What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 19th March 2026

Unless you've been in hibernation in the very recent past, this years awards season pretty much concluded with the 98th Academy Awards, which took place on Sunday 15th March at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA, and were presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Comedian, television host and writer Conan O'Brien returned to host the show for the second consecutive time, after receiving acclaim for hosting last years event.

The winners, grinners and also rans in the main categories are as given below :-

* Best Picture - awarded to 'One Battle After Another', beating out 'Bugonia', 'F1', 'Frankenstein', 'Hamnet', 'Marty Supreme', 'The Secret Agent', 'Sentimental Value', 'Sinners' and 'Train Dreams'. 

* Best Director - awarded to Paul Thomas Anderson for 'One Battle After Another', beating out Chloe Zhao for 'Hamnet', Josh Safdie for 'Marty Supreme', Joachim Trier for 'Sentimental Value' and Ryan Coogler for 'Sinners'. 

* Best Actor in a Leading Role - presented to Michael B. Jordan for 'Sinners', beating out Timothee Chalamet for 'Marty Supreme', Leonardo DiCaprio for 'One Battle After Another', Ethan Hawke for 'Blue Moon' and Wagner Moura for 'The Secret Agent'.

* Best Actress in a Leading Role - awarded to Jessie Buckley for 'Hamnet', beating out Rose Byrne for 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You', Kate Hudson for 'Song Sung Blue', Renate Reinsve for 'Sentimental Value' and Emma Stone for 'Bugonia'. 

* Best Actor in a Supporting Role - presented to Sean Penn for 'One Battle After Another', beating out Benicio del Toro for 'One Battle After Another', Jacob Elordi for 'Frankenstein', Delroy Lindo for 'Sinners' and Stellan Skarsgard for 'Sentimental Value'. 

* Best Actress in a Supporting Role - presented to Amy Madigan for 'Weapons', beating out Elle Fanning for 'Sentimental Value', Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for 'Sentimental Value', Wunmi Mosaku for 'Sinners' and Teyana Taylor for 'One Battle After Another'. 

* Best Writing (Original Screenplay) - awarded to Ryan Coogler for 'Sinners', beating out 'Blue Moon', 'It Was Just an Accident', 'Marty Supreme' and 'Sentimental Value'. 

* Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) - presented to Paul Thomas Anderson for 'One Battle After Another', beating out 'Bugonia', 'Frankenstein', 'Hamnet' and 'Train Dreams'.

* Best Animated Feature Film - awarded to 'KPop : Demon Hunters', beating out 'Arco', 'Elio', 'Little Amelie or the Character of Rain' and 'Zootopia 2'.

* Best International Feature Film - awarded to 'Sentimental Value' from Norway, beating out 'It Was Just an Accident' from France, 'The Secret Agent' from Brazil, 'Sirat' from Spain, and 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' from Tunisia. 

* Best Documentary Feature Film - presented to 'Mr Nobody Against Putin', beating out 'The Alabama Solution', 'Come See Me in the Good Light', 'Cutting Through Rocks' and 'The Perfect Neighbor'.

* Best Music (Original Score) - awarded to Ludwig Goransson for 'Sinners', beating out 'Bugonia', 'Frankenstein', 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another'.  

* Best Sound - awarded to Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, and Juan Peralta for 'F1', beating out 'Frankenstein', 'One Battle After Another', 'Sinners', and 'Sirat'.

* Best Casting - presented to Cassandra Kulukundis for 'One Battle After Another', beating out 'Hamnet', 'Marty Supreme', 'The Secret Agent' and 'Sinners'.

* Best Production Design - awarded to 'Frankenstein', beating out 'Hamnet', 'Marty Supreme', 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners'. 

* Best Cinematography - presented to Autumn Durald Arkapaw for 'Sinners', beating out 'Frankenstein', 'Marty Supreme', 'One Battle After Another' and 'Train Dreams'. 

* Best Makeup and Hairstyling - awarded to Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey for 'Frankenstein' beating out 'Kokuho', 'Sinners', 'The Smashing Machine' and 'The Ugly Stepsister'. 

* Best Costume Design - presented to Kate Hawley for 'Frankenstein', beating out 'Avatar : Fire and Ash', 'Hamnet', 'Marty Supreme' and 'Sinners'.

* Best Film Editing - presented to Andy Jurgensen for 'One Battle After Another', beating out 'F1', 'Marty Supreme', 'Sentimental Value' and 'Sinners'. 

* Best Visual Effects - awarded to 'Avatar : Fire and Ash', beating out 'F1', 'Jurassic World Rebirth', 'The Lost Bus' and 'Sinners'. 

The Academy Honorary Awards were presented to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise and Wynn Thomas with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award going to Dolly Parton. 

For the full low down on all the winners, the nominees and a whole lot of other good stuff, you can visit the official website at : http://www.oscars.org

This week then we have five new movie offerings to tease you out to your local Odeon, kicking off with a Sci-Fi adventure that has a science teacher waking up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth, and as his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth, with an unexpected friendship that might just be the key to his success. This is followed by a comedy horror in which after surviving one deadly game, Grace and her sister Faith must now outrun four rival families competing for a powerful throne and their respective family fortunes - winner takes all. Next up is an Aussie horror film that sees a grieving, recovering addict who returns to her hometown, rekindles a romance, and battles a demonic presence. Then we turn to an Italian drama where the widowed Italian President faces moral crises over euthanasia legislation and pardoning killers while grappling with his late wife's infidelity during his final months in office. And closing out the week we have another horror offering that has two codependent best friends become addicted to the heroin-like touch of an alien narcissist who may or may not be trying to take over the world.

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

'PROJECT HAIL MARY' (Rated M) - this American Sci-Fi adventure film is Co-Produced and Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller whose previous Co-Directing credits are 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' in 2009, '21 Jump Street' in 2012, 'The Lego Movie' in 2014 and '22 Jump Street' also in 2014. The film is based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Andy Weir. It saw its Premiere showcasing in London earlier this month, and is released world wide this week, having garnered generally favourable critical reviews. The film cost US$200M net to produce. 

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling, who also Co-Produces here) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home, having been placed into a medically induced coma, with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory gradually returns, he begins to uncover his mission - solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction in about thirty years time, but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone. Also starring Sandra Huller, Ken Leung, Lionel Boyce, Liz Kingsman and Milana Vayntrub. 

'READY OR NOT : HERE I COME' (Rated MA15+) - is an American comedy horror film that serves as a direct sequel to 2019's 'Ready or Not' and is once again Directed by Matt Bittinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The first film collected US$58M at the Box Office from a US$6M production budget and garnered positive critical reviews. Here then, Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving), the sole survivor of a brutal 'game' that resulted in the deaths of her husband and in-laws, learns that her victory came with a price, and now, the wealthiest and most influential families on Earth have to kill her in a new game - or risk losing their power and fortunes. Grace refuses to participate at first but is left with no choice when she learns that her estranged younger sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton), has also been marked for death and must protect her at all costs. Also starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, David Cronenberg, Elijah Wood and Kevin Durand. The film saw its Premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival last week before its release Stateside and here in Australia this week. It has generated positive critical press. 

'PROCLIVITAS' (Rated M) - this Australian horror thriller film is Written, Executive Produced and Directed by Miley Tunnecliffe in her debut feature film offering. Here, Clare (Rose Riley) is an addict in recovery when her mother's sudden death turns her carefully measured world upside down. Returning to her hometown, she reconnects with teenage sweetheart Jerry (George Mason). He's the one Clare could never stop thinking about. It's been fifteen years since a tragic accident tore them apart. Now they have a second chance at happiness. But as their love returns, so do the ghosts of the past, threatening Clare's sobriety and triggering a powerful demonic presence determined to control her. The film had its World Premiere screening at SXSW Sydney in October last year.

'LA GRAZIA' (Rated M) - is an Italian drama film Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, who made his feature film making debut in 2001 with 'One Man Up', and which he would follow up with the likes of 'Il divo' in 2009, 'The Great Beauty' in 2013, 'The Hand of God' in 2021 and 'Parthenope' in 2024. The film had its World Premiere showcasing as the opening film of last years Venice International Film Festival in late August, before its release in Italy in mid-January this year. Recently widowed President of Italy Mariano De Santis (Toni Servillo), a staunch Catholic and experienced jurist, begins his white semester (an Italian legislative term referring to the last six months of the President of Italy's seven-year term of office. According to the Italian Constitution, the President cannot dissolve the Italian Parliament and call a new election during the last six months of their term), and is conflicted about whether he should sign into law a bill legalising euthanasia, and at the same time has to consider the pardon petitions of two individuals who murdered their partners before the end of his term. The film has generated largely favourable critical reviews and has so far grossed US$3.2M.

'TOUCH ME' (Rated CTC) - this American Sci-Fi body horror comedy film is Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Addison Heimann in his second feature film offering following 'Hypochondriac' in 2022. Following a series of unfortunate events which leaves their house uninhabitable and stinking of shit, two co-dependent friends, Joey (Olivia Taylor Dudley) and Craig (Jordan Gavaris), find themselves homeless, lacking options and all out of luck. That's when Joey's mysterious ex resurfaces. He wants her back. Along with being hot, Brian (Lou Taylor Pucci) also happens to be an alien whose touch makes anxiety and depression disappear. The two venture to his compound for the weekend with the hope of being healed from past traumas, but underneath Brian’s veneer of healing is a sinister plot filled with murder, mayhem, and blood. The film has generated positive critical acclaim, and is released in the USA this week too. 

With five 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 at Odeon's this week : Thursday 26th December 2024.

Christmas has arrived once again, and as such it would be remiss of me not to wish my worldwide readership all the very best for a Merry, Happy and safe Christmas, wherever you are in world, whatever it is you do to celebrate the occasion, and whoever you share it with. Thanks for your continued support over the last year - it is your viewership that makes my reviews and previews of the latest release new films all the more worthwhile, and I look forward to doing more of the same throughout 2025. Until then, Merry Christmas, happy holidays and complements of the season, from Sydney, Australia.  

This week with seven hot new releases to tease you out to your local Odeon, we kick off with an English language Spanish drama film about two grown up middle aged women who were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine, and who after years of being out of touch, meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet circumstance. This is followed by a story of two mismatched cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved late grandmother. Then we turn to a semi-autobiographical film based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of a British pop superstar. Next up is an American romantic comedy drama that follows the beleaguered marriage between a young sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch. Following on we have an Italian and French film about an Italian woman who searches for happiness during the long summers of her youth, falling in love with her city and its many memorable characters. Then we have an international co-production set in Mumbai, where a nurse's routine is troubled when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, while her younger roommate tries in vain to find a spot in the city to be intimate with her boyfriend. And closing out the week we have the third instalment in this video game adaptation franchise that sees Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles ally with Dr. Robotnik to defeat a new enemy.

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.

'THE ROOM NEXT DOOR' (Rated M) - is a Spanish drama film Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Pedro Almodovar, whose prior feature film credits include 'All About My Mother' in 1999, 'Talk To Her' in 2002, 'Volver' in 2006, 'Broken Embraces' in 2009, 'The Skin I Live In' in 2011, 'Julieta' in 2016, 'Pain and Glory' in 2019 and 'Parallel Mothers' in 2021. This film is based on the 2020 novel 'What Are You Going Through' by the American writer Sigrid Nunez, and is Pedro Almodovar's English language full feature length debut. It was awarded the Golden Lion, the top prize of the Venice Film Festival where is saw its World Premiere in early September this year. The film was released in its native Spain in mid-October, in the US last week, has so far received generally favourable critical reviews and has grossed US$9M. 

Here, Ingrid Parker (Julianne Moore) and Martha Hunt (Tilda Swinton) were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine. Ingrid went on to become an autofiction novelist while Martha became a war correspondent, and they were separated by the circumstances of life. After years of being out of touch, they meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet situation. Also starring John Turturro and Alessandro Nivola.

'A REAL PAIN' (Rated MA15+) - this American and Polish Co-Produced comedy drama film is Written, Co-Produced, Directed and stars Jesse Eisenberg in only his second Directorial outing following 'When You Finish Saving the World' in 2022. Here mismatched and hitherto disconnected American Jewish cousins David Kaplan (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother and to connect with their heritage. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple's old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history. Also starring Will Sharpe and Jennifer Grey. The film saw its World Premiere screening at the Sundance Film Festival in January this year, was released in the US in early November, has garnered universal critical acclaim and has so far grossed US$8M against a production budget of just US$3M. It has so far picked up twenty-two award wins and a further forty-one nominations from around the awards and festival circuit with a number of those nominations still pending an outcome. 

'BETTER MAN' (Rated MA15+) - is a semi-autobiographical film about the British singer and songwriter Robbie Williams, and is Co-Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Michael Gracey whose previous feature film credits are 'The Greatest Showman' in 2017 and the documentary film 'Pink : All I Know So Far' in 2021. This film charts the life story over three decades of pop singer Robbie Williams stardom, but with Williams portrayed as a chimpanzee (voiced by Robbie Williams with Jonno Davies as the young Robbie) because, as he puts it, he always felt 'less evolved' than other people. Also starring Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Anthony Hayes and Kate Mulvaney. The film was shot in Melbourne and London, has generated mostly positive reviews, saw its Premiere screening at the Telluride Film Festival in early September and is released this week too in the US.

'ANORA' (Rated MA15+) - this American romantic comedy drama film is Written, Co-Produced, Directed and Edited by Sean Baker whose prior film making credits include his debut in 2000 with 'Four Letter Words', 'Take Out' in 2004, 'Starlet' in 2012, 'Tangerine' in 2015, 'The Florida Project' in 2017 and 'Red Rocket' in 2021. Here then, Anora 'Ani' Mikheeva (Mikey Madison) is a 23 year old sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Ivan 'Vanya' Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn), the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire Nikolai Zakharov (Aleksei Serebryakov) and his wife Galina Zakharova (Darya Ekamasova). However, when Vanya's parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York. The film saw its World Premiere showcasing at this years Cannes Film Festival in late May and won the Palme d'Or Award, was released Stateside in mid-October, has garnered universal critical acclaim and has so far grossed US$29M off the back of a production budget of US$6M. 

'PARTHENOPE' (Rated MA15+) - this Co-Produced Italian and French film is Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Set in the sundrenched coastal Italian city of Naples, the smiling Parthenope  (Celeste Dalla Porta, with Stefania Sandrelli as the older Parthenope) recalls her childhood, in which her brothers were obsessed with her. Her anthropology professor finds her a brilliant student. She considers becoming an actor, but is not inspired by her eccentric acting coach. She wonders about becoming an aesthete, and meets the drunken writer John Cheever (Gary Oldman), whose work she admires. Or perhaps she could have a romantic fling with the ugly bishop who attends the miracle of the dried blood that turns liquid each year, the phenomenon she is studying in anthropology. The film was in competition for the Palme d'Or at this years Cannes Film Festival in late May where it saw its World Premiere and received a near ten minute standing ovation, but has subsequently garnered mixed or average critical reviews, and has so far grossed US$8M. It was released in Italy in late October, is released in France 12th March and the US on 7th February. 

'ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT' (Rated M) - is an international Co-Produced film involving companies from France, India, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Italy, and is Directed by the Indian film maker Payal Kapadia in her feature film debut. The film had its World Premiere at this year Cannes Film Festival in late May and was the first film from India to compete in the main competition since 1994, and won the Grand Prix. The film centres on two roommates who also work together in a city hospital - head nurse Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and recent hire Anu (Divya Prabha), plus their coworker, cook Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam). Prabha, her husband from an arranged marriage living in faraway Germany, is courted by a doctor at her hospital; Anu carries on a romance with a Muslim man, which she must keep a secret from her strict Hindu family and Parvaty finds herself dealing with a sudden eviction from her apartment. It was released in limited theatres in India in late September before going wide there in late November and in France in early October. A US release date has not yet been confirmed. It has met with widespread critical acclaim and has so far grossed US$1.9M at the Box Office. 

'SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3' (Rated PG) - this US and Japanese Co-Produced action adventure comedy film is based on the Sega video game series of the same name, and is Directed by Jeff Fowler who also Directed the previous two instalments in the franchise in 2020 and 2022, and which grossed a combined US$725M off the back of a total US$190M production budget. Here then, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) face a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves). The trio form an unlikely alliance with Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) in the hope of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. However, the stakes become raised when Robotnik is reunited with his thought-to-be-long-lost grandfather, Gerald Robotnik (also Jim Carrey), who seems to have his own sinister plans for Shadow. Also starring James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Krysten Ritter and Natasha Rothwell. The film was released last week in the US and the UK, has generated positive critical reviews and has so far grossed US$28M off the back of a US$122M production budget. 'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' is slated for an early 2027 release.

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 2nd December 2021.

The film awards season has kicked off with the first being the 31st Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards, that were held in New York on 29th November. The nominees were announced on 21st October, with Actors Peter Dinklage and Kristen Stewart, Director Jane Campion, film executive Eamonn Bowles, playwright Kathleen Collins (receiving hers posthumously), and the cast of 'The Harder They Fall' all receiving tribute awards.

Among the list of feature film category winners, grinners and also rans, were the following :-

Best Feature Film

* Awarded to 'THE LOST DAUGHTER', beating out 'The Green Knight', 'Passing', 'Pig' and 'Test Pattern'.

Best Documentary Feature

* Awarded to 'FLEE', beating out 'Ascension', 'Faya Dayi', 'President' and 'Summer of Soul ( . . . or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).

Best International Feature

* Awarded to 'DRIVE MY CAR', beating out 'Azor', 'The Souvenir Part II', 'Titane', 'What Do We See When We Look at the Sky?' and 'The Worst Person in the World'.

Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award

* Awarded to Maggie Gyllenhaal for 'THE LOST DAUGHTER', beating out Edson Oda for 'Nine Days', Rebecca Hall for 'Passing', Emma Seligman for 'Shiva Baby' and Shatara Michelle Ford for 'Test Pattern'.

Best Screenplay

* Awarded to Maggie Gyllenhaal for 'THE LOST DAUGHTER', beating out 'The Card Counter' by Paul Schrader, 'El Planeta' by Amalia Ulman, 'The Green Knight' by David Lowery, 'Passing' by Rebecca Hall and 'Red Rocket' by Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch.

Outstanding Lead Performance

* Awarded to Olivia Colman for 'THE LOST DAUGHTER' and Frankie Faison for 'THE KILLING OF KENNETH CHAMBERLAIN' in a tie, beating out Michael Greyeyes for 'Wild Indian', Brittany S. Hall for 'Test Pattern', Oscar Isaac for 'The Card Counter', Taylour Paige for 'Zola', Joaquin Phoenix for 'C'mon C'mon', Simon Rex for 'Red Rocket', Lili Taylor for 'Paper Spiders' and Tessa Thompson for 'Passing'.

Outstanding Supporting Performance

* Awarded to Troy Kotsur for 'CODA', beating out Reed Birney for 'Mass', Jessie Buckley for 'The Lost Daughter', Colman Domingo for 'Zola', Gabby Hoffmann for 'C'mon C'mon', Marlee Matlin for 'CODA' and Ruth Negga for 'Passing'.

Breakthrough Performer

* Awarded to Emilia Jones for 'CODA', beating out Natalie Morales for 'Language Lessons', Rachel Sennott for 'Shiva Baby', Suzanna Son for 'Red Rocket' and Amalia Ulman for 'El Planeta'.

For the complete list of all the winners and nominees in every category, you can visit the official website at : https://www.awards.thegotham.org/

This week we have four new cinematic releases to tease you out to your local Odeon in the first week of the Australian Summer, launching with en epic Sci-Fi adventure story about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. Next up is a revenge thriller that charts the story of an ex-military interrogator turned prison inmate turned gambler upon his release haunted by the ghosts of his past; and this is followed by an Italian film set in 1980's Naples, Italy, where a young man experiences heartbreak and liberation after he's inadvertently saved from a freak accident by soccer legend Diego Maradona. And we close out the week with a Disney animated film about a young Colombian girl who has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.

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 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 week ahead.

'DUNE' (Rated M) - is an American epic Sci-Fi film Directed, Co-Written for the screen and Co-Produced by Denis Villeneuve whose previous feature film offerings take in 'Incendies' in 2010, 'Prisoners' in 2013, 'Sicario' in 2015, 'Arrival' in 2016 and 'Blade Runner 2049' in 2017. This film is based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert and is the first instalment in a planned two part adaptation with 'Dune : Part Two' now scheduled for an October 2023 release. Originally scheduled for a late November 2020 release, the film was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, instead having its World Premier at the Venice International Film Festival on 3rd September this year ahead of its international release in mid-September. It was then released in US cinemas and streaming on HBO Max on 21st October, and only now does it go on general release in Australia. The film has so far generated largely positive critical acclaim and has so far grossed US$375M off the back of a US$165M production budget. 

Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe, Arrakis, to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of 'spice' the most precious resource in existence, only those who can conquer their own fear will survive. Also starring an ensemble cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa and Javier Bardem. 

'THE CARD COUNTER' (Rated MA15+) - is an American crime drama film Written and Directed by Paul Schrader, whose prior film making credits include his 1978 debut 'Blue Collar', then 'American Gigolo' in 1980, 'Cat People' in 1982, 'Patty Hearst' in 1988, 'The Comfort of Strangers' in 1990, 'The Walker' in 2007, 'The Dying of the Light' in 2014, 'Dog Eat Dog' in 2016, and 'First Reformed' in 2017. This film saw its World Premier at the Venice Film Festival back in early September and went on release Stateside on 10th September having taken so far US$3.5M in Box Office receipts and garnered generally positive critical reviews. Here then, William Tell (Oscar Isaac) is a gambler who taught himself how to count cards during an eight-year stint in military prison, and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk Baufort (Tye Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a high ranking military officer Major John Gordo (Willem Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Also starring Tiffany Haddish. 

'THE HAND OF GOD' (Rated MA15+) - this Italian drama film is Written, Directed and Co-Produced by Paolo Sorrentino who previous feature films take in the likes of his 2001 debut 'One Man Up' followed by 'This Must Be The Place' in 2011 with Sean Penn and Frances McDormand and 'Youth' in 2015 with Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel. This film saw its World Premier screening at the Venice International Film Festival in early September where it won the Grand Jury Prize and where Filippo Scotti, as the lead Actor, received the Marcello Mastroianni Award. The film has been selected as the Italian entry for the Best International Feature Film at next years Academy Awards having thus far collected five award wins and a further six nominations from around the awards and festival circuit. It is scheduled for a limited release this week, followed by streaming on Netflix on 15th December. This is the story of a boy, Fabietto Schisa (Filippo Scotti), set in the tumultuous Naples of the 1980's, and is full of unexpected joys, such as the arrival of football legend Diego Maradona, and an equally unexpected tragedy. Fate plays its part, joy and tragedy intertwine, and Fabietto's future is set in motion in this tale of fate and family, sports and cinema, love and loss.

'ENCANTO' (Rated PG) - is an American computer animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Disney and is the 60th animated feature film produced by the studio. Directed and based on a story co-written by Jared Bush and Byron Howard with eight original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film saw its World Premier in Los Angeles in early November before its US release on 24th of that month having so far grossed US$70M off the back of a production budget of US$120M and generated largely positive Reviews. The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift, every child that is except for Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz), However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. Also starring John Leguizamo and Diane Guerrero. 

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 at your local Odeon in the week ahead.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-