A look at what is out in NZ Cinemas fresh this week and what is still playing in theatres near you.
WALKING OUT
Quick story for you. I was at a Saturday night screening of The Death of Stalin at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket and the vibe during the trailers and ads was jolly; then the Walking Out trailer played and the air got completely sucked out of the room. I immediately made Walking Out a ‘must see’ movie for me because for a trailer to have enthralled everyone that much and totally change the vibe of the room from chatty and party-party to “whoa WTAF did I just see, I think I’m going to cry” – makes it a movie worth my time. Check out the trailer below:
A QUIET PLACE
My pick of the week is A Quiet Place! It’s tough to create a fresh, innovative idea for a movie and especially so for the horror genre; but John Krasinski has written and directed a gripping, thrilling and special movie here that you’ve got to experience in cinema for the cool ‘playing along aspect’ as you really buy into the silence = survival mentality of the movie. A Quiet Place is an instant classic for me, the action and horror/scifi elements mixed with a truly moving family thematic through-line had me ensconced and on the edge of my seat plus – no spoiler of course but, brilliant ending! Crisp and exciting stuff. Check out my spoiler free first reaction review below:
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
My other MUST SEE movies for you on new release or still in NZ Cinemas are:
LOVE, SIMON
Pleease go and see Love, Simon! Honestly don’t even hesitate on this one, go on your own, with your family, with your mates – this is what a beautiful romantic teen movie looks like in 2018 and you know what, the kids are alright. Not over done, just fun, cute, quirky and real – just like it’s hero Simon. Good indie soundtrack too, you’ll be surprised how lifted, refreshed and believing in love and the good in people you’ll feel once you see Love, Simon.
TOMB RAIDER
Heaps like the new versions of the game with thrilling action and an exciting performance from Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft; you can’t beat Tomb Raider for a bit of a fun blockbuster escape. Plus I’m a sucker for an origin story so to see this version of Lara’s journey to becoming the Tomb Raider was fulfilling for me. A big helping of Indiana Jones influence makes this a fun watch with gasp-worthy stunts and ‘levels’ for Lara to work through.
PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING
Pacific Rim: Uprising was a goood time! I was a fan of the first film and Uprising definitely takes the strong elements of the original and expands on them; plus they’re loving the extra budget they have to play with on production after the success of the first so more gadgets, more mind-bending destinations that don’t exist IRL, more ridiculously gross kaiju creatures from the deep and boss-badass jaegers fighting them for humanity. John Boyega is a delight in Uprising, giving us a cool heroes journey (without a trace of Finn in sight…); plus Uprising continues on it’s general vibe of equity and inclusive casting for it’s characters and stars.
READY PLAYER ONE
Can you go past the master? Steven Spielberg the innovator of the action adventure family movie has created the perfect love letter to 80s pop culture fandom, gaming and general misunderstood misfit geekery in Ready Player One. Repeated viewings of this easter egg laden instant classic are recommended; and if you’re a fan of The Shining then it’s worth the price of admission alone to see how this horror classic is worked into the narrative. There’s no trickery or convoluted plots to follow; it’s just a good ol’ quest movie as a bunch of unlikely friends band together to achieve their goal. Cinema perfection!
Also playing now: the very dark political comedy The Death of Stalin; fluffy Brit rom-com for mature sensibilities Finding Your Feet; the tale of Wakanda with Marvel Studios Black Panther; goofy parental fails in comedy Blockers; family fun with Peter Rabbit or Early Man or you might even still find some screenings of The Greatest Showman still on too. Check out what’s on at your local: Event, Hoyts, Rialto or Reading Cinemas.
Tell me what you’ve been watching lately…
