Upcoming Cinema Releases for Wotton Electric Picture House

It’s getting colder and the talk of Christmas is getting much more stronger, you like nothing more than to stay at home and watch a DVD with a cup of tea on the sofa. If this is you then your missing out on some great releases coming out in the cinema. First we have the breath taking Up where retired 78 year old Carl attaches thousands of balloons to his house and indulges on an around the world trip. This film is considered by some to be Pixar’s ( Toy Story, Monsters Inc ) best work to date, and won’t even hit the DVD shelf in the UK till next year. This film is also In 3D so your guaranteed to be taken away on an unbelievable adventure. Still want to stay at home ?

Also hitting the screens this November at your local Wotton Electric Picture House cinema is the drama The Soloist featuring two mega stars Jamie Fox (The Kingdom, Ray ) and Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man,). Acting as a musician is nothing new to Jamie Fox as he won an Oscar for best performance by an actor in Ray. The one question is does he still pull of this talent well ? I would say yes, Most certainly. Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) is a Los Angeles newspaper writer looking for something new to write about, he stumbles upon Nathaniel (Jamie Fox) who is homeless but has one option that might save his life, music. This pleasant and fresh drama all mixed in with solid acting makes for a great watch, and will make you feel like your time has been well spent at the cinema.

Reviews done by Andrew Dex

March Releases

Cinema Releases

Alice in Wonderland

Release Date: March 5th

Once again the unbeatable duet of actor Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton is upon us, they’ve collaborated together before this project, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Edward Scissorhands to name a few, and their back in this sequel to a classic “Alice in Wonderland” we are also again taken into this 3D concept which nowadays is indeed nothing new, but always a pleasant touch.

Lewis Carroll’s 1951 original continues as we now see Alice at the age of 19, she is again taken back into the magical world where she once was when she was a kid, why is she back there again? Well she soon finds out as she must end the evil Red Queens reign over the land.

This film will indeed be interesting to watch kind of like watching the re-make of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in which we find the original was happy and just your average kids movie, but when Tim Burton got his hands on to re inventing it he added his own talent making it feel kind of out of this world and a bit more darker, I am more than certain that this will occur again in Alice in Wonderland as he takes it one step further and makes a sequel to a film made nearly sixty years ago.

Comedy, Adventure, and a whole bunch of enchanting characters have all been chucked into this film, as well as a 250 million budget, making it sure to be a dazzling watch, its been hyped up since at least November last year, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Clash of the Titans

Release Date: March 26th

As if Sam Worthington couldn’t have a better start to the year, the last film he appeared in was Avatar which is nominated for 9 Oscar awards, there is actually no stopping him as he comes blasting back onto our cinema screens in a remake of the 1981 classic.

The mortal son of Zeus (Liam Neeson) Perseus (Sam Worthington) is sent on a quest to the dark underworld to stop the evil Hades ruling the world. Yes the story line may well just seem like your standard good vs. evil plot and I guess to some extent it is, but at the same time it looks like it will really hit new heights for being imaginative and spectacular.

Director Louis Leterrier is behind this one so really anything could happen, his last project was the supreme Incredible Hulk which did indeed surpass the terrible efforts of the first one. So with that being said maybe this Clash of the Titans re birth with all its CGI packaging could be more superior to the original one which has no CGI at all? We will just have to wait and see!

How to Train Your Dragon

Release Date: March 31st

From the creators of the 2001 masterpiece “Shrek” we are again thrown into the another 3D animated world, with actors Jonah Hill and Gerard Butler doing the voices this certainly is a package that guarantees a good watch without even needing to see the trailers.

Based on the 2003 book with the same title as the film “How to Train Your Dragon” tells the story of Hiccup who Is a young and adventurous Viking teenager always struggling to fit in with his friends and family who are mostly dragon slayers, one day he encounters a dragon that isn’t quite as deadly as the others, as this occurs life rapidly changes for Hiccup as the dragon shows him the true side to the mythical creature.

This looks to be something mainly for the kids, but with such a varied cast and a some what unique storyline compared to all the other animation films released recently this may well fit more than just one type of audience.

DVD Releases

2012

Release Date: March 29th

Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, are just two prime examples of Roland Emmerichs previous accomplishments. Its been a couple of years now since we have observed the director putting an abrupt and apocalyptic final ending to our world and current way of life.

This has been more than worth the anticipation in my opinion, 2012 basically allows us to visualize what maybe the end of the world would be like. The initial reason to why this doomsday type phenomenon has occurred is because of the foretold date 21st of December 2012, which collides with the Mayan Calendars current cycle, meaning the end of the earth will commence once it has come to its final day. Earthquakes, asteroids, and suicides are just the beginning and now a normality to what failed researcher and now limo driver Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) will have to encounter and deal with again and again as he leads a group of people into hopeful survival amongst all this chaos and turbulence.

Nearly approaching the three hour time scale 2012 is defiantly a well lengthened production time to establish such an important theory and concept, you will find yourself jumping out of your seat as the picture that beholds you on the screen is completely crammed full of action, adventure, and hope. This is amazingly a step up to the bulk of already classic motion pictures Roland Emmerich has indulged us with formerly.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Release Date: March 29th

As soon as I laid my eyes on the trailer for this colorful, fresh film, the first thing I thought was how this is going to be the last time I ever see Heath Ledger on the big screen. That fact alone pulled me in to see it but this film was actually so much more than I believed it would be.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus tells the tale of a touring theatre show which is financially out of pocket. On their travels they pick up Tony (Heath Ledger) who causes the first mystery in this story. At each stop they ask the general public to enter the mind of the spectacular and graceful Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) by stepping through a custom made mirror. The twist is that Doctor Parnassus is seeking five souls to obtain as after many pacts with the devil (played by Tom Waits) he has to either give his daughter away or get the souls before he does.

Director Terry Gilliam, who I should remind you brought us classics like Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, Brazil and the Monty Python series, has brushed away the dust from his director’s chair after four long years to take on the challenge again. His presence is most defiantly noticed with a strong balance between comedy and some delightful scripting. All these factors piled on top of each other and the absolutely outstanding special effects make this a ride you just don’t want to miss.

Twilight: New Moon

Release Date: March 22nd

Vampire tales these days seem to be as natural as romantic comedy’s so Twilight: New Moon is going to be welcomed into the cinema with open arms and an exceptionally high expectation to reach. Its been just over a year since we have viewed the primary Twilight adaptation, which has given birth to a colossal fan base achieving countless awards and accelerating Robert Patterson airborne into a global poster boy superstar.

In an act to safeguard Bella (Kristen Stewart) from the perils of the vampire world the Cullen family desert town, she is left heart broken cold and slightly isolated. As this commences we see the relationship develop between her and her childhood friend Jacob, who features a lot more in this sequel helping Bella through her emotions. Dangerous moments as always lie around the corner in the twilight world but I am confident that special someone will be there to save the day.

Strap your seatbelt on and get ready to fly into the eerie dark atmosphere that is Twilight, as I am certain this will be a firm and tenacious addition to a saga that will no doubt be a teen cult success.

Andrew Dex

Up In The Air

The never ageing and always super smooth George Clooney is back, joined by director Jason Reitman (Juno) in this modern take on ones comfort zone being their job. Joining the flight is Anna Kendrick from the teen super success, Twilight, and in this motion picture we really get to experience her for the actor she is - should I add she won a Golden Globe for best supporting role? This film really can’t go off the rails in my eyes.

Ryan (Clooney) Bingham’s job involves him travelling around the world to fire people as companies are too nervous to do it themselves and as this happens, he finds himself almost never at home. This soon becomes history as a new girl Natalie (Kendrick) joins the company and changes the way in which Ryan fires people, just by using the internet and a web cam she discovers that you don’t have to travel anywhere to do the job, you can just do it all from the comfort of your office. This has drastic effects on Ryan's life as he is used to being isolated in hotels, partying until dawn, having the occasional affair and certainly never being at home. So once this occurs, he ends up at his sister’s wedding speaking to a family he has pretty much never kept in contact with, but saying this, Ryan is still needed to save the day.

This film really has nailed the idea of escapism, it’s modern yet timeless and a brilliant start to this decade for Clooney. The soundtrack is bizarre yet engrossing, the acting is outstanding and the film has already won an award for Best Screenplay. Reitman brings the atmosphere and humour parallel to Juno and you can't go wrong with such a perfect formula. So to put it simply, all these positives can only bring a positive result, and it sure did.

Andrew Dex

The Road

After being nominated for a BAFTA but at the same time not showing much over here in the UK, The Road, is something I don‘t want fellow cinema attendees to miss out on. Nearly a decade since the unreal and iconic Lord Of the Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen who played Aragorn is again sharing with us his impressive craft as an actor.

Set in the future where the world is gradually dying, we see a young boy and his father (you never find out their names) go about their day to day struggles of surviving, their looking to get to the south coast in the belief that they might be able to find food, or even set sail and discover another country which maybe has survivors. On the way, their only home is a trolley which holds all their supplies. At the same time they find themselves in various deadly situations; escaping gangs of carnivores is just one of these. The film also cuts back and forth between the times when his wife was alive and provides us the tensions and fears that mount up between them.

Okay, so maybe this film isn’t the most pleasant way to start the new year but I think in recent times we have discovered there certainly is an audience for post apocalyptic narrative: I Am Legend, The Book of Eli, both have massive followings and brilliant write ups and also may I add that Mad Max 4 is on the way again, affirming that this theme is more than catching along.

Another touching factor that makes this film astonishing is the hard to note cameos from Guy Pearce and Robert Duvall who both add the icing to the cake. Top to tail in mud playing their roles combined with Viggo Mortensen makes for a real treat.

This really isn’t a family film and most defiantly not something you should take your girlfriend to on Valentines Day, but if you have a free day and an open mind, this film will effortlessly suck you away into its mind blowing atmosphere. The music, the images, and the day to day struggles of living without food, warmth, and most of all, hope, really does add up to be a bitter yet satisfying watch.

Andrew Dex

The Crazies

I went into the cinema with not much information on this one other than the fact I knew it was a re-make of a somewhat classic but mostly forgotten zombie horror directed by the legend, George A. Romero (Dawn Of The Dead). Back then, I guess, these kinds of films were rare but nowadays it feels like we have seen it all before; I did still see plenty of people leaping of their seats though.

Set in the small state of Iowa, local Sheriff David Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) discovers that the water supply is infected by radiation which has come from a military plane crashing in their local river. As soon as the water hits town, people are infected. No, they don’t turn into zombies, they turn into “crazies” so basically they slowly become crazy and start brutally murdering people. Once the town is overrun, evacuation plans immediately take place and Dutton’s wife is kept behind as the military fear she is infected. On a courageous mission, Sheriff Dutton and his deputy must battle their way back through the chaos that was once his home town to get his wife back.

Olyphant is one of those overlooked actors; he’s been great in many films like A Perfect Gateway and Die Hard 4.0 where he played the main villain, but this film, in my opinion, finally gives him that opportunity to show off all his talent.

The Crazies sure does push the boundaries when it comes to being rated 15 but the atmosphere is admiring and, at times, very captivating making for a suspenseful but rewarding horror. Yes this motion picture might well just give some of you nightmares but I am sure you have not had that happen since the brilliant Paranormal Activity, so this will indeed be a refreshing reminder that horrors can still be created, and audiences can still be scared.

Andrew Dex

The Taking of Palham 123 and Dorian Gray

The Taking of Palham 123

This film plays host to a grand duo of legendary actors, both John Travolta and Denzel Washington have a mysterious connection with each other which is boasted on the big screen with ease.

The Taking of Pelham 123 reveals the electric story of subway dispatcher Walter Garber whose day doesn’t go to schedule, a criminal mastermind Ryder has hijacked one of his trains, the only person his willing to negotiate with just so happens to be the calming Walter Garber himself.

Director Tony Scott has composed another triumph which he can add to his already outstanding directing back catalogue, already featuring cult sensations like Domino and déjà v (which should I mention also stars Denzel). The chemistry between Denzel and director Tony Scott has obviously still remained concrete. Also we should not dismiss the talented John Travolta, his acting is still just as fitting and excellent as it was in the days of Face Off or Swordfish, both timeless examples of perfect thrillers.

Although this film was only in the cinema for a fleeting amount of time do not panic as this is a satisfying watch and will most positively keep you pre occupied on a cold night.

Dorian Gray

Adapted from Oscar Wildes novel Dorian Gray represents the immortal story of a man who manages to stay young eternally, unfortunately for him as time progresses, his actions (accompanied by mentor Lord Henry Wotton) do him no good and a mysterious painting displays his inner aggression and scars. Once true love enters his life he then realises he must cloak this dark secret.

This is the third Oscar Wilde novel that director Oliver Parker has re created into his own vision, and how has he done? Remarkably I would say, as the scripting, acting, and the gloomy suburbs of London have all blended together to birth this beautiful illustration of a classic novel.

Actor Ben Barnes is an outstanding watch in this motion picture, just as he was in The Chronicles of Narnia and the recent family adventure Stardust. His profession is gradually developing into something unique to say the least. We also view Colin Firth whose precious acting can also be represented in Mamma Mia and the charming Love Actually.

I will conclude this by saying there is something in here for all the family, Drama, emotions, and a barrel of adventure, Take this film with an open mind and I am convinced you will find yourself highly fascinated.

Andrew Dex

Christmas Worry (2009)

It is indeed that time of year again, the malls have become ten times more busier, jobs are becoming easier to find, people are buying five times more food than their freezer can hold, and people are actually saying good morning to each other in the streets again. Yes my friends Christmas has arrived, and what most people will always struggle with is what to buy for their family and end up leaving things very last minute, so let me give you a little insight into the upcoming DVDs this fall and maybe I might just be able to help you out.

For Dad…

Public Enemies

Here is one for Dad to keep him pre occupied for a night as I am sure he will be to engrossed on Christmas day. Situated in the 1930’s the notorious John Dillenger (Johnny Depp) transports us into his life where currently his “too busy living for today to think about tomorrow” why would he state such a quote? Loaded with his Tommy gun and filled with adrenaline John is in fact a bank thief, stealing from as many banks as he cares to, also adored by the public as a some what Robin Hood character, Dillenger is an extremely unique character.

Hot on his tale is FBI agent Purvis who is portrayed by the legendary Christian Bale (The Dark Knight, Terminator Salvation). He won’t lay down his arms until he has John Dillenger imprisoned behind bars. Will the wit and confidence of John Dillenger out do the determination and accuracy of agent Purvis?

The duo of Johnny Depp and Christian Bale is a guarantee to most that this will be an epic slice of entertainment, what do you get if you combine that in with iconic filming and director Michael Mann (The Kingdom, Collateral)? Well a complete classic that will most positively overwhelm your Dad.

For Mum…

Take That

An assortment of the worlds most flourishing pop group and a sold out Wembley Stadium is just the initial intense feature on this live DVD which captures the now middle aged adults Take That gracing the stage.

Take That are a fascination with the majorities of mums, so the contents on this should pretty much put an endless grin on their face until next Christmas appers. Sending the crowd into a frenzy Take That’s tour erupts at London as they promote their latest album success The Circus. Supported with lights, stage acts, and exciting visuals they gracefully perform through the majority of their biggest sellers, crowd pleasers, and greatest hits, and pretty much covering any aspect an antedate to the concert would need. Did I fail to mention that there is two DVDs to this pop fest? I believe I did.

On the second DVD you can discover a live session recorded at the extremely famous and outstanding Abbey Road. So I will conclude this review by saying, if your not a Take That fan and you purchase this for your Mum this Christmas although you may enlighten her, be warned as after the first sip of red wine this will be pumped into full volume for the entirety of the night.

For the Kids….

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Some kids are hard to satisfy, and some kids can be graceful of whatever they get but Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs will satisfy either category. Director Carlos Saldanha has returned to direct the third encounter into the world of Ice Age, and he is more than achieved the efforts of the Two prior.

Our lovable animal friends Sid, Diego, Ellie, Manny are all reunited in another glorious animation sequel blockbuster which has just been let loose onto DVD form. After Sid adopts three dinosaur baby eggs he quickly gets taken away by the siblings mum.

So what happens next ? Well Diego, Ellie, Manny embark on a epic adventure to get their friend back. Joined by a new associate "Buck" whose voice is accomplished by one of our nations favourite actors, Simon Pegg. This all makes for an exciting heart warming film that kids will embrace and more than enjoy.

In an age where a lot of films are 3D in the cinema to make up for the poor product it will be when on DVD, Ice Age 3 is not one of these - thanks to great Casting, Directing, and Scripting. This will keep your kids sustaining a smile right through to the new year.

For The Teens….

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

So I must admit this is more for a male teen but hey I try. I am pretty convinced that this will in fact be located on most boys Christmas list underneath the request for a new BMX and the latest guitar hero game as a perfect filler present.

The first Transformers film was an absolute masterpiece Michael Bay the experienced director of huge action films such as Pearl Harbour, Armageddon shows us again just how to accommodate such grand and space size characters such as The Transformers mixed in with small human beings like ourselves. In the sequel we see Shia Lebouf (Transformers, Disturbia) who is now a global superstar joined by the youthful Megan Fox (who just featured in Jennifer’s Body)

Sam has just hit college for his first day everything seems to be just normal, his first encounter with the Decepticons now just feels like a bad dream. Unfortunately though for Sam the Deciptcons discover that a pair of glasses that are in his possession hold the secret location to a apocalyptic machine that can black out the sun. Similar to the first Transformers Sam must dodge his way through brave dangers and save the world while being protected by his robot friends Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee.

This jam packed action/comedy and at moments even romantic is considerably breath taking and makes you want to stand back as you just can‘t quite take everything in. I am confident that as soon as your son un wraps this little gem he will lock himself away in his room for a couple of hours intoxicated by the genius ness that is Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.