What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 10th September 2015.

Last week I happily reported that Spring had sprung down Australia way and that we look forward with a renewed energy, enthusiasm and excitement to the prospect of longer days, warmer evenings and prolonged sunshine - well let me tell ya, that none of that stuff has yet eventuated, and it seems to me to be as cool in Adelaide as it has been all Winter! Having been in Sydney too this last weekend it is only just a tad warmer there - at least there is always the prospect of a warm dry place to relax and enjoy a movie of choice at your local independent theatre of big screen multiplex, which of course brings us to this weeks new releases!

For the coming week there are six new release films to get you into that multiplex kicking off with a sequel to a dystopian futuristic teen action adventure which these days are two a penny but still may be enough of a draw card for dystopian futuristic teen action adventure followers; then an animated feature of video arcade games of yesteryear writ large and determined to wage war on our unsuspecting planet at the hands of a confused alien foe; then a tale that might make you think differently about butterflies and moths; then with a dad having to readjust to his new life with two young daughters in tow up next; and then a uniquely shot film of an alternative LA Christmas; and finally, an insight to a 50's screen icon whose memory still endures 60 years on.

With such a great offering in the next seven days, not to mention all the great movies still out on general release, be sure to drop your friends and like minded movie lovers a Comment or two in the box directly below this or any other Post and share your own critique, comments, observations and thoughts about your most recent movie going experience. In the meantime, enjoy your film.

MAZE RUNNER : THE SCORCH TRIALS (Rated M) - the first film in this series came out in September 2014 based on the book of the same name by James Dasher published in 2009, and was made for US$34M and grossed US$344M. For the second time around Wes Ball is Directing again for this follow up to that first instalment in this teenage dystopian Sci-Fi action adventure yarn. The story here reassembles the cast largely from that first film, and having escaped The Maze, they all find themselves at the next level of the dangerous game controlled by Janson/Rat Man (Aiden Gillen).

Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his mates The Gladers, are on the hunt and on the run seeking out clues to lead them to the mysterious organisation known at WCKD. Their journey takes them across the perilous 'Scorch'  - a desolate and deadly landscape filled with all manner of trials and tribulations . . . and you can bet that it's pretty damn hot too! Along the way the merry band of Maze Runners team up with resistance fighters in an attempt to thwart WCKD and uncover what plans they have for them next - and there will be gnashing of teeth, clenching of fists, and profanity aplenty as that truth is revealed . . . setting up the next thrilling, not to be missed instalment, which will inevitably be split into two films to bring the series to a close! Where have you seen that done before?

PIXELS (Rated PG) - not a Pixar animated feature this, but Directed by Chris Columbus for Columbia Pictures at a cost of US$88M, this CG animated film features all the early video game characters from Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and such like. Back in the early 80's when these games were the cutting edge of gaming technology a couple of young likely lads - Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler) and Will Cooper (Kevin James) enter a gaming competition but narrowly loose out to Eddie Plant (Peter Dinklage). A videocassette of the winner and the games of the day is launched into space as a time capsule, and fast forward to the present day and Brenner works as a cable guy and Cooper is President of the free world. But the free world is under attack from aliens who intercepted that videocassette and believe it to be threat and so attack the Earth to save themselves, replicating those video game characters of yesteryear to take down our fragile green, peace loving planet. Only those gaming heroes from back in the day can now save the world from destruction at the hands of Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Co. Also starring Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Dan Aykroyd, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Serena Williams, Michelle Monaghan and a freakin' giant yellow PacMan!

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY (Rated MA15+) - this British drama film is Written and Directed by Peter Strickland and surrounds Evelyn and Cynthia played by Chiara D'Anna and Sidse Babett Knudsen respectively. Evelyn is studying a branch of entomology (moths and butterflies) under Cynthia and the two are romantically involved with the former working as a maid in the latters home.  Cynthia has high expectations of order and cleanliness and when Evelyn fails to meet those standards she is punished. The two act out scenes of sexual dominance and sado-masochism with their roles becoming reversed as Evelyn is less and less satisfied and her demands go unfulfilled, while Cynthia worries about her age and makes accusations about Evelyn's loyalties and motivations. It all comes full circle as the two kiss and make up and start back at the beginning, all underscored with a strong cast, solid performances, a visual and aural feast and a deft hand by the Director and Writer, Strickland. Already this film has picked upon handful of awards & nominations and has had much critical praise bestowed up on it.

PEOPLE PLACES THINGS (Rated M) - this low budget James C. Strouse Directed New York City set comedy you have seen before in various guises. Here mild mannered low key unassuming and recently single again Dad, Will Henry (Jemaine Clement) is a graphic novelist having to juggle getting back into the dating scene with brining up two six year old twin daughters Clio and Colette (sisters Aundrea and Gia Gadsby respectively) and nurturing a classroom full of students learning his craft. Along the way we are introduced to Kat (Jessica Williams) a student of Will's; Regina Hall as her Mother Diane and possible love interest for Will; and Stephanie Allynne as Charlie - Will's ex. who has now got it on for Gary (Michael Chernus).  Can Will pull himself together for the sake of his girls, his students, his art and himself . . . quite possibly!

TANGERINE (Rated MA15+) - with a  budget of just US$100K, this film was shot using three iPhone 5S smartphones by Sean S. Baker who acted as Director, Producer, Writer, Editor and Cinematographer on this low key comedy-drama. This film surrounds transgender sex worker Sin-Dee-Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) who on Christmas Eve ends a 28 day long lock-up in the local county jail. Upon release she meets up with friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) at the local Do-Nut Time Store in Hollywood. During their conversation Alexandra reveals to Sin-Dee that her boyfriend and pimp Chester (James Ransone) has been cheatin' on her with Dinah (Mickey O'Hagan) and so Sin-Dee heads off in search of the low-down no-good double-crossin' dirt bags. Her journey sees her experience and confront many of LA's sub-cultures and alternatives as she drifts from one place to the next. Unique, bold, gritty, brave film making that is likely to surprise and leave you wanting more.

LIFE (Rated MA15+) - Anton Corbijn Directs this autobiographical drama film of a period in the early 50's when American Actor and screen idol James Dean was coming to prominence and just prior to the release of 'East of Eden' in 1955. 'Life' Magazine photographer Dennis Stock was assigned by his Agency - Magnum Photo's to shoot the Hollywood star on the rise and chronicle their time together as they get acquainted, their friendship grows and the pair travel together from LA to New York to Indiana shooting some of the most iconic images of the young Actor torn from us way to early. Robert Pattinson starts as Dennis Stock, Dane DeHaan is James Dean, and supporting are the likes of Joel Edgerton and Ben Kingsley.

Six films then and there you have it. Some cracking compelling cinematic content coming your way in the week ahead that just shouts out 'buy a ticket today' and catch a film of choice - you know it makes sense.!

See you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-