: A poignant and timely reminder of where racism / intolerance / bigotry leads to. Luckily the love triangle doesn’t drag you in completely or the heartbreak of what happens to their families would tear you apart. Genocide is brutal and horrific, and The Promise pulls no punches in that regard, at times the stark brutal reality of war borders on traumatising. The romance is a sugar coating to attract audiences, which hopefully works, because this is a story that deserves to be seen by the masses. Continue Reading
Wonder Woman
What is it about?
Amazon princess Diana (Gal Gadot) lives on an island paradise hidden from the world, where she trains as a warrior. When Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes and tells Diana of the war raging in the outside world, she joins him, believing she is destined to bring it to an end.
What did we think?
Francesca Percy says: “Well,” I said hopefully, as we walked into the cinema, “it can’t be any worse than Batman vs Superman!” And let’s all breathe a sigh of relief, because not only is it better than that best-forgotten shambles, Wonder Woman is actually really very good. Director Patty Jenkins has created a world with well-rounded characters, a clear, well-developed plot (hallelujah!), action, drama, comedy and heart.
TIMER
What’s it about?
In a near-future society, people can have timers implanted that let them countdown to when they’ll meet their soulmate. But should we know? And how do people – and society as a whole – react to the change in dynamic?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: One of those rare films that poses thought-provoking questions without becoming preachy with answers. In fact a lot of the questions – both subtle and directly – are wonderful explorations about romantic expectations and attitude. Emma Caulfield is incredible as a girl feeling the pressure of finding a soulmate in a world where science has supposedly found a way to guarantee knowing your soulmate. But is love still powerful without mystery? A delightful independent flick that connoisseurs (and sociologists) will enjoy. Not to mention the romantics of course.
Editor's Choice
The Promise
What’s it about?
WWI saw many atrocities, but the Armenian genocide is one that is fading from history. That story is told via the romantic rivalry between a medical student and a renowned journalist with Anna, an Armenian freshly returned from France.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: A poignant and timely reminder of where racism / intolerance / bigotry leads to. Luckily the love triangle doesn’t drag you in completely or the heartbreak of what happens to their families would tear you apart. Genocide is brutal and horrific, and The Promise pulls no punches in that regard, at times the stark brutal reality of war borders on traumatising. The romance is a sugar coating to attract audiences, which hopefully works, because this is a story that deserves to be seen by the masses. Continue Reading
Wonder Woman
What is it about?
Amazon princess Diana (Gal Gadot) lives on an island paradise hidden from the world, where she trains as a warrior. When Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes and tells Diana of the war raging in the outside world, she joins him, believing she is destined to bring it to an end.
What did we think?
Francesca Percy says: “Well,” I said hopefully, as we walked into the cinema, “it can’t be any worse than Batman vs Superman!” And let’s all breathe a sigh of relief, because not only is it better than that best-forgotten shambles, Wonder Woman is actually really very good. Director Patty Jenkins has created a world with well-rounded characters, a clear, well-developed plot (hallelujah!), action, drama, comedy and heart.
TIMER
What’s it about?
In a near-future society, people can have timers implanted that let them countdown to when they’ll meet their soulmate. But should we know? And how do people – and society as a whole – react to the change in dynamic?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: One of those rare films that poses thought-provoking questions without becoming preachy with answers. In fact a lot of the questions – both subtle and directly – are wonderful explorations about romantic expectations and attitude. Emma Caulfield is incredible as a girl feeling the pressure of finding a soulmate in a world where science has supposedly found a way to guarantee knowing your soulmate. But is love still powerful without mystery? A delightful independent flick that connoisseurs (and sociologists) will enjoy. Not to mention the romantics of course.