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INTERSTELLAR DECEMBER 2014

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

DECEMBER 2014 • ISSUE 117 www.therexberkhamsted.com 01442 877759 Mon-Sat 10.30-6.30pm Sun 4.30-5.30pm BEST IN DECEMBER Christmas bookings CONTENTS Rex Films At A Glance 6 now being St Albans 26 Odyssey Films At A Glance 31 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE George Bailey lives on - 10 years more... taken... BOX OFFICE: 01442 Page 17 877759 Mon to Sat 10.30-6.30 FILMS OF THE MONTH Sun 4.30-5.30

THE AKEMAN SEAT PRICES Circle £9.00 9 Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AA Concessions £7.50 Table £11.00 01442 826027 Concessions £9.50 Royal Box Seat (Seats 6) £13.00 www.theakeman.co.uk Whole Royal Box £73.00 All matinees £5, £6.50, £10 (box) WHAT WE DID ON LITTLE MISS THE KINGS ARMS the gate on High Street (right of OUR HOLIDAY SUNSHINE apartments)Disabled and flat access: through A priceless bittersweet comedy of Another priceless bittersweet... (grown-up) errors. Page 8 Fabulous, silly, uplifting. Page 20 147 High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 3HL CEO: James Hannaway 01442 877999 01442 866595 Advertising: Lynn Hendry 01442 877999 www.crownandthistleabingdon.co.uk Artwork: Demiurge Design 01296 668739

The Rex High Street (Three Close Lane) THE RED LION Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2FG www.therexberkhamsted.com Leightton Buzzard Road, Water End HP1 3BD 01442 213594 “ Unhesitatingly The PENGUINS OF THE GRAND Rex is the best cinema MADAGASCAR BUDAPEST HOTEL www.redlionwaterend.co.uk I have ever..” (STimes Smile and wave boys, smile and Culture) wave... Page 18 of the old year for New eve... Page 21 The bonkers, gorgeous, brilliant film 6 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

COMING SOON REX DECEMBER FILMS AT A GLANCE BACK BY DEMAND DATE FILM TIME PAGE Ida 1 MON HOCKNEY: LIFE IN PICTURES 2.00 8 What we Did on Our Holiday 1 MON WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY 7.30 8 Mr Turner 2 TUE WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY 12.30 8 The Imitation Game 2 TUE GONE GIRL 7.30 9 NEW RELEASES 3 WED GONE GIRL 2.00, 7.30 9 4 THUR GONE GIRL 2.00, 7.30 9 Leviathan 5 FRI THE REX 10TH ANNIVERSARY 7.30 10 PaddingtonThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay 6 SAT ALEXANDER & THE TERRIBLE ETC 2.00 10 The Drop 6 SAT NIGHTCRAWLER 7.00 11 I Am Ali 7 SUN GET ON UP 6.00 12 8 MON THE JUDGE 2.00 12 8 MON PLAYTIME 7.30 13 9 TUE MY OLD LADY 12.30 13 9 TUE THE JUDGE 7.30 12 10 WED MY OLD LADY 2.00, 7.30 13 11 THUR MY OLD LADY 2.00, 7.30 13 Leviathan 12 FRI FURY 7.30 14 13 SAT ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 2.00 14 13 SAT FURY 7.00 14 14 SUN MR TURNER 6.00 15 15 MON WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY 2.00 8 15 MON MR TURNER 7.30 15 16 TUE WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY 12.30 8 16 TUE MR TURNER 7.30 15 17 WED MR TURNER 2.00, 7.30 15 Paddington 18 THUR MR TURNER 2.00, 7.30 15 I Am Ali 19 FRI THE IMITATION GAME 7.30 16 20 SAT POLAR EXPRESS 2.00 17 20 SAT THE IMITATION GAME 7.00 16 21 SUN THE IMITATION GAME 6.00 16 22 MON THE IMITATION GAME 2.00, 7.30 16 23 TUE IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 12.30, 7.30 17 24 WED IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 5.00 17 25 THUR CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED 26 FRI BOXING DAY CLOSED The Drop 27 SAT PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2.00 18 27 SAT INTERSTELLAR 6.00 19 28 SUN INTERSTELLAR 5.00 19 29 MON PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2.00 18 29 MON INTERSTELLAR 6.00 19 30 TUE FROZEN SINGALONG 12.30 20 30 TUE 7.30 20 31 WED GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL 6.00 21 DECEMBER FILMS 8 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Hockney: What We Did A Life In Pictures On Our Holiday This spirited documentary spans the artist’s career. From the pens of (the fabulous) Andy Hamilton, and Director Randall Wright, whose previous subjects Guy Jenkin, creators of the sitcom Outnumbered, include Lucien Freud and Sister Wendy Beckett, has What We Did On Our Holidays follows a middle-class researched a spectrum of archive material, which is North London family, Doug (David Tennant) Abi pieced together with kaleidoscopic verve. (Rosamund Pike) and their three children as they Richest of these is Hockney’s own home-movie footage, head up to Scotland to visit their ailing granddad, giving candid insight into the painter’s relationship Gordy (Billy Connolly) who is about to celebrate his with his Bradford roots and the father he credits with 75th birthday. teaching him to never care what the neighbours think. The couple are currently separated and trying to

British Pop Art Scene and his experience as a gay The trip means staying with Doug’s uptight brother, manThe film as the reflects Aids crisison Hockney’s takes hold, formative as well asyears his inyears the Gavinpretend (Ben to everyone Miller) and else his that depressed their marriage wife, Margaret is fine. working in California. As a character, Hockney emerges (Amelia Bullmore) and tensions also run high as not as a man of great friendships and a loyal cast of fellow only are Doug and Abi struggling to scotch rumours of their imminent divorce but, Gordy is concealing a tragic in possession of a crisp wit, bringing humour secret of his own. andartists light chronicle to the life his of personal an artist and who artistic continues journey, to each broaden horizons. natured British family movie from Andy Hamilton and Guy“It’s Jenkin,impossible effectively not to enjoya feature-format this big-hearted development and sweet- of (Sunday Times) their smash-hit BBC TV comedy, Outnumbered, which “An unqualified, life-enhancing joy from start to finish!” pioneered semi-improvised dialogue from children. own works.” (Time Out) “Wider“As gently perspectives hypnotic and are fulfilling needed now”as one states of Hockney’s David narrative with a tonne of sharp gags.” (Guardian) Hockney, referencing both technical ways of seeing and “TennantIt creates anda terrifically Pike are ambitiousnicely convincing (and unexpected) as the unloving the parameters of what we choose to see. couple, and Ben Miller goes for broad laughs as uptight This is the only screening outside the London Film brother, Gavin, but Amelia Bullmore steals several Festival. It is here at the Rex after only three showings scenes with typically angular precision.” (Observer) at the festival. A rare man, a rare opportunity. (research Jane Clucas) It’s fabulous. Don’t miss. Don’t miss.

Directors: Guy Jenkin, Andy Hamilton Director: Randall Wright Cast: Rosamund Pike, Billy Connolly Duration: 112 mins Duration: 95 mins Origin: UK 2014 Origin: UK 2014 Certificate: 15 Certificate: 12A When... When... Mon 1 7.30 Mon 15 2.00 Mon 1 2.00 Tue 2 12.30 Tue 16 12.30 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 9

Gone Girl By now David Fincher can direct thrillers in his sleep. His meticulous attention to detail that has complimented Se7en, Zodiac and The Social Network fits Gillian Flynn’s bestseller like a bloodied glove.

(RosamundNick Dunne Pike(Ben at Affleck) her career returns best) to hashis Missouridisappeared. home to find that his socialite wife ‘Amazing’ Amy point to Nick. When signs of a struggle are discovered, all fingers apathy, which naturally sets him up for the villain’s role.Affleck But plays there Nick are withdeeper, just darker the right aspects amount at work of that beautifully unravel as we dive into their toxic marriage via her diary entries. By then Gone Girl has dug its claws in deep. Director: David Fincher Moving away from the dourness of Dragon Tattoo; Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Harris Gone Girl toys with an almost playful, but wholly sick Duration: 149 mins sense of humour (there will be nervous sniggering Origin: USA 2014 aplenty). It’s this blackly comic delivery that prevents Certificate: 18 Gone Girl from getting sunk by its ludicrous (yet

Both Flynn (adapting her own work) and Fincher are When... fullyhugely aware entertaining) of Gone Girl’s final trashy act. origins, all the while Tues 2 7.30 novel to deliver a leaner, more concise thriller, and tweaking and cutting away any excess flab from the Wed 3 2.00, 7.30 (Jack Whiting) Hyped up to Ben’s pants, so beware… Thur 4 2.00, 7.30 arguably one of the best films of the year. 10 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Goodnight and Goodluck Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Author Judith Viorst’s children’s favourite from the 70s provides the title for this heart-warmer about a dorky pre-teen who makes a wish that his family might experience what a really rubbish day feels like. The film follows 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) as he has a very bad day. A day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed 10TH ANNIVERSARY PREVIEW by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about his misadventures, he longside a couple of non-starters, there have been some glorious anniversary things only happen to him. Agems. Now ten anniversaries later, on Infinds blowing little sympathy out a candle and hours begins before to wonder his 12th if bad birthday 5th December 2014, we’ll have another. he opens a fateful curse on his nearest and dearest. His motive is not malicious, he merely wants his freaky new-clothes contender, like where a string ofUnlikely A-listers to bepretend Oscar to material, be Bob Dylan.nor will It itwill be alwaysa knowfamily: how mom it feels(Jennifer to have Garner) their dadown (Steve terrible, Carell) horrible, brother (Dylan Minnette) and sister (Kerris Dorsey) to Millionaire (with personal congratulations no good, very bad day. Hence, anyone who says there is frombe hard Danny to beat Boyle The and King’s his OscarSpeech winning and Slumdog Sound “Sweet and good-natured, this feels like a throwback to Designer, Glen Freemantle at the Rex to instruct no such thing as a bad day justEmpire hasn’t) had one? us in volume control) Then there was The History “The set-up is very similar to that of the Diary of a Boys in 2006. It wasn’t quite a preview, but Alan family comedies of the ‘80s.” ( (Independent) Sounds very silly, bring the family. Wimpy Kid movies and shares all their wit and brio.” wasBennett George came Clooney’s instead! directorial An anniversary debut coup and multi indeed. Our first sensational preview in 2004 must show again. Director: Miguel Arteta Oscar winner: Goodnight and Goodluck, which we Cast: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Dylan Minnette, Ed Oxenbould, Kerris Dorsey Come all the same, and take that same chance. Duration: 81 mins TheThis Rex year is who here knows? always, We’re no matter still hustling. what. Origin: USA 2014 Certificate: PG

When... When... Fri 5 7.30 Sat 6 2.00 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 11

Nightcrawler Slinking in the nighttime streets of LA, Lou Bloom (a gaunt Jake Gyllenhaal) is not a man to be bargained with. “He is one of the city’s freelance “nightcrawlers”, eternally on the lookout for true-crime porn and car- wreck footage he can sell to the TV news, into whose bland corporate citadels he dreams of insinuating himself.” (Guardian) Bloom will do anything to climb the ladder of success, no matter what career path; so when he stumbles upon his golden opportunity, he wastes no time applying his sociopathic tendencies to great effect. “Think of our newscast as a screaming woman, running down the street with her throat cut,” the Director: Dan Gilroy straight talking Nina (Rene Russo) advises Bloom, after Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Paxton, Rene Russo Duration: 117 mins Origin: USA 2014 he’s sold her his first, shaky but intense footage of a Certificate: 15 station,carjacking hungry casualty. for sensation. She’s the news producer working Thethe so-called media satire ‘vampire is a bite shift’ on on the a nose,bottom-rung (and hardly TV

Gyllenhaal evokes pushes Nightcrawler into A-grade thrillerfresh, remember territory. OneNetwork?) where, but much the like sheer Taxi unease Driver and waters of the anti-hero to unnerving effect. Writer/directorThe King of Comedy, Dan itsGilroy protagonist has crafted treads one thehell murky of a When... debut. (Jack Whiting) Sounds good, if a little scary. Come, but not by yourself… Sat 6 7.00 12 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Get On Up The Judge Based on the incredible life story of the Godfather Robert Downey Jr and Robert Duvall make a fine of Soul, James Brown, Get On Up is directed by double act in this old-fashioned, sappy courtroom Tate Taylor (The Help) from a screenplay by Jez drama that is, alas, a little dull. and John-Henry Butterworth: Mick Jagger was one of the key producers. His presence was crucial to morals, no interest in pro bono and makes mincemeat securing the rights to make the production possible. inRDJ of plays his peers Hank, in a the hotshot courtroom. big-city lawyer with flexible With an extraordinary performance by Chadwick divorcing him, his moppet daughter misses him and he and lows of Brown’s story, including his torturous hasBut longsuch lostposturing contact masks with hisprivate Father pain: (Robert Hank’s Duvall) wife is childhoodBoseman in in the racially title role,hardline the film Georgia hits the(where, highs among dies suddenly, it is to his Dad’s frosty embrace that he a judge in smalltown Indiana. Yet, after his Mother heother grew things, his own he was talent sentenced and hit the to five-to-thirteen- sticky fame accused of hit-and-run the night of her funeral. andyears fortune for stealing trail with a suit!) nothing Influenced but shutzpa by gospel and music, no “We’remust return. so used And to thereRDJ’s heStark/Holmes must stay after charm, the thatjudge such is education to draw from. Another desparate American a po-faced performance is disappointing. That said, he story of from rags to riches. is still the best thing in it.” (Telegraph) The story also chronicles his legendary work ethic and overbearing personality, with a revolving door of women and band members unable to cope. As sub-genresWhere is the to confidence take a hold of they The require Lincoln that Lawyer, key spark, or the always, the private life and the public face, bare no heavyweight intensity of A Few Good Men? For these soap. But if it’s a glossy 1950’s family tale-cum- mentor Little Richard (Brandon Smith) longtime courtroomotherwise they melodrama might as you’re well be after, confined The Judge to daytime makes a sidekickresemblance Bobby to Byrdeach other.(Nelsan Brown Ellis) kept and promoterfew friends: Ben strong case. (research Jack Whiting) “RDJ is too much Bart (Dan Ackroyd) who gave him his big break. the star of his own show…” (Standard) “Chadwick Boseman delivers one of the year’s best a little light mockery.” (Guardian) If his is your music, Isn’t that why we’re coming? comeperformances get on down. in this film which leavens respect with Director: BobDavid Thornton Dobkin Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Robert Duvall, Billy

Director: Nelsan Tate Taylor Elllis Duration: 141 mins Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Dan Aykroyd, Origin: USA 2014 Certificate: 15 Duration: 139 mins Origin: USA 2014 Certificate: 12A When... When... Mon 8 2.00 Sun 7 6.00 Tues 9 7.30 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 13

Playtime My Old Lady Throughout his long career, Jacques Tati worked Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is a down-on-his-luck as a comic actor, writer and director. With only New Yorker who inherits a Parisian apartment six feature-length films to his credit as director, from his late, estranged father. The inheritance has Playtime is a perfectly orchestrated city symphony. Playtime is structured in six sequences, linked by two and homeless after a string of failed marriages and characters who repeatedly encounter one another barelycome along managed in the alcoholism. nick of time: Mathias is penniless in the course of a day (the germ of Groundhog day But when he arrives in France to sell the vast domicile, he’s shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not These two characters are Barbara, a young American touristperhaps?). visiting Paris with a group of women, and ancient French estate system with complex rules Monsieur Hulot, a befuddled Frenchman lost in the regardingprepared toits budge. resale, Hisand apartment the feisty Englishwoman, is ‘viager’; an new modernity of Paris. Mathilde Girard (Maggie Smith) who has lived in the Notable for its enormous set (constructed of concrete, glass and steel which Tati had built specially for the Thomas) for many years, can by contract collect monthlyapartment payments with her from daughter, Mathias Chloe until (Kristen her death. Scott complex visual comedy supported by creative sound “It all sounds like a ripe set-up for a gentle farce in effects.film) as well as Tati’s trademark use of subtle, yet which the star of Downtown Abbey gets to play a wily “Jacques Tati’s 1967 masterpiece still holds up as a curmudgeon while the increasingly frustrated hero feast of subtle sight gags, playful noise and, above all, schemes to dislodge her. But despite appearances, visual wonders.” (Time Out) My Old Lady isn’t a comedy. It’s a drama about family “Once dismissed, Playtime is today acknowledged as a secrets, loss, regret and redemption, and a turgid one at that.” (Telegraph) architecture and crowds quite like this.” (Guardian) “My Old Lady is affecting, even if many of the radically innovative marvel. No other film uses space, revelations and high voltage speeches occur at particular, perfectionist approach, audiences can once predictable moments. But if you can look past this Now diligently restored in-line with the filmmaker’s formulaic side, it’s a movie worth seeing.” (research Anna Shepherd) A fantastic piece of absurd (Washington Post) magic,again enjoy not to the be expansive missed. scope of his comic vision.

Director: Isreal Horovitz Director: Lecomte,Jacques Tati Valérie Camille. Cast: Maggie Smith, Kevin Kline, Cast: Jacques Tati, Barbara Dennek, Jacqueline Kristin Scott Thomas Duration: 107 mins Duration: 124 mins Origin: UK/France/USA 2014 Origin: France/Italy 1967 Certificate: 12A Certificate: U When...

Tues 9 12.30 When... Wed 10 2.00, 7.30 Mon 8 7.30 Thur 11 2.00, 7.30 14 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Fury Arthur Christmas April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push Aardman Animations and Sony Pictures Animation in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army team up to present this whimsical, and fabulous sergeant named Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) a grizzled festive tale the ‘Family Christmas’. veteran of the African and European campaigns, It’s the night before Christmas, and the logistical commands a Sherman tank named Fury. complexity of Father Christmas’ (Jim Broadbent) annual trek is laid bare. How DOES he get all those called Norman, played by the cherubic LoganUnder Lerman. his Outnumberedcommand is a ragtagand outgunned, bunch, including Wardaddy a terrified and his kidmen Ah ha… His eldest son, technocrat Steve (Hugh Lawrie), face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to presentsruns the entireto all those operation children with all military over the precision world? and a covert team of thousands of elves equipped with mourns one of them, “but your head don’t make no much high-tech gadgetry. When, lost in this colossal sensestrike ofat it.”the heart of Nazi Germany. “Your eyes see it,” operation, one present goes astray, youngest son “Ayer does well in creating the weird listless boredom Arthur (James McAvoy) takes it upon himself to of war, interspersed with sudden frenzies of violence ensure that one little girl won’t be left out on and fear as the soldiers engage the enemy. In the end, Christmas morning… Pitt’s men seem destined for their own Alamo or Little Masterfully written by Peter Baynham and Sarah Bighorn in the German countryside.” (Guardian) Smith, and fantastically rendered, Arthur Christmas “Loud, intense, violent, relentless, Fury doesn’t has much to delight the tiniest to the eldest. stop until the credits roll, thanks to Ayer’s cracking “It’s playful, observant, sentimental without being direction and a committed cast. The best WW2 movie in some time.” (Total Film). sound funny when your children quote them in April.” “As a vision of the fag-end of war, David Ayer’s Fury (slushy,Telegraph and) boasts the kind of jokes that will still is both set-piece impressive and claustrophobically exciting, with a simple and coherent story.” heartwarmer and a sly dig at the gospel of family (Financial Times) togetherness,“Aardman films’ a witty yuletide wonder offering of invention. is both a Should keep

If nothing else, come for Brad’s greased torso and (Independent) (SM). Arthur Christmas is an absolute someSounds other worth things... more than the first crit’s grumblings. gem.the whole Watch family the elves chuckling spring from into nowMission to New Impossible Year.” stuntmen as a child begins to wake, and note Steve Christmas’s goatee. Don’t miss.

Director: David Ayer Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman Duration: 134 mins Director: Sarah Smith Origin: USA 2014 Duration: 97 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: UK/USA 2011 Certificate: U When... When... Fri 12 7.30 Sat 13 7.00 Sat 13 2.00 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 15

Mr Turner A supremely enjoyable biopic of the British artist known as ‘the painter of light’ - Joseph Mallord William Turner, played tenderly and totally human by Timothy Spall (who spent two years learning to paint like Turner).

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. William Senior keep things ticking over.

1851, and follows him wherever he goes. InThe Margate, film spans Turner a quarter meets century a friendly until landlady his death (Marion in Bailey) who comes to play an important role in his later life. Director: At the Royal Academy we see him walking around, Cast: Timothy Spall, Marion Bailey, Paul Jesson Duration: 149 mins We get towed into the paintings as Turner creates Origin: UK 2014 joking with friends and winding up John Constable. them “Staffa”, “The Fighting Temeraire”, and “Rain, Certificate: 12A Steam and Speed”. screen possible (at the Rex) this year, it is Mr Turner, When... “If there is one film you should see on the largest which is not merely the portrait of an artist but a Sun 14 6.00 paintings.” (Times) Mon 15 7.30 Winningfull-frontal, Spall joyous the best bellyflop actor into prize the at seascapesCannes this of yearhis he looks set to be a strong contender for the 2015 Tues 16 7.30 BAFTAS. (research Anna Shepherd). It’s Mike Leigh, so Wed 17 2.00, 7.30 it’s measured to within a hair, and it’s Timothy Spall’s Thur 18 2.00, 7.30 finest bottom lip performance. 16 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

The Imitation Game Based on ’ biography and marking the English-language debut of Norwegian director, (Headhunters) The Imitation Game begins with Turing’s () arrest in 1951 on charges of gross indecency. Little

pioneer of modern-day computing. Famously leading adid motley officials group know of scholars,they were linguists, actually chessincriminating champions the

cracking the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany’s Worldand intelligence War II Enigma officers, machine. Turing was credited with Flashbacks to his schooldays and his years at paint a touching account of a man with few Director: Charles Morten TyldumDance intellectual equals and even fewer social graces. Turing Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, , alienates his colleagues, exasperates his military masters and seems blithely unaware of the impact his Duration: 113 mins blunt candour has on those around him. His rational Origin: UK/USA mind also makes him blind to the sexism of his era as Certificate: 12A he becomes a fond champion of (Keira When... “BenedictKnightley) Cumberbatch an equally formidable is odds-on intellect to be nominated with the for andisadvantage Oscar (at the of beingvery least) a mere for ‘gel’. his brilliant turn as Alan Fri 19 7.30 Turing... It’s the performance of his career in what is Independent) Sat 20 7.00 “It’s all anchored in a storming performance from also the best British film of the year.” (

Sun 21 6.00 after the credits roll.” (Time Out) Hope the hype does Mon 22 2.00, 7.30 Cumberbatch:it no harm. you’ll be deciphering his work long www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 17

Polar Express It’s A Wonderful Life At its best, Polar Express is a heart-in-the- Welcome to our Tenth Anniversary Christmas with mouth, fantastical adventure from start to finish; the same old irresistible film we’ve been showing spectacular on the big screen, with a happy ending. since the Rex re-opened in December 2004…! In ten short years it too has become an essential part of our Christmas programme. At its worst, little ones (under 7s) will be thrilled but a fridges.It was a Weflop had at the bombed box office sites, when rations, it first war appeared debts and little frightened by the clever (if weird) realistic detail thein 1946. grey 1950’sAfter the with war, fabulous the USA inner wanted city fun, trams cars and and of the animation. everything in black & white. When a doubting boy takes an extraordinary train mid 70s, when repeated year after year, it became a It became essential TV viewing in the UK during the withride toits the eye-popping, North Pole animated to find Father photo-realism, Christmas, tells he a touchingembarks onfamily a journey story, basedof self-discovery. upon Chris PolarVan Allsburg’s Express, seventeennew part of years Christmas ago. Now itself. thanks You couldn’t to the BFI, see this it at the best seller. Tom Hanks is the voice (and unfortunate beautifullypictures until restored independents digital copy, flirted is herewith againa re-release at the face) of The Conductor, who stays in charge, knows beautiful Rex for Christmas 2014. everything, but lets the children make up their own A Rex Christmas would be the same without Clarence minds about each other. It is an odd, quasi-educational (angel 2nd class) showing George Bailey how terrible tale of tolerance, discovery and redemption. It is at life would be in Bedford Falls, if he had not been born. times a little spooky for little ones. But hold them tight The simplest and best of all messages… Without us and each other, the world would be a very different place for better or worse. and they’ll be alright. You might need somebody to onhold adventures, you too! gets them into deep trouble, then this the warmest of all. getsRemember: them out every of it storyagain… takes for thatthe heroes happily-ever-after of the tale AChristmas very warm is theChristmas time for to fireside you from tales, all comeof us atAGAIN the for ending. Rex… Have fun, go easy and here’s to the next ten years “The wonder of life never fades for those who believe” Never mind all that, come for the heart stopping ride to Santa’s homeland. and into infinity… for our grandchildren.

Director: Grahame,Frank Capra Lionel Barrymoore Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Gloria Director: Robert Zemeckis Voices: Tom Hanks, Andrew Ableson Duration: 130 mins Duration: 99 mins Origin: USA 1946 Origin: USA 2004 Certificate: U Certificate: U

When... When... Tue 23 12.30, 7.30 Sat 20 2.00 Wed 24 5.00 18 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

eij A

VERY Penguins of Madagascar The quartet of flightless birds from the Madagascar films are back starring in their own feature. Skipper and his crew – brainy Kowalski (Chris HAPPY Miller) rugged Rico (John DiMaggio) and young rookie, Private (Christopher Knights) are the most hilarious covert birds in the global espionage business. CHRISTMAS last remainingThe openingvending machineof the movie containing finds the Private’s favouritepenguins snacktrying food, to break 1960’s into era Fort Cheesy Knox Dibbles,to steal the for his birthday. FROM But events take a more serious turn as the gang “no-onecomes into breaks conflict the andwind” ultimately should get teams them with far inthe thehigh-tech kids laughter organization: dept. Led North by handsomeWind whose and motto: husky

US ALL Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch) the new explosives expert; snow owl, Eva (Annet Mahendru), group includes the seal, Short Fuse (Ken Jeong), an

bear,an intelligence Corporal (Peteranalyst Stormare) with a Russian who constantly accent: the wants AT toobject embrace of Kowalski’s his four newaffections; bird friends. and hulking Norwegian Together, they must stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine, voiced by John Malkovich, from not only eliminating the whole penguin race, but destroying the world as we know it. Sounds very fab indeed, but let’s keep disappointment close at hand. “Smile and wave boys, smile and wave…”

Directors: John Eric Darnell, Malkovich Simon Smith Voices: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom McGrath,

Duration: 92 mins Origin: USA 2014 Certificate: U eij When... Sat 27 2.00 Mon 29 2.00 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 19

Interstellar Our planet isn’t in the best condition; blight has swept the globe, destroying nearly all crops other than corn. As the human race scurries in the dirt to farm and protect what little remains, remnants of NASA are instead looking to the stars for salvation. A team of astronauts, led by Matthew McConaughey’s stoically smouldering Cooper, venture into the great beyond in search of a new home for humanity. Starlight whirls, planets, and spacecraft cartwheel through nothingness. An odyssey where Einstein’s theory of relativity is a heart-breaking reality? Director: JessicaChristopher Chastain, Nolan Michael Caine Once tipped for Spielberg, this long gestating project, lands in Christopher Nolan’s hands. Where, once Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, againborn from embracing the theories celluloid, of physicist keeping CGIKip Thorne,to a minimum, it Duration: 169 mins Origin: USA/UK 2014 Interstellar is as filmic as it gets.(shot on expensive Deafening (the church organ score will pummel your Certificate: 12A 70mm film) and exhausting perhaps, but so overwhelming, visually andsenses) emotionally [but not herethere at might the Rex/Odyssey] be tears [oh dear]. disjointed When... gargantuanEven Kubrick’s budget 2001 and was used lambasted it to fuel on ambition. first That commandsrelease (1968). respect. Now ( researchlook at it! Jack Nolan Whiting has taken) Not hissure Sat 27 6.00 Jack. Indulgence and a neglected script might prove Sun 28 5.00 otherwise. At 10 mins short of three hours, it is more Mon 29 6.00 likely to be the audience who commands respect…? 20 THE REX - DECEMBER BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759

Frozen Sing-A-Long Little Miss Sunshine Disney’s Frozen, an animated fairy tale musical Every screening has sold out every since its first inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen Bafta preview in September. It is very funny, takes place in the kingdom of Arendelle, where moving and will take you on an unanticipated, the young princess Elsa was born with the ability emotional ride. The characters are beautifully to magically create ice and snow using her bare hands. When Elsa slips up and nearly kills her sister empty, this will warm your heart. It tells the story of Ana, by accident. thedrawn, Hoovers, and unlike one of too the many most films endearingly where you’re fractured left Fearing Elsa might cause serious harm, the panicking king and queen decide to isolate both daughters from wish of seven-year-old Olive, the whole motley family, trekfamilies to the you’re Little ever Miss likely Sunshine to meet. pageant To fulfil in California.the dream- Several years later, following some tragic events, Along the way they must deal with crushed dreams, the outside world! heartbreaks and a broken-down van. The family is Bee) no longer share the close bond they once had. made up of an uncommonly natural little miss Olive, a However,grown-up upon Elsa (IdinaElsa’s coronationMenzel) and day, Ana people (Kristen from all silent, Nietzsche-reading teenager, a suicidal uncle, an embarrassingly optimistic dad, a scatty mother, and a meets and falls for the handsomely goofy Prince Hans horny, coke-snorting grandfather with a penchant for over the kingdom flock to meet the new queen and Ana creative profanity (the wholly original, Alan Arkin, got Best Supporting Oscar for this) This is a beautifully with(Santino her powersFontana). and Unfortunately, inadvertently Elsa’s starts mounting an eternal observed road movie, where sanity takes a back seat, emotions start to break free, as she terrifies the locals while innocence and hope drive it every step of the withwinter such upon warmth fleeing within the kingdom. its icy landscape, this the edge of a brave new 2015. is“Cheesy a celluloidbaked critical metaphors Alaska. Itare is hardglorious to avoid: family way. Don’t miss this uplifting and life-affirming ride on entertainment.” (Guardian) engaging and enthralling.” (Observer) Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris “This“Frozen is terrificallyis the best enjoyable;Disney since romantic, Aladdin, subversive, a glittering, Cast: Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Steve Carell, sparkling cartoon epic…” Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano (ST Culture Duration: 102 mins Origin: USA 2006 and cry all the). This way film home. wont go away… So here’s Certificate: 15 another chance to dress up, drink fizz, screech along

Director: Chris Buck Duration: 108 mins Origin: USA 2013 Certificate: PG

When... When...

Tue 30 12.30 Tue 30 7.30 www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - DECEMBER 21

Grand Budapest Hotel Back to end the year on an absurd high. Ralph Fiennes expertly plays eccentric hotel concierge Monsieur Gustave H accompanied by Zero (fascinating newcomer Tony Revolori) the new lobby boy at the Grand Budapest. funicularPerched on railway. top of Thea mountain, story begins in the when fictional a young Republic of Zubrowka, and reached only by an old acute

Thewriter young (Jude writer Law) hears meets the an talesimpressive of legendary old man: conciergeMr Zero Moustafa M.Gustave (F.Murray H, who inAbraham). the pre-war period ran the hotel with impeccable precision and style. Gustave’s attentiveness to the rich, old, insecure, Director: Wes Anderson vain and needy patrons of the hotel extends to rather Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law more personal services. As he bids farewell to the Duration: 100 mins 84-year-old fright Madame D (Tilda Swinton) her Origin: USA 2013 shocking murder sets in motion Wes Anderson’s crazy Certificate: 15 clockwork plot. “Even on a second viewing, you hardly have time enough to take in all its intricate detailing and sumptuous furnishing.”(Standard) but“Beneath a few allin thethe audiencejokiness there’scan ever a sensehave known”. of loss, a( S&S) Bewilderinglynostalgia for an star-studded, age that neither non-stop the filmmakers fabulous, nor ridiculous, riotous, quick witted and crystal clear. When... grand un-metropolitan Rex. MySo indulge glass is inraised this grandto a brave tale 2015.to herald New Year at the Wed 31 6.00 26 RANTS AND PANTS www.therexberkhamsted.com

10th year at The Rex 1st year at The Odyssey

The Rex was easy, there were only four of us. The Odyssey has a few more. We started from scratch with none of the same artwork intact, so you will either get or even like the simple design we took from what was left, or not.

space with some hefty lessons learned.It is now a magnificent cinema

27th to 30th for four evenings, We will open unfinished on Saturday 13th when we will openthen closewith theagain full to programme finish until for greater or lesser things, but they going on about it, but if still keep turning up between Forgive us, you will have to be Tyou’reHE REX: lucky, I know you we only keep get patientYOU a full a few and weeks proper longer. audience. one 10 year anniversary. nurtured a whole community If you’re lucky you only get any ofjobs, waifs gaps and or straysadventures. without We have sold out. anniversary once, so why the big knowing. Why go on about this ABLThe firstsales four will days be available are already soon for the proper December This time ten years ago The Rex write this with nothing to say, I wasfuss…? a heap of chairs, carpet, now? Because, sitting down to sooner) with general release a white noise from a new untested cinema, but a house, a home, a weekprogramme later early (you in will December. be notified fabulouslyrealise we havedysfunctional not just been home a Please keep an eye on on a new screen, bars half (whatever that weasel word and the website for the most sound system, flickering images reliable information about how cement mixer here and there. when and where to book. Butfinished it had (started) come from with a ahopeless leftover woman/childmeans) not just who for comes those kidshere But most of all, be patient, don’t ten years earlier, to these heaps andbut tostays you here. – YOU the everyman/ believe rumour and tell gossip of gear which meant we might where to go please itself. This has foyer screens and the queues in time (it is much how the Odyssey theYou rain…are the sold-outs on the sweat and tears, and except for looksjust have right a cinemanow with in onlythree one weeks This is getting maudlin. I would been five years sleepless, blood, hate to say we love you, but Since then we have sold out you’re alright, all the same. Staysleep, with it’s allus stilland flowing.stay cool, we are nearlyweek to every go!). night. A single Thank you and well done. Here’s stayingYou have the come distance this far with with you. us. screen art deco restoration with to next ten… By January ticket sales etc proper leg room and tables should have settled into an easier routine. would have persuaded me By February the Odyssey will feel work”.where theNot stallsonly areshould we the be? most TthenHE ODYSSEY: to believe Nothing we would like it has been here all our lives. successfulAll of which cinema ‘they’ saidin Britain, “wouldn’t be opening another ten years but we have employed many people from a wider area. We Well we are. It’s a very long story, SoThe here’s following to the 4 pages first areten… taken from have encouraged kids to go on to solater, for and now… almost to the day! The Rex’s very first programme.

www.therexberkhamsted.com DECEMBER 31

COMING SOON TO THE ODYSSEY

Leviathan Paddington

The Drop IThe Am Hunger Ali Games: Mockingjay

Heartbreaker Untouchable

THE ODYSSEY DECEMBER FILMS ON SALE MONDAY 8 DECEMBER PLEASE NOTE FESTIVE STARTING TIMES

on our website www.odysseypictures.co.uk The Odyssey Box Office number will be announced DATE FILM TIME 13 SAT FROZEN SINGALONG 2.00 The Drop 13 SAT PREVIEW 7.00 14 SUN MR TURNER 6.00 15 MON MR TURNER 2.00, 7.30 16 TUE MR TURNER 2.00, 7.30 17 WED MR TURNER 2.00 17 WED FURY 7.30 18 THUR MY OLD LADY 2.00, 7.30 19 FRI INTERSTELLAR 7.30 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 20 SAT ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 2.00 20 SAT INTERSTELLAR 7.00 21 SUN INTERSTELLAR 6.00 22 MON IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 2.00 22 MON INTERSTELLAR 6.00 23 TUE IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 2.00, 7.30 24 WED IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 5.00 25 THUR CHRISTMAS DAY - CLOSED Leviathan 26 FRI BOXING DAY - CLOSED 27 SAT THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2.00 27 SAT THE IMITATION GAME 6.00 28 SUN THE IMITATION GAME 6.00 29 MON THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2.00 29 MON THE IMITATION GAME 6.00 30 TUE ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE… 2.00 30 TUE THE IMITATION GAME 6.00 Paddington 31 WED SOME LIKE IT HOT 6.00