January 17th 

King Richard

Limbo

Sing 2

Two recent films garnering plenty of awards are here for your consideration: one a timely true tale of tennis stars and their ambitious dad, the other a refugee story that is both funny and heart-breaking. With time still to go for school holidays there's also a fun animation to take the kids along to. 

King Richard

Dir: Reinaldo Marcus Green

Length: 144 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKP_0z52ZAw

© Universal - Will Smith is terrific as
the Dad who gave us the
Williams sisters. 

Serena and Venus Williams,  superstars of the tennis world: would they have ended up as such greats without the driving force of their father Richard Williams? His vital role in shaping his two talented daughters, against all odds and expectations (they hailed from outa Compton), is the subject matter of this terrifically acted and highly engaging film. No, you don't have to even like tennis to love the film, which is anchored by one of Will Smith's best performances ever, not to mention the impressive turns from teenagers Saniyya Sidney as Venus and  Demi Singleton as Serena. The narrative follows a fairly traditional arc, but it's the underlying themes that make the film richer than a mere superstar biopic. Richard, often overbearing and infuriating, uses doggedness and determination to ensure that his kids will be given opportunities thanks to their talent, not just by virtue of being black. The whole background of the Williams family dynamic also adds to the interest. The movie is inspiring, uplifting, and a fine testament to parental love and support, not to mention sporting prowess and determination.

4 - highly recommended

Limbo

Dir: Ben Sharrock

Length: 104 mins

Exclusive to Cinema Nova

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O--8AuuhgA

©  Madman - a supportive friendship
that will make you laugh and cry

Omar (Amir el Masry) is a Syrian refugee stuck on a bleak remote Scottish island, awaiting the outcome of his application for asylum. Back in Syria he had been a well-known and talented musician, playing the oud. Now his life consists of attending English classes, ringing his family (now living in Istanbul), and sharing his sparse living quarters with three fellow refugees -  Farhad (Vikash Bhai) from Afghanistan and two African men. His precious instrument however, is merely carried everywhere, but has not been played. The film is touted as a comedy, and while it certainly has plenty of amusing moments, it is also a deeply moving tale that is so timely in today's world of displaced people. The director, with experience of living in Syria and working with refugees, wanted to explore the idea of the loss of one's identity when reduced to refugee status. He does this in a pitch-perfect way, using Omar's constant flashbacks to a life where he was "something". Shot on an island in the outer Hebrides, and with much help and involvement from the locals, the film looks stunning - long shots of bleak windswept natural areas, contrasting beautifully with the many tableau-style scenes of the the men, walking, talking or part of Cultural Awareness 101 classes led by Helga and Boris. The imagined presence of Omar's brother Nabil, (Kais Nashif) who headed back to Syria to fight, adds an extra dimension of dramatic and emotional tension, while Farhad's obsession with chickens and Freddie Mercury makes for many witty and absurd moments. Masry gives a nuanced and heart-wrenching performance as Omar. The evocative soundtrack enhances everything, and all in all this is a fine (and much-awarded) film, totally worth trekking out for.

4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended

Sing 2

Dir: Garth Jennings

Length: 110 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPZu5MA2uqI

© Universal - a cast of critters 
like no other

Ambitious entrepreneurial koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConnaughey) is back, with his team of musically-minded animals, auditioning for wily media mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale). The team promise to get reclusive one-time singing legend Clay Calloway (Bono) into the show, but there are only three weeks to get it all together. As you'd expect, the usual obstacles must be overcome. Fans of the first Sing should really enjoy this one, even if it is an excuse to string excerpts of countless popular songs together. High profile actors pepper the voice cast: Scarlett Johansson as Ash, the punk porcupine, Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, the pig who gave up dreams of stardom to become a mother to 25 piglets, and Taron Edgerton as Johnny, a singing/dancing gorilla. Plus the director himself as Miss Crawley, an iguana who, despite being elderly and one-eyed gets things done for Buster (and provides many of the laughs). Some ruthless and dour critics have panned it, but as a lightweight fun entertainment with color, movement, endearing characters, good music and plenty of gags, it is something to entertain adults and kids alike.

3.5 - well recommended