Movie of the Week

• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Cinemas

• The Garfield Movie
• Slow
• The Present
• In Flames

Streaming/On-Demand

• Atlas
• 5lbs of Pressure
• The Beach Boys
• Turtles All the Way Down

Re-Releases

• Trainspotting

CAST: Anya Taylor-Joy, Alyla Browne, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Lachy Hulme, Nathan Jones, John Howard, Angus Sampson, Charlee Fraser, Quaden Bayles, Daniel Webber

CREW: George Miller (director, writer, producer), Nick Lathouris (writer), Doug Mitchell (producer), Junkie XL (composer), Simon Duggan (cinematographer), Eliot Knapman and Margaret Sixel (editors)

PLOT: As the world succumbs to chaos, a young Furiosa (Taylor-Joy) is taken from her home in the Green Place of Many Mothers, and into the hands of a tyrannical warlord known as Dementus (Hemsworth). Furiosa must now survive numerous trials as Dementus and fellow warlord Immortan Joe (Hulme) fight for dominance over the Citadel, in order to finally make her way back home…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• George Miller returns to the madcap world of Mad Max: Fury Road for a compelling prequel that explores the early life of hero Imperator Furiosa
• Anya Taylor-Joy fills in for Charlize Theron as the eponymous hero, while an unrecognisable Chris Hemsworth brings out his inner baddie as an unstoppable new foe
• Miller also reunites with many of Fury Road’s crew members who won numerous Oscars for their work, including editor Margaret Sixel and costume designer Jenny Beavan
• Prepare to uncover some entirely new sides to this post-apocalyptic wasteland, which add greater context for the chaotic world we see in Fury Road
• Of course, there is plenty of that bombastic and explosive action that turned the previous film into one of the decade’s most outstanding action movies

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is showing in cinemas from Friday 24 May 2024

CAST: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, Janelle James, Snoop Dogg, Ernest Guillart

CREW: Mark Dindal (director), Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove and David Reynolds (writers), John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Namit Malhotra, Shelley Smith, Craig Sost and Steven P. Wegner (producers), John Debney (composer), Mark Keefer (editor)

PLOT: Garfield (Pratt), an exceptionally lazy cat, is unexpectedly reunited with his biological father Vic (Jackson), who recruits his son and canine best friend Odie (Guillén) for a dangerous, high-stakes heist…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• The world’s most famous lasagne-loving, Monday-hating comic strip cat makes his big-screen animated debut in typically hilarious fashion
• Chris Pratt voices the orange feline himself, leading a voice cast that also includes Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, and Ted Lasso stars Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein
• Director Mark Dindal, previously known for Disney’s underrated comedy The Emperor’s New Groove, brings a fast-paced energy to the gags that will have children and adults alike laughing silly
• The story introduces viewers to Garfield’s past for the very first time, as well as his unexpected criminal parentage
• Audiences old and new will find plenty of Garfield lore to point out as they enjoy the cat’s biggest adventure yet!

The Garfield Movie is showing in cinemas from Friday 24 May 2024

CAST: Greta Grinevičiūtė, Kęstutis Cicėnas, Pijus Ganusauskas, Laima Akstinaitė, Vaiva Žymantė, Mantas Barvičius, Rimantė Valiukaitė

CREW: Marija Kavtaradzė (director, writer), Marija Razgutė (producer), Irya Gmeyner and Martin Hederos (composers), Laurynas Bareisa (cinematographer), Silvija Vilkaitė (editor)

PLOT: In Lithuania, dancer Elena (Grinevičiūtė) meets and develops a close bond with asexual sign language interpreter Dovydas (Cicėnas), and they attempt to figure out how to build their own brand of intimacy…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• This passionate romance from Lithuania explores a different kind of relationship that defies stereotypes and conventions
• Filmmaker Marija Kavtaradzė marks her second feature with a story that puts asexuality in the spotlight with great care and respect
• The film gained critical acclaim following its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where Kavtaradzė was awarded a Directing prize
• It was selected by Lithuania to represent it at the Oscars in the International Feature Film category (unfortunately, it didn’t make the shortlist)
• For anyone looking for a love story that considers romance to not simply be binary, this might just give you the right amount of heartfelt goodness

Slow is showing in cinemas from Friday 24 May 2024

CAST: Isla Fisher, Greg Kinnear, Shay Rudolph, Mason Shea Joyce, Easton Rocket Sweda, Ryan Guzman, Amir Talai, Alphonso McAuley

CREW: Christian Ditter (director), Jay Martel (writer), Marcei A. Brown, Jessica Malanaphy and Linda McDonough (producers), Fil Eisler (composer), Jon Chema (cinematographer), Josie Azzam and Kristine McPherson (editors)

PLOT: After learning that his parents (Fisher and Kinnear) are separating, young Taylor (Sweda) discovers that he can turn back time using an old family grandfather clock. He then teams up with his siblings (Rudolph and Joyce) to change the past in order to keep their family together…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Family dynamics are thrown back to the future in this fun-filled family adventure
• It adopts a whimsical take on divorce that puts the power (almost literally) in the hands of the affected offspring
• Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear play the separating couple that might just be brought back together by their kids’ meddling in time
• How to Be Single director Christian Ditter returns to feature filmmaking with a script by Key and Peele writer Jay Martel
• It’s a heart-warming ride that turns back the clock to an era where imaginative family movies could teach some wise life lessons

The Present is showing in cinemas from Friday 24 May 2024

CAST: Ramesha Nawal, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Omar Javaid, Mohammad Ali Hashmi, Adnan Shah Tipu, Jibran Khan, Vajdaan Shah

CREW: Zarrar Kahn (director, writer), Anam Abbas (producer), Kalaisan Kalaichelvan (composer), Aigul Nurbulatova (cinematographer), Craig Scorgie (editor)

PLOT: In Karachi, Mariam (Nawal) and her mother Fariha (Mazhar) find themselves in a vulnerable position within their society after the sudden death of their family patriarch, leaving them to fight threats both real and supernatural…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• As writer-director Zarrar Kahn powerfully shows in his tense new psychological horror, being a woman in a deeply patriarchal society is an everyday nightmare
• The Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker makes a compelling feature debut that blends ghostly visions with the very real danger of misogyny
• Some chilling imagery and tightly-wound editing create an unnerved atmosphere that leaves you holding your breath with suspense
• It competed for the Camera D’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, and was selected to be Pakistan’s entry for the International Feature Film category at this year’s Oscars ceremony
• Both a stark commentary on patriarchal rule and a creepy ghost story, this is a thrilling blend of genres that position Kahn as a formidable new voice in Pakistani cinema

In Flames is showing in cinemas from Thursday 23 May 2024

CAST: Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K. Brown, Mark Strong, Lana Parrilla, Abraham Popoola

CREW: Brad Peyton (director, producer), Aron Eli Coleite and Leo Sardarian (writers), Greg Berlanti, Jeff Fierson, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Joby Harold, Jennifer Lopez, Benny Medina, Sarah Schechter ad Tory Tunnell (producers), Andrew Lockington (composer), John Schwartzman (cinematographer), Bob Ducsay (editor)

PLOT: In the far future, Atlas Shepherd (Lopez) is a misanthropic government analyst who joins a mission to a distant planet where a renegade robot from Atlas’ past is making a stand against humanity. After the mission goes awry, Atlas finds herself forced to rely on artificial intelligence in order to defeat it…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Jennifer Lopez wages war against the machines in this thrilling sci-fi action blockbuster
• The multi-hyphenate Lopez stars and produces the film, which is made by Rampage director Brad Peyton
• Joining Lopez in the ensemble cast are Shang-Chi and Barbie star Simi Liu, Oscar-nominee Sterling K. Brown, and British legend Mark Strong
• Some top-notch visual effects create a vast and technologically complex universe that opens up the imagination of the viewer
• Unpredictable plotting and some engaging human dramatics lead the way in this decisive futuristic tale

Atlas is streaming exclusively on Netflix from Friday 24 May 2024

CAST: Luke Evans, Rory Culkin, Alex Pettyfer, Zac Adams, Rudy Pankow, Stephanie Leonidas, Savannah Steyn, Lorraine Burroughs, Laura Hopper, Charlie Rawes, Grahame Fox

CREW: Phil Allocco (director, writer), Zac Adams, Crawford Anderson-Dillon, Dominic Burns, Ford Corbett, Marc Danon, Roy Scott McFarland, Isen Robbins and Aimee Schoof (producers), Philippe Jakko (composer), Sara Deane (cinematographer), Seth Anderson (editor)

PLOT: After serving a 16-year prison sentence for murder, Adam (Evans) returns to his old neighbourhood where he attempts to rebuild his life. Meanwhile, Mike (Culkin) is eager to escape from the clutches of his drug-dealing uncle Leff (Pettyfer), and leave his criminal life behind him. When Adam and Mike eventually cross paths, the two men find themselves caught in the midst of violence as they prepare for one last shot at redemption…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• This multi-narrative crime thriller heavily favours character drama over easy convention
• Luke Evans and Rory Culkin put in a pair of passionate lead performances that allow the actors to fully explore their troubled characters
• There is also a sinister turn by Alex Pettyfer as a particularly nasty drug dealer who becomes central to both protagonists’ journeys
• The city of Manchester doubles for the mean streets of New York, and the UK city is seamlessly transformed into Manhattan, to where it’s impossible to even tell
• In addition to being captivated by the ferocity of criminal life in this film, you’ll also be moved by the tender character moments that ultimately drive everything

5lbs of Pressure is streaming exclusively on Prime Video from Wednesday 22 May 2024

CAST: Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks, Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, Don Was, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Blondie Chaplin, Ricky Fataar

CREW: Frank Marshall (director, producer), Thom Zimny (director), Mark Monroe (writer), Irving Azoff, Nicholas Ferrall, Jeanne Elfant Festa and Aly Parker (producers), TBA (cinematographer), Jake Hostetter and Robert A. Martinez (editors)

PLOT: An exploration and celebration of The Beach Boys and their signature style that helped revolutionised the pop music industry…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• The unprecedented career of iconic 60s boy band is the main focus of co-director Frank Marshall’s new documentary
• Marshall, best known for producing classic blockbusters like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, allows his clear adoration for the band to show at all times
• The film features never-before-seen archive footage of the musicians at work, as well as interviews with several surviving members including Brian Wilson and Mike Love
• Several other figures from the world of music, such as Janelle Monáe and Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham, chime in to share how the Beach Boys influenced their work
• It’s a must-watch for any long-term fan of the band, or for anyone hoping to be introduced to their infectious music for the very first time

The Beach Boys is streaming exclusively on Disney+ from Friday 24 May 2024

CAST: Isabela Merced, Cree, Felix Mallard, Maliq Johnson, Poorna Jagannathan, Judy Reyes, J. Smith-Cameron, Hannah Marks, Debby Ryan

CREW: Hannah Marks (director), Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (writers), Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey and Isaac Klausner (producers), Ian Hultquist (composer), Brian Burgoyne (cinematographer), Andrea Bottigliero (editor)

PLOT: Aza Holmes (Merced), a teenager struggling with both anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, reconnects with old friend Davis Pickett (Mallard) after his billionaire faither goes missing…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• John Green’s acclaimed follow-up to his bestselling YA romance The Fault in Our Stars is adapted into a sweet and moving new teen flick
• Isabela Merced gives a compelling central performance as a teen riddled with OCD and anxiety
• An intriguing mystery keeps the momentum going, as do the relatable adolescent issues between Merced and her on-screen friends
• The film was originally developed under Fox 2000, the same distributor as The Fault in Our Stars, but was shelved once Disney acquired and promptly shuttered the label, only to be brought back by Warner-owned New Line Cinema (leading it to stream on Max over in the US)
• Green fanatics will be ecstatic to return to the author’s unique and thoroughly emotional world

Turtles All the Way Down is streaming on Sky Cinema from Sunday 26 May 2024

CAST: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kevin McKidd, Kelly Macdonald, Peter Mullan, Fiona Bell, Vincent Friell, Pauline Lynch, Susan Vidler, Eileen Nicholas, James Cosmo, Shirley Henderson, Irvine Welsh, Kevin Allen, Keith Allen, Dale Winton

CREW: Danny Boyle (director), John Hodge (writer), Andrew Macdonald (producer), Brian Tufano (cinematographer), Masahiro Hirakubo (editor)

PLOT: In Edinburgh, Mark Renton (McGregor) regularly shoots up heroin with his friends Spud (Bremner), Sick Boy (Miller), Begbie (Carlyle) and Tommy (McKidd). Tiring of his destructive lifestyle, he attempts to get clean and figure out what to do with his life…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• The British cultural phenomenon is back in cinemas in advance of its 30th anniversary in two years’ time
• Director Danny Boyle reunited with most of his crew from debut feature Shallow Grave, including that film’s co-star Ewan McGregor, for a film that captured the UK drug scene with stunningly bleak accuracy
• The adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel of the same name became an international box office hit, and even scored an Oscar nomination for John Hodge’s adapted screenplay
• It has been regarded as one of the most significant British films of the 90s, inspiring a best-selling soundtrack and a sequel set twenty-one years later (which Boyle, Hodge and most of the cast reunited for)
• Darkly funny and deeply disturbing in parts, this is a bona fide cult classic that’s engrossingly uncomfortable to watch

Trainspotting is showing in cinemas from Friday 24 May 2024