STAR WARS : THE FORCE AWAKENS - Sunday 27th December 2015.

'STAR WARS : Episode VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS' (Rated M) - In 1977 a young George Lucas who already had a number of successful films under this belt, created a story that has become ingrained in popular culture, and has spawned an entire industry around successive stories, movies, books, television series, radio broadcasts, merchandise, video games and theme park attractions. That initial film was of course 'Star Wars' which later became 'Star Wars : Episode IV - A New Hope' with the original trilogy taking in successive films in 1980 and 1983. Then in 1999, the franchise was resurrected with an prequel trilogy kicking off with 'Star Wars : Episode I - The Phantom Menace' with two further instalments in 2002 and 2005. Those initial six films have grossed US$4.39B including the animated feature in 2008 'The Clone Wars' and each film has either been nominated for, or won, at The Academy Awards. Then in 2012 The Walt Disney Company purchased Lucasfilm for in excess of US$4B and made it known that there would be a further three films in the franchise commencing with 'The Force Awakens' which would be set 30 or so year after 'Return of the Jedi'.

So then after all the hype, publicity, advertising, promotion, anticipation, expectation and frenzy from the world over since the first teaser trailer was released early this year, the film was released worldwide the week before Christmas to an awaiting audience hungry to see what Director J. J. Abrams could do with the storyline, the characterisation, the imagery, and the mythology of the earlier films. Having resurrected the 'Star Trek' franchise so successfully with two fairly recent films, and with a budget of US$200M it would seem that J.J. has got it right with Box Office records being smashed just about everywhere and a staggering global Box Office haul at the time of writing of US$1.16B - making it the fourth highest grossing film of 2015 already, the biggest grossing worldwide opening of all time and the fastest film ever to reach US$1B, and now in the Top 10 highest grossing movies of all time. Not so bad at all just two weeks after release!

And so to the story without giving away too much by way of spoiler content. That said first up we are introduced to a bunch of new characters - human and otherwise. Early on we meet acclaimed Resistance X-Wing fighter pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) on the planet Jakku who is in possession of a map that shows the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker, which he secrets away in his droid BB-8. Poe's village is destroyed at the hands of Stormtroopers led by Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) and Poe & BB-8 are separated. In time BB-8 comes across Rey (Daisy Ridley) a scavenger seeking out a living searching for bits of scrap she on sells for whatever she can get to sustain herself. Meanwhile Poe is captured and tortured by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) - on the dark side of the Force and originally with the Knights of Ren and now a Commander with the First Order which rose out of the Galactic Empire.

Poe is rescued by a Stormtrooper with a conscience, Finn (John Boyega) and together they escape in a hijacked TIE Fighter, crash landing back on Jakku, but it seems that Finn only has survived as Poe is nowhere to be seen. Finn stumbles across Rey who by now has laid claim to BB-8 but is unknowing of the map stashed away. The First Order has tracked down the crashed TIE Fighter and launches an air strike on where Finn, Rey and BB-8 are holed up. The three flee in a stolen, rundown ship - The Millennium Falcon that has been gathering dust in the desert.

After a fierce air battle over the desert wreckage of downed ships, The Millennium Falcon is captured by a larger ship piloted by one Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his faithful Wookie Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), who can't believe their luck. After exchanging social niceties, making requisite introductions and establishing the truth behind the Force and the events of some thirty years before the five make off for the green planet Takonda and meet in a cantina run by Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o) where Rey is attracted by the force of a lightsaber that belonged to Luke Skywalker and his father before him.

In the meantime we meet General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) who now heads up the Resistance, and who is reunited with Han and Chewie for the first time in many years. They clearly still hold a candle for each other, revealing a number of truths too that hitherto may have been unknown. Here they meet up with C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and R2-D2 who has gone into a self induced inactivity since Luke disappeared years ago. A plan is hatched to thwart the First Order on their manufactured planet - Starkiller Base - and so the Resistance head out with Han, Chewie, Rey and Finn in tow. Needless to say it all goes pear shaped for the First Order and Starkiller Base but not before a few surprises are delivered and the lightsaber fight between good & evil, the Dark Side and the Light reveals a new force to contend with.

Back at base camp on the planet D'Qar where the Resistance are housed R2-D2 awakens from his self imposed sleep and is able to complete the map showing the location of Luke Skywalker that BB-8 has stowed away. Using the completed coordinates Rey boards The Millennium Falcon with her new crew in search for Luke finding him on a distant green & blue planet where she hands over his former lightsaber.

In the final analysis I did enjoy this film, the spectacle of it, the effects which are very handsomely delivered, the characterisation (of the old and the new), and the continuing mythology of this epic space opera franchise. But, for all of that, it still lacked that magic that made the first three films in the saga so special and so memorable and introduced us to the characters and the story that we have come to know and love. Maybe it is because like that former 1984 other 'Star' franchise - 'Star Trek III : The Search for Spock' that I couldn't help thinking that this was just 'Star Wars VII : The Search for Skywalker' with a bunch of rag tag space miscreants thwarting an evil foe for the greater good, but with the latest cutting edge film making technology to add some pazzaz! J.J. has done a great job  and Disney can be proud of his achievements given the Box Office haul so far generated and the bums on seats it has planted. See it on the big screen for sure, and as a sequel it does better than any of the prequels, but it's not up there with the originals. Episode VIII will hit our screens in May 2017 and Episode IX in 2019 - coming at you from a galaxy far far away!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Friday 1st January 2016.

Well another year has come to an end at the movies that has seen blockbusters aplenty with the likes of 'The Avengers : Age of Ultron', 'Jurassic World' and ending with 'Star Wars : The Force Awakens' that continues to notch-up the mega bucks even as you read this and is sure to become the biggest Box Office hit of this year . . . at least! In between we saw biographical offerings 'Foxcatcher', American Sniper', 'The Imitation Game', 'The Theory of Everything', 'Selma', 'Legend', 'Straight Outta Compton' and 'Bridge of Spies'; further Sci-Fi instalments including 'Mad Max : Fury Road', 'Terminator : Genysis' and the conclusion of the 'Hunger Games' saga; spy drama including the return of Bond in 'Spectre', the return of Hunt in 'Mission Impossible : Rogue Nation', and the enormously entertaining 'Kingsman : The Secret Service'; whilst not forgetting police dramas 'Sicario' and 'Black Mass' with 'The Martian', 'A Most Violent Year', 'Inherent Vice, 'Creed', 'The Gift', 'Ex Machina' and 'Crimson Peak' giving us plenty to like, and two of the more notable foreign language offerings 'Leviathan' and 'Wild Tales' rounding out this Reviewers more memorable movies of the past 12 months. If you missed any of these in the last year, get yourself off to your local DVD store or download when you can - you won't be disappointed . . . promise!

And so to 2016, and raising the curtain on a new cinematic year we have a big action remake of a classic cops & robbers film from the early 90's; a hugely successful and popular super sleuth character reimagined for the 21st Century but still grounded in his 19th Century origins; and a mid 20th Century loveable cartoon strip getting the full 3D CGI animation treatment and his first big screen outing in 35 years. Of course there's also a whole swathe of recently released films still doing the rounds that you can catch at your local multiplex too, and, as Reviewed and Previewed on these pages in previous weeks. Check them out too if you need some inspiration.

Whatever you decide to watch at your local Odeon to kick start your new year, you are once again cordially invited to leave your own feedback in the Comments section below this or any other Post - we'd love to hear from you! Meanwhile, enjoy your film!

POINT BREAK (Rated M) - Kathryn Bigelow's action crime thriller released in 1991starring a young Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, Lori Petty and John C McGinley would rate as one of this Reviewer's favourite films of all time. I have seen the film more times than I can recall, and still love it after repeated viewings and not because of the stellar performances but because of the dialogue, the action, the energy and the spectacle of the film - it was made for just US$24M and went onto make US$84M in the final analysis. And now in 2015, 'Point Break' has been remade for a whole new audience who probably don't even know of its 'classic' predecessor. This new version was made for US$105M and has so far grossed US$55M following its initial release in China on December 4th.

This retelling Directed by Ericson Core, speaks of a similar story involving Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey in the Keanu Reeves role) as the FBI Agent with a penchant for extreme sports who goes undercover to thwart a bunch of professional criminals who masquerade as extreme sports enthusiasts . . . or is it the other way around? These crims are headed by Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez in the Patrick Swayze role) whose sports agenda is to chase the path to enlightenment via 'The Oaski 8' - named after Ono Osaki, an eco-warrior who challenged the extreme sports world to a series of eight ordeals that honours the forces of nature. After a series of 'Robin Hood' type robberies the FBI close in whilst Bodhi and his group strive to complete the eight challenges dragging Utah along to prove himself, with Angelo Pappas (Ray Winston in the Gary Busey role) looking on closely. Watch out too for Bojesse Christopher who played young 'Grommet' in the 1991 film popping up again here as FBI Director Chapman. Delroy Lindo also stars. Featuring some breathtaking scenery and some jaw dropping stunts, will this be enough to live up to the high expectations set for this remake? I'll let you know!

SHERLOCK : THE ABOMINABLE BRIDE (Rated M) - No, this is not the next Guy Ritchie instalment in the Downey Jnr./Law franchise, but a Christmas Special of the hugely successful British television series starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes himself and Martin Freeman as long suffering and fiercely loyal sidekick Watson. This film has a limited release only on the big screen and sees the duo in a 1905 London in what is a stand alone episode and not a continuation from where the last episode left off. All the characters are here from the TV Series that you'll recognise - just the era is different, a little more sinister and a little more conspiratorial with the web of intrigue coming a little closer to home for this dynamic duo.

 SNOOPY AND CHARLIE BROWN : THE PEANUTS MOVIE (Rated G) - The Charles M. Schulz much loved comic strip first appeared in October 1950 and ran for the next fifty years until early 2000 running through 17,897 strips during that time. This animated feature if the first film in 35 years and the fifth full length film in the series history. Directed by Steve Martino and made for US$99M the film has so far grossed US$173M, and stars the voice talents of Noah Schnapp as Charlie Brown and Bill Melendez as both Peanuts and Woodstock through archival recordings given that he died in 2008. Here, lovable beagle Snoopy embarks upon a heroic epic quest to thwart his arch nemesis, The Red Baron while Charlie Brown strives to win the heart and mind of The Little Red Haired Girl voiced by Francesca Capaldi, who has just moved into the neighbourhood and whom he has developed an instant attraction to. The film has already picked up several awards and a string on nominations - what's not to like about these long running lovable characters brought to the big screen in glorious 3D animation! One for all the family!

Three films to tempt you in the new year week ahead, and when you have done so share your thoughts and come back to our readership with your welcome commentary for all to share. In the meantime, best wishes to one and all for 2016, thanks for your ongoing interest in 2015, and keep watching the movies, at the movies.

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Birthday's to share this week : 27th December 2015 - 2nd January 2016.

Do you celebrate your Birthday this week?

Noomi Rapace does on 28th December - check out my tribute to this Birthday Girl, turning 36, at the end of this feature.

Do you also share your birthday with a well known, highly regarded & famous Actor or Actress; share your special day with a Director, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer, Singer/Songwriter or Composer of repute; or share an interest in whoever might notch up another year in the coming seven days? Then, look no further! Whilst there will be too many to mention in this small but not insignificant and beautifully written and presented Blog, here are the more notable and noteworthy icons of the big screen, and the small screen, that you will recognise, and that you might just share your birthday with in the week ahead. If so, Happy Birthday to you from Odeon Online!

Sunday 27th December

• Gerard Depardieu - Born 1948, turns 67 - Actor | Producer | Director
• Maryam d'Abo - Born 1960, turns 55 - Actress | Producer | Writer

Monday 28th December

• Sienna Miller - Born 1981, turns 34 - Actress
• Noomi Rapace - Born 1979, turns 36 - Actress
• Maggie Smith - Born 1934, turns 81 - Actress
• Denzel Washington - Born 1954, turns 1954 - Actor | Producer | Director
• Stan Lee - Born 1922, turns 93 - Writer | Producer | Actor
• Alex Dimitriades - Born 1973, turns 42 - Actor

Tuesday 29th December

• Jude Law - Born 1972, turns 43 - Actor | Producer
• Ted Danson - Born 1947, turns 68 - Actor | Producer
• Jon Voight - Born 1938, turns 77 - Actor | Producer | Writer
• Andy Wachowski - Born 1967, turns 48 - Director | Producer | Writer
• Bernard Cribbins - Born 1928, turns 87 - Actor
• Patricia Clarkson - Born 1959, turns 56 - Actress | Writer

Wednesday 30th December 

• Bennett Miller - Born 1966, turns 49 - Director | Producer
• Tyrese Gibson - Born 1978, turns 37 - Actor | Producer
• Tracey Ullman - Born 1959, turns 56 - Actress | Producer | Writer | Television Personality

Thursday 31st December 

• Val Kilmer - Born 1959, turns 56 - Actor | Producer | Director
• Anthony Hopkins -Born 1937, turns 78 - Actor | Producer | Director | Writer | Composer
• Ben Kingsley - Born 1943, turns 72 - Actor | Producer
• Taylor Hackford - Born 1944, turns 71 - Director | Producer | Writer

Friday 1st January

• Frank Langella - Born 1938, turns 77 - Actor
• Verne Troyer - Born 1969, turns 46 - Actor | Stuntman

Saturday 2nd January

• Cuba Gooding Jnr. - Born 1968, turns 47 - Actor | Producer
• Todd Haynes - Born 1961, turns 54 - Director | Producer | Writer
• Tia Carrere - Born 1967, turns 48 - Actress | Producer
• Paz Vega - Born 1976, turns 39 - Actress
• Kate Bosworth - Born 1983, turns 32 - Actress | Producer

Noomi Noren was born in Hudiksvall, Sweden to mother Nina Noren, a Swedish Actress, and father Rogelio Duran a Spanish Flamenco Singer from Badajoz close to the border with Portugal on the River Guadiana. Her father died in late 2006 just before his 53rd birthday. She has a sister Saerun Noren, a photographer. Her mother and father separated when she was young, and at age five she moved from her home in Sweden with her mother and stepfather to Iceland. Two years later in 1988 she made her big screen debut in a non-speaking part in 'In the Shadow of the Raven' - an Icelandic Viking film. It was this film experience that even at such a young age made her want to be an Actress. At 15, she left home and took up Acting at a Stockholm theatre school.

In 1996 she won her small screen debut in the long running soap series 'Tre kronor' for twelve episodes. The next, her second film was released with the Swedish movie 'Sanning eller konsekvens' with the balance of the decade spent as a jobbing actor and at acting school. The new decade brought a number of theatre productions in the first half and all staged throughout Stockholm's theatre land. During this time too more film roles and television series were to follow with fairly regular work coming in year on year too through until 2007 when she gained critical acclaim in the Danish film 'Daisy Diamond' for which she won two major awards for Best Actress and the film was up for competition at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.

2009 was however, the year that changed her life forever, starring as Lisbeth Salander in the highly acclaimed trilogy of the films based on the Steig Larsson hugely successful novels in the 'Millennium' series - 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', and then 'The Girl Who Played With Fire' and finally 'The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest'. For her role in the first film she won Sweden's highest Guldbagge Award, and was nominated for a BAFTA and a European Film Award.

'Beyond' came next in 2010 and then 'The Monitor' - Swedish and Norwegian films respectively, before her English language film debut in 2011 for Director Guy Ritchie in 'Sherlock Holmes : A Game of Shadows' opposite Robert Downey Jnr. and Jude Law. 2012 saw 'Prometheus' for Ridley Scott with Michael Fassbender and Idris Elba.

The last couple of years have seen 'Dead Man Down' in 2013 with Colin Farrell, and 'Passion' that same year for Brian De Palma with Rachel McAdams. Crime drama 'The Drop' with Tom Hardy followed in 2014, and then 'Child 44' with Tom Hardy once again.

Next up is 'Rupture' due in 2016 and currently in post-production, as is 'Unlocked' with Michael Douglas, John Malkovich and Orlando Bloom, and then 'What Happened to Monday' with Willem Dafoe and Glenn Close. After this will be 'Amy Winehouse' currently in pre-production with Rapace playing the title role as the tragic eclectic English singer/songstress. For 2017 there will be 'Enzo Ferrari' Directed by Michael Mann and starring Christian Bale in the title role as the Italian sports car entrepreneur, and then 'Alien : Covenant' with Rapace reprising her role from 'Prometheus' for Director Ridley Scott again.

All up Rapace has 36 acting credits to her name so far and has garnered thirteen award wins and another seventeen nominations including a 2011 BAFTA.

In 2001 Rapace married Swedish Actor Ola Norell, with whom she adopted the surname 'Rapace' meaning 'bird of prey' in both French and Italian. They filed for divorce in 2011, and have a son together born in 2003 - Lev.

Noomi Rapace - fluent in Swedish (her native tongue), Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic and English; a reformed teenage punk rocker who had designs in her youth to emulate Nancy Spungen; insists on performing her own stunts no matter how dangerous; and judging by her current workload is very much in demand and destined for bigger things since starting out on her acting career aged less than ten! Happy Birthday Noomi, from all at Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Saturday 26th December 2015.

It is that time of year again when the big jolly guy with the white beard, the big red coat, and the big sleigh comes knocking on your door to wish you all the best for Christmas and compliments of the Festive Season. Hoping that he brings you a swag of movie goodness in your Christmas stocking this year, all I can say to my global audience at Odeon Online is thanks very much for your support and readership over the past twelve month, all the very best to you and yours for a very Happy, Safe and Relaxing Christmas, and I very much look forward to sharing more of the same movie news, Reviews and Previews with you in the year ahead.

In the meantime and for the coming week there is another haul of new movie content to keep us entertained when you are stuffed full of turkey and Christmas Pudding and think there is no end in sight to over eating, over drinking and over doing. Fear not, you can take solace in a movie theatre and catch a couple of autobiographical movies featuring some big name casts guided thoughtfully by a couple of big name Directors; then an English history lesson dating back a hundred or so years with some names of historical repute and a big subject that did much to change the course of history; then a couple of old guys letching it up with the young girls in a mountain resort and remembering what might have been; and a French coming of age story that examines the choices we make and the consequences of those, on those closest to us. After this, we have dad & step-dad battling it out for supremacy in the family unit; and then two animated features to close out holiday week that are likely to please the young and the young at heart.

With such compelling choices in the week ahead, as well as more to choose from already on general release, there is little excuse to get out amongst it at your local Odeon. When you have done so, drop us a line and share your thoughts and observations here in a Comments Box below this or any other Post. Meanwhile, enjoy your film.

JOY (Rated M) - Hot off the closing film in 'The Hunger Games' series, Jennifer Lawrence is here teaming up once more with Writer/Director and Producer David O'Russell in this latest biographical comedy drama offering about the life and times of Long Island single mother of three, struggling would be business woman and inventor of the Miracle Mop Joy Mangano (played by Lawrence). The story traces the life of the divorcee across four generations as she builds her business empire off the back of the Miracle Mop and is confronted with the challenges of life and bringing up three youngsters on her own, her family, her expanding business, those she can trust, those who betray her, those she loves and those she leaves.

An emotional roller coaster of a film Joy grows through the years from her inner strength, her strong will and determination, her imagination and her sense of loyalty, family and love to equip her with the the challenges that will confront her. Also starring familiar stable mate Bradley Cooper, as the Executive at The Home Shopping Network who gives her new invention an airtime boost, Robert De Niro as Joy's father, Edgar Ramirez as Joy's ex-husband, Virginia Madsen as Joy's mother, Diane Ladd as Joy's grandmother, and Isabella Rossellini as Joy's backer and Joy's fathers girlfriend. On the strength of previous collaboration and what we know Lawrence, Cooper and O'Russell are capable off - this has to be up there as one to watch this holiday season.

SUFFRAGETTE (Rated M) - This is a British period piece Directed by Sharon Gavron, that any self respecting school kid studying English Modern History will know all about - this Reviewer included! Set in the very early 20th Century it tells the story of The Suffragette Movement for Women's Suffrage and their fight to win the right to vote and share an equal footing with men, for the first time in the history of the nation. It is a story that changed the course of British History and centres around two real life characters - Emmeline Pankhurst (played by Meryl Streep) who led the Suffragette Movement and rallied women to stand up for their rights and Emily Davison (Natlaie Press) who so believed in her cause that in protest she threw herself under the horse of King George V at the Epsom Derby and died of her wounds. The film also stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson and Samuel West as fictional characters, although the film is based on fact and traces the years of political struggle, violent protest, personal sacrifice and emotional turmoil suffered by women before the British Government gave way and recognised women's rights in 1928.

YOUTH (Rated MA15+) - Starring Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel, this is an Italian production Written and Directed by Paolo Sorrentino in his second only English language film. Caine plays Fred Ballinger and best mate to Keitel's Mick Boyle who are ageing seventy somethings holidaying in a plush resort in the Swiss Alps and recounting their lives. Fred is an accomplished albeit now retired composer of classical music and Mick is a film maker working with a bunch writers to develop his next screen play. Fred's daughter in turn is married to Mick's son and while reflecting on their lives things go pear shaped as Fred is approached to perform for HRH The Queen & Prince Philip, Mick completes his screenplay but his long standing lead actress turns it down with news that shocks him to the core, the married son & daughter split while holidaying with them too leaving the oldies to pick up the pieces. Reminiscing about love & loss, the past and the future, life and death, commitment and betrayal, and age and youth these age old emotional struggles confront the old boys before giving in to their fate. Already doing very well on the Awards circuit with multiple wins and nominations, this films also stars Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano and Jane Fonda.

THE BELIER FAMILY (Rated M) - A French comedy drama made for US$11M and has already grossed US$69M since its late 2014 French Premier in Paris, this film is Written and Directed by Eric Lartigau and has done well too on the Awards circuit picking up a number of wins and nominations along the way. Part of the Belier family is sixteen year old Paula (Louane Emera) who has become an essential and indispensable part of the household as the interpreter for her deaf parents and brother on a daily as needs basis. Discovering that she has a gift for singing, Paula's music teacher encourages her to take part in an acclaimed singing contest in Paris, with the prospect of fame and fortune if successful through a career path and a college degree.Paula however, is torn between her duty and her love of her family and a sense of doing there might thing by them, and stepping out on her own, taking a risk and making something of, and for herself as she embarks upon adulthood.

DADDY'S HOME (Rated PG) - Directed by Sean Anders this is the second time that Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell have shared screen time - the first being 2010's action comedy offering 'The Other Guys'. This time, Brad Taggart (Ferrell) is a mild mannered radio executive married to Sarah (Linda Cardellini) and is building a nice little family unit with the two children from Sarah's former marriage to Dusty Mayron (Wahlberg). Brad is determined to be the best possible step-dad on the planet and all is going good, until Dusty rocks up back in to town and starts to complicate Brad's plans. Dusty is a cool dude, street smart, the fit & athletic type, a home improvement expert, can turn is hand to just about anything, and is a loveable rogue, a rough diamond. Pretty soon Brad's previous confidence turns to insecurity, self doubt and fear that he might lose what he has. Needing to win back his family and restore his former place, it's on between Brad & Dusty, and may the best man win!

THE GOOD DINOSAUR (Rated PG) - Made for US$200M this is the second Pixar released film this year after 'Inside Out', and was released in the US a month ago after its 10th November World Premier in Paris, since which time it has grossed so far US170M. Aimed squarely at the family market this film is a dino tale that assumes the world was not hit by a meteor 65 million years ago, and that dinosaurs did not become extinct but survive to this present day. And so young Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) is caught in a fierce storm one day, washed downstream and awakes bruised, battered and bewildered wondering WTF just happened! And so begins and adventure survival story as Arlo seeks to be reunited with his parents Momma Ida (Frances McDormand) and Poppa Henry (Jeffrey Wright) meeting up with various other characters of the dino kind including Butch (Sm Elliott), Ramsey (Anna Paquin), Thunderclap (Steve Zahn) and Spot (Jack Bright) a young human kid that Arlo becomes mates with. Directed by Peter Sohn who also lends his voive talents, this film has been in a troubled disjointed production stage for six years, but is finally here, and seems well worth the wait by all accounts.

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS : THE ROAD CHIP (Rated PG) - This is the fourth film in the franchise that launched in late 2007, and off the US$210M budget to make the first three, the world wide grosses have well exceeded US1.1B to date, not counting this instalment. This time Directed by Walt Becker the principle characters from the previous films are all here and have returned again. So this time around it seems that Dave (Jason Lee) is planning to get hitched down in Miami to his girlfriend, causing his good buddies to believe that it will be hasta la vista and thanks for coming afterwards for his loyal friends. Needing to prevent this from happening, the Chipmunks embark on  road trip, with only three days in which to get there and prevent this potential disaster from happening. Also featuring Justin Long, Christina Applegate and Anna Faris, this will be an acquired taste, but on the strength of the previous films in this series, is likely to do well.

As expected for any Christmas and New Year season the movie theatres are full of new content to appeal to all tastes and age groups. If none of these appeal, check out my previous Reviews and Previews for what was recently released and what is still doing the rounds at your local Odeon. In the meantime Merry Christmas!

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Birthday's to share this week : 20th - 26th December 2015.

Do you celebrate your Birthday this week?

Jared Leto does on 26th December - check out my tribute to this Birthday Boy, turning 44, at the end of this feature.

Do you also share your birthday with a well known, highly regarded & famous Actor or Actress; share your special day with a Director, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer, Singer/Songwriter or Composer of repute; or share an interest in whoever might notch up another year in the coming seven days? Then, look no further! Whilst there will be too many to mention in this small but not insignificant and beautifully written and presented Blog, here are the more notable and noteworthy icons of the big screen, and the small screen, that you will recognise, and that you might just share your birthday with in the week ahead. If so, Happy Birthday to you from Odeon Online!

Sunday 20th December

• Jonah Hill - Born 1983, turns 32 - Actor | Writer | Producer
• Todd Phillips - Born 1970, turns 45 - Director | Producer | Writer
• Jenny Agutter - Born 1952, turns 63 - Actress

Monday 21st December 

• Jane Fonda - Born 1937, turns 78 - Actress | Producer
• Julie Delpy - Born 1969, turns 46 - Actress | Writer | Producer | Director | Editor | Singer | Composer
• Samuel L. Jackson - Born 1948, turns 67 - Actor | Producer
• Kiefer Sutherland - Born 1966, turns 49 - Actor | Producer | Director
• John Avildsen - Born 1935, turns 80 - Director | Producer | Editor
• Steven Yuen - Born 1983, turns 32 - Actor

Tuesday 22nd December

• Ralph Fiennes - Born 1962, turns 53 - Actor | Director
• Hector Elizondo - Born 1936, turns 79 - Actor
• David S. Goyer - Born 1965, turns 50 - Writer | Director | Producer
• Vanessa Paradis - Born 1972, turns 43 - Actress | Singer

Wednesday 23rd December

• Nick Moran - Born 1969, turns 46 - Actor | Writer | Producer | Director

Thursday 24th December

• Ryan Seacrest - Born 1974, turns 41 - Actor | Writer | Producer

Friday 25th December

• Sissy Spacek - Born 1949, turns 66 - Actress

Saturday 26th December

• Jared Leto - Born 1971, turns 44 - Singer | Songwriter | Actor | Director | Writer | Producer
• Steve Bisley - Born 1951, turns 64 - Actor
• Fred Schepisi - Born 76 - Director | Producer | Writer
• Steve Le Marquand - Born 1967, turns 48 - Actor

Jared Joseph Bryant was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, USA, to Constance Metrejon and Anthony Bryant. His parents divorced when he was young and the Leto name he adopted was that of his stepfather. Growing up Jared and his older brother Shannon, with their mother lived with their maternal grandparents. When Jared was just eight years old his father committed suicide having remarried and leaving behind two sons - Jared's younger half-brothers. His mother joined the hippie movement from where her two sons became active in the arts - having spent much time around creative types - painters, photographers, musicians, actors and artists. He had a creative upbringing and from early on started playing music with his brother. He graduated from Flint Hill School at Oakton, Virginia and then enrolled at The University of Arts in Philadelphia where in particular he was interested in large scale visual art, and then film-making having moved to The School  of Visual Arts in NYC.

In 1992 he relocated himself to LA to chase a career in Directing with the aim of Acting on the side. He gained some early roles in various single episodes of television series including 'Camp Wilder', 'Almost Home' and 'Rebel Highway' and the made for television movie 'Cool and the Crazy' in 1994 with Alicia Silverstone. He received critical acclaim for his breakout television role, albeit short lived, in 'My So Called Life' which ran for just nineteen episodes opposite Claire Danes. This in turn led to his first movie role in 1995 in 'How To Make An American Quilt' with Winona Ryder, Elleyn Burstyn, and Anne Bancroft as Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse. 'The Last of the High Kings' followed and the lead role in 'Prefontaine' charting the life of young Olympic running hopeful Steve Prefontaine - a role he immersed himself in during his preparation, and the like of which he would repeat often for future roles.

'Switchback', British period drama 'Basil', horror thriller 'Urban Legend' all followed before Terrence Malick's 'The Thin Red Line' with an all star cast including Clooney, Nolte, Penn, Brody, Harrelson, Cusack, Reilly and Travolta. 

In 1998 Leto formed 'Thirty Seconds to Mars' - a rock band with his brother Shannon. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2002 amidst generally positive feedback, and eventually sold two million copies, with Jared writing the majority of songs. Subsequently the band released further studio albums in 2005 with 'A Beautiful Lie' selling four million copies; 'This Is War' in 2009 selling a further four million; and most recently in 2013 'Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams'.

During this time, Leto continued his acting career with 'Black and White' in 1999 with Robert Downey Jnr.; 'Fight Club' with Brad Pitt and 'Girl Interrupted' with Winona Ryder again, to see out the nineties.

'American Psycho' with Christian Bale broke in the new decade in 2000, and then his highly acclaimed role as heroin addicted Harry Goldfarb in Darren Aronofsky's 'Requiem for a Dream'. Leto was praised for the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to prepare for the role and portray his character with physical and emotional realism. 'Highway' came next with Jake Gyllenhaal in 2002, together with 'Panic Room' with Jodie Foster that same year and for David Fincher again after 'Fight Club'.

'Alexander' came next in 2004 for Oliver Stone; then 'Lord of War' with Nicolas Cage; and then 'Lonely Hearts' with John Travolta and James Gandolfini. 'Chapter 27' came in 2007 with Leto starring as Mark David Chapman - the man who shot John Lennon - a role he was again praised for given the physical transformation he went through with weight gain in order to truly portray his character.

'Mr. Nobody' came next in 2009 playing the lead role of Nemo Nobody - the last mortal on Earth playing various versions of the same character from age to 34 to 118 years old. In 2012 Leto turned his attention to his Directorial debut with 'Artifact' about the US$30M lawsuit his band had with EMI a few years before over royalties and which was eventually settled out of court. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival where it won The Peoples Choice Award for Best Documentary.

Having spent a number of years on the road touring with 'Thirty Seconds to Mars' writing music and releasing their fourth studio album in 2013 'Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams', Leto returned to the big screen in 2013 with 'Dallas Buyers Club' with Matthew McConaughey. His role as the drug addled AIDS suffering transgender woman garnered him widespread critical acclaim and multiple award wins including Best Supporting Actor Awards at The Academy Awards, The Golden Globes and The Screen Actors Guild Awards. Next up Leto stars as 'The Joker' in 'The Suicide Squad' with Ben Affleck, Will Smith, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinsman and Margot Robbie due in mid-2016.

All up Leto has 28 Acting credits, seven Producer credits, six as Director and a Writing credit for 'Into The Wild' - the story behind his Bands record breaking two year 309 concert world tour that is officially the longest running tour in the history of rock music.

Leto is also an astute businessman with interests in social media management company 'The Hive'; full end to end service company for festivals, concerts and events 'Adventures in Wonderland'; the on-line platform 'VyRT'; he is an investor in 'Surf Air' , 'Reddit' and 'Robinhood Markets'. He is a vegan and actively supports animal rights; gay rights; and during the 2008 Presidential election campaign sided with Barack Obama. He is active too in charitable causes including for those associated with helping and supporting children with serious medical conditions, and Type 1 Diabetes research. Additionally, he has supported 'The Nature Conservancy', 'Habitat for Humanity', 'Aid Still Required', 'The J/P (Jenkins/Penn) Haitian Relief Organisation' and he is a global ambassador for the 'World Wide Fund for Nature'.

Jared Leto - Actor, Musician, Director, Writer, Producer, Businessman, Humanitarian, snow and skateboarder; has by passed numerous film roles to concentrate on his Band instead; and puts his body, his mind and his persona through extreme lengths to get into and stay in character - there is no doubting his commitment, his dedication, his energy and his love of his craft - all of them - Happy Birthday to you, from Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 17th December 2015.

Over the last couple of weeks I have referenced the AACTA Awards held at Sydney's Star Casino, first up on 30th November and then the second ceremony on 9th December recognising all that is best in the Australian film and television scene. Those that picked up Awards on 30th November have been mentioned before and last week Cate Blanchett's success with the Longford Lyell Award. This week I'll wrap things up with the winners & grinners in the principle categories, although of course these don't detract from those recipients previously honoured. Picking up the AACTA Award for Best Film was 'Mad Max : Fury Road' and Best Direction to  George Miller for 'Mad Max : Fury Road'.  Best Lead Actor is Michael Caton in 'Last Cab to Darwin' and Best Lead Actress being Kate Winslet for 'The Dressmaker'. Picking up the Best Supporting Actor Award was Hugo Weaving for 'The Dressmaker' and Best Supporting Actress went to Judy Davis, for 'The Dressmaker'.  Finally, rounding out the Awards was The People's Choice Award which went to . . . surprise, surprise, 'The Dressmaker'. In the final analysis those multiple winners were 'Mad Max : Fury Road' picking up eight Awards, 'The Dressmaker' five, and 'Last Cab to Darwin' two. Well done, and congratulations to all. You can see more at : www.aacta.org

This week, one week outside of Christmas, perhaps the most highly anticipated, eagerly awaited and much hyped film of the year, if not the last three years, is about to hit our cinema screens at an Odeon very near you. You know the one I'm talking about as it hardly needs any introduction and is already well established in our cinematic history, our popular culture, and our movie going psyche. This week it is the only release, which is hardly surpassing as no Studio, no Producer and no Director would want to go head to head on the same release date as this proven epic space opera that has already lasted 38 years so far . . . and counting!

With this in mind, see the extended Preview below, and when at one minute past midnight on 17th December, if you are amongst the world's first to see this latest instalment, drop your mates here at Odeon Online a note in the Comments section below this or any other Post, and share your views and opinions, thoughts and observations about the movie you've seen. Enjoy your film.

'STAR WARS : Episode VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS' (Rated M) - In 1977 a young George Lucas who already had a number of successful films under this belt, created a story that has become ingrained in popular culture, and has spawned an entire industry around successive stories, movies, books, television series, radio broadcasts, merchandise, video games and theme park attractions. That initial film was of course 'Star Wars' which later became 'Star Wars : Episode IV - A New Hope' with the original trilogy taking in successive films in 1980 and 1983. Then in 1999, the franchise was resurrected with an prequel trilogy kicking off with 'Star Wars : Episode I - The Phantom Menace' with two further instalments in 2002 and 2005. Those initial six films have grossed US$4.39B including the animated feature in 2008 'The Clone Wars' and  each film has either been nominated for, or won, at The Academy Awards. Then in 2012 The Walt Disney Company purchased Lucasfilm for in excess of US$4B and made it known that there would be a further three films in the franchise commencing with 'The Force Awakens', that opens at an Odeon near you this week.

So, history lesson over, this next instalment is upon us, finally, after a massive media campaign that kicked off as soon as Disney announced its plans for the sequel trilogy and Director J.J.Abrams came on board having jumped ship from that other 'Star' franchise - 'Star Trek' after two outings. With a budget of US$200M this film is expected to be a Box Office sensation, and that would be hardly surprising given the publicity, advertising, promotion, anticipation, expectation and frenzy from the world over since the first teaser trailer was released early this year. 

This film is set about thirty years after the final film in the original franchise - 'Star Wars : Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi' and sees a number of our favoured characters returning from back then including Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, C3PO, R2D2 and Chewbacca. At this time the Rebel Alliance has become the Resistance and the Galactic Empire has become the First Order and follows newly established characters Finn (a redeemed First Order Stormtrooper who is in possession of Luke and Anakin's light sabre), Rey (a planet Jakku scavenger), and Poe (a highly regarded and accomplished Resistance X-Wing fighter pilot) as they meet new friends and fight old enemies. Starring such names as Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow and Simon Pegg, as well of course as Ford, Fisher, Hamill, Daniels and Baker. Can't hardly wait!

With just one new release this week, there is really no contest in terms of what you're going to see, unless of course you have been living under a rock for the last three years, or hail from a galaxy far far away! If you check out this must see film of the year, or another of those currently on general release, be sure to let us know your thoughts of your movie experience this week. 

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

99 HOMES : Friday 11th December 2015.

'99 HOMES' which I saw on Friday evening is a film of our times that will resonate with any home owner that lived through the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and found themselves on the wrong side of that meltdown, struggling to find work, make mortgage payments and maintain the family unit - particularly those living in the US. Written, Produced, Directed and Edited by Ramin Bahrani this film was made for just US$8M and has seen a limited release only, but has garnered much praise winning the Grand Prix at the Deauville American Film Festival, and screening at the 2014 TIFF and the 2014 Venice International Film Festival where it competed for the Golden Lion.

This film is unlikely to do huge Box Office or even recoup its production budget because it is at times a bleak, emotional thriller that will not be for everyone and doesn't feature any sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, guns, car chases, explosions or acts of violence. What it does offer though is very strong performances, a story rooted in real events, and a thrilling nail biting morality tale that you'll relate to if you have a mortgage, a family and a roof over your head.

The opening scene sets the tone in no uncertain terms as Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) stands inside the home he is about to repossess serving the (former) owners two minutes to gather what possessions they choose before they are arrested for trespassing on the house that the Bank has foreclosed on, and from which they are now being evicted. Needless to say this is a tense situation as the family unit is thrust out onto the street with their worldly possessions by Carver, his men and the local Police in Orlando, Florida where this film is set. Carver is a real estate business man, who before the GFC was selling homes, arranging the finance and doing what most self respecting real estate agents do. But October 2008 changed all that and in the two or three year since he still works in real estate and property development but instead evicts individuals and families from their homes for failing to make the payments. He is cold, calculating, callous and cares not for the plight of those poor souls he evicts instead he is feathering his own nest, making dodgy deals, and scamming the Government and the Banks for what he can out of subsidies, insurance and claims to either re-sell or redevelop those homes that have been repossessed.

One such family is that of hard working building labourer Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) living in the family home with his mother Lynn (Laura Dern) and his only son Connor (Noah Lomax). Working on a construction site, he is told by the site foreman to down tools when the money runs out mid build, and that as a result he has been working for free for the last two weeks with no prospect of getting paid for his work. With mortgage payments to make, no job prospects in the wake of the GFC, and no income the Bank forecloses and Carver comes knocking one day with his guys and the Police to evict the Nash clan and put them out on the street with the two minute warning.

With no choice in the matter but to comply the three are evicted and Carvers gang clear the house and place everything they own out on the street, which if not cleared within 24 hours will be sold and scrapped. The Nash family load what they can into the back of his pick-up truck and check themselves into a cheap motel - full of other families in the same situation. The next day or so Nash discovers that some of his work tools are missing and so goes to the offices of Carver believing that these have been stolen during the eviction process. Nash accuses one of Carver's workers, a scuffle breaks out which Carver intercepts and breaks up, but in doing so Carver is impressed by Nash's fortitude and strength of character and offers him $50 for a quick clean up job in a recently repossessed house, which he reluctantly accepts, needing the cash of course.

This in turn set up a chain of events that sees Nash working full time for Carver - initially on repair and maintenance jobs for cash in hand, but soon this grows into dodgy scams as he rips out A/C units, pool pumps, fridges and other appliances from repossessed homes, so that Carver can claim this on insurance and give Nash a 25% cut. The cheques start to roll in and Nash is over whelmed by his new found 'wealth' asking Carver to keep the money as down payment on the family home he was evicted from in order that he can move back in. Not before too long Nash is conducting evictions just as Carver did and is forcing respectable families out on the street and into that same cheap motel with only a two minute warning. More money rolls in and Nash and Carver become a tight unit as Nash takes on the roll of Carver's Assistant and right hand man.

All this time Dennis has kept from his mum and his son the fact that he is now working for the man that repossessed their home. For legal reasons they have not yet been able to move back into the family house, but this is on the cards as Nash strikes up a deal with Carver to do so. A confrontation however, at the Motel brings the truth to the fore as an evicted family recently arrived recognise Nash and reveals that he evicted them from their home only recently. Publicly Nash denies this claiming a case of mistaken identity, but the evictee is adamant and determined in his claim, which becomes increasingly heated and boils over into a scuffle. This is broken up but Nash is shaken by the experience and comes to realise he is working in an increasingly volatile world, messing with peoples lives and becoming a Carver clone.

Nash comes clean with Connor and Lynn and buys a bigger house down by the waters edge to make a fresh start and appease his family that all is now good, having sold the former family home to do so, now that he has made enough money with Carver to fund the purchase. Lynn and Connor though are far from impressed knowing where these ill gotten gains have come from and at what price. They leave and go to Tampa to stay with Lynn's brother leaving Dennis alone to continue his work.

Meanwhile Carver is finalising a multi-million dollar property deal that could potentially be brought undone by one property owner and acquaintance of Nash who has brought a legal case against Carver that is going through the courts. Carver wins the case through a forged document that Nash has to deliver, knowingly, to the court, which in turns leads them to evict the owner and his family. Upon arriving at the house the now distraught owner is waiting with rifle in hand to defend his land, his property and his integrity. Fearing that this could turn ugly with armed Police now surrounding the property, Nash tales a stand and confesses about the forged document with Carver looking on. The situation is diffused, but at what cost to himself and to Carver?

This is a tense, taught economical thriller that is both a relevant story of our very recent times as it is a character study of what drives men to reach higher and for more at almost any cost. Shannon in particular is excellent in his portrayal of the uncaring, unemotional and calculating real estate agent who has profited extensively from other peoples misfortune. Garfield too is equally strong as the honest, hard working conscientious man that will do whatever is necessary to keep his head above water, a roof over his head and food in the mouths of his family, but still has a moral compass and personal values in the final analysis despite striking a deal with the Devil (in disguise!). Worth searching out for sure.

 
-Steve, at Odeon Online-