The second week of October brings with it a brilliantly diverse selection of films, from documentary to period drama and of course the expected host of Halloween thrillers. All of this as well as the much awaited release of critically acclaimed The Maze Runner. There’s something for everyone on this week’s big screen so grab the popcorn and escape reality.
Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, is an adaptation of popular children’s book by Judith Viorst starring Steve Carrell and Jennifer Garner. Alexander’s life seems to be a never ending bad day, but when his family runs out of luck, he begins to realise how good his life really is. This hilarious feel-good family comedy is sure to make you see the positive in your most terrible, horrible days.
Annabelle, begins the flow of Halloween inspired releases this October. When a Satatnic Cult break into a young couple’s house a series of supernatural events begin to take place, all of which seem to centre around a vintage doll named Annabelle. The film is a prequel to the 2013 success, The Conjuring.
The Calling, starring Susan Sarandon and directed by Jason Stone. This stomach churning thriller sees Detective Miccalef conducting a time pressured investigation after a string of gruesome murders take place in the not-so-sleepy town of Fort Dundas. Can Miccalef figure out the connection between the victims before the ritual killings get out of hand?
Effie Gray, a period drama based on the peculiar relationship between Victorian art critic John Ruskin and his young bride. An untold story featuring an award-winning cast with stars such as Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane and the enigmatic Dakota Fanning as the teenage Effie Gray.
Filmed in Supermarionation; if you’re a fan of the Thunderbirds, Stingray or Captain Scarlet this is the documentary for you. A definitive documentary about the development of Supermarionation, the puppetry technique used by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson whose popular 1960’s programmes are still iconic today.
Giovanni’s Island, anime directed by Mizuho Nishikubo; inspired by true events Nishikubo brings to the big screen a historical drama about the recovery of the fictitious island of Shikotan following a devastating war. In the aftermath unlikely friendships kindle amongst the children from two different countries who, despite the conflict of their elders, strive to overcome the barriers of language and culture.
Gold follows father Ray through his struggle to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart and daughter after a 10 year absence. It comically explores the awkward relationship between father and teenage daughter as the pair attempt to muddle through their differences. Starring Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams, Gold will be the go-to quirky family comedy of the week.
Coincidentally, Gone Too Far is another film this week to look at family relationships. The film is centred on the culture clash of two brothers meeting for the first time. One who has been brought up in London, and the other, Nigeria. With older brother Ikudaisy arriving in England wearing a sock-and-sandal combination, the premise is set for a light-hearted look at what differences an upbringing can make, and the difficulties that come with it.
The Maze Runner is the first instalment of James Dashner’s science fi
ction trilogy to be brought to the screen. When sixteen-year old Thomas wakes up in the middle of an intricate labyrinth, he has no memory of himself or how he came to be there. Similar in premise to The Hunger Games trilogy, The Maze Runner sets a dark tone for Thomas’ struggle to escape the ever-changing maze.
From the director of Music and Lyrics (2007), The Rewrite is a romantic comedy starring the ever-awkward (but nonetheless loveable) Hugh Grant as a failing screenwriter turned college teacher. The Rewrite follows Keith as he attempts to see the college year through, as well as coping with falling for one of his mature students.
In ’71, a young British soldier is abandoned by his regiment and left stranded at the heart of the Belfast riots. The soldier, depicted by Jack O’Connell, finds that he must go undercover in order to find his way out of the riots and return to his young family. This touching film will take a harrowing look at the terrors in Belfast at the height of the 1971 riots.
One Direction: Where We Are – The Concert Film is exactly what is says on the tin; a film following the band on their UK tour. With an up close and person look at One Direction, the last film to be released is sure to have squealing teens queueing up to see it.
