Out Now – 27th May 2011

Quattro Volte

Have you been eagerly anticipating today’s exciting new releases? No, me neither. This might be the week you go see something worthy.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Second instalment of the story about the “wise-cracking” kid, now in seventh grade and having to deal with bullying at the hands of his older brother. Is it half term already? Here’s your opportunity to make the kids sit in silence in the dark for 96 minutes.

Life, Above All
A 12 year-old girl, Chanda, takes on the responsibilities of a family comprising of an AIDS-stricken mother, drunkard stepfather and a deceased baby sister. In the meanwhile, her judgemental Johannesburg community falls to pieces. This week’s brilliant, harrowing yet life-affirming film that you probably won’t see.

Apocalypse Now (limited release)
It was Taxi Driver last fortnight, now it’s the classic Vietnam war epic’s turn to get the digital remastering treatment. I love the smell of a re-release in the morning. (Sorry.)

Le Quattro Volte (limited release)
High on the hill lived a lonely goat herd! Wait, no, that’s The Sound of Music. Italian mountains, religious iconography and absolutely adorable goats.

Heartbeats (limited release)
French-Canadian film about two friends, both obsessed with the same man. Youth prize winner at Cannes and Sundance-darling; bound to be sexy.

Dancing Dreams (limited release)
Choreographer Pina Bausch is celebrated in film once more but this one they completed just before she died. Not in 3D but instead following the 40 teenagers selected for one of her dance pieces.

Angels of Evil (limited release)
Biopic of Italian mobster, Renato Vallanzasca and his rise to the top of Milan’s crime scene. I’m going to take a punt and say he probably wasn’t a nice man.

Out Now – 25th August 2010

Nothing too exciting coming out today.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
“Live-action adaptation of Jeff Kinney’s illustrated novel about a wise-cracking sixth grade student.” Ugh, you completely lost me at “wise-cracking sixth grade student.” Reviews from people who have actually seen the film are similarly unimpressed.

Grown Ups
A whole bunch of comedians who weren’t that funny in their day are back to be not too funny again. Even better it’s set over the 4th of July weekend, something we in the UK don’t really care about. Lame!

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Comic book adaptation about a weedy guy fighting some more attractive guys to get a girl that is totally out of his league. Apparently it also references video games. Yawn.