Worried the sparkle of Christmas jollity will fade all too quickly in the New Year? Fear not: we have a cracking line up of films to brighten even the darkest months as winter gives way to spring:
Friday 16 January
NOW YOU SEE ME (2013, 12A)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OtM9j2lcUA?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
“Magicians as criminals is a marvellous conceit and Louis Leterrier gets a great deal of entertainment out of it.”
Empire Magazine
We bring a bit of Las Vegas razzle dazzle to the month of January, with Now You See Me, a heist movie with a difference.
The story follows four gifted stage magicians as they steal from the rich and give to the poor, while locked in a thrilling cat and mouse chase with the FBI and Interpol.
The stellar cast includes Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harelson, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg and Isla Fisher.
Friday 13 February
GONE GIRL (2014, 18)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esGn-xKFZdU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
“The spirits of Highsmith and Hitchcock hover over this outrageous pulp suspense-thriller from David Fincher.”
The Guardian
“Stylish, twisted and daring, Gone Girl is a David Fincher date movie: dark, smart and dangerous.”
The Daily Telegraph
“A sharply made, perfectly cast and unfailingly absorbing melodrama.”
Hollywood Reporter
We move from light to dark in February, with this troubling thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s acclaimed novel.
David Fincher directs Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike in this tale of marital intrigue. Did Nick Dunne (Affleck) kill his wife? It’s a dark question explored in hard-hitting style.
Friday 13 March
THE IMITATION GAME (2014, 12A)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2jRs4EAvWM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
“The Imitation Game watchably recreates one of Britain’s finest hours, and one of its most shameful.”
The Guardian
“A finely etched character study, with Cumberbatch on towering form.”
Total Film Magazine
Since de-classification of wartime secrets, the incredible story of the Allied code breakers of Bletchley Park has become widely known, yet Alan Turing, the genius behind the major breakthrough that led Nazi transmissions to be decrypted, has remained enigmatic. This film aims to set the record straight, with Benedict Cumberbatch, as Turing, already tipped as an Oscar hopeful.
Friday 17 April
MR TURNER (2014, 12A)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GKlo2xWvuI?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
“If there is one film you should see on the largest screen possible this year, it is Mr Turner.”
The Times
“What a glorious film this is, richly and immediately enjoyable, hitting its satisfying stride straight away.”
The Guardian
Speaking of awards recognition, Timothy Spall is sure to be nominated for his powerhouse performance as one of Britain’s best-loved painters, Joseph Mallord William Turner. Director Mike Leigh brings the painter’s extraordinary talents to the big screen alongside his eccentricities and curious relationships. Prepare to be dazzled and enlightened!
