CYPRUS CINEMA GUIDE & FILM REVIEW
FIND OUT WHAT’S ON
AT YOUR LOCAL CINEMA BELOW
THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE (K-Family)
This film contains animated action, with thematic elements and mild scenes of wacky violence and crude humour.Â
Planet Earth faces the threat of an alien invasion and humanity’s only hope lies with Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This sci-fi buddy action comedy turns Porky and Daffy into unlikely heroes when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Against all odds, the two are determined to save the world!
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Family Adventure, Comedy. Science Fiction
Director: Peter Browngardt
Duration: 105 minutes
Cast:Â Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol
Recommendation Score 8/10 – This is a fully animated, Looney Tunes only film with a coherent storyline that brings the feel of classics era shorts in line with a modern sensibility. This wacky Looney Tunes adventure sees Porky Pig and Daffy Duck team up yet again to save the earth from alien invasion. The predictable but interesting plot often sees the hapless heroes drive each other crazy, which enables the characters to play off nicely against each other in true Looney Tunes fashion. As well as this, the film successfully manages to deliver plenty scenes of slapstick comedy with endless twists and turns, that keeps viewers engaged throughout the film. The odd couple’s sheer determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to save the world works well and the combination of a basic storyline and the introduction of influences from a classic animation era strangely introduce something classic, yet different. The classic evil, yet sinister smile that the villain makes highlights the nostalgic animation that at times looks gorgeous, and this, in addition to all of the 1950’s and 1960’s sci-fi references, make this film essential viewing for fans of animation.
WICKED (K-Family)
This film contains thematic and fantasy elements.
The world of Oz returns to tell the untold story of the witches of Oz, who meet as students at Shiz University The two forge an unlikely but profound friendship and Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, meets Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. Their profound friendship however, reaches a crossroads after encountering ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, and after seeds are sown they both take their lives on very different paths.
Genre: Family, Romance, Musical, Fantasy, Adventure
Director: John M Chu
Runtime: 175 Minutes
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Geff Goldblum
Recommendation Score 7/10 – The fantastical Land of Oz is beautifully portrayed in this film and features some of the main characters from the original ‘Wizard of Oz’, as well as a host of new ones. The film looks and feels great and the featured music, pleasantly enhances the storyline as the plot progresses. This film should prove a massive hit with most children, who will enjoy watching this big-hearted fantasy adventure as part of their festivities this Christmas. Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration and part two is scheduled to arrive in late 2025, again just in time for Christmas.
RED ONE (12)
This film contains mild comic violence, suggestive material, and mild language.
After Santa Claus, codename ‘Red One’ is shockingly abducted from the North Pole, the commander of the ‘E.L.F. Task Force’ partners with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter and they both enter a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Mystery, Adventure, Action
Director: Jake Karsden
Runtime: 120 Minutes
Cast:Â Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Jack O’Malley, Lucy Liu
Recommendation Score 7/10 – Santa Claus is kidnapped throwing Christmas into jeopardy! This backdrop is stretched out well, creating a pleasingly idiosyncratic festive story that mixes in loads of adventure and comedy. The films all-star cast help to create a film that is both hilariously offbeat and visually captivating. The film, with its endless wit and light humour does well with the genuine ‘hero saves Christmas’ element of the film, and the audience will constantly find itself waiting for the next gag in a series of gags, portraying the Christmas spirit in a totally modern and utopian way. This film also successfully throws an action-packed positive light on the whole affair, as a classic cat and mouse story emerges. The pressure of finding Santa Claus after his kidnapping, falls firmly on the broad shoulders of the North Pole’s head of security, who masterly plays off of the unconventional bounty hunter, that forms the other half of the comedic partnership as they both try to restore festive balance. This film is a great festive watch that will be enjoyed by most and his predictable but entertaining film certainly delivers to fans of comedic action movies, setting itself up nicely for a sequel that I am sure will follow.
Gladiator 2 (15)
This film contains graphic & gory scenes of violence.
Lucius, son of Maximus who was thought murdered, embarks on a doomed misadventure of mayhem and destruction across the whole of the Roman Empire that sees him eventually follow his father’s path into the gladiator arena. After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors, who now lead Rome, Lucius enters the Colosseum and must look to his past to find the strength to return Rome’s glory to its people.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Director: Ridley Scott
Runtime: 165 Minutes
Cast: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen
Recommendation Score 8/10 – This sequel has a long way to go to deliver like the original film did, but still stands out as good film to watch. The second epic installment arrives years apart from the first blockbuster and follows the same winning formula of the previous film. This film offers great cinematography and some terrifically incredible fight scenes. The amazing visuals and great musical score help get this film firmly over the line and this is all followed by a good if not predictable plot and some really great acting. The plot is aptly illustrated by the path of a righteous character seeking both justice and vengeance under the backfrop of a tyrannical Rome, and the film sees Lucious, son of Maximus having no choice but to take a journey down a spiralling path of mayhem and destruction. This ultimately delivers some fantastic action scenes that will constantly unseat fans of both action and adventure. The chemistry between the lead roles creates a good sub-plot that fits in nicely amongst the inpending action and fans of the previous film will not be disappointed. The film is led by a simple, but entertaining script that intricantly tailors the path of justice whilst shifting between the obvious, but entertaining caviat of vengeance. This film is definitely worth a watch for all action and is a must watch for fans of the original film!
VENOM: THE LAST DANCE (12)
This film contains thematic and mild action elements.
Hunted by humans and aliens, Venom and Eddie are on the run. With the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will change everything culminating in their last dance.
Genre: Action, Thriller, Fantasy, Adventure,
Director: Kelly Marcel
Cast: Tom Hardy, Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally
Duration: 109 Minutes
Recommendation Score 8/10 –Â The final instalment of the Venom and Eddie saga sees the chips firmly stacked against the dynamic duo. Venom and Eddie find themselves completely alone and no longer in San Francisco. Annie and Dan are not with them any more and they are being ruthlessly hunted down by both worlds. This scenario sets the film up nicely for a new adventure and creates an interesting Venom and Eddie versus the world scenario that allows both characters to play off each other once again in an exciting and often comedic way. If this wasn’t enough, the film features Knull, quite possibly the worst Symbiote villain ever, who joins the hunt with a new zeal. Venom pledges to Eddie that he is with him until the end, and this loyalty is portrayed throughout the film, offering a softer side to the character that is quite endearing. Another great aspect of this film is the introduction of some interesting new symbiotes working together that help create a really good build up to a fantastic fight scene at the end. This film is a must for fans of the previous two and a great watch for all fans comic books!
