THE BIG SCREEN
Writer-director Sean Baker remains defiantly on the frayed fringe of society for The Florida Project, an exuberant portrait of families living hand-to-mouth in the shadow of the fairytale sparkle of Walt Disney World. His script is anchored by searing performances from newcomers Bria Vinaite and Brooklynn Prince as a mother and daughter, who will do anything (including cheat and steal) to keep a roof over their heads. Yet with each body blow, the film softens the impact with earthy humour and humanity. The bare necessities of a fulfilling life will come to you if you follow Paul King’s unabashedly sweet, wholesome and crowdpleasing sequel. Paddington 2 is a lipsmacking, tear-jerking delight for audiences of all ages, which promotes compassion and understanding in a resolutely old-fashioned message of hope and community spirit When the going gets tough, the tough stick together in Joseph Kosinski’s flame- scorched drama, based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, who lost their lives as they battled a deadly 2013 wildfire in Arizona. Only The Brave wears its patriotic heart on its Stars & Stripes-emblazoned sleeve but also contrives engaging human drive away from the inferno