CYPRUS CINEMA GUIDE & FILM REVIEW

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MUFASA THE LION KING (K-Family)
This film contains animated action, with thematic elements and mild scenes of animal violence.

Simba, the great king of the Pride Lands, is determined for his cub to follow in his paw prints and whilst looking for extra inspiration, explores the origins of his late father Mufasa.

Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Family Adventure
Director: Barry Jenkins
Duration: 120 minutes
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen

Recommendation Score 8/10 – This fully animated adventure continues with the much loved formula that has made this franchise so popular in recent years. The coherent storyline brings a modern sensibility to a film that features once again strong central characters playing off each other nicely. The predictable yet, interesting plot often delivers throughout the film and at last ”Rafiki’ is finally cast as a prominent character. This film keeps viewers engaged throughout and the sheer determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to save Simba’s world works well against a combination of a basic storyline and the influence from previous ‘Lion King’ films. The georgeous animation is first class and captures the awesome African landscapes. This film is essential viewing for fans of animation and the Lion King franchise.

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.

NOSFERATU (15)
This film contains scenes of horrer & violence.

A gothic tale centred on the haunting of a young woman by a terrifying vampire, who becomes infatuated with her causing untold horror in its wake.

Genre: Horrer, Mystery, Fantasy
Director: Robert Eggers
Runtime: 145 Minutes
Cast: Emma Corrin, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bill Skarsgård

Recommendation Score 8/10 – A modern take on the classic tale of Nosferatu, the original vampire story! The film is led by a simple, but entertaining script that intricantly tailors a path into the dark world of a vampire, whilst shifting between the obvious, but entertaining caviat of the righteous attempts to not only understand, but to also dispell the unfolding horrer. This film essentially follows the storyline and plot of the original film, but with much more zeal than the original black and white offering. This film offers great cinematography and the amazing visuals and great musical score help get this film firmly over the line. A good, if not predictable plot, works well with several uneasy horrer scenes that constantly unseat viewers. The chemistry between the lead roles also creates a good sub-plot that fits in nicely amongst the inpending horrer, and the dark, atmospheric setting creates an ideal backdrop that results in significant horror whilst exploring themes of obsession and emotional turmoil.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 (K-Family)
This film contains mild comic violence, suggestive material, and mild language.

Sonic takes on a new globe-trotting, action-packed mission that sees him reunite with Knuckles and Tails against a powerful new adversary, The sinister Shadow.

Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Director: Jeff Fowler

Runtime: 125 Minutes
Cast: Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba

Recommendation Score 7/10 – The third installment of this franchise see trusty sidekicks Knuckles and Tails, once again join Sonic as he embarks on a new globe-trotting, action-packed mission. The backdrop of the film is portrayed well, creating a pleasingly idiosyncratic story that mixes in the same fun and comedic adventure that ensured the success of the first two installments of the franchise. The all-star cast help to create hilariously offbeat and visually captivating action scenes and the film, with its endless wit and light humour does well with the genuine ‘hero saves the day’ element of the main plot. The audience will constantly find itself waiting for the next gag in a series of gags, portraying the characters in a totally utopian way. This film also successfully throws an action-packed positive light on an essentially classic cat and mouse story allowing Sonic to once again successfully play off both of his sidekicks as the yall try to restore a balance. This film is a great festive watch that will be enjoyed by most and the predictable but entertaining film certainly delivers to fans of the action packed game that sporned these films.

MOANA 2 (K-Family)
This film contains thematic and mild action elements.

An unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors sees Moana return to the wide screen and embark on a journey to the far seas of Oceania. The heroine ventures into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced before.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Animation
Director: David G Derrick Jr
Cast: Aulii Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk
Duration: 110 Minutes

Recommendation Score 8/10 – Another instalment of the popular animation sees the chips once again firmly stacked against the dynamic heroine. Moana’s journey to the far seas of Oceania is lovingly portrayed by the same lush animation that ensured the first film’s success. The main story continues in a well presented way after Moana ventures into dangerous, long-lost waters for this latest adventure and this scenario sets the film up nicely creating a similar winning formula that ensured the first film’s success. The comedic aspect of the film offers a softer side to some interesting new characters that introduce a new zeal to the story. This film is a must for fans of the previous film and a great watch for most children who enjoy a good animated story!