James Absolon explains how this Pope-themed film, despite its risky premise, works
Alex Pollard reviews Hollywood's biopic of the controversial Margaret Thatcher
- Casting continues apace for Peter Jackson’s upcoming two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit with news that Cate Blanchett will reprise her role as Galadriel in the films. Canon devotees may cry foul, however, as Blanchett’s character did not appear in the novel. Apparently Jackson intends to incorporate material from some of Tolkien’s other works into The Hobbit, to bring it up to the very beginning of The Lord of the Rings. There are also rumours that Orlando Bloom will reprise his role as Legolas, although this has yet to be confirmed.
- Clint Eastwood, who most recently flexed his directorial muscles in Hereafter is reportedly planning to cast Charlize Theron and Armie Hammer in his biopic of former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. Leonardo Di Caprio, most recently seen in Christopher Nolan’s Inception, will reportedly play the controversial FBI head.
- Russell Crowe has joined a fan campaign on Twitter in a bid to get a sequel made to Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World which he starred in. The original was based on a Patrick O’Brian novel, of which there are 20 volumes, providing plenty of material to work from in a potential sequel.
Jim Carrey comedy Liar Liar is showing on ITV1 at 4pm on Saturday. David Fincher’s thriller Se7en is on Five USA again at 10:05pm on the same day (in case you missed it last week). For lighter entertainment, try Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason which is on ITV1 at 10:00pm (also on Saturday). An entrant into the first ever Cannes film festival, Gilda, is on BBC2 at 1:20am on Sunday - although, those looking to get in the Christmas mood should probably check out Elf, which is on Channel 4 at 5:40pm that evening.
- Somewhere
Having beaten off tough competition to win the esteemed Golden Lion at the Venice film festival, Sofia Coppola’s new film has received considerable attention, with many comparing it to her seminal work Lost In Translation. However, most critics have claimed that (although similar in tone) Somewhere is an inferior film. Since Venice, it has failed to gather the same critical plaudits, but remains a solid and superbly crafted film.
- The Tourist
Following his extraordinary debut The Lives of Others, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck has made (of all things!) an action romance starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, the complete change in tone and language hasn’t really worked for him, with the film having received predominantly negative reviews.
- A Serbian Film
The BBfC rarely censors films these days and you have to have something both extremely violent and disgusting for this to happen. So, to achieve 4 minutes and 11 seconds of cuts really says a lot about the film in question. Apparently, it’s either a pretentious and vile piece of filth or a deeply meaningful film about power and its abuse in Serbia’s recent history, depending on whom you ask. Watch only if you dare.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The third instalment of religious parable filled fantasy sees our intrepid heroes take to the oceans on another epic quest featuring some impressive special effects and unfortunately, 3D. Opening to mixed reviews, this could make for enjoyable family fun.
- Enemies of the People
Almost definitely, the week’s best release, having achieved almost universal critical praise. This stunning and horrific look at the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge is apparently as powerful and mesmerising as it is haunting. Unfortunately, it is also only showing in London so you’ll be extremely lucky to see it in cinemas.
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