This time of the year sees the blockbuster movies releases for the festive season and it doesn’t disappoint writes Sebastian Briguglio
Cats
In this years biggest live-action retelling, Cats brings to you the wild world created by T.S Eliot and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Director Tom Hooper has spared no expense bringing together one of the most star-studded cast in quite some time. Featuring performances by Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, Judi Dench, James Corden and so many more.
Cats boasts one of the most fascinating musical soundtracks in recent memory, which is fantastically brought to life through the use of its aforementioned cast. With the voices of Taylor Swift and Jason Derulo that is of course surprising to no one.
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When the first trailer for Cats came out, fans and critics alike were taken by surprise by the shocking visual style implemented in this newest take of this classic musical – however as crazy as it seems, this hyperrealistic style plays so well throughout the film and genuinely allows its performers to really take command of their roles.
Why watch:
Pick your poison really – visually this film is such a unique piece to observe, but for me it’s all about the music. You will have trouble not tapping your foot or singing along to this Broadway hit.
When: Out now
Frozen 2
Sequels, sequels, sequels. Feels like all we are getting these days, but this film has something a lot of the others do not – heart. Frozen 2 is the animated follow up to the 2013 hit starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad. This sequel follows on from where we last left our heroes, as they now venture into the ancient forest surrounding Ice Princess Elsa’s kingdom, in search of the source of her magical powers. This journey takes our band of adventurers on an exploration into the deepest regions of Arendelle and tells a story filled with excitement, danger, humour and friendship.
It almost goes without saying, but once again be on the lookout for Idina Menzel as the singer of the world famous “Let it go”. She is out to show off that she has what it takes to bat two for two. The breakout hit of this movie is easily “Into the Unknown” – and yes I’m sorry, your grandchildren are going to be singing this one for the next few years.
Why watch:
Disney is one to make a mistake, they know exactly what they have with this Frozen series, they have taken their time to put together the story that feels most right and they have charged on with it. Frozen 2 is a great time for adults and children alike.
When: Out now.
The Good Liar
Sir Ian McKellen plays Roy Courtnay, an aged and semi retired conman who has set his sights on his latest mark – millionaire widow Betty McLeish (played by the brilliant Helen Mirren). The one thing that Roy didn’t count on however, was falling in love. Set in London, the year 2009, we first meet our protagonist and soon after we are enveloped in the story of his next greatest deception.
McKellen plays this role absolutely perfectly, you can really feel that he is a character torn in sunder with every choice he has to make throughout the film runtime. Mirren is of course no slouch, turning in an absolutely A-Class performance which should surprise literally no one.
Directed by Bill Condon, who is best known for his work on “Kinsey” and “Mr. Holmes” – showing that he is very comfortable with telling more mature themed storylines about aged protagonists dealing with the consequences of their past.
Why watch:
There is almost nothing better than seeing two absolutely brilliant actors coming together to tell one well written, coherent story – and that’s what this is. The Good Liar will make you think, make you feel and better than all else, surprise you.
When: Out now
The Addams Family
Creepy. Cooky. Mysterious. Spooky. And they are back! The Addams Family has finally returned to the big screen and what a huge impact they are making. Starring Oscar Isaac as Gomez, Charlize Theron as Morticia, Chloe Grace Moretz as Wednesday, Fin Wolfhard as Puglsey along with Nick Kroll, Snoop Dogg and Bette Midler. In the macabre families latest outing to the cinema Wednesday Addams takes centre stage, as we follow her journey as she tries to be a more ‘normal’ member of society – much to her family’s horror. This movie shows the younger members of the audience an accessible story that will help in teaching them both the pitfalls of peer-pressure, but also their own freedom of choice – all packaged nicely with one of televisions most funny on screen families.
The animation style at use here is also worth noting, sitting in the middle ground between what looks like claymation, but what is in fact all computer generated. This style works so incredibly well when it comes to the animation of the Addams Family, as it gives off both an innately creepy yet humorous style – and it gets a big thumbs up from me.
Why watch:
I love it when kids movies do two things, make themselves accessible to the adults who have to go see them and teaches the kids a lesson. This film does both and makes it an easy winner for both grandparents and grandchildren alike.
When: out now
The Gentlemen
Guy Ritchie is back and he is back in style with The Gentlemen. In what feels like a spiritual successor to “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” – Ritchie tells the story of a British Mobster attempting to sell off his empire, all while keeping rivals gangs from destroying everything he has made before it’s too late.
This film is absolutely held together by the strength of the main cast performances, and I cannot believe I am saying this in 2019 – but most of that credit needs to go to Hugh Grant who is captivating in his portrayal of Fletcher, the seasoned Mobster who is there in more of an advisory role. Starring Colin Farrel, Charlie Hunnam, Matthew McConaughey and Eddie Marsan – this film is a who’s who of Ritchie alumni and each and everyone one competes to see who can steal the scene at any one moment.
Why watch:
This film is intense, fast paced and above all else, fun. If you have seen Snatch, this is the film for you. Ritchie has such a strong style when it comes to these English Crime Dramas, and with “The Gentlemen” it’s about time his name starts coming up against the likes of Scorsese and Coppola in the discussion of best crime director.
When: Out now
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