This week I was joined by my guest Malcolm, as we summarised the upcoming releases soon to hit our screens. Along with looking at last week's releases and the latest DVD and Blu-rays available to purchase, the movie mash up includes our regular features such as the Retro Review as well as our alternative choice for viewing films in the capital.
Right, so less of the introductions and let's get going...
New Releases
Recently Released
Last week saw the opening of 'Cowboys & Aliens' as well as black comedy 'The Guard'. However, the talk of the town seemed to be 'The Inbetweeners Movie', a continuation of the hit Channel 4 TV series. This movie marks the end of the series, therefore it is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to our favourite four sixth form friends. With university on the horizon, the four chaps head out on a lads holiday where the quest is, as ever, to impress the ladies and have some fun. Although I haven't seen the film yet myself, I hope to see it as soon as possible! Murmurs through the grapevine suggest that the film doesn't disappoint, especially if you are a fan of the series.
This year we have been inundated with various book to film adaptions; 'Never Let Me Go', 'Submarine', 'Harry Potter', 'One Day' and later this year 'The Help'. In light of this, I felt that this week's retro look back in to the history of cinematic classics should venture down the path of book adaptations. Where better place to start than with Stephen King - the sultan of sinister? From his novels to his short stories, Stephen King has provided the inspiration for many movie classics, such as;
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| Carrie [1976] |
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| Stand By Me [1986] |
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| It [1990] |
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| Misery [1990] |
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| The Shawshank Redemption [1994] |
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| The Green Mile [1999] |
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| Secret Window [2004] |
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| 1408 [2007] |
So for those who aren't familiar with this terrifying adaptation, here's a brief synopsis.
The Torrance family have been employed to maintain an isolated mountain-top hotel over the winter. However the hotels contains an evil presence that toys with the minds of its tenants. It plays on the weaknesses of ex-alcoholic father Jack whilst tormenting his telepathic son Danny, to devastating consequence.
The tension in this movie doesn't cease from start to finish, as the opening title sequence rolls to the sounds of Bela Bartok, the viewer knows they are in for a stressful couple of hours. Set within the confines of the beautiful Overlook hotel, the minimal cast are exceptional as they unreservedly convey their fear and despair. The young Danny Lloyd [Danny Torrance] is perfect as the sinister and introverted child whilst Shelley Duvall [Wendy Torrance] ranges from fearful to fierce as she takes on the role of protective mother. However, the star performance should be undoubtedly handed to Jack Nicholson [Jack Torrance] as he smiles and sneers his way through what could arguably called one of the most psychotic characters in cinematic history. I think what sets this film aside from its other horror counterparts is the fact that it doesn't ignore the subtleties of the genre, as the viewing experience is as spine tingling as it is down right terrifying.
Some things you might not know...
- During the making of the film, Kubrick has been rumoured to have rung Stephen King at 3am in the morning to ask him questions such as 'do you believe in God?'
- Also considered for the role of Jack Torrance were Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams.
- The iconic line "Here's Johnny" was actually an ad-lib on behalf of Nicholson who was actually mimicking the talk show host Johnny Carlson as he would introduce his show in this fashion.
- To get his actors in the mood, Kubrick would apparently encourage his actors to watch Eraserhead, Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist.
- Due to the fact that Danny Lloyd was such a young actor at the time of filming, the nature of the film was not revealed to him until seven years later when her was 13. Up until then the thought the film was a drama and it wasn't until he was 17 years old that he was allowed to watch a fully uncut version.
- According to Shelley Duvall, during the scene in which Jack wields an axe at the bathroom door, the props department went through 60 doors.
- The film contains a scene in which Wendy Torrance scales the steps of the Overlook with a knife. Kubrick apparently filmed this sequence 35 times, almost the equivalent of running up the Empire State Building.
Alternative Choice
If you got along to last week's recommendation, Floating Cinema's screening of the Fantastic Mr Fox in fancy dress, I hope you had a wonderful time. I have seen some of the pictures and the fox costumes truly are quite fantastic!
Moving on to this week's choice. Despite the numerous open-air screenings on offer, I am taking you back into an actual cinema, however don't think for one moment that this makes the experience any less alternative...
This week I offer up to you a screening of 'The Big Lebowski' at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square. However this is a showing with a difference, as it gives its audience a chance to 'quote-along'. You may have heard of the various sing-along screenings on offer throughout the UK such as The Sound of Music, but in this case you can don your dressing gown and quote-along freely throughout the film.
Situated in Leicester Square for the past 20 years or so, the Prince Charles Cinema (or PCC) is known for its reasonable ticket prices and eclectic mix of screenings. They host cults festivals, retro double bills as well as some select mainstream blockbusters for a snip of the price of most central London cinemas. You can book your tickets online, over the phone or in person and there are varying rates for members and non-members. Membership fees range from a reasonable £16 for a year whilst £50 will earn you lifelong membership. Check out their website for further information about ticket prices and other events they have on offer.
Tickets for this particular event are £10 (£6 if you're a member). White Russians are on sale from around 7pm whilst the doors open at 8:30pm. Viewers are encouraged to arrive in fancy dress and let's just say don't forget your bowling shoes as there are some competitions on offer in that department too!
Starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman, the Coen Brothers' 'Big Lebowski' tells the tale of "The Dude" Lebowski [Bridges], a regular guy who gets mistaken for a millionaire of the same name. He agrees to take on one of his counterpart's jobs thus developing into a web of deception and danger. Very much a must-see for any Coen Brothers fanatic.
I think there is joy to be found for first time viewers of this film along with the die-hard followers, as the costumed quote-along may bring an added sense of camaraderie to the screening.
Movie News
The recent D23 (Disney 23) Expo has shed light on various upcoming Disney projects. Interestingly director Sam Raimi has previewed elements of the new Wizard of Oz prequel 'Oz the Great and Power'. It seems that some sections will be in colour whilst others will appear in Black and White, hailing back to the 1939 original. James Franco is taking the lead as Oz himself.
Pixar have announced a new Dinosaur project that is set to be released in 2013. It is currently untitled however the premise depicts a scenario in which the dinosaurs were not wiped by an asteroid but in fact remain, roaming upon the Earth.
Pixar also previews their upcoming film 'Monster's University', a prequel to 'Monster's Inc.' where we find slimmer and younger versions Mike and Sulley, aged 18, learning to scare at college.
Harrison Ford will apparently not be taking part in the Blade Runner remake according to Alcon Entertainment representative Andrew Kosove. They will be starting with a completely fresh cast.
The 'Wild Bunch' is currently being considered for a reboot, with Tony Scott taking on direction whilst the screenwriter behind 'Mystic River' and 'LA Confidential' will also be involved. Tony Scott will also be remaking a revamped version of his 1986 cult classic 'Top Gun' however there are rumours that it will be taking part in a much more contemporary setting. Let's hope it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Bruce Willis has allegedly been signed up for the sequel to G.I. Joe (the rather imaginatively entitled) G.I. Joe 2. Here we will see Willis as the very first Joe. Its nice to see that Willis is still able to flex his muscles confidently within the action genre.
Lastly, Abigail Breslin will be taking on a more gritty role in her upcoming film 'The Class Project'. For various reasons her character decides, with the help of her sister, to kill her mum. Quite a hop, skip and a jump away from the fluffier roles of her past such as 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Definitely Maybe'. Perhaps her stint in 'Zombieland' gave her a taste for murder?
So that's all we had time for on today's show.Movie News
The recent D23 (Disney 23) Expo has shed light on various upcoming Disney projects. Interestingly director Sam Raimi has previewed elements of the new Wizard of Oz prequel 'Oz the Great and Power'. It seems that some sections will be in colour whilst others will appear in Black and White, hailing back to the 1939 original. James Franco is taking the lead as Oz himself.
I'd like to say a big thank you to my guest Malcolm, and to those who tuned in. I'll be back next week with more news and cinema viewing options throughout the capital.
Speak to you soon!
Sophie x
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