What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 9th July 2015.

As the weeks advance on the latter end of the year it would be fair to say that for this week at least we can leave the big budget blockbusting epics behind that have peppered the first half of 2015 and concentrate on just two new release films - one set in the past and one in the present, but both very different. Of course in the weeks to come we will return to the bigger fare but this week we take a breather for the comedic dramatic and the periodic.

First up is a sequel to a successful 2012 film loosely charting the early undressing life exploits of a now famous Hollywood star, and then there is a remake of a classic French novel that has had the big and small screen treatment many times in the past.

As in the past I invite you to share your thoughts and observations of your movie choice in the week ahead, or for any still doing the rounds and out on general release, by Posting a Comment in the box below this or any other Blog Post. In the meantime, enjoy your film.

MAGIC MIKE XXL (Rated MA15+) - In 2012 Steven Soderbergh Directed, Edited and acted as Cinematographer on this Channing Tatum film based loosely on his early life as a male stripper working in Tampa, Florida. That film was made for a very modest US$7M and returned a very respectable US$167M and as well as being a commercial hit was critically acclaimed too. On the strength of this a sequel was inevitable. And so here it is, waiting to get it's kit off on a big screen near you this week! This time Directed by Gregory Jacobs with Soderbergh taking an Editor and Cinematographer credit again, this film had double the budget at US$15M and an expanded cast.

Set three years after the close of the first film Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) has long since retired from the male stripper life but he misses the energy, excitement and eroticism of life on stage shedding his clothes in front of a largely female audience. He misses too his tight knit buddies ('The Tampa Kings') with whom he used to perform on stage. When an offer comes along to regroup and travel to a stripper convention to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Mike can hardly contain his excitement and agrees to get back with the stripper gang for a revisit to the good times, the fun, the thrills and the excitement on stage and with clothes off! Also starring Matt Bomer, Gabriel Iglesias, Adam Rodriguez, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Banks, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Probably one for the girls mostly methinks!

MADAME BOVARY (Rated M) - Not to be confused with the recent 'Gemma Bovery' film released on 28th May this year and previously Previewed at this Blog, this is another big screen adaptation of the famed 1856 debut novel of the same name by French author Gustave Flaubert. The first film based on this book came out in 1932, then another in 1949, again in 1969, in 1991, a couple of TV mini-series over the years, a Hindi version of the film in 1992, and now in 2015 French Director Sophie Barthes is at it with Mia Wasikowska in the lead role. The story is set in Normandy in France and Emma Bovary, a farmers daughter marries Charles Bovary (Henry Lloyd-Hughes) a local Doctor. It is not long before Emma grows bored of Charles and her eyes and mind start wandering toward a life more fulfilling, romance and adventure. But, as her extra-marital affairs provide a distraction and the happiness she desires, they only lead to a greater sense of depression as time marches on. Also starring Ezra Miller, Paul Giamatti and Ryhs Ifans.

Two totally differing films on offer this week that will find an audience and be sure to please for varying reasons. So, get out amongst it and see a movie this week, and then let us all know what you thought.

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-