Over the past year and a half, it’s been difficult to say the least to get to the cinema with so many closures, resulting in upcoming movies being delayed and pushing usual film-goers into getting their fix at home. But they weren’t to be disappointed as there have been some fantastic series available to watch within our own walls. Thankfully now we are slowly adjusting, allowing us to get back to our fix of the silver screen with plenty of chatter around the arrival of the next instalment from the Marvel Universe, a returning James Bond, and more.
But, push back the curtain and look beyond the steely stare of 007. There are other titles which certainly deserve your attention as we stride confidently back into theatres.
PIG
A truffle hunting pig is stolen from its home in the middle of the woods, its owner goes in search of the perpetrator of the theft in a bid to bring it home… Not something you’d usually associate Nicholas Cage with, it sounds more akin to something you’d find in a Disney movie! But it soon transpires why Rob (Cage) has become something of an outcast as he returns to the big city in the hope of bringing his companion back to its abode. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s purely a film about the return of Rob’s porcine friend. Pig has got a depth to the story behind it; it delves into the events which lead to Rob casting himself aside from civilization and society. Specifically, the restaurant industry in nearby Oregon which he used to be part of as a chef.
The story is a different, a little obtuse even, but Cage’s performance in this movie is simply stunning. It couldn’t be further from what he’s synonymous with and a worthwhile reason on its own to get yourself to the cinema.
THE CARD COUNTER
The Card Counter is a story of redemption which has gripped audiences since it premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in early September.
William Tell (Oscar Isaac), who after being released from an 8-year military prison sentence hit the casinos after learning to count cards whilst incarcerated, which helped him to make a modest living playing poker. The film’s poker scenes revolve around the game of Texas Hold’em, which a lot of audience members will be at least vaguely familiar with. Tell’s ability at the table, although his winnings are relatively modest, doesn’t go unnoticed. Soon he’s approached as a potential money-making opportunity from a fellow gambler who persuades Tell to head to Atlantic City and aim for even bigger spoils.
Whilst in Atlantic City, Tell, wanders into a seminar on security held by Major John Gordo (Willem Defoe), but in there he meets a young man who hands him a slip of paper with his number on. Tell calls the number and the mysterious young man called Cirk says he knows of Tell’s past in the military and has a link with him. Cink’s father who has since committed suicide served with Tell in Iraq and Cink is determined to get revenge for his passing with his anger aimed straight at Major Gordo. But where does Tell come in? All is not what it seems….
THE GREEN KNIGHT
David Lowery’s spin on a classic knight’s tale is attracting rave reviews from viewers around the world. The movie is the moving picture adaptation of the 14th Century poem, ‘ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’ and somehow Lowery manages to combine many genres into a compelling watch.
It tells the story of a year in the life of a young man who aspires to be a knight yet he knows that he’s going to die. Meanwhile the King (Sean Harris) is loving life, enjoying all the trappings of being the head of royalty whilst Gawain (Dev Patel) lives in squalor trying to find a glimmer of hope for the future. Gawain is desperate to show his worth and a chance to prove himself worthy for knighthood soon surfaces as a monster called The Green Knight wades into town challenging anyone to take him on. But it comes with a warning, that challenge will be returned a year later… An opportunity? Some would say accepting the challenge is akin to being foolhardy rather than it presenting an opportunity! But will it leave the villagers proclaiming, ‘Arise Sir Gawain’? Well, you’ll have to find out.
