PREVIEW - ANNA KARENINA (12A)

British director Joe Wright brings us his new period drama and the sixth re-make of the film Anna Karenina.

Well known for his period dramas including Atonement and Pride & Prejudice he has recently branched out to great success with films such as The Soloist and Hanna however, his new film Anna Karenina sees him partnered again with stunning British actress Keira Knightly.

The film displays the best of British not only from the director but cast alike with a strikingly talented lead and support cast headed by the absorbing Keira Knightly (Atonement, Pirates of the Caribbean) and majestic Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes, Alfie, Cold Mountain). There an array of promising young talents with Aaron Taylor- Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy, The Illusionist) the pick of them.

Anna Karenina tells the story of an aristocrat married woman who has an affair and becomes the talk of high society.  Based on the novel by Russian author Leo Tolstoy and set in 19th century Russia, artless wife and mother Anna Karenina (Knightly) who's married to the government official Alexei Karenin (Law), comes to Moscow from her St Petersburg home on a mission to save her brother Oblonsky's relationship to Dolly after being caught having an affair. Karenina must persuade Dolly to forgive and forget her brother's wrongs and keep their marriage together.

However, upon Karenina's visit to Moscow she falls for a handsome young army officer Count Vronsky (Taylor-Johnson) the more time they spend in each other's company the romance and betrayal accelerates and soon Karenina and Vronsky are the talk of higher society as both of their lives become more and more under threat.

Anna Karenina is a beautifully shot period drama with an array of wonderful performances from all. Staying true to the novel it's a film for all cinema goers to watch and enjoy.

*Anna Karenina is period drama at its most exciting, intoxicating and modern. Spellbinding*  Ian Freer

*It's a handsome thing, shot in an aching golden light by Seamus McGarvey and silkily edited by Melanie Oliver*  Anthony Quinn

Watch the trailer for Anna Karenina below:

Anna Karenina is showing at Gloucester Guildhall between Friday 2nd November and Tuesday 6th November.

PREVIEW: Fright Night (18)

It's only one week to go before that time of year where we whip out the old fancy dress costume and have the living daylights scared out of us... yep it's Halloween! Here at The Cinema at Gloucester Guildhall we couldn't let the opportunity pass without celebrating the scariest of holidays the best way we know how: to find a good-old scary film and screen it for your viewing pleasure (if getting scared witless is your cup of tea, then welcome aboard) in the comfort of your local cinema. It's safe to say that we have selected an absolute gem and a particularly rare one at that...

Now of course there are a multitude of horror movies ranging from horror-comedy to gore fests that would have been perfect candidates, but the trouble is is that films like The Exorcist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday 13th etc. everyone has seen hundreds of times. Although the same could be said for our selection, it was the best performing horror film of the summer at the US box office in the year of its release, yet it often tends to get sidelined when anyone thinks of a classic horror movie. It's a shame because, regardless of how old it is, it deftly combines thrills and humour unlike any other ghostly cinematic tale that we have come across. Ladies and Gentlemen: Welcome to Fright Night... THE 1985 18 cert ORIGINAL. 

You are probably familiar with last year's film of the same name that starred Colin Farrell, David Tenant and Anton Yelchin. Entertaining as the remake may be, it's got nothing on the original and this year marks the first major UK screening in almost a decade. The story is of course unchanged: Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) is a teenage horror film addict who is shocked to discover that his new next door neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) is a vampire. Charley decides to express his concerns to his girlfriend Amy (Amanda Bearse) who thinks he is simply trying to avoid their relationship issues. On top of that, Charley's mother (single of course) thinks Dandridge could be a potential boyfriend while his best friend "Evil" (Stephen Geoffreys) thinks Charley has lost the plot. When Dandridge and his assitant Billy Cole (Jonathan Stark) become aware of Charley's wild notions they plan to silence him for good. Charley, with no one to help him, must turn to the only man he knows that has faced the wrath of the undead and lived: the fearless vampire killer Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowell), a washed-up actor who has just been fired from his job as the host of late-night horror show entitled "Fright Night". Vincent immediately dismisses Charley's rantings but, after he is lured by a cash offer from Amy, he agrees to convince Charley that Dandridge is actually not a vampire. If only they had believed him from the start... Dandridge IS a vampire and he has his sights (and fangs) set on Amy. It's up to Charley and Vincent to drive the wooden stake, the garlic clove, and the silver cross through their potential romance... 

As mentioned before, Fright Night was the best performing horror film in the summer of 1985 and the second highest-grossing horror film of the year, pipped to the post by A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge. It was equally well received by critics, who regard it as one of the best vampire movies ever praising both Sarandon and McDowell's multifaceted performances, plus it was the only recipient of the prestigious Dario Argento Award at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, France.

To sum up: If you love being scared, it'll be the night of your life!

"The teen horror that's way before its time in the comedy parody stakes....****"
Ian Nathan- Empire

"This horror classic brings together great talent for an entertaining and spooky vampire tale"
Felix Vasquez Jr.- Film Threat

"You'll scream, you'll laugh, you'll want to see it again."
Clint Morris- Moviehole

Check out the trailer here... if you are brave enough.

Fright Night (18) plays on Halloween (Wednesday 31st October) only at 7.45pm. Don't forget if you are a student, you can go FOR FREE. Book today to avoid disappointment.

PREVIEW: Tabu (15)

Our Beloved Month of August writer/director Miguel Gomes returns with the engaging, provocative and poetic Tabu, set both in Portugal and in an un-named African location. Middle-aged Lisbon resident Pilar takes an interest in the final days of her apartment neighbour Aurora, an elderly woman suffering from a gambling addiction. In the wake of her death, Pilar discovers letters in the late woman's home that reveal an epic love affair from her murky past… Shot in black and white, Gomes’ third feature film is separated into two distinctive yet complementary storylines. Whilst the first part, set in the present day, portrays a society wallowing in nostalgia and features an older Aurora regretting a past long gone, the second part goes back in time and plays with history, sound, the concept of linear narration, as well as the ideas of melodrama, slapstick, passion and tragedy while a younger Aurora dreams of a more passionate life.

This is a film which sees a number of references from other films. FW Murnau's 1931 film of the same name is one, and it is suspected that Gomes may even be playfully hinting at Sydney Pollack's Out of Africa.

*it's a gem: gentle, eccentric, possessed of a distinctive sort of innocence – and also charming and funny.* The Guardian

*The critical hit of the 2012 Berlinale, Miguel Gomes’ rich, funny and poignant film is a one-of-a-kind wonder* Edinburgh Film Festival

Watch the trailer below:

Tabu is screening on: Tuesday 30th at 2pm & 7.45pm

PREVIEW: Brave (PG)

This week our family film is the exciting Brave, the new animated film from Pixar and its first film with a female lead!

This film tells the story of Merida who is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land, massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.

Featuring voices from Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters, this is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humour enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

This is certainly the most magical film we have seen from Pixar for a number of years.  The story and journey will delight everyone, especially when you see the wonderful animated landscapes of Scotland. The setting and themes of the film are ever present especially with the heart-warming Scottish score by Patrick Doyle.

*A wonderful piece of cinematic engineering, story and character in perfect harmony* SFX Magazine

*No less lovely than former films; in many ways lovelier* Empire

Watch the film below:

Brave is screening on: Friday 26th at 10.45am & 3pm and Saturday 3pm.

Don't forget its a family film which means under16s go for just £3!

SNIPPET: FILMography

We discovered this cool blog today called FILMography.  Have a look and see what you think of all the photos.  Click here to view

PREVIEW: Untouchable (15)

French writer/director duo Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano have collaborated again to bring you their unique, funny and surprisingly tender comedy drama Untouchable.

Collaborating together since 1995, Nakache and Toledano's newest film is by far their best with a reasonably inexperienced but extremely well assembled cast, headed by the lead cast of Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy.

Untouchable is a "bromance" between the two leads as they battle against a world that fails to understand either of them properly, based on a true story tells of a journey and relationship that forms between a rich, handsome quadriplegic man Philippe (Cluzer) living in a French mansion who has become paralysed from the neck down due to an accident. Philippe interviews numerous applicants for the job of becoming an in-house carer for him. A working-class West African ex-con Driss (Sy) an intelligent, charismatic but uneducated man applies for the job not expecting to get it and only applying to seek benefits. However, to Driss's surprise, he is handed the job.


Having moved into the mansion Driss soons finds out that this is not a "cool" job to do. However, a peculiar friendship ensues and an adventure begins between them both. The two take a ride in Driss's car on a road trip of freedom and discovery where the two introduce one another to their worlds including pot smoking and soul music.

Untouchable is unique, touching and a pleasant surprise with numerous comical elements along the way. It's one of the best films to come from France in a long time and will leave you immensely satisfied.

With numerous nominations and wins at an array of festivals including Cesar Awards, Tokyo International Film Festival and the Wisconsin Film Festival it demonstrates the appeal and success of the film, not only in France but worldwide.

*It delivers broad laughs and tugs at the heartstrings without delving too deep – the very definition of a crowd-pleaser* Anna Smith

*Believe the hype – this irreverent take on disability is charming and uplifting*

Dalya Alberge

Watch the trailer for Untouchable here:

Untouchable is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on Friday 26th October, Saturday 27th October and Monday 29th October. Don't miss it!!

PREVIEW: 360 (15)

A story of temptations and emotional crises, cleverly bumping into one another across eight international borders. Known for City of God and The Constant Gardener, audiences familiar with Director Fernando Meirelles' work will enjoy 360. It also promises to entertain and touch new audiences, unaware of his art. Those who are aware, will expect his clever use of visuals, cut together in a way that allows you to follow more than just one narrative, and he does not disappoint. His unique eye is needed here to tell such a tale like this.      

A sexy dramatic thriller about interconnected romantic life in the 21st century. 360 starts in Vienna, weaving stories set in Paris, London, Bratislava, Rio, Denver and Phoenix into a single, mesmerizing narrative. A businessman tempted to be unfaithful to his wife sets into motion a series of events which ripple around the globe with dramatic consequences, set against the backdrop of the international banking crisis, the domino-effect of the Arab Spring, the threat of global flu pandemics and Euro-Zone instability.

The world created here is one of restlessness, bouncing from faceless hotels to grim motorways to teeming airports, split screens showily emphasising the travel transitions, in that palette of steely greys and blues. This is very well done and very pleasing to the eye. From chapter to chapter, this film is gripping throughout and at the end of each of these chapters, a crucial decision is made, giving the viewer multiple cliffhangers to endure.  

Featuring a terrific ensemble cast led by Anthony Hopkins, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz and Ben Foster.

Check out the trailer below:

360 is screening at the Guild Hall on Monday 22nd October until Thursday 25th October.

PREVIEW: Mystery Movie (15)

Can’t decide what to see at the cinema? Why not let us choose for you!

Inspired in part by the ever popular Secret Cinema, movie-goers are invited to take a gamble and buy a ticket for a mystery film, the title of which will remain a closely-guarded secret until the lights go down in the cinema and the credits roll. Carefully selecting films from the last 100 years of cinema, the cinema team will endeavour to delight film fans each month with an eclectic mix of much-loved classics and little known gems, the only details revealed before the night being the film classification and the run-time. Comedy, thriller, retro, modern, British, subtitled, the possibilities are endless, and at the bargain price of only £4 per ticket, it’s a great opportunity to discover something new or perhaps see an old favourite on the big screen for the first time.

Past films include ...
A Town Called Panic
Brief Encounter

See you on Thursday 18th October at 7.45pm.

PREVIEW - The Snows of Kilimanjaro (15)

Established French Producer/Director Robert Guediguian brings you his new French film The Snows of Kilimanjaro.  Shot in the wonderful backdrop of the French city of Marseille, like many of Guediguian other films The Snows of Kilimanjaro deals with many social issues such as sympathy with the poor and the insulted and the injured of working class.

Once more Guediguian brings in his regular, established cast thats full of experience with the lead actors of Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Ariane Ascarvide who have worked alongside Guediguian in his other film successes such as Marius et Jeannette and The Town is Quiet.

Guediguian has also looked towards the next generation of film stars with young talents such as Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet and winner of Best Female Newcomer at the Etoiles D'or festival Anais Demoustier.  The Snows of Kilimanjaro really is a film that is bursting with quality and talent.  Employing the classic style, The Snows of Kilimanjaro centre's around the moral tale of an aging couple dealing with the aftereffects of a robbery.

Michel (Darroussin) who lives with his wife Marie-Claire (Ascarvide) is a factory worker and shop steward who has taken early retirement after refusing redundancy. The couple are at home when they're robbed and held at gunpoint by armed robbers who escape with numerous valuables.  Michel discovers one of the robbers is a young worker who recently lost his job however, the young man is struggling to support two young children. Even though the young man in question has no respect for the couple and regards them as 'pampered middle-class sell outs', Michel must decide whether if arresting the man is the right thing to do and if so what implications it will have on his own life and the lives of the young man and children.

The film and director Guediguian were nominated for a number of awards including the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes and Winner of the Audience and Silver Spike Award at the Valladolid International Film Festival.

The Snows of Kilimanjaro is a beautiful film that's storyline deals with real and true issues which are portrayed to perfection with an outstanding cast.

 

*This beautifully performed film never takes shortcuts to get its message across*

Phelim O'Neill

*Shot in warm, summery tones, TSOK muses pertinently on justice and forgiveness while painting a moving portrait of an enduring marriage*

Tom Dawson

Watch the trailer here to see what you think:

The Snows of Kilimanjaro is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on Monday 15th October, Tuesday 16th October and Wednesday 17th October.

PREVIEW: The Sweeney (15)

Nick Love, better known for his odes to hooliganism and organised crime, with The Football Factory (2004) and The Business (2005), is back with his eagerly anticipated take on a british cultural gem, a much adored 1970's police detective TV show, this is The Sweeney. This is very much seen through Love's lens as well. A perfect director for depicting british street violence, as seen in previous work, and very good in getting the best out of those involved. 

Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) is London's toughest cop and head of an elite crime-fighting unit, The Sweeney. When Regan's nemesis turns Central London into a battle ground and his unit are framed for corruption, Regan and his young partner, the bad-boy turned good-cop, George Carter (Ben Drew) find themselves removed from duty and thrown to the mercy of the underworld. 

There are strong performances here from both Winstone and Drew (also known as Plan B). I remember thinking, when watching Drew's earlier 'cockney-thug-like' representations in both Adulthood (2008) and Harry Brown (2009), that his performances helped capture the realism needed to document the violent tribal streets found in London. Of course portraying this type of character can be made easier if the surroundings attached to them are where you were brought up, and it was for Drew, but a dose of talent needs to be added to the mix. It seems that the young already established singer/songwriter has this and could be almost labelled as an up-and-coming 'method-actor'.    

I'm sure such a compliment was paid countless times to Winstone, many years ago, especially after his memorable performance in Scum (1979). So, if Ben needs anyone to look up to at this stage in his career then Ray is the man, as he has been there and remained successful since. This sense of idolisation is interestingly reflected on both their characters in The Sweeney. Ray Winstone's DI Jack Regan is hero-worshipped by his young colleagues, as he plays the part with a grizzled, eye-catching menace. This combination of characteristics between the two produces an inspired father-son vibe. Winstone's status and received respect means this ideology can be played out well. This take on the characters' relationship is slightly distant from the familiar double act seen in the 70s TV show, which was a more equal, bantering partnership, but still an interesting adaptation by Nick Love.

A very enjoyable watch with lively banter, a gritty storyline with fast-paced action sequences, screeching car chases and cocky catchphrases, The Sweeney has all the key ingredients you'd expect from a good old-fashioned police detective drama, don't miss out.

*Ray Winstone is well cast*

Peter Bradshaw - The Guardian

*Regan and Carter give the popular 70s TV show a cosmetic 2012 facelift in this clever adaptation*

Lisa Giles - Keddie

Check this out:

The Sweeney (15) is screening on Friday 19th October at 7.45pm, Saturday 20th at 10.45am & 7.45pm and Monday 22nd October at 2pm. 

      

        

PREVIEW: Inside Job (12A)

A comprehensive analysis of the financial crisis of 2008, which at a cost over $20 trillion was the worst recession since the Great Depression, and nearly resulted in a global financial collapse. Through exhaustive research and extensive interviews with key financial insiders, politicians, journalists, and academics, the film traces the rise of a rogue industry which has corrupted politics, regulation, and academia. Academy Award winner Matt Damon narrates this unflinching look at the deep-rooted corruption that has left millions of middle-class Americans jobless and homeless as the major corporations get bailed out while paying millions in bonuses.

Transition Gloucester will be holding a short discussion after the film.

SCREENING: Saturday 13th at 3pm

PREVIEW: Hope Springs

From New York born director David Frankel who's many credits include The Devil Wears Prada and Marley and Me, along with TV shows such as Entourage and Sex and the City. Frankel brings us his new rom-com Hope Springs.

Always linked with hi-profile Hollywood stars throughout his career with the likes of Owen Wilson, Steve Martin and Anne Hathaway to name a few. Hope Springs adds several more high profile stars to Frankel's list with multi-winning Meryl Steep and Tommy Lee Jones taking the lead roles his new funny journey of the re-ignition of love.

Streep and Jones play long married middle aged couple Kay and Arnold who's marriage has hit severe roadwork's. Arnold watches Golf and does nothing at home while Kay waits on him hand and foot, cooking and cleaning whilst trying her up most to keep the relationship ticking over.  Kay is eager to rekindle their relationship and in a last ditch attempt books a £4,000 trip for an intensive couples counselling week with Dr Feld (Steve Carell).  Jones is great playing the stubborn middle-aged man determined not to open up whilst Streep puts in a fine performance trying her best to lure Arnold back towards her charms.  With multiple laugh out loud moments, peeking with Arnold's fatasies and Kay's encounter with a banana.

Hope Springs is a film for everyone especially those who are looking for that little something to re-ignite that flame.

*Sweet and funny enough to appeal to everyone*

Matt Goldberg

*Befitting actors of their calibre and experience, Jones and Streep effortlessly deliver*

Ellen E Jones

Watch the trailer for Hope Springs below:

Come to Gloucester Guildhall on Friday 12th October at 7.45pm, Saturday 13th October 10.45am & 7.45pm and Monday 15th October at 2pmto see the highly entertaining Hope Springs.



PREVIEW: Sing Your Song

Don’t miss you chance to see the documentary Sing Your Song about Harry Belafonte.  The film recounts the life and legacy of Belafonte, not only as a great entertainer, but as an important activist in the Civil Rights movement.

Harry Belafonte rose to fame in the 1950s as a singer and actor, bringing the Caribbean sounds of calypso music to the charts years before anyone coined the phrase "world music". However, for Belafonte fame and wealth were never as important as the opportunities they created for him to make the world a better and more just place, and he's nearly as well known for his work as an activist as for his career in the arts. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr, fought against apartheid in South Africa, spoke out for economic justice in America and abroad, raised money for famine relief in Africa, and condemned Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt (and was blacklisted for his troubles). Filmmaker Susanne Rostock offers a captivating portrait of Belafonte as an artist, activist, and individual in this documentary, in which he discusses his music and acting, what drove him to become an activist, the remarkable men and women he's worked with over the decades, and the triumphs and disappointments of his personal life.

As a singer he released a song called Matilda back in 1956 this became his first widely-released single, and went on to become his "signature" song. His breakthrough album Calypso (1956) became the first LP in the US to sell over 1 million copies within a year.  Alongside the career of a singer he was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and was one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s confidants.  Sing Your Song is a documentary about the untold story of Harry Belafonte as a singer and an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes. 

Last year at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Sing Your Song won the Most Popular Nonfiction Film Award through an audience ballot.  The film was also presented as the Closing Night selection of Maryland Film Festival 2011 by Belafonte himself.

*Belafonte still finds ways to address injustice - and now we have over 50 years of his example to follow and his music to enjoy. * New York Daily News

*Really more of an effusive autobiography of the 84-year-old singer-actor than a traditional documentary* Los Angeles Times

*A deeply respectful look at the extraordinary life of Harry "Day-O" Belafonte – the calypso musician and actor who helped Hollywood find its social conscience*  The Guardian

Watch the trailer below:

Screening on: Monday 8th October at 7.45pm

PREVIEW: About Elly (12A)

Playing at The Cinema at Gloucester Guildhall this month is About Elly, the latest film from renowned Iranian writer/director Asghar Farhadi famously responsible for last year's Best Foreign Language Film Oscar winner, A Separation. 

Providing a very revealing look into how the Iranian middle class operate, the film presents us with a scenario into how one simple lie can open up a Pandora's box of emotions. In the wake of his failed marriage in Germany, Ahmad (Shahab Hosseini) returns to Tehran. With the holidays approaching, Ahmad's friend Sepideh (Golshifteh Farahani) organizes a weekend getaway to the Caspian Sea with a group of old college friends. But one member of the group sticks out like a sore thumb: she's a pretty kindergarten teacher named Elly (Taraneh Alidousti), and Sepideh thought she would be a perfect match for Ahmad. In order to rent a spacious beach house for the group to share, Sepideh told the elderly landlady that Ahmad and Elly were newlyweds. But the truth is Elly has never even met Ahmad, and she doesn't share a close bond with the rest of the friends. Strangely enough, on the very first night of the trip Elly naturally endears herself to the tight-knit group. The following day, however, Elly vanishes without a trace, sparking a frantic search that sours the festivities, and revealing the casual deceits that are shared amongst friends.  

Critics are calling About Elly:

"A fascinating psychological drama"

Peter Bradshaw- The Guardian

"Superbly acted, morally challenging, packed with legitimate suspense...this is film making of the highest order"

Phillip French- Observer

"A remarkable film that deserves as much acclaim as Fahardi's award winner"

Phillip Concannon- Little White Lies

Check out the trailer below:

About Elly (12A) is screening on Tuesday 9th October at 2pm & 7.45pm, Wednesday 10th at 7.45pm and Thursday 11th at 7.45pm

SNIPPET: Sing Your Song

On Monday 8th October The Cinema at Gloucester Guildhall is screening Sing Your Song as a celebration of Black History Month.  An interesting seven minutes at the end of Saturday 22nd BBC Radio 4 programme Saturday Live - the Inheritance Tracks of the King of Calypso, Harry Belafonte. 

The programme is available to listen here.  Listen to it and get in the mood for Sing Your Song

STUDENTS GO FREE!

See up to 17 films throughout October - all for free!  This offer applies to all students aged 16+ with a valid student ID.

Click here to view the cinema listings.

Hope to see you there!