Adam Gunton
The Whale
Released: 3 February
I need to know that I have done one thing right in my life!
From Darren Aronofsky, acclaimed director of Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan and Mother! comes this powerful, grounded drama starring Brendan Fraser (The Mummy), Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Ty Simpkins (Insidious, Jurassic World). Brendan Fraser plays Charlie, a reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher who teaches his classes over the internet. His estranged daughter Ellie, played by Sadie Sink, comes back into this life and he tries to reconnect with her. Charlie knows his weight, which was brought on through depression after losing someone close to him, is going to cost him years of his life and the clock is running out to make things right with Ellie. Fraser received a five-minute standing ovation at the London Film Festival for his role and it’s clear to see why. It’s hard to even get through the trailer without shedding a tear. If you’re looking for something to give you an emotional detox, you’ve found it.
Watch the trailer here
Magic Mike’s Last Dance
Released: 10 February
I want every woman that walks into this theatre to feel that a woman can have whatever she wants, whenever she wants
If February is the month of love then this is the greatest Valentine’s gift that we could ask for. Channing Tatum is back as Magic Mike, with original director Steven Soderbergh. Mike is working as a barman in a cocktail bar. That much is true. But when friendly customer Salma Hayek wants to get to know him better, he shows her his skills by dancing up on her. I think that’s the technical term? Hayek convinces Mike to join her in London and to put on an unforgettable dance show in one of London’s oldest theatres. Passion burns hard on the stage and behind the scenes as Mike gives it his all for one last dance. Bring a fan, bring some oxygen because apparently this ends in a steamy thirty minute dance sequence.
Watch the trailer here
Women Talking
Released: 10 February
Do nothing. Stay and fight. Or leave.
Based on true events. In 2010, a group of women have a difficult decision to make. These women live in an isolated religious community and have suffered violent attacks which have been blamed on demons and devils. However they learn that the men of the community have been drugging and attacking them while they are incapacitated. While the men are briefly away, the women have to decide their next steps. Do nothing? Stay and fight the men? Or leave? Some of the women are paralysed by fear and religion and it’s not going to be an easy choice by any stretch. Starring Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Frances McDormand and Ben Whishaw. Don’t let this pass you by.
Watch the trailer here
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Released: 3 February
Pray for mercy from… Puss in Boots!
The beloved fairy-tale character made popular in Shrek 2 is back for his second solo silver screen outing. Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) finds his love for adventure has had dire consequences; he’s used up eight of his nine lives! He embarks on an incredible journey with Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek) to find the legendary Last Wish, in an attempt to recover his lost lives. All the while Puss is getting hunted by the deadly bounty hunter known as The Big Bad Wolf… At first this might be seem like a cash-in-sequel but there’s much more to love. The animation is incredible and the cast includes top talents like Olivia Coleman, Florence Pugh and John Mulaney. Perfect for a half-term trip to the cinema with the family.
Watch the trailer here