What's new in Odeon's this week - Thursday 18th December 2014.

The last couple of weeks have seen a big haul of new release movies to satisfy almost every taste, but this week - just one week out from Christmas, there are slim pickings to be had indeed! It is hardly surprising though given that last week, and this to a great extent, is the cinematic meat in the proverbial sandwich nestled between capturing the early December school holiday market, and the big screen fare that will be released next week on Boxing Day of which there will be a another mega haul of movies all competing for the festive filmic family attention. More of that next week of course!

And so for this week it seems I can tempt you with just one family offering that is a remake of an earlier film from 1999 that is a remake of an earlier film still from 1982 that saw a spin off  in 1995 that is the big screen adaptation of the hit Broadway stage musical. Up for its umpteenth reincarnation therefore this 2014 offering has some big Hollywood names both behind and in front of the camera, and is sure to please . . . the little people amongst us!

Knowing then this remake hits the big screens near you this week and there is stall a raft of great cinema content out there from previous weeks, I invite you to share your thoughts, comments and critique with Odeon Online and the reading world by sharing your valued views and opinions in the 'Comments' box immediately below this, or any other Blog Post. Enjoy your film . . . whatever you choose!

ANNIE (Rated PG) - and so this film gets yet another makeover, and once again for a whole new audience who will be unfamiliar with those that have gone before. 'Annie' was released in 1982 and Directed by John Huston starring Aileen Quinn as our young heroine; then in 1995 came 'Annie : A Royal Adventure' Directed by Ian Toynton and starring Ashley Johnson in the title role; then in 1999, came 'Annie' once again and this time Directed by Rob Marshall and starring Alicia Morton in the lead role; and now in 2014 we have, yes you guessed it, 'Annie' Directed by Will Gluck and starring Quvenzhane Wallis as little Annie with heavyweights Cameron Diaz as the Harlem living Miss Colleen Hannigan the mean spirited foster Mum to Annie, and Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks - a hard nosed tough as nails cashed-up cell phone tycoon running for the Mayor's seat of NYC.  This film has all the clout of husband and wife Producers Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith and rapper Jay-Z behind it too, so no doubt it will get the wise-ass, street smart, jive talking treatment from those throwing down the cash!

The plot sees our Annie changing race, and changing allegiances, when she is saved from getting mown down by a truck on her journey home by Will Stacks. Stacks is running for Mayor of the Big Apple but his campaign is not faring too well, mostly on account of his dislike for people generally. Having saved her life and this being caught on camera the footage goes viral and so his popularity begins to soar. He sees this as an opening to milk Annie for all she is worth and wing his way into the big chair as the head of the city, and so he offers to formally adopt Annie after their bond for each other has strengthened. And so the plot winds on into familiar territory aided by Rose Byrne as Grace Farrell (Stacks loyal PA) and Bobby Cannavale as Guy (political advisor to Stacks) when Annie feels betrayed by Stacks and runs off, Stacks has to come clean about his ulterior motives; and the two kiss and make up and all live happily ever after following the big action chase set piece to round out the film. Being a musical there will be foot tapping numbers aplenty to keep you interested, but you would have to ask yourself the question - is this Annie outing really necessary - only you can decide!

I did tell you it was a slim week for movies! Still doing the rounds though, too which you can now add 'Annie', there is something for every taste almost and plenty to choose from. Get out there and keep cinema alive, and then share your thoughts with your favourite Blog - Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-