Autumn is here, dark nights are upon us and the warmth of summer has left us cold. But fear not, if you’re as reluctant as we are to brave the weather, then why not head to the cinema and immerse yourself in the action, romance, sci-fi and drama that’s on offer. Here’s a run down of our top films in cinemas this autumn…
The Perks of Being a Wall Flower
Writer-director Stephen Chbosky has adapted his critically acclaimed 1999 novel which tells the story of the quiet and somewhat troubled Charlie (Logan Lerman) who gets mercilessly bullied at school until he falls in with flamboyantly gay Patrick (Ezra Miller) and his ‘dangerous’ step-sister Sam (Emma Watson). Navigating the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of growing up, The Perks of Being a Wall Flower approaches mental illness, drug use and sexual identity amongst the background of love, loss, fear and hope. In cinemas October 3rd.
Taken 2
Returning as Bryan Mills, Liam Neeson plays the retired CIA agent who stopped at nothing to save his daughter from Albanian kidnappers in 2008’s ‘Taken’. Now, the father of one of the kidnappers who Liam ‘bumped off’ has sworn revenge and takes Bryan and his wife hostage during their family vacation in Istanbul. Receiving mixed reviews and the announcement of a 12A certificate, there’s debate as to whether this second offering can live up to the original. That said, we enjoyed the first film and want to see Liam Neeson doing what he does best – kicking euro-trash ass. Will it be good enough? We want to find out for ourselves. In cinemas Oct 4th.
Skyfall
Our love for all things Bond has been at fever pitch since his sensational appearance at the Olympics this summer and now, finally, we are just weeks away from the franchise’s return. Daniel Craig is welcomed back for his third performance as 007, who becomes torn between his dedication to the agency and his superior, M (Judi Dench), when her past comes back to haunt her. Directed by Sam Mendes and featuring Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw, we’re hoping ‘Skyfall’ lives up to the hype. In cinemas October 26th.
Rust and Bone
Receiving critical acclaim, being tipped for awards and merited as ‘an utterly absorbing love story’, don’t be put off by the seemingly bizarre plot. Starring Marion Cotillard and newcomer Matthias Schoenaerts, the film follows the lives of Stephanie (Cotillard) a young woman who works in an amusement park training whales to do tricks for the crowd and a struggling single father, Ali (Schoenaerts), who works as a bouncer and is involved in bare-knuckle fighting. When Stephanie suffers a horrible accident, their lives cross paths and an unlikely friendship is formed… In cinemas November 2nd.
Argo
Based on real events, the dramatic thriller ‘Argo’ chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis, and focuses on the little-known role that the CIA and Hollywood played until classified information was released many years after the event. Starring Ben Affleck, John Goodman and Bryan Cranston, this is a white-knuckle ride from start to finish. In cinemas November 7th.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Returning to the cinema for the big finale, Bella is enjoying her new life and new powers after the birth of her daughter, Renesmee. However, their family bliss is soon threatened by a new menace – vampire Irina. Irina believes Renesmee to be a threat to the Volturi and is determined to destroy her. As Irina rallies the Volturi, Bella and the Cullens, together with any allies they can assemble, are preparing to fight a crucial, ultimate battle, to protect their family. In cinemas 16th November
The best of the rest…
If you prefer something a little less mainstream, or perhaps more vintage, then try The Dukes for some alternative cinema viewing. We’ve rounded up some of the highlights that are showing over the coming weeks…
The Imposter
If you missed this jaw dropping documentary at the cinema, then don’t miss the opportunity to see it at The Dukes. Blending real-life testimony and dramatic re-enactments, The Imposter documents the 1994 disappearance of 13-year-old Nicholas Barclay. When Nicholas turns up in Spain three years later, he is accepted by his family and the media, despite looking different, sounding different and appearing to be much older than 16. When an investigator starts to ask questions, the revelations that follow are nothing but astonishing. Showing between Sat 20th Oct – Mon 22nd Oct. Tickets from £4.50.
To Rome With Love
Following the success of Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen returns with his next masterpiece set in the romantic city of Rome. The film follows the intertwining stories of a worker who wakes up to find himself a celebrity, an architect who takes a trip back to the street he lived on as a student, a young couple on their honeymoon, and a frustrated opera director with a gift for discovering talented singers. Showing between Fri 26th Oct – Tues 30th Oct. Tickets from £4.50.
The Shining: Extended Cut
Don’t feel like dressing up this Halloween? Why not celebrate with this extended cut (never before released in the UK!) of Kubrick’s terrifying masterpiece. ‘The Shining’ tells the tale of Jack Torrence (Jack Nicholson) who takes his family to an isolated hotel for the winter where an evil and spiritual presence influences him into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future. Showing on Wed 31st Oct. Tickets from £4.50.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
A bold, beautiful and magical film that wowed audiences at last year’s Sundance Festival and scooped the Grand Jury Prize. Set in a post-apocalyptic American South, the film follows Hushpuppy, an intrepid 6 year old, who lives with her father. When her father contracts a mysterious illness, nature flies out of whack, temperatures rise, and the ice caps melt, unleashing an army of prehistoric creatures called aurochs. With the waters rising, the aurochs coming, and her fathers health fading, Hushpuppy goes in search of her lost mother and a new home. Showing Fri 16th Nov – Mon 19th Nov. Tickets from £4.50.
