Birthday's to share this week : 1st-7th May 2016.

Do you celebrate your Birthday this week?

Henry Cavill does on 5th May - check out my tribute to this Birthday Boy turning 33, 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 1st May

•  Wes Anderson - Born 1969, turns 47 - Director | Producer | Writer 
•  Jamie Dornan - Born 1982, turns 34 - Actor
•  Joanna Lumley - Born 1946, turns 70 - Actress 

Monday 2nd May

• Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson - Born 1972, turns 44 - Actor | Producer | WWF Wrestler
• Stephen Daldry  - Born 1961, turns 55 - Director | Producer
• David Suchet - Born 1946, turns 70 - Actor | Producer 

Tuesday 3rd May

• Ben Elton - Born 1959, turns 57 - Writer | Producer | Actor
• Rob Brydon - Born 1965, turns 51 - Actor | Producer | Writer | Television Personality
• Bobby Cannavale - Born 1970, turns 46 - Actor
• Christina Hendricks - Born 1975, turns 41 - Actress 

Wednesday 4th May

• Will Arnett - Born 1970, turns 46 - Actor | Producer | Writer
• Richard Jenkins - Born 1947, turns 69 - Actor 

Thursday 5th May

• Henry Cavill - Born 1983, turns 33 - Actor  
• Richard E. Grant - Born 1957, turns 59 - Actor | Writer | Director 
• John Rhys-Davies - Born 1944, turns 72 - Actor | Producer | Writer 
• Michael Palin - Born 1943, turns 73 - Actor | Writer | Songwriter | Television Personality
• Lance Henriksen - Born 1940, turns 76 - Actor

Friday 6th May

• George Clooney - Born 1961, turns 55 - Actor | Writer | Producer | Director
• Alan Dale - Born 1947, turns 69 - Actor  

Saturday 7th May

• Alexander Ludwig - Born 1992, turns 24 - Actor 

Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill was born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands to mother Marianne Dalgliesh - a bank secretary, and father Colin Cavill - a stockbroker. Henry is the fourth of five brothers - the others being Niki, Charlie, Piers and Simon. He was educated at St. Michael's Preparatory School in St. Saviour, on Jersey and then in England at the noted independent Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. His interest in acting was sparked at school appearing in various productions - both classic and modern.

At age 17, Henry was discovered by a Casting Director who visited the school looking for a young lad suitable enough to cast as Albert Mondego in the Kevin Reynolds big screen adaptation of 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. He got the role and starred alongside Guy Pearce, Richard Harris and Jim Caviezel. That was in 2002, and that same year there were television appearances on 'Midsomer Murders' and 'The Inspector Lynley Mysteries'.

'I Capture the Castle' came next in 2003 with Bill Nighy, Rose Byrne and Tara Fitzgerald, with the made for television movie 'Goodbye Mr. Chips', before the eighth instalment in the horror franchise with 'Hellraiser : Hellworld' in 2005. The following year came 'Red Riding Hood' and then 'Tristan and Isolde' Directed by Kevin Reynolds once again with James Franco, Rufus Sewell, Mark Strong and Sophia Myles.

In 2007 there was a small role in Matthew Vaughn's romantic fantasy adventure 'Stardust' with an all star cast featuring Peter O'Toole, Mark Strong, Robert De Niro, Rupert Everett, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes and Sienna Miller.

That same year, Cavill scored the role of Charles Brandon in 38 episodes of 'The Tudors' to which he attributes much of his subsequent success - having given him the much needed exposure to an American audience. Whilst making 'The Tudors' he also starred in Joel Schumacher's Nazi horror film 'Blood Creek' in 2008 with Michael Fassbender and Dominic Purcell, and followed this up with a minor part in Woody Allen's 'Whatever Works'.

'Immortals' followed in 2011 with this swords and sandals epic in the lead role of Theseus, with 'Cold Light of Day' next in 2012 with Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver.

In 2013 he appeared in Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' as Superman/Clark Kent with an all star cast in the first film in the DC Extended Universe series which was followed up earlier this year with Cavill reprising his role as Superman alongside Ben Affleck in 'Batman v. Superman : The Dawn of Justice'. His first outing as Superman grossed US$668M at the Box Office with his most recent instalment this year so far grossing US$855M. In between time there has been the big screen retelling of the much loved classic spy series of the 60's 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' released mid-2015 with Cavill taking on the role of Napoleon Solo, and Armie Hammer the role of Russian Ilya Kuryakin, and as Directed by Guy Ritchie.

Next up is Iraq War drama 'Sand Castle' currently in post-production for a release later this year, and then as Superman once again for Zack Snyder in 'Justice League : Part One' due in November 2017 and then 'Justice League : Part Two' due in June 2019.

Along the way he was touted to play Superman back in 2004 for a film Directed by McG, but when that project was taken over by Bryan Singer Cavill was dropped in favour of Brandon Routh in what became 'Superman Returns'. He was also in contention for the Edward Cullen role in the 'Twilight' series of films that went to Robert Pattinson instead, and, he has expressed interest in the role of James Bond when Daniel Craig sips on his last martini.

Cavill has 21 acting credits to his name, an MTV Movie Award win and five other nominations so far.  He has been voted 'The World's Sexiest Man' and 'One of the World's Sexiest Men' by various publications. He is a spokesman for the 'Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust', is an ambassador for the 'Royal Marines Charitable Trust' and has taken part in numerous charitable events and worthy causes that he believes in, that more often than not have highlighted his physicality. In 2014 with brother Charlie, he co-founded his own production company - 'Promethean Productions'.

Henry Cavill - chiselled features, athletic, heroic, handsome and fits the mould of a Superhero well - we look forward to seeing what else you bring to the big screen as well as further instalments of perhaps the most loved most recognised superhero of them all. Happy Birthday to you Henry, from Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 28th April 2016.

Last week I opened up with the animated feature films you can expect to see during the balance of 2016, giving you an early Review of six of those Top 12, and here this week we conclude with the final six due for release toward the latter end of the year. As before, check the release dates nearer the time, as times may vary for a whole bunch of reasons.

• 8th September - 'THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS' - Directed by Chris Renaud for Illumination Entertainment for US$75M, this film stars in voice mode Kevin Hart, Steve Coogan and Albert Brooks amongst many others.
• 15th September - 'PETE'S DRAGON' - combining both live action and animation this is a Walt Disney Pictures remake of their 1977 film of the same name, and Directed by David Lowery and starring Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard and Karl Urban. The Dragon in this piece will be CGI animated created by Peter Jackson's Weta Digital.
• 22nd September - 'STORKS' - from Warner Animation Group this is Directed by Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland, and was Produced and Written by Stoller too, with the voices of Kelsey Grammer, Andy Samberg and Keegan-Michael Key.
• 8th December - 'TROLLS' - with a budget of US$120M from DreamWorks Animation and based on the ever popular Troll Dolls, this animated musical comedy is Directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn and stars an ensemble voice cast including Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Anna Kendrick, Russell Brand, John Cleese, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Zooey Deschanel.
• 26th December - 'MOANA' - this 56th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios is a musical fantasy set in ancient Oceania, somewhere in the South Pacific and is Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and stars Dwayne Johnson.
• 26th December - 'SING' - this animated animal based musical comedy is the second production this year from Illumination Entertainment and for US$75M is Directed by Garth Jennings and stars Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly and Taron Egerton.

This week then, there are five new filmic offerings to get you out amongst it at your local multiplex or independent theatre. Kicking off another big screen blockbusting comic book adaptation from those talented folk at Marvel that sees many of our much loved Superhero characters go head to head in all out war against each other . . . and how will it all end? Then, slowing down the pace an Adelaide based film of a Real Estate Agent battling his inner demons to come to terms with his life; and then a comedy about mother's leading up to the one day of the year we should all show our Mums some love. Following this there is the big screen adaptation of a much loved and classic 1970's BBC wartime comedy series; and rounding out the week a Japanese foreign language film of pancakes, bean paste, the young and the old, discrimination, acceptance and cherry blossom.

Having seen you movie(s) of choice in the coming week, why not share your cinematic musings, views, opinions and observations with your like minded film buffs here at Odeon Online. You can do so in the Comments Box below this, or any other Post - we'd love to hear from you. In the meantime, enjoy your film.

'CAPTAIN AMERICA : CIVIL WAR' (Rated M) - the next instalment from the crew at Marvel, sees this the thirteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the third in the Captain America series following on from 'The First Avenger' in 2011 and 'Winter Soldier' in 2014. This is so far slated to be the final standalone Captain America film, although Chris Evans who plays Steve Rogers/Captain America reappears in the upcoming two-part 'Avengers: Infinity War' due in May 2018 and May 2019, and has stated his willingness to reprise his role further should Marvel be open to this, now that his initial contract has ended. Australia will be among the first to get the theatrical release of this film, with the UK going live in cinemas on 29th April, and North America on May 6th.  Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo, we have an all star cast of acting talent and superhero muscle who come together and battle it out head to head and toe to toe one year after the events of 'Age of Ultron'.

Following the last Avengers outing there has been another international event that brings The Avengers under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Involving more collateral damage, governments around the world call for a level of control and accountability for when The Avengers should be called upon, and for them to be overseen by a greater authority so regulating superhuman activity, and the potential fallout from it. Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jnr.) agrees that regulation is needed and supports such an Act, but Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) is opposed to it. This results in The Avengers splitting into two with their divided loyalties on either side falling into two differing factions heard up in the one corner by Tony Stark and in the other by Steve Rogers. Whilst this 'civil war' between the two factions rages on the world is threatened by a new enemy.  Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Sebastian Stan, Elizabeth Olson, Paul Bettany and Emily Van Camp in the roles we have seen them in before, with new characters added from the Marvel Cinematic Universe being Black Panther, Spiderman and Helmut Zemo with a few notable others too. You can expect big things from this film, with the first two grossing US$1.09B and such a formidable collection of assembled Superheroes. Watch out for the obligatory Stan Lee cameo, and the possibility of a post-credits sequence!

'A MONTH OF SUNDAYS' (Rated PG) - Directed, written for the screen and Produced by Matthew Saville, this Australian film sees Anthony LaPaglia as Adelaide Real Estate Agent Frank Mollard - a middle aged recently divorced guy going through a mid-life crisis to end all mid-life crises. He can't move on from his former marriage, he can't connect with his teenage son, and as for his job in real estate - he can't seem to sell a house in a housing boom! All of this though he is in denial about, and then one evening he receives a phone call from his mother . . . who died a year ago! Of course it's a case of mistaken identity and a wrong number, but Frank is so taken in with the woman at the other end of the phone - Sarah (Julia Blake), and vice versa that an odd yet quietly comforting relationship begins to unfold between the two. Also starring Justine Clarke as Wendy - Franks ex-wife and John Clarke as Phillip, Frank's boss. Described as a film about parents, children, regrets, mourning, love, work, houses, homes and getting a second chance . . . even as a Real Estate Agent!

'MOTHERS DAY' (Rated M) - released just in time for Mother's Day in Australia this Garry Marshall Directed comedy has an ensemble cast, and has all the touchstones of his earlier romantic comedies around notable diary dates 'New Year's Eve' and 'Valentine's Day'. This film centres around an upcoming Mother's Day and how a bunch of seemingly unconnected individuals intertwine and reconcile the relationships they either have, our don't have, with their mothers.  In particular there is a television host Miranda (Julia Roberts) who gave up her only child at birth for adoption, a divorcee Sandy (Jennifer Aniston)and mother of two  whose ex-husband has just married a younger woman, and a woman Jesse (Kate Hudson) looking to cement a relationship with her mum after learning that her parents marriage is failing. Also starring Jason Sudeikis, Jon Lovitz, Timothy Olyphant, Britt Robertson and Shay Mitchell.

'DAD'S ARMY' (Rated PG) - I was never a fan of the long running and much-loved BBC television sit-com that ran from 1968-1977 and aired for 80 episodes, so it is unlikely I'll be dashing out to see this latest feature length offering. Set in 1944 with the end of WWII in sight, the Home Guard under Captain Mainwaring's (Toby Jones) watchful eye is suffering from low morale and lack of purpose. Within no time however, to lift their spirits a glamorous journalist arrives in the shape of Rose Winters (Catherine Zeta-Jones) to report on how the small platoon is bearing up and what keeps them busy. In the meantime, the authorities have detected a radio signal from Walmington-on-Sea to Berlin, and our band of aging soldiers at the ready just happen to reside and be stationed in Walmington-on-Sea. Suspecting foul play at the hands of a spy, this gives the Home Guard Dad's purpose and meaning, and the chance to contribute finally to the war effort. Directed by Oliver Parker and starring Bill Nighy, Tom Courtenay, Michael Gambon, Ian Lavender (from the original line-up) and a host of other fine English acting talent. See it for nostalgic reasons . . . 'you stupid boy'!

'AN' (Rated M) - aka 'Sweet Bean' is a lesson in restraint where less is definitely more! Based on the story 'An' by Durian Sukegawa this Japanese film is Directed and written for the screen by Naomi Kawase. This slow and simple story surrounds middle aged Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) who operates a small bakery making dorayaki (a red bean pancake confection) that is a popular spot with locals and school kids. When he places a notice seeking an assistant to help out in his little shop, he is approached by Tokue (Kirin Kiki) an older woman in her seventies, who's states that she had always wanted to work in such a bakery. Because of her age and her slightly deformed hands, Sentaro initially rejects her application, but upon tasting a sample of her own bean paste he has a change of mind - as hers is something far better tasting that the commercially produced bean paste he has been using. As the business takes off and becomes more in demand, so the customers come to realise that Tokue's hands were deformed by a disease, and as a result sales begin to drop off and Sentaro has to let his assistant go. What unfolds after this turn of events is a story of discrimination, forgiveness, acceptance and much more than a humble back street bakery selling street food. A slow burn meandering and at times emotional film that won't be for everyone, but is sure to find an audience.

Five new films, and five very different films at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, so there is no excuse not to find something that appeals. Get yourself out to a movie in the week ahead, and then share your thoughts with us here - in the meantime, I'll see you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

RAMS : Friday 15th April 2016.

'RAMS' which I saw over a week ago now was a winner in the 'Un Certain Regard' category at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival in May 2015 where it won the top prize. This Icelandic drama comedy was Written and Directed by Grimur Hakonarson and was entered in the Best Foreign Language Film category at this years Academy Awards but failed to get a nomination. That said, the film has gained much critical praise for its well told yet very simple story.  The film cost 1.75M Euros to bring to the big screen.

Set in a secluded Icelandic valley brothers Gummi (Sigurour Sigurjonsson) and Kiddi (Theodor Jullusson) live side by side on their own farms where they breed an ancestral sheep-stock that is considered to be the best in the country, winning numerous accolades repeatedly for their prized rams who carry an ancient lineage. Although the two brothers live side by side, share the land, raise the same award winning sheep, they haven't spoken to each other for forty years or more, the reasons for which are never divulged. Instead they communicate with each other by hand written note which is carried from one farm door to the other via Kiddi's sheep dog.

As the film opens we see the two farmers preparing the best specimen of their respective flocks for a local judging, and when Gummi's ram comes runner up to his brother Kiddi's, the suspicions are raised by the former believing that his are far superior, and that in fact his brothers ram may be diseased. He conducts his own inspection later that night under cover of darkness, and suspects that his brothers flock is suffering from 'scrapie' - a fatal degenerative disease that effects the nervous system of both sheep and goats. In the village where they live we learn that there has not been such an outbreak for many years, and whilst not eradicated it was thought to be under control - this could have catastrophic impacts on the whole valley, and ultimately we see that it does, and even more so with Winter drawing in.

Gummi takes it upon himself to alert the local authorities who conduct tests, and when Kiddi learns that his brother has gone behind his back and brought his precious prized flock into question he is none too pleased. Their relationship seems then to go downhill still further with warning shots fired through bedroom windows, and a fight breaking out in the barn. Gummi is taking the whole matter very seriously, but Kiddi seems intent on drowning his sorrows. The disease is confirmed a few days later and the whole valley is ordered to cull their entire flock, burn their hay supplies, and disinfect their barns. Gummi does so, but Kiddi spends most of his time in a drunken stupor to engage in such trivialities. In the end it is he who is the last to follow the letter of the law, which only irks the local authorities and delays any claim to compensation that he may have from his seemingly willing and understanding insurance company.

With both flocks culled - Gummi's by his own hand, and Kiddi's by the authorities, we gradually learn of a hidden agenda that Gummi is harbouring, that might just be his saviour and that of his family farm. We also learn that Kiddi is living on the farm that is in fact owned by Gummi, and unless Kiddi abides by the legal requirements imposed by the authorities to clean and disinfect his barn, Gummi is in fact responsible. This in turn could mean no compensation for either party, and with the prospect of two years without a flock, that would be far from ideal financially. So Gummi decides to take it into his own hands and clean Kiddi's barn, but not before he has sent over a note explaining the whole matter, via the trustee dog.

Things come to a head when Gummi's hidden agenda is discovered by the authorities, leaving him no choice by to confide in his estranged brother and seek his support. His brother does so willingly, realising that all is perhaps not lost as he had thought and that perhaps his brother's intentions are genuine and not something to be treated with suspicion. By now it is the depths of an Icelandic Winter and a thick blanket of snow covers the ground around the hills where the farms are located.

The two brothers venture out on a quad bike with the dog in tow as night falls, and get deeper into an oncoming blizzard as they venture up the hill side. They become separated from each other and their dog, and stumble around as the wind howls all around them in what is almost a white out. As morning comes Gummi is discovered by Kiddi lying prone on the ground face up almost half frozen. Kiddi digs an ice hole in the hill side and pushes in his unconscious brother, cuddling up close to warm and revive him offering words of reassurance and reconciliation.

'Rams' is an engaging story bordering on the absurd almost. It is a plain simple story well told, that at times slows down to such a meandering pace that makes this tale all the more riveting. Essentially a story of two feuding brothers and the animals they love perhaps more than anything, and a series of events that draws them at first further apart and then brings them together ultimately. It is well worth a look, but I would have liked a little more back story as to why the brothers chose not to speak to each other for over forty years, yet still share so much. The scenery is harsh and breathtaking, the performances nuanced and grounded, and the story predictable but thoroughly engaging.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Birthday's to share this week : 24th-30th April 2016.

Do you celebrate your Birthday this week?

Gal Gadot does on 30th April - check out my tribute to this Birthday Girl turning 31, 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 24th April

• Richard Donner - Born 1930, turns 86 - Director | Producer | Actor  
• Djimon Hounsou - Born 1964, turns 52 - Actor | Producer  
• Kelly Clarkson - Born 1982, turns 34 - Actress | Singer
• Barbra Streisand - Born 1942, turns 74 - Actress | Producer | Director | Singer
• Shirley MacLaine - Born 1934, turns 82 - Actress | Writer | Producer | Director | Singer 

Monday 25th April

• Renee Zellweger - Born 1969, turns 47 - Actress | Producer | Writer
• Talia Shire - Born 1946, turns 70 - Actress | Producer | Director  
• Hank Azaria - Born 1964, turns 52 - Actor | Producer | Singer
• Al Pacino - Born 1940, turns 76 - Actor | Producer | Director | Writer  

Tuesday 26th April

• Channing Tatum - Born 1980, turns 36 - Actor | Producer  
• Jet Li - Born 1963, turns 53 - Actor | Producer | Director | Writer  
• Kevin James - Born 1965, turns 51 - Actor | Producer | Writer
• Carol Burnett - Born 1933, turns 83 - Actress | Producer | Singer 

Wednesday 27th April

• Sally Hawkins - Born 1976, turns 40 - Actress  
• Kevin McNally - Born 1956, turns 60 - Actor | Writer  

Thursday 28th April

• Paul Guilfoyle - Born 1949, turns 67 - Actor
• Mary McDonnell - Born 1952, turns 64 - Actress  
• Bridget Moynahan - Born 1971, turns 45 - Actress
• Penelope Cruz - Born 1974, turns 42 - Actress | Producer | Writer
• Jessica Alba - Born 1981, turns 35 - Actress  

Friday 29th April

• Uma Thurman - Born 1970, turns 46 - Actress | Producer | Writer | Singer  
• Michelle Pfeiffer - Born 1958, turns 58 - Actress | Producer | Singer 
• Phillip Noyce - Born 1950, turns 66 - Director | Producer | Writer
• Daniel Day-Lewis - Born 1957, turns 59 - Actor  
• Jerry Seinfeld - Born 1954, turns 62 - Actor | Writer | Producer | Director | Television Personality

Saturday 30th April

• Lars von Trier - Born 1956, turns 60 - Director | Producer | Writer
• Burt Young - Born 1940, turns 76 - Actor | Writer 
• Gal Gadot - Born 1985, turns 31 - Actress 
• Kirsten Dunst - Born 1982, turns 34 - Actress
• Jane Campion - Born 1954, turns 62 - Director | Producer | Writer  

Gal Gadot was born and grew up in Rosh HaAyia in Israel to her mother, a teacher, and father, an engineer. Her name Gal, is translated to 'wave' and her surname which was Hebraized by her parents from Greenstein to Gadot, means 'shores' or 'riverbanks'. Raised in what she described as a 'very Jewish, Israeli family environment' she served for two years from age 18 in the Israeli Defence Force serving as a combat instructor. At about this same time, in 2004, Gadot won the 'Miss Israel' competition and subsequently travelled to Ecuador to take part and represent her country in the Miss Universe pageant. After this, and serving in the Army, she attended University to study law - having always intended to become s lawyer. In 2007, she appeared on the cover of the New York Post in a Maxim photo shoot 'Women of the Israeli Army'.

After her first year at University however, she was called to audition for the role in 'Quantum of Solace' - the role that would eventually go to Olga Kurylenko. Whilst unsuccessful, the Casting Director hired her for the role of Gisele Yashar in 'Fast and Furious' in 2009 - the fourth instalment of the hugely successful franchise. She followed up her debut film role in the Steve Carell and Tina Fey film Directed by Shaun Levy 'Date Night' in 2010, with the Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz actioner helmed by James Mangold 'Knight and Day' later that same year. Gadot returned to the 'Fast and Furious' franchise in 2011 and again in 2013 reprising her role as the former Mossad Agent, Gisele Yashar in 'Fast Five' and then 'Fast and Furious 6' where her character is killed off saving the life of her lover. She reappears in 'Furious 7' but in flashback archival footage only.

In the meantime, she starred in the Israeli film 'Kicking Out Shoshana' before this years 'Triple 9' with Casey Afleck, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet as Directed by John Hillcoat.

Perhaps her breakout role however, was as 'Wonder Woman' in the recently released Zack Snyder Directed 'Batman v. Superman' in the second DC Extended Universe offering. So far this film has grossed US$835M but had divided audiences worldwide, although Gadot has been largely praised for her performance at Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. She has committed to the two upcoming 'Justice League' films due in November 2017 and in June 2019 also Directed by Snyder, and 'Wonder Woman' a stand alone origin film currently shooting, also due in mid-2017.

In the meantime 'Criminal' is due for imminent release with Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones and Ryan Reynolds. In post-production is 'Keeping Up With The Joneses' - a comedy caper starring Jon Hamm, Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher.

She also has a successful modelling career promoting brands such as Captain Morgan, Gucci and Jaguar. Gadot has also appeared on the cover of 'Glamour', 'Cosmopolitan', 'FHM' and 'Bride' magazine.

Gadot has twenty Acting credits to her name and has her work cut out for her already for the next three years or so at least playing the superhero type. In 2008 she married Israeli property developer Yaron Versano with whom she has a daughter Alma, born in late 2011. The family live in Tel Aviv.

Gal Gadot - beautiful, statuesque, sultry, mysterious, athletic and a star most definitely on the rise. Although only just starting out, you have already made your mark and have achieved much - Happy Birthday to you, from Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 21st April 2016.

Having reported in the last couple of weeks the major movies to watch out for in the balance of 2016, I thought I would round things off in a similar vein with the animated films slated for release between now and the end the year. Always finding an audience of both young, and young at heart, it is worth watching out for these top twelve animated offerings coming your way soon, with six highlighted this week and the remaining six next week. Check the release dates nearer the time as dates may vary for a whole heap of reasons.

• 12th May - 'THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE' - from Sony Pictures Imageworks on a budget of US$80M, Directed by Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly featuring the voices of Sean Penn, Danny McBride, Jason Sudeikis and Bill Hader.
• 16th June - 'FINDING DORY' - from Pixar Animation, this follow up to 2003 hugely successful 'Finding Nemo' is Directed by Andrew Stanton again and stars the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Willem Dafoe, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton and Bill Hader.
• 23rd June - 'ICE AGE : COLLISION COURSE' - the fifth instalment in this successful franchise from Blue Sky Studios is Directed by Mike Thurmeier and stars our usual characters voiced by Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez and Simon Pegg. The first four films made a combined US$2.8B off budgets totalling US$324M which is why the ice age keeps on keeping on.
• 28th July - 'RATCHET AND CLANK' - based on the video game series of the same name, this Sci-Fi action comedy origin film stars the voices of Sylvester Stallone, John Goodman, Paul Giamatti and Rosario Dawson and is brought to us by Sony Interactive Entertainment and the originators of the video game.
• 11th August - 'SAUSAGE PARTY' - definitely not for the kids, this is adult animated comedy Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and stars a huge voice cast that includes Seth Rogen, Kirsten Wiig, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Edward Norton, Salma Hayek, Danny McBride and Bill Hader.
• 18th August - 'KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS' - this stop-motion animated fantasy film is set in ancient Japan, is Directed by Travis Knight and stars the voice talents of Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei and Rooney Mara.

And so what is happening in the week ahead at a cinema near you. Three news releases are happening that jump-start with a comedy bio-pic of a little known but perhaps fondly remembered Winter Olympic athlete who came from absolutely nowhere but achieved momentary greatness almost thirty years ago and won the hearts and minds of a nation. Then a close encounter of a new kind as father and son go on the run after discovering something very unusual and very special about the young lad that make him just about the hottest ticket in town. And to wrap things up a French foreign language offering about a famed socialite singer who couldn't really sing but she believed she could, when all around her kept up with the ruse . . . but at whose expense really I wonder. 

Aside from these three there is still plenty of great film fare still on general release that has been Reviewed and Previewed between these pages. When you have sat through your film of choice in the week ahead, share your views and opinions with our readership at Odeon Online in the Comments Box below this or any other Post - we'd love to hear from you. Meanwhile, enjoy this week films.

EDDIE THE EAGLE (Rated PG) - this true sports bio drama comedy story recounts the rise to infamy of one of England's great unsung Winter Olympic sports athletes, and is Directed by Dexter Fletcher and made for US$23M. Having had its worldwide premier at Sundance in late January, the film was released in the US in late February and in the UK in late March, and has so far grossed US$32M. Based on the story of one Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards who rose to fame during the 1988 Winter Olympics as Great Britain's first and only hope in Olympic Ski Jumping at the Calgary, Alberta Games of that year.

Here young lad Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) has dreams of becoming an Olympic Champion, but alas they are only dreams and he is unable, despite his best efforts, to turn this into anything approaching reality. As a young aspiring teenager he gives away his Summer Olympic dreams in favour of the Winter Olympics and in particularly ski jumping - a sport that Great Britain has not competed in for sixty years. After various setbacks and embarrassments at the hands of competing nations he is taken in by former ski jump champion Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) who nurtures his skills and his abilities to allow him, against the odds, to compete at the highest level. Being old enough to remember the real Eddie Edwards and those Calgary Olympics and the homecoming post-games that this new national hero received despite his failings, this will be an uplifting story of the true underdog with tenacity in the face of adversity, and a competitor whose belief in taking part was more important than winning, and who never gave up hope despite the set backs, the chides, and the abuse from his competitors and those even in his own team. A must watch for the sentimentalists and those wanting a feel good tale of courage and conviction.

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (Rated M) - Written and Directed by Jeff Nichols, this Sci-Fi drama film was made for just US$18M and has a strong cast, a solid story and is already receiving much critical acclaim around the traps for its original premise, convincing performances, and its engaging entertainment factor. Telling the story of  Roy (Michael Shannon) and his eight year old son Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) who are on the run from federal and local law enforcement officers and a religious cult after it is discovered that young Alton has special otherworldly powers. With so many hot on their heels, father and son must thwart those that are chasing them as they head towards a date and time of special significance that could change everything, for everyone. Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver and Sam Shepherd also star.

MARGUERITE (Rated M) - loosely inspired by the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, this French/Czech/Belgian Co-Production was Co-Written and Directed by Xavier Giannoli and is set in the 1920's and stars Catherine Frot as Marguerite Dumont a wealthy Paris socialite. She has an overwhelming passion for the opera and for singing, and believes that she has the voice of an angel, and sings often for her friends, even though she is not particularly good at it. Her friends, family and loved ones however, are either too timid or too embarrassed to tell her about her vocal skills, and in fact play along with her fantasy. But things start to take a very different turn when she decides to perform in public in front of a real audience. What does this mean for the would-be-diva who is tone-deaf and couldn't hit a note if her life depended on it - it can go only one of two ways! Not to be confused with the Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant film 'Florence Foster Jenkins' film as Directed by Stephen Frears due out later in 2016.

With three new movies out in the week ahead, and plenty more great cinematic content still out on general release, there is no excuse not to get yourself out to your local multiplex or local independent theatre for some movie goodness. I'll see you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

ALLEGIANT - THE DIVERGENT SERIES : Thursday 14th April 2016.

'ALLEGIANT' which I saw during the past week is the third instalment in the popular teenage dystopian Sci-Fi series of books by Veronica Roth that follows on from 'Divergent' and last years 'Insurgent' which made US$289M and US$298M respectively off the back of a combined US$195M budget, so hardly blockbuster status. Like 'Potter', 'Twilight' and 'The Hunger Games' before it, the final book in the Divergent series is split into two films with the final piece of this puzzle 'Ascendant' due for release in June 2017. In the meantime, 'Allegiant' is Directed by Robert Schwentke, who also Directed 'Insurgent', and was made for US$110M and since its release in the US on 18th March has so far made US$152M. The film has so far received largely luke warm reviews, but is likely to find an audience of those so far following the exploits of Tris Prior & Co., as the series enters its conclusion.

Here we see the same bunch of characters that you by now know, with Tris (Shailene Woodley) wishing to escape the confines of a walled in Chicago of the future with Four (Theo James) for the first time, so leaving behind everything and (almost) everyone she knows and loves.  With the events that unfolded at the end of 'Insurgent', we join as Evelyn (Naomi Watts) has taken power and is holding those citizens  of Dauntless and Erudite captive who conspired against the uprising. Those found 'guilty' are publicly executed - with Caleb (Ansel Elgort) next on the list who remains holed up in a jail cell gazing down at Tris for sympathy who is giving none - outwardly at least.  Evelyn attempts to pressure Tris and Four into taking a leadership role within the new order, but neither are interested and turn their backs as they have their own hidden agenda now.

Knowing that the hostilities will only escalate further Tris and Four manage to have Caleb released under false pretences and make their getaway with Christina (Zoe Kravitz), Peter (Miles Teller) and Tori (Maggi Q) to the wall that encircles Chicago which has now become reinforced with a high voltage current. Despite this they succeed in their attempt to free themselves of the city, but not without chase and a casualty along the way.

Needless to say they break through, scale down a cliff face and begin their journey into who knows what? It is not long before they emerge in a red & orange coloured landscape of scorched earth and toxic waterways, and the wreckage of a civilisation long since vanished. However, they are soon picked up by a group of friendly welcoming soldiers who have been watching their every move and reassure them they are now safe. They are escorted to the Bureau of Genetic Welfare - a highly advanced city amid the desolate landscape that has risen out of the former Chicago airport on the city's fringe. Here, Tris is introduced to David (Jeff Daniels) the leader of the Bureau who advises her of the truth behind Chicago, and that is was an experiment to raise genetically pure Divergents, but the experiments failed, and only Tris is truly pure, whilst all others are 'damaged' and to varying degrees. But David can help her restore peace to Chicago which is becoming increasingly fragile as the former Evelyn's factionless prepare to battle it out for supremacy over Johanna's (Octavia Spencer) new Allegiant faction, with the threat of all out war becoming more real by the day.

As Tris' trust in David grows, so Four becomes more suspicious. He is enlisted into the military force with Christina while Peter and Caleb are given surveillance duties within the Bureau, to maintain a very close watch on the developments and the comings & goings in Chicago. On a child rescue mission into the 'fringe' which Four joins, he learns that there is more to rescuing less fortunate kids that humanitarian reasons as he was led to believe. Having witnessed first hand what becomes of the captured children and uncovered the truth behind forceful child abductions Four confronts Tris with this news, but she dismisses the notion in support of David.

As Tris is flown with David to meet the Council he reports to in an attempt to stop the violence in Chicago, Four engineers his escape from the Bureau back to Chicago in attempt to halt an all out war.  He escapes but his ship is downed and he in injured but flees to safety and eventually makes it back to Chicago where he is picked up and promptly thrown in a cell where Evelyn confronts him with her desire to go to war and quell Johanna and her Allegiant faction. Meanwhile Tris' meeting with the Council did not go well and she learns that David had the authority all along to end the violence in Chicago but chose not to - as a consequence she breaks off her partnership with him as she can longer trust what he is saying. She returns to the Bureau and hatches a quick escape plan with Caleb and Christina.

They make it back to Chicago, locate Four but not before Evelyn aided by a turncoat Peter who has struck up a clandestine deal with David, have released a gas into the atmosphere of the city to erase the memories of all its inhabitants so ending the war and bring about peace in her favour and on her terms. With Peter and Evelyn sealed away in a tightly locked vault, it would be only them who have any memory of the before and after once the gas is fully released. In the meantime, Tris, Caleb, Chritsina and Four race against time to locate the underground gas dispersion hub to prevent the gas release from deploying fully.

Of course it all comes good in the end as the gas released is halted before it's all too late, but not before Evelyn is shot by an angered Peter who then makes his escape seeking to get back to the Bureau and claim his reward on the deal he struck up with David. The citizens
are free to live another day as Tris goes on air with the truth behind the existence of the Bureau and the experiment of which they have all been part . . . but no more, as Caleb sends the shuttle which brought them back is returned packed full of explosives which detonates upon reaching its target bringing down the Bureau, everyone in it and everything it stood for.

I have to say, I found this film underwhelming. Maybe the Director and the Producers are gearing up for the huge finale that will break Box Office records for the franchise and wow us beyond belief. There are no stand out moments in this film other than perhaps the spectacle of the visuals as we venture for the first time beyond the wall. Other than that this film is pretty pedestrian and everything you would expect. The cast seem to plod their way through their lines and the action - neither of which are especially memorable, and its all fairly predictable fare. Let's hope for a whole lot more on every level in the final chapter of this series - for which we'll have to wait another twelve months. In the meantime, wait for the Bluray and DVD release so that you can watch this in the comfort of your home.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE HUNTSMAN - WINTER'S WAR : Tuesday 12th April 2016.

THE HUNTSMAN : WINTER'S WAR which I saw in the week, is the sequel to the 2012 movie 'Snow White and the Huntsman' which off the back of its US$170M budget made US$397M. Directed by first timer Cedric Nicolas-Troyan who was the VFX specialist on the first film, and filmed in England, this next instalment was released in the UK on 4th April and opens in the US on 22nd April, and has so far made US$19M off its US$115M budget.

Here we see a number of characters from that earlier instalment reprising their roles including Chris Hemsworth as Eric, the Huntsman; Charlize Theron as Ravenna, the Evil Queen; Nick Frost as Nion a Dwarf; and Sam Claflin as King William. This time joined by Emily Blunt as Freya, the Ice Queen and sister of Ravenna, Rob Brydon as dwarf Gryff and half-brother of Nion, and Jessica Chastain as Sara, a warrior and wife of Eric.

As the film opens we are taken back to time before the death of Raveena at the hands of Snow White, where the Evil Queen learns from the magic mirror that her sister Freya is pregnant with a daughter, and that in time that child's beauty will outshine her own. The mirror also warns of dire repurcussions if that child is harmed in any way. Later as Freya and her lover The Duke of Blackwood plan their escape from Raveena's evil shadow, Freya learns that in fact her lover has murdered their child in its cot, and in her rage she unleashes her hitherto dormant cryokinetic power and kills the Duke. Mourning her loss and vowing to never love again, she abandons her sister and moves to the remote North and builds herself an ice palace and establishes her own kingdom that she can rule over. In time she builds an army of children that she can nurture and train to become skilled huntsman and women, and instills in them all the need to turn their back on love for fear of death by her own hand should anyone betray her wishes. In the meantime, she provides food, clothing, shelter and two particular apt children prove to be her star pupils - Eric and Sara who grow up to be Chris Hemsworth and Jessica Chastain. They fall in love as they reach adulthood much to the disdain of the Ice Queen, who unleashes her wrath on them both - killing Sara and injuring Eric and throwing him into a fast flowing icy river to be washed down stream presumed dead.

We now fast forward seven years, and Raveena is dead killed by Snow White who now rules over the kingdom. But recently Snow White has come under the spell of the magic mirror and its dark powerful force, and so a plan was hatched to remove the mirror to a forest 'Sanctuary' where its powers can be contained. Eric is tracked down by King William and two accompanying dwarves, Nion and Gryff, who recount the tale of woe to the Huntsman and state that only he can retrieve the mirror that disappeared while en route to its final destination at the Sanctuary. Upon orders from Snow White, Eric agrees that the mirror cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands and so the search begins with Nion and Gryff in tow, believing that Freya may be after the mirror to harness its power for her own purposes and to expand her kingdom ultimately.

Upon their journey to retrieve the mirror the trio rest up in a local hostelry where a brawl breaks out involving other Huntsmen who recognise Eric from years before when he broke the law by falling in love. As the brawl escalates outside, Eric is aided by a mystery person who fends off the other Huntsmen and they retreat on horseback. That rescuer is Sara, believed to be long dead, but not so - Eric can hardly believe his eyes, but each have a different explanation for their separation having been bewitched by Freya into thinking that Sara had been killed and Eric fled to save his own bacon - each has a conflicting memory of those events.

With Sara now joining the hunt for the magic mirror, the four fall into the hands of two female dwarves Bromwyn (Sheridan Smith) and Doreena (Alexandra Roach) who take them prisoner but agree to release them if they be allowed to join their quest and share in the spoils. They know of a place where the goblins take their valuable treasures that is close to the Sanctuary, but is heavily forested and those that venture in, never venture out. The get in easily enough but getting out is more tricky when marauding goblins descend to thwart their plan to retrieve the mirror. But of course they prevail and the mirror makes it out, covered up to hide its powers and prevent anyone gazing up on it.

The next morning, having slept in an enchanted forest glen and Eric and Sara have reconciled their differences, the group are descended upon by Freya and her army who take the mirror back to the Ice Kingdom, and in the process freeze to the spot Nion and Doreena who by now have started to get acquainted in a dwarf kinda way! Sara retreats with Freya back to the Ice Kingdom having been ordered by Freya to kill Eric - to which she promptly shoots an arrow directly into his chest.

Needless to say, our hero survives and vows to retrieve the mirror and his one true love from Freya and her Ice Kingdom. And so Eric, Gryff and Bromwyn make their way through the frozen wasteland to the mountainous Ice Kingdom, with not much of a plan, but a whole lot of determination and bravado. At the same time Freya reactivates the mirror by reading aloud the inscription along its edge so releasing Raveena who upon her death possessed herself spiritually into the mirror awaiting the day for her to be released. And so she is, having regained her form she is reunited with her sister but has designs of her own on who now should rule over the Ice Kingdom. As the sisters argue with each other over who should reign supreme and to what end, Freya learns that her sister cursed The Duke of Blackwood to kill her child. Eric, Gryff and Bromwyn are captured and at the point of Eric's execution, a number of other Huntsmen whom Eric grew up with up, turn against Raveena and Freya and attempt to kill them both. In her rage, Freya turns against her sister, and using her powers freezes the mirror, at which Eric then throws his axe so breaking the mirror into a thousand pieces and destroying Raveena's spirit. Eric and Sara are reunited, and you guessed it - live happily ever after!

In the final analysis this is everything you would expect it to be, and nothing more. The storyline is inventive enough, the casting is strong with the additions of Jessica Chastain and Emily Blunt, there is sufficient action to maintain the pace, the dwarves add just the right amount of humour along the way and in the end don't forget that this is an early 19th Century children's fairytale updated for a 21st Century audience. It's worth a look, just don't have too high an expectation.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-