What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 1st August 2024.

The 22nd Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival kicks off on Friday 2nd August and runs through until Saturday 10th August on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, USA. This highly regarded Oscar-qualifying festival showcases the best of black cinema, featuring independent films, acclaimed documentaries, panel discussions, and exclusive events. The MVAAFF is committed to promoting diversity in the film industry, providing a platform for black and brown filmmakers to share their unique perspectives and stories. Over the past 22 years, the festival has grown into a premier event, attracting A-list talent and audiences from around the world. 

This years Opening Night film is 'Sing Sing' Directed by Greg Kwedar and tells the story of a group of prisoners at Sing Sing Correctional Facility who attempt to stage their own original stage production. The film stars Colman Domingo and Paul Raci. Peacock’s upcoming limited series 'Fight Night : The Million Dollar Heist' will lead the Closing Night festivities and stars Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson and Chloe Bailey.

The other feature films and feature documentaries being showcased are :-

* 'Freedom Hair' Directed by Diane Houston. 

* 'Billy Preston : That's The Way God Planned It' Directed by Paris Barclay.

* 'Bike Vessel' Directed by Eric D. Seals.

* 'Time II : Unfinished Business' Directed by Fox Rich.

* 'Black Table' Directed by John Antonio James and Bill Mack.

* 'Respect My Crown : The Rise of African American Women in Californian Politics' Directed by Pamela Bright-Moon.

* 'Young King' Directed by Bryant T. Griffin.

* 'Daughters' Directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae.

* 'He Looked Like a Postcard' Directed by Qasim Basir.

* 'The South Got Something To Say' Directed by Ryon Justin Horne and Tyson Alan Horne.

* 'A Radical Act : Renee Montgomery' Directed by Sandrine Orabona.

* 'Ol' Dirty Bastard : A Tale of Two Dirtys' Directed by Sam Pollard and Jason Pollard.

* 'False Positive' Directed by Ismail Al-Amin.

* 'The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat' Directed by Tina Mabry. 

* 'Albany Road' Directed by Christine Swanson.

* 'A King Like Me' Directed by Matthew O. Henderson.

* 'The Debutantes' Directed by Contessa Gayles.

* 'Luther : Never Too Much' Directed by Dawn Porter.

* 'It Was All A Dream' Directed by dream hampton.

For a brief synopsis of the above named feature films and documentaries, plus details of the short films being showcased and more besides, you can go to the official website at : https://www.mvaaff.com

Looking then at this weeks slew of seven new movies coming to your local Odeon, we begin with an American psychological thriller from an acclaimed Director that is partly inspired by a real life Police sting operation, whereby here a serial killer is trapped inside a concert venue as he and his young daughter attend a concert that is surrounded by law enforcement officers intent on capturing him. This is followed by an American comedy drama that sees a washed-up stand-up comedian co-parenting his autistic son with his ex-wife, when faced with crucial decisions about the boys future, father and son go on a life-changing cross-country road trip together. Next up we have a Canadian slasher offering about how a locket is removed from a collapsed fire tower in the remote woods that entombs a rotting corpse of a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 70-year old crime, with his body being resurrected and hellbent on retrieving it, no matter what it takes. Then we turn to an American crime thriller about an ex-homicide detective with memory loss who is forced to solve a brutal murder, only to uncover chilling secrets from his forgotten past. Following on from this is the story of three life-long friends who travel to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids at a surprise wedding of their friend from college. Then we have a documentary drama that follows the unsolved Burger Chef Murders of 1978 that claimed the lives of four teenagers in Speedway, Indiana. And closing out the week is a New Zealand historical action film, spoken in traditional Maori, that is set in New Zealand in 1864, and follows the story of a crucial conflict of the nation's first land warfare, fought between Maori and imperial soldiers against overwhelming odds.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the seven 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.

'TRAP' (Rated M) - is an American psychological thriller film Written, Co-Produced and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan who made his breakthrough with 'The Sixth Sense' in 1999 and which he would follow up with the likes of 'Unbreakable' in 2000, 'The Village' in 2004, 'The Visit' in 2015, 'Split' in 2016, 'Glass' in 2019, 'Old' in 2021 and 'Knock at the Cabin' in 2023. 

The film centres on a serial killer Cooper, dubbed 'The Butcher' (Josh Hartnett) who goes to a Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) concert with his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue). Mid-way through the concert he realises that the concert is a trap set by law enforcement in an attempt to catch him. Also starring Hayley Mills, Alison Pill and Kid Cudi, the film is released in the US this week too.

'EZRA' (Rated M) - this American comedy drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Tony Goldwyn whose previous Directorial credits take in his debut with 'A Walk on the Moon' in 1999, 'Someone Like You' in 2001, 'The Last Kiss' in 2006 and 'Conviction' in 2010, although he has also helmed numerous TV episodes, and has many acting credits to his name too. This film follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father Stan (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son's future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. Also starring Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson and Tony Goldwyn, the film saw its World Premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival back in September last year, was released Stateside at the end of May and only now is it released here in Australia having so far grossed US$3.2M and has generated mixed or average reviews. 

'IN A VIOLENT NATURE' (Rated R18+) - is a Canadian slasher film Written and Directed by Chris Nash that saw its World Premiere at this year Sundance Film Festival at the end of January in the Midnight programme, was released in the US at the end of May, is released in Australia this week and on streaming service Shudder at some future date. When a group of teenagers takes a locket from a collapsed fire tower out in the Ontario wilderness, they unwittingly resurrect the rotting corpse of Johnny (Ry Barrett), a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year old crime. The undead killer soon embarks on a bloody rampage to retrieve the stolen locket, methodically slaughtering anyone who gets in his way. The film has so far grossed US$4.5M and has garnered generally positive critical acclaim. 

'SLEEPING DOGS' (Rated MA15+) - this American crime thriller film is Co-Written for the screen, Co-Produced and Directed by Adam Cooper in his feature length Directing debut, and is based on the 2017 novel 'The Book of Mirrors' by E.O. Chirovici. Roy Freeman (Russell Crowe) is an ex-homicide detective with Alzheimer's who is undergoing experimental treatment to help him regain some memories, and who is forced to revisit a case he can't remember. As a man's life hangs in the balance on death row, Freeman must piece together the brutal evidence from a decade-old murder investigation, uncovering a sinister web of buried secrets and betrayals linking to his past. With only instincts to trust, he faces a chilling truth, sometimes, it's best to let sleeping dogs lie. Also starring Karen Gillan, Marton Csokas and Tommy Flanagan, the film was released in the US in late March and has received mixed or average reviews. 

'THE FABULOUS FOUR' (Rated M) - is an American comedy film Co-Written for the screen and Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, whose prior film making credits include 'Proof' in 1991, 'How to Make an American Quilt' in 1995, 'A Thousand Acres' in 1997 and 'The Dressmaker' in 2015. Here, a group of three life-long friends Lou, Alice and Kitty (Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph respectively) travel to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids in the surprise wedding of their best college girlfriend Marilyn (Bette Midler). Over the course of one outrageous trip, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past resurfaces, and there are enough sparks, raunch, and romance to change all their lives in unexpected ways. Also starring Bruce Greenwood and Michael Bolton, the film was released in the US last week and has generated mixed or average reviews.

'THE SPEEDWAY MURDERS' (Rated M) - this true crime mystery docudrama is Written and Directed by Adam Kamien and Luke Rynderman, and charts the 'The Burger Chef' murders that took place at a Burger Chef restaurant in Speedway, Indiana, USA, on the night of Friday, 17th November 1978. Four young employees went missing in what was initially thought to be a petty theft of cash from the restaurant's safe. By Saturday morning it became a clear case of robbery-kidnapping, and by Sunday, when their bodies were discovered in a woodland area some thirty miles away, a case of murder. While investigators believe they have identified some or all of the perpetrators, without physical evidence they have not been able to prosecute those who remain alive. This is that story of Assistant Manager Jayne Friedt aged 20, Daniel Davis aged 16, Mark Flemmonds aged 16 and Ruth Ellen Shelton aged 18 as portrayed by Essie Randles, Joseph Cumpston, Nya Cofie and Davida McKenzie respectively. 

'KA WHAWHAI TONU : STRUGGLE WITHOUT END' (Rated M) - this New Zealand historical action film is Directed by Mike Jonathan in his debut feature film, although he has previously helmed two feature length documentaries - 'The Road to the Globe' in 2012, and 'Freezing Works' in 2015 with a number of short films and TV series in between and since. Set in New Zealand in 1864, the film follows the story of a pivotal battle in the first land wars fought in New Zealand’s Waikato region. Amidst the chaos of the infamous 1864 siege of Orakau, two teenagers Haki and Kopu (Paku Fernandez and Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas respectively) must seize command of their destinies and fight for freedom. Facing insuperable odds, the Maori tribes defiantly stand their ground in a struggle for sovereignty against the relentless advance of colonial forces. Presented in te reo Maori, this ambitious historical drama tells the story of a critical moment in New Zealand history from a Maori perspective. Also starring Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and Jason Flemyng. 

With seven 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 : Thursday 29th October 2015.

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock, this past week has seen the 30th Anniversary since Marty McFly and Doc Brown went 'Back to the Future' and arrived in the Californian town of Hill Valley on 21st October 2015 from back in 1985. Arriving in 2015, Screenwriter Bob Gale and Director Robert Zemeckis imagined a world for us in 2015 that saw 'Jaws 19' playing at the local multiplex, hover boards had replaced the more manual skateboards, self-lacing Nike's were the latest fashion footwear, Princess Di was now Queen and cars could fly. Not quite the reality that was envisioned although there were future things too that have become commonplace from that movie and some that just might be in the next 30 years. That date, 21/10/15 is now history already, and if you haven't seen those movies you can do so in the newly released 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray and DVD and the book - 'Back to the Future : The Ultimate Visual History'. Go forward into the past, and check these out!

This week five new movies are coming to an Odeon near you with a raft of talent, a mix of genres, and hailing from near and far. There is a 50's outback revenge drama where the locals are likely to get stitched up, in more ways than one; then an intelligent screwball comedy of a couple of newly acquainted Noo Yawk chicks who paint the two red, live it up, go large, try to launch a restaurant and try to get payment on a debt amongst other things; then an immortal slayer of witches who in the present day needs to save the world from a long time dead revengeful foe. Next up two non-committal folk hook up in a purely platonic relationship to reform each other and in the process fall for each other with romantic comedic consequences . . . maybe; and finally an acclaimed foreign language black comedy of two hapless salesmen reflecting on life, love and our very reason for being.

When you've made your weekly trip to the local cinema, don't forget to share your thoughts afterwards with your own personal critique in the Comments Box directly below this or any other Post. At Odeon Online, we'll be pleased to hear from you. In the meantime, enjoy your movie.

THE DRESSMAKER (Rated M) - This Australian film features drama, revenge and comedy as Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse with the Screenplay written by her too and based on the 2000 released novel of the same name by Rosalie Ham. The film was shot in Melbourne and out & about in country Victoria and is set in the 1950's with influences in the classic Western with Moorhouse describing her film as Clint Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' . . .  with a sewing machine! The film had its world premiere at TIFF on September 14th was screened at the Adelaide Film Festival on 16th October and is released this week. It has an all star cast that reads like a Who's Who of Aussie acting talent.

The story centres around Myrtle 'Tily' Dunnage (Kate Winslet) who after years away returns to her outback home town of Dungatar having worked for a famed seamstress in Paris. He mother Molly (Judy Davis) is sick, hence why Tily has returned home for the fist time since being sent away at age ten by her mother, because of false accusations surrounding a murder.  Now as an expert dressmaker herself Tily delights the locals with her haute couture creations and transforms the townsfolk whilst exacting her revenge on them for their sins of the past. Also starring Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving, Sarah Snook, Rebecca Gibney, Barry Otto, Kerry Fox, Gyton Grantley and Shane Jacobsen.

MISTRESS AMERICA (Rated MA15+) - No, this is not Captain America's bit on the side (although there is a Superhero[ine] angle here) but rather a screwball comedy Directed by Noah Baumbach, Co-Written and Co-Produced by him and Greta Gerwig, and also starring Greta Gerwig too. Here, Tracy (Lola Kirke) is a lonely college freshman in New York's Columbia University struggling to discover the cosmopolitan party lifestyle she imagined, or connect with those who would allow her to experience adventure and the hi-life she envisioned. Soon enough however, she is taken in by Brooke (Greta Gerwig) as her soon to be step-sister and pretty soon the two have hit it off and are getting on like the proverbial house on fire! Greta lives in the heart of NYC in Times Square and is outgoing, adventurous, well networked and hi-spirited and Brooke becomes intoxicated by the life she is now experiencing and which she imagined for herself. Baumbach Directs here with the aplomb that he demonstrated in 'Frances Ha' in 2012, and already Gerwig could be an early Oscar contender here.

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER (Rated M) - With a production budget of US$90M it would be reasonable to assume great things from this epic sword swinging, shotgun shooting witch slaying offering from Director Breck Eisner and starring Vin Diesel in the lead role as 800+ year old Kaulder. Our hero here has been hunting down witches for centuries who walk amongst us, but we just don't know it, and he is the last of kind, so no pressure there to save the known world! He was cursed way back in the 14th Century when he took down the Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht) who moments before popping her clogs by his hand cursed him with immortality and an existence out of reach of his loved ones in the afterlife. Accompanied by his friend the 36th Dolan (Michael Caine) who is cursed by an unknown foe, Kaulder must team up with Chloe (Rose Leslie) to help break his curse and to thwart the resurrected Witch Queen who has her own plans for the future of humanity . . . and it ain't good! Elijah Wood also stars as the 37th Dolan . . . whatever that means?

SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE (Rated MA15+) - This RomCom is Directed and Written by Leslye Headland and stars Jason Sudekis as Jake as well mannered good natured ladies man about town who teams up with serial cheater and non-committal Lainey (Alison Brie) who both help each other to reform their no good, failed romantic ways with a purely platonic relationship. Naturally, yes you've guessed it, at the same time they fall for each other, but, can their relationship prosper and survive while they are sleeping with other people? This is a story that there is every chance you have seen a hundred times at least before, and will find predictable to the Nth degree methinks!

A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE (Rated M) - this Swedish black comedy film Directed by Roy Andersson is his third in his 'life trilogy' following his 2000 released 'Songs from the Second Floor' and 2007's 'You, The Living' and was released a year ago in September 2014 at the Venice International Film Festival where it picked up the Best Film Award, and in November 2014 in Sweden. It is also Sweden's entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category at next years Oscar Ceremony. The story here surrounds two hapless novelty salesmen Jonathan (Holger Andersson) and Sam (Nils Westblom) as they contemplate the human condition through a series of real and imagined ramblings and wacky episodes that explore what makes us the same and what makes us all so different.

Five very different films once again in the week ahead that are sure to offer something even for the most discerning appetite, except for the younger audience maybe! When you've made you choice, paid your money, finished your popcorn, sat through your film of choice, remember to share your thoughts and tell a friend what you saw at the movies!

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-