What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 31st October 2024.

The 38th Leeds International Film Festival takes place this year from Friday 1st November through until Sunday 17th November. Founded in 1987, this annual film festival is hosted in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, and is the largest film festival in England outside of London. LIFF features five programme sections - Official Selection, Retrospective, Cinema Versa, Fanomenon and Short Film City. LIFF is a qualifying film festival for the Academy Awards. 

'The world’s first films were made in Leeds in 1888 by Louis le Prince and today the city is a leading national centre for film culture. Leeds film culture includes fantastic new and historic cinemas, exciting film festivals throughout the year, special film events in landmark locations, four universities and colleges with dedicated film departments, a dynamic movement of societies and individuals organising their own film activities, and much more. Home to Channel 4 and Screen Yorkshire, Leeds is a major hub for film and television production and for talent development' - so reads the official website.

LIFF's Opening Film this year is 'The Ties That Bind Us' from Writer and Director Carine Tardieu, this French and Belgian drama is about what brings people together in unsettling times and the new kinds of ties that can bloom unexpectedly. UK Premiere screening. The LIFF Central Film is 'All We Imagine As Light' from India, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy, is Directed by Payal Kapadia and paints a portrait of the lives, loves, and longings of three women working in the Mumbai Hospital. The Closing Film presentation is 'All The Long Nights' from Japan and Directed by Sho Miyake. The film follows Misa, a young woman with debilitating PMS that manifests in volatile outbursts.When she leaves her corporate job for a gentler workplace, a company making scientific toys, she encounters the shy Takatoshi, a co-worker struggling with panic disorder. Through mutual support and small acts of kindness, the two discover a world outside themselves. UK Premiere showcasing.

Constellation is the new name for the main programme section where many of the most talked about films of the year are previewed, and UK Premieres of films are presented from exciting new filmmakers in the feature film competition. There are eight film in Competition, these being :-

* 'The Fable' - from India and the USA and Directed by Raam Reddy. UK Premiere.

* 'The Editorial Office' - from Ukraine, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and Directed by Roman Bondarchuk. UK Premiere.

* 'Simon of the Mountain' - from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay and Directed by Federico Luis. UK Premiere.

* 'Pierce' - from Singapore, Thailand and Poland and Directed by Nelicia Low. UK Premiere.

* 'East of Noon' - from Egypt, Netherlands and Qatar and Directed by Hala Elkoussy. UK Premiere.

* 'Betania' - from Brazil and Directed by Marcelo Botta. UK Premiere.

* 'Ivo' - from Germany and Directed Eva Trobisch. UK Premiere.

* 'Toxic' - from Lithuania and Directed by Saule Bliuvaite. UK Premiere.

The Opening and Closing films of Constellation this year are both much-anticipated comedy dramas, featuring stand-out lead performances with Kieran Culkin in Jesse Eisenberg’s 'A Real Pain' and Amy Adams in Marielle Heller’s 'Nightbitch'. There are a further thirty-two films being showcased in the Constellation section. 

For the full programme of feature films and short films being showcased, plus the summaries of the aforementioned films, you can visit the official festival website at :- https://www.leedsfilm.com/

Looking ahead to this weeks six new release movies coming to your local big screen Odeon, and we kick start with a drama offering from an acclaimed Director in which multiple generations of couples and families inhabit the same home over the course of a century. This is followed by a biographical drama film that sees tensions run high as the Producer and a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers prepare for the first ever broadcast of 'Saturday Night Live'. Next up we turn to a pair of Aussie horror offerings, the first of which sees a young mother becoming increasingly unstable when she is terrorised by a malevolent spirit she believes is trying to take her children; and then a creature feature set in the remote outback town of Axehead, where terror takes the form of Rippy, a monstrous giant zombie kangaroo. Then we have an Italian film set in postwar 1940's Rome, that follows a working mother, wife and carer breaking traditional family patterns and aspiring to a different future, after receiving a mysterious letter; before closing out the week with an action thriller that has a former DEA agent and a former undercover operative revisit their romance during a fateful weekend in Taipei, unaware of the dangerous consequences of their past.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the six latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the coming week.

'HERE' (Rated M) - this American drama film is Co-Written for the screen, Co-Produced and Directed by Robert Zemeckis, and is based on the 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire. Zemeckis has a long and varied career as a Writer, Producer and Director with his more notable feature film output including his 1978 debut with 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' to 'Romancing the Stone' in 1984, 'Back to the Future, Parts I, II and III' in 1985, 1989 and 1990 respectively, 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' in 1988, 'Death Becomes Her' in 1992, 'Forrest Gump' in 1994, 'Contact' in 1997, 'Cast Away' in 2000, 'The Polar Express' in 2004, 'Flight' in 2012, 'Allied' in 2016 and 'Pinocchio' in 2022. This film saw its Premiere at the American Film Institute Festival on 25th October and goes on wide release this week too in the USA.

'Here' is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences, with Richard Young (Tom Hanks) and his wife Margaret (Robin Wright) starring in a tale of love, loss, laughter and life, all of which happen in a single spot of land spanning from the past and well into the future. Also with Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly and Michelle Dockery. 

'SATURDAY NIGHT' (Rated MA15+) - is an American biographical comedy drama film Co-Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Jason Reitman whose previous feature film making credits include his debut in 2005 with 'Thank You for Smoking', then 'Juno' in 2007, 'Up in the Air' in 2009, 'Labour Day' in 2013, 'Tully' in 2018, 'The Front Runner' in 2018 also, and 'Ghostbusters : Afterlife' in 2021. Here then, at 11:30pm on 11th October 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television, and culture, forever. Based on the true story of what happened behind the scenes in the ninety minutes leading up to the first broadcast of 'Saturday Night Live'. Full of humour, chaos, and the magic of a revolution that almost wasn't, we count down the minutes in real time until we hear those famous words delivered by Chevvy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) 'Live from New York. It's Saturday Night!' The film stars Gabriel LaBelle as Producer Lorne Michaels, with amongst an ensemble cast that includes Dylan O'Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Nicholas Braun as Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson, Willem Dafoe as David Tebet, J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle, Matt Wood as Jim Belushi and Tracy Letts as Herb Sargent. The film had its World Premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in late August, and went on general release in the US on 11th October on the 49th anniversary of the show's premiere. It has received positive reviews from critics and has grossed US$7M from a production budget of about US$28M.

'THE MOOGAI' (Rated M) - this Australian horror film is Written and Directed by Jon Bell and is based on his own 2020 fifteen minute short film of the same name, which won the Midnight Shorts Grand Jury Award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, as well as Best Director at the 2021 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. Here, A young Aboriginal couple bring home their second baby. What should be a joyous time takes a sinister turn, as the baby's mother starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. The film includes Indigenous Australian themes related to the Stolen Generations (a government policy of forced removal of Aboriginal children from their parents) and The Dreaming. Moogai is the Bundjalung word for 'ghost'. The film saw its World Premiere in the Midnights section of this years Sundance Film Festival toward the end of January, and had its Australian Premiere at the Sydney Film Festival in June of this year. 

'THE RED' (Rated MA15+) - is an Australian horror comedy film Co-Written and Directed by Ryan Coonan in his feature film making debut, and develops the story taken from his own short film 'Waterborne'. Set in a remote Queensland community of Axehaed, terror takes the form of Rippy, a giant red Zombie Kangaroo. As the undead-roo leaves a trail of carnage in its wake, the only hope lies in local young sheriff Maddy (Tess Haubrich) who is trying to live up to her dead father's legacy finds herself tested when locals start being found ripped to shreds, forcing her to face her past as she works with her eccentric uncle in a battle for survival and a desperate mission to defeat the beast. Also starring Michael Biehn and Aaron Pedersen.

'THERE'S STILL TOMORROW' (Rated M) - this Italian period comedy drama film is Co-Written, Directed and stars Paola Cortellesi in her Directorial debut. Set in May of 1946 in Rome, Italy with Allied troops still roaming the streets in Jeeps, Delia (Paola Cortellesi) plays exclusively the roles of wife and mother to her three children while her husband, Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea), is the head of the family. Between domestic engagements she nurses her sullen father-in-law Ottorino (Giorgio Colangeli) and does occasional sewing for various city stores, as well as laundry for the wealthy. One day, Delia receives a mysterious letter, and the woman is able to imagine a better future for herself. The film cost US$5.5M to produce, has so far grossed US$50M, has collected twenty award wins and a further eighteen nominations from around the awards and festivals circuit, and has garnered positive critical acclaim. The film was shot in black-and-white in the neorealist style of the 1940's and '50's.

'WEEKEND IN TAIPEI' (Rated MA15+) - is a French and Taiwan action film Co-Written by George Huang who made his Directorial debut with 'Swimming with Sharks' in 1994, and who has largely Written or Produced since then, up until this film, which is also Co-Written and Co-Produced by Luc Besson. John Lawlor (Luke Evans), a committed American Drug Enforcement Administration agent, fell in love with Joey (Gwei Lun-mei), a Taipei-based transporter, but was forced to separate due to the disruption of criminal and corruption activities. Fifteen years later, the pair is reunited when Lawlor is on a mission in Taipei. The film was released in its native France and Taiwan in early September, is released this week in Australia and in the US on 8th November. 

With six new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the week ahead.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Saturday 1st January 2022.

As 2021 draws to a close and many of us say good riddance to a year of mask wearing, social distancing, QR code scanning, lockdowns, restrictions and ever escalating COVID-19 case numbers as first the Delta variant ripped through the world and now the new Omicron variant continues its path of mayhem, it's a time of reflection on the cinematic year that was, and the hope for generally better times ahead in the new year. This year I have Reviewed fifty-eight movies, Previewed 228 feature films and documentaries and paid my respects to 262 legends of both the small screen and the big screen who have passed away in 2021. All that remains for me to say is the very best to you for a very Happy New Year that is safe, healthy and prosperous, and wherever you are in the world, get out and watch a movie at your local multiplex or local independent movie theatre and support all those working tirelessly in front and behind the camera who like so many other trades and industries around the world, continue to do it tough. Thanks for your support in 2021 and I look forward to bringing you more of the same content in the year ahead. 

To tempt you out to your local Odeon on a balmy Summer's evening and in the first week of 2022, we have three new cinematic offerings, kicking off with a biographical offering about the blossoming romance between a young, attractive Italian woman working as an office manager within her father's small trucking firm and the heir to a 50% stake in a renowned Italian fashion house that transforms into a fight for control of that famed fashion brand. This is followed by a reboot of two classic films from the 1980's that serves as a direct sequel set 32 years after the second film, in which a group of youngsters discover their connection to the grandfathers secret legacy and the group of ghost busting heroes he was once part of. And we close out the week with an adventure comedy film about how a young girl's love for a tiny puppy makes the dog grow to an enormous size.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the three latest release new movies as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the coming week.

'HOUSE OF GUCCI' (Rated MA15+) - is an American biographical crime drama film Directed by Ridley Scott in his second film release this year following 'The Last Duel' released in Australia at the end of October. This film is based on the 2001 book 'The House of Gucci : A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed' by Sara Gay Forden. The World Premiere screening of 'House of Gucci' was held at London's Leicester Square in early November 2021 and was theatrically released in the US in late November 2021. The film has received mixed reviews from critics, and it has so far grossed US$112M from a production budget of US$75M.

The film is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire, Gucci. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately . . . murder. Also starring Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci (son of Aldo Gucci), Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci (father of Maurizio), Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci (uncle to Maurizio), Salma Hayek as Giuseppina 'Pina' Auriemma (a psychic), and Jack Huston as Domenico De Sole (assistant to Maurizio). 

'GHOSTBUSTERS : AFTERLIFE' (Rated PG) - this American supernatural comedy film is Directed and Co-Written by Jason Reitman whose previous film making credits include his debut 'Thank You for Smoking' in 2005, 'Juno' in 2007, 'Up in the Air' in 2009, 'Labour Day' in 2013, 'Tully' in 2018 and 'The Front Runner' too that same year. This film serves as the sequel to 1984's 'Ghostbusters' and 1989's 'Ghostbusters II' both directed by Reitman's father Ivan, and the fourth film in the Ghostbusters franchise after the female-driven reboot Directed by Paul Feig in 2016. 'Ghostbusters : Afterlife' was screened unannounced on 23rd August 2021, during the 2021 CinemaCon event in Las Vegas. It was released in the US in mid-November 2021, after being delayed four times from an original July 2020 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film has garnered mixed or average Reviews and has so far grossed US$178M off the back of a US$75M production budget. Set thirty-two years after 'Ghostbusters II', a single mother Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon) and her two children Trevor and Phoebe (Finn Wolfhard and Mackenna Grace respectively) move to a small town in Oklahoma, where they discover their connection to the Ghostbusters and their grandfather's secret legacy. Also starring Paul Rudd, Bokeem Woodbine, J.K. Simmons with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver reprising the roles from the earlier films. 

'CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG' (Rated PG) - is an American adventure comedy film Directed by Walt Becker whose previous Directorial offerings include 'Van Wilder' in 2002, 'Wild Hogs' in 2007, 'Old Dogs' in 2009 and 'Alvin and the Chipmunks : The Road Chip' in 2015. This film is based on the children's book series of the same name by Norman Bridwell. The film was screened unannounced on 26th August 2021, during the CinemaCon event in Los Angeles. It was initially scheduled to premiere at the September 2021 Toronto International Film Festival to be followed by a cinema release in the US in mid-September after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was ultimately pulled from the festival and was later released theatrically and on Paramount+ on 10th November 2021 in the US. When Emily Elizabeth Howard (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer Mr. Bridwell (John Cleese) who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, ten feet tall hound in her small New York City apartment. With her single mother away on business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle Casey Howard (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that takes a bite out of the Big Apple. It has received mixed reviews from critics, having grossed US$74M on a US$64M budget. A sequel is in development.

With just three new release films this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the week ahead.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE FRONT RUNNER : Wednesday 6th February 2019.

'THE FRONT RUNNER' which I saw at my local independent movie theatre this week, is an American biographical drama film Directed, Co-Produced and Co-Written for the screen by Jason Reitman whose previous Directorial outings include 'Thank You for Smoking', 'Juno', 'Up In The Air', 'Young Adult', 'Labor Day' and 'Tully' more recently. Based on the 2014 Matt Bai book 'All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid', the film surrounds Gary Hart who is an American Politician, Diplomat, Lawyer and Author and was the 'front-runner' for the 1988 Democratic Presidential nomination, representing the State of Colorado in the US Senate from 1975 through until 1987. The film Premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in August last year, was released in the US in early November, has so far taken under US$3M at the Box Office and has received mixed Reviews.

The film kicks of in 1984 and here Hugh Jackman portrays Gary Hart, the former senator of Colorado, who loses out on the Vice-President nomination to Walter Mondale. Hart comes in second place but quite a way down the rankings. Not to be down trodden or brow beaten, Hart decides to run for the top job at the Whitehouse in the 1988 Presidential campaign. In the intervening years Hart has spent his time campaigning, raising his profile especially among the younger voting demographic whom he seems to share a connection with, and fine tuning his position on policies that matter to working class America and the future lifeblood of the nation.

With his 1988 campaign ramping up, and the press constantly on his tail, he is interviewed in a diner having cooked up burgers for everyone as a publicity stunt, by A.J. Parker (Mamoudou Athie) a Washington Post reporter. The conversation turns personal when A.J. starts enquiring about his married life and his marital beliefs - a subject that Hart was notoriously guarded about. The interview concludes with Hart abruptly excusing himself and inviting the media to follow him around at the weekends when he is not campaigning and enjoying some family time. This would give an insight into Hart, the family man, and his beliefs, albeit Hart qualifies this by stating that it will be a fairly boring exercise for anyone who chooses to do so. Needless to say Bill Dixon (J.K. Simmons) Hart's long term Campaign Manager is against the notion, but is over-ruled by the would-be President of the United States.

Hart had announced his candidacy to run for the Oval Office in mid-April 1987 and the story here unfolds over three troublesome weeks thereafter in which Hart would go from Hero to Zero. Hart's political challenges begin when he is invited one weekend to enjoy a party on a cruising motor boat down Florida way - perhaps appropriately named 'Monkey Business'. There Hart meets a woman, although their 'interaction' is never revealed to camera, and we never to get to view the mystery woman until later on in the film when allegations of an extra-marital affair emerge.

By late April, The Miami Herald claimed that an anonymous informant had telephoned the paper to say that Hart was having an affair with a friend, provided details about the affair, and told the reporter that Hart was going to meet this person at his Washington, D.C. townhouse that weekend. As a result, a team of Herald reporters followed Donna Rice (Sara Paxton) on a flight from Miami to Washington D.C., then staked out Hart's townhouse that evening from their vehicle parked across the street, and the next Saturday, and observed a young woman and Hart together. The Herald reporters confronted Hart on Saturday evening in an alley behind his townhouse about his relationship with Rice, which Hart vehemently denied.

The Herald publish the story a few days later in early May stating that Hart had spent Friday night and the majority of Saturday with a young woman at his townhouse. Later the following weekend  Hart's media campaigners denied any scandal and condemned the Herald's reporters for intrusive reporting.

By now Hart's aides had caught up with Donna Rice and were keeping her 'safe' from the prying eyes and the influence of the press, with her being 'babysat' by Irene Kelly (Molly Ephraim) one of Hart's campaign schedulers. However, the next day attempting to make a covert getaway at the airport to fly home to the safety of her parents, the young woman is identified by the media as Donna Rice. She later gave a press conference also denying any sexual relationship with Hart, and he insisted that his interest in Rice was limited to her working as a campaign aide.

Needless to say the scandal spread rapidly through all media channels during the course of that week. Hart faces facts with his wife Oletha 'Lee' Hart (Vera Farmiga) whom he had been married to since 1958, had two young adult children and had been separated from twice over the years but always managed to reconcile their differences. Lee vows to at least temporarily stand by her man, and goes to the media showing a united front.

However, the media coverage came to dominate Hart's campaign. Opinion Polls conducted in the direct aftermath of the media frenzy found that 55% of Democrats believed that Hart had been truthful, and 44% of them were unconcerned about the issue. The polling of voters was even more positive. Further polls had very similar results - of those polled, 67% disapproved of the media writing about a candidate's sex life, and 60% stated that Hart's relationship with Rice was irrelevant to the Presidency. This buoyed Hart somewhat but he was still caught off guard when at a press conference he was asked again by A.J. more pointed personal questions that ended with him being asked if he had ever committed adultery, to which in front of the gathered press, and his wife, he could not honestly answer.

A week after the story broke, Hart made the decision to suspended his campaign after the Washington Post, at the decision of the Editor Ben Bradlee (Alfred Molina), threatened to run a story about a woman Hart had dated while separated from his wife, and to which they had photographic evidence, much to the chagrin of A.J. This ultimately led to Lee and his daughter Andrea (Kaitlyn Dever) becoming similar targets of interest for the tabloid press for a short period of time. The film concludes with the Hart's relaxing on the deck of their home with the voiceover of Gary stating his decision to pull out of the race to the Whitehouse. Before the closing credits roll, we are told that Gary and Lee remain married to this day.

'The Front Runner' moves along at a reasonably swift pace, but there is little to maintain any real interest here. After all, whilst this was considered a scandal at the time (at least in the eyes of the media), the American population thought a lot less so, as did his wife ultimately, and compared to the antics of the current sitting President, Hart would almost be considered angelic, and the accusations brought against him a non-starter. But this was thirty years ago and time and opinion has moved on apace since then. Jackman plays the wannabe President with conviction and believability, but the remaining cast members are also rans, and the story is done & dusted before it really gets going, charting the three weeks leading up to him pulling out of the race, which in reality is less than two weeks, and the accusations were never really proven with Hart and Rice both denying any sexual relations. And furthermore, Hart's career, whilst not reaching the dizzying heights of the Oval Office, remained in the political, legal and writing arena right up until January 2017, so I guess its fair to say that all's well, that ends well Mr. Hart. It's a very brief snapshot in time of a 'scandal' (if it can really be called that) that really impacted just one man (to an extent) and his family rather than the establishment, that seems in many respects to have been over before it really got going and has since been banished to the history books. You can easily wait for this to watch it on BluRay from the comfort of your own lounge, on via your streaming network of choice.

'The Front Runner' merits three claps of the Odeon Online clapperboard from a possible five.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-     

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 31st January 2019.

On Saturday evening 19th January the Producers Guild of America (PGA) held their 30th annual Awards ceremony, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. The official PGA website states that 'The Producers Guild of America is a non-profit trade organisation that represents, protects and promotes the interests of all members of the producing team in film, television and new media. The Producers Guild works to protect the careers of producers and improve the producing community at large by facilitating health benefits for members, encouraging the enforcement of workplace labour laws and sustainable practices, creating fair and impartial standards for the awarding of producing credits, and hosting educational opportunities for new and experienced producers alike'. 

These awards like the twenty-nine that have gone before them, honour the best film and television Producers of 2018, and as such in the film categories, the winners and grinners were :-

* The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of a Theatrical Motion Picture : was won by 'GREEN BOOK' - Produced by Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly, and Nick Vallelonga. The other nominations in this category were 'Black Panther', 'BlacKkKlansman', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'The Favourite', 'A Quiet Place', 'Roma', 'A Star Is Born' and 'Vice'.




* The Outstanding Producers of an Animated Theatrical Motion Picture : was won by 'SPIDER-MAN : INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE' - Produced by Avi Arad, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Amy Pascal, and Christina Steinberg. The other nominations in this category were 'Dr, Seuss : The Grinch', 'Incredibles 2', 'Isle of Dogs' and 'Ralph Breaks the Internet'.



* The Outstanding Producers of a Documentary Theatrical Motion Picture : was awarded to 'WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOUR' - Produced by Morgan Neville, Nicholas Ma, and Caryn Capotosto. The other nominations in this category were 'The Dawn Wall', 'Free Solo', 'Hal', 'Into the Okavango', 'RBG' and 'Three Identical Strangers'.





* The Outstanding Producer of a Streamed or Televised Motion Picture : was awarded to 'FAHRENHEIT 451' - Produced by Sarah Green, Ramin Bahrani, Michael B. Jordan, Alan Gasmer, Peter Jaysen, and David Coatsworth. The other nominations in this category were 'King Lear', 'My Dinner with Herve', 'Paterno' and 'Sense8'.

* The Milestone Award was presented to Toby Emerich. Described as 'the most prestigious honour, recognising an individual or team who has made historic contributions to the entertainment industry'.
* The Stanley Kramer Award was presented to Jane Fonda. Described as being awarded to 'recipients whose work dramatically illustrates provocative social issues'. 
* The Visionary Award was presented to Kenya Barris. Described as being awarded to 'Producers for their unique or uplifting contributions to our culture through inspiring storytelling or performance'. 
* The David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures was presented to Kevin Feige. Described as being awarded in 'recognition of the individual's outstanding body of work in motion pictures'.

This week we bring you four latest release movies coming to an Odeon near you. Kicking off with a biographical telling of a popular political figure of the mid-'80's who had his eyes firmly set on the US Presidency, until a scandal emerges that sees his political aspirations implode. We then turn to a story of a mothers love, support and frustration of her teenage drug addicted son as he checks out of rehab unexpectedly on the eve of Christmas, and the tortuous 24 hours that follows. We then turn to a real life telling of a broken man who sought solace and recognition through a miniaturised world that he could escape into to help him overcome his challenges in the real world. And closing out the week we have a fictionalised yet based on verified facts historical biographical film that may shed some new light on the assassination of India's greatest leader.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the four latest release new movies as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release and as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the coming week.

'THE FRONT RUNNER' (Rated M) - is an American biographical drama film Directed, Co-Produced and Co-Written for the screen by Jason Reitman based on the 2014 Matt Bai book 'All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid'. The film surrounds Gary Hart who is an American Politician, Diplomat, Lawyer and Author and was the front-runner for the 1988 Democratic Presidential nomination, representing the State of Colorado in the US Senate from 1975 through until 1987.

Here Hugh Jackman portrays Gary Hart, the former senator of Colorado, who becomes the front-runner for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1987. Hart's intelligence, charisma and idealism prove popular with young voters, leaving him with a seemingly clear path to the White House. All that however, comes tumbling down when allegations of an extramarital affair with journalist Donna Rice (Sara Paxton) surface in the media and are published by the Miami Herald. Trying to clear his name and his reputation, Hart attempts to address the scandal publicly that threatens to short circuit his campaign and his private life. Also starring Vera Farmiga as Oletha Hart with J.K.Simmons and Alfred Molina. The film Premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in August, was released in the US in early November, has so far taken under US$3M at the Box Office and has received mixed Reviews.

'BEN IS BACK' (Rated M) - Written and Directed by Peter Hedges this American drama film saw its Premier screening at TIFF back in late September, went on release Stateside in early December, cost US$13M to make, has so far grossed US$7M and has received generally positive press. Starring the Writer/Director's son Lucas Hedges as nineteen year old Ben Burns who returns to the family suburban home unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, having spent the last few months in a drug rehabilitation centre. Ben's Mum, Holly (Julia Roberts) is naturally relieved and welcoming but wary of her son's drug addiction, and why he is out of rehab sooner than expected. Over the next turbulent day or so, new truths come to the surface, and a mother's undying love for her child is tested as Holly does everything in her power to keep Ben clean and out of trouble. Also starring Courtney B. Vance and Kathryn Newton.

'WELCOME TO MARWEN' (Rated M) - Directed and Co-Written by Robert Zemeckis, whose esteemed film career takes in such notable credits as the 'Back to the Future' trilogy, 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit', 'Death Becomes Her', 'Forrest Gump', 'Contact', 'Cast Away', 'The Polar Express', 'Beowulf', 'Flight' and 'Allied' more recently, you would think that with such a pedigree, that this film would be a sure fire hit! Not so, unfortunately for Mr. Zemeckis! Made for somewhere approaching US$50M, the film was released in the US just before Christmas and has so far taken about US$13M, has received mixed or average Reviews at best - although the motion capture visuals have received some praise, and has already been written up as a Box Office bomb. That said, the film is based on the more recent and real life of Mark Hogancamp who in April 2000 was attacked outside a bar by five men who beat him nearly to death after he told them he was a cross-dresser. After nine days in a coma and forty days in hospital, Hogancamp was discharged with brain damage that left him with little memory of his previous life. Unable to afford therapy, he created his own memory by building a one-sixth scale World War II-era model Belgian town in his yard and populating it with dolls representing himself, his friends, and even his attackers. By piecing together aspects from his old and new life, Mark meticulously creates a wondrous town he calls Marwen, where he can heal and be heroic. As he builds an astonishing art installation, through his fantasy world, he draws strength to triumph in the real one. Starring Steve Carell as Mark Hogancamp, with Leslie Mann, Diane Kruger, Janelle Monae and Gwendoline Christie.

'THE GANDHI MURDER' (Rated MA15+) - based on verified facts this historical telling of the events that led to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January 1948, is released to coincide with the 71st anniversary of his death at the hands of the Hindu right-wing nationalist, Nathuram Vinayak Godse. Directed by Karim Traidia and Pankaj Sehgal, this film is based on the changing political landscape around the world immediately after India's independence and partition. It is set in a violent India, against the backdrop of a non-violent Gandhi, and hard-line fanatic mindsets beginning to establish itself in a country divided on the basis of religion. The film charts three senior Police Officers spread far and wide across India, who, well aware of the intelligence that Gandhi's life in under threat, must make key decisions that would eventually either save 'The Father of India' or the country. Starring Om Puri (in one of his last screen roles before his death at the age of 66 in 2017), Stephen Lang, Vinnie Jones and Jesus Sans as Mahatma Gandi.

With four new release films this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere in the week ahead at your local Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 10th May 2018.

In April, the world bid a fond farewell to number of stars of the silver screen and the small screen. In brief, shown below, is my passing tribute to those stars who leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and in particular the world of film and television. May you all Rest In Peace, and thanks for the memories.

*  Michael Anderson : Born 30th January 1920, died 25th April 2018, aged 98. Michael Joseph Anderson Snr. was an English Director most notably known for Directing the WWII real life drama 'The Dam Busters' in 1955, the classic 'Around the World in 80 Days' in 1956, and the Sci-Fi film 'Logan's Run' in 1976. His other films worthy of note included the 1956 version of the George Orwell classic '1984', 'The Quilter Memorandum', 'Orca', 'Millennium' and 'The New Adventures of Pinocchio' which was to be his last full length feature film in 1999. All up Anderson had 43 Directing credits to his name, twelve as Assistant Director, two Acting and two Producer credits also. He had three Award wins to his name and another nine nominations including the Best Director Academy Award and Golden Globe nods for 'Around the World in 80 Days', which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1957 as well a four other wins at that years Oscar's. At the time of his death, Anderson was the oldest living nominee for an Academy Award for Best Director, and the only surviving Director whose film won a Best Picture award in the 1950s.

* R. Lee Ermey : Born 24th March 1944, died 15th April 2018, aged 74. Ronald Lee Ermey was an American Actor, Voice Actor and a US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and an honorary gunnery Sergeant. He joined the US Marine Corp in 1961, aged 17 training in San Diego, California before serving time in Okinawa, Japan and then in Vietnam in 1968/69 before being medically discharged in 1972. His first feature film break came in 1978 in the Vietnam War drama 'The Boys in Company C' playing a Marine drill instructor. This was followed up a year later with Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam epic 'Apocalypse Now' playing a chopper pilot as well as acting as a technical advisor given his experiences in country. The role for which he is perhaps best known was Stanley Kubrick's 1987 Vietnam opus 'Full Metal Jacket' as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman for which Ermey received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His other big screen appearances in films of note included 'Mississippi Burning', 'Toy Soldiers', 'Sommersby', 'Body Snatchers', 'On Deadly Ground', 'Murder in the First', 'Leaving Las Vegas', 'Se7en', 'Dead Man Walking', 'The Frighteners', 'The Salton Sea', 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003 remake) and its 2006 prequel. Ermey also lent his voice talents to 'Starship Troopers', 'Toy Story', 'Toy Story 2' and 'Toy Story 3', 'X-Men : The Last Stand' and 'The Watch'. In the meantime there were television appearance on the likes of 'Miami Vice', 'The X-Files', 'The Simpsons', 'Family Guy', 'House', 'Law & Order : SVU' and 'Kung Fu Panda : Legends of Awesomeness', as well as numerous voice appearances on video games and television commercial endorsements. All up Ermey had 124 Acting credits to his name and he was the recipient of two award wins and another four nominations. He was a Board Member for the NRA (National Rifle Association) and Co-Founder of the Bravery Brewing Company.
* Verne Troyer : Born 1st January 1969, died 21st April 2018, aged 49. Verne Jay Troyer was an American Actor, Comedian and stuntman who's best known performance was as 'Mini-Me' in the 'Austin Powers : The Spy Who Shagged Me' second instalment in this film franchise and in the third film 'Austin Powers in Goldmember'. He garnered fame for his diminutive stature, measuring just 81cms (2 feet 8 inches) tall due to a rare genetic disorder known as cartilage-hair hypopiasia that clinically manifests itself as short limbed dwarfism. This condition made Troyer one of the world's shortest men. His big screen debut came in 1994 in 'Baby's Day Out' which was followed by regular work in the ensuing years in film and television including more notably, 'Jingle All The Way', 'Volcano', 'Men In Black', 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', 'Mighty Joe Young', 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas', 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone', 'The Love Guru' and 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus'. Troyer had accumulated 58 Acting credits throughout his career and had picked up two award wins and four nominations.

In the week ahead we have four new films to tease you out to your local Odeon, kicking off with the real life telling of a scandal that rocked a high ranking political figure, his acclaimed family and the Presidential system in the US in the late '60's/early '70's. We then turn to a dramedy of a mother of three young kids who is gifted a Nanny to help her sleep, rest, cope and gain back some semblance of life from the never ending demands of motherhood. This is followed up by a comedy of a recently divorced mother who goes back to College to complete her Degree having put her life on hold for the sake of her soon to be ex-husband and her College age daughter, only thing is, she ends up in the same school and in the same class as her daughter, and so begins a whole new life of rediscovery, adventure and antics. We then wrap up with a murder mystery whodunnit where the patriarch of the family is poisoned in his bed and the immediate family are all prime suspects playing out in the great tradition of that acclaimed British female mystery crime writer who has had plenty of her works committed to the big and small screen.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the four latest release new movies as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release and as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are here cordially invited to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and meanwhile, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the week ahead.

'CHAPPAQUIDDICK' (Rated M) - this American drama film based on the real life events surrounding the 1969 Chappaquiddick Incident is Directed by John Curran whose most recent Directorial outing was the 2013 Robyn Davidson Western Australian adapted story 'Tracks' with Mia Wasikowska. Now, he Directs this account of the story which is described as 'a single-vehicle car accident that occurred on Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts, on Friday, July 18, 1969. The late night accident was caused by Senator Ted Kennedy's negligence, and resulted in the death of his 28-year-old passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, who was trapped inside the vehicle'. Further it states that 'according to his testimony, Kennedy accidentally drove his car off the one-lane bridge and into a tidal channel. He swam free, left the scene, and did not report the accident to the police for ten hours; Kopechne died inside the fully submerged car. The next day, the car with Kopechne's body inside was recovered by a diver, minutes before Kennedy reported the accident to local authorities. Kennedy pleaded guilty to a charge of leaving the scene of a crash causing personal injury, and later received a two-month suspended jail sentence'. The film Premiered at TIFF last September, had its US release in early April, and goes on general release in Australia this week, having so far grossed US$17M at the Box Office and garnered generally positive Reviews along the way.

Through factual accounts, laid out in the inquest from the investigations in 1969, the film examines the mysterious events and subsequent fall out around the drowning of aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara) after Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) drove his car off the infamous Dike Bridge on Chappaquiddick Island. The incident ultimately changed the course of presidential history, intimately exposing the long arm of political influence and power held by one of America's most celebrated families, and the vulnerability (and political implosion) of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family's troubled and famed legacy. These events more than likely contributed to Ted Kennedy's decision not to run for President in the 1972 and 1976 campaigns. The film also stars Clancy Brown, Bruce Dern, Ed Helms and Olivia Thirlby.

'TULLY' (Rated M) - this American drama comedy offering is Directed by Jason Reitman whose previous Directing credits include 'Juno', 'Up in the Air' and 'Thank-you for Smoking' amongst others, and is Written by Diablo Cody whose previous Writing credits include 'Juno', 'Young Adult' and 'Ricky and the Flash' also amongst others. The film Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January this year, went on general release in the US last week, and here in Australia this week. This film tells the story of the mother of three young kids Marlo (Charlize Theron, who it is reported gained nearly 23 kilos for her role over a period of about fifteen weeks, and ate around the clock to keep the weight on. It took her a year and a half to take the weight off once filming concluded), who is gifted a nighttime Nanny by her brother, to help her sleep and cope with the trials and tribulations of raising a demanding young family that includes a new born. Reluctant to take advantage at first, Marlo soon gives in and forms a unique relationship with the thoughtful, caring and at times challenging young Nanny named Tully (Mackenzie Davis). The film also stars Mark Duplass as Craig (Marlo's brother) and Ron Livingstone as Drew (Marlo's husband).

'LIFE OF THE PARTY' (Rated M) - here we have an American comedy film Co-Written and Co-Produced by the real life married couple of Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy and Directed by Ben Falcone in his third Directorial outing with his wife after 2014's 'Tammy' and 2016's 'The Boss'. The story here surrounds long time dedicated wife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) who is suddenly and abruptly dumped by her husband Dan (Matt Walsh), seeking a divorce. Whilst Deanna has no regrets about bringing up her daughter Maddie (Molly Gordon) and being a stay at home Mum, she does regret never finishing her Degree. So, Deanna decides to go back to College, and plunges headlong into the same school and same class as her daughter, who remains totally unconvinced that this is a good idea. Needless to say new adventures and new experiences await as Deanna gets reacquainted with all the fun, freedom, frolics and frat boys that College life can muster. Sounds like a hoot! Also starring Gillian Jacobs, Maya Rudolph, Jacki Weaver and Julie Bowen. Released in the US, UK and Australia this week.

'CROOKED HOUSE' (Rated PG) - Agatha Christie seems to be back in vogue right now, with this big screen adaptation of her 1949 novel of the same name, following on from Ken Branagh's reworking of 'Murder on the Orient Express' late last year and his reported re-adaptation of 'Death on the Nile'. This British murder mystery is Directed and Co-Written for the screen by Frenchman Gilles Paquet-Brenner. In this detective story, former Foreign Office diplomat Charles Hayward (Max Irons) has returned from Cairo to London to become a private detective. When Aristide Leonides (Gino Picciano), a wealthy and ruthless business tycoon, is poisoned in his own bed, Detective Hayward is invited to solve the crime by his former lover and before the Scotland Yard Detectives arrive on the scene and potentially expose hidden and dark family secrets. As the investigation deepens he must confront the shocking realisation that one of the key suspects is Aristede's beautiful granddaughter, his employer and former lover; and must remain focused and alert to navigate the sultry Sophia de Havilland (Stefani Martini) and the rest of her hostile family. Also starring Glenn Close, Gillian Anderson, Julian Sands, Terence Stamp and Christina Hendricks.

With four new release films out this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere in the week ahead at your local Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week - Thursday 27th November 2014.

With Australian Summer Time starting officially next week on 1st December there is lots to look forward to in cinemas over the coming season aside from the great outdoors and the sunshine, surf, sand, longer days, clear blue skies, hot barbecues and cold beers. Forgive my ramblings, but there really ain't no better place that Australia in the Summertime, and to cap it all off with some great movie content heading our way it's sure to be a crowd pleaser!

For the last week of Spring then we have another veritable mixed bag of offerings that include a period piece set in the American mid-east coast in the 1930's; then there is an American middle-class tale of a family obsessing over their technology, social media, the Internet and how all this stuff at their fingertips impacts their little lives; next up is an American tale set in LA charting the clandestine camerawork of a would-be news hound in the small wee hours; then a story of another camera wielding reporter working in very different conditions and the implications this has on the family after a near death experience whilst on the job; and finally there is an Australian offering that, for me, almost defies explanation and stands for everything Aussie we would rather forget about - but it will doubtless find an audience . . . somewhere!

Five films therefore coming your way very soon. When you have chosen your pick (or two) of the bunch this week, drop me a line in the Comments Box following this Post, or any other, and let my global readership know what you thought - it's goof to share! Enjoy your filmic experience in the week ahead!

NIGHTCRAWLER (Rated MA15+) - this film is touted as possibly Jake Gyllenhaal's finest to date with him starring in the title role as Lou Bloom - the LA 'Nightcrawler' in question. This Nightcrawler however, does not belong in a Superhero movie, but here he is a drifter roaming the streets at night in search of gainful employment. Stumbling upon a camera crew shooting footage of a car accident he has a flash of inspiration and decides this is the career move he is looking for. Procuring a camcorder and a  Police radio scanner he starts trawling the streets at night looking for footage to film and to hopefully on-sell to the local TV channels. Striking up a rapport with one such local TV station his paths cross with Nina Romina (Rene Russo) - the Director of the early morning news. She takes his early tapes and stipulates the more violent, bloody and upmarket the footage is, the better, and this sets in motion for Lou a quest for more daring footage, greater risk taking and at times playing with the truth and the facts for the sake of a good story and the sell.

Written and Directed by Dan Gilroy in his Directorial debut for a modest US$8.5M this is a tense, gripping, psychological drama played out by a strong cast with a solid lead, a taught storyline and the graininess of a violence fuelled night-time urban setting witnessed to a large extent through the lens of a camcorder. There's a lot of buzz about this film, and the trailers seen so far make this a must see going into the Christmas Season, and already since it's release on 31st October stateside it has grossed US$33.5M.

SERENA (MA15+) - this is our American mid-east coast period piece set in the 1930's in North-Carolina and starring two of Hollywood's hottest properties right now - Bradley Copper as George Pemberton - a well-to-do privileged socialite intent on building a timber empire, and his soon-to-be wife and heiress Serena Shaw (Jennifer Lawrence). Based on the book of the same name by Ron Rash this also stars Rhys Ifans, Toby Jones and Sean Harris and is helmed by Danish Oscar winning Director Susanne Bier who won with Danish language 'In a Better World' at the 2011 Academy Awards. When George learns that his new wife Serena cannot bear him children things start to get complicated for the couple with more far reaching implications. The making of this film has been marred with difficulty with various edits before finding a distributor resulting in lengthy release delays before its arrival in our cinemas. In the final analysis the critics have not be kind to 'Serena' the film, although Cooper's and Lawrence's performances are passable but perhaps not enough to save the script and the somewhat wayward production. Maybe wait for the DVD release - your call!

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN (Rated M) - this American dramedy is Directed by Jason Reitman and based on the book of the same name by Chad Kultgen. Charting the story of four social media addicted, Internet porn addled, sex hungry teenagers all suffering from their school, sport, social stresses and anxieties, and their associated parents who have similar challenges of their own in this technology gripped all ruling world. Starring the voice talents of Emma Thompson narrating, with Jennifer Garner, Adam Sandler, Ansel Elgort, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Greer and Dean Norris amongst others we see lives collide at our fingertips, intertwine and situations created of our own doing that often cannot be undone in cyberspace. A morality tale perhaps on the good and evil the Internet has spawned, how we interact with it, what it means to us and how we have become so dependant on it - for better and for worse! This could be a wake up call for the tech savvy, Internet dependant age . . . or just a load of self-absorbent tosh!

A THOUSAND TIMES GOODNIGHT (Rated M) - Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is a photo journalist who has carved out a career and a reputation for her photographic news coverage of war torn hotspots around the world. When in Afghanistan filming with a  group of female suicide bombers, a premature detonation leaves her badly injured. Returning home to Ireland to recover she is delivered an ultimatum by her husband Marcus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and daughter Steph (Lauryn Canny) asking her to choose once and for all between them as her family, or her work as a photographer. Needless to say she chooses the former, but later when accompanying her daughter to Kenya for a spot of humanitarian work, the village in which they are staying is savagely attacked by rebels, and once again Rebecca's is thrust into her former life recording the actions on camera as she used to, only this time putting herself and her daughter in the line of fire. This film won the Special Grand Prix Jury Prize at the 2013 Montreal World Film Festival amongst others so far, and is said to be a morality tale too of the fine line that exists between family and career and what happens when one is consumed by the other!

FAT PIZZA vs. HOUSOS (Rated MA15+) - brought to us by Writer, Director and Actor Paul Fenech this brings the 'Fat Pizza' and 'Housos' TV series together for the big screen where bogans rule, cultures clash and just about everyone is on the take for something or other. When pizza chef Bobo Gigliotti is released from jail after 15 years for a chainsaw assault on a Health Inspector he sets up shop again in the only place he can afford - Sunnydale. What unfolds is a clash of the titans as bogans, bikies, cultures and ethnic minorities collide over a turf war, local disagreements and who can get one over on the next man in the quickest most efficient manner. There will be pizza, thongs, trackie-dacks, burnouts, fisticuffs, Ugg boots and all manner of politically, morally and socially incorrect banter that you might find entertaining . . . or not!

There it is - another melting pot of five varied and diverse film offerings to tempt your movie going dollar in the week ahead. Check one out at least, share your thoughts and enjoy your big screen outing.

Movies - see as many as you can!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-