What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 4th September 2025

The 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), this year runs from Thursday 4th through until Sunday 14th September, in the Canadian city of Toronto, Ontario. It is a chance for audiences and industry professionals to celebrate with the best of Canadian and global cinema, special events and talks with stars, plus TIFF's Industry Conference. TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organisation dedicated to presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema and creating transformational experiences for film lovers and creators of all ages and backgrounds. Its mission to transform the way people see the world through film . . . so reads the official website.

This years Opening Film presentation is 'John Candy : I Like Me' Directed and Co-Produced by Colin Hanks, and this documentary film is a portrait of John Candy, the Canadian Actor who began his career on the sketch comedy series 'Second City Television' before becoming one of the most popular and beloved stars of comedy films until his death of a heart attack in 1994. The Closing Film is 'Peak Everything' Written and Directed by Anne Emond and this romantic comedy is about a kennel owner from Montreal who suffers from depression and climate anxiety, and after buying a light therapy box to counter his symptoms, he falls in love with the customer service representative who helps him set up the device over the phone, and sets off to Sudbury to find her. 

There are twenty-two feature films in this years Gala Presentations section, and these are detailed in brief below :-

* 'Adulthood' - from the USA and this comedy drama film is Co-Produced, Directed and stars Alex Winter, together with Kaya Scodelario, Billie Lourd and Josh Gad.

* 'The Choral' - from the UK and this historical comedy drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Nicholas Hytner and stars Ralph Fiennes, Alun Armstrong and Simon Russell Beale.

* 'Driver's Ed' - from the USA and this comedy film is Directed by Bobby Farrelly and stars Sam Nivola, Molly Shannon and Kumail Nanjiani.

* 'Eleanor the Great' - from the USA and this drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Scarlett Johansson in her Directorial debut, and stars June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht and Chiwetel Ejiofor. 

* 'Eternity' - from the USA and this fantasy romantic comedy is Directed by David Freyne, and stars Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

* 'Fuze' - from the UK and this crime thriller heist film is Directed by David Mackenzie, and stars Arron Taylor-Johnson,  Theo James, Sam Worthington and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

* 'Glenrothan' - from the UK and this drama film is Co-Produced, Directed and stars Brian Cox and Alan Cumming, and is Cox's feature Directing debut.

* 'Good Fortune' - from the USA and this comedy film is Written, Co-Produced, Directed and stars Aziz Ansari alongside Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Oh, and is Ansari's feature Directorial debut.

* 'Hamnet' - from the UK and the USA and this historical drama film is Co-Written for the screen, Co-Produced and Directed by Chloe Zhao, and stars Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Joe Alwyn, Emily Watson and Jacobi Jupe. 

* 'Homebound' - from India and Written for the screen and Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor.
* 'John Candy : I Like Me' - from the USA and this documentary film is Co-Produced and Directed by Colin Hanks, and stars John Candy.

* 'Lilith Fair : Building a Mystery' - from Canada and this documentary film is Directed by Ally Pankiw, and focuses on female solo musicians and female-led bands, including Sarah McLachlan (the founder of this music festival), Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt, Jewel, Olivia Rodrigo, Indigo Girls and Emmylou Harris are among those interviewed.

* 'No Other Choice' - from South Korea this black comedy thriller film is Co-Written for the screen, Produced and Directed by Park Chan-wook, and stars Lee Byung-hun.

* 'Nuremberg' - from the USA and this historical drama film is Written for the screen, Co-Produced and Directed by James Vanderbilt and stars Remi Malek, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Richard E. Grant, Colin Hanks, Leo Woodall, and John Slattery. 

* 'Palestine 36' - from Palestine, the UK, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan and this historical drama film is Written and Directed by Annemarie Jacir, and stars Robert Aramayo, Billy Howle, Liam Cunningham and Jeremy Irons.

* 'Peak Everything' - from Canada and this RomCom is Written and Directed by Anne Emond and stars Patrick Hivon, Piper Perabo and Connor Jessup.

* 'A Private Life' - from France and this black comedy mystery film is Co-Written for the screen and Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski and stars Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric and Vincent Lacoste.

* 'Roofman' - from the USA and this crime comedy drama film is Co-Written for the screen and Directed by Derek Cianfrance and stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, Peter Dinklage, Juno Temple, LaKeith Stanfield, Lily Collins and Tony Revolori. 

* 'She's Got No Name' - from China and Hong Kong and this crime drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Peter Chan and stars Zhang Ziyi.

* 'Sholay' - from India and this 1975 originally released epic action adventure film is Directed by Ramesh Sippy and stars Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan. 

* 'Swiped' - from the USA and this biographical drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg and stars Lily Collins, Dan Stevens, Myha'la, Jackson White and Ben Schnetzer.

* 'Two Pianos' - from France and this romantic drama film is Written and Directed by Arnaud Desplechin and stars Francois Civil, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Charlotte Rampling and Hippolyte Girardot.

The Tribute Awards will be presented to amongst others Guillermo Del Toro as the recipient of the Director's Award, to Jodie Foster as the recipient of the Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, and the South Korean Actor Lee Byung-hun as recipient of a Special Tribute Award. 

For the full details of the aforementioned films featuring in the Gala Presentations section, plus the other films appearing in the Special Presentations programme, the Centrepiece section, TIFF Docs, Discovery, Platform, Midnight Madness and the Short Cuts strands, plus a whole lot of other good stuff, you can visit the official website at : https://tiff.net/about-the-festival

Turning the attention back on this week six hot new release movies coming to your local big screen Odeon, we kick off with an action comedy offering in which a mercenary takes on the job of tracking down a target on a plane but must protect her when they're surrounded by people trying to kill both of them. Next up we have a black comedy film about an outwardly perfect couple's simmering jealousy boils over when the husband's career implodes, revealing cracks in the facade of their ideal family life. Then we turn to a black comedy drama where something bad happened to Agnes, but life must go on . . . for everyone around her, at least. This is followed by a supernatural horror offering centring on a husband and wife team of paranormal investigators who must try to vanquish a demon from a family's home. Up next is a musical comedy based on an Off-Broadway stage production which is based on a 1988 film which sees a high school senior, trying to survive and fit in with her new peers, the beautiful but cruel Heathers, but she also must contend with an unstable boy who pushes her to the limit. And closing out the week we have an animated fantasy drama film that follows Jesus' life from ministry beginnings through crucifixion, resurrection, as seen through Apostle John's eyes.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the six latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the week ahead.

'FIGHT OR FLIGHT' (Rated MA15+) - is an action comedy film Directed by James Madigan in his feature film Directorial debut, although he has been the Second Unit Director on the likes of 'G.I. Joe : Retaliation', 'RED 2', 'Insurgent', 'Allegiant', 'The Meg', 'Bill and Ted Face the Music', 'Snake Eyes' and 'Transformers : Rise of the Beasts' more recently. This film premiered in the UK at the end of February this year, was released in the US in early May, has received positive critical reviews and has so far grossed US$4M at the Box Office. 

Exiled American agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett) is given one last chance to redeem himself. The assignment (should he choose to accept it) is to track down and identify a mysterious, international high-value asset known only as 'The Ghost' (Charithra Chandran) on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Complicating matters, the plane is filled with assassins from around the world who are assigned to kill them both. The pair must work together in a fight for their lives. At 37,000 feet, the stakes have never been higher. 

'THE ROSES' (Rated MA15+) - this satirical black comedy film is Directed by Jay Roach whose previous Directorial credits take in the three 'Austin Powers' films in 1997, 1999 and 2002, as well as 'Mystery, Alaska' in 1999, 'Meet the Parents' in 2000, 'Meet the Fockers' in 2004, 'Dinner for Schmucks' in 2010, 'Trumbo' in 2015 and 'Bombshell' in 2019. This film is based on the 1981 novel 'The War of the Roses' by Warren Adler, and a remake of the 1989 film, also titled 'The War of the Roses' which starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Here, life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch) - successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the facade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing, as Theo's career nosedives while Ivy's own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. Also starring Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon and Allison Janney, the film was released last week Stateside. 

'SORRY, BABY' (Rated M) - is an American black comedy drama film that is Written, Directed and starring Eva Victor in her film making debut. The film saw its World Premiere screening at the Sundance Film Festival in late January this year, went on release in the US at the end of June, has so far grossed US$3M and has generated universal critical acclaim. Here then, something terrible happened to Agnes (Eva Victor) while studying at college in a graduate programme. But life goes on for everyone else. When a friend visits on the brink of an important milestone, Agnes realises how stuck she's been, in this story of finding your way after your world comes crashing down. Also starring Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, Kelly McCormack, John Carroll Lynch and Louis Cancelmi. 

'THE CONJURING : LAST RITES' (Rated MA15+) - this American supernatural horror film is Directed by Michael Chaves who made his feature film Directing debut with 2019's 'The Curse of La Llorona' and which he would follow up with 'The Conjuring : The Devil Made Me Do It' in 2021 and 'The Nun II' in 2023. This is the ninth film in the 'Conjuring Universe' which launched in 2013, and those first eight films in the franchise have grossed a worldwide Box Office haul of US$2.28B from combined production budgets of US$208M. Here, once again the film is based on the true-life investigations of Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) the paranormal investigators and authors, who in 1986 attempt to vanquish a real life haunting by a demon in the home of the Smurl family occupied by father Jack (Elliot Cowan) and mother Janet (Rebecca Calder) and their four children. Also starring Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy. The film is released in the US this week too.

'HEATHERS : THE MUSICAL' (Rated MA15+) - this comedy musical film is based on the Off-Broadway production of 2014 which is based on the movie of the same name from 1988. This film of the stage play is Directed by Andy Fickman, whose previous big screen credits take in the likes of 'She's the Man' in 2006, 'The Game Plan' in 2007, 'Race to Witch Mountain' in 2009, 'You Again' in 2010, 'Parental Guidance' in 2012, 'Paul Blart : Mall Cop 2' in 2015, 'Playing with Fire' in 2019, 'One True Loves' in 2023, and 'Don't Turn Out the Lights' also in 2023. Here, in welcoming the viewer to Westerberg High, where Veronica Sawyer (Alisa Davidson) is just another one of the nobodies dreaming of a better day. But when she's unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers - weak-willed cheerleader Heather McNamara (Teleri Hughes), bulimic and petty but repressed Heather Duke (Vivian Panka) and 'mythic bitch' Heather Chandler (Madison Firth) - her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. Until Jason 'JD' Dean (Simon Gordon) shows up - the mysterious teen rebel who teaches her that everyone fears being a nobody, but its murder being a somebody! The film was released on the internet in late 2022, and in cinemas in the UK and Ireland in mid-2023, and only now does it get a showing in Australia.

'LIGHT OF THE WORLD' (Rated PG) - this hand drawn animated fantasy drama film is Directed by Tom Bancroft and John J. Schafer, and is Bancroft's second feature film outing following 'Saleem' in 2023, and Schafer's Directorial debut. It is AD30 and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus (voiced by Ian Hanlin) isn't exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John (Benjamin Jacobson), James (Dylan Leonard), Andrew (Vincent Tong), Peter (Sam Darkoh), and their new friends begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure, told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus' ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, the film illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today. The film is released in the US and here in Australia this week, and in all other territories either this week or by the end of this month.

With six new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the coming week.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 7th December 2023.

The Red Sea International Film Festival marks its third edition this year, running from Thursday 30th November through until Saturday 9th December. Over the course of ten days, the festival celebrates the best of local and international filmmaking talents in an exciting platform for everything film-related. With eleven film categories to choose from, the Red Sea Film Festival programme has something for everyone, satisfying every cinematic palate under the sun. Each section is expertly curated by a team of internationally renowned programmers, delivering the best in Arab and world cinema, television, and VR. You will also get to rediscover old favourites and restored classics, and enjoy an exciting collection of experimental and short films. It is an expansive roundup of the year’s international hits and audience and critics’ favourites, hot from the international cinematic circuit, as well as the best Saudi films, all competing in the heart of Jeddah. 

This years International Spectacular strand, the following feature films are being showcased :-

* 'Copa 71' - from the UK and Co-Written and Co-Directed by Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine, this documentary is about why the first Women's World Cup has been written out of history.

* 'Chicken Run : Dawn of the Nugget' - from the UK and Directed by Sam Fell, this animated adventure comedy film tells the story of how, having escaped from the farm, Ginger and Rocky welcome a new little adventurer into their lives. Back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a terrible new threat. Starring the voice talents of Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall and Miranda Richardson.

* 'Dammi' - from France and the UK and Co-Written and Directed by Yann Mounir Demange and starring Riz Ahmed and Isabelle Adjani, this short drama film tells the story of a man who travels back to Paris while navigating his past experiences and weird glimpses of the present in an effort to reconnect with his estranged father. He is forced to face his fears and guilt while also reclaiming his lost Arab identity.

* 'The President's Wife' (aka 'Bernadette') - from France and Written and Directed by Lea Domenach, this biographical comedy drama film stars Catherine Deneuve following Bernadette Chirac during the two French presidential mandates of her husband, Jacques Chirac from 1995, until the election of Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007.

* 'The Boy and the Heron' - from Japan and Written and Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this animated adventure drama film sees Mahito, a young 12-year-old boy, who struggles to settle in a new town after his mother's death. However, when a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he enters an abandoned tower in search of her, which takes him to another world.

* 'Origin' - from the USA, India and Germany and Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Ava DuVernay, this drama film charts the unspoken system that has shaped America and chronicles how lives today are defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. Starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Vera Farmiga, Connie Neilsen, Jon Bernthal, Nick Offerman, Blair Underwood and Finn Wittrock.

* 'Priscilla' - from the USA and Italy and Co-Written for the screen, Co-Produced and Directed by Sofia Coppola this musical biographical drama film is based on the 1985 memoir 'Elvis and Me' by Priscilla Presley and follows the life of Presley (Cailee Spaeny) and her relationship with Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi).

* 'Silent Night' - from the USA and Co-Produced and Directed by John Woo, this action film stars Joel Kinnaman, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Kid Cudi about a grieving father who enacts his long-awaited revenge against a ruthless gang on Christmas Eve.

* 'Ferrari' - from the USA and Co-Produced and Directed by Michael Mann this biographical sports drama film stars Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Jack O'Connell and Patrick Dempsey. In the summer of 1957, Enzo Ferrari, reeling from the death of his son Dino, the deteriorating marriage with his wife Laura, and his company's impending bankruptcy, enters his racing team to the 1957 Mille Miglia. Chosen as the Closing Night Gala Film presentation. 

For the other film strands including the Arab Spectacular, the Red Sea : Competition, Red Sea : Treasures and Special Screenings plus a whole lot more, you can go to the official website at : https://redseafilmfest.com/en/

To tease you out to your local big screen Odeon in this first week of Summer, there are no less than eight movies coming your way, kicking off with a biographical offering from only a second time Director but a seasoned Actor nonetheless that charts the lifelong love between a famed music conductor and composer and his Costa Rican wife. Following on, we have a crime thriller about a meticulous horticulturist who is devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate and pandering to his employer, the wealthy dowager. Next up is an actioner from an acclaimed Director of the genre about a grieving father who enacts his long-awaited revenge against a ruthless gang on Christmas Eve. Then we turn to an Aussie Sci-Fi thriller that sees two drug-dependent best friends in Melbourne heist a bag of time-travelling crystal in order to pay off their debt to a volatile dealer; which is followed by a romcom drama offering about a woman who is unexpectedly forced to choose between the husband she has long thought dead and the fiance who has finally brought her back to life. This is followed by a Japanese animated film that follows a young boy who discovers an abandoned tower in his new town and enters a fantastical world with a talking grey heron; and then a documentary combining interviews with secretly shot footage, that focuses on the difficulties facing North Korean defectors, revealing a way of life unknown to most of the world. And closing out the week we have a musical comedy about two self-obsessed businessmen who discover they're long-lost identical twins and come together to plot the reunion of their eccentric, divorced parents.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the eight latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the week ahead.

'MAESTRO' (Rated M) - this American biographical film is Co-Written, Co-Produced, Directed and stars Bradley Cooper in his second feature film making outing after the critically acclaimed and multi award winning 'A Star is Born' in 2018. Also taking Producing credits are Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. This film saw its World Premiere screening at the Venice International Film Festival in early September this year where is was in competition for the Golden Lion, saw a limited cinema release in the US from 22nd November and here in Australia from this week before streaming on Netflix from 20th December. 

This complex love story chronicles the lifelong relationship of famed conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and Costa Rican Actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan) from the time they met at a party in 1946 and continuing through two engagements, a 25 year marriage, and three children - Jamie Bernstein (Maya Hawke), Alexander Bernstein (Sam Nivola) and Nina Bernstein Simmons (Alexa Swinton). Also starring Sarah Silverman as Bernstein's sister Shirley. 

'MASTER GARDENER' (Rated M) - is an American crime thriller film Written and Directed by Paul Schrader whose previous film making credits take in the likes of his debut offering with 'Blue Collar' in 1978 and then 'American Gigolo' in 1980, 'Cat People' in 1982, 'The Comfort of Strangers' in 1990, 'Dying of the Light' in 2014, 'First Reformed' in 2017 and 'The Card Counter' in 2021. Here, a meticulous horticulturist Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton) is devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate owned by a wealthy dowager Norma Heverhill (Sigourney Weaver). When he's told to take on her troubled great-niece Maya Core (Quintessa Swindell) as an apprentice, his life is thrown into chaos and dark secrets from his past emerge. The film saw its World Premiere out of competition at the Venice International Film Festival in early September 2022, and was released in the US in mid-May this year having so far grossed US$1.4M at the Box Office off the back of a US$4M production budget and garnering generally favourable reviews.

'SILENT NIGHT' (Rated MA15+) - this American action film is Co-Produced and Directed by John Woo whose prior feature film output includes 'A Better Tomorrow' and 'A Better Tomorrow II' in 1986 and '87, 'The Killer' in 1989, 'Bullet in the Head' in 1990, 'Hard Boiled' in 1992, and then his first Hollywood actioner 'Hard Target' in 1993 followed by 'Broken Arrow' in 1996, 'Face/Off' in 1997, 'Mission : Impossible 2' in 2000, 'Paycheck' in 2003 with 'Red Cliff : Part I' and 'Red Cliff : Part II' in 2008 and 2009 amongst a whole swathe of others. This film is John Woo's first American production since 'Paycheck' twenty years ago and sees a man, Brian Goodluck (Joel Kinnaman) witnesses the death of his young son when the boy gets caught in crossfire between warring gangs on Christmas Eve. Recovering from a wound that cost him his voice, he soon embarks on a bloody and gruelling quest to punish those responsible. The film was released last week in the US and has so far grossed US$3.5M.

'TIME ADDICTS' (Rated MA15+) - is an Australian Sci-Fi thriller Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Sam Odlum in his feature film making debut. In debt to their volatile drug dealer, best friends, Denise (Freya Tingley) and Johnny (Charles Grounds), agree to a sketchy job to pay off their last hit. After breaking into a run down stash house in Melbourne, Victoria to steal a bag of mysterious drugs, escape proves more troublesome, as the pair find themselves trapped inside with a madman. With no way out and not one to miss an opportunity, Johnny smokes the new drug and promptly travels into the past, triggering alarming new events in the future. Separated through time, Denise is left alone to confront her past, their dealer's real identity, and her very own existence.

'ONE TRUE LOVES' (Rated PG) - this American romantic comedy drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Andy Fickman whose previous film making efforts include 'She The Man' in 2006, 'The Game Plan' in 2007, 'Race to Witch Mountain' in 2009, 'Parental Guidance' in 2012, and 'Playing with Fire' in 2019. This film is an adaptation of the 2016 novel of the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid. After her husband Jesse (Luke Bracey) disappears in a helicopter crash, Emma (Phillipa Soo) moves back to Massachusetts in an effort to mend her life back together. Four years later, Emma runs into her old best friend, Sam (Simu Liu), and they become inseparable. Newly engaged, Emma receives an unexpected phone call revealing Jesse is alive. Completely torn, Emma must now choose between a husband and a fiance. The film was released in the US in early April this year and has generated largely unfavourable reviews.

'THE BOY AND THE HERON' (Rated PG) - is an Japanese animated fantasy film Written and Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and is Produced by Studio Ghibli. Hayao Miyazaki's previous film credits take in the likes of 'Castle in the Sky' in 1986, 'Princess Mononoke' in 1997, 'Spirited Away' in 2001, 'Howl's Moving Castle' in 2004, 'Ponyo' in 2008 and 'The Wind Rises' in 2013 amongst others. All up Miyazaki has won seventy-nine awards and been nominated a further forty-eight times for his work in Japanese animation. Here, Mahito (voiced by Luca Padovan in the English over-dubbed version), a young twelve-year-old boy, struggles to settle in a new town after his mother's death. However, when a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he enters an abandoned tower in search of her, which takes him to another world. The English version includes the voice talents of Robert Pattinson, Gemma Chan, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill, Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe and Dave Bautista. The film has garnered universal critical acclaim and has so far grossed US$84M at the Box Office since its release in its native Japan in mid-July with a US and Australian release set for this week. 

'BEYOND UTOPIA' (Rated M) - this American documentary film is Directed and Edited by Madeleine Gavin in her third feature doco film since her debut in 2003 with 'What I Want My Words to Do to You : Voices from Inside a Women's Maximum Security Prison' and 2016's 'City of Joy'. The documentary centres around Sengeun Kim, a pastor who defected from North to South Korea and who facilitates North Korean defections of families as they attempt to escape oppression in North Korea, revealing a world most of us have never seen. The film saw its World Premiere showcasing at this years Sundance Film Festival in late January, went on limited release in the US in late October, has so far grossed just US$28K yet had generated universal critical acclaim and has collected six award wins and another thirteen nominations from around the awards and festival circuit.

'DICKS : THE MUSICAL' (Rated MA15+) - is an American musical comedy film Co-Produced and Directed by Larry Charles whose prior film making credits take in 'Masked and Anonymous' in 2003, 'Borat' in 2006, 'Bruno' in 2009, 'The Dictator' in 2012 and 'Army of One' in 2016. This film is based on the off-Broadway musical 'Fucking Identical Twins' by Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson. Here then, two business adversaries Craig and Trevor (Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson respectively) realise they're identical twin brothers, and decide to switch places to reunite their divorced parents so they all can become an actual family again. Also starring Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Megan Thee Stallion, Sonya Eddy, Danielle Perez and Nick Offerman, the film saw its World Premiere screening at this years Toronto International Film Festival in early September before going on release in the US in early October, having so far grossed US$1.4M and generating mixed or average critical reviews.

With eight new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the coming week.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 12th December 2019

The AACTA Awards (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) - formerly the AFI Awards (Australian Film Industry) have honoured screen excellence in Australia for over 60 years, since the first AFI Awards were held in 1958. Held annually in Sydney in recognition and celebration of Australia's highest achievements in film and television, the AACTA Awards present over 55 awards across two major ceremonies. AACTA also recognises screen excellence, regardless of geography, through the AACTA International Awards, held annually in January in Los Angeles. The peer-assessed AACTA Awards are a world-class marker of screen excellence alongside the Academy Awards and the BAFTAs, and are the only Australian industry body to honour practitioners across all crafts and industry sectors, including feature film, documentary, short film, television, online, visual effects and animation, according to the official website.

The 2019 awards ceremony was held at Sydney's Star Casino on Wednesday evening 4th December and hosted by Australian film, television and comedy personality Shane Jacobsen. Shown below, is the full run down of the winners and grinners for this years AACTA Awards from the world of film :-

* AACTA Award for Best Film.

Presented to 'THE NIGHTINGALE', beating out 'The King', 'Ride Like A Girl', 'Top End Wedding', 'Judy & Punch' and 'Hotel Mumbai'.

* AACTA Award for Best Direction.

Presented to Jennifer Kent for 'THE NIGHTINGALE', beating out David Michod for 'The King', Anthony Maras for 'Hotel Mumbai' and Mirrah Foulkes for 'Judy & Punch'.

* AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor. 

Presented to Damon Herriman for 'JUDY & PUNCH', beating out Baykall Ganambarr for 'The Nightingale', Timothee Chalamet for 'The King', Dev Patel for 'Hotel Mumbai' and Hugo Weaving for 'Hearts and Bones'.  

* AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress.

Presented to Aisling Franciosi for 'THE NIGHTINGALE', beating out Teresa Palmer for 'Ride Like A Girl', Mia Wasikowska for 'Judy & Punch', Miranda Tapsell for 'Top End Wedding' and Nazanin Boniadi for 'Hotel Mumbai'. 

* AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Presented to Joel Edgerton for 'THE KING', beating out Ben Mendelsohn for 'The King', Damon Herriman for 'The Nightingale', Michael Sheasby for 'The Nightingale' and Andrew Luri for 'Hearts and Bones'. 

* AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Presented to Magnolia Maymuru for 'THE NIGHTINGALE', beating out Hilary Swank for 'I Am Mother', Tilda Cobham-Hervey for 'Hotel Mumbai', Bolude Watson for 'Hearts and Bones' and Ursula Yovich for 'Top End Wedding'.

* AACTA Award for Best Documentary.

Presented to 'THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM', beating out 'The Final Quarter', 'Mystify : Michael Hutchence', 'In My Blood It Runs' and 'The Eulogy'. 

* AACTA Award for Best Screenplay.

Presented to Jennifer Kent for 'THE NIGHINGALE', beating out David Michod and Joel Edgerton for 'The King', Mirrah Foulkes for 'Judy & Punch' and Anthony Maras and John Collee for 'Hotel Mumbai'.

* AACTA Award for Best Cinematography.

Presented to Adam Arkapaw for 'THE KING', beating out Radek Ladczuk for 'The Nightingale', Nick Remo Matthews for 'Hotel Mumbai' and Ben Nott for 'Danger Close : The Battle of Long Tan'.

* AACTA Award for Best Production Design.

Presented to Fiona Crombie and Alice Felton for 'THE KING', beating out Alex Holmes for 'The Nightingale', Josephine Ford for 'Judy & Punch' and Steven Jones-Evans for 'Hotel Mumbai'.

* The AACTA Award for Best Editing was presented to Anthony Maras and Peter McNulty for 'HOTEL MUMBAI'; for Best Sound to Liam Egan, Craig Walmsley, Alicia Slusarski, Robert Sullivan, Tony Murtagh and Les Fiddess for 'DANGER CLOSE : THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN'; for Best Original Score to Francois Tetaz for 'JUDY & PUNCH'; for Best Costume Design to Jane Petrie for 'THE KING'; for Best Casting to Nikki Barrett for 'THE NIGHTINGALE'; for Best Visual Effects or Animation to 'SPIDER-MAN : FAR FROM HOME' and for Best Asian Film to 'PARASITE'. 

* The Longford Lyell Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sam Neill.

For the complete list of all winners and nominees for all film and television categories, you can go to the official website at : https://www.aacta.org

This week we have six new filmic offerings with which to tease you out to your local Odeon, and we launch the week with a family comedy that sees a group of muscle bound hardened firemen having to babysit three young siblings - probably their toughest job yet . . . let the hilarity begin! We then have a change of pace completely with this present day remake of a remake of the same name of a festive season slasher horror picture, set on a snowbound college campus with a group of student girls are stalked by a masked killer on the rampage and hungry for blood. Next up is a French foreign language film based on a true story of a 19th century postman who takes 30+ years to build a palatial home for the love of his life; and this is followed by a Chinese foreign language crime film about a man on the run, a mystery woman he encounters, his family back home and the decisions confronting him. And we wrap up the week with two animated films - the first about a favoured royal household dog who goes missing and is then reunited with his special owner, but not before an adventure of self discovery; leading into the story of a popular pre-teens building toy and its characters, three of whom buddy up to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of citizens from across different lands.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the six latest release new movies as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release and as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the week ahead.

'PLAYING WITH FIRE' (Rated PG) - here this American family comedy offering is Directed by the filmmaker, film Producer, Screenwriter, TV Director, TV Producer, and theatre Director Andy Fickman, who's previous Directorial outings include the comedies 'She's the Man', 'The Game Plan' with Dwayne Johnson, 'Race to Witch Mountain' again with Dwayne Johnson, 'You Again' with Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver, 'Parental Guidance' with Billy Crystal and Bette Midler, 'Paul Blart : Mall Cop 2' with Kevin James and 'The Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse' with Tye Sheridan most recently. The film was released in the US in early November, has so far recovered US$50M from its US$30M budget outlay, and despite its impressive cast list, has garnered generally unfavourable Reviews.

When straight-laced, stoic up and down fire superintendent Jake Carson (John Cena) and his elite team of firefighters consisting Mark Rogers (Keegan-Michael Key) and Rodrigo Torres (John Leguizamo) come to the rescue of three siblings, they quickly realise that no amount of training could prepare them for their most challenging job yet - that of babysitting. As their lives, jobs and station get turned upside down and inside out, the three men soon learn that children, much like fires, are wild, unpredictable and at times can be uncontrolled. Also starring Dennis Haysbert, Brianna Hildebrand and Judy Greer.

'BLACK CHRISTMAS' (Rated M) - for all things festive, we need a good horror slasher offering to help nudge us into the season of good will! And so it is with this film which is a remake of the 1974 Canadian slasher film 'Black Christmas' which starred Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder and John Saxon and the 2006 movie of the same name which starred Mary Elizabeth Winstead amongst others. This film is Directed and Co-Written by Sophia Takal and is Co-Produced by the lean mean horror machine Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions. Here, Hawthorne College is settling down for a peaceful and joyous Christmas holidays. However, one by one, the remaining sorority girls on campus are being killed by a menacing lurking stalker. But the killer is about to discover that this generation's empowered women aren't willing to become hapless victims as they fight back for their survival. The film was shot in New Zealand, around Dunedin and Oamaru on the South Island, with the University of Otago providing the setting, stars Imogen Poots and Cary Elwes and is released in the US this week too.

'THE IDEAL PALACE' (Rated PG) - based on the remarkable true story of the French postman Joseph Ferdinand Cheval, here filmmaker Nils Tavernier delivers this stunning and engrossing account of love and dedication. Set in the south of France in 1879, Cheval (Jacques Gamblin) leads an unassuming life, seemingly revelling in the solitude of his twenty mile delivery routes and daydreaming about the world of wonders that he only sees through the postcards and magazines he delivers. He meets and falls in love with the breathtaking Philomene (Laetitia Casta), and the arrival of their baby daughter, Alice, causes him to look at things in a different way. He sets about building a castle for Alice – one fit for a princess – that consumes the next 33 years of his life. This castle eventually becomes recognised as an enduring and important French historical monument. Cheval lived from 1836 until 1924 and his Palace is regarded as an extraordinary example of naive art architecture.

'THE WILD GOOSE LAKE' (Rated MA15+) - is a Chinese crime drama film Written and Directed by Chinese Director, Writer and occasional Actor Diao Yinan in his fourth film making outing following 'Uniform' in 2003, 'Night Train' in 2007, and his winner of the Golden Bear at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'. This film was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where the film saw its World Premier Screening. Fleeing from the law as a result of a row with some local gangsters which results in the inadvertent death of a Police Officer, fresh out of prison mid-tier gangster Zenong Zhou (Ge Hu) crosses paths with an innocent enough looking woman named Aiai Liu (Lun-Mei Kwei). Unknown to Zhou, she holds a significant secret. Heading for the uncharted territory of Wild Goose Lake to escape the bounty on his head, Zhou must then confront the limits of what he is willing to sacrifice both for this stranger and for the family he left behind. The film has thus far received generally positive Reviews.

'THE QUEEN'S CORGI' (Rated PG) - this English language Belgian Produced animated feature film is Co-Directed by Ben Stassen and Vincent Kesteloot, and also Produced by the former. Here, Rex (voiced by Jack Whitehall), one of Queen Elizabeth's most beloved and favoured corgis, is lured from Buckingham Palace under false pretences by another of the Queen's corgis - the jealous Charlie (Matt Lucas). Finding himself lost, Rex winds up in an animal shelter, with only a group of scrappy dogs to rely on. Forced to find his way back to his favourite Monarch and his former palatial home, Rex begins an epic journey that will help him discover who he truly is, and his destiny in life. Also starring the voice talents of Julie Walters, Sheridan Smith, Ray Winstone and Tom Courtenay, the film costs US$20M to make, has so far grossed US$25M, was initially released in France and Belgium back in April this year, and has garnered mostly negative Press so far.

'PLAYMOBIL : THE MOVIE' (Rated G) - this English language French Produced animated action adventure comedy film is Directed by American animator, voice Actor and first time Director Lino DiSalvo and is based on the German building toy 'Playmobil' and a story written by DiSalvo. Here, an impressive voice cast must thwart a top secret organisation that has caused citizens from different lands to vanish into thin air. The dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher (Daniel Radcliffe) must partner with smooth-talking food truck driver Del (Jim Gaffigan) and Marla (Anya Taylor-Joy) a smart, savvy civilian with her own secret agenda, to rescue them. Against unthinkable odds, the trio go on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds as they gather clues for their rescue mission. Also starring the voice talents of Gabriel Bateman, Adam Lambert and Meghan Trainor, the film costs US$40M to make, has so far recovered US$13M, was released in France in early August and has so far generated mostly unfavourable Reviews.

With six new release movies this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere in the week ahead, at your local Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 16th April 2015.

With just a few days of the Easter school holidays now left it seems we have this week the calm before the storm in terms of new movie releases to tempt us out to a local theatre. With some big budget blockbuster action fare coming our way in the next couple of months, this weeks offerings are relatively small fry compared to those, but nonetheless will find an audience for what they offer.

And what do they offer I hear you groan? First up we have an action thriller starring a Hollywood A-lister and a bunch of others who easily fall into that same category that should deliver in spades, but, is familiar territory trodden by others before! Then we have a romantic fantasy spanning decades with a woman harbouring an ageless secret that is in danger of being found out, but what will the consequences be on her and those around her; and finally a comedic sequel to a 'Segway' riding downbeat Security Cop who clearly thinks he is something he ain't, and is never likely to be, and so I wonder why are we even talking about this, but, there's sure to be a laugh in there somewhere!

When you have checked out this weeks latest cinematic offerings, or any of those still out on general release, share you views and opinions with your like minded friends in filmdom by leaving a Comment below this or any other Post. Enjoy your movie choice!

THE GUNMAN (Rated MA15+) - as a starting point this actioner is Directed by Frenchman Pierre Morel who was responsible for launching Liam Neeson's 'Taken' franchise, and is based on the 1981 novel 'The Prone Gunman' by Jean-Patrick Manchatte. Made for US$40M this action thriller sees Jim Terrier (Sean Penn) as an ex-soldier who eight years ago as part of a mercenary assassination team took out a Diplomatic Minister in The Congo, but as a result had to go into hiding to protect not only himself, but his team too for fear of retaliation. With tensions already running high in The Congo the kill added more fuel to an already uneasy fire.

Fast forward to the present day and Terrier has a new life and is working for an NGO when he returns to The Congo clearly expecting the dust to have long settled. Well, how wrong can a man be? When he is caught in the cross-fire of a hit squad there are deaths and mayhem aplenty as the net closes in around him, and those around him! Terrier goes back into hiding again all the while seeking to identify who has come out of the woodwork to move him on to the life hereafter, and why after all this time. The support cast here is strong enough to add plenty of weight to this story, including Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, and Mark Rylance, coupled with an accomplished action Director and the set pieces that action aficionados are likely to applaud.

THE AGE OF ADALINE (Rated M) - this is a romantic fantasy film spanning eight decades that is Directed by Lee Toland Krieger who got the gig after a number of other helmsmen were first associated with this outing before him. Made for US$25M this tells the story of 29 year old Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) who in the first half of the 20th century is involved in a car accident, and whilst she survives she I rendered ageless, and for all time moving forward she will forever be 29. Eight decades have past since that accident and Adaline has been able to maintain her secret by living a lonely life, not getting too involved with anyone, and keeping her distance from those who wanted to get close. One day a chance encounter with philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michael Huisman) rekindles her love of life, romance and adventure until a weekend with his parents threatens to reveal her story and the truth behind her ageless secret, that could in turn have far reaching repercussions for her forever. Also starring Harrison Ford as William Jones, Kathy Baker as Connie Jones, and Ellen Burstyn. This could be 'Benjamin Button' in reverse . . . perhaps!

PAUL BLART : MALL COP 2 (Rated PG) - the first film, Directed by Steve Carr, was released in early 2009 off the back of a US$26M production budget and brought home US$183M, so I guess it was inevitable that a sequel would come our way sooner rather than later. This time in the Director's chair we have Andy Fickman and a budget of US$38M, and like last time Adam Sandler gets a Producer credit as does the hero of the piece Kevin James who also co-wrote. So once again our Mall Cop on patrol riding his 'Segway' in and out of shopping precincts upholding justice, righting wrongs and apprehending miscreants is Paul Blart (Kevin James) who has earned a break and skips off to LA for some R&R with his teenage daughter before she heads off to College. Combining business with pleasure Blart Snr. and Blart Jnr. are there to holiday while Blart Snr. also attends a Security Expo. Stumbling across a heist on the hotel in which Blart & Blart are staying, it's the Segway riding Security enforcement officer to the rescue to foil them pesky good for nothing crooks and ensure justice, the law and the American way are upheld - no doubt with rip roaring gut busting side splitting hilarious consequences . . . maybe!

Three movies this week then giving us a mix of thrills, spills, action, romance, fantasy and comedy that won't be for everyone, but are sure to find a viewer or two willing to invest a hard earner dollar or twenty for two hours of so of big screen entertainment. If one such individual is you, then share your thoughts with us here at Odeon Online and reach out to our evert growing worldwide following.

Movies - see something this week!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-