CYPRUS CINEMA GUIDE & FILM REVIEW
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THUNDERBOLTS (12)
This film contains scenes of action, crime and fantasy elements.
FILM SYNOPSIS
Ensnared in a death trap, the motley crew of supervillains have no option but to pursue difficult missions that no one else can complete for the government. The unconventional team of anti-heroes then embark on dangerous missions that forces each of them to confront the darkest corners of their past.
Genre: Thriller, Action, Drama, Science Fiction, Crime, Fantasy
Director: Jake Schreier
Cast: Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Sebastian Stan
Runtime: 135 mins
Recommendation Score 7/10: This film stands out as an absolute gem in the superhero genre. If you’re looking for a fresh, high-octane adventure with a unique twist, then this film fits the bill. The relentless action comic caper that uses several elements to create suspense that enhances an otherwise basic plot. This film will relate to anyone who loves action and comic books, but also offers something completely different and unexpected, created a nice caviat for the film. After a slightly confusing, but thought-provoking start, the story of anti-hero vigilante action unfolds, re-imagining the traditional superhero team-up, featuring a lineup of antiheroes, former villains, and morally ambiguous characters who are forced to work together for a common cause. Unlike other superhero teams where everyone is a beacon of virtue and justice, Thunderbolts thrives on the tension and intrigue that comes from assembling a squad of characters with questionable motives and checkered pasts. One of the most exhilarating parts of Thunderbolts is the high-stakes nature of the missions they undertake. With characters who aren’t afraid to cross lines and push boundaries, the stakes are always life-or-death. The missions themselves are clever and often unconventional, requiring the team to think outside the box, make split-second decisions, and occasionally break some rules to win the day. The film also pays homage to the Marvel Universe’s most iconic threats and this constant escalation of danger and risk helps to keep the narrative fresh, exciting, and unpredictable. A must watch for fans of Marvel and comic books.
LILO & STITCH (K- Family)
This film contains scenes of violent action and horror.
FILM SYNOPSIS
Set in Hawaii, this sun-soaked live-action remake sees Lilo once again team up with Stitch to confront an alien threat.
Genre: Family, Comedy, Science Fiction Adventure
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Runtime: 140 Minutes
Cast: Chris Sanders, Hannah Waddingham, Billy Magnussen, Jason Scott Lee
Recommendation Score 9/10: This film is a faithful, albeit uninspired, adaptation of the original animated film and takes full advantage of a winning formula in the form of the classic good vs evil mould of an alien threat. While the film successfully captures the core elements of the original story, it also offers something quite different. It does a good job of transforming Stitch into a furry 3D live-action hero with some impressive teeth. This remake largely adheres to the major plot points and story of the original, including the relationship between Lilo and Nani and then the introduction of Stitch. The film effectively portrays the importance of ‘ohana,’ or family, a core theme of the original film, but this offering does suffer from a slight lack of originality. As the plot progresses, its reliance on the familiar tropes of the original is exploited at every turn. Some clever direction, however, enables the audience to accept the story that keeps the film relevant and the audience continually engaged. The happy atmosphere and the often bright scenery also tend to enhance the film’s entertaining message, and all of this is aptly complemented by the happy-go-lucky soundtrack. The expertly done 3D animation also enhances the viewer experience, making this film a must for all fans of animated characters! I am sure this winning formula will be repeated soon, and I am already looking forward to Disney’s next film in this mould.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (12)
This film features comedic elements and mild action sequences.
FILM SYNOPSIS
The close friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes key to both species uniting to face an ancient threat that endangers everyone on the isle of Berk.
Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Director: Dean DeBlois
Runtime: 135 Minutes
Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler
Recommendation Score 7/10: Although a reboot, this one-of-a-kind, enchanting film, takes the audience to a whole new level. The emotional rollercoaster that surrounds the main character, Hiccup is portrayed in a way that creates a great balance with his best friend Toothless, who happens to be the night fury dragon in the story! Hiccup constantly goes against the rules of the tribe and puts his friendship with Toothless in front of everything. This film has some amazing colouful characters, and an exciting plot and as well as having its exciting bits, it also has several sweet and beautiful scenes that portray messages of kindness, respect and friendship. This film will appeal to both young and old viewers, offering some great cinematography that is accompanied by a creative musical score, which both help to get this film firmly over the finishing line. The message of endearing freindship above all else is central to the story, and the script intricately tailors a path through this supernatural world that is not dominated by computer generated graphics. and his point of view. The chemistry between both lead roles also creates a good sub-plot, and the comedic elements of this film work well with the dynamic action scenes. A great film to watch!
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING (15)
This film contains scenes of extreme action and some mild violence.
FILM SYNOPSIS
Maverick agent Ethan Hunt takes on the ultimate in artificial intelligence of evil called the Entity. Hunt confronts the sinister and metastasising artificial intelligence brain, which is manipulating and undermining the truth all over the world.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Runtime: 180 Minutes
Cast: Tom Cruise, Hannah Waddingham, Hayley Atwell
Recommendation Score 7/10: The eigth and final instalment of the world-saving action franchise delivers a wildly entertaining adventure that sees the all action hero Ethan Hunt once again save the world. This film takes full advantage of a winning formula that this time sees the action hero take on artificial intelligence threat, delivering a technology sceptic message. This film is actually the second half of the challenge from the previous film, but it does stand on its own two feet, once again delivering the several superhuman action scenes that have helped carve a niche for this franchise. This film, although predictable takes its audience on yet another exciting action adventure, and effectively creates a tipping balance between good and evil. The film takes the audience on a journey that ceases on Hunt’s attempt to stop the evil by using the low-tech cruciform key, which was salvaged in the previous film, and his attempts to apply it to the Podkova device, which is on board a wrecked Russian submarine. The gritty atmosphere tends to enhance the message of this beautifully portrayed film that offers several ‘feel good’ moments. The subtle music score pleasantly enhances the storyline as the predictable but enjoyable plot progresses. With mis-information and lies at the forefront, the film sees nation set against nation and hints at a possible nuclear engagement. So with this premise off sets Ethan Hunt trying to set everything right again with an outlandish plan to once again save the world. Ultimately a worthwhile watch for action fans.
UNTIL DAWN (18)
This film contains thematic elements scenes of extreme horror and violence.
FILM SYNOPSIS
A group is trapped in a remote valley and then are stalked and killed by a masked murderer. They are then sent back in time and forced to relive the night of their killings over and over again, soon realising that if the only way to get away is to survive to dawn.
Genre: Horror, Drama
Director: David F Sandberg
Runtime: 120 minutes
Cast: Ella Rubin, Odessa A’zion, Michael Cimino
Recommendation Score 8/10: This quite essentially original horror story is a breath of fresh air, offering an original plot and story line that should make this film a horror classic in years to come. The film is centred around a group in search of answers after a disappearance. The coherent storyline delivers the main twist early, creating an intriguing story that is further enhanced by the dark setting that comes in the form of an abandoned visitor centre in a remote valley. The film also features some strong central characters that play off each other nicely as they are all forced to relive their nightmare again and again, only each time in a different and more terrifying way than the last. The brutal masked killer also plays his role perfectly, and surprisingly keeps viewers engaged throughout by finding new and interesting ways to ply his trade. The suspense this creates is first-class, and this sets up the next main twist perfectly, leading to the group realising that they have a limited number of deaths left, and the only way to escape is to survive until dawn. This film has all of the makings of a horror classic so is essential viewing for fans of horror and suspense.
