1917
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden
Sam Mendes’ World World I drama has been praised for its use of long takes stiched together seamlessly to make it look like you’re watching one continuous shot, and while it’s not the only good thing about the movie it is probably the most impressive, masking a less-than-thrilling storyline. Still, worth seeing.
Birds Of Prey
Director: Cathy Yan
Starring: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor
DC hasn’t really hit it off in the cinema since Christopher Nolan’s three-part Batman trilogy. Capitalising on one of the few redeeming features of Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie is front and centre this time as Harley Quinn. In this film a ragtag bunch of strange outcasts with amazing abilities team up to… Wait, this plot sounds familiar. Maybe the second time’s a charm for this outing of super villains.
Gretel & Hansel
Director: Osgood Perkins
Starring: Sophia Lillis, Charles Babalola, Alice Krige
A low-key horror movie that fans of the genre will want to seek out. As you might have guessed, the story comes from the Brothers Grimm tale, but it’s not entriely true to that plot. From the same director as the Netflix sleeper hit I Am the Pretty Tthing that Lives in the House thi shas a similar look and feel and plays out as much as a coming-of-age tale as a horror. Good work all round.
Little Women
Director: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Saorise Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh
Despite revisiting a familiar story, that’s been told many times before, there’s a lot of freshness about this remake. There’s a shift in tone and a different take on the story, all paired with familiarity in the overall emotional journey. We’re not surprised to see the Oscar nominations and it could be a real contender for prizes.
Ordinary Love
Director: Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn
Starring: LIam Neeson, Lasley Manville
A tender drama that comes alive in its quietest, most undemonstrative moments. Tom (Liam Neeson) and Joan (Lesley Manville) lead a simple life in retirement, following the death of their only child. Their lives are intentionally undramatic. Then she notices a lump, and we all know what’s coming up. Don’t expect dramatic fireworks – very little happens narratively – but prepare for this quiet film to tiptoe into your heart.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Director: Jeff Fowler
Starring: Jim Carret, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden
Has a movie trailer ever had such universally bad reviews (Cats, perhaps?) that the filmmakers have gone back and reshot the film? This time around the blue hedgehog looks more like he does in the game and is all the better for it. Add in Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and you have the makings of a fun kids film.
The Room
Director: Christian Volckman
Starring: Olga Kurylenko, Kevin Janssens, Joshua Wilson
No, not that The Room, Tommy Wiseau is nowhere to be seen in this horror. A couple, who are struggling to have a child, move into a house and find a magic room that grants wishes. Can you guess what they ask for? Do you think it will turn out well? A decent three-out-of-five fright night film with a good idea at its heart, but not one anyone is likely to return to.
