AT THE MOVIES
From the latest Star Wars chapter to the return of Paddington Bear and a ’90s family classic, there are plenty of films to keep both young and old movie buffs occupied over the holidays
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI December 14, State and Village Cinemas
It would be remiss not to open with a mention of this hotly anticipated second chapter in the new Star Wars trilogy. Having recently discovered that she is an unusually Force-sensitive individual, Rey (Daisy Ridley, pictured above) tracks down Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and commences her Jedi training. Along with new-found allies Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Isaac) she discovers new secrets about the Force, Sith lord Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and past events.
While J.J. Abrams remains on board as producer, he did not direct this one, that job falling to Rian Johnson ( Looper). Hopefully he can maintain the pace, tone and aesthetic so successfully established by Abrams in The Force Awakens. The hopes of millions of fans rest on his shoulders.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN December 26, Village Cinemas
Based on the story of famous showman and hoaxer P.T. Barnum, this musical stars Hugh Jackman (right) as Barnum, presenting what is probably a fairly rose-tinted portrayal of the man, but all in the name of a good time. The film paints Barnum as a visionary who rose from nothing to create a worldwide sensation, which is certainly a good theme for a musical, anyway. There’s singing, dancing, Zac Efron, and a bearded lady – what more could you want?
FERDINAND December 14, Village Cinemas
One for the kids (both little and big), Ferdinand is the animated tale of a gentle bull, voiced by John Cena, who is mistaken for a dangerous beast and taken away from his home and his family. Determined to return home, he assembles a misfit team of other animals to make the journey. Produced by Blue Sky Studios, who created the Ice Age series of films, Ferdinand features a top voice cast, including Kate McKinnon, David Tennant and Bobby Cannavale. It is based on the book by Munro Leaf.
THE DISASTER ARTIST December 7, State and Village Cinemas
The 2003 movie The Room is widely regarded as the worst film ever made – not a title given lightly, but The Room certainly earns it. Starring, written, produced, and directed by Tommy Wiseau, this atrociously written, poorly directed and narcissistic disaster of a film has earned cult status purely for being so bad.
The Disaster Artist is the true story of the making of that film. Directed by James Franco (right), it is a look behind the scenes of this surreal production. Franco (a huge fan of The Room) stars as Wiseau and if the trailer is anything to go by, he nails the performance. The suffering cast and crew are played by the likes of Kristen Bell, Alison Brie, Zac Efron, Seth Rogen and even Sharon Stone. And in possibly the most bizarre meta-dramatic twist in cinematic history, Wiseau himself has a role, not playing himself.
JUMANJI December 26, Village Cinemas
In this reboot of the classic family movie from 1995, four teens discover an old video game console and are transported into the game’s jungle world, inhabiting the bodies of the adult avatars they chose. The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Missi Pyle, Jack Black and Rhys Darby.
THE SECRET SCRIPTURE December 7, State Cinema
Roseanne (played by Vanessa Redgrave and Rooney Mara, pictured) has been a resident of the same Irish mental hospital for 50 years and is about to be relocated. The doctor (Eric Bana) called in to assess her is intrigued by her habits, particularly a cryptic diary she has kept of her life.
PADDINGTON 2 December 21, State and Village Cinemas
This sequel to Paddington offers a mixture of live-action and computer animation, bringing the world’s favourite travelling bear to life for a new adventure. Golden Globe winner Hugh Grant and Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson join the returning cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Julie Walters.
PITCH PERFECT 3 January 1, Village Cinemas
In the third chapter in the outstanding series of a cappella comedies, the Bellas are reunited for one final competition. Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Ruby Rose, Brittany Snow and John Lithgow.
DARKEST HOUR January 11, State and Village Cinemas
Gary Oldman (right) stars as Winston Churchill in this biopic about the famous British PM. Set in the early days of World War II, the newly appointed leader must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight against incredible odds. Ben Mendelsohn takes on the role of King George VI.