Therefore, for the upcoming week we have five new filmic offerings to get you into your local multiplex with the big screen treatment of a classic 60's secret agent television series, and no, it's not 'Mission : Impossible' as that was done very recently already; then there is the story of an ageing couple looking to sell their ageing apartment and how they come to terms with moving on from their home of 40 years; followed by a thought provoking documentary of our fragile planet and for all our smarts, our advances, our skill, knowledge and education we still go to war against each other and seem hell bent on self-destruction; then another documentary this time about an ageing New York fashionista still inspiring and experimenting even into her tenth decade; and finally a French coming of age story of a gang of girls growing up and struggling to find their own identity.
As always a mixed bag of cinematic content, but there has got to be something for everyone here whether its nostalgic action you seek, drama, documentary or foreign language storytelling. Whatever you decide to see this week, drop your fellow readers at Odeon Online a comment, observation or critique below this, or any other Post. Enjoy your film.
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (Rated M) - The television series upon which this new film is based ran originally from September 1964 until January 1968 across 105 episodes and launched the careers of Robert Vaughan and David McCallum as American Agent, Napoleon Solo and Ukranian Agent, Illya Kuryakin, respectively. Hugely successful with spin off comic books, novels, TV Annuals, merchandise, soundtracks and feature length episodes this was another espionage drama born in the 60's in the mold of Bond and 'Mission : Impossible' that was ripe for big screen treatment. And so Guy Ritchie is the man for the job tasked to recreate the 60's in his US$75M Directed offering of the same name, and out at a cinema near you this week.
Transporting us back to the early 60's Cold War era and the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement we have Solo (Henry Cavill) and Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) thrust together when they least expect it and very reluctantly so. But of course they make up their differences to thwart an international underworld terror organisation looking to destabilise the fragile world balance of the time with nuclear weapons coupled with the latest technical wizardry. Of course the clock is counting down on a global disaster for which they must put their differences aside, team up, man up, tool up and clean up a big potential mess. Also starring Hugh Grant, Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Debicki.
5 FLIGHTS UP (Rated M) - starring Morgan Freeman as Alex and Diane Keaton as Ruth as husband and wife team who have been married and lived in the same New York apartment for forty years. When they bought the place it was in a run down district of Brooklyn, but now years later it's hip, gentrified, sought after and worth a small fortune. As the property is listed for sale and the open for inspection date looms so a series of unexpected and unfortunate events result in them apartment hunting in Manhattan where they find almost the perfect place that ticks most of their boxes. With their long lasting love for each other they come to realise that with this strength between them they can overcome all the other challenges that the weekend seems to be throwing at them. Directed by Richard Loncraine.
GIRLHOOD (Rated M) - This French language film is Written and Directed by Celine Sciamma and stars Karidja Toure as Marieme, a sixteen year old African/French teenage girl growing up in the poorer suburbs of Paris. When failing grades at school present the harsh realities of life she gets involved in a girl gang who invite her in with the free spirited outlook on life. As she gets to know the girls and friendships bond, they get into various scrapes and situations through which Marieme grows in confidence, but comes to realise too in the fullness of time that these friendships, experiences and freedom don't make her any happier either. So, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands. Already highly acclaimed having won six awards and nominated another eleven times, this film has lots to offer and is sure to please, and watch out for Toure's breakout role. Nothing to do whatsoever with Linklater's 'Boyhood'.
IRIS (Rated M) - There's no trashin' this fashion passion as 87 year old Director, Albert Maysles (who died in March this year) teams up with camera in tow to documentarily record the exploits, adventures, creativity, life and colour of 93 years old Iris Apfel - the fashionista of the New York fashion scene for decades who even in her dotage continues to inspire, excite and experiment with colour, style and imagination. This sharp, quick-witted, flamboyant and somewhat eccentric lady continues with all her energy, emotion and effort to live a full life of glamour surrounded by fashion, art and people whom she continues to embrace with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic . . . well into her tenth decade! Funny, inspirational and charming this insightful piece is sure to please on many levels - fashion follower or not.With five films from which to make your choice you can be sure of a varied entertainment offering coming you way, and offering something different in the week ahead. Do yourself a favour and get out amongst it, and enjoy a movie!
See you soon at the Odeon!
-Steve, at Odeon Online-
