There’s so much great stuff out this weekend in cinemas, including the new film by Guillermo del Toro, Netflix’s first ever feature film, and even a terrible remake of Peter Pan! (All information refers to UK cinemas only.)
Pick Of The Week
The Lobster
Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
This independent sci-fi comedy-drama was a big hit when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, so that’s why it’s this week’s top pick. Revolving around a bizarre world where people are forced to find a partner within a certain time period, they will be turned into animals and sent out into the woods.
It seems totally mad, but reports have said that it is one of the funniest, most original and engrossing films of the year, and looks to be a massively intriguing watch, so I recommend you seek this one out this weekend!
Beasts Of No Nation
Starring: Idris Elba
Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Beasts Of No Nation is Netflix’s first ever original feature film, and it’s slated to be one of the best of the year. It looks at the use of child soldiers in war-torn states across Africa in what is said to be a harrowing and astonishing film, which is creating a lot of Oscar buzz for February.
The film is released on Netflix UK on the morning of October 16, but is also available in Curzon Cinemas in London if you want to see it as it’s meant to be, on the big screen.
Pan
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara
Directed by: Joe Wright
Even though the summer’s over, there’s still stuff for kids to see in the cinemas this weekend. Pan tells the origins story of the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan, and is intended as an action-packed family adventure for all to enjoy.
However, in the US, where it is already on wide release, critics have absolutely panned Pan, saying that it’s not only a visually disgusting mess, but also a simply unpleasant film to watch. It might be good for the kids this weekend, but it may not really be worth putting yourself through.
Crimson Peak
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
As Halloween approaches, the horror movies are starting to come to the big screen. Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Crimson Peak’ isn’t the most generic scary movie ever, and has been praised for its stylish artwork and cinematography.
However, the film hasn’t received the greatest reviews for its excitement and entertainment value, and so might not be the one to go and see with your friends for a good fright this weekend, although if you want a visually gorgeous spectacle, this would be a good pick.
The Program
Starring: Ben Foster, Chris O’Dowd, Dustin Hoffman
Directed by: Stephen Frears
The director of The Queen and Philomena, Stephen Frears brings to light yet another devastating scandal in The Program, about Lance Armstrong’s astonishing rise to greatness and his even more incredible fall into disgrace after a doping scandal.
The film has received largely positive reviews, citing Ben Foster’s terrifying performance as Armstrong as one of the best parts, and is said to be a pretty intriguing watch, despite not being as emotionally intense as Philomena and The Queen were. Definitely check this out if you’re a fan of the story, but remember there is a lot of other great stuff on.
Other Releases
Apart from the new releases, there’s even more amazing films to watch in the cinema this weekend. The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is a spectacular adventure, Sicario, with Emily Blunt, is a dark and intriguing thriller, and The Martian, starring Matt Damon is a hilarious and thrilling space adventure.
Also, history buffs should check out Suffragette, starring Carey Mulligan, which is on early release in Britain ahead of the US, and although it’s not the most captivating drama, it’s still a historically interesting one.
