Author: James Partridge

Cinema Release Round-Up: 12 March

Posted by | Mar 12, 2015 |

An interesting line-up for you this week – something for everyone. For me, you can’t go past Wim Wenders‘ enlightening, emotional and thought-provoking documentary about legendary Brazilian photographer Salgado. . Opening today: . THE SALT OF THE EARTH……FILM OF THE WEEK France, Italy | 109 minutes | Documentary Directors: Wim Wenders (Paris, Texas, Wings of Desire, Pina), Juliano Ribeiro Salgado (Paris la métisse) Featuring: Sebastião Salgado, Wim Wenders, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado The Salt of the Earth showcases the life and work of Sebastião Salgado, whose acclaimed photography captures the best and worst of our world – from profound beauty to the unimaginable horrors of conflict and struggle. I was lucky enough to see this at Cannes and I’m so glad it’s getting a cinematic release here. One of this year’s best. Distributor: Madman Films . A LITTLE CHAOS UK | 117 minutes | Drama Director: Alan Rickman (The Winter Guest) Cast: Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Alan Rickman, Jennifer Ehle, Stanley Tucci, Helen McCrory, Danny Webb, Adrian Scarborough A radical landscape gardener falls for a legendary architect while constructing the famous gardens at Versailles. Period drama fans rejoice! Distributor: Transmission Films . CHAPPIE USA | 121 minutes | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Director: Neill Blomkamp (Elysium, District 9) Cast: Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Yolandi Visser, Ninja Chappie, a police robot scheduled for demolition, is given true artificial intelligence by...

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Grassroots rugby never looked so good in impressive ‘The Ground We Won’ trailer

Posted by | Mar 7, 2015 |

With How Far is Heaven husband and wife filmmakers Chris Pryor and Miriam Smith showed the nation that heartland documentaries can still warm your soul; and it looks like they have another hit on their hands with their grassroots rugby doco The Ground We Won. Shot in Reporoa (halfway between Rotorua and Taupo) in gorgeous black and white, the film follows the highs and lows of a local rugby team comprised of farmers – two iconic symbols of New Zealand life. The official synopsis reads: With great bawdiness and backbone, a rugby team made up of farmers strive to redeem themselves from a long run of bitter loses. In the face of the hefty demands of farming and fatherhood, the Saturday game becomes the focus of the men’s passions and the ground on which their worth is proved. Check out the trailer to see why the New Zealand International Film Festival has snapped up this film for its Autumn Events season, including the World Premiere on 18 April, ahead of the film’s nationwide opening on 7 May. Despite being a very different slice of heartland New Zealand, Prior and Smith have once again perfectly captured the essence of rural life; and the passion, camaraderie and pride associated with our national pastime are on full display. How could you not fall in love with this film? Even those totally over the...

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Cinema Release Round-Up: 5 March

Posted by | Mar 5, 2015 |

This week brings us three blockbusters: a star-driven crime caper, an effects-laden fantasy flick, and balls-to-the-wall corporate comedy. Film of the Week is tough one though, as none of them look that great. Think I’ll go for the one with Jeff Bridges in it – love that guy! . Opening today: . SEVENTH SON……FILM OF THE WEEK UK, USA | 102 minutes | Action, Adventure, Fantasy Director: Sergey Bodrov (Mongol) Cast: Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Olivia Williams, Alicia Vikander, Djimon Hounsou, Kit Harington, Jason Scott Lee An aging warrior of a mystical order must train a new apprentice in order to defeat a witch queen. If you don’t expect too much, this should entertain. Distributor: Warner Bros. . FOCUS USA | 105 minutes | Comedy, Drama, Romance Directors: John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love) and Glenn Ficarra Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro, Gerald McRaney, Adrian Martinez, BD Wong A master con man gets to close to his new female apprentice, forcing him to break things off. Three years later, that mistake comes back to haunt him during the biggest heist of career. Great leads but looks a little too clever for its own good. I hope I’m proved wrong. Distributor: Roadshow Films . UNFINISHED BUSINESS USA | 91 minutes | Comedy Director: Ken Scott (Delivery Man, Starbuck) Cast: Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, Tom Wilkinson, Sienna Miller,...

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Cinema Release Round-Up: 26 February

Posted by | Feb 26, 2015 |

Three very different films for you this week: the behind-the-scenes story of a legendary talent manager, the return to an exotic hotel, and Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole…ballet style. Enjoy! . Opening today: . SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON……FILM OF THE WEEK USA | 86 minutes | Documentary Directors: Mike Myers (debut feature), Beth Aala (Pool Party) Featuring: Shep Gordon, Mike Myers, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Douglas, Alice Cooper, Tom Arnold, Anne Murray, Willie Nelson The life and career of talent manager and Hollywood insider Shep Gordon, who spent his life making people famous. Looks utterly fascinating – especially for us film buffs. Distributor: Unknown . THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL UK, USA | 122 minutes | Comedy, Drama Director: John Madden (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Debt, Shakespeare in Love) Cast: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Richard Gere, Penelope Wilton, Tamsin Greig, David Strathairn, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle When the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel overflows with guests, Sonny purses his dream of opening a second hotel. A brilliant second helping for those who loved the first film. Distributor: 20th Century Fox . Opening Sunday: . ROYAL BALLET: ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND UK | 193 minutes | Live Performance Director: Christopher Wheeldon Cast: The Royal Ballet Watch Alice plie down the rabbit hole. Looks great! Distributor:...

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Cinema Release Round-Up: 19 February

Posted by | Feb 19, 2015 |

Two Hollywood films for you this week: the latest Waschowski sci-fi epic and a Seth Rogen comedy that made international headlines late last year. FOTW is a tough call. The lesser of two evils perhaps? . Opening today: . THE INTERVIEW……FILM OF THE WEEK USA | 112 minutes | Comedy Directors: Seth Rogen (This is the End), Evan Goldberg Cast: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan, Timothy Simons, Diana Bang, Anesha Bailey A talk show host and his producer are asked to assassinate the leader of North Korea, after it’s discovered he’s a fan. There should be a few laughs to be had – and possibly a couple of groans. Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing . JUPITER ASCENDING USA | 127 minutes | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski (The Matrix trilogy, Cloud Atlas) Cast: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Jo Osmond, Terry Gilliam, James D’Arcy A destitute woman discovers her destiny is to rule the universe as a leader reborn; but the ruling sons have plans to keep their power and only a genetically engineered warrior can keep her safe from harm. I really want this to be awesome, but I have that sinking feeling it won’t be. Distributor: Roadshow...

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