UK cinema releases 16th March

Welcome back to the weekly roundup of films released this week in UK cinemas. This week we have a massive influx of wide releases (most likely to coincide with Easter coming up) such as a reimagining of a famous game franchise, the big Easter animation this year, a story of Mary Magdalene and a Palme d’Or winner released on Friday 16th March. So, if are you thinking of heading to the cinema this weekend and need to know what to look out for with the new releases, let me help you out with that one.

The Square

Synopsis

The Square is a poignant satirical drama reflecting our times. Christian is the successful curator of a modern art museum – he lives in the epicentre of the art community and takes his work very seriously. A few days before the opening of the prestigious exhibition The Square he is mugged, which he can neither shake off or let pass unnoticed. Christian embarks on a hunt for the perpetrator and ends up in situations that turn steadily more amusing, and make him question his own moral compass

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West, Terry Notary, Linda Anborg, Claes Bang and Christopher Læssø

Analysis

A laugh out loud funny film that had me sold just from the 1st trailer alone and caused me to ignore all clips from then on out as I wanted to go into the film as fresh as possible.

The reason why I was sold other than the comedy aspect was that it also showed what life is like for modern people and how we maybe have become detached from what we should be.

The cast is very strong and gives a chance for Elizabeth Moss to show her comedic talents that were present in Mad Men, all of the attention and promo material appears to be on Dominic West’s character for obvious reasons, but the story is all about Claes Bang.

Be prepared for a lengthy running time, which is probably it’s the main failing. If your film is edging close to two and a half hours then you really need the film to be captivating or to push along at a great pace otherwise it will start to wain and from reviews thus far that appears to be the case. Is it worth seeing? Most definitely! A long film yes, but a great film nonetheless.

 

Tomb Raider

Synopsis

Following the origins of a young Lara Croft on her first archaeological expedition she must use her strength and harness her skills in order to survive a crazed Island cult and unlock mythological secrets surrounding her mysterious whereabouts.

Starring:  Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Dominic West,

Analysis

Video game movies have never had a good shake. I mean there are a thousand lists on the internet stating the worst video game movies. Most make the mistake of skewering from the original concept (Oh hi there Resident Evil). This feature though makes sure that fans of the newer Tomb Raider games will see a lot of similarity with game Lara and Vikander’ Lara.

The reason for this is that they are both based on reality. Other than the odd action spectacle, you believe that she can do what she does. She isn’t a superhero, she is a human. So starting the film with scenario’s that show that Lara is someone who does train excessively, is fit and a risk taker is smart, as later on in the film I strongly believe she would know how to use her upper body strength, to use specific moves to challenge a large man in a fight. Alicia Vikander very much uses a mix of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones to create a wonderful mess for a modern action heroine.

The main issue the film has is to build as to why Lara will go to tombs and that is where most action/game films go awry. Get the start wrong and it will take some extraordinary things to get the audience back by the end of the film. This film keep’s your interest and as I have seen from some reviews, throws a few kinks to keep the film chugging along. All the performances are strong and grounded in a sense of reality (as well as an action film can).

This film and Vikanders’ performance deserves a sequel and a franchise as they are strong and the fact that there are mixed reviews from critics (literally 50/50) have me flummoxed. Though I very much feel that this is a film where the audience will enjoy this far more and assist in getting it what it deserves. If you want to see a strong action heroine, who has that added bonus of being charismatic, then get yourself to this film and enjoy the ride.

 

 

Mary Magdalene

Synopsis

Set in the Holy Land in the first century C.E., a young woman leaves her small fishing village and traditional family behind to join a radically new social movement. At its head is a charismatic leader, Jesus of Nazareth, who promises that the world is changing. Mary is searching for a new way of living, and an authenticity that is denied her by the rigid hierarchies of the day.

Starring: Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ariane Labed, Ryan Corr and Tahar Rahim

Analysis

Releasing this film just before Easter is bold, but also probably necessary to make sure it gets the appropriate (or inappropriate depending on what you believe about her) buzz. Mary Magdalene’s story has always been a messy affair, starting off in scripture as a follower and an apostle and eventually a Saint. But thanks to Medieval Pope’s who were unnerved that a woman other than The Virgin Mary would have such a prominent role in Jesus’ life. Never once in any gospels was she mentioned as a prostitute which surprised me, as I try to remember when I was in school and I clearly remember her mentioned as a prostitute.

Luckily this film goes back to the Gospels and has her in the prominent role that other scriptures have placed her in. That Jesus’ handpicked her as the Apostle to the Apostle. This whole premise and film had me wanting to see the film due to the rare portrayal of Mary as a person and not as an object. The casting seems inspired, Phoenix has plenty of charisma to portray a man who was able to obtain a following, with Mary carrying the film by being focused and deliberate. If you have the chance, check it out.

Peter Rabbit

Synopsis

The feature adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale of a rebellious rabbit trying to sneak into a farmer’s vegetable garden.

Starring: James Corden, Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne, Elizabeth Debicki and Sam Neill

Analysis

I will be straight up with you, I do not see the appeal in James Corden, I never really have. But this is one of the bigger releases this week so here we are. Pipping into cinemas a week before A Wrinkle in Time is the smart decision as if the film is good then steady word of mouth will carry it into the second week for the younger family audience. Also releasing the film a week before Easter allows for parents to take their kids to the cinema before any possible holidays or trips away for a week or two. Smart decision distributors!

I feel that Peter Rabbit will try and bounce off the goodwill and brilliant reviews of Paddington 2, but will sadly fail as really, Paddington 2 is THE benchmark now for family orientated films starring a CGI talking animal. I am sure there are a bunch of great jokes in the film, but the trailer left me uninspired until that last part. Focus on the reality of the animals and you have a winner, focus on James Corden’s Peter, possibly not so much.

Next week we have A Wrinkle in Time, Pacific Rim: Uprising and Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist. So, see you next time for more movie chatter!

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