James Croot
The Hateful Eight (January 21)
We might not be able to see Quentin Tarantino’s latest in his preferred 70mm, but there’s still a lot to look forward to. Kurt Russell, Samuel L Jackson, Channing Tatum and Jennifer Jason Leigh all star in this post-Civil War tale of bounty hunters trying to find shelter during a blizzard.
Spotlight (January 28)
Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton and Stanley Tucci star in this searing based-on-fact drama about how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. The best newspaper movie since Zodiac.
Room (February 4)
Already critically-acclaimed and Golden Globe-nominated in multiple categories, screenwriter Emma Donoghue’s adaptation of her own best-selling book features an apparently stunning performance from Brie Larson. It’s a story of a woman and her fiveyear-old son who escape from their long-term enclosed surroundings.
Zoolander 2 (February 11)
Fifteen years after the original cult comedy, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are back to skewer the fashion industry again. This time, an opposing company tries to take Derek and Hansel out of the modelling business. Joining the fun are the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Penelope Cruz and Kristen Wiig.
Dad’s Army (February 18)
Normally cinematic adaptation of long-dormant TV shows are to be avoided ( Bewitched and Lost in Space being prime examples), however it’s the casting that marks out this re-imagining of the much-loved World War II-set BBC series. Toby Jones as the pompous Captain Mainwaring? Michael Gambon as the sleepy Private Godfrey? Bill Nighy are the dry Sergeant Wilson? Hard to think of better fits.
45 Years (March 17)
Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay star in this fascinating British drama that asks, ‘‘how much can you ever really know someone?’’ Kate and Geoff’s plans for a lavish 45th wedding anniversary among family and friends are thrown into jeopardy when news comes that the body of Geoff’s former girlfriend Katya has been recovered from the mountain where she died 50 years ago. What follows is a superbly acted, finely nuanced, tautly scripted study of guilt, jealousy, longing and insensitivity, as the discovery dredges up ghosts of the past, problems for the present and fears for the future.
Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 24)
Of all the superhero movies being released in 2016, ( Suicide Squad, Captain America 3, X-Men Apocalypse, Dr Strange) this DC Comics’ character showdown is generating the most interest. Ben Affleck’s Batman worries that the alien Superman (Henry Cavill) isn’t being held accountable for his actions. Cue lots of fisticuffs.
Finding Dory (June 23)
Thirteen years after stealing the show in Finding Nemo, the Ellen DeGeneres-voiced, friendly-butforgetful blue tang fish returns for another animated-adventure. The all-star vocal cast includes Idris