Talk about starting the year off with a bang! Life of Pi, Jack Reacher and Seven Psychopaths are all out this week – plus four others. Tough to pick a film of the week there.

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The films that open Thursday:

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LIFE OF PI……FILM OF THE WEEK

USA | 127 minutes | Adventure, Drama | Director: Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)

Life of Pi CRR

This coming-of-age tale about a boy adrift on the Pacific Ocean with a tiger has garnered praise from all quarters. Time for us to see what all the fuss is about.

Distributor: 20th Century Fox New Zealand

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SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS……HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

USA, UK | 110 minutes | Comedy, Drama | Director: Martin McDonagh (In Bruges)

Seven Psychopaths CRR

Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson in a crime caper from the writer/director of In Bruges. Sold!

Distributor: Rialto Distribution

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JACK REACHER……HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

USA | 130 minutes | Action, Drama, Thriller | Director: Christopher McQuarrie (Way of the Gun)

Jack Reacher CRR

Try to ignore the fact Tom Cruise is playing a man who’s literary incarnation is 6 foot 5 inches tall with a 50 inch chest, as this looks a very entertaining and gritty action flick – and Tom looks great in the role.

http://youtu.be/dR25SHT_vT8

Distributor: Paramount New Zealand

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RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

USA | 97 minutes | Directors: Peter Ramsay, William Joyce (debut feature)

Rise of the Guardians CRR

Jack Frost, Santa Claus, The Sandman and the Easter Bunny join forces to fight evil. So it’s like a child-friendly The Avengers then?

Distributor: Paramount New Zealand

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THE LAST TYCOON

Hong Kong, China | 98 minutes | Action | Director: Jing Wong (City Hunter)

The Last Tycoon CRR

Chow Yun Fat as a Shanghai gangster in early 20th Century. I’ll have me some of that!

Distributor: Vendetta Films NZ

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The films open Friday:

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TABLE NO. 21

India | 160 minutes | Thriller | Director: Aditya Datt (Good Luck)

Table No 21 CRR

A dream holiday goes awry when a couple get involved in a game show that’s not what it appears. Turns out if “you lie… you die”. Despite no subtitles on the trailer, this looks a tense and energetic thriller.

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TU MERA 22 MAIN TERA 22

India | 140 minutes | Comedy | Director: Amit Praher

Tu Mera 22 CRR

There’s little about this film on the net but it looks like a fun, light lads comedy.

http://youtu.be/TkgtyN24X9k

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Which of these New Year treats will you be indulging in?