“I’m Alan Partridge!” Well, I’m actually James Partridge, but my namesake makes his feature film debut this week.
If Steve Coogan’s hilarious comic creation isn’t your bag, there’s six other films to choose from, including Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and Ender’s Game. Back of the net!
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Opening today:
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ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA……FILM OF THE WEEK
UK | 90 minutes | Comedy
Director: Declan Lowney (TV – Father Ted, TV – Little Britain)
Cast: Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney, Sean Pertwee, Anna Maxwell Martin, Jessica Knappett, Darren Boyd, Monica Dolan, Simon Delaney
When Norfolk Digital is held hostage by a disgruntled former DJ, there’s only one man who can save the day…Alan Partridge. God help them all.
Steve Coogan’s best-loved character at his very best. “Welcome to Big School”.
Distributor: StudioCanal
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CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2
USA | 95 minutes | Animation, Comedy, Family
Directors: Cody Cameron (Open Season 3), Kris Pearn (debut feature)
Cast: Bill Hader, Will Forte, Anna Faris, Neil Patrick Harris, Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, James Caan, Kristen Schaal,
After discovering his food machine has survived and is now creating food animals – including tacodiles, shrimpanzees and hippotatomuses – Inventor Flint Lockwood (and friends) must embark on “dangerously delicious mission” to save the world again.
It may not reach the dizzy heights of the original, but this sequel looks chock full of laughs. There’s no “leek” in this boat!
Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing
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ENDER’S GAME
USA | 114 minutes | Action, Sci-Fi
Director: Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Tsotsi)
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Harrison Ford, Abigail Breslin, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Moises Arias, Aramis Knight
Based on the acclaimed sci-fi novel, a young boy is recruited to lead the fight against a genocidal alien race.
Although it’s unlikely to live up to the thought provoking novel, this – from all accounts – is a fine sci-fi actioner.
Distributor: Roadshow Distribution
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INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2
USA | 106 minutes | Horror, Thriller
Director: James Wan (Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring)
Cast: Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson, Danielle Bisutti, Barbara Hershey, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye
The poor Lambert family just can’t shake those pesky ghosts. Can they uncover the secret that has left them connected to the spirit world?
Fans of the original will no doubt enjoy this. Don’t be surprised if they set up a third film.
Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing
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NIGHT TRAIN TO LISBON
Germany, Switzerland, Portugal | 111 minutes | Thriller, Romance
Director: Bille August (Smilla’s Feeling for Snow, Goodbye Bafana)
Cast: Jeremy Irons, Mélanie Laurent, Jack Huston, Martina Gedeck, Charlotte Rampling, Christopher Lee
A Latin teacher and ancient language expert saves a young woman from jumping to her death. The mysterious woman disappears but what she leaves behind completely transforms his life.
I’m really intrigued by this film. And who wouldn’t want to watch Jeremy Irons for two hours?
Distributor: Monster Pictures
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ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: RICHARD II
UK | 165 minutes | Live Performance
Director: Gregory Doran (TV – Julius Caesar, Hamlet and Macbeth)
Cast: David Tennant, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Sean Chapman, Marty Cruickshank, Oliver Ford Davies, Gracy Goldma
More big screen Shakespeare for us to enjoy. This time former Dr. Who David Tennant transforms himself into King Richard II in the play that depicts the last two years of his life.
If you love The Bard, or David Tennant, you won’t want to miss this.
Distributor: Rialto Distribution
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THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE
USA, UK | 100 minutes | Drama, Family
Director: John Stephenson (Five Children and It)
Cast: Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy, James Cosmo, Susan Boyle, Barbara Flynn, John Hannah
It’s 1890 and legend has it that every 25 years an angel visits the candlemaker in the English village of Gladbury and touches one of the candles. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. Who will it be?
It wouldn’t be Christmas without…Susan Boyle!?! Oh dear.
http://youtu.be/j44gVfyVLnY
Distributor: EchoLight Studios
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Quite an eclectic line-up. What’s your pick?
