MAGAMAGA

MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS

APRIL…

“possibly Britain’s most beautiful cinema...” (BBC)

APRIL 2008 Issue 37 www.therexcinema.com 01442 877759 Mon-Sat 10.30-6pm Sun 4.30-6.30pm To advertise email [email protected] WELCOME

Gallery 5 April Evenings 9-18 Coming Soon 19 April Films at a glance 19 April Matinees 20-27 Dear Mrs Trellis 29, 31 SEAT PRICES: Circle £7.00 Concessions £5.50 At Table £9.00 Concessions £7.50 Royal Box (seats 6) £11.00 or for the Box £60.00 BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759 Mon to Sat 10.30 – 6.00 Sun 4.30 – 6.30 (Credit/Debit card booking fee 50p) Disabled and flat access: through the gate Brad Pitt - Las Vegas, 1994. Photo credit: Photographs (c) 2007 by Annie on High Street (right of apartments) Leibovitz from the documentary Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens, Barbara Some of the girls and boys you see at the Box Leibovitz, Director. Mon 28th 7.30. Don't miss. Office and Bar:

Rosie Abbott Bethany McKay END OF CREDITS FOR CANCELLATIONS… Henry Beardshaw Linda Moss n 1st April the 48 hr rule ends. Instead there will be no more credit Julia Childs Louise Ormiston Lindsey Davies Izzi Robinson vouchers at all or refunds on any cancellations. For over two years Holly Gilbert Georgia Rose Othe box office has been advising me of difficulties arising from Becky Ginn Diya Sagar this. The girls and boys are well tuned to casual abuses of our generous Tom Glasser Miranda Samson Beth Hannaway Tina Thorpe system. Luke Karmali Olivia Wilson So it is my decision to stop this quaint practice of giving credit on an Jo Littlejohn Calum Wood unused ticket. Keymea Yazdanian At the outset, I didn’t care that no other theatre, cinema, concert venue or football ground in the country (or the world) would dream of it - under any Sally Thorpe In charge Alun Rees Chief projectionist (Original) circumstances. Imagine approaching the turnstile at White Hart Lane with a Jon Waugh 1st assistant projectionist note from your mum! Martin Coffill Part-time assistant projectionist I enjoyed offering this odd courtesy you can’t get, nor dare ask for, Jacquie Rose Chief Box Office & Bar Oliver Hicks Best Boy anywhere else. Jemma Gask Key Grip Now, sadly you can’t get it here either. Michael Glasheen Gaffer Val & Lisa Williams Set t’s all down to sly little tricks; one such is when tables are booked by Jane Clucas & Lynn Hendry PR/Marketing/FoH the same person for every screening during a sell-out run. When the unwanted tables are cancelled just ahead of the 48 hours… You got it? Ian Muirhead Accountant I I don’t care about the money. I want people to have the same chance to see Resident creative builders Darren Flindall, Michael Glasheen the film! It seems that these hedgers/seat blockers have been hanging on to their Artists Andrew Dixon, Paul Rowbottom extra tickets until the last minute, making it too late for anyone else. A very mean and ugly strategy, no doubt applauded as smart thinking in ‘good- Advisors and Investors Paul Fullagar, Alan Clooney business’ circles. Perhaps we should be flattered by the lengths to which Ed Mauger Genius people will go? Being taken for fools by people who are just as likely to hoard toilet paper at Christmas, is neither flattering nor good business. Demiurge Design Designers 01296 632366 Allison Nunn Publisher 07786 540418 On top of this I am a little bored with: “you’re always sold out, we can never get in”. Hence no more credits or refunds. That’s it, so plan carefully. James Hannaway CEO 01442 877999 When you buy a ticket, it is yours. Betty Patterson Company Secretary and THE On this note let me acknowledge those who never ask for a credit, but ORIGINAL VISIONARY of The Rex. cheerfully throw their spare tickets back into the raffle. Thank you. The Rex High Street (Three Close Lane) Of course, from time to time, there will be exceptional circumstances – Berkhamsted HP4 2FG which will be judged by what the note from your mum says… www.therexcinema.com GALLERY www.therexcinema.com 5

THE VAT MAN COMETH… Motor Cycle Diaries. There are a hile we’re here, in few more but I can’t think of them February we had our sitting here. Apart from two, the Wfirst VAT inspection. rest have won nothing. He was an amiable man, probably Some were even panned, but we in his 50s with a very nice round have found them to be hidden smile and pleasant manner. treasures in a world of glistering I only met him briefly and asked if trinkets. I hope it is right, that The he had come because it was all a Diving Bell & The Butterfly will huge mistake and they owed us be next. thousands. In a polite exchange he pril is a bit of a jumble chortled: “Afraid not, you’re sale. The same happened paying what you should and Ain our first September and everything is in order”. There was in the early summer of last year. no hint of sarcasm or ‘seems’ to be I’ve learned to be fooled less by in order. It could hardly be the trick of reading about a film anything else. Our accountant is and wanting it there and then, only Hitler’s brother Clive who would to find it won’t be available for happily pay VAT on VAT. two years. Shut up and Sing, On Saturday 26th April the gorgeous That aside, our man from Customs Goodnight and Good Luck, The Attic café will open in the evening and Excise was very pleased to Three Burials, The Diving Bell… for the first time. The menu will be stay for the matinee. Though and No Country…, are a few. small but exquisite. In fact don’t ask, tempted to charge him just to give The best thing about this April have what you’re given and love it. him his VAT back there and then jumble is a deliberate lightening of Opens at 7.00 for those who aren’t in very loose change, honour took spirit after all the death, natural and going to the Rex and will stay open its better place. Thus he was otherwise, abortion and blood of for those who are. Pop in to The treated to proper Rex hospitality March. Home & Colonial to book. You’ll reserved for special guests – a cup There’s Passport to Pimlico, Be Kind Rewind, St Trinians (by need to book now! of Michael’s tea, a bap rub down from the girls and gala pie fit for a request, believe it) and Play it king. Hope this doesn’t get him Again Sam. The musts are Children TICKET PRICE + VAT… into too much deep trouble… of Glory, Annie Liebowitz and nlikely as it is, you may Don’t Touch The Axe. have read in our March APRIL’S JUMBLE FILMS… The rest you know about. Sorry, Rambo is bloody (but allegedly, Uprogramme that as from t is funny how some months NOT bloody awful), but if you’ve 1st April we would be passing on fall with everything to choose read this far you won’t be coming. to you the VAT on tickets. from and others with not so I It would nice to publish a list of We’ve been carrying it all since we much. April follows an Rex ‘award’ winners. So we’ll opened three years ago. However, unprecedented glut of new releases think up some kind of poll, where after doing the arithmetic, it would over the last six months, climaxing you can vote for your gems and nudge a table seat towards eleven in that mass orgy in the run up to stinkers each month – winners and pounds and balcony seats inevitably all the toy-parties for the best this’s sinners (Swinners???). towards nine. and thats. Nevertheless we have As if VAT isn’t criminal enough, collected a list of beautiful films No Pavement for Old Men...page 29 we can’t even pass it on to get it from our first three years - back! So we’re NOT doing it. The Sea Inside, Everything is Instead, all seats will go up by 80p Illuminated, Breakfast on Pluto, on 1st September. This way we Little Miss Sunshine, Not Here to share the bastard child of ugly Be Loved, The World’s fastest 1970s legislators. They’re far from Indian, Sideways, Bon-Bon El pretty now and remain complete Perro, Leonard Cohen, Pan’s and utter twats but worse, none Labryinth, Andy Goldsworthy, from any party has attempted to Molierie, The Band’s Visit and The abolish it. APRIL EVENINGS 10 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL EVENINGS

Be Kind, Rewind The Diving Bell Once Tue 1 7.30 and The Butterfly Thu 3 7.30 Wed 2 7.30 Director: Michel Gondry Director: John Carney Starring: Jack Black, Mia Farrow, Starring: Markéta Irglová, Gerard Danny Glover, Mos Def Hendrick, Hugh Walsh, Glen Hansard Certificate: 12A Certificate: 15 Duration: 100 mins Duration: 87 mins Origin: USA 2008 Origin: Ireland 2007 By: Pathe Distribution By: Entertainment Film Distribution

This is a tale of two friends who From nothing and nowhere it has find themselves rewriting film Schnabel’s third feature recounts won this year’s Oscar for Best Song. history to save their beloved video the remarkable true story of Jean- A rock-bottom budget, nil to start but store from extinction. Dominique Bauby (Amalric), eventually made for £80,000 with no Heart-warming and absurd, as they charismatic editor of French Elle pay for anyone, this Irish charmer attempt to remake their ‘lost’ shelves magazine, who at the age of 43 stole the heart of the Audience with glue and string! The shop’s suffered a stroke that rendered his Award at Sundance 2007. whole video collection is wiped by an brain stem inactive. He awoke from On Grafton Street in Dublin, a accidental reversal in electro- a coma to find himself a victim of careworn busker (Hansard) strikes up magnetic polarity. (Don’t ask. locked-in syndrome: mentally alert a friendship with a sparky young You’ll have to see for yourself) but physically paralysed – except for Czech immigrant (Irglová). Hansard’s “This French celluloid sorcerer his left eye lid. Terrifyingly, he was heart searing songs weave themselves delivers his most playful, accessible left with a fully functioning mind. into the narrative so naturally you and sparkling slice of bespoke Bravely side-stepping emotion, he put hardly notice you are watching a whimsy, following his stifling 2005 his memory and imagination to work. musical. Anchored by simple quirk-mire ‘The Science of Sleep’. He learned a blinking code for each narrative, real and lovely faces and Here he presents us with a film letter of the alphabet and (through easy non-acting this film is so rare - whose simple structure could have devoted and very patient women) perhaps unique - with a warm but tripped off the tongue of any vacuous painstakingly told this profound story. gutsy grace all of its own. pony-tailed 80s studio exec. “Mathieu Amalric as Bauby (once No subplots, no narrative twists, and He uses it to flip open the ribcage of reserved for Johnny Depp!) is little else. cinema.”??? (Time Out) Lost me pal. absorbing and beautifully honest, “Shows what you can do with a “Gondry, once the high priest of even frozen to his bed” (Standard) decent story.” bleeding-edge visual experimentation “It’s a gorgeously atmospheric and “A sublime, visual album of with Bjork and Massive Attack deeply affecting piece of work” unassuming and self-assured videos, has become a craven convert (Times) eloquence” (mixed crits) to the church of the low-tech, “Schnabel treats this amazing real-life It is real rags-to-riches. From a backyard film-making with a flair for story as a testament to the importance scraggy kid, banging out Dylan hand-made special effects using of memory and the boundlessness of covers on the streets of Dublin, to the cardboard, foam rubber and furlongs human imagination” (Time Out) real Bob calling and uncle Oscar of gaffer tape. The faces, the screenplay, the applauding. Who’d have thought it? It’s a sweet premise, rich in nostalgia language, the camera… and that Wish them well and hope they don’t and goofy charm – ideal for Black’s music, will move you further than believe a word. bug-eyed energy and Mos Def’s you want to go. Come and lose lolloping.” (Times) yourself, then come and see it again.

Director: Julian Schnabel Starring: Marie-Josee Croze, Anne Consigny, Emmanuelle Seigner, Mathieu Amalric Certificate: 12A Duration: 112 mins Origin: France 2008 By: Pathe Distribution APRIL EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 11

The Kite Runner Fri 4 7.30, Sat 5 7.00 Don’t Touch The Axe Sun 6 6.00 Director: An adaptation of Balzac’s novella Jacques Rivette Starring: La Duchesse de Langeais, Rivette’s Jeanne Balibar, Michel Piccoli, Guillaume Depardieu, Bulle masterful film tells the tale of a Ogier Parisienne socialite, lustily pursued Certificate: PG by a Napoleonic war hero. Duration: 137 mins The story opens with a grieving Origin: France, Italy 2007 General Armand de Montriveau By: Artificial Eye (Depardieu Jr) journeying to a closed-order Majorcan church. There he seeks French nun Antoinette de Langeais (Balibar), As they are meet under the watchful eyes of the Mother Superior, their past slowly unfolds… It was five years earlier, Back by overwhelming demand and when bored socialite Antoinette first though it might run and run it became moist at the sight of de won’t be back in May. Here in April Montriveau’s wounded soldier. for three evenings and two matinees, Though married, she melted before please make the most of it. him. Watching her drip under his A glorious afternoon in Kabul and spell, he vowed that very night he the skies are filled with the would take her and have her as his exhilarating joy of a kite-fighting own forever. (this was no one-night tournament. But in the aftermath of stand). A tense, atmospheric 19th the day’s victory, one boy’s fear and century melodrama, it unfolds with the other’s courage, triggers a terrible all the moral treachery and deceit you lie and complete act of betrayal would hope for and get from a which will mark two lives forever and production of seduction in a set in motion an epic and perilous repressed, superstitious time – from quest for redemption… the French. Only France knows how With much of Kabul destroyed, to makes these films. As the tension Forster used a region of China to builds you know it will end in tears – stand in for Amir’s childhood Kabul real ones not cardboard tears. “The [Afghan] people felt it was a Hollywood’s The Other Boleyn Girl love letter to Afghanistan”? (Marc sucks all the labels off the boxes. Forster) Don’t miss. The elder’s language is beautiful and their philosophy gentle and reassuring; borne from religion but not lost to it. Amir’s father is majestic, Hassan as boy and man, brave and noble. Each is a great example of absolute integrity and true courage in the face of all hell. Amir carries the story… His redemption is for you to decide.

Director: Marc Forster Starring: Zekeria Ebrahimi, Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Mahmidzada Certificate: 12A Duration: 128 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Paramount International Pictures 12 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL EVENINGS

The Edge of Closing The Ring The Heaven Tue 8 7.30 Counterfeiters

Mon 7 7.30 Director: Richard Attenborough Wed 9 7.30 Starring: Christopher Plummer, Shirley Maclaine, Mischa Barton Certificate: 12A Duration: 118 mins Origin: Canada, UK, USA 2007 By: The Works UK Distribution

Tested at a February matinee, uncertain of its appeal against the onslaught of fat awards titles “Billed as the second installment in saturating the beginning of the year, it was applauded. So here it is the director’s ‘Love, Death & the Still showing here after four months, for an April evening. Devil’ trilogy, it offers an beating off fierce competition from All-round national treasure, Sir accomplished and deeply compas - ‘Kites’ and ‘…Old Men’ - and still sionate mediation on loss and Attenborough brings a great eye to collecting awards. consolation, as its mosaic narrative this heart warming epic romance A devastatingly effective wartime follows the intersecting lives of six spanning 50 years of love, loss and thriller based upon real events, The characters travelling between reconciliation across two continents. Counterfeiters crackles with class and All-time treasure Shirley MacLaine Istanbul and Hamburg. intelligence. In 1936, the Nazis plays Ethel Ann, a woman whose first As in Akin’s earlier works, the many established the largest counterfeiting love Teddy is killed in the war. instances of intercultural exchange operation in history, with the intention He charges his friend Chuck offer an insight into the subtleties of of flooding the British and American (Plummer, never better) to look after east-west relationships. For the most economies with fake currency. her ‘should anything happen’. part these are observational and ‘Enlisted’ were any concentration Inevitably she marries him, burying incidental bumps rather than clashes of camp inmates with the required skills. her heartache until a chance discovery culture. Among them was master forger, across oceans of miles and time… Criticism has been levelled at its gambler, libertine and charismatic Romantic without shame, it serves as somewhat contrived plot twists and rogue Salomon ‘Salli’ Sorowitsch a timely reminder that war and conventional melodrama. In a film (brought vividly to life by Karl conflict wounds us all one way or which sees a homeless Turk ask a Markovics’ gaunt, haunting face), who another. It runs perfectly from past to stranger for cash and receive not only a is at first energised by his new task. present and back without a jolt. meal but board and bed (to share!) it is As the war grinds on, the moral frailty “Closing the Ring is well-acted clear that authenticity matters less than of Salli’s position becomes more and throughout and it has a romantic optimism – The Edge of Heaven is no more apparent, and he must choose appeal that is not to be sneered at” worse for that.”(Sight & Sound) which side he is on. An incredible true (Derek Malcolm) This mealy, “Best screenplay winner at Cannes story, written by a camp survivor, apologetic review can be sneered at. 2007… this is gentler than his Head clearly told and beautifully shot with He’s right about the performances On (at the Rex May 05) a beautiful extraordinary performances – and though, not to mention a seemingly meditation on themes of loss and faces - on all sides. Funny thing this insignificant story beautifully told. reconciliation” (Standard) zeitgeist phenomenon… Don’t miss this hidden gem. A story of today where home for many Overnight, it seems Germany is back is not as sweet as ours and where at its story-telling best. See (Edge of “Everything is illuminated by the light Heaven Mon 7th) of the past”. A perfect Monday night film. Come. Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky Director: Fatih Akin Starring: Martin Brambach, August Starring: Tuncel Kurtiz, Baki Diehl, Karl Markovics, Devid Davrak, Nurgül Yesilcay Striesow Certificate: 18 Certificate: 15 Duration: 122 mins Duration: 99 mins Origin: Germany, Turkey 2007 Origin: Austria, Germany 2006 By: Artificial Eye By: Metrodome Distributors APRIL EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 13

The Bank Job No Country for Margot at The Thu 10 7.30 Old Men Wedding Director: Roger Donaldson Fri 11 7.30, Sat 12 7.00, Mon 14 7.30 Starring: Saffron Burrows, Jason Sun 13 6.00 Statham, Daniel Mays Director: Noah Baumbach Certificate: 15 Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Duration: 111 mins Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Ciaran Hinds, Origin: UK 2008 John Turturro By: Lionsgate Films UK Certificate: 15 Duration: 93 mins It was inspired by an extraordinary Origin: USA 2007 real-life robbery in London more By: Paramount International Pictures than 35 years ago. A highly-charged ride (“a combination of heist movie Great cast a gritty script – a and conspiracy thriller” Obsvr) From the first shot you know you’re potential explosion of wit, interweaving intrigue, scandal and in safe, and dangerous hands - wisecracks and self-effacing, danger. In September 1971, thieves business as usual from the Coen’s. ensemble banter by actors at the tunnelled into a bank vault on Baker It’s 1970s small-town Texas. A top of their trees (or out of them)… Street and robbed millions worth of Vietnam vet stumbles across a bag of Baumbach’s follow-up to the awful cash and jewellery… and some middle-of-nowhere cash. Enter Javier The Squid And The Whale (loved photographs! None of the loot was Bardem’s bad-hair, coin-tossing killer only by women who wet at the sound recovered and nobody was arrested. in cold pursuit… of their own voices revving up for It made headlines for a few days then “Harrelson delivers an icy cameo as wailing in ‘crisis’) is said to be disappeared. It is thought now, the the corrupt private dick. Tommy Lee inspired by Eric Rohmer. Whatever, government gagged the press. (D- plays weary seen-it-all sheriff who it is a… “multilayered delight that Notice). Allegedly the cover-up doesn’t miss a trick… even one step again focuses on sibling rivalry. involved murder, corruption and a sex behind” (Times) Margot (Kidman), a successful and scandal with links to the Royal (Joel and Ethan talking on a BBC The neurotic writer, has been estranged Family. This is a bank-job where the World Service interview Jan 2008): from her sister Pauline (Jason Leigh) thieves are the most innocent. Cor “It is Cormac’s words throughout… for some time.” (Synopsis) Pauline’s blimey gov’! There are links with big A great story teller… it doesn’t go in impending marriage to Malcolm names in politics, black-power and the extemp… Faithful to the book plus (Black), however, spurs Margot pop music across the world, and it the highest level of acting… accompanied by spotty son Claude, may have been an inside job? Are we going to change Cormac to visit the old family house. None of it is entirely plausible and it McCarthy??? (No jokes). Its his It is through his eyes we see the shows. Scripted by Dick Clement and words, they don’t need to be changed. unburied sisterly combat unfold. Ian La Frenais, creators of The Likely The dialogue is right from the book… Margot’s drive to judge everything Lads and Porridge (BBC 60s & 70s) as are the descriptions of the scenes. and everyone alienates her from the it has all their hallmarks of storyline The garroting scene is straight from world and inspires the family to and humour with a light touch. the book…” mischief. Luckily Saffron is in 3-D to “Preparations – storyboard most The ensuing trouble threatens to complement one-face Jason’s important - everything is prepared to unravel the emotional bonds so cardboard cut-out. the frame… but (serious-ish) always carefully maintained before Margot open to change on set…? ‘We were turned up. You must come, if only to just following instructions’” be grateful for that accident of birth The tension and edge they create is which dropped us here and not there. phenomenal, all with little movement and very big silence. Do not miss.

Director: Coen Brothers Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin Certificate: 15 Duration: 122 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Paramount International Pictures 14 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL EVENINGS The Other Rambo IV St Trinians Boleyn Girl Fri 18 7.30 Sat 19 7.00 Tue 15 7.30, Wed 16 7.30, Directors: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thu 17 7.30 Thompson Starring: Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Stephen Fry, Mischa Barton Director: Justin Chadwick Certificate: 12A Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Duration: 101 mins Natalie Portman, Eric Bana, Kristin Origin: UK 2007 Scott Thomas By: Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Certificate: 12A Stephen Fry, Mischa Barton Duration: 115 mins Origin: UK 2008 “With nothing as superfluous as The uniformed but rebellious By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd narrative, complexity and character students of a distinguished all-girls development to trouble it, the movie “A sumptuous and sensual tale of school get an unexpected chance to mainly consists of luckless Burmese intrigue, romance and betrayal, The raise a little hell as Parker and (tribespeople or soldiers – it hardly Other Boleyn Girl is set against the Thompson lig off the characters matters) being blown or sliced to bits backdrop of a defining moment in created by comic artist Ronald until Rambo finally takes control European history. Based on a best- Searle. It all began at Ealing with and shoots anything with a pulse. 1954’s The Belles Of St Trinian’s. seller by Philippa Gregory, it tells the An ugly flashback.” (Kevin Maher, tale of two beautiful sisters, Anne When their beloved school is broke Times) and threatened with closure the girls (Portman) and Mary (Johansson) “When you’re pushed, killing’s as easy Boleyn whom, driven by their family’s set out to raise the urgent funds with as breathing, mumbles John Rambo a scheme to steal a priceless painting blind ambition, compete for the love (Stallone at 61). That this film contains of Henry VIII (Bana: forever the and use the profits to save their a record-breaking 236 on-screen kills school. Said by the makers to be a Incredible Hulk & Bananaman). The suggests that breathing is a complex film is beautifully scripted by The smart and sassy update, but by the quadratic equation in comparison. The rest; a lame excuse for something or Queen’s Peter Morgan.” (synopsis) opening real footage of real atrocities All well and good but is it any good? other. Rupert is clearly having a ball in Burma is a false start, as it has no as Miss Fritton with Colin Firth as a Like The Queen, the guessing connection to reality and nothing to becomes the story. It doesn’t matter great straight man. say about current atrocities. It is 90 Between them they manage to pull what the guessing is, as long as it minutes of violence. No more, no makes us believe the story rather than some of it off but it’s a long haul and less.” (Jenkins, Time Out) they’re out on their own. Funny and want to believe it. Writing about an “It is bloody and brutal, but raises Elizabeth we all ‘know’, doesn’t mean predictably smutty, it’s no ‘Carry- some interesting questions: how do we On’. he (and Philippa G) can play the same right terrible wrongs of the world – do game with the first one, 500 hundred Why that TV worm, motormouth we all take up arms? Rambo embraces Russell Brand? His ‘Flash Harry’ years before the Daily Express (still moral relativism. selling its front page with a dead stinks, a role made gorgeously seedy Still, Stallone gives a superb by George Cole. You can hear them: princess). That’s it, if the Express had performance as this great solitary man, typed it, it would have been the truth- ‘Oh must have Russell on board’ misunderstood by all and loved by Apart from that, its trash. absolute; no guessing required… Ms none. I know exactly how he feels.” Gregory seems more like a Mail-on- (Cosmo L, Sun Times) Sunday gal? You’ll come anyway. It might give hope to 61year olds cornered by crazed 16year olds, but doubtful. Let’s see who comes.

Director: Sylvester Stallone Starring: Sylvester Stallone Certificate: 18 Duration: 91 mins Origin: USA 2008 By: Sony Pictures Releasing APRIL EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 15

The Lady Vanishes Mister Lonely Pastport to Sun 20 6.00 Mon 21 7.30 Pimlico 7.30 Director: Harmony Korine Tue 22 Starring: Diego Luna, Samantha Morton, Werner Herzog, Denis Lavant Certificate: 15 Duration: 112 mins Origin: France, Ireland, UK, USA 2007 By: Tartan Films

“Korine’s first feature since Julien This film brought Hitchcock to Donkey-Boy finds him in a playful Hollywood’s attention. So came big and mischievous mood. Set amidst budgets to play with, but he hated the world of star impersonators, it is location work, favouring cosy control also a film of darker moments. of parkbench, crops, snow, sea, rain Michael Jackson (Luna) moonwalks, and light on the studio stage. The residents of Pimlico unearth an high kicks and yelps in the streets of ancient document that decrees the Hence the lazy backdrops where the Paris. Marilyn Monroe (Morton) car, here the train, is so obviously area as part of Burgundy, and set teeters by, and tells him about a haven about establishing an independent standing still against a window of fast for look-alikes in the Scottish moving hedgerows. He managed to state in the middle of London. Highlands, a commune where Charlie One of the most loved of all the make North by North West Chaplin, Shirley Temple, Queen unwatchable. What should have been Ealing Comedies. Margaret Elizabeth II and others work together Rutherford leads the way in a a fabulous big screen thriller was and entertain each other in glorious turned by terrible edits into anti- procession of lovely faces in a story seclusion, away from the misunder - from a very innocent time. climax. The famous ‘crop-duster’ standings and judgment of the outside scene is unforgivable for a film- Imagine Pimlico a no-go area ruled world. Michael can’t resist seeing the by decent people who challenge the maker. Think about it? He was place for himself. Meanwhile, in the already on location. Cary Grant was government in the proper manner jungle, a drunken missionary (Jungle with all courtesy and hardly a cross already there, running. It was all set Jim himself – W.Herzog) leads some up, real sky, real crops, real plane. word. Great scenes of London nuns on a high-flying adventure. accompany this eccentric comedy He only had to stay an extra couple of A film for which the term days. Twelve years old, and I’ve hated which will make you laugh and yearn ‘audacious’ could have been invented, for the simple gentility of a time Hitchcock ever since. this is a bravura delight.” However, “The Lady Vanishes is a when caps were doffed, policemen Whatever else it is, it is imaginative, were jolly and children were tolerated masterful comedy thriller, which for funny, sad and an idea so rare and many nestles comfortably amongst but ‘seen and not heard’. strange, it is worth it for that. Perfect, even down to the director’s the director’s very finest works.” Moreover it is beautifully constructed, (synopsis) name – Henry Cornelius! acted and completely unconscious. I could happily live there again. On the train, Iris Henderson Come. (Lockwood) befriends a kindly Miss Bring the whole street. Froy (Dame May Whitty). Iris falls asleep (great company, that Miss Froy). When she wakes a stranger is there in the old dear’s clothes… Uh oh! Come for the backdrops.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock Director: Henry Cornelius Starring: Michael Redgrave, Cecil Starring: Stanley Holloway, Betty Parker Warren Certificate: U Certificate: U Duration: 97 mins Duration: 81 mins Origin: UK 1938 Origin: UK 1949 By: Park Circus Films By: Optimum Releasing 16 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL EVENINGS

La Vie En Rose My Blueberry Wed 23 7.30 Nights There Will Thu 24 7.30 Director: Olivier Dahan Be Blood Starring: Sylvie Testud, Marion Cotillard, Pascal Greggory Fri 25 7.30, Sat 26 7.00, Certificate: 12A Sun 27 6.00 Duration: 140 mins A sprawling epic about family, faith, Origin: Czech Republic, France, UK power, love, hope, community, belief, 2007 ambition and father-son bonding, all By: Icon Film Distribution Ltd imperilled by corruption, deception A huge sell-out since August, La Vie and oil. Nothing too important. En Rose is back to celebrate “I don’t know why I am drawn Marion Cotillard’s Oscar as the irrevocably into a life that isn’t mine”. diminutive ‘Little Sparrow’ and (DD-L) more, her fantastic theory that 9/11 It seems he is intrigued by people was an all-American job to rid New beyond his own experience and beyond York of some jerry-built towers, the threshold required to ‘play’ them? After The Mood For Love and the He even researched drilling equipment! simultaneously finding the excuse it hard-going 2049 in his own needed to make the world a freer, As indeed for the Last of The language comes: Mohicans he lived naked in the forest happier, safer place. “A poignantly beautiful, stirringly for months, weeks or an hour or two. It’s a long-shot but what a girl… scored road movie, is Hong Kong Who cares? “Cotillard is little short of genius”. auteur Wong Kar Wai’s English- Using The Treasure of the Sierra She elevates this tragic tale of one language debut.” (Which is like Madre (1948) as inspiration if not a huge, tiny life. This little girl’s letting Sean Penn make a movie in the template, both Anderson and DD-L magnetism and instant presence lifts Far East with a talentedly-challenged have taken its essence of treachery and the whole film into something above ex-wife). mistrust. “I could watch Walter Huston expectations. From the slums of Paris “After a rough break-up, Elizabeth all day long” (DD-L) to the limelight of New York, Piaf’s (singer Jones) embarks on a journey He listened to recordings of John life was a constant battle to sing and across America, leaving behind Huston – For the language not survive, to live and love. memories, a dream and a soulful new phrasing “but didn’t mean to copy ‘Little Sparrow’ flew so high it was friend (Law), in search of something him”. So listen to: “I bless you all. inevitable she would burn her wings to mend her broken heart. Amen” then watch Chinatown! in bravado, brilliance and self- Waitressing her way across the Didn’t mean to copy? It’s Mike destruction. “Marion Cotillard country, she befriends others whose Yarwood c.1973. (John H directed his expertly impersonates the legendary yearnings are greater than hers, and father Walter in Sierra Madre. They all singer whose passionate vibrato, like she witnesses the true depths of sound the same). a demented car-alarm, electrified the loneliness and emptiness. Johnny Greenwood’s music is so nation….a great performance” (PB She begins to understand her journey atmospheric (including Popcorn Guardian) is part of a greater exploration within Superhead Receiver – first composed Don’t listen to them. Come for a herself. for Radio 3) “This nasty noise that he heartbreaking story, beautifully played Continued on page 26 made was perfect for this nasty movie” and photographed right to the last (PT Anderson) heartrending teardrop… with no (All above taken from The Film Prog regrets. with the unflappable Francine Stock R4) “thrillingly original, a visionary Director: Wong Kar-Wai passion… against which all directors, Starring: Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, and all moviegoers, will want to David Strathairn, Norah Jones measure themselves. Anderson is Certificate: 12A doing something new with cinema” Duration: 95 mins (P Bradshaw, Guardian) No we won’t Origin: China, France, Hong Kong & No he’s not. 2007 “Is this America’s best film-maker?” By: Optimum Releasing (Standard) No. APRIL EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 17

Director: Paul Anderson Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Kevin Annie Leibovitz: Life Through O’Connor, Ciaran Hinds, Paul Dano Certificate: 15 a Lens Mon 28 7.30 Duration: 158 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Buena Vista International “Though she cries while discussing Susan Sontag’s death in 2004, Leibovitz doesn’t exactly open up. Even when it comes to discussing iconic photos such as the one of John and Yoko in bed hours before his death – she stays shtum.” (Standard) Annie Leibovitz has produced some of the most memorable and iconic images of the last 30 years, from Rolling Stone magazine through to her Hollywood cover portraits at Vanity Fair; from the horrors of war in Rwanda and Sarajevo to intimate shots of her friends and family. Directed by her sister, this is a fascinating portrait of a great talent, featuring vintage footage of her in action during the 1960s and contributions from Schwarzenegger, Clinton, Jagger and gorgeous George. Her eye misses nothing. “As a royal photographer, Annie infamously took pictures of the Queen last year. On the other hand, she makes Hollywood’s elite look born to rule. It is why A-list stars want to be in her pictures? It also delves into the (much more interesting) stuff she used to get up to! It’s a life worth shedding light on… a shame Barbara’s lens is not as probing as hers.” (Standard) Don’t miss.

Director: Barbara Leibovitz Certificate: 12A Duration: 83 mins Origin: USA 2006 By: Institute of Contemporary Arts 18 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL EVENINGS

Play It Again Sam Tue 29 7.30 Children of Glory Wed 30 7.30 Director: Herbert Ross Starring: Woody Allen, Diane It is the spring of 1956. While Keaton, Tony Roberts, Jerry Lacy Hungary is only a small slave Certificate: 15 nation to the massive Soviet Block, Duration: 85 mins it is sovereign with its own proud Origin: USA 1972 identity. Moreover its national By: Paramount water polo team is invincible! Even locked behind the Iron Curtain, Written by Woody Allen but the players feel like kings. Thriving directed by Herbert Ross PLAY IT on success and enjoying the attention AGAIN SAM is Allen’s hilarious, of every girl in the country, they stand affectionate parody of old self-assured and unified. Humphrey Bogart movies in which The team had ‘lost’ only one game. Woody plays a film buff whose This was in 1955 against the USSR in obsession with CASABLANCA Moscow. It is well known the match leads him to unsuccessfully try to was rigged. emulate his hero. Military power however, rigs Bogart fans will love it as will Woody everything. So as revolution breaks Allen’s. His attention to detail of the out on the streets of Budapest during originals is meticulous, even anal. that summer, the Soviet tanks roll in. But his sense of everything else; Young polo star Karcsi (Iván Fenyö) comic, ironic and pathetic not only and his friend, Tibi (Sándor Csányi) makes the whole thing work but the get embroiled in it. At first out for main plot line quite plausible. adventure, he is caught up with a His instinct of where to place it all to beautiful and fiery student, Viki Falk make it work is ingenious. (Kata Dobó), so finds himself at the Some fun in the ‘jumble sale’ that is heart of the uprising. It is no longer a April after all the murder, mayhem, game. death by natural causes and abortion The revolution sweeps him off his feet that was an award filled March… and he sacrifices all to fight. By the Come and see Woody at the very top end of October, it is all over. The of his tree. Russians are back in control. A must for all film students. Prisoners are taken never to be seen If you can see how this is edited, again. It has all been for nothing. you’ll do alright. Karcsi goes back to the pool. This is how he arrives at the Melbourne Olympic Games Water Polo semi-finals on 6th December 1956. While Soviet army T-34 tanks are tearing into his hometown, the team sets out to lift Hungary’s head out of the water, in what would be one of the most brutal exchanges ever seen on the sports-field (not counting every weekend in the 21 Century Premier League)It is simply told but avoids ‘boy own’ slush. It is a story of love and loyalty set against the Director: Krisztina Goda backdrop of revolution and (as the Starring: Kata Dobó, Iván Fenyö USSR must never be seen to lose on Certificate: 15 the World’s stage) driven by the fire Duration: 123 mins of revenge by humiliation. Cancel Origin: Hungary 2008 April, swimming, divorce - don’t By: Lionsgate Films UK miss. APRIL LISTINGS AND COMING SOON

Coming Soon APRIL FILMS AT A GLANCE Please check times carefully and watch out for early shows. New releases TUES 1 CHARLIE WILSONS WAR 12.30 Love In The Time Of TUES 1 BE KIND, REWIND 7.30 Cholera WED 2 DIVING BELL & BUTTERFLY 2.00, 7.30 Happy Go Lucky THU 3 THE KITE RUNNER 2.00 4 Minutes THU 3 ONCE 7.30 Garage FRI 4 THE KITE RUNNER 7.30 Water Lillies SAT 5 DEEP BLUE 2.00 Back by demand SAT 5 THE KITE RUNNER 7.00 There Will Be Blood SUN 6 DON'T TOUCH THE AXE 6.00 Kite Runner MON 7 THE KITE RUNNER 2.00 The Sea Inside MON 7 THE EDGE OF HEAVEN 7.30 TUE 8 BRICK LANE 12.30 Water Lillies TUE 8 CLOSING THE RING 7.30 WED 9 THE BUCKET LIST 2.00 WED 9 THE COUNTERFEITERS 7.30 THU 10 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN 2.00 THU 10 THE BANK JOB 7.30 FRI 11 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN 7.30 SAT 12 NATIONAL TREASURE 2 2.00 Four Minutes SAT 12 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN 7.00 SUN 13 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN 6.00 MON 14 MARGOT AT THE WEDDING 2.00, 7.30 TUE 15 SWEENEY TODD 12.30 TUE 15 THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL 7.30 WED 16 THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL 2.00, 7.30 THU 17 3:10 TO YUMA 2.00 THU 17 THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL 7.30 Love In The Time of Cholera FRI 18 RAMBO 7.30 SAT 19 ST TRINIANS 2.00, 7.00 SUN 20 THE LADY VANISHES 6.00 MON 21 MOULIN ROUGE 2.00 MON 21 MR LONELY 7.30 TUE 22 PASSPORT TO PIMLICO 12.30, 7.30 WED 23 LA VIE EN ROSE 2.00, 7.30 THU 24 MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS 2.00, 7.30 Happy Go Lucky FRI 25 THERE WILL BE BLOOD 7.30 SAT 26 RED BALLOON & WHITE MANE 2.00 SAT 26 THERE WILL BE BLOOD 7.00 SUN 27 THERE WILL BE BLOOD 6.00 MON 28 THERE WILL BE BLOOD 2.00 MON 28 ANNIE LIEBOWITZ DOCUMENTARY 7.30 TUE 29 PLAY IT AGAIN SAM 12.30, 7.30 WED 30 CHILDREN OF GLORY 2.00, 7.30 APRIL MATINEES

ALL MATINEES: Balcony £5.00 • Table seats £6.50 • Royal Box seats £10.00 APRIL MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 21

Charlie Wilson’s The Diving Bell The Kite Runner War and The Butterfly Thu 3 2.00, Mon 7 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Tue 1 12.30 Wed 2 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Director: Marc Forster Starring: Zekeria Ebrahimi, Khalid Director: Mike Nichols Abdalla, Ahmad Mahmidzada Starring: Julia Roberts, Amy Adams, Certificate: 12A Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Hanks Duration: 128 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: USA 2007 Duration: 102 mins By: Paramount International Pictures Origin: USA 2007 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd Back by overwhelming demand and though it might run and run it This tells the remarkable true-ish Schnabel’s third feature recounts won’t be back in May. Here in April story of the Texas congressman the remarkable true story of Jean- for three evenings and two matinees, whose efforts to prevent the Red Dominique Bauby (Amalric), please make the most of it. Army from overtaking Afghanistan charismatic editor of French Elle A glorious afternoon in Kabul and the eventually led to the collapse of the magazine, who at the age of 43 skies are filled with the exhilarating Soviet Union and fuelled the rise of suffered a stroke that rendered his joy of a kite-fighting tournament. But radical Islam! (Thanks Charlie from brain stem inactive. He awoke from in the aftermath of the day’s victory, Texas). In the early 1980s, a hastily a coma to find himself a victim of one boy’s fear and the other’s courage, assembled army of Afghan ‘freedom locked-in syndrome: mentally alert triggers a terrible lie and complete act fighters’ achieved the remarkable feat but physically paralysed – except for of betrayal which will mark two lives of fending off Soviet invaders against his left eye lid. Terrifyingly, he was forever and set in motion an epic and overwhelming odds. Wilson left with a fully functioning mind. perilous quest for redemption… spearheaded an effort to provide Bravely side-stepping emotion, he put With much of Kabul destroyed, hundreds of millions of dollars in his memory and imagination to work. Forster used a region of China to weapons and training to the He learned a blinking code for each stand in for Amir’s childhood Kabul Mujahadeen with more than a little letter of the alphabet and (through “The [Afghan] people felt it was a help from a very suspect CIA man devoted and very patient women) love letter to Afghanistan”? (Marc Gust Avrokotos (Hoffman) and rich, painstakingly told this profound story. Forster) republican, nutter, widow (Julia “Mathieu Amalric as Bauby (once The elder’s language is beautiful and Glorious Roberts). reserved for Johnny Depp!) is their philosophy gentle and “This is intelligent political film - absorbing and beautifully honest, reassuring; borne from religion but making of the highest class.” even frozen to his bed” (Standard) not lost to it. Amir’s father is majestic, “Aaron Sorkin’s masterful script “It’s a gorgeously atmospheric and Hassan as boy and man, brave and combines insight, wit and political deeply affecting piece of work” noble. Each is a great example of nous but never forgets its own (Times) absolute integrity and true courage in underlying seriousness.” (Channel 4) “Schnabel treats this amazing real-life the face of all hell. “Hanks and Roberts have fun story as a testament to the importance Amir carries the story… His harnessing their screen personas to of memory and the boundlessness of redemption is for you to decide. these juicy roles; Hoffman’s feverish human imagination” (Time Out) ranting is yet another glowing The faces, the screenplay, the testament to his skills at playing language, the camera… and that charismatic ass-holes” (Time Out) music, will move you further than Come, laugh and be quite scared. you want to go. Come and lose yourself, then come and see it again

Director: Julian Schnabel Starring: Marie-Josee Croze, Anne Consigny, Emmanuelle Seigner, Mathieu Amalric Certificate: 12A Duration: 112 mins Origin: France 2008 By: Pathe Distribution 22 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL MATINEES

Deep Blue Brick Lane The Bucket List Sat 5 2.00 Tue 8 12.30 Wed 9 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies

Director: Sarah Gavron Starring: Satish Kaushik, Christopher Simpson, Tannishtha Chatterjee Certificate: 15 Duration: 101 mins Origin: UK 2007 By: Optimum Releasing

This is Sarah Gavron’s adaptation Jack Nicholson and Morgan of Monica Ali’s Booker-nominated First shown in our fledgling Feb Freeman star as two terminally ill first novel. 2005 programme, this big screen cancer patients who decide to It is faithful to the book though fantasia is shot by the same BBC break out of the hospital and live inevitably, less subtle and wide- Natural History Unit behind The their last days to the fullest in ranging. Its characterisations are Blue Planet. It is an epic cinematic Reiner’s ‘serio-comic’ road movie. simpler, but its focus on the struggles rollercoaster with images so breath- Billionaire Edward (Nicholson) and of a young Bangladeshi woman catching and unerringly beautiful mechanic Carter (Freeman) are saddled with an arranged marriage in they will mesmerise you by their sharing a hospital room. a foreign land remains the same. sheer scale and photographic Though initially they seem to have She, Nazneen (Chatterjee) is audacity. Remember there’s a camera nothing in common, conversation seventeen and beautiful. He is (held by real people) in the water gradually reveals that they both have neither. From a sunny Bangladeshi with those ‘fish’! a long list of things to do before they village childhood to a block of flats The sea is two-thirds of the planet, ‘kick the bucket’. in east London with a grown man she yet we know more about the surface When they make a break for it with has never met. of the moon than we do about our their checklist: gambling in Monte Pining for her birthplace and her deepest oceans. Carlo, women, fast cars, exploring sister, she struggles to make sense of Now, for the first time, we can the world they’ve so far missed, etc. it all. Worse, the terrifying duty to an explore a world few have seen. It is an all-expenses-paid Jack romp unknown husband, who sorely tests From the familiar to the unknown, with expensive locations, pretty girls her compliance. Nazneen submits as the film reveals the sea with all its (on & off-set) and a few drinks… she must, devoting her life to raising faces: enchanting, alluring and fierce. Come for these and laugh as much as her family and resisting the demons 20 specialist cinematographers, over it makes you. of discontent. Until Karim, a hot- 7,000 hours, over 200 locations, over Who cares if it’s irritating, that didn’t headed local man, bursts into her life. 5 years in 5,000 metres (three miles stop Atonement. Against a background of escalating down!!!) of dark, icy water. racial tension, they embark on an Though silence might have been best, affair which finally forces Nazneen to it is scored by five-times Oscar nom take control of her life. There are no George Fenton and the Berlin heroes or villains, just people… Philharmonic, and narrated by the “unfashionably gentle, human, irrepressible, irreverent arch joker - optimistic” (Guardian). Michael Gambon. Bring your grandparents and fish paste butties, but don’t miss.

Director: Andy Byatt, Alastair Fothergill Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Fish, water, Michael Starring: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Gambon Freeman Certificate: PG Certificate: 12A Duration: 90 mins Duration: 97 mins Origin: UK 2004 Origin: USA 2007 By: Optimum Releasing By: Warner Brothers APRIL MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 23

No Country for National Margot at The Old Men Treasure 2 Wedding Thu 10 2.00 Sat 12 2.00 Mon 14 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies

Director: Jon Turteltaub Starring: Diane Kruger, Nicolas Cage, Helen Mirren Certificate: PG Duration: 124 mins Origin: USA 2008 By: Buena Vista International

From the first shot you know you’re In this adventure-packed sequel to Great cast a gritty script – a in safe, and dangerous hands - the 2004 Nat Treas blockbuster, the potential explosion of wit, business as usual from the Coen’s. unwatchable Nicolas Cage revives wisecracks and self-effacing, It’s 1970s small-town Texas. A his role as artefact hunter and ensemble banter by actors at the Vietnam vet stumbles across a bag of archaeologist extraordinaire Ben top of their trees (or out of them)… middle-of-nowhere cash. Enter Javier Gates. In this new adventure, Gates Baumbach’s follow-up to the awful Bardem’s bad-hair, coin-tossing killer learns of his own family’s implication The Squid And The Whale (loved in cold pursuit… in the assassination of Abraham only by women who wet at the sound “Harrelson delivers an icy cameo as Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. of their own voices revving up for the corrupt private dick. Tommy Lee He must then locate the 18 missing wailing in ‘crisis’) is said to be plays weary seen-it-all sheriff who pages to Booth’s diary, not only to inspired by Eric Rohmer. Whatever, doesn’t miss a trick… even one step clear his family’s name, but to it is a… “multilayered delight that behind” (Times) unearth and connect several secrets again focuses on sibling rivalry. (Joel and Ethan talking on a BBC The buried within the book, which point Margot (Kidman), a successful and World Service interview Jan 2008): to a massive global conspiracy. neurotic writer, has been estranged “It is Cormac’s words throughout… A charabanc of Tinseltown giants co- from her sister Pauline (Jason Leigh) A great story teller… it doesn’t go in star, including Jon Voight, Harvey for some time.” (Synopsis) Pauline’s the extemp… Faithful to the book plus Keitel and Helen Mirren as Ben’s impending marriage to Malcolm the highest level of acting… mother. Dame Helen – our queen, is (Black), however, spurs Margot Are we going to change Cormac Nicholas one-face Cage’s mum? accompanied by spotty son Claude, McCarthy??? (No jokes). Its his Outrageous. to visit the old family house. words, they don’t need to be changed. It sounds quite good but… It is through his eyes we see the The dialogue is right from the book… Warning: probably not for little kids unburied sisterly combat unfold. as are the descriptions of the scenes. under 6 or 8. They will be lost or Margot’s drive to judge everything The garroting scene is straight from very bored by a lengthy (2hrs) and everyone alienates her from the the book…” conspiracy plot about the man who world and inspires the family to “Preparations – storyboard most shot Abraham Lincoln! mischief. important - everything is prepared to As always it’s up to you. The ensuing trouble threatens to the frame… but (serious-ish) always unravel the emotional bonds so open to change on set…? ‘We were carefully maintained before Margot just following instructions’” turned up. You must come, if only to The tension and edge they create is be grateful for that accident of birth phenomenal, all with little movement which dropped us here and not there. and very big silence. Do not miss. Director: Noah Baumbach Director: Coen Brothers Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Ciaran Hinds, Harrelson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin John Turturro Certificate: 15 Certificate: 15 Duration: 122 mins Duration: 93 mins Origin: USA 2007 Origin: USA 2007 By: Paramount International Pictures By: Paramount International Pictures 24 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL MATINEES

Sweeney Todd The Other Boleyn 3:10 to Yuma Tue 15 12.30 Thu 17 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Girl Wed 16 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Director: Tim Burton Matinee Warning: May contain babies Directors: James Mangold Starring: Johnny Depp, Alan Starring: Peter Fonda, Ben Foster, Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Christian Bale, Gretchen Mol, Russell Timothy Spall Crowe Certificate: 18 Certificate: 15 Duration: 116 mins Duration: 123 mins Origin: UK/USA 2007 Origin: USA 2007 By: Warner Brothers By: Lionsgate Films UK

Take a Victorian tupenny- Even a railway timetable wouldn’t melodrama, let Sondheim turn into a call itself this. Nevertheless, this A sumptuous and sensual tale of musical thriller. Simmer for thirty superb remake of the 1957 intrigue, romance and betrayal, The years. Enter Tim Burton and hey presto psychological Western classic Other Boleyn Girl is set against the 120 years later its on the big screen. So “breathes life into a dying art”. backdrop of a defining moment in what is all the fuss about? You’ll have It has already signalled a revival of European history. Based on a best- to come and see. Embittered for being the cowboy – not counting the seller by Philippa Gregory, it tells the wrongly imprisoned and determined to tedious Jessie James in January. tale of two beautiful sisters, Anne avenge the grim fate that befell his Like High Noon, 3:10 hangs its tale (Portman) and Mary (Johansson) wife and daughter, Johnny returns and fate on the railroad – what will it Boleyn whom, driven by their family’s home, changes his name and opens a bring…? blind ambition, compete for the love barbers shop. However a quick trim In Arizona in the late nineteenth of Henry VIII (Bana: forever the will leave you nothing for the weekend, century, infamous outlaw Ben Wade Incredible Hulk & Bananaman). The sir! So he became known as ‘The (Crowe) and his vicious gang have film is beautifully scripted by The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ by the been terrorising the Southern Queen’s Peter Morgan.” (synopsis) terrified locals, whom nevertheless Railroad. When Wade is captured, All well and good but is it any good? loved Mrs Lovett’s (Bonham Carter) Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Bale), Like The Queen, the guessing succulent ‘meat’ pies… struggling to survive on his drought- becomes the story. It doesn’t matter “This macabre musical, their sixth plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver what the guessing is, as long as it partnership, has Depp’s demon barber him alive for trial by catching that makes us believe the story rather than wielding razors (like extensions of his train on time – thus the terrible title. want to believe it. Writing about an arms). “Shocking but exhilarating, is Along they way, Evans and Wade, Elizabeth we all ‘know’, doesn’t mean this the first 18 certificate musical?” each from a very different world, he (and Philippa G) can play the same (Observer) begin to earn each other’s respect. game with the first one, 500 hundred A flat middle section contrasts with the But with Wade’s gang on their trail – years before the Daily Express (still atmospheric opening and spectacular and dangers at every turn – the selling its front page with a dead finale but mostly this is grand-scale mission soon becomes an impossible princess). That’s it, if the Express had studio-work at its most beguiling… journey toward each man’s destiny. typed it, it would have been the truth- A great deal bloodier than most Definitely worth seeing, especially absolute; no guessing required… Ms musicals, Burton’s beautifully crafted for those who think of the Western as Gregory seems more like a Mail-on- direction feels like a kids’ film – not all spurs and chaps and black and Sunday gal? You’ll come anyway for children! The Hulk, meets Fred white hats. West!” (Time Out)

Director: Justin Chadwick Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas Certificate: 12A Duration: 115 mins Origin: UK 2008 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd APRIL MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 25

St Trinians Moulin Rouge Pastport to Sat 19 2.00 Mon 21 2.00 Pimlico Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Tue 22 12.30 Directors: Baz Luhrmann Matinee Warning: May contain babies Starring: Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo, David Wenham, Ewan McGregor, Garry Mcdonald, Kylie Minogue, Richard Roxburgh, Jim Broadbent Certificate: 12A Duration: 126 mins Origin: Australia 2001 The uniformed but rebellious By: Twentieth Century Fox students of a distinguished all-girls school get an unexpected chance to Here in our first month – December raise a little hell as Parker and 2004, now aired three years later Thompson lig off the characters because we discourage excitement, created by comic artist Ronald fun or music in the afternoons. The residents of Pimlico unearth an Searle. It all began at Ealing with Set in 1899, this extravagance has ancient document that decrees the 1954’s The Belles Of St Trinian’s. Ewan McGregor as a young poet who area as part of Burgundy, and set When their beloved school is broke defies his father by moving to ‘the about establishing an independent and threatened with closure the girls absinthe-soaked, amoral, bohemian’ state in the middle of London. set out to raise the urgent funds with neighbourhood of Montmartre. One of the most loved of all the a scheme to steal a priceless painting It is here he meets Henri de Toulouse- Ealing Comedies. Margaret and use the profits to save their Lautrec (John Leguizamo) and is Rutherford leads the way in a school. Said by the makers to be a drafted to write a nightclub spectacular. procession of lovely faces in a story smart and sassy update, but by the In this seedy world of sex, drugs and from a very innocent time. rest; a lame excuse for something or rollick & rouge he begins a passionate, Imagine Pimlico a no-go area ruled other. Rupert is clearly having a ball doom laden affair with gay Pareee’s by decent people who challenge the as Miss Fritton with Colin Firth as a most famous courtesan (Nicole government in the proper manner great straight man. Kidman). Baz Luhrmann, explodes the with all courtesy and hardly a cross Between them they manage to pull story with pop-pap in a period setting, word. Great scenes of London some of it off but it’s a long haul and where big cheeses mingle with the accompany this eccentric comedy they’re out on their own. Funny and young, beautiful, penniless cheeses in a which will make you laugh and yearn predictably smutty, it’s no ‘Carry- debauched world: “It is really an for the simple gentility of a time On’. investigation of what it is like to move when caps were doffed, policemen Why that TV worm, motormouth from 1899 to 2000, a period of great were jolly and children were tolerated Russell Brand? His ‘Flash Harry’ change. And I wanted to celebrate but ‘seen and not heard’. stinks, a role made gorgeously seedy everything that was great during this Perfect, even down to the director’s by George Cole. You can hear them: time, particularly music.” (Baz L) name – Henry Cornelius! ‘Oh must have Russell on board’ What in Argyle’s name is he on about. I could happily live there again. Apart from that, its trash. Music? Elton John? A travesty of Bring the whole street. ‘great’ and a huge contradiction in terms. I rest my deaf-aid. As for Ewan and Nicole wailing? Case rested.

Directors: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson Starring: Colin Firth, Rupert Director: Henry Cornelius Everett, Stephen Fry, Mischa Barton Starring: Stanley Holloway, Betty Certificate: 12A Warren Duration: 101 mins Certificate: U Origin: UK 2007 Duration: 81 mins By: Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Origin: UK 1949 Stephen Fry, Mischa Barton By: Optimum Releasing 26 Box Office: 01442 877759 APRIL MATINEES

La Vie En Rose My Blueberry Red Balloon and Wed 23 2.00 Nights White Mane Matinee Warning: May contain babies Thu 24 2.00 Sat 26 2.00 Director: Olivier Dahan Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Starring: Sylvie Testud, Marion Cotillard, Pascal Greggory Director: Albert Lamorisse Certificate: 12A Starring: Pascal Lamorisse, Georges Duration: 140 mins Sellier, Alain Emery, Jean-Pierre Origin: Czech Republic, France, Grenier UK 2007 Certificate: U By: Icon Film Distribution Ltd Duration: 34 + 47 mins Origin: France 1956/1953 A huge sell-out since August, La Vie By: Park Circus En Rose is back to celebrate Marion Cotillard’s Oscar as the “The Red Balloon (1956) is one of diminutive ‘Little Sparrow’ and the most famous short films ever more, her fantastic theory that 9/11 made; a childhood fantasy with was an all-American job to rid New Continued from page 16 appeal for every age. Pascal is a York of some jerry-built towers, As technically brilliant as one would lonely boy who befriends a wondrous simultaneously finding the excuse it expect, the film also packs an red balloon which follows him needed to make the world a freer, emotional punch, hinting at the everywhere; to school, to church and happier, safer place. distances, sometimes small, even hovers outside his window when It’s a long-shot but what a girl… sometimes great, between two he is in his room. Filmed entirely in “Cotillard is little short of genius”. people” the picturesque back streets and She elevates this tragic tale of one (Distributor’s synopsis - verbatim!) narrow alleys of the Old Menilmotant huge, tiny life. This little girl’s “Wong Kar Wai persuaded to make neighbourhood of Paris, The Red magnetism and instant presence lifts an English speaking film; has made Balloon has been acclaimed the whole film into something above “In the Mood for Clichés” throughout the world as an immortal expectations. From the slums of Paris Nobody acts badly, the film looks masterpiece of lyrical poetry… to the limelight of New York, Piaf’s very good in a swishy sort of way, in White Mane (1953) A young boy life was a constant battle to sing and hopelessly gooey slow motion and named Folco observes and later tames survive, to live and love. seems to encapsulate every thing that the unwieldy White Mane, a wild ‘Little Sparrow’ flew so high it was doesn’t work in a film fashioned to stallion who is the leader of a herd of inevitable she would burn her wings seduce the eye, if not the ear and an ancient breed of small Camargue in bravado, brilliance and self- mind…” horses, who roam in the marshes of destruction. “Marion Cotillard (Derek Malcolm Guardian) Southern France. Together they defy expertly impersonates the legendary the group of ranchers who are out to singer whose passionate vibrato, like capture the horses.” (Synopsis) a demented car-alarm, electrified the A magical and beautiful double treat nation….a great performance” (PB for children of this century and your Guardian) entire family from the last. Don’t listen to them. Come for a heartbreaking story, beautifully played and photographed right to the last heartrending teardrop… with no regrets

Director: Wong Kar-Wai Starring: Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, David Strathairn, Norah Jones Certificate: 12A Duration: 95 mins Origin: China, France, Hong Kong 2007 By: Optimum Releasing APRIL MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 27

There Will Be Play It Again Sam Children of Glory Blood Tue 29 12.30 Wed 30 2.00 Mon 28 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Matinee Warning: May contain babies Director: Krisztina Goda Starring: Kata Dobó, Iván Fenyö Director: Paul Anderson Certificate: 15 Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Kevin Duration: 123 mins O’Connor, Ciaran Hinds, Paul Dano Origin: Hungary 2008 Certificate: 15 By: Lionsgate Films UK Duration: 158 mins Origin: USA 2007 It is the spring of 1956. While By: Buena Vista International Hungary is only a small slave nation to the massive Soviet Block, it is A sprawling epic about family, faith, sovereign with its own proud power, love, hope, community, belief, identity. Moreover its national water ambition and father-son bonding, all polo team is invincible! imperilled by corruption, deception Even locked behind the Iron Curtain, and oil. Nothing too important. the players feel like kings. The team “I don’t know why I am drawn had ‘lost’ only one game. This was in Written by Woody Allen but irrevocably into a life that isn’t mine”. 1955 against the USSR in Moscow. directed by Herbert Ross PLAY IT (DD-L) So as revolution breaks out on the AGAIN SAM is Allen’s hilarious, He even researched drilling equipment! streets of Budapest during that affectionate parody of old As indeed for the Last of The summer, the Soviet tanks roll in. Young Humphrey Bogart movies in which Mohicans he lived naked in the forest polo star Karcsi (Iván Fenyö) and his Woody plays a film buff whose for months, weeks or an hour or two. friend, Tibi (Sándor Csányi) get obsession with CASABLANCA Who cares? Using The Treasure of the embroiled in it. By the end of October, leads him to unsuccessfully try to Sierra Madre (1948) as inspiration if it is all over. The Russians are back in emulate his hero. not a template, both Anderson and DD- control. Prisoners are taken never to be Bogart fans will love it as will Woody L have taken its essence of treachery seen again. It has all been for nothing. Allen’s. His attention to detail of the and mistrust. “I could watch Walter Karcsi goes back to the pool. originals is meticulous, even anal. Huston all day long” (DD-L) This is how he arrives at the But his sense of everything else; Johnny Greenwood’s music is so Melbourne Olympic Games Water comic, ironic and pathetic not only atmospheric (including Popcorn Polo semi-finals on 6th December makes the whole thing work but the Superhead Receiver – first composed 1956. While Soviet army T-34 tanks main plot line quite plausible. for Radio3) “This nasty noise that he are tearing into his hometown, the His instinct of where to place it all to made was perfect for this nasty movie” team sets out to lift Hungary’s head out make it work is ingenious. (PT Anderson) of the water, in what would be one of Some fun in the ‘jumble sale’ that is (taken from The Film Prog with the the most brutal exchanges ever seen on April after all the murder, mayhem, unflappable Francine Stock R4) the sports-field (not counting every death by natural causes and abortion “thrillingly original, a visionary weekend in the 21 Century Premier that was an award filled March… passion… against which all directors, League) It is simply told but avoids Come and see Woody at the very top and all moviegoers, will want to ‘boy own’ slush. It is a story of love of his tree. measure themselves. Anderson is doing and loyalty set against the backdrop of A must for all film students. something new with cinema” (P revolution and (as the USSR must If you can see how this is edited, Bradshaw, Guardian) No we won’t & never be seen to lose on the World’s you’ll do alright No he’s not. stage) driven by the fire of revenge by “Is this America’s best film-maker?” humiliation. Cancel April, swimming, (Standard) No. divorce - don’t miss.

Director: Herbert Ross Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Jerry Lacy Certificate: 15 Duration: 85 mins Origin: USA 1972 By: Paramount DEAR MRS TRELLIS... www.therexcinema.com 29 Rants and Pants NO PAVEMENTS FOR OLD MEN… r for young things, prams, toddlers, etc. We all hate traffic wardens and time strangling tickets. OThere is no need for them. Parking was free a short year or so ago. Now we pay for it and nobody stood up and made a peep. Those black stumpy towers we’ve all got used to running to and from. Why doesn’t Osama bin Gossoms End fly planes into them? Or Friday night pubescent uglies daub bright yellow paint all over them and cut their heads off with industrial pipe cutters, and end up on a chain gang behind the Swan? But they’re more interested peeing on your front door.

Then cowards and panickers that we are – no yellow line, I’ll park here and I’ll take up the whole pavement so nobody hits my wing mirror. Nobody can walk on the pavement. There is no pavement, my car’s on it. But they can’t give me a ticket. We’re all snivelling drivers even when we get out of the car. Without yellow lines, we don’t know simple courtesy until someone in a car tries to run us over, then its “I’M WALKING HERE… you *!*?+*! It’s all nuts. Taking pictures of it is nuts.

The nursery is waking up Perennials are emerging and looking fresh Buds are swelling on the shrubs and trees and the Bulbs are looking oh so pretty!

LittleLittle HeathHeath Farm,Farm, LittleLittle HeathHeath Lane,Lane, PottenPotten End,End, BerkhamstedBerkhamsted HP4HP4 2RY2RY Tel:Tel: 0144201442 864951864951 FromFrom BerkhamstedBerkhamsted taketake thethe A4251A4251 towardstowards BourneBourne End.End. AtAt BourneBourne EndEnd ChurchChurch turnturn leftleft intointo LittleLittle HeathHeath LaneLane.Lane.. FollowFollow thethe lanelane forfor aboutabout aa milemile andand aa halfhalf andand LittleLittle HeathHeath FarmFarm willwill bebe onon youryour right.right. OPENOPEN 10-510-5 EVERYEVERY DAYDAY DEAR MRS TRELLIS... www.therexcinema.com 31 Rants and Pants

OUR FIRST HOUSE ADVERT ON P28… Marks a new stride towards our meglamaniacal rise to world domination. This is our first venture into private, no estate agent-in-sight, house sales. Good luck to seller and buyer. Over 30,000 readers a month. Try it. No commission, just the cost of the ad. We’ll sell your bijou, south facing, courtyard garden (cramped, sweaty, back yard) for you… And you can say whatever you like about The Rex. RANT-LINE… The box office children have suggested a ‘Rant-line’ for people who normally take hours on the phone telling you they can’t get through, after they’ve got through. “Where customers could vent their phone rage and we wouldn’t have to listen…” (box office) This would mean we could answer the phones quicker and everyone will be happier. PS we are sorry about the answerphone message. We have tried all ways to delete it. The robot says ‘message deleted’ then it’s still there. It’s my daughter’s voice under the duress of taking very loose instructions from me. “Make it easy for people. Don’t say timetable things or sound like the speaking clock…”

hat a lovely surprise to learn of the re-opening of ‘The Rex’ cinema in Berkhamsted. WWe got to know of this through watching Monday’s programme of BBC’s ‘Working Lunch’. My wife and I are reaching our 50th wedding anniversary in March this year. Whilst on a week’s honeymoon in 1958 in Hemel Hempstead, we spent an evening at ‘The Rex’; the film at the time was ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ We have a nostalgic feeling for the ‘The Rex’ after fifty years and were sad to read some time ago that it had been turned into flats. I was born in Hemel in 1934 and came down to these parts (Wokingham) with my parents at the age of six. I still have many relatives living in Hemel. Seeing how beautiful the Rex now looks I’m sure my wife and I will have to pay another visit in the not too distant future. RAILINGS? Thank you for bringing it back to life. Best wishes. Mr and Mrs McNally Can anyone say or imagine what this is all about? It doesn’t matter. Happy anniversary Mr and Mrs McNally. You’re made of The redundant, lumpen, terrifyingly greater stuff than we younger ones, and 1958 was a unnecessary but so powerful, wonderful time in small rural towns, no traffic and nice Health & Safety police will know. houses with shops side by side. Hemel would have been a lovely place for your honeymoon. Come and find us and we’ll find a copy of ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ for you. Best wishes from all of us at The Rex, James