Summer likes to throw us the occasional curve-ball with rainy days and heat waves back-to-back. There’s only one place to escape mother nature (or your mother-in-law) these holidays: the cinemas.
Whether your air-conditioner is on the fritz, the kids are in need of entertainment, or you just feel like a good old tear jerker, Rescu. recommends the best picks at the flicks these holidays:
Now Showing
Annie
The musical classic of the loveable orphan Annie gets a modern makeover with NYC as its backdrop. Featuring a remix of the original Tony Award winning soundtrack by the likes of Jay Z and Will Smith, this is sure to be fun the whole family can enjoy.
Mr Turner
An exploration of the last quarter century of the great, though eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner’s life. Written and directed by Mike Leigh, it’s one to watch if you’re inclined to skip the movies for the art museum on a sunny day.
Night at the Museum 3: Secrets of the Tomb
Rated PG
Larry is back for the third instalment of the Night at the Museum. This time, he spans the globe in a desperate effort to keep the magic of the museum alive. A must-see if you’ve been a fan of the previous films – and if not – worth watching for one of Robin William’s last performances.
Christmas Eve
Two Days One Night
Set in industrial Belgium, Marion Cotillard stars as Sandra, a young mother who suffers a nervous breakdown and is forced to take leave. After her co-workers are offered a significant bonus if they agree to her redundancy, she has one weekend to convince them to reject her dismissal. A foreign film lover’s delight.
Christmas Day
Unbroken
Rated M
Directed and Produced by Angelina Jolie, this dramatic blockbuster tells the story of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini. Based on the novel by Laura Hillenbrand, the script received a helping hand from the legendary Cohen brothers – be sure to have the tissues handy.
The Interview
Rated MA15+
Following the latest Sony scandal, this movie has been on and off the line-up for cinemas world-wide. From the makers of Bad Neighbours comes this laughter-inducing comedy about a late night TV show that scores an exclusive interview with Kim Jong-un in North Korea.
Into the Woods
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Helena Botham Carter
Rated PG
Imagine a world where Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and his beanstalk and Rapunzel lived together. Add the music of Stephen Sondheim, directorial vision of Rob Marshall and silver screen talents of Academy Award winners, and you’ve got Into The Woods. An adaptation of the Broadway smash, this is sure to change your perception of childhood bedtime stories.
The Gambler
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, John Goodman
Rated MA15+
Mark Wahlberg stars as an English professor and professional gambler who risks his own life as collateral in the bet of a lifetime. Pitting his creditor against an underground betting ring leader, things get ugly when the two become aware of his deception. From the director who brought us Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Rupert Wyatt, blockbuster action is definitely on the cards for The Gambler.
American Sniper
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman, Luke Grimes
Rated MA15+
Clint Eastwood once again finds himself behind the camera directing an all-star cast in his latest effort, American Sniper. Based on a true story, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. Put this on your to-watch list if you’re a fan of modern war films filled with action and heartache.
Selma
Starring: Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jeremy Strong, Dylan Baker
Rated M
Selma tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic struggle to secure voting rights for all people, which climaxed in an epic march from Selma to Alabama. Directed by Sundance award winning director Ava DuVernay, it’s the film so coveted that Oprah agreed to be a part of it.
Big Eyes
Starring: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter, Danny Huston
Rated M
The Year that Was…
This mashup of the best of 2014 has us contemplating a last-minute dash to the shops for DVD’s.