What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 3rd September 2015.

Finally, it's September which means just one thing! Spring has sprung with the coldest Winter in seventeen years drawing to a close with the promise of longer days, warmer evenings and sunny climes coming our way in Adelaide as we head down hill all the way to Summer. What a relief, but at least we've had some great movies during the long cold Winter months to sustain us all, and some of those Reviews and Previews you may have read here, and there is more to come this Spring. With the energy, excitement and enthusiasm of a new Season stay tuned for more movie musings, cinematic goodness and filmic insights.

This week there are six new films that offer decidedly adult fare but all mostly action and adventure to either a larger or lesser extent, some of it forced and some of it natural, and all of them with some heavy hitting talent. First up, a music bio-pic of an 80's band that grew to fame, fortune and notoriety and whose influence is still evident today; then a sleeper Agent is 'reactivated' with little knowledge of what he is capable of and what he must do to survive; then an unannounced guest arrives one day and turns several lives upside down; and next three times previously seen and now a reboot for this action hero who will drive you hard, fast and dangerous; then a coming of age story of hope, friendship and understanding; and finally two old codgers living one last adventure on foot and reconnecting . . . on many levels.

As is always the case, Odeon Online invites your own feedback on your movie experiences of the week, your observations, critical analysis or simple ponderings by leaving a note in the Comments box below this or any other Post. In the meantime, enjoy your film of choice!

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTION (Rated MA15+) - Back in 1987 five black dudes raised in Compton on the mean streets of South Los Angeles got together through the unity of their music to create a wave of change that revolutionalized the music industry with such a force that its influence remains strong almost thirty years later. Using the power of rhyme; hardcore backing beats; and the frustration, anger and brutality of their lives, they wove their life experiences into popular culture and a social voice like none had done so before. And so it was that N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was born out of the streets of Compton that went on to have a force across the world when it all started with the release of the debut studio album in 1988 - 'Straight Outta Compton'.

Those five guys were friends Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson Jnr.), DJ Yella (Neil Brown Jnr.) and MC Ren (Aldis Hodge) forged into a Group by Jerry Heller (Paul Giamatti) as their Manager. Directed by F. Gary Gray this film was made for US$28M and has so far grossed US$141M and has received much critical acclaim for its gritty realism, its honesty, its energy and its voice for the events and experiences that gained exposure through their music.

AMERICAN ULTRA (Rated MA15+) - this film is written by Max Landis (recognise the name?) - yes he the son of legendary Director, Producer, Director and occasional Actor, John Landis, and so I am wondering if any of that aforementioned family talent has rubbed of on the young buck! With a production cost of US$28M, a second time Director in Nima Nourizadeh who is more at hime with music video's and TV commercials and a fairly big name cast, you could be forgiven that this action comedy is gonna be big. It has so far recouped US$12M and the film is about dope head, no hoper stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) who lives in some no name town in West Virginia where he works as a convenience store clerk with designs on asking the hand in marriage of his long term girlfriend Phoebe Larson (Kristen Stewart). What we quickly learn about Mike is that he is the only survivor of a now dormant CIA Agent programme has been programmed to lead a normal life, hide in plain sight, and lay low until activated by a series of code words that turn him into a lethal killing machine. He is completely oblivious to his hidden talents and his former intensive training until that day comes and then he must dodge death, save his girlfriend and thwart those out to silence him. Also starring Topher Grace, Walton Goggins, Bill Pullman, John Leguizamo and Nash Edgerton.

THE GUEST (Rated MA15+) - This film has been kicking around for a goodly while having Premiered at The Sundance Film Festival in January 2014 before its UK then US release in September 2014. Now a year later, it arrives in Australia. Starring Dan Stevens as just 'David' who appeared in 25 episodes of the highly acclaimed 'Downton Abbey' from 2010-2012 before branching out in movies, this is an action mystery thriller about a man who is believed to be an ex-soldier who turns up unannounced one day at the family home of his dead friend who died in combat. He seems to be a gentle, well mannered, considered guy who is welcomed in and within 24 hours has taken up residence bending over backwards for the still grieving family - parents, son and daughter. It is not long before a series of unexplained and seemingly unrelated deaths appear to be connected by one common denominator . . . David! Directed by Adam Wingard this film has garnered generally positive reviews so may be worth checking out for some fast paced, tongue in cheek, action thrills.

THE TRANSPORTER : REFUELLED (Rated MA15+) - In 2002 Jason Statham drove onto our screens as ace driver & delivery man with a difference Frank Martin in the first of 'The Transporter' series which spawned two sequels in 2005 and 2008. With a combined budget of just US$83M to deliver these three films they grossed a total US$238M so on that basis, reasonably successful. So much so that in 2015 we have a reboot with 'Refuelled' but alas no Statahm, but instead Englishman Ed Skrien plays the younger Frank in what is said to be a three instalment prequel. Made for US$30M Luc Besson has Produced and Written this film with Director duty going to Camille Delamarre. So back in the day Frank leaves a simple less dangerous life doing what he does best - transporting packages with no questions asked, on time, no fuss, but often for people you would rather not associate with. Needless to say, things get complicated in Frank's life when his Dad is kidnapped and held hostage by femme fatale Anna (Loan Chabanol) and her henchman which is part of a bigger picture plan to take down a human trafficking dude who gave her a hard time years before. As Frank gets embroiled in all of this he must play Anna at her dangerous and unpredictable game using all his skills and youthful experience. Tune in for fast cars, fast driving, fast women and fast action - it will be fun . . . and fast!

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL (Rated M) - This film has already received much critical praise having won the Grand Jury Prize at this years Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation. Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and based on the book of the same name by Jesse Andrews this comedy drama film is all about high school teenager Greg (Thomas Mann) who spends his days making up parodies of classic movies with his good friend Earl (R.J. Cyler). One day his outlook on life and his perspectives change entirely when he is introduced by his Mum to Rachel (Olivia Cooke) who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Greg has practically grown up with Rachel in the same class ever since Kindergarten, but the two have never engaged, until now. Also starring Jon Bernthal, Connie Britton and Nick Offerman, this film was made for just US$8M and so far made back US$7M.

A WALK IN THE WOODS (Rated M) - this film is based on Bill Bryson's book of the same name from 1998 with Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and Nick Nolte as friend and travelling companion Stephen Katz. Having lived for 20 years in the UK Bryson returned to New Hampshire where he lived for another ten years and decided to reconnect with his old homeland by walking the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail. Stretching from Georgia through to Maine this track takes in some of the most unspoilt, spectacular and tough terrain there is. Agreeing to let Stephen tag along, the two friends are almost polar opposites in terms of how they perceive their trek panning out, and so it is not long before the real adventure starts, the fun begins and their voyage of self discovery unravels as their friendship, emotions and physical condition is tested. Also starring Emma Thompson as Catherine Bryson, Mary Steenburgen as Jeannie, Nick Offerman as Dave, and Kristen Schaal as Mary Allen and Directed by Ken Kwapis.

Now there's a selection that will give you plenty to ponder. Six films in the week ahead so you could watch one a day, and take Sunday off! Whatever you decide upon, enjoy your movie, share your views & opinions, and stay well until next time!

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-