Wednesday 30 July 2014

What's new in Odeon's this week - Thursday 31st July 2014.

After last weeks haul of new releases there is a little more restraint in cinematic content this coming week . . . but, only a little! There are five new offerings out for the week ahead that are sure to give you more choice than you can shake a clapperboard at when matched up against those released last week and still doing the rounds from weeks before. Once again we have a real mix of films to tempt your movie going tastebuds that range from post 9/11 political intrigue fused with the war on terror; an Aussie 'end of the world as we know it' race against time; a more gentle English 'end of the world as you know it' passing of life drama; a poignant young lads Yorkshire take on 'Steptoe & Son'; and a drug mule action revenge story that has consequences for all when it goes wrong for all . . . or maybe right for a few!

So with five films to watch over the next seven days, you can easily get other there to your local cinema and then, drop me a line to share with the other Odeon Online follower expressing your views and opinions of what you've seen. It's that easy - enjoy your experience, and don't forget to share!

LUCY (Rated MA15+) - Directed, written and edited by Luc Besson with an estimated US$40M budget this French filmed and staged actioner stars Scarlett Johansson in the title role and Morgan Freeman supporting as Professor Norman. The story surrounds Lucy who is tasked simply with delivering a mysterious briefcase to an assigned recipient while holidaying somewhere is Asia - but needless to say this goes wrong, she is taken captive, and turned in to a drug mule for a new powerful synthetic drug. Carrying a bag containing the drug inside her stomach which splits and leaks, the effect is that Lucy's mind undergoes unimaginable changes that allows her to unlock it's full potential. The narrative in the film tells us that most humans utilise only 10% of their brain capacity, but Lucy has the potential now to utilise 100% as a result of this drug making her almost all powerful - physically and mentally, and so she turns the tables on her former captors to seek revenge whilst trying to prevent said drug from falling into the wrong hands. Along the way she is aided by Professor Norman - an expert on the human mind, and the head of the local Police. An interesting premise, the shorts look promising and good to see Johansson kicking butt - it's been a busy year for her!

THESE FINAL HOURS (Rated MA15+) - Directed and written by local Perth resident Zak Hilditch, and set in and around that remotest of cities this is the story of the last 12 hours on Earth - for us all, before a cataclysmic event in the shape of an oncoming asteroid collides with our fragile planet and ends all life as we know it! The story surrounds James (Nathan Phillips) who is intent on spending his final hours partying hard and going out with a bang! But his plans go awry when he reluctantly saves the life of a young girl, Rose (Angourie Rice) who has lost her father in the milieu of the end of the world, and is in the clutches of a rampaging paedophile who has plans of his own. With his end of the world plans turned upside down and forced to accept a new responsibility despite the circumstances, James has to come to terms with some harsh realities and decide what really matters in life against all the odds of their impending death. This is not your traditional effects laden Hollywood global apocalyptic epic, but instead an Australian small budget drama where the focus in on real lives forced into a hopeless situation.

A MOST WANTED MAN (Rated M) - this film stars the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of his last screen appearances as Gunther Bachmann, an anti-terrorism unit chief trailing an asylum seeker and believed Chechen terrorist, Issa Karpov (Grigorly Dobrygin) in post-9/11 Hamburg. When Karpov emerges undercover of the night and seeks to reclaim millions in inheritance deposited at a local Bank in Hamburg, he is thrown into a further web of intrigue involving human rights lawyer Annabel Richter (Rachel McAdams), banker Tommy Brue (Willem Dafoe) and US Embassy official Martha Sullivan (Robin Wright). The question is are Karpov's motives and interest genuine or is this some kind of cover-up for funding future international terrorism attacks? And so begins a game of cat and mouse as the clock ticks down on Karpov and who will get to him first. A strong cast, Directed by Anton Corbijn the acclaimed photographer, based on the 2008 John le Carre book, this is a solid tale in the vein of 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy', and 'The American' with Hoffman's performance rated tragically as one of his best - this is a slow burn film that will keep you guessing right to the end, and thinking long after the credits have rolled.

STILL LIFE (Rated M) - Written and Directed by Umberto Pasolini this film set in some English town, centres around middle aged unassuming and quiet John Mays (Eddie Marsan) who has been employed by the local council for the past 22 years as a funeral officer. Tending to the dead he arranges the last respects to society's forgotten citizens who may have passed away alone, with no family, few friends and no one else to tend to their final arrangements. He organises the funeral, will draft and deliver an eulogy with whatever information and intelligence he can piece together, attempt to contact any surviving relatives often fruitlessly, and ensure that there is some dignity in the proceedings to honour the memory of those passed. However, after 22 years he is let go by his local council employer, and in doing so there is one final case to make the arrangements for - that of his little known neighbour, Billy Stokes. In conducting his investigations into the life of Stokes for the purposes of his eulogy and seeking to make contact with any surviving relatives he comes across the daughter Kelly (Joanne Froggatt) with whom he makes a connection - and perhaps the most powerful, meaningful and endearing yet. A gentle, nuanced, sensitive film where emotions speak louder than words this film might make you rethink that there is life in death, and after it!

THE SELFISH GIANT (Rated MA15+) - Written and Directed by only second time film maker Clio Barnard this story unfolds in Bradford, in Yorkshire, England. Inspired by a short Oscar Wilde story this sees two young lads from the poorer downtrodden end of town - Arbor (Conner Chapman) and his good mate Swifty (Shaun Thomas) who are both happy go lucky tearaway kids, with few prospects but relatively street smart. Having been suspended from school because of their involvement in a fight they turn their attention to making some cash, and so start collecting and selling scrap metal from wherever they can get their hands on it - learning quickly that copper especially from telecom, power and utility lines is especially lucrative. They on-sell to local scrap merchant Kitty (Sean Gilder) who takes the young lads under his wing but ultimately with dire consequences for all! Nominated this year for a BAFTA for Best British Film this is a thought provoking and moving human drama surrounding two young souls trying to claw their own way out of life's scrapheap only to be knocked down again by the cards that life has dealt them! Reminiscent of Ken Loach's excellent 1970 film 'Kes' this is a modern folk story set amidst England's industrial heartland with its grime, poverty and social divides that is sure to resonate.

Five films then to surprise and delight, and lure you out from in front of the small screen to get out there in front of the big screen with all its eye popping ear pounding glory! When you're done, drop me a note in the comments box and share your thoughts with the movie going world.

Movies - see as many as you can!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Saturday 26 July 2014

Birthday's to share this week : 27th July - 2nd August.

Do you share your birthday with a well known, highly regarded & famous Actor or Actress; share your special day with a Director, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer or Singer/Songwriter or Composer of repute; or share an interest in whoever might notch up another year in the coming week? Then, look no further! Whilst there will be too many to mention in this small but not insignificant and beautifully written and presented Blog, here are the more notable and noteworthy icons of the big screen, and the small screen, that you will recognise, and that you might just share your birthday with over the coming week. If so, Happy Birthday to you from Odeon Online!

Check out too the spotlight on this weeks Birthday Boy on 30th July, Christopher Nolanat the end of this feature.

Sunday 27th July
  • Jonathan Rhys Myers - Born 1977, turns 37 - Actor | Producer
  • Julian McMahon - Born 1968, turns 46 - Actor
  • Yahoo Serious - Born 1953, turns 61 - Actor | Producer | Director | Writer
Monday 28th July
  • Alexis (Robert) Arquette - Born 1969, turns 45 - Actress
Tuesday 29th July
  • Stephen Dorff - Born 1973, turns 41 - Actor | Producer
  • David Warner - Born 1941, turns 73 - Actor
Wednesday 30th July
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger - Born 1947, turns 67 - Actor | Producer
  • Richard Linklater - Born 1960, turns 54 - Director | Producer | Actor
  • Christopher Nolan - Born 1970, turns 44 - Director | Producer | Writer
  • Jean Reno - Born 1948, turns 66 - Actor
  • Hilary Swank - Born 1974, turns 40 - Actress | Producer
  • Lisa Kudrow - Born 1963, turns 51 - Actress | Producer | Writer
  • Laurence Fishburne - Born 1961, turns 53 - Actor | Producer
  • Simon Baker - Born 1969, turns 45 - Actor | Producer | Director
  • Frank Stallone - Born 1950, turns 64 - Actor | Producer
  • Peter Bogdanovich - Born 1939, turns 75 - Director | Producer | Writer | Actor
  • Terry Crews - Born 1968, turns 46 - Actor
Thursday 31st July
  • Sherry Lansing - Born 1944, turns 70 - Actress | Producer
  • Wesley Snipes - Born 1962, turns 52 - Actor | Producer
  • Michael Biehn - Born 1956, turns 58 - Actor | Producer | Director | Writer
  • Dean Cain - Born 1966, turns 48 - Actor | Producer | Writer
  • J. K. Rowling - Born 1965, turns 49 - Writer | Producer
  • Geraldine Chaplin - Born 1944, turns 70 - Actress | Writer
Friday 1st August
  • Sam Mendes - Born 1965, turns 49 - Director | Producer
  • Jason Mamoa - Born 1979, turns 35 - Actor | Producer | Director
Saturday 2nd August 
  • Sam Worthington - Born 1976, turns 38 - Actor | Producer
  • Edward Furlong - Born 1977, turns 37 - Actor
  • Kevin Smith - Born 1970, turns 44 - Actor | Producer | Writer
  • Wes Craven - Born 1939, turns 75 - Director | Producer | Writer | Actor | Editor
Christopher Jonathan James Nolan was born in England to an American father and English mother and grew up spending his time between London and Chicago. 

At age seven he began making short movies with his father on a Super-8 camera, and by age eleven he had already decided upon a movie making career. While studying English Literature at University College London he shot 16mm films which led to his first feature film in 1998 - 'Following' made for the princely sum of US$6,000. Whilst at college he made two short films - in 1989 - 'Tarantella' and 'Larceny' in 1995, followed by 'Doodlebug' in 1997. It was however, 'Following' that began to put Nolan in the spotlight gaining some recognition from the film festivals at which it was shown. This small independent low budget offering did enable him to secure enough support to make his next feature - the highly acclaimed 'Momento' with Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss in 2000. This received critical acclaim and did well on the awards circuit - so much so that it led to his next offering, the 2002 psychological thriller 'Insomnia' starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank.

Nolan's turning point came though in 2005 when he was given the chance to reboot, revive and reimagine the DC Comics 'Batman' franchise which he did admirably over three successive films starting with 'Batman Begins' with Christian Bale in the lead role as our Caped Crusader!. This was followed by 'The Prestige' in 2006 about rival magicians starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, and then 2008 brought 'The Dark Knight' - the second in his Batman canon which grossed in excess of US$1B globally and also garnered many awards and nominations along the way. 

Riding on the success of this Nolan made 'Inception' in 2010 - a film that he had written and had been in gestation for many years. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role this mind-bending, thought provoking, much debated Sci-Fi thriller earned over US$800M at the global box office and again gathered many awards and nominations in its wake.




2012 bought the conclusion of his Batman trilogy with 'The Dark Knight Rises', which like its predecessor earned in excess of US$1B at the box office, and has cemented Nolan as "one of the most innovative story tellers and image makers at work in movies today".

Nolan Writes, Produces and Directs most of his films and acted as Producer on last years 'Superman : Man of Steel' and this years 'Transcendence', with an Executive Producer credit on the 2016 'Batman vs Superman : Dawn of Justice'. His eight films to date have grossed in excess of US$3.5B at the global box office. He and Sam Raimi are the only Directors to film three live action Comic Book adaptations of the same character ('Batman' and 'Spiderman' respectively), and after James Cameron, Nolan is the second Director only to make two films that have grossed more than US$1B ('The Dark Knight' and 'The Dark Knight Rises'). He owns a London based Production company - 'Syncopy' which he runs with his wife Emma Thomas.

From eight films he has a global box office haul of over US$3.5B and has earned 116 award wins and 109 other nominations, including three Academy Award nominations for Best Picture ('Inception') and Best Original Screenplay ('Momento' and 'Inception'); three Golden Globes nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay ('Inception') and Best Original Screenplay ('Momento'); and three BAFTA nominations all for 'Inception' in the categories of Best Director, Best Film and Best Original Screenplay.

Next up for Nolan is 'Interstellar' due for release in November this year - a Sci-Fi epic that depicts "a heroic interstellar voyage to the farthest borders of our scientific understanding" and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain . . . can't wait!

Christopher Nolan - multi-talented, highly acclaimed, visionary film maker, Happy Birthday to you from Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Friday 25 July 2014

DELIVER US FROM EVIL - Thursday 24th July 2014.

When I saw the shorts for this film I was sufficiently motivated to see 'DELIVER US FROM EVIL' that I went along to my local multiplex last night with a couple of mates in tow. I don't mind a good supernatural horror chiller from time to time and there are plenty that occupy a rightful space in that canon, but, this ain't one of them! I was underwhelmed by this Scott Derrickson Directed and Screenwritten film that we are told in the opening credits is 'inspired by real events' as recounted in the book 'Beware the Night' by now retired NYPD cop Ralph Sarchie, whom Eric Bana plays in this film.

Derrickson has a solid enough pedigree with 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' and 'Sinister' amongst others in the same genre, but this film falls flat on many levels. Promoted as a Police action horror set in New York's present day Bronx, this story surrounds two cops - Sergeant Ralph Sharpie (Bana) and his adrenalin junkie knife toting partner Butler (Joel McHale). Called out to a random job late at night they encounter a wife beating that under normal circumstances would be routine, but this time there is more than meets the eye when the crazed, half naked husband sets about the two cops before running into the night. Cut to the Bronx Zoo and a woman randomly tosses her young child into the lion's den for no apparent reason - except that we discover later on that a hooded man is painting out a hieroglyphic type message inscribed on the wall in that same lion's den . . . in the middle of the night! All is clearly not what it seems as CCTV footage will reveal later.

What unfolds as we move forward is a story of demonic possession that is at first of course dismissed by a world weary Sharpie who has seen more than his fair share of horror on the streets of the Bronx bought about by mere mortals, and nothing as cooked up as being supernatural! Until of course things start to go bump in the night in his own home, and he starts to hear things and see things that naturally, no one else can! Added to these unexplained occurrences more similar Persian/Latin hieroglyphic paintings are uncovered, strange happenings are reported, certain persons of interest are behaving very strangely and the map of how all this is pieced together starts to unfold. En route, Sharpie reluctantly enlists the help of local Castilian priest, Father Mendoza (Edgar Ramirez) who has his own weighty baggage and is somewhat unconventional in his approach to his faith, but, who is fortunately well versed in the art of exorcism and nether worldly stuff! So it's up to Sharpie, Butler and Mendoza to uncover what is going on, explain these events and chase down our possessed protagonist before all Hell is let loose.

Derrickson has thrown just about every cliche he can at this, and we've seen it all before - creaking floorboards, flickering lights that slowly extinguish, flash lights that fade and die, static on the walkie talkies, doors that slam locked shut of their own volition, scratching sounds behind walls and under the floor, toys that suddenly spring into a menacing life all their own, repugnant smells, and images of bloodied bodies momentarily on screen to create a fright. And then of course most of the action takes place in dank, dark, dirty underground bunkers or obligatory basements, or some apartment where the main protagonists do their gruesome stuff - but none of this creates any scares, and those that do come do so from your everyday situations and encounters that are from this world, and not some other supernatural dimension.

Three are a few gruesome deaths where the claret flows, but again there is nothing you haven't seen before, and Bana does an OK job, but it is only OK. The closing exorcism inside a Police Station cell is handled reasonably well, and Santino (Sean Harris) as the possessed ex-Royal Marine is well made-up and carved-up to make his possession convincing enough, but really, everything else is fairly pedestrian!

You don't need to blow $20 on the price of a cinema ticket to see this film - wait a few months for the DVD or Bluray that might give you more of a total package that you can watch in the comfort of your own home with the lights out. But, don't expect too much!



-Steve, at Odeon Online-

SKYFALL - archive from 27th November 2012.

Took the posse to the periodical pilgrimage that is the latest Bond offering - 'SKYFALL' last night. For 50 years, and 23 action packed films later, this is up there in the Top 3 Bonds of all time! 

Sam Mendes has crafted a fine film with many a nod to Bond of yesteryear, and carefully crafted. Daniel Craig returns for his third instalment as our titular hero as the weary Secret Agent now fitting comfortably & convincingly into the role of Bond, James Bond, and this time exploring his fractured past, tortured childhood, relationship with M, his Scottish heritage, and more of what maketh the man. 

Javier Bardem is a deliciously camp bad guy (Silva) but not hell bent on world domination just hell bent on revenge of the establishment that turned against him - MI6. This has all the usual ingredients from the pre-credit action sequence, the set pieces, the guns, the girls, the locations, the wit and characters you know & love - but watch them all because big changes occur in this outing with an eventual return to form that is likely to surprise, and delight! 

Ben Whishaw turns up as 'Q' and adds a younger twist to the previous much loved Desmond Llewelyn character, Ralph Fiennes brings a stoic stiff upper lipped Gareth Mallory who just might be a longer term addition to the franchise,  Judie Dench is there of course again as 'M', and it's great to see the original DB5 getting some more screen time from Sean Connery's earlier days at the wheel of this most notable of all Bond cars.

Some plots you will recognise from 'Mission : Impossible' (stolen MI6 undercover operative database) to 'The Bourne Trilogy' (motorcycle & rooftop chase sequence) to the most recent 'Batman' franchise (murdered parents orphaned back story) but nonetheless this is a stylish, well told, solid story with twists and turns and much to enjoy and keep you thinking after the credits have rolled, and a possible new lease of life for this long running series. Good job Sam, good job Daniel!

Subsequently, this film garnered a global awards haul of 53 wins and 79 other nominations taking in two Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Sound Editing with three other nominations; a Golden Globe for Best Original Song; and BAFTA's for Best British Film and Best Film Music and six other nominations.

With Bond 24 set for release at the latter end of 2015, and Bond 25 also announced with Daniel Craig set to play in these next two instalments, there remains a very strong pulse in the franchise with some new direction coming as a result of 'Skyfall's' ending! Bring it on James!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-


Wednesday 23 July 2014

What's new in Odeon's this week : Thursday 24th July 2014.

This week we have a veritable slew of new releases to tempt you out on a cool Winter's evening to your local independent cinema or multiplex. No less than seven hot new movies are sure to offer something for everyone and ensure there is no shortage of new cinematic content to ease that dollar from out of your wallet. There is big screen action, horror, comedy, drama, science-fiction and documentary offerings that will ensure all tastes are catered for, whilst not forgetting the other big screen entertainment released in the recent past that is still out there on general release.

When you've been out there this coming week sitting in a dark room with a bunch of strangers taking in  a good dose of aural and visual overload, enjoy your cinematic experience, drop me a line and tell my other Reader what you think.

DEVIL'S KNOT (Rated M) - Directed by Atom Egoyan and starring an American accented Colin Firth, and Reece Witherspoon amongst other fine talent, this film appears to over promise and under deliver. The story recounts the real life events surrounding the 'West Memphis Three' young teenagers who were convicted in the mid-90's of killing three young boys (Michael Moore, Stevie Branch and Christopher Byers) . The speculation over this case continues on to this day, and perhaps this is the motivation for the film - giving the case further exposure and reason to cast more doubt over the convictions maybe! Essentially the three teenagers in question were supposed Devil worshippers who allegedly did away with the three younger lads as part of a satanic ritual. The three teenagers, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jnr. were convicted even though evidence was lacking and they pleaded their innocence throughout. Baldwin and Misskelley were sentenced to life imprisonment and Echols to death, although after subsequent forensic testing, a revaluation of the evidence and a new hearing in 2011 the case took a new twist and the three were released. The case continues however, with the real killer still at large. The film I believe presents nothing new that we haven't seen before, and so you'll have to make up your own mind if you can decipher the story presented here and make something of the assessments handed down.

DELIVER US FROM EVIL (Rated MA15+) - this supernatural horror chiller stars Eric Bana as New York City cop Ralph Sarchie investigating a number of inexplicable, disturbing and brutal crimes. When he keeps drawing up blanks he joins forces with Father Mendoza (Edgar Ramirez) who is well versed, somewhat unconventionally, in the occult, the supernatural and the art of exorcism to counteract the malevolent forces seemingly at work in their fair city. This is Directed by Scott Derrickson, and is based on the real life experiences of Sarchie as bone-chillingly and neck-tinglingly recounted in his book. There have been many films of this genre and this subject matter in more recent years, but Eric Bana is always solid, and the shorts I have seen make this worthy of your consideration if you like your supernatural horror chiller served with blood, gore and raw emotion.

HERCULES (Rated PG) - by my reckoning this is the 22nd Hercules movie to grace our screens since 1958 and that includes a number of animated features too. Arnold Schwarzenegger started his acting career credited as Arnold Strong in 1969's 'Hercules in New York' and now in 2014 we have Arnie wannabe Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson flexing his pecs and doing the Herc thing! This is the story of Hercules the man, the myth, the legend and son of Zeus who has been granted nothing by his father other than to walk the Earth and suffer because of his heritage. Gaining solace only in his thirst for battle, bloodshed and death he encounters other similar 'lost souls' with whom he unites to become a band of paid mercenaries never questioning their tasks, only how much is it worth to them. However, the time comes when they are recruited by the King of Thrace and his daughter to train their army to do battle with an evil warlord intent of overthrowing their Kingdom and claiming it for his own. Also starring the talent of John Hurt, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and Joseph Fiennes this is Directed by Brett Ratner who has a strong pedigree which might just lift this swords and sandals story to a new level.

SNOWPIERCER (Rated MA) - Directed by South Korea's Boog Joon-ho in his first English language feature this is an audacious deftly handled telling on the big screen of the French graphic novel 'Le Transperceneige'. Set in 2031after an earlier experiment to halt global warming has gone horribly wrong for our dearly beloved green Earth, and created a desolate windswept frozen white planet in which practically all life has been wiped out. Except of course for those riding 'The Snowpiercer' - a massive train powered by perpetual motion, which means that it will never stop! It travels the Earth on a single winding track across continents track taking a year to circumnavigate the planet. On the train are all that is left of civilisation - at the back end are the poor living in carriages of squalor while at the front end are the rich and powerful with all the trappings of the good life - restaurants, bars, clubs, schools and social riches. There is a class system that has evolved over the years but the downtrodden poorer classes at the back are repressed, and once again revolt in an attempt to free themselves ultimately, get off the hurtling train and explore Earth's frozen barren snow strewn landscape which just might, be warming up! There is much that has been lauded already about this film starring the august talent of Chris Evans, John Hurt, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell and Tilda Swinton in the main leads backed up by some of South Korea's finest acting talent which elevates this above your usual end of the world apocalyptic block buster disaster action offering.

MRS. BROWN'S BOYS D'MOVIE (Rated M) - I am not a fan of the TV series that has spawned this big screen spin-off, and I am guessing that everything is here on the big screen that you have already seen on the small screen. Irish widow Agnes Brown is a fecking opinionated, nosy, potty mouthed, cantankerous old woman who clearly feels that the world (or at least hers) could not function without her. Selling fruit and veggies at a local Dublin market her world is about to implode when heartless, greedy corporate property developers threaten the market and her stalls existence. Going on the defensive she enlists the support of her local community, friends, relatives, blind Ninja's and a Tourettes suffering lawyer to stop injustice being done. Starring Brandan O'Carroll in the lead role this is sure to please followers of the TV Series, but might just wallow where the 'Kath & Kim' movie did too!

ONCE MY MOTHER (Rated PG) - Australian filmmaker Sophia Turkiewicz was just seven years old when she was abandoned by her Polish mother, Helen, to an Adelaide orphanage for two years. Being old enough at seven to remember, she never forgot, nor forgave, this act of betrayal. Now in mid-life Sophia seeks to reconcile that act, understand her mothers motives and come to terms with the troubled relationship she has had with her mother and her new family ever since. In doing so, and in making this film, Sophia uncovers Helen's escape from a wartime Siberian Gulag, her survival against all the odds and the truth surrounding Stalin and the Allies. Along the way Helen ends up in a Polish refugee camp in Africa having travelled thousands of miles with other Poles where thousands perished en route. She remains there for six years and this is where Sophia is born. Eventually she secures passage with baby Sophia aboard a boat bound for Australia and arrives in Adelaide - she knows no body, has no money, cannot speak the language and has a baby in tow! With Helen now suffering dementia Sophia documents this amazing story while there is still time to recover those memories from her Mother, and reconcile their relationship before it's too late. A mesmerising real life telling of heartbreak, betrayal, abandonment, relocation, survival, desperation, loss and eventual awakening and reconciliation.

WORDS AND PICTURES (Rated M) - flamboyant English prep-school teacher Jack Marcus (Clive Owen)  and a new straight laced art teacher Dina Delsanto (Juliette Binoche) cross swords at a private school and an unlikely courtship ensues. Enjoying the cut & thrust and the battle of the classroom they initiate a hearty debate amongst their students through a competition as to which is more powerful . . . words or pictures? In doing so though they must also fight their own internal battles as these two troubled souls needs to shake off their baggage if they are to truly connect. Also stars Bruce Davison and Navid Negahban and Directed by Fred Schepisi. If 'Dromcom's' are right up your street (Drama, Comedy, Romance) with a back drop of the education system, then this could be for you!

Seven is your lucky number this week, and you could if you wish see one a day for the next seven days until my next Preview Post, and then tell us all about it in your 'Guest Reviewer' spot on Odeon Online! Enjoy the films, however many you take in.

Movies - see as many as you can!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-


Tuesday 22 July 2014

The Odeon Online Book Review : Total Recall - My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger

I was given this 624 page tome for Christmas and finished reading it some months ago, but thought I would share my views on Arnold Schwarzenegger's latest autobiographical memoirs of his life, love, loss, leadership and longing to become rich and famous.

If you are a product of the 80's as I am, growing up on a movie diet consisting (amongst other genres) of blockbuster action heroes - Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger, you may have developed a certain fondness for 'The Austrian Oak' as I did. Reading his story of growing up in just post war Austria, born in 1947 in the small town of Thal, he started pumping his body in his early teens to build and shape his physique which he saw as his ultimate ticket to America. Such was his determination, which has never wavered since and remains strong to this day, that by the time he reached 21 he had relocated to America and had already been crowned Mr. Universe - a title he would subsequently win many times over.

From there his determination took him to successive world body building titles all the while with his sights set firmly on the movie business. He studied English, took elocution lessons, attended University and made some very savvy business decisions in the real estate game which gave him the money he needed to invest more in himself, his growing network of key movers and shakers in both the movie and political scene, and his growing business empire.

His film break came in 1969 in 'Hercules in New York' (credited as Arnold Strong), but it was 1976's 'Stay Hungry' that really brought him to attention and garnered him a Golden Globe win. From there his movie career is the stuff of folklore and legend and a meteoric rise to fame and fortune. During this time he married into the Kennedy political clan and his marriage to Maria Shriver laid the foundation for his election as the 'Governator' of California in 2003 for which he would serve two terms and oversee the seventh largest economy in the world whilst battling huge budget crisis, political upheaval, natural disasters right on his doorstep, significant environmental issues, and the ultimate break up of his beloved marriage and family as a result of a secret love child hidden from the world for over ten years.

All of this and more is outlined in clear transparent words and pictures as Arnold bears his soul in what might be seen as a cleansing and a fresh start. In many ways it is, for after serving in office for eight years he has since resurrected his movie career with four films already released and another five due for imminent release or in production.

Whether you are a fan of Arnold the acclaimed body builder, Arnold the movie icon, Arnold the political statesman, Arnold the astute business man, Arnold the best selling author or Arnold the family man, this is a solid engaging read and it might make you think a little differently about this determined self made man who has reached so many pinnacles in his career and his life that there really can't be much more to aim for. . . although I'm sure he'll think of something!

'Total Recall - My Unbelievably True Life Story' by Arnold Schwarzenegger has been on the shelves for about 18 months now, and is the telling of a larger than life almost rags to riches success story of a big man with big dreams, a big ego and a big personality, that might just one day make it up on to the big screen itself!

Enjoy the read!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Monday 21 July 2014

James Garner - dies aged 86 - R.I.P.

James Garner - born James Scott Baumgarner was born in Oklahoma on April 7th 1928 and passed away of natural causes at home on Saturday evening 19th July 2014.


A veteran of more than fifty film appearances and numerous television series, Garner was also a veteran of the Korean War where he was wounded twice and subsequently awarded two Purple Hearts. He first came to acting in a non-speaking Broadway stage play 'The Caine Mutiny Court Martial' in 1954 before film and television beckoned and brought him six decades of success from the mid-50's onward.

His film career was as diverse and colourful as his small screen career with movies credits that include 'Move over, Darling', 'Marlowe', 'The Americanisation of Emily', 'The Great Escape', 'Grand Prix', 'Support your local Sherrif', 'Support your local Gunslinger', 'The Fan', 'Victor Victoria', 'Maverick', 'Space Cowboys', 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' and 'The Notebook'.

His TV acting credits include 'Conflict' from 1956-57 over three episodes, 'Cheyenne' from 1955-57 over four episodes, 'Maverick' from 1957-62 over 60 episodes, 'Nichols' from 1971-2 over 24 episodes,  'The Rockford Files' (for which he is perhaps best known) from 1974-80 over 122 episodes and taking in eight TV movies from 1994-99, 'Bret Maverick' from 1981-82 over 18 episodes, 'Man of the People' from 1991-92 over ten episodes, 'Chicago Hope' in 2000 over four episodes, 'God, the Devil and Bob' from 2000-01 over 13 episodes, 'First Monday' in 2002 over 13 episodes and '8 Simple Rules' from 2003-05 over 45 episodes. He played the character of Bret Maverick in four TV series - 'Sugarfoot', 'Maverick', 'Young Maverick', and 'Bret Maverick' from 1957-1982.

Whilst filming 'Grand Prix' in 1966 he got the taste for motor racing (much like his good friend Paul Newman did later on in life), and became the owner of the 'American International Racer' team from 1967-69, and later on drove a pace car in the 59th, 61st and 69th Indianapolis 500. He was an avid golfer too winning a number of amateur tournaments, and a keen follower of 'The Oakland Raiders' American football team. During his time playing Jim Rockford in the 70's he experienced ongoing knee problems and had both knees replaced subsequently. He was hospitalised with a bleeding ulcer in 1979, underwent quintuple heart by-pass surgery in 1988, and suffered a major stroke in 2008 from which he recovered well following surgery.

Garner was nominated for an Academy Award in 1986 for Best Actor in 'Murphy's Romance'. He won three Golden Globes for 'Barbarians at the Gate', 'Decoration Day' and as 'Most Promising Male Newcomer' in 1958, and had nine other nominations. He also won two Primetime Emmy Awards for 'Promise' and 'The Rockford Files' together with 13 other nominations. Throughout his career he was the recipient of 17 total award wins and 33 further nominations.

Owner of a trademark deep gravelly voice, amiable, handsome, understated, TV icon and on-screen ladies man Garner has left his mark on both film and television history, and is survived by his wife Lois Fleishman Clarke whom he married in 1956.

James Garner - Rest In Peace.
1928-2014

-Steve, at Odeon Online-


Saturday 19 July 2014

Birthdays to share this week : 20th - 26th July.

Do you share your birthday with a well known, highly regarded & famous Actor or Actress; share your special day with a Director, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer or Singer/Songwriter or Composer of repute; or share an interest in whoever might notch up another year in the coming week? Then, look no further! Whilst there will be too many to mention in this small but not insignificant and beautifully written and presented Blog, here are the more notable and noteworthy icons of the big screen, and the small screen, that you will recognise, and that you might just share your birthday with over the coming week. If so, Happy Birthday to you from Odeon Online!

Check out too the spotlight on this weeks Birthday Girl on 26th July, Helen Mirrenat the end of this feature.

Sunday 20th July
  • Diana Rigg - Born 1938, turns 76 - Actress
  • Sandra Oh - Born 1971, turns 43 - Actress
  • Cormac McCarthy - Born 1933, turns 81 - Writer | Producer
Monday 21st July
  • Michael Caton - Born 1943, turns 71 - Actor
  • Josh Hartnett - Born 1978, turns 36 - Actor | Producer
  • Robin Williams - Born 1951, turns 63 - Actor | Writer
  • Charlotte Gainsbourg - Born 1971, turns 43 - Actress
  • Jon Lovitz - Born 1957, turns 57 - Actor
  • Norman Jewison - Born 1926, turns 88 - Director | Producer
  • Ross Kemp - Born 1964, turns 50 - Actor | Producer 
Tuesday 22nd July
  • Willem Dafoe - Born 1955, turns 59 - Actor
  • Franka Potente - Born 1974, turns 40 - Actress
  • John Leguizamo - Born 1964, turns 50 - Actor | Writer | Producer
  • Rhys Ifans - Born 1967, turns 47 - Actor
  • David Spade - Born 1964, turns 50 - Actor | Writer | Producer
  • Albert Brooks - Born 1947, turns 67 - Actor | Writer | Director
  • Danny Glover - Born 1946, turns 68 - Actor | Producer | Director
  • Terence Stamp - Born 1938, turns 76 - Actor
  • Paul Schrader - Born 1946, turns 68 - Director | Writer
Wednesday 23rd July
  • Daniel Radcliffe - Born 1989, turns 25 - Actor
  • Woody Harrelson - Born 1961, turns 53 - Actor | Producer
  • Ronny Cox - Born 1938, turns 76 - Actor
Thursday 24th July
  • Anna Paquin - Born 1982, turns 32 - Actress | Producer
  • Rose Byrne - Born 1979, turns 35 - Actress
  • Jennifer Lopez - Born 1969, turns 45 - Actress | Producer | Singer | Songwriter
  • Lynda Carter - Born 1951, turns 63 - Actress
  • Doug Liman - Born 1965, turns 49 - Director | Producer
  • Gus Van Sant - Born 1952, turns 62 - Director | Producer | Writer | Editor | Actor
Friday 25th July
  • Matt LeBlanc - Born 1967, turns 47 - Actor | Producer
  • D. B. Woodside - Born 1969, turns 45 - Actor
Saturday 26th July
  • Kate Beckinsale - Born 1973, turns 41 - Actress
  • Jason Statham - Born 1967, turns 47 - Actor
  • Sandra Bullock - Born 1964, turns 50 - Actress | Producer
  • Kevin Spacey - Born 1959, turns 55 - Actor | Producer | Director
  • Helen Mirren - Born 1945, turns 69 - Actress
  • Susan George - Born 1950, turns 64 - Actress | Producer
  • Olivia Williams - Born 1968, turns 46 - Actress
  • Mick Jagger - Born 1943, turns 71 - Singer | Songwriter | Producer | Actor
Dame Helen Mirren was born Ilyena Lydia Vasilievna Mironoff in Chiswick, London. Her Grandfather was a Tsarist aristocrat doing business in London negotiating an arms deal during the First World War when he became stranded there with the advent of the Russian Revolution. He was subsequently joined by his wife and their son - the son who would become Mirren's father (Vasilily Petrovich Mironov) having met English woman Kathleen Rogers.

Mirren was brought up in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, and attended St. Bernard's High School for Girls in Southend-on-Sea where her interest in acting was first sparked through the school drama productions. From there she went to the New College of Speech and Drama in London, and from there the stage beckoned with her subsequently spending her lifetime treading the boards in between roles on the silver screen and the small screen. She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in the latter half of the 60's and into the 70's, during which time she secured her first credited film acting role 'Herostratus' in 1967, and then 'Age of Consent' with James Mason in 1969 - filmed in Australia. 

Throughout the 70's she starred in many TV Series and TV Movies but it was probably in 'Caligula' in 1979 that really started to bring her to the attention of the big screen moguls. I short succession came 'The Long Good Friday', 'Excalibur', 'Cal', '2010' and 'White Nights' to kick start the first half of the 80's. As that decade drew to a close came Peter Greenaway's 'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover' and then '91, '92 and 93' saw three successive Series of the mach acclaimed 'Prime Suspect' TV Detective Series in which Mirren played the lead role as DCI Jane Tennison.

Mirren is married to Actor and occasional co-star Taylor Hackford, and has been since 1997, although the two have been together since 1986. She holds the record for the second largest Best Actress Award sweep with 36 wins during her life time to date, surpassed only by Cate Blanchett with 38. She has played a Queen six times on screen, and became only the third actress to win two Golden Globes for acting in the same year - the others were Sigourney Weaver and Joan Plowright. She is also the only actress to play both Queen Elizabeth I, and, Queen Elizabeth II.

Her filmography on the silver screen and small screen takes in 117 credits to date including the likes of (not already mentioned) 'The Mosquito Coast', 'The Madness of King George', 'Gosford Park', 'Calendar Girls', 'State of Play', 'The Tempest', 'Love Ranch', 'The Last Station', 'RED' and 'RED 2', 'The Debt', 'Hitchcock', 'Arthur', 'Brighton Rock' and of course 'Elizabeth I' and 'The Queen'. Due for imminent release is 'The Hundred Foot Journey' with 'Woman in Gold' currently filming, and 'Trumbo' and 'Eye in the Sky' both in pre-production and due for release in 2015/16.

Her world wide haul of awards and nominations takes in 93 wins and 75 nominations with the Best Actress Academy Award for 'The Queen' and three other nominations. She has won three Golden Globes for Best Actress for 'Elizabeth I', 'The Queen' and 'Losing Chase' with nine other nominations. As for the BAFTA's she has won Best Actress also for 'The Queen' and for 'Prime Suspect', 'Prime Suspect 2' and 'Prime Suspect 3', and in 2014 was awarded the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award, along with her seven other nominations.

With her acting career now in its sixth decade and still going strong she continues to straddle stage, screen and television, and is still much in demand. Honoured for her efforts by the Queen in 2003 Dame Helen Mirren continues to play diverse, interesting and at times surprising roles that prove her versatility, add too her appeal, and show us her rebellious streak that remains as strong now as it ever did.

Dame Helen Mirren Happy Birthday to you from Odeon Online.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-