Grab your popcorn
It’s been a long wait but cinemas are finally allowed to reopen. Siobhan Downes casts her eye over what’s open where and when, and what’s on offer.
Movie buffs can finally get the big-screen experience, but their options are limited. Cinemas are among the venues that are now open again, but with film production on hold and major releases delayed, there is a lack of new blockbusters available.
The major cinema chains – Reading, Hoyts and Event – have kept quiet on their level 2 plans but many independent cinemas around the country are opening and will have some new releases during the next few weeks, as well as films that were released just before lockdown.
Here are the cinemas that are opening their doors and some of the movies you can expect to see:
Open at level 2 Auckland
Academy Cinemas – From tomorrow Bridgeway Cinema – From tomorrow Monterey Cinemas Howick – From tomorrow
Cambridge
Tivoli Cinema – Open now
Tauranga
Tivoli Cinema Papamoa – Open now
Whitianga
Mercury Twin Cinemas – Open now
Whanganui
Embassy 3 – From today
Masterton
The Screening Room – Open now
Wellington
Penthouse Cinema – Open now Lighthouse Cinema Cuba St, Petone& Pauatahanui – From today
Nelson-tasman Bay
The Gecko – From today
Christchurch
Academy Gold Cinema – Open now
Deluxe Cinemas – Open now
Town Hall Cinemas – Open now
Alice Cinema – Open now
Ashburton
Regent Cinema – Open now
Arrowtown
Dorothy Browns – From today
West Coast
Regent Theatre Hokitika – From tomorrow
Southland
St James Theatre Gore – Open now
New (or newish) releases Lesmiserables
If you didn’t catch this French drama at the 2019 NZ International Film Festival, it is opening up on general release this week (it was supposed to be released on May 28, but seems to have been bumped up so cinemas will have at least one fresh film on offer).
Far from being another adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel, it portrays life in a crimeridden suburb in Paris.
All At Sea (Wide Blue Yonder)
Weirdly, this Norwegian-british black comedy was filmed way back in 2007 and debuted at the 2010 Norwegian Film Festival but was only released in New Zealand this March. It stars Brian Cox of Succession fame, as well as the late Lauren Bacall.
I Still Believe
Kiwi actor KJ Apa’s new film was released in mid-march, but was somewhat lost in the coronavirus drama. The tearjerker is based on the true story of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp, and also stars country singer Shania Twain.
Read the review: KJ Apa, Britt Robertson’s chemistry clunky drama’s only saving grace
The Invisible Man
Released at the end of February, this sci-fi horror starring Elisabeth Moss is amodern retelling of the classic novel by H G Wells.
Read the review: A rip-roaring horror flips H G Wells’ classic on its head
Emma
Another February release, the latest film version of the Jane Austen novel has a screenplay written by Eleanor Catton.
Read the review: Catton delivers a joyful Austen adaptation
Parasite
After debuting at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and picking up the top prize, it made Oscars history as the first foreign language winner of Best Picture, after which it enjoyed a second run in New Zealand cinemas in February. So if you still haven’t seen Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece, the good news is a few cinemas are bringing it back.
Read the review: A funny, subversive and relevant five-star, award-winning movie
Little Women
Greta Gerwig’s take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel was released in January, but will reappear in several cinemas this week.
Read the review: Greta Gerwig’s triumphant take on classic tale
Jojo Rabbit
It probably can’t even be considered a ‘‘newish’’ release, as it came out in October, but Taika Waititi fans will be delighted to see the Kiwi director’s critically acclaimed Hitler comedy back.
Read the review: Taika’s fabulous farcical tale back