This week: a remixed and remastered Kiwi classic, another Matthew McConaughey gem, a bit of filth from James McAvoy, and the second installment of the box office behemoth that is The Hunger Games.
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Opening today:
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UTU REDUX……FILM OF THE WEEK
New Zealand | 118 minutes | Action, Drama, War
Director: Geoff Murphy (Goodbye Pork Pie)
Cast: Anzac Wallace, Bruno Lawrence, Tim Elliott, Kelly Johnson, Wi Kuki Kaa, Tania Bristowe
A striking restoration and brand new edit sees the classic Kiwi Western, set during the 19th century New Zealand Land Wars, return to our screens.
I was fortunate to see this at its premiere at NZIFF. Thrilling, eccentric and hilarious. Go see it!
Distributor: Unknown
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FILTH
UK | 97 minutes | Comedy, Drama
Director: Jon S. Baird (Cass)
Cast: James McAvoy, Imogen Poots, Jamie Bell, Joanne Froggatt, Eddie Marsan, Emun Elliott, Jim Broadbent, Shirley Henderson
A corrupt, alcoholic, drug-addicted cop uses decidedly questionable tactics to solve a murder which would see him make Detective Inspector.
This looks fun – although it won’t be to everyone’s taste.
Distributor: Roadshow Distribution
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MUD
USA | 130 minutes | Drama
Director: Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter)
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Paulson, Ray McKinnon, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon
Two inquisitive boys befriend a fugitive hiding on an island near their Mississippi home, and attempt to help him reunite with the love of his life.
Saw this at NZIFF and it’s an absolute gem. McConaughey has well and truly broken free from his Hollywood rom-com stigma, and the two young leads are equally impressive.
Distributor: Roadshow Distribution
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THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
USA | 146 minutes | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Director: Francis Lawrence (Water for Elephants, I Am Legend, Constantine)
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Claflin, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland
The second installment sees Katniss and Peeta’s heroics from the first film ignite a revolution in the districts of Panem. The powers-that-be attempt to quash said rebellion using brute force and a revision to the annual tournament – pitting past winners against against each other.
This looks a marked improvement over the original.
Distributor: Roadshow Distribution
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These all look damn entertaining. Which will you be watching?
