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MAGAZINE

KON TIKI JANUARY 2015

“possibly Britain’s most beautiful cinema..” (BBC) Britain’s Best Cinema – Guardian Film Awards 2014

JANUARY 2015 • ISSUE 118 www.therexberkhamsted.com 01442 877759 Mon-Sat 10.30-6.30pm Sun 4.30-5.30pm BEST IN JANUARY BONNIE MAY EVENTS

CONTENTS Rex Films At A Glance 6 St Albans 26-28 Odyssey Films At A Glance 29 KON TIKI Daring Stunning Beautiful Infuriating Unmissable Page 16 BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759 Mon to Sat 10.30-6.30 FILMS OF THE MONTH Sun 4.30-5.30

SEAT PRICES Circle £9.00 Concessions £7.50 Table £11.00 WEDDINGS PARTIES EVENTS Concessions £9.50 Royal Box Seat (Seats 6) £13.00 Whole Royal Box £73.00 All matinees £5, £6.50, £10 (box) ...WHETHER IT’S PALOMA FAITH’S ST VINCENT BIRTHDAY PARTY, ’S OPENING NIGHT OR A WEDDING the gate on High Street (right of THE GRANDMASTER doing everything he IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIELD IN TRING…BONNIE MAY HAS BEEN CREATING apartments)Disabled and flat access: through Huge skies Breathtaking choreography Gorgeous faces Being Bill Murray EXCEPTIONAL CELEBRATIONS FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS. does best in one film. Director: James Hannaway Page 9 Page 10 CALL BONNIE NOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT CELEBRATION... 01442 877999 BONNIE MAY EVENTS, PARTYING & PLANNING SINCE 1989 Advertising: Lynn Hendry 01442 877999 Artwork: Demiurge Design 01296 668739

EXCLUSIVE The Rex 01494 790 777 High Street (Three Close Lane) Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2FG BERKHAMSTED [email protected] www.therexberkhamsted.com POP-UP EVENT WWW.BONNIEMAYEVENTS.COM JANUARY 2015 BONNIEMAYEVENTS.COM “ Unhesitatingly The Rex POPUP@ WHAT WE DO IN THE is the best cinema I have THE HOMESMAN SHADOWS @BONNIEMAYEVENTS /BONNIEMAYEVENTS #PARTYWITHBONNIE ever..” (STimes Culture) doing everything Blistering madcap NZ yarn spinning. he does best... Audience in on every gag every step. Page 12 Page 17 6 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

COMING SOON REX JANUARY FILMS AT A GLANCE DATE FILM TIME PAGE BACK BY DEMAND St Vincent 1 THU HAPPY NEW YEAR 2 FRI PADDINGTON 7.30 8 Kon Tiki 3 SAT .00, 7.00 8 Armies 4 SUN PADDINGTON 6.00 8 : Battle of The Five 5 MON THE GRANDMASTER 2.00, 7.30 9 6 TUE PADDINGTON (BABIES!!) 12.30 8 TheNEW HungerRELEASES Games: Mockingjay 6 TUE THE IMITATION GAME 7.30 9 Annie Big Eyes 7 WED THE IMITATION GAME 2.00, 7.30 9 Exodus 8 THU THE IMITATION GAME 2.00, 7.30 9 9 FRI ST VINCENT 7.30 10 10 SAT PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2.00 11 10 SAT ST VINCENT 7.00 10 11 SUN ST VINCENT 6.00 10 12 MON ST VINCENT 2.00 10 12 MON CITIZENFOUR 7.30 11 13 TUE ST VINCENT (BABIES!!) 12.30 10 13 TUE MR TURNER 7.30 12 Exodus 14 WED MR TURNER 2.00, 7.30 12 15 THU THE HOMESMAN 2.00, 7.30 12 16 FRI BLACK SEA 7.30 13 17 SAT TINKERBELL & THE LEGEND... 2.00 13 17 SAT HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 7.00 14 18 SUN HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 6.00 14 19 MON HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 2.00 14 19 MON LEVIATHAN 7.30 15 Annie 20 TUE MY OLD LADY (BABIES !!) 12.30, 7.30 15 21 WED KON TIKI 2.00, 7.30 16 22 THU MY OLD LADY 2.00 15 22 THU FURY 7.30 16 23 FRI WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS 7.30 17 24 SAT PADDINGTON 2.00 8 24 SAT TO 7.00 17 25 SUN INTERSTELLAR 6.00 18 26 MON DUMB AND DUMBER TO 2.00 17 Big Eyes 26 MON LIFE ITSELF 7.30 18 27 TUE INTERSTELLAR (BABIES !!) 12.30 18 27 TUE HOCKNEY 7.30 19 28 WED UNBROKEN 2.00, 7.30 19 29 THU HOCKNEY 2.00 19 29 THU UNBROKEN 7.30 19 30 FRI BIRDMAN 7.30 20 31 SAT THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF The Hobbit THE FIVE ARMIES 2.00 21 31 SAT BIRDMAN 7.00 20 JANUARY FILMS 8 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Paddington From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and with an all star cast including , and , Paddington tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear (Ben Wishaw) whom, after crossing oceans ends up in in search of a new home. Lost and alone, he begins to realise that city life is not all he had imagined, until he encounters the kindly Brown family who read the label round his neck that says “Please look after this bear. Thank you,” and offer him a temporary haven. It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of the museum taxidermist. Director: Bonneville Paul King Cast: , Sally Hawkins, Hugh and fun, skewed towards young children but cheekily speckled“A charming with and sly sweet-natured gags pitched at family the older film, audience.” full of wit Duration: 95 mins (Guardian) Origin: UK 2014 “Paddington is enchanting.” (Standard) Certificate: PG “Endearing, hilarious, and for humans of a certain vintage, tearfully nostalgic.” (Times) “Through it all runs the touching story of an outsider making a new home for himself, and discovering that When... in the end, whatever our differences, anyone in London Independent) Fri 2 7.30 “Please look after this bear”, says the tag around canPaddington’s fit in.” ( neck. Rest assured, they have.” (Observer) Sat 3 2.00, 7.00 We all know the story, come and see if they get it half- Sun 4 6.00 right. Bring the street. Tue 6 12.30 Sat 24 2.00 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 9

The Grandmaster The Imitation Game The Grandmaster is a delicate and beautifully shot Based on Andrew Hodges’ biography and marking drama that follows Ip Man, a martial artist who the English-language debut of Norwegian director, became Bruce Lee’s mentor. Morten Tyldum (Headhunters) The Imitation Game Ip is played impassively by Tony Leung (the spit of begins with Turing’s () Barack Obama; anyone?) as a modest champion of arrest in 1951 on charges of gross indecency. Little Southern martial artists in their struggle for technical supremacy over the Northerners. pioneer of modern-day computing. Famously leading Gong Yutian (Wang Qingxiang) a Northerner, is the adid motley officials group know of scholars,they were linguists, actually chessincriminating champions the retiring grandmaster. He nominates Ip to take his place. Occupying at least as cracking the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany’s much screen time is Gong’s daughter, Gong Er. This is Worldand intelligence War II Enigma officers, machine. Turing was credited with the luminous Zhang Ziyi, who supplies the quivering, Flashbacks to his schooldays and his years at Bletchley pulsating emotions conspicuously lacking in him. Park paint a touching account of a man with few Ip Man is ostensibly happily married but… Gong Er is intellectual equals and even fewer social graces. Ip’s equal, possibly even his martial arts superior and Turing alienates his colleagues, exasperates his military she is as fascinated by him as he is her. masters and seems blithely unaware of the impact his Director Wong Kar-Wai (In the Mood for Love) shoots blunt candour has on those around him. His rational mind also makes him blind to the sexism of reminiscent of Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden his era as he becomes a fond champion of Joan Clarke his fight sequences with a handcrafted gentleness (Keira Knightley) an equally formidable intellect with the leads. the disadvantage of being a mere ‘gel’. Dragon, but the real flare is in the romance between “Benedict Cumberbatch is odds-on for an Oscar nomination (at the very least) for his brilliant turn as “Has any filmmaker ever made melancholy this Alan Turing... It’s the performance of his career in what cinematicseductive? grandmaster You leave this in flawed, action.’ deeply (Rolling beautiful Stone) Independent) Thefilm Grandmasterwith no doubt is that a scattered you’ve seen and ansprawling indisputable “It’s all anchored in a storming performance from is also the best British film of the year.” ( well worth the wait. (Jack Whiting) Stunning and the credits roll.” (Time Out) beautifullyperiod epic staged that finally for the has big a UKscreen. release. Don’t It hasmiss. been HopeCumberbatch: the hype you’lldoes itbe no deciphering harm. his work long after

Director: Kar-wai Wong. Director: Morten Tyldum Cast: ony Leung, Qingxiang Wang, Ziyi Zhang Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley Duration: 108 mins Duration: 113 mins Origin: Hong Kong/China 2013 Origin: UK/USA Certificate: 15 Certificate: 12A When... Tue 6 7.30 When... Wed 7 2.00, 7.30 Mon 5 2.00, 7.30 Thu 8 2.00, 7.30 10 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

St Vincent Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12-year-old don, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Forced to work long hours, she reluctantly leaves Oliver in the care of their new neighbour for a fee. Vincent (Bill Murray) a retired curmudgeon with a penchant for booze and gambling. An odd friendship blossoms between man and boy. Along with pregnant stripper, Daka (miscast Naomi Watts) Vincent brings Oliver along on all the stops that

local dive. “Together,make up his these daily characters routine: the form track, a kind a strip of surrogate bar and the family, with Murray at the head of the table. Of course

he’s no saint, what would be the point? Predictably, Director: Melissa Theodore McCarthy Melfi Cast: Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, he’s a much more complex personality than meets the eye. The huge bonus is getting to know him feels a little Duration: 102 mins like peeking through a window into the actor’s own Origin: USA 2014 soul. What more can this be, if not a ticket to movie Certificate: 12A heaven.” (Variety) The story is predictable and slides easily into the sentimental “Which is a shame, because Bill Murray When... is genuinely brilliant. His performance manages to be powerful, minutely detailed and yet almost completely Fri 9 7.30 the wonderful thing is you can’t see it.” (M.Bond.Event) Sat 10 7.00 Soundsinvisible. perfect, There isand some with terrific nominations acting goingdripping on andall over Sun 11 6.00 him, don’t miss. Mon 12 2.00 Tue 13 12.30 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 11

Penguins of Madagascar Citizenfour The quartet of flightless birds from the Madagascar Laura Poitras’s film shows the first extensive films are back starring in their own feature. interviews with Edward Snowden. This documentary Skipper and his crew: brainy Kowalski (Chris is about that very remarkable man, the former NSA Miller) rugged Rico (John DiMaggio) and young intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, shown here rookie, Private (Christopher Knights) are the most hilarious covert birds in the global espionage staggering things governments are doing to our privacy. business. Fundamentally,speaking out personally privacy is for being the firstabolished, time about not eroded, all the penguins trying to break into Fort Knox to steal the not diminished, not encroached upon but abolished. last remainingThe openingvending machineof the movie containing finds the Private’s And being constructed in its place is a colossal favourite snack food, 1960’s era Cheesy Dibbles, for digital new Stasi, driven by a creepy intoxication his birthday. with what is now technically possible, combined But events take a more serious turn as the gang comes with politicians’ age-old infatuation with snooping, bullying and collecting secret, personal information “Yet in spite of the evidence put in the public domain breaksinto conflict the wind” and has should to team get themup with far thein the high-tech kids laughterorganization: dept. North Led by Wind handsome whose and motto: husky “no-one Agent from the libertarian right, who have let themselves beabout bamboozled this, there by has the been “terrorism” a bafflingly argument. tepid response There’s the new group includes the seal, Short Fuse (Ken also been a worrying placidity from some progressive Jeong),Classified an (Benedictexplosives Cumberbatch; expert; snow owl,he’s everywhere)Eva (Annet opinion-formers who appear to assume that social Mahendru), an intelligence analyst with a Russian media means we have surrendered our right to privacy. But we haven’t.” (Guardian) Norwegian bear, Corporal (Peter Stormare) who constantlyaccent: the wantsobject toof embraceKowalski’s his affections; four new birdand hulkingfriends. secrecy, before it was unveiled with explosive, entirely Together, they must stop the villainous Dr. Octavius “Laura Poitras’s Citizenfour was a project shrouded in Brine, voiced by , from not only London Film Festival. Everybody needs to see it.” eliminating the whole penguin race, but destroying the (justifiedTelegraph zeal,) as a last-minute addition to the 2014 world as we know it. The hype sounds very fab indeed, but keep document of a global scandal.” (Empire) disappointment close at hand. “Its“Bold, 114 unblinking minutes cackle filmmaking, with the no nervous less than energy a living of “Smile and wave boys, smile and wave…” revelation.”(Guardian) Come, it might keep you off

facebook for… all of five minutes? Directors: John Eric Darnell, Malkovich Simon Smith Voices: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom McGrath, Director: Laura Poitras Cast: Edward Snowden Duration: 92 mins Duration: 113 mins Origin: USA 2014 Origin: Germany/USA 2014 Certificate: U Certificate: 15 When... When...

Sat 10 2.00 Mon 12 7.30 12 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Mr Turner The Homesman A supremely enjoyable biopic of the British artist When three women living on the edge of the known as ‘the painter of light’ Joseph Mallord American frontier are driven mad by harsh William Turner, played tenderly by Timothy pioneer life, the task of saving them falls to the Spall (who spent two years learning to paint like pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy Turner). (Hilary Swank). Transporting the women by covered

He works from a studio in his London town house whereThe film his begins housekeeper in 1826, Hannah with Turner and elderly 51 years father, old. Georgewagon toBriggs Iowa, (Tommy she soon Lee realizes Jones) just after how rescuing daunting him the William Senior keep things ticking over. fromjourney a left-to-die will be, so lynching. by chance The employs unlikely a low-lifepair and drifter the

1851 and follows him wherever he goes. Richter) head east, where a waiting minister and his InThe Margate, film spans Turner a quarter meets century a friendly until landlady his death (Marion in wifethree (Meryl women Streep) (Grace have Gummer, offered Miranda to take Otto the womenand Sonja in. Bailey) who comes to play an important role in his later life. Territories marked by stark beauty, psychological peril At the Royal Academy we see him walking around, andBut theconstant group threat. first must traverse the harsh Nebraska “Not since John Wayne and Montgomery Clift set off John Constable. on their epic cattle drive in Howard Hawks’s Red River joking curmudgeonly with friends and winding up has there been a more unusual pairing than Tommy The Fighting Temeraire and , Steam and Speed. We get towed into the paintings as he creates them: Independent) screen possible (at the Rex and Odyssey) this year, it is “ItLee is Jones a muscular, and Hilary heartfelt Swank picture, in this tempered new magnificent with TL Mr“If there Turner, is onewhich film is younot shouldmerely seethe onportrait the largest of an artist shrewdJones’s featuresympathy film.” and ( insight.” (Guardian) his paintings.” (Times) hang ‘em and shoot ‘em cowboy comedy to gruesome Winningbut a full-frontal, Spall the joyous best actor bellyflop prize into at Cannes the seascapes 2014 of vignettes“The film fromis a tonal the livesnightmare, of frontier lurching women.” uneasily (Times from) he looks set to be a strong contender for the 2015 “Puts a fresh, female spin on the .” (Total Film) BAFTAS. (research Anna Shepherd). It’s , so it’s long, it’s measured to within a hair, and it’s unlikely, cowboy match. Come for big Tommy and gritty Hilary S: the perfect,

Timothy Spall’s finest bottom-lip hour.

Director: MerylTommy Streep, Lee Jones , Tim Nelson Director: Mike Leigh Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Cast: , Marion Bailey, Paul Jesson Duration: 149 mins Duration: 123 mins Origin: UK 2014 Origin: USA 204 Certificate: 12A Certificate: 15 When... When... Tue 13 7.30 Wed 14 2.00, 7.30 Thu 15 2.00, 7.30 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 13

Black Sea Tinker Bell And The A suspenseful adventure thriller directed by Oscar Legend Of The winner, Kevin Macdonald, Black Sea stars as a struggling submariner (with Scottish accent!) NeverBeast who hears of the potential $40m bounty lying at Another year, another Tinker Bell adventure (now the bottom of the Black Sea. the seventh!!) Neverbeast will no doubt have its chance to escape, to win his family back and support followers. Parents might not be one of them. properly away from their ugly Hesubmarine sees freedom: life. the He gathers together a crew who have given their animal-loving friend Fawn (Ginnifer Goodwin) who marriages or health or happiness to their work, befriends“Tinker Bell ancient herself monster plays second the NeverBeast fiddle here after to her grinding hard to make ends meet only to be discarded removing a pin from his paw. by heavyweight employers. Hence they are ripe for Back in Pixie Hollow, the rest of the fairies are this reckless underwater mission to salvage a gold- convinced that the beast threatens them with death and destruction, but Fawn knows better. wave of desperation, sees a real chance to get rich, Clearly taken with the big guy, she refuses to believe laden German U-boat. An initial flurry carried on a and beat their evil ex-paymasters. Predictably, the he’s the destructive force the legend of the NeverBeast mood gradually shifts to one of suppressed torment, claustrophobic agitation and the inevitability of… hour will ensure grownups are in and out before their From Touching The Void to this, Kevin Macdonald is lattessays he cool. is. Its compact running time of just over an a director at his best in desperate tales of survival. “Though our heroine remains more self-reliant mountaineering heroes, struggling to make their way. constitute any kind of statement; the animation’s TheyBut this are is not fiction friends and either. these Theyare not are real gold everyday diggers than most Disney princesses, the film is too mild to suffocating the ears. Better than last year’s Pirate Fairy, but it still “amid pumping pistons and clanging pipes of this feelsblandly like functional, a short padded while tothe feature songs lengthfly straight so that between more claustrophobic setting.” (Observer) of that sweet 3D (2-D here) surcharge can be extracted It’s the Treasure of the Sierra Mardre told in 1948 by from parents’ pockets.” (Guardian) Ford and Bogart alongside a thousand tales of lust Thankfully no such surcharge applies here. (Jack for gold told over centuries. Stick to what you know Whiting) Kevin…

Director: Steve Loter Director: Kevin Macdonald Cast: , Raven-Symone, Lucy Liu Cast: Jude Law, Scoot McNairy, David Threlfall Duration: 76 mins Duration: 115 mins Origin: USA 2014 Origin: USA 2014 Certificate: U Certificate: 15

When... When...

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Another year, another Hunger Games. Do you think they just churned them out all in one go like the Hobbit, or did they let the actors and crew go home for tea? I guess might be a clue… There are so many changes to costumes with whole

time, but who knows? new sets built, it must be like making a new film every bow (I’m sure there was picture of her in full sexy Katniss carries on with her athletic outfits and faithful sensible socks…? More grey beard and pullover than Director: LiamFrancis Hemsworth Lawrence all-fighting catsuit, but wearing peeptoe sandals with Cast: , , Nevertheless, she’s here again winning against all odds full-on fighting gear.) Duration: 123 mins Origin: USA 2014 Stillin the fans first love of theit, Stanley last two-parter Tucci is still to milk in there the franchise and mean Certificate: 12A nastyjust a littleDonald more. Sutherland looks better the more evil he

Toby Jones. When... You’llgets, but come sadly, no mattercan’t find what the it best says thing here, in so it best - not to give too much of the story away. Sat 17 7.00 Sun 18 6.00 Mon 19 2.00 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 15

Leviathan My Old Lady The great trial of Job is reborn in this magnificent Mathias Gold () is a down-on-his-luck Russian movie, first seen at Cannes 2014. Kolia New Yorker who inherits a Parisian apartment (Alexey Serebriakov) is a car mechanic with a modest from his late, estranged father. The inheritance has

Barents Sea, but the crooked mayor Vadim, a wonderful and homeless after a string of failed marriages and property on prime real estate: a beautiful spot on the barelycome along managed in the alcoholism. nick of time: Mathias is penniless looking like Boris Yeltsin, wants this land. ‘Wants’ means But when he arrives in France to sell the vast domicile, ‘Willshow Have’. of Russian Kolia’s mafia old army chutzpa buddy, from Dimitri Roman (Vladimir Madyanov, he’s shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not Vdovichenkov), now a slick Moscow lawyer, has an prepared to budge. His apartment is ‘viager’; an ancient French estate system with complex rules back down, but attempting to blackmail Russia’s well- regarding its resale, and the feisty Englishwoman, connectedincriminating gangster file on class Vadim is ato little persuade dangerous. Vadim Leviathan to Mathilde Girard () who has lived in the apartment with her daughter, Chloe (Kristen Scott everyone is drowning in vodka and despair. Thomas) for many years, can by contract collect shows a world governed by drunken, depressed men: monthly payments from Mathias until her death. is that it works both as a Chekhovian family tragedy “It all sounds like a ripe set-up for a gentle farce in and“The as wonder an extremely of Andrey barbed Zvyagintsev’s satire on corruptionbrilliant new in film which the star of Downtown Abbey gets to play a wily contemporary Russia.” (Independent) curmudgeon while the increasingly frustrated hero “Stunningly shot and superbly acted, especially by schemes to dislodge her. But despite appearances, Although it appears to be played with a light touch, (Guardian) My Old Lady is not a comedy. It’s a drama about family “It’sMadyanov, visceral, this rebellious is film-making fare. Let’s on ahope grand it repeatsscale.” the secrets, loss, regret and redemption, and a turgid one success of Nikita Mikhalkov’s 1994 Burnt By The Sun at that.” (Telegraph) and takes home the trophy at the .” “My Old Lady is affecting, even if many of the (Observer) revelations and high voltage speeches occur at “A modern classic weaving together rich characters, predictable moments. But if you can look past this witty satire, thriller elements and political bite. Among formulaic side, it’s a movie worth seeing.” Film4) And you’ll see it here (Washington Post) Come and see. the finest films of 2014.” ( first-ish, but ahead of the awards circus. Don’t miss.

Director: Kristin Isreal Horovitz Scott Thomas Director: Aleksey Andrey SerebryakovZvyagintsev Cast: Maggie Smith, Kevin Kline, Cast: Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Elena Lyadova, Duration: 107 mins Duration: 141 mins Origin: UK/France/USA 2014 Origin: Russia 2014 Certificate: 12A Certificate: 18 When... When... Tue 20 12.30, 7.30 Mon 19 7.30 Thu 22 2.00 16 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Kon Tiki Fury Billed as the most expensive Norwegian film ever April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push made, Kon-Tiki is a plucky historical drama based in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army around the adventures of Thor Heyerdahl (Pål sergeant named Wardaddy () a grizzled Sverre Valheim Hagen). Pulling together a rag-tag veteran of the African and European campaigns, crew of like-minded adventurers, he sets out on a commands a Sherman tank named Fury. Under his his theory that Peruvian mariners sailed from South called Norman, played by the cherubic . America5,000miles to Polynesiaquest across centuries the pacific before to demonstrateChristopher Outnumberedcommand is a ragtagand outgunned, bunch, including Wardaddy a terrified and his kidmen Columbus. face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to This fearless group, aboard their balsa tree trunk raft, strike at the heart of . “Your eyes see it,” pit themselves against everything the Southern Ocean mourns one of them, “but your head don’t make no could throw at them. On the run up to its release, sense of it.” Kon-Tiki has found itself compared to other recent “Ayer does well in creating the weird listless boredom adventure epics (namely Tracks and Life of Pi) but of war, interspersed with sudden frenzies of violence should be noted for its largely impressive visuals, its and fear as the soldiers engage the enemy. In the end, dedication to authenticity and the revelation that it was Pitt’s men seem destined for their own Alamo or Little Bighorn in the German countryside.” (Guardian) “Part history lesson, part classic adventure tale and “Loud, intense, violent, relentless, Fury doesn’t oftenfilmed stunning simultaneously to watch.” in both(Toronto Norwegian Star) and English. stop until the credits roll, thanks to Ayer’s cracking direction and a committed cast. The best WW2 movie irony-free, outdoorsy ‘50s yarns…” (New York Post) in some time.” (Total Film). “The“It’s a men terrifically are handsome, engaging the throwback sea is pretty to the and uplifting, if the “As a vision of the fag-end of war, ’s Fury sharks look as rubbery as last week’s chicken, at least is both set-piece impressive and claustrophobically they add some drama, blood and guts.” exciting, with a simple and coherent story.” (New York Times) (Financial Times) “While the wind goes out of its sails a few times along the way, this is a ravishingly photographed, old- during its build up. If nothing else, come for Brad’s fashioned man-against-the-elements adventure epic Sounds worth more than the first critics grumblings propelled by human-scaled heroics.” others in the tank... (Chicago Sun-Times) finest claustrophobic non-acting close ups and all the

Director: David Ayer Director: Espen Sandberg, Joachim Roenning Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman Cast: Pal Hagen Duration: 134 mins Duration: 119 mins Origin: USA 2014 Origin: Norway Certificate: 15 Certificate: 15

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What We Do In The Dumb and Dumber To Shadows and prove middle aged men can still do comedy by returning as Harry and Lloyd With the success of the brilliant Flight of the (impossible to decide which of the two is dumber) Concords already under his belt, Jermaine Clement for this technically second sequel (remember partners Taika Waititi to co-direct and star in one of Dumb and Dumberer? No, neither did I). the outstanding comedies of the year. Set in the murky suburbs of Wellington, New Zealand, institutionalised, though Harry visits to change his this gut-busting mockumentary follows a trio of nappies.This time The we newfind outquest that for Lloyd these has two been Dumb Quixotes Vampires who, confounded by their inability to adapt the fruit of Harry’s loom, a daughter (Rachel Melvin) their antiquated house in avoidance of sunlight, missing Harryis to leave never home knew (Providence, existed but Rhodewho might Island) gift and Lloyd find to 21st century life, are in eternal torment, confined to out on all the fun in life (or death). with a needed kidney. Things only get worse for the group, as recently The 1994 original, to many people’s surprise, is sired Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer) begins to lead an awkwardly open lifestyle, bringing unwanted attention combination of cheekiness and naïve sincerity to go and additional trouble to their already beleaguered considered a minor modern classic. It had just the right existence. Throw into the mix a particularly hairy Rhys it was a one hit wonder. Darby and his pack of Werewolves (not Swearwolves) Yetwith not the everyone plethora hated of wind it, “I’dgags. be This lying however, if I said confirms and you have the making of a full-bodied comedy smash. this movie didn’t crack me up on more than a few Based on a 2006 short from Waititi and Clement, this occasions.” (Guardian) Careful Guardian, one mustn’t may give the impression of being slightly overstretched. be caught cracking up. Nonetheless, the writing strongly delivers and provides Respect to Carey and Daniels for actually giving this a plenty of laughter and amusement that even the most cold-blooded of critics could sink their fangs into. don’t need this, the nineties happened already. (Jack “The vampire mockumentary you’ve been longing for.” Whitinggo, but as) It two is worth respectable seeing actors (or not) in fortheir this fifties, curiosity they (Times) Not me Miss. alone…? “At least one funny line a minute, and it’s amazing what Telegraph) Not to be missed, especially by those who wouldn’t be seen dead near a vampirelegs the basic movie. joke has.” ( Directors: Bobby and Cast: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Duration: 109 mins Origin: USA 2014 Director: Jermaine Clement Certificate: 15 Cast: Jermaine Clement, Taika Waititi Duration: 85 mins Origin: New Zealand/USA Certificate: 15 When... When... Sat 24 7.00 Fri 23 7.30 Mon 26 2.00 18 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Interstellar Life Itself Our planet isn’t in the best condition; blight has ’s phenomenal impact is measurable swept the globe, destroying nearly all crops other by the extent of his influence within the world of than corn. As the human race scurries in the dirt to cinema. Film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times from farm and protect what little remains, remnants of 1967 until his death last April, his sharp and insightful NASA are instead looking to the stars for salvation. A team of astronauts, led by Matthew McConaughey’s Steve James’ sensitively weighted documentary stoically smouldering Cooper, venture into the great exploresoutlook transformed the twilight yearsthe way of arguablya generation America’s viewed most film. beyond in search of a new home for humanity. profound critic. He was one of the most fervent early Starlight whirls, planets, and spacecraft cartwheel champions of . His battle with cancer, through nothingness. his remarkable perseverance and the rediscovery An odyssey where Einstein’s theory of relativity is a of his iconic voice through social media. It’s all here, heart-breaking reality? powerfully sewn together with the guidance of Ebert’s family, colleagues and closest friends. born from the theories of physicist Kip Thorne, it landsOnce tippedin Christopher for Spielberg, Nolan’s this hands. long gestatingWhere, once project, year of Roger’s life, James crafts one of the decade’s again embracing celluloid, keeping CGI to a minimum, mostWith anrevealing unprecedented portraits, level capturing of access Ebert’s to the incredible final resolve and stark refusal to give in to adversity.

DeafeningInterstellar (the is as church filmic organas it gets score (shot will on pummel expensive your wonderful array of material, including archive footage 70mm film stock – not digital.) fromThis unflinchingthe numerous feature review makes shows excellent co-hosted use withof a the and exhausting perhaps, but so overwhelming, visually late Gene Siskel, showcasing the best of what was a senses) [but not here at the Rex/Odyssey] disjointed playful yet often contentious rivalry.

Nowand emotionally look at it! Nolan there has might taken be histears gargantuan [oh dear]. budget Even on his enduring love for movies and for life itself. andKubrick’s used it2001 to fuel was ambition. lambasted That on commands first release respect. (1968). “TakingWhat is createdits title fromis a warm Ebert’s and bestselling fitting tribute, memoir, reflecting this (research Jack Whiting) Not so sure Jack. Indulgence and a neglected script might prove otherwise. At 10 to a truly cinematic life.” (Observer) mins short of three hours, it is more likely to be the Funny,lovely, insightfuleven staunch film critic-hatersis a splendidly loved watchable and respected tribute audience who commands respect…? Roger Ebert

Director: JessicaChristopher Chastain, Nolan Director: Steve James Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Duration: 121 mins Origin: USA 2014 Duration: 169 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: USA/UK 2014 Certificate: 12A When... When... Sun 25 6.00 Tue 27 12.30 Mon 26 7.30 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 19

Hockney: Unbroken A Life In Pictures Angelina Jolie directs and produces Unbroken, an epic drama that follows the incredible life This spirited documentary spans the artist’s of Olympian war hero, Louis “Louie” Zamperini career. Director Randall Wright, whose previous (played by young British actor, Jack O’Connell). subjects include Lucien Freud and Sister It’s the height of the 2nd World War. Along with two Wendy Beckett, has researched a spectrum of other crewman, he survived in a raft for 47 days after archive material, which is pieced together with their plane ditches into the sea, only to be caught by kaleidoscopic verve. Richest of these is Hockney’s the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. own home-movie footage, giving candid insight into As an Italian immigrant kid, he is picked on and the painter’s relationship with his Bradford roots and bullied, but Zamperini overcomes all of this and more the father he credits with teaching him to never care to make the US Olympic team for the 1936 what the neighbours think. games. While he doesn’t win a medal, his storming

British Pop Art Scene and his experience as a gay down during the war, and surviving in a rubber dinghy The film reflects on Hockney’s formative years in the man as the Aids crisis takes hold, as well as his years forfinal four lap weeks,wins admiring fending offreviews. sharks Next, and aftereating being raw shot working in California. As a character, Hockney emerges as a man of great friendships and a loyal cast of fellow captivity. A fey, sadistic Japanese camp commandant developsalbatross. an His unhealthy third act interestenjoys the in horrorhim, with of Japanesecurious each in possession of a crisp wit, bringing humour and partiality one minute, barbaric cruelty the next. artists chronicle his personal and artistic journey, light to the life of an artist who continues to broaden “(Jack O’Connell’s) performance is raw, brave and horizons. agonising.” (Times) “Though high-minded and well-intentioned and on an Sunday Times) “An unqualified, life-enhancing joy from start to about it.” (Guardian) Oh dear, more handrails! finish!”own works.” ( (Time Out) epic scale, there’s something stodgy and safety-first “As gently hypnotic and fulfilling as one of Hockney’s “Wider perspectives are needed now.” states David is. She knows all the best cameramen!) but it fails to Hockney, referencing both technical ways of seeing and get“Angelina under Jolie’sthe skin.” film ( Timeis a gorgeously Out) Come shot for Jack(of course O’C. it the parameters of what we choose to see. These are two screenings outside London. It is back at

A rare man, a rare opportunity. Don’t miss. the Rex now and at the Odyssey for the first time. Director: Garrett Angelina Hedlund Jolie Cast: Jack O’Connell, ,

Duration: 137 mins Director: Randall Wright Origin: USA 2014 Duration: 112 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: UK 2014 Certificate: 15 When... When...

Tue 27 7.30 Wed 28 2.00, 7.30 Thu 29 2.00 Thu 29 7.30 20 THE REX - JANUARY BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Birdman Impossible to define, Birdman is one of those rare films that effortlessly transcends genres to become something wholly unique. is Riggan Thomson, an actor who raked in the cash in the early 1990s as a superhero in a blockbuster franchise (a clear nod to Keaton’s own days

voiceas ). in his head He hasn’t and it made gives a him Birdman superhuman film in years,powers. but it is still part of him. Quite literally: there’s a booming Whatever it is, Riggan has problems. He’s trying to reinvent“Is Birdman himself a figment as a director of Riggan’s and imagination?star on Broadway. But Birdman is shitting on the plan, telling Riggan to make a

reality TV show.” (Time Out) Director: NaomiAlejandro Watts González Iñárritu Cast: Michael Keaton, , There are streaks of 42nd Street, The Producers and Sunset Boulevard here, but otherwise, Birdman Duration: 119 mins isn’t much like anything else at all. Think Black Swan Origin: USA 2014 directed by Mel Brooks and you’re in the vicinity, but Certificate: 15 “This is the role of Keaton’s career, and he could hardly beonly better just. supported (Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, Andrea Riseborough, Edward Norton).” (Telegraph) When... andDirector Biutiful Alejandro but Birdman Gonzalez could Iñárritu well be has his a best,string if ofnot hiswonderful most ambitious. films to his (Jack name: Whiting 21 Grams,) Vying Amores for awards, Perros Fri 30 7.30 come and see if it’s worth a few. Sat 31 7.00 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 21

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies By now there’s no use converting the unconvinced. As the ‘defining chapter’ graces our screens in all its bombastic sheen, that poor little book has been stretched into nearly nine hours. We pick up right where chapter two left off. The dragon Smaug (Cumberbatch’s soothing tones) has escaped and heads straight for the nearby town. Now that Bilbo (Freeman), Thorin (Armitage) and his band of dwarves have conquered the mountain, a much larger challenge awaits them. warn our heroes of an impending evil with armies Meanwhile Sir Ian McGandalf arrives just in time to Director: CatePeter Blanchett Jackson increasingly crowded battle royale including elves, Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, eagles,of orcs and goblinsmen that on make the march. up the Theychaotic join third an act. The modest subtitle to Tolkien’s original book was Duration: 144 mins Origin: New Zealand/USA 2014 Certificate: 12A NotThere Quite and Almost Back Again. There! The And films who have cares pumped that ‘Back this up Again’to: There. is largely And there! missing? Almost A multi-movie There! Not Quiteadaptation There! of “The Silmarillion, with the last one naturally split into two parts, might test my newfound enthusiasm. But for now, these ’ adventures have a winning innocence and buoyancy.” (Guardian) OR… processed mass of nothingness. Another big cheesy When... dose“It’s like of goblets, a sea of codpieces, Dairylea: an prosthetics endless, formless, and hairy highly feet.” (Camilla Long) Sat 31 2.00 26 RANTS AND PANTS BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

In the rain again: The Rex 22nd Nov 2014

Linda Topping wrote: Thank you so much for providing such wonderful entertainment, even in the rain we queue. Your Rex kids are wonderful, keeping us warm with coffee and programmes. Days later at the bar Linda added in person “I’m addicted to this place. It’s like as if I was into tattoos, I’d be covered from head to foot...”

...and this is the reason for the queue 10 years earlier. Welcome home. www.therexberkhamsted.com RANTS AND PANTS 27

Odyssey opening weekend 27th-30th November 2014 (above) Top cinematic designer Ed Mauger leaning against his own hand built sound rack inside the Odyssey

projection box. (below left) Ushers, guests, tables and steps mingle in red and black. (right) James Hannaway 28 RANTS AND PANTS www.therexberkhamsted.com

“Not just a thing of beauty...” Photo: Stephen Green Stephen Photo:

so impressed. Its so amazingly unlikely that again to all involved. Rob Smith Manythingy first visit so to civilised the Odyssey should last have night, been and the I am to see some music films there to test it out. Well done This is one of many heartfelt comments on Facebook. Thank you for all your comments, including those who triumphoutcome ofwhen what just is possible a short time if people ago we work were hard looking and can’t get through on our temporary phonelines and at demolition and luxury flats - the Odyssey is just a others who wonder “what the hell is going on...” a fantastic cinema - the picture on the huge screen is In five years nothing has come easy, the opening is no immaculatewant it enough. and But the itssound not justsuperb. a thing I would of beauty really - loveits exception. Thanks for being patient. Photos: Jacqui Adams Jacqui Photos: www.odysseypictures.co.uk THE ODYSSEY - JANUARY 29

COMING SOON THE ODYSSEY BACK BY DEMAND JANUARY FILMS AT A GLANCE (only Saturday matinees in January) Armies ThePaddington Hobbit: Battle of The Five DATE FILM TIME St Vincent KonThe HungerTiki Games: Mockingjay 1 THU HAPPY NEW YEAR 2 FRI WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY 7.30 NEW RELEASES Annie 3 SAT TINKER BELL AND THE LEGEND... 2.00 Big Eyes 3 SAT MY OLD LADY 7.00 Exodus 4 SUN THE IMITATION GAME 6.00 5 MON THE IMITATION GAME 7.30 6 TUE KON TIKI 7.30 7 WED PADDINGTON 7.30 8 THU THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN WHO… 7.30 9 FRI WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS 7.30 10 SAT PADDINGTON 2.00 10 SAT INTERSTELLAR 6.00 Annie 11 SUN PADDINGTON 6.00 12 MON HOCKNEY 7.30 13 TUE LEVIATHAN 7.30 14 WED THE HOMESMAN 7.30 15 THU ST VINCENT 7.30 16 FRI ST VINCENT 7.30 17 SAT PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2.00 17 SAT ST VINCENT 7.00 Big Eyes 18 SUN WINTER SLEEP 5.00 19 MON MR TURNER 7.30 20 TUE MR TURNER 7.30 21 WED GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL 7.30 22 THU THE GRANDMASTER 7.30 23 FRI HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 7.30 24 SAT PADDINGTON 2.00 Exodus 24 SAT HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 7.00 25 SUN 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY 5.00 26 MON UNBROKEN 7.30 27 TUE UNBROKEN 7.30 28 WED BIRDMAN 7.30 29 THU BIRDMAN 7.30 30 FRI DUMB AND DUMBER TO 7.30 31 SAT THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2.00 The Hobbit 31 SAT DUMB AND DUMBER TO 7.00