INFERNO : Tuesday 18th October 2016

'INFERNO' which I saw this week was written by Dan Brown, and he has so far had two other Robert Langdon adaptations committed to the big screen - 'The Da Vinci Code' in 2006 which made US$758M from its US$125M budget outlay, and 'Angels and Demons' in 2009 which returned US$486M from its US$150M budget. 'Inferno' is the third movie outing for Harvard Professor of Symbology, Robert Langdon and the fourth book of the series. 'The Lost Symbol' - the third book in the series was skipped over as it was thought by those all knowing Studio Exec's that 'Inferno' would make a more compelling transition to the cinema screen. The Langdon character is reprised once again by Tom Hanks and with Director Ron Howard at the helm. David Koepp wrote the screenplay. The film was made for US$75M and has so far made US$50M ahead of its US release date on 28th October.

The film opens up with a lone man being chased on foot by three assailants. He disappears up a bell tower and upon reaching the top with no where to turn he steps out on to the ledge overlooking the cobbled streets below of Florence. The three men chasing after him emerge, the man is caught, he turns inwards to face the men, some words are exchanged, and the man leans back and plummets to his death onto the street below. We then cut to a hospital bed where a semi-conscious Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is hooked up to a drip, heart monitors and his head bandaged. He is having visions of Hell, the plague, ravaged bodies, violence and death and rivers of blood but all in a modern day setting. He comes around and is greeted by Dr. Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones) who advises him that he was admitted muttering the words 'very sorry' over and over again and with a bullet wound to the head that is likely to have caused temporary amnesia. Langdon has no recollection of the events that caused him to end up in the hospital bed, and in Florence of all places which he recognises instantly from his bedroom window.

Whilst Langdon is still in pain from his head wound and experiencing ongoing visions which he is seemingly caught in the middle of, Vayentha (Ana Ularu) an assassin, arrives at the hospital in police uniform and makes for the room where Langdon is in recovery. A hospital orderly is gunned down, and in the melee Brooks acts upon her survival instincts and gets herself and Langdon out of the hospital just in time to evade the rapid gunfire at the hand of the disguised assassin. The pair flee to Brooks' apartment where Langdon sleeps. When he wakes he freshens up but still has little memory of the events that brought him to Florence. Rummaging through his old bloodied clothes he comes across an object that he has never seen before, that requires his thumb print to open the stainless steel tube. Reluctantly the pair agree to open it revealing a 'Faraday Pointer' - a miniature projector - which reveals an image of Botticelli's late 15th Century Map of Hell which is based on Dante's 14th Century epic dark masterpiece 'Inferno'. But within the map on closer inspection are certain adjustments, hidden letters and a clue pointing to Betrand Zorbrist (Ben Foster) - the man who fell to his death at the beginning of the film.

Zorbrist it turns out was a billionaire geneticist who believed that the world is overpopulated and that rigorous measures are necessary to reduce the ever increasing population, which he sees as a modern plague. Through his seminars he has captured the interest of a group of followers around the world, and Langdon deduces that Zorbrist had created a virus capable of reducing the global populace by more than 50% - sustainable levels for a fresh start! By now the pair have been traced by the local authorities and the assassin once again, but again Langdon and Brooks manage to evade capture on foot. With Langdon's intimate knowledge of Dante, and of Florence the two embark on a cat and mouse game across the city's secret passageways, hidden vaults and network of tunnels and chambers all the while unlocking other clues as the clock counts down to the release of the virus in some hidden and secure place.

The pair are pursued at every turn by both Christoph Bouchard (Omar Sy) who claims to be working for the World Health Organisation, and Elizabeth Sinskey (Sidse Babett Knudsen) who heads up the WHO and is well known to Langdon. All the while Langdon's memory is coming back to him in flashback. In the meantime, Harry Sims (Irrfan Khan) heads up 'The Consortium' - a very special and secretive interest group who conduct dirty deeds for vast sums of money for the worlds wealthiest clients, no questions asked and confidentiality guaranteed. Sims is in possession of a video recorded by Zorbrist to be played only after the virus has been released, but since his client is dead, Sims plays the video recording, revealing the magnitude of what his client was planning. Sims approaches Sinskey with the knowledge of Zorbrist's final message, and the pair agree to work together to track down Langdon who is the only one capable of uncovering the puzzle and locating the virus stash before it is released. Bouchard however, gets to Langdon and Brooks first and wins them over with tall tales of Sinskey and how she has her own agenda for the virus.

Sims, using his own very particular set of skills tracks down Langdon who has now been captured by Bouchard, and Brooks has made off, but not before Brooks has revealed to Langdon that she was in fact Zorbrist's lover and his accomplice in the plan to release the virus, but the whereabouts of it were not known even to her. She needed him to reveal the location by following the clues and using his expert knowledge, and has since made off, evading capture by Bouchard, so ensuring the virus will be released as planned. In a run down building Sims quickly dispenses with Bouchard freeing Langdon to continue the chase for the virus. After an explanation of how Sims fits into the equation, Langdon reveals that the virus is in fact in Istanbul in the Hagia Sophia, and so the pair make off with  Sinskey in a private jet. We further learn that Langdon and Sinskey have romantic history and that she in fact asked Langdon with help in deciphering the meanings hidden in the Faraday Pointer. Langdon was kidnapped by The Consortium and given a memory loss drug and the whole hospital episode was a ruse, aimed at keeping Langdon off the scent.

The virus is hanging in a plastic bag dangling in the waters of the 6th Century Basilica Cistern close by to the Hagia Sophia. With a once a year music festival taking place within the Cistern and the gathered orchestra in place and well dressed on lookers filling the Basilica, the WHO Team, Sims, Sinskey and Langdon head down to search out the virus bag. So too do Brooks and two other enlisted foot soldiers intent on detonating two bombs in close proximity to the bag that when ruptured with aerosolize the virus. Needless to say its get pretty hairy in the closing minutes as bodies flay about in the shallow waters of the ancient Cistern and the virus is contained. It doesn't end well for the antagonists or Sims, leaving Langdon and Sinskey to return to the respective lives wondering what might have been if they had their time over again, and leaving the world's population in tact at almost eight billion and counting!

For me, after the novelty of seeing Robert Langdon in 'The Da Vinci Code' and then 'Angels and Demons' which were far better introductory films to the world of symbols, imagery, and iconology, I went in to the theatre with higher expectations and came out underwhelmed! In 'Inferno' we have a pedestrian, predictable, popcorn offering that sees the same old same old regurgitated again for the sake of some historic ancient landmarks whilst making light work of Langdon's particular set of skills to thwart a dead mans evil plot. There are too a number of liberties with the story as written by Dan Brown in his book, which I guess is Hollywood's poetic license at work here, but those that have read his page turning unputdownable novels as I have, are likely to pick up on this too. The story here takes a while to get into gear and then when it does it takes its foot off the peddle and meanders along in a by the numbers offering that make this the least engaging of the three films so far. Disappointing, particularly for another Hanks/Howard collaboration, but maybe for half the budget of its predecessors therein lies your answer? Wait for the DVD or BluRay to watch in the comfort of your own home and save yourself the price of a ticket.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 13th October 2016.

Dan Brown is an American author of thriller adventure fiction, who has sold over 200 million books and had his works translated into 52 languages. His first book was released in 1998 - 'Digital Fortress' a stand alone novel about government surveillance of electronically stored information on the private lives of citizens, and the possible civil liberties and ethical implications of using such technology. This stand alone novel was followed up in 2001 by 'Deception Point' another stand alone story of a meteorite found within the Arctic Circle that may provide proof of extraterrestrial life, and attempts by the antagonists to prevent the evidence against it from becoming public. In 2000 Brown first introduced us to the character of Robert Langdon - a Harvard Professor of Symbology and Religious Iconology in 'Angels & Demons' which was subsequently made into a film in 2009, interestingly after the second novel in the Robert Langdon series 'The Da Vinci Code' which as a book was released in 2003 and as a film in 2006. Brown penned 'The Lost Symbol' next and that book was published in 2009 but was overlooked for the Hollywood treatment in skipping to 'Inferno' - the fourth novel in the Robert Langdon series, which is released this week and Previewed as below. So far all three instalments have been Directed by Ron Howard, with Tom Hanks in the lead role as Robert Langdon. A fifth book in the series is due for release in September 2017 titled 'Origin'. Brown's Robert Langdon books have been international best sellers, and the first two films in the series have grossed over US$1.2B.

This week then we have five new movies coming to your local Odeon, kicking off with the third big screen adaptation from a series of books by an acclaimed author featuring an acclaimed character portrayed by an acclaimed Actor at the hands of an acclaimed Director involving ancient mysteries, curious symbols, a game of cat and mouse, and a life or death situation confronting half the planet. This is followed up by a true crime telling of a late 90's heist that is just too far fetched to be believed - but it really happened, perhaps with a little comedic poetic licence thrown in for good measure here. We then turn attention to an Asian action adventure featuring an unlikely buddy pairing brought together to thwart an evil foe and rescue a maiden in distress, before returning home to our own Aussie backyard and another true crime telling of a pre-meditated partially publicised murder that went ahead when those that could have prevented it . . . chose not to! We then wrap up with a Spanish foreign language film from another acclaimed Director, about a mothers quest to reconnect with her estranged daughter.

When you have sat through your film of choice this week, feel free to drop us a line or two here at Odeon Online, by leaving your own critique in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your movie experience.

'INFERNO' (Rated M) - Dan Brown, the author upon which this film is based, has so far had two other Robert Langdon adaptations committed to the big screen - 'The Da Vinci Code' in 2006 which made US$758M from its US$125M budget outlay, and 'Angels and Demons' in 2009 which returned US$486M from its US$150M budget. 'Inferno' is the third movie outing for Harvard Professor of Symbology, Robert Langdon as reprised once again by Tom Hanks and with Director Ron Howard at the helm. David Koepp wrote the screenplay.

This time we see Langdon waking up in a hospital in Italy with no recollection of how he got there or where he is. He also has no explanation for the origin of a macabre object found stashed away in his belongings. Eventually he teams up with young doctor, Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones) whom Langdon hopes will help him recover his lost memory, but when a threat against his life eventuates the two are propelled into breakneck chase across Florence. Armed with the just a few meagre clues pointing to Dante's 14th Century epic dark masterpiece 'Inferno', Langdon and Brooks race against time to solve the puzzle which may or may not help them save the world from they threat of a virus capable of wiping out half the global population - as planted by transhumanist scientist Betrand Zorbrist (Ben Foster). Also starring Omar Sy and Irrfan Khan.

'MASTERMINDS' (Rated M) - based on the real life North Carolina Loomis Fargo Robbery that occurred in 1997 netting a haul of US$17.3M for its band of misfits (the second largest cash robbery in US history at that time), this crime comedy caper film is Directed by Jared Hess and features a strong cast for its US$25M budget. Here David Scott Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) is a truck driver for armoured security company Loomis Fargo. Ghantt is stuck in a dead beat job, driving around other peoples hard earned cash for living. He strikes up a relationship with co-worker Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who persuades him that there is more to life that driving an armoured truck and to think about the possibilities of what lies inside the truck. Pretty soon, a harebrained scheme is devised with the aid of Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson), and lo and behold Ghantt pulls off the heist of a lifetime with over US$17M to show for it. Handing over his stash of cash to his accomplices who have turned the tables on him, Ghantt is double crossed while his former no-good partners in crime go on a wild spending spree leaving a trail of evidence for the authorities to follow. Evading the authorities and the intentions of hit man Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), Ghantt now needs to turn the tide against those he once trusted. Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones also star so reuniting three of this years 'Ghostbusters' ensemble.

'SKIPTRACE' (Rated M) - this Hong Kong/Chinese/American Co-Production is Directed by Renny Harlin who knows how to create an action movie (think 'Die Hard 2', 'The Long Kiss Goodnight', 'Driven', 'Cliffhanger' and 'Deep Blue Sea') and here he teams up legendary Jackie Chan as Hong Kong Detective Bennie Chan who has been on the hunt for notorious underworld mobster Matador, believed to be Victor Wong (Winston Chao) for over ten years now since killing his young partner. When his partners daughter Samantha (Fan Bingbing) lands herself in hot water with Wong's syndicate, Chan must seek out American gambling con-man Connor Watts (Johnny Knoxville) who aside from gambling his way through China's casinos, was witness to a murder in Wong's Macau casino. What follows in a web of intrigue and a race across various countries that sees the pair travel from Russia, to Mongolia, to the Gobi Desert and back to Hong Kong with both the Russian and Chinese mob on their tails. The film opened big in China and has since taken a haul of US$134M.

'JOE CINQUE'S CONSOLATION' (Rated M) - this film adaptation of the non-fiction book by Australian author Helen Garner was published in 2004 and tells the story of her presence at the trials of Australian National University student Anu Singh (Maggie Naouri), and her friend and fellow student Madhavi Rao (Sacha Joseph), who plotted to kill her engineer boyfriend Joe Cinque (Jerome Meyer) by lacing his coffee with Rohypnol and administering a lethal dose of heroine. Singh believed that Cinque had made her ill in the first place so she plots her revenge, which as time passes becomes more macabre and more public. The murder occurred in October 1997 at a dinner party at which some of the guests were aware of the plan to murder Cinque, but chose to do nothing about it, or to forewarn the victim. Directed by Sotiris Dounoukos, this true crime film will leave you asking questions and debating the subject matter long after the credits have rolled.

'JULIETA' (Rated MA15+) - marking Pedro Almodovar's 20th Directed feature film, 'Julieta' is a Spanish production also Produced and Written for the screen by Almodovar based on three short stories from the book 'Runaway' by Alice Munro published in 2004. This film is Spain's entry into the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2017 Academy Awards, and was in competition for the Palme D'Or at this years Cannes Film Festival. Telling the story of Julieta (Adriana Ugarte as the younger, and Emma Suarez as the older) ) who is about to relocate herself from Madrid to Portugal, she runs into Bea (Michelle Jenner) unexpectedly - the childhood friend of her daughter Anita. Bea tells her that her estranged daughter is living in Switzerland and has three children. With this news she decides not to leave Madrid with her boyfriend Lorenzo (Dario Grandinetti) but to rent another apartment in the block in which she raised Anita and commit to writing a ledger that explains the events that led to their separation and estrangement, in the hope that Anita will re-establish contact.

Five films this week to satisfy most tastes if you like action adventure, action comedy, true crime, foreign language and family drama then there is something to quench your film going thirst. When you have sat through your movie of choice in the week ahead, drop us a line here at Odeon Online by sharing your thoughts with your like minded cinephiles. In the meantime, I'll see you at the Odeon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-.

THE BEATLES : EIGHT DAYS A WEEK : Friday 16th September 2016

The Beatles were bigger than Jesus so John Lennon once claimed, and looking through much of the archive footage that comprises the film 'THE BEATLES : EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - THE TOURING YEARS' it is easy to see why he had made that controversial remark. Directed by Ron Howard with the full approval, support and co-operation of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison this fan film traces the four likely lads from Liverpool rise to fame from 1962 through until 1966 during which time they staged some 250 concerts, recorded numerous singles and albums, toured the world, were interviewed to within an inch of their lives, made a couple of feature length films, but still remained the lads from Liverpool at heart just out having a laugh!

Ron Howard's documentary tribute starts off in 1962 with the four mop-top lads playing the club scene in and around Liverpool gaining a relatively strong underground audience from their humble beginnings at Liverpool's Cavern Club. As mid-teenagers with a keen interest in music John, Paul and George had been playing together for some years with Ringo being the last to join the ensemble in August 1962. Those early days show how John, Paul, George and Ringo just clicked and became a band of brothers, how they shared everything, and how tightly knit they would become. It would take Brian Epstein who managed them having discovered them at a lunchtime gig at The Cavern Club in late 1961, to tidy up their act, put them in suits and ties, and help propel them into the stratosphere.

With found footage film, new stills and video that has subsequently come to light, and interviews with the likes of Elvis Costello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sigourney Weaver and Eddie Izzard who were there in the thick of it as young kids when Beatlemania gripped the world like never before seen, this documentary provides a chronological account year by year of the band as they played, toured, wrote, filmed and interviewed their way around the world relentlessly for a four year plus period. During this time they played a staggering 250 or more concerts in between doing everything else as well as simply trying to live their lives.

Greeted by hordes of literally tens of thousands of teenage fans (mostly girls who dragged along their boyfriends and often parents) everywhere they went, the four lads were mobbed and hounded by their adoring fanbase and the media. Television was still a relatively new concept and it was their live performance on The Ed Sullivan Show that established their further fame in the US - naturally a highly lucrative market. Record sales got their name out their but it was the concerts that made them real money, and by 1965 their famed US tour took in sixteen concerts in sixteen days including the ground breaking and history making Shea Stadium gig that played in front of 56,000 fans (a record number at that time). Seeing this 30 minute concert digitally remastered and presented after the closing credits of the film in 4K makes you realise how primitive live concerts were back in the day and just how far live performance has come. But for all of that, you can't knock the music, and the lads enthusiasm and their ability to play to an unprecedented audience of that size.

And so Howard's tribute continues to their final full concert in 1966 in San Francisco at Candlestick Park on August 29th, where again in front of a huge capacity crowd the boys sound was drowned out by the screams of wild fans, as their music played through the grounds tannoi system. Tired and just over the never ending spiral of gigs, media attention, travel and recording, the boys unanimously decided to call  it a day from touring. Every decision they ever made as a collective band all in it together was that it had to be an all in unanimous decision, and in touring that die was cast. They spent the next five or so years in the studio with their Music Producer George Martin reinventing themselves, experimenting and releasing studio albums and producing arguably their best work. They were after all, growing up, maturing in their musical styles and ready to take The Beatles in a new direction.

This film is a real trip down memory lane for those who can remember The Beatles back in the day and even the time when the four Liverpool likely lads split and each followed their own musical destiny afterwards. Or, for those who have only recently discovered The Beatles and their musical legacy, it is an insight into The Fab Four - how they came to be, how they clicked together as a cohesive unit, their shared beliefs, their creativity, their defining moments and what made them singularly and collectively. Howard's film will make you tap your feet, make you smile, make you laugh at the freedom the lads had to voice their opinions in a time before social media or the Internet without fear of instant rebuttal. They didn't take life too seriously, just in it for a 'laff' but they and the world got carried along on a tidal wave of fan frenzy, an avalanche of media attention, and a four year firestorm of musical output in just about every sense that was completely unique at that time.

I enjoyed this film, more than I thought I would, never having been a huge Beatles fan and more a product of the '80's with just a passing interest in the music of the '60's. But nonetheless, this new and refreshing perspective sheds welcome light on John, Paul, George and Ringo for me that I found compelling, interesting and rewarding viewing. If I had to pick any fault, it would be that of their personal lives was barely touched up, and with three of the band being married by the time they stopped touring in 1966 this is skipped over completely other than a single still photograph of John & Cynthia Lennon with young Julian. On this I would have liked to see a little more depth - the impact of the concerts, time away from loved ones, travelling with family, The Beatles immediate 'community'. All of that said, catch this film while you can - you won't be disappointed whether you're a Beatles fan or not - it makes no difference - see it for the nostalgia, see it for the history, see it for the music, see it for the legend, see four Liverpool lads having a laff riding the crest of a wave in all their cheekiness, euphoria, charm, musical talent and unwittingly creating a legacy that is still strong today.

-Steve, at Odeon Online- 

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 15th September 2016.

This week sees the release of 'Blair Witch', a follow up to the hugely successful and genre defining found footage horror film of 1999 which marks another remake, sequel or reboot in the ever popular horror thriller canon. And who doesn't like a good horror movie? Who doesn't like to be taken someplace else for 90 minutes or so and had the bejeezus shaken out of them with edge of your seat terror, evil and supernatural themes, only to laugh it off on your way home? So far in 2016 we have seen the likes of 'The Witch', 'Green Room', 'Lights Out', 'Don't Breathe', 'The Boy', 'The Conjuring 2 : The Enfield Poltergeist', 'The Forest' and many more to satisfy our seemingly insatiable appetite for a horror film. And before the end of the year what else do we have to look forward to and that is worth seeking out for some jump scares, suspense, nail biting terror and don't look now evil. Here are few worthy of mention : 'The Other Side of the Door', 'The Invitation', 'The Unkindness of Ravens', 'Leatherface', The Disappointments Room', 'Before I Wake', 'The Neon Demon', 'Rings', 'When The Bough Breaks', 'Morgan', and 'The Purge : Election Year'. Search them out when they come to an Odeon near you.

For the week ahead we have six new films coming to your local movie theatre. We kick off with a true sequel to a hugely successful and influential horror film from 1999 that set the benchmark by which many others have been judged, and sees a bunch of intrepid campers venture off into the woods in search for the sister who went missing in that original film. You just know it ain't gonna end well, because, if you go down into the woods today . . . ! We then move to a more sedate and comedic sequel to two previous films in this successful franchise featuring a hapless girl struggling with life, love and loss but all comes good when she falls pregnant - but whose the Dad? Then slowing down the pace is a journey of discovery as father and young son spend a weekend together where they are confronted unexpectedly by a number of life's challenges that might just save them both and draw them closer together. Next up is an outback Aussie RomCom featuring a stunt ute driving duo, a B&S Ball, lots of alcohol and the course of true love; before moving to a veteran film maker and his authorised documentary charting the rise and rise of one of the greatest bands of the 60's whose legacy is still profound today. And then we wrap up with an live action feature remake of an animated feature from the house of the mouse about a young lad and his somewhat unusual big best mate.

There you have it! Six teasing films offering damn scary horror, Romantic Comedies, drama, a Doco and a live action remake of an earlier animated feature. When you have sat through your filmed entertainment of choice in the coming week, feel free to leave your own critique by way of a Comment below this or any other Post, and share your thoughts with your fellow readers. We'd love to hear from you and in the meantime, enjoy your film!

'BLAIR WITCH' (Rated MA15+) - in 1999 'The Blair Witch Project' was released to critical acclaim and huge commercial success, although the film divided audiences. Nonetheless, it laid the foundation for a raft of 'found footage' films that have since followed and continue to be released particularly in the horror genre. That 1999 film was made for a mere US$60K by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez and such was its interest that it took US$249M in the final analysis making it one of the most successful independent films of all time. Needless to say it spawned a follow up in 2000 - 'Book of Shadows : Blair Witch 2' which cost US$15M and made back US$50M and fared less well critically too. Now in 2016 comes a direct sequel to that first film set 20 years after the events of 'The Blair Witch Project' (which was based on the footage found in 1994, with this film being set in 2014), this time Directed by Adam Wingard, and touted as one of the scariest films ever made - I guess you'll just have to decide!

This time around we see the family connection maintained to the first film as James Donahue (James Allen McCune) brother of the filmmaker Heather who disappeared with her friends in the Black Hills, near Burkitsville, Maryland never to be seen since, believes his sister is still alive having seen a dodgy looking YouTube clip that indicates this to be the case. He enlists the support of two long standing friends, Peter Jones (Brandon Scott) and Lisa Arlington (Callie Hernandez) and Talia (Valerie Curry) a budding film student. They connect with the two local residents who found the original footage, Lane (Wes Robinson) and Ashley (Corbin Reid) who also tag along to help in the search for Heather. Needless to say whilst venturing into the Black Hills woods things begin to go bump in the night, and worse, as evil supernatural goings on manifest themselves, leading the campers to become increasingly convinced in the legend of the Blair Witch, and fearful for their own lives.

'BRIDGET JONES BABY' (Rated M) - in 2001 the romantic comedy film 'Bridget Jones Diary' based on the Helen Fielding book of the same name made US$282M from its US$25M budget outlay and garnered its lead female star Renee Zellweger an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. It made a sequel inevitable, and as such 'Bridget Jones : The Edge of Reason' was released in 2004 which brought in US$263M off its US$40M budget. Once again Directed by Sharon Maguire who Directed the first instalment too, but not the second, this film sees Bridget (Renee Zellweger) now in her early 40's struggling with life's trials and tribulations and still smarting from her recent break up with the love of her life Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Then out of nowhere comes Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey) like an American knight in shining armour and sweeps Bridget off her feet. After a one night stand with both men, Bridget soon discovers she is pregnant - but who is the father, Mark or Jack? Also starring Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, and Gemma Jones.

'THE CONFIRMATION' (Rated PG) - Written and in his Director debut Bob Nelson has crafted a simply told yet pragmatic story here about an eight year old lad Anthony (Jaeden Lieberher) who is just a little reluctant about spending a weekend with his father Walt (Clive Owen) - an alcoholic  down at heel, underworked carpenter while his Mum Bonnie (Maria Bello) spends a weekend away at a Catholic Retreat with her new husband Kyle (Matthew Modine). Walt is equally reluctant about spending the weekend with Anthony also, especially when a series of mishaps and misadventures befall them including the breakdown of Walt's truck, getting locked out of his house by the landlord, and getting his tool box nicked - which he needs for an upcoming job. What occurs over the weekend is a journey of discovery for them both as Walt attempts to hold on to his pride with his dignity intact, and Anthony attempts to prop up his Dad without showing him up, all the while attempting to recover a precious tool box. Robert Forster and Tim Blake Nelson also star. Released in the US in mid-March, this has seen a limited release only, but could well be worth searching out if slow burning morality tales are for you.

'SPIN OUT' (Rated M) - Directed by Marc Gracie and Tim Ferguson, this Aussie RomCom is staged over one day in remote outback country in the lead up to an annual B&S Ball (Bachelors & Spinsters) as two long term friends Billy (Xavier Samuel) and Lucy (Morgan Griffin) who also just happen to be ute stunt driver partners come to the realisation that they are in lurve. Things go awry for the daredevil stunt duo when Billy pushes the routine too far, causing Lucy to declare their partnership null & void, and I'm getting outta Dodge and heading for the bright lights big city. This leaves Billy with just one night to rescue Lucy's heart and prove to her that she is the one for him and how they were meant to be together, all against the backdrop of drunken antics, bare butts, lots of beer swilling locals, and all the shenanigans of an Aussie rural B&S Ball - hilarity ensues!

'THE BEATLES : EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - THE TOURING YEARS' (Rated M) - The Beatles were bigger than Jesus so John Lennon once claimed! This archive footage documentary is Directed by Ron Howard with the full approval of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison and traces the four likely lads from Liverpool rise to fame from 1962 through until 1966 during which time they staged some 250 concerts, including their 1965 US tour that took in sixteen concerts in 16 days including the ground breaking and history making Shea Stadium gig that played in front of 55,000 fans (a record number at that time). Charting their stellar rise to fame from humble beginnings in Liverpool's Cavern Club through to their final full concert in 1966 in San Francisco at Candlestick Park on August 29th, this film explores the inner workings of the band, the personalities that clicked at just the right time, and their musical talent that made them what they were . . . and still are today!

'PETE'S DRAGON' (Rated PG) - in the pantheon of Disney movies spanning many decades the 1977 animated feature of this remake would hardly stand up amongst the more classic 'The Jungle Book' or 'Beauty and the Beast' or 'Snow White' or 'Bambi' or 'The Lion King' or 'Aladdin'  either, but here in 2016 that fairly average film is getting a live action makeover for a whole new audience for the young, and the young at heart. Made for US$65M the film was Directed by David Lowery and has so far grossed US$103M and has met with positive Reviews. There is little similarity here with the original animated feature, but the action kicks off in 1977 with a five year old lad Pete (Oakes Fegley) on a road trip with his parents, when the car flips off the road and the parents are killed, leaving the boy to escape a pack of wolves into the nearby woods somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Pete is rescued by a big furry green dragon that he calls Elliot. Fast forward six years and Pete still lives in the woods with his best mate Elliot. But, their peaceful secluded existence is about to be put in danger when the local townsfolk discover Pete, and try to bring him back to their civilised world. Also starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, Wes Bentley and Robert Redford.

With six more films to choose from this coming week together with those already Reviewed and Previewed at this humble Blog, what's not to like? Get out amongst it and catch a great movie at your local multiplex or independent picture house, and I'll look forward to seeing you at the Odeon sometime soon.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-