The holidays are upon us, today begins the seven weeks of having the children home from school. I don’t know about other mums but speaking for myself, there are going to be days that I need to get out for some girl time. What better way to wile away a hot summer day with the girls than with a movie; followed by a coffee and some retail therapy.
What’s even better is that these holidays there are a heap of great movies coming to a screen near you.
I spent a bit of time checking out the Wallis website this morning and this is what’s showing at my local cinema right now.
The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 – showing now
The conclusion of the popular film adaptation of The Hunger Games trilogy is sure to excite fans of the franchise. Mockingjay Part 2 sees Katniss and her closest friends team up to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and assassinate President Snow. This movie has dangerous enemies, mortal traps and moral choices with the future of millions in the balance and I’m sure no-one would expect any less. The movie brings back Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, Liam Hemsworth as Gale and Finnick.
Love the Coopers – showing now
A Christmas comedy sure to offer a feel good happy ending starring John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Ed Helms, Olivia Wilde and Alan Arkin. Christmas Eve celebrations bring together four generations of extended family, all with their fair share of problems. Sharing the holidays, and their problems, reminds them of the importance of family and rekindles the spirit of the holiday.
The Dressmaker – now showing
Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and starring Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving The Dressmaker tells the story of Tilly, the glamorous woman who returns to her small hometown in rural Australia to check on her ill mother. She decides to stay on with her sewing machine and fashionable style to transform the women and revenge herself on those who have wronged her. The Dressmaker is based on the darkly satirical novel of the same name by Rosalie Ham.
Joy – December 26
Joy is the biographical drama about struggling single mother of three Joy Mangano, played by Jennifer Lawrence, who created the Miracle Mop. The film is written and directed by David O. Russell and stars Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. Joy spans four generations and centres on Joy, who founds a business dynasty; it has betrayal, treachery, love and the changeability of allies and adversaries both inside the family and out.
Suffragette – December 26
Suffragette is a thrilling drama that tells the story of those at ground zero of the early feminist movement. An historical drama starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, Romola Garai, Ben Whishaw and Brendan Gleeson and directed by Sarah Gavron. This one may not be a light afternoon laugh but it is sure to be informative and interesting.
Sisters – January 7
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are comedy royalty and they team up in Sisters for one last roaring house party before their parents sell the family home. They are actually supposed to be heading home to clear the crap out of their old bedroom but who can resist the temptation of throwing one last party with their schoolmates. Poehler is the recently divorced Maura and Fey is her hot-headed sister Kate. Predictably, the party rages out of control and causes fears there won’t be a house left to sell.
This one sounds like a little light relief sure to bring the laughs.
Carol – January 14
Carol explores the difficulties faced by women early in the 20th century when they didn’t conform to societal norms. I think this one will be a heartbreaking story and not a light afternoon out.The Danish Girl – January 21
The Danish Girl is based on the 2000 novel of the same name by David Ebershoff. This one promises depth as it tells the story of Lili Elbe, played by Eddie Redmayne, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery. The movie also stars Alicia Vikander, Matthias Schoenaerts and Ben Whishaw.
The movie screened in the main competition section of the 72nd Venice International Film Festival and the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.
Set in the early 1920s Gerda Wegener asks her husband Einar to stand in for a female model, which becomes more frequent and leads to Einar developing an attraction for the female physical appearance and begins living as a woman named Lili Elbe. The decision is supported by his wife Gerda but ultimately strains the marriage.
These are just some of the movies on offer these school holidays so I am sure that there is something for everyone. This doesn’t take into account the huge blockbusters like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Hotel Transylvania 2, the Point Break remake, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, Daddy’s Home and Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie.
What are you hoping to get out and see these holidays?
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!