James Absolon explains how this Pope-themed film, despite its risky premise, works
Alex Pollard reviews Hollywood's biopic of the controversial Margaret Thatcher
- A picture of Meryl Streep in the upcoming Margaret Thatcher biopic The Iron Lady has sparked fresh interest in the project, in which she stars as the eponymous politician. It’s already the cause of some debate thanks to inevitable friction over how it deals with her politics. Still, whichever way it goes, we can probably expect to see Streep nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars next year!
- The Mr Men have been given their own film thanks to 20th Century Fox animation. Quite what is to be done with the beloved children’s icons remains to be seen, needless to say this is a cause for quiet concern.
- Twilight scribe Melissa Rosenberg is writing the reboot of Highlander. The original is perhaps best remembered for its Queen soundtrack and some truly atrocious accents and it has something of a cult following.
- With the Superbowl this week comes fresh glances at many upcoming films. The trailers released for this year’s biggest blockbusters include Thor, the unveiling of Captain America: The First Avenger, and a fresh look at Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon that seems to confirm that it’s going to be another two hours of robots hitting each other very loudly.
Film4 has great comedy on this weekend starting tonight with Coen comedy Raising Arizona at 10:55pm. Tomorrow, there is the ever-popular Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at 9pm followed by Mel Brooks’ wonderful Young Frankenstein at 11:05pm. On Sunday, Wes Anderson’s excellent Rushmore is on at 10:45pm. If more Wes Anderson is in order, there’s also a chance to see The Royal Tenenbaums at 11:30pm on BBC1 this coming Wednesday. If you want something more serious, though, why not try classic film-noir Laura at 12:30pm this Monday on Channel 4.
- True Grit
This latest venture into Coen country is a dark Western starring the ever-brilliant Jeff Bridges as a marshal employed by a young girl (Hailee Steinfeld) to hunt her father’s killer. The film has received great critical acclaim and garnered ten Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Director, Actor (for Bridges) and Supporting Actress (for Steinfeld).
- Just Go with It
A romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston does not sound appetising. Particularly considering the most recent trailer advertised it almost solely through the use of co-star Brooklyn Decker’s breasts and crotch gags. Unsurprisingly, it’s not yet been shown to many critics and the few reviews so far are quite scathing.
- Gnomeo and Juliet
Yes, DreamWorks animation really have taken Shakespeare’s classic play and brought it to life with red and blue garden gnomes. This is a film that features all the necessities of modern animation, including celebrity voices, an Elton John soundtrack and, unfortunately, 3D. All this combined looks to make a decidedly average film.
- Yogi Bear
The eponymous bear (Dan Ackroyd) and Boo Boo (Justin Tiimberlake) now have their own film; a 3D mixture of live action and animation that critically received a real kicking.
- Never Let Me Go
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel, the story follows the loves and losses of three individuals (Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightly, Andrew Garfield) doomed to short lives in a strange futuristic Britain. An interesting premise that could make for an interesting film. It did, however, completely flop in the States and has received a mixed critical reception.
- Paul
Not released until Monday, this long-anticipated cinematic reunion of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg sees them encounter and protect the titular foul-mouthed alien (Seth Rogen) from government forces. Whilst it is an interesting premise, it is very uncertain whether the pair will be able to produce great cinematic comedy without the guiding hand of Edgar Wright.
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