Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma, Mark O'Brien When 12 granite pod-like spaceships land on Earth, linguistic expert Dr Louise Banks (Adams) is recruited to try to communicate with their owners. Powerful, intelligent and profound sci-fi, with assured direction, impressive but restrained effects and anchored by a mesmerising performance from Adams as the brave, vulnerable and fallible central character. read reviewmore info & trailer Directed by: Steven Cantor Cast: Jade Hale-Christofi, Sergei Polunin A portrait of extraordinary dancer Sergei Polunin, the Royal Ballet’s youngest ever principal who walked away from dance age just 25. Directed by: Denzel Washington Cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson Troy ( Washington) is a proud, tight-fisted, ageing working stiff in 50s Pittsburgh, full of bitterness that God, poverty and segregation ruined his youthful dreams of sporting success.
Beautifully shot family drama, superbly acted (especially by Washington and Davis), but it suffers a bit from heavy self-importance and a long running time. Directed by: Sam Taylor-Johnson Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan No surprises here: Anastasia (Johnson) gets sweet-talked back into the red room by Christian (Dornan). Foley seems to be under orders to skip the actual sex, as the real money shots are of Christian’s wardrobe. Johnson manages to be likeable and human, but otherwise it’s high on production values and short on story. 2017China / US103 min Directed by: Zhang Yimou Cast: Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe Two tough, rascally fighting men (Damon and Pascal, who was Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones) travel to China, get captured, are beguiled by a warrior princess (Jing) and besieged by beasties. Director Zhang is going for full-on blockbuster: plot and character are less important than spectacular action, Damon is likeable, and it's all spiffing hooey.
John Wick: Chapter 2 Directed by: Chad Stahelski Cast: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose John Wick (Reeves) is back, dealing with the global assassins’ network and handing out ass-kickings to all that stand in his way. The original was lean and focused but this stretches over two hours, and the guy was tired of this life prior to part one; maybe it’s time to give him a break. Directed by: Damien Chazelle Cast: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, J.K. Simmons In Los Angeles, aspiring actress Mia (Stone) falls for jazz musician Sebastian (Gosling). Audaciously inventive homage to classic movie musicals, technically wonderful and joyously emotional, with Gosling as a goofy idealistic charmer and Stone showing the versatility, vulnerability and talent of a young Shirley MacLaine. The Lego Batman Movie Directed by: Chris McKay Cast: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes Batman (Arnett) is such a self-absorbed loner that even the Joker (Galifianakis) is peeved that Bats won’t recognise him as his greatest enemy, so the villain constructs a dastardly plot that incorporates every villain he can find, including the Daleks.
Packed with gags and inventiveness, it’s tremendous fun. Directed by: Garth Davis Written by: Saroo Brierley, Luke Davies Cast: Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman The true story of Saroo Brierley, who aged five is separated from his mother and family in India, declared lost and adopted by an Australian couple, only to track his family down years later using Google Earth. Hugely emotional, remarkably assured debut from Davis, with fine performances. Directed by: James Mangold Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Stephen Merchant Grey-haired, boozy and ailing, Logan (Jackman) is caring for the now elderly Charles Xavier (Stewart) when he encounters a young mutant girl, Laura (Keen). A glorious swansong for Wolverine; the world-weary tone, low-key setting and ballsy climax really impress. Royal Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty The Royal Ballet performs its signature work, the classic fairytale of Aurora and her prince, in a version revitalised by Monica Mason and Christopher Newton in 2006 for the company's 75th anniversary, and since reworked further by top choreographers.
more info & trailer Directed by: Garth Jennings Written by: Garth Jennings Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Tori Kelly, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson Koala impresario Buster Moon (McConaughey) decides to save his ailing theatre with a singing competition. Most of the humour comes from cute critters singing occasionally inappropriate songs; the plot is spread far too thin and there no real surprises, but it ticks the usual boxes. Directed by: Maren Ade Cast: Peter Simonischek, Sandra Hüller, Michael Wittenborn When Winfried (Simonischek) visits his adult daughter Ines (Hüller) in Romania, he thinks that she takes life too seriously, and decides to play pranks on her. Superlative third feature from German writer-director Ade, ranging from flamboyantly lunatic comedy to a wonderfully natural, textured portrait of the parent-child relationship. Directed by: Mike Mitchell Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Russell Brand, James Corden, Gwen Stefani
Trolls are cute creatures who love EDM and warm hugs, but they're preyed on by Bergens, toothy monsters who think eating Trolls will bring happiness. Hyperactive buddy movie with dazzling visuals and lots of ditzy fun, but not as fresh or original as some of the competition.Book online now and upgrade to a free annual pass Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett and Morgan Freeman lend their voices to this CGI-animated comedy based on the line of toys made by Lego. The wicked Lord Business (Will Ferrell) is determined to destroy the Lego universe and rebuild it using glue – which goes against the very nature of Lego. Mistaken as the ‘Special’, the only surviving Master Builder, the rather ordinary Emmet (Pratt) is selected to lead a group of figures on a mission to put a stop to Lord Business’s evil plan. Emmet is helped by wise wizard Vitruvius (Freeman), tough girl Wyldstyle (Banks) and DC superhero Batman (Arnett), but can he find something extraordinary within himself in order to save the world?
The film also features the voices of Channing Tatum, Liam Neeson, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Jonah Hill. The LEGO Movie screening is part of our Brickish Weekend, so why not add a day out to your film fix. Doors Open (please note, the building will be closing from the daytime events) – bar and café available The LEGO Movie screening Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event? U Universal – Suitable for all – A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? There are 400 free car parking spaces available on site. We are happy to call taxis for people and there is a bus stop to the 54 route within a few minutes walk of the Centre. What can/can’t I bring to the event? Food and drink will not be allowed to be brought onto the premises. Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?