What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 21st March 2019.

With the Film Festival circuit now well and truly underway, following the likes of the 'Sundance Film Festival' which took place between 24th January and 3rd February, the '69th Berlin International Film Festival' which took place between 7th and 17th February, we now have the 33rd annual 'South By Southwest' (abbreviated to 'SXSW') a yearly conglomerate of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences that takes place in mid-March in Austin, Texas, United States. It began in 1987, and has continued to grow in both scope and size every year, this year taking place between 8th and 17th March. The official website, states that 'for nine days, creatives of all stripes gather for the acclaimed SXSW Film Festival program to celebrate raw innovation and emerging talent from both behind and in front of the camera'.

This years line up includes ten World Premiers, in Narrative Feature Competition being : 'Alice' (France), 'Extra Ordinary' (Ireland), 'Go Back to China' (China, USA), 'Mickey and the Bear' (USA), 'Ms. White Light' (USA), 'Pig Hag' (USA), 'Porno' (USA), 'Saint Frances' (USA), 'South Mountain' (USA), and 'Yes God Yes' (USA).








In the Headliners section, big names and big talent grace red carpet Premiers and Gala Screenings with major and rising names from the world of cinema. Those films featured here are : 'The Beach Bum' (also getting its World Premier) with Matthew McConaughey; 'Booksmart' (World Premier) featuring Kaitlyn Dever; 'The Curse of La Llorona' (World Premier) with Linda Cardellini; 'Good Boys' (World Premier) with Jacob Tremblay; 'The Highwaymen' (World Premier) with Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson; 'Long Shot' (World Premier) with Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron; 'Pet Sematary' with Jason Clarke; 'Stuber (Work in Progress)' with Dave Bautista and 'Us' with Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke.

Also receiving their World Premier screening in the Narrative Spotlights section are included : 'Adopt a Highway' with Ethan Hawke; 'The Art of Self-Defence' with Jesse Eisenberg; 'The Day Shall Come' with Anna Kendrick; 'I'm Just F*cking With You' with Keir O'Donnell; 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' with Shia LaBeouf; 'Run This Town' with Damian Lewis; 'Villains' with Bill Skarsgard and 'The Wall of Mexico' with Jackson Rathbone.

You can get the whole line-up of last weeks 'SXSW' festival, and more, by visiting the website at : https://www.sxsw.com/festivals/film/

This week there are four latest release movies coming to your local Odeon. We launch with a gritty crime drama starring an oft awarded Actress in an acclaimed role the likes of which we have never seen her portray before, as a downtrodden LAPD cop living on the edge and with a past, and she pulls it off with conviction. We then turn to a true story about a family with wrestling in its blood, and how the young daughter rises to stardom on the WWE circuit. Next up is another true true story transplanted from Sweden to England that sees a bunch of hapless middle aged men infiltrate a generally female led sport that takes them to the world championships, and for many of them doubtless a form of redemption too. And the week wraps up with a CGI sequel featuring an impressive voice cast and many characters you have grown up with all assembled brick by brick for your family entertainment pleasure.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the four 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.

'DESTROYER' (Rated MA15+) - Nicole Kidman here plays 110% against type in a much talked about role the likes of which we have never seen her play before, and, she delivers in spades. Directed by American film and television Director Karyn Kusama who's previous film making credits take in 2000's highly acclaimed debut 'Girlfight' and thereafter 'Aeon Flux', 'Jennifer's Body' and most recently in 2015 'The Invitation'. 'Destroyer' saw its World Premier screening at the Telluride Film Festival back in late August last year, saw its US release on Christmas Day, and now its gets a go in Australia this week. The film has garnered generally positive Reviews, has so far recouped just over US$2M of its US$9M production budget, and has received two award wins and another twelve nominations from around the circuit including a Golden Globe, a Satellite and an AACTA nod for Best Actress for Kidman.

As a young cop, Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman) went under cover with her former partner Chris (Sebastian Stan) to infiltrate a gang in the California desert with tragic life changing consequences. Bell continues to work as a detective for the Los Angeles Police Department, but feelings of bitterness and remorse leave her down trodden and overtaken by guilt. When Silas (Toby Kebbel) the leader of that gang suddenly re-emerges, Bell embarks on an obsessive quest to find his former associates, bring him to justice one way or another and finally make peace with her tortured past. Also starring Bradley Whitford and Scoot McNairy.

'FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY' (Rated M) - Stephen Merchant here Directs, Dwayne Johnson Executive Produces and stars in this biographical sports comedy drama film based on the 2012 documentary 'The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family' by Director Max Fisher, depicting the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) career of English professional wrestling personality Paige (aka Saraya-Jade Bevis). The film saw its Premier screening at this years Sundance Film Festival, went on release in the US at the end of February, cost US$11M, has so far grossed US$29M and has met with a favourable critical response. Born into a close knit wrestling family, Saraya 'Paige' Knight (Florence Pugh) and her brother Zak (Jack Lowden) are ecstatic when they are granted a once-in-a-lifetime chance to try out for the WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training programme, she must bid farewell to her loved ones and face the new highly contested world alone. Paige's journey forces her to dig deep and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star. Also starring Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Vince Vaughn, Stephen Merchant and Dwayne Johnson.

'SWIMMING WITH MEN' (Rated M) - this British comedy offering is Directed by Oilver Parker whose previous credits include 'Othello', 'An Ideal Husband', 'The Importance of Being Earnest', 'St. Trinian's' and its sequel 'The Legend of Fritton's Gold', 'Dorian Grey', 'Johnny English Reborn' and 'Dad's Army' most recently. This film saw its Worldwide Premier at last years Edinburgh International Film Festival and went on general release in the UK in early July last year. Only now does it get a limited release in Australia. Based on the true story of a group of Swedish men who competed in the synchronised swimming world championships which was made into a 2010 documentary by Dylan Williams titled 'Men Who Swim', this film transplants the action to England and tells the story of Accountant Eric Scott (Rob Brydon) who is suffering a mid-life crisis and is trying to win back the heart and mind of his wife Heather (Jane Horrocks). This ultimately sees him finding a new purpose in his life as part of an all-male, middle-aged, amateur synchronised swimming team. Together they make a bid to compete at the unofficial Male Sync-Swimming World Championships in Milan, and doubtless take a shot at personal redemption en route. Also starring Rupert Graves, Daniel Mays, Thomas Turgoose, Jim Carter, Charlotte Riley and Adeel Akhtar.

'THE LEGO MOVIE 2 : THE SECOND PART' (Rated PG) - here we have the fourth instalment in the 'Lego Movie' franchise following 2014's 'The Lego Movie', and 2017's 'The Lego Batman Movie' and 'The Lego Ninjago Movie'. Those first three films grossed at the global Box Office the sum total of US$904M off the back of a combined production budget of US$215M. This film is a direct sequel to that earlier 2014 movie and is Directed by Mike Mitchell with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (who both wrote and Directed the first film) taking Producer, Story and Screenwriter credits this time around. Here this computer animated family adventure comedy follows on from the events of the first film, in as much as the citizens of Bricksburg face a dangerous new threat when LEGO DUPLO space invaders start to wreak havoc on everything that stands in their path. The battle to defeat the enemy and restore harmony to the LEGO universe takes Emmet (voiced by Christ Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and the rest of their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds that puts their courage and their creativity to the test. Also starring the voice talents of an impressive ensemble cast that takes in Tiffany Haddish, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Maya Rudolph, Will Ferrell, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Jason Mamoa, Cobie Smulders, Richard Ayoade, Ralph Fiennes, Will Forte and Bruce Willis. The film cost US$99M to bring to the big screen and has so far recouped US$172M since its release Stateside in early February, and has received generally positive Reviews.

With four 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 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-

JOHNNY ENGLISH : REBORN - archive from 5th October 2011.

Took the lad and his mate to see 'JOHNNY ENGLISH - REBORN' this arvo and as you would expect of Rowan Atkinson it combines the charm & gadgetry of James Bond; the campness of Austin Powers; the slapstick of Mr. Bean; and the wit & sarcasm of Edmund Blackadder. Directed by Oliver Parker this second (and so far last) instalment in the series was made for US$45M and grossed (perhaps unbelievably) US$160M, so clearly it found an audience who appreciated this for what it is, and the unique physical comedy of one Mr. Atkinson.


This film takes off five years after the first film ended and sees Agent English holed up in Tibet learning some mysterious ancient martial art and serving out his penance for the botched job he was held responsible for in Mozambique at the end of the last film - he has been stripped of his Knighthood too. Learning of a plot against a prominent world leader English's superiors back at MI-7 call for him to return to the London headquarters which is now led by 'Pegasus' (aka Pamela Thornton, played out by Gillian Anderson) who give English the details of what they know, and the plan to thwart the attack. This is where English comes in aided by gadget inventor extraordinaire Patch Quartermain (Tim McInnerney). The plot surrounds taking out the Chinese Premier while he is having talks with the British Prime Minister.

Fast forward to Hong Kong and the action takes us there as a group of assassins (known as 'Vortex') hold a secret weapon that can only be unlocked by three metallic keys - one of which comes into the hands of our fearless secret agent, who promptly loses it on a plane trip back to London. In the meantime however, it is learned that 'Vortex' were responsible for the mess in Mozambique, which pretty much absolves English from guilt, but this still needs concrete proof for the powers that be at MI-7 to believe him.

Various 'Vortex' assassins come and go until there is one remaining, and as the story moves along with the finger of suspicion pointed firmly within the KGB, CIA and even MI-7, English must uncover the truth and prevent the assassination attempt from going down in the Swiss Alps whilst trying to clear his own name and protect those around him - although, who can he really trust? With various set pieces involving a foot chase along the roof tops of Hong Kong; a low level helicopter flight to get to the nearest hospital; a getaway on a tandem bicycle; another getaway on a modified wheelchair; a drug that results in English fighting with himself; and when his Knighthood is about to be reinstated English beats up QEII thinking she is in fact a Vortex assassin, bur in reality she IS the real Queen.

Does any of this make any sense - ho hum, not really! It is one for the kids raising plenty of laughs, and for the (male) adults the redeeming feature is Gillian Anderson back on the big screen again looking as good as ever! Rosamund Pike and Dominic West also star, but the show is Atkinson's with a firm tongue-in-cheek nod to the spy genre with a dose of pratfalls, slapstick and sarcasm that he does so well.  See it on DVD on a wet afternoon, and save the price of cinema entry!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-