PREVIEW: The Look Of Love (18)

The Look of Love is Michael Winterbottom and Steve Coogan's impersonation of Soho property baron Paul Raymond. The film looks at the relationship between Paul and the women in his life; wife, lover and daughter.  

Following 24 Hour Party People and The Trip, Michael Winterbottom and Steve Coogan collaborate once more to chronicle the scandalous world of the infamous ‘gentleman’s’ club owner and erotic publisher Paul Raymond. With a keen eye for business and a natural interest in beautiful women, Paul Raymond soon realizes that sex sells. 

What started out as one nightclub that no man could resist, Raymond soon builds an empire and his clubs dominate the whole of Soho. However, Raymond doesn't stop there and soon goes on to publish erotic magazines and produce nude theatre, which soon wins him the title of richest man in the UK!

This is a film which was part of the official select at a number of Film Festivals including Sundance and Sydney.  Scripted by Matt Greenhalgh (who wrote the screenplays for the ambitious biopics of Ian Curtis, Control and John Lennon, Nowhere Boy).  

Coogan is joined by a stellar cast which includes; Imogen Poots as Debbie Raymond, Anna Friel as Jean Raymond,Tamsin Egerton as Fiona Richmond and cameos from Stephen fry, Shirley Henderson, Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

*Coogan is able to work our affection for that dreadful yet irresistible archetype* The Evening Standard

*A solid, straightforward biopic about a fascinating individual and his destructive relationships, with strong performances and a healthy sense of naffness.* Empire

Watch the trailer below:

The Look of Love is screening on: Monday 24th at 7.45pm, Tuesday 25th at 7.45pm, Wednesday 26th at 2pm & 7.45pm, Thursday 27th at 7.45pm.

PREVIEW: Obilivon

Based on Joseph Konsinki's unpublished graphic novel of the same name, Oblivion,written and directed by Konsinki, is set in a post-apocalyptic world starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman.

Oblivion takes place in an apocalyptic future where the majority of the population lives in clouds above an uninhabitable surface of the Earth.  One man’s confrontation with the past leads him on a journey of discovery and redemption as he fights to save Mankind.  Drone repairman Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) lives alone on an unrecognisable planet Earth, soaring in the breathtaking skies until one day he rescues a beautiful stranger from a crashed aircraft.  Her arrival triggers a sequence of events that brings him to question everything he knows and puts the future of mankind in his hands. 

Konsinki said that Oblivion is a homage to the sci-fi films of the 1970s, drawing on images from Tron, 2001: A Space Odyssey and more recently Moon. The classic sci-fi feel with superb visual effects make it a sci-fi fans dream. A fantastic soundtrack by French electornic band M38 helps to bring it all together. Bringing in $274,679,700 worldwide, it's safe to say the film has been a success with audiences all over the world.

*A derivative sci-fi drama that blends some nifty plot twists with its mysteriously serene futuristic adventure.* Spectrum

*Large-scale, original sci-fi is a hard thing to come by these days, and despite its familiar story Oblivion does dream up some great idea* CinemaBlend.com 

See the trailer here:

Oblivion is showing at Gloucester Guildhall Friday 21st June at 7.45pm, Saturday 22nd June at 10.45amm 3pm (CineCubs Screening) and 7.45pm and Monday 24th June at 2pm.

PREVIEW: Broken

A hard hitting coming-of-age British drama,  Broken, is based on the book of the same name by Daniel Clay. Starring Elouise Laurance, Tim Roth and directed by Rufus Norris, Broken is one of the best British films of recent years.

After witnessing a brutal beating, Skunk’s world quickly transforms from being full of the happy certainties of childhood to being a place of danger and anxiety.  In light of her new situation, her innocence soon dissolves and her future is harsh and uncertain.  When Skunk finally seeks comfort and safety in an unspoken friendship with genuine, damaged Rick, she is confronted with her most difficult choice yet. 

Inspired by To Kill A Mockingbird, Broken  has received great reviews. Premiering at Cannes Film Festival in 2012, Broken went on to win the Golden Eye award at the Zurich International Film Festival and won the award for Best British Independent Film at the British Independent film awards. 

*The film is rich in poignant moments and negotiates its frequent shifts from violence to gentleness to sorrow with sensitivity.* Hollywood Reporter

*Norris' film does find a beating heart, if not exactly a focus, in the tender father-daughter relationship between Archie and Skunk, nicely underplayed by Roth and Laurence* Variety 

View the trailer here:

Broken is on at Gloucester Guildhall Monday 17th June at 7.45pm and Wednesday 19th June at 2pm and 7.45pm

PREVIEW: Promised Land (15)

American Director/Producer Gus Van Sant brings us his newest film Promised Land, a classic Country vs inner City battle.
Promise Land see's the return of the partnership between Van Sant and Matt Damon which they displayed so well in Good Will Hunting. Since then Van Sant has go on to direct and produce numerous other films namely Milk starring Sean Penn.

The story behind Promised Land has been created by the talented Dave Eggers known for his quirky imagination behind Where the Wild Things Are and Away We Go. Matt Damon and fellow actor John Krasinski adapted the story for the screen, gaining writer credits for their efforts.

Promised Land brings together a whole host of talented actors of all ages and acting pedigree, adding a realism to the community feel of the film.  Headed by A lister Matt Damon (Bourne Series and Good Will Hunting) Damon is joined by the versatile acting of Frances McDormand (Fargo, Moonrise Kingdom).  Supporting them are the likes of Rosemarie DeWitt (The Watch), John Krasinski (Away We Go) and Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild and Lincoln).  Despite all of these big names it's the younger talent that will excite you with Lucas Black, Scoot McNairy, Nicole Beattie and Lennon Wynn to name a few all showcasing glimpses of their exciting future.

Set in a small Midwestern town, Promised Land see's Steve Butler (Damon) a smooth- talker of a salesman and Sue Thomason (McDormand) sent to the town by a big inner city oil company to persuade the occupants of the town to sell their land.

With the town in rapid decline and in need of money Noble's list of signatures is quickly rising. With the quick 'in and out' deal almost done Dustin Noble (Krasinski) one of the villagers decides to voice his concerns and inform his fellow community of the consequences that the drilling of the oil could have on them as individuals and their land.

The villagers form a rebellion led by Frank Yates (Holbrook) as Butler struggles against his own morals and his job.

Promised Land really does encapsulate the gulf in money and morals between an inner city business and a small town community. It's an engaging watch, with a great team behind and in front of the camera all the way.

*Another charming take on a familiar scenario* Ian Nathan

 *Promise Land is full of good intentions and sturdy performances* Allan Hunter

Have a look at the trailer or Promised Land below:

Promised Land is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on Friday 14^th June at 7.45pm, Saturday 15^th June at 10.45am and 7.45pm and Monday 17^th June at 2pm

PREVIEW: Iron Man 3 (PG)

The new film of the Iron Man sequel hits the big screen once more this time from writer/director Shane Black.

After the success of the original Iron Man released in 2008 the Marvel classic has grown with age. Iron Man 2 was released in 2010 again with great reviews. The new Iron Man 3 still has the massive budget and all star cast but it's without the multi-skilled Jon Favreau at the helm however, it doesn't take anything away from the film in fact it's the best yet.

With an all star cast led by Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock and The Avengers), he's joined again by on screen partner Gwyneth Paltrow (Seven) along with regulars Don Cheadle (Crash) and Jon Favreau.

For all those avid Iron Man fans out there you may well know it's missing two big names from the previous film with no Samuel L Jackson or Scarlett Johansson however, it's been more than amended with one of the best of British Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce amongst a host of new, talented faces.

Iron Man 3 is a return to form for the Iron Man sequel, it's taking everything that's good from both of it's previous films enhanced and modified it and left all the debris and scraps from before, to make Iron Man 3 the best of the bunch.

This time Tony Stark/Iron Man (Downey Jr.) is called into action again, as a mysterious sequence of  attacks erupt around him. Keeping a low profile he explores the attacks which reveal very little clues.

Before long the attacks become more frequent and on closer inspection it's revealed the leader of the attacks are led by The Mandarin (Kingsley), leader of a terrorist group known as The Ten Rings.

Brushing away the cobwebs Stark puts on his trusty outfit and all the gadgets and gismos that go with it to take down The Mandarin. Stark soon finds that The Mandarin is stronger than he seems and soon Stark is fighting him not to save  the population but to save the one person closest to him Pepper Potts (Paltrow)

It's the perfect film for those of you that love BIG films, love Comic books and love a great action film with a twist.

*Funny, twisty and thrilling, it’s also an impressive pace-setter for this summer’s barrage of big movies.* James Mottram 

*The third outing for the Marvel Comics superhero has standout performances from Robert Downey Jr and Ben Kingsley* Philip French

Here's the trailer below for those who need more of a push:

Iron Man 3 is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on Tuesday 11th June at 7.45pm, Wednesday 12th June at 2pm and 7.45pm and Thursday 13th June at 10.45am [CINECUBS] and 7.45pm

PREVIEW: A Late Quartet (15)

This week at The Cinema At Gloucester Guildhall why not check out the critically acclaimed drama A Late Quartet starring the cream of American screen talent including Academy Award winners Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) and Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter) and Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich, Capote).

When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life changing diagnosis, the group's future suddenly hangs in the balance: suppressed emotions, competing egos, and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert, quite possibly their last, only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy.

Inspired by and structured around Beethoven's Opus 131 String Quartet in C-sharp minor, the film pays homage to chamber music and the cultural world of New York. Thanks to an outstanding ensemble cast who all lend weight and depth to the dramatic script, leaves the end result of an insightful and emotionally satisfying film.

"A movie with clarity and grownup complexity"

Peter Bradshaw- The Guardian

"Insightful and incandescent, this is a film for both music lovers and movie lovers."

Nigel Andrews- Financial Times

Check out the trailer here:

A Late Quartet (15) opens Monday 3rd June and closes Thursday 6th June with performances at 7:45pm including a Screen Tea matinee on Wednesday 5th June at 2pm.

PREVIEW: The Place Beyond The Pines (15)

The highly anticipated new drama from director Derek Cianfrance Blue Valentine powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke's - Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling - fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. 

The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery - Golden Globe Award nominee Bradley Cooper.  The two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following.

The film has received favourable reviews, earning an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 68 out of 100 on Metacritic.  Although this is a film which is bleak and raw it is vibrating with energy.

Three years ago, Derek Cianfrance enjoyed success on a big scale with his small-scale breakthrough movie: Blue Valentine, the story of a claustrophobically unhappy relationship between a married couple played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams

Gosling gives his most open and engaging performance yet, his sleepy, woozy mannerisms developing into a complex interior world of hurt, resentment and disappointment.  Bradley Cooper's Avery, on the other hand, appears first as a fresh-faced officer.

*Cianfrance and his sterling cast keep it all together, vanquishing doubt and soap suds. There's a palpable sense of teamwork that brings out the best in all of these players.*  Toronto Star

*Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper occupy the two halves of an operatically ambitious film that sees director Derek Cianfrance making a bid for the auteur league* The Guardian

Watch the trailer below:

Screening on: Friday 31st May at 7.45pm, Saturday 1st June at 10.45am & 7.45pm and Monday 3rd June at 2pm.

PREVIEW - Charlotte's Web (U)

Director/Producer Gary Winick (Letter to Juliet, Bride Wars) brings one of the most beloved stories of our time back to the big screen.
Loved and adored by generations of children and parents alike, the magic and loving tale continues to be an important part of our childhood.

Since it's original adaptation from book to screen in 1973 with the release of it's animated feature of the same name a follow up sequel to the original storyline entitled Charlotte's Web 2: Wilburs Great Adventure was released 30 years later.
Since then fans have been crying out for a live action release of the classic tale and that's what Winick has given them and it doesn't disappoint.
Joined by a fantastic recognised cast with names at every spin of the web from the great John Cleese, Robert Redford and Julia Roberts to the young star Dakota Fanning, it's no coincidence that the films has attracted this calibre and array of stars.


Winick's film is a true reflection of the original book released in 1952 by author E.B.White and illustrated by Garth Williams.
Charlotte's Web is a classic tale of the runt of the litter pig Wilbur who is saved from slaughter by the innocent child of Fern (Fanning) who keeps him refuge in a barn amongst the farmyard animals.
It's here where the magic starts.

All around Wilbur is a array of animals with a mind and voice of their own from Samuel the Sheep (Cleese) and Ike the Horse (Redford) to Templeton the Rat (Buscemi). However, it's the spider nestled in the corner of the barn Charlotte A. Cavitica who steals the show.

As Wilbur grows up, the fear of his death grows as Ferns dad contemplates Wilbur's life. This is where the star of the film Charlotte comes in, her delicate and loving voice sets her apart from the other animals and in many ways is Wilbur's guardian angel as she watches over him.
Charlotte uses her web to spin words and phrases towards Ferns dad, the most recognisable being "some pig".
After this an influx of people visit the farm purely to see the new star Wilbur and soon Mr Zukerman decides he should take advantage of this, he showcases Wilbur at a local fair for best pig and saving Wilbur from certain death.

The story of Charlotte's Web has many meanings and structures by it's without a doubt that it's grounded in the rhythms of the natural world that reiterates the cycle of life, death and reproduction.

The film could be interpreted in another way, Charlotte has saved Wilbur's life by making him famous it is therefore, fitting that Wilbur should be surrounded by a host of real-life stars throughout his journey.

If you adored the book you will love this film.

*Winick’s adaptation of E.B. White’s classic is destined to achieve the same status for its combination of heart, humour and gorgeous production values* 

Michael Adams

*Superior voice cast and Fanning's unforced charm make for another film that'll put you off pork forever*

Total Film

Watch the trailer for Winick's interpretation of Charlotte's Web below;



Charlotte's Web is showing at Gloucester Guildhall for ONE DAY ONLY on Thursday 30th May at 3pm.

REVIEW: The Guilt Trip

You may not have heard of The Guilt Trip. Released Mother's Day weekend it got swamped under the success of Oz: The Great And Powerful and seems to have been forgotten about. This new take on the road movie sees Andy Brewster (Seth Rogan) taking his mother (Barbra Streisand) across country to market his new cleaning product.

A mother/son road movie is something that hasn't been seen before and - let's be honest - would be most sons worst nightmare. Taking Barbra Streisand from one side of America to the other could be filled with huge laughs but instead it misses.   

Since Streisand's appearances in the Focker's series, she has put her foot in the door as a comedic actress and alongside Rogan, Guilt Trip was set to be the comic film of the year. With the trailer filled with laugh-out-loud moments, the film was a disappointment. The funniest parts were in the trailer and many parts that could've been were skipped over. 

If this had been marketed more as a drama than a comedy audiences would have been left pleasantly surprised but instead were left with a barely amusing film with a heartwarming core.

Check out the original review over at Steph On Screen

PREVIEW:Song For Marion

The Cinema at Gloucester Guildhall welcomes the heart-warming Song For Marion to our screen.  

Marion is the soloist in a choir for old people led by Elizabeth, a lively but unconventional choir-mistress. When Marion is taken ill, her beloved husband Arthur grudgingly her place, even though he’s far from happy at the idea of singing. At odds with his son James, it is down to Elizabeth to try and persuade Arthur that he can learn to embrace life and help him confront the undercurrents of his own grumbling persona as he embarks on a hilarious, life-affirming journey of musical self-discovery.

The director Paul Andrew William creates a charming and life-affirming comedy.  The film features a stellar cast which include Vanessa Redgrave and Terence Stamp.  This is a truly moving films with fantastic performances from all involved.

Also included in this film are the crowd-pleasing, tear-jerking elements of Calender Girls, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Quartet.

*Terence Stamp is on fine form, as a grumpy pensioner who's talked into joining his terminally ill wife's choir*  The Telegraph

*Williams’ film is largely on song and full of genuine, heartfelt emotion. Stamp’s masterclass in melancholy is something to behold* Total Film

Watch the trailer below:

Screening on: Tuesday 14th May at 7.45pm, Wednesday 15th at 2pm & 7.45pm, Thursday 16th at 10.45 (cine cubs) & 7.45pm.