Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are an incredible six new releases on show this week at Tralee Omniplex. An action comedy, a satirical true story, an epic adventure, another horror entry, an animated family film and an original concept that doesn't quite make it off the ground! Plenty of choice on offer at Omniplex Tralee then with the added bonus of all shows today just €6 as part of Omniplex Cinema's Tuesday Treat!

The Spy Who Dumped Me
Written and directed by Susanna Fogel, this movie seems to have divided critics and audiences down the middle with the paying public a lot more receptive to this action comedy. Kate McKinnon again proving her comedic quality to a stellar cast that also includes Mila Kunis and Justin Theroux, this may just be a popcorn funny feature that does exactly what it says on the tin!

BlacKkKlansman
Critically and commercially applauded, this latest offering from the legendary Spike Lee may just be his best feature in years. This historical recollection also resonates strongly with current events and with a cast that includes the always brilliant Adam Driver as well as John David Washington this is a film that is not to be missed!


Alpha
After what seemed like a lifetime of cinematic previews the audience finally gets the opportunity to see this Albert Hughes directed feature. Initial reviews are positive with charm, cinematography and canines all shining in this epic adventure.

Slender Man
Directed by Slyvain White this latest addition to the horror genre has been panned by critics and unfortunately fails to live up to the elevated heights of it;s contemporaries this year and will surely slide into obscurity shortly after its' cinematic release.

Luis and the Aliens
Another of this weeks entries that has divided the critics and audiences, this family animated adventure written and directed by Christoph Lauenstein and Wolfgang Lauenstein should have enough to keep the little ones happy and maybe the odd gag to raise a chuckle from the grown ups!

The Happytime Murders
Slated critically and flopping commercially this seems like a missed opportunity on an interesting premise from the next generation Henson, Brian. Despite a strong cast, this adult Muppet movie just falls flat at every hurdle and leaves it;s audiences cold!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Train to Busan - (Film Four Tuesday 28th August 23:10)
One for the Zombie thrillers fans as Train to Busan outs it's own highly original spin on the genre in this harrowing horror-thriller that follows a group of terrified passengers fighting their way through a nationwide viral outbreak while trapped on a blood-drenched train ride to all the way to Busan.

About Time - (Film Four Wednesday August 29th 18:40)
Sickly sweet and sentimental, this Richard Curtis directed feature is nonetheless a pleasant way to spend ninety minutes as an endearing cast, intriguing premise and charming story combine to make this an extremely enjoyable comic drama.

The Dark Knight Rises - (RTE 2 Friday 31st August 21:00)
The concluding chapter to an incredible trilogy, director Christopher Nolan brings the curtain down in stylish fashion as this action thriller brings a deep, dark and potent edge to a highly entertaining franchise.

Review: Equalizer 2 - Ever dependable Denzel stars in entertaining action thriller

After the movie depths of The Meg last week, I was badly in need of a cinematic pick up upon taking my seat at Tralee Omniplex for this week's feature presentation Equalizer 2. Thankfully, with the ever dependable Denzel Washington teaming up with long time directing collaborator Antoine Fuqua, I got just that!
In what is remarkably Denzel's first sequel and his fourth movie partnership with Antoine Fuqua, the audience are treated to the same thrills and spills as the original 2014 film that saw Denzel take on the signature role of Robert McCall.
In Equalizer 2, we see vigilante do gooder Robert McCall serve unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed, but how far will he go when he has to avenge the murder of someone he loves?
The great thing about a movie that stars Denzel Washington is that even if it isn't a bona fide classic that will stay in your memory for days after - it still has Denzel in it! The veteran and well decorated actor brings his own unique broody and forceful style to every role he plays and almost every time raises the quality of the feature by his presence alone. That is most definitely true for Equalizer 2, in which plot holes are plentiful and it may not be too dissimilar to Denzel films from his illustrious past but really - who cares? A full on, revenge seeking, ass kicking Denzel can rival any CGI laded blockbuster and Equalizer 2 is proof of that.
Try to hold on to your cynical stance of indifference when it comes to another middle aged action hero on the rampage but it's hard not to be excited about Robert McCall handing out his own form of justice Neeson style to some well deserving crooks!
Commendable supporting performances from Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman and Pedro Pascal and high octane action sequences more than compensate for a less than believable plot and this no nonsense action thriller is a fine way to spend two hours of your time.
Overall, the consistent Denzel strikes again as Equalizer 2 is simply pure cinematic escapism that may be forgettable in the near future but will most definitely hold it's own amongst the summer's other big blockbuster offerings!
✸✸✸1/2

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

BlacKkKlansman
Hailed as Spike Lee's best work in years, this feature based on real events stars John David Washington and Adam Driver contains a timely commentary on current events whilst simultaneously dealing with historical facts!




Streaming: 

The Party (Netflix)
An all star cast combine charm, wit and modern satire in this highly rated feature written and directed by Sally Potter. Patricia Clarkson in particular is in top form in this dark comedy full of irony and tragedy. Recommended!




On Telly

Mr. Hollands Opus (Channel 4 Sunday 19th August 00:45)
Feelgood drama with featuring an Oscar nominated turn by Richard Dreyfuss, this sentimental and sweet movie would bring a tear to a stone and is a film of real quality that is criminally underrated.

Waterville set for frolics and fun as 8th Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival begins today!

Starting today and running from the 23rd-26th August the eighth annual Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival hit the streets of Waterville as this corner of South Kerry readies itself for a another festival full of hugely entertaining range of events, screenings, workshops and Chaplin themed street entertainment and lots more.
According to the festival website, this is primarily a festival which honours the pioneering spirit of a great film maker and advocate for social change.
Highlights of this highly successful festival which takes place in a part of the world that was very dear to Chaplin and his family for many years, include the screening of many of the great mans short and feature films, an exclusive interview with Samantha J Power, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, a comedy night featuring Kevin McGahern and Karl Spain, music from Jake Carter and Hermitage Green, Fossetts circus and not forgetting the World Record Attempt at the largest gathering of people dressed as Charlie Chaplin.

With lots more besides all ingredients are present for a fantastic fun filled weekend for all the family!
For full festival programme and details of upcoming events visit www.chaplinfilmfestival.com or check their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chaplinfilmfestival/

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are two new releases on show this week at Tralee Omniplex. A action thriller sequel and a family friendly feature based on a well known children's character.
Plenty of choice on offer at Omniplex Tralee then with the added bonus of all shows today just €6 as part of Omniplex Cinema's Tuesday Treat!

Equalizer 2
The first sequel of Denzel Washington's distinguished sees him team up once again with director Antoine Fuqua in a film that has been receiving a lukewarm reception from critics yet is sure to fill the Omniplex seats such is the appeal of the lead actor!

Christopher Robin
Renowned director returns in this latest Disney production and another that deals with A.A Milne and his famous bear. Whereas it may not hit the heights of the original stories or animated adaptations in the past there is enough sweetness and charm here to ensure a solid if not life changing family film!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

St. Vincent - (Film Four Monday 20th August 21:00)
This comedy from the director of Hidden Figures Ted Melfi sees Bill Murray in fine form as retired grumpy neighbour with a penchant for gambling and alcohol who strikes up an unlikely friendship with his 12 year old neighbour. Murray's natural charm and wit contribute to a largely enjoyable comic drama.

A Hard Day's Night - (BBC Two Wednesday August 22nd 12:20)
On International Beatles Week why not marvel again at despite it's age is still one of the great rock and roll movies and a celebration of the world's greatest band. Highly enjoyable toe tapping fun guaranteed!

The Martian - (RTE 2 Thursday 23rd August 21:30)
Ridley Scott directed sci-fi film that is clever, thrilling and at times amusing thanks to a faithful dedication to the source material and a remarkable performance from Matt Damon, this is a movie that was one of the best films of 2015 and is well worth another watch!

Review: The Meg - The Stath and Co. jump the shark in a damp squib of a B movie

With low expectations but high anticipation of a brain vacation movie forthcoming, I took my comfy seat at Tralee Omniplex ready to marvel at the wonderful world of CGI effects, shriek at the horror of 70ft Megaladon shark, and chuckle along with Jason Statham's corny lines.

Not that a plot is overly important in a movie such as this - The Meg tells the tale of A deep-sea submersible which has been attacked by a massive creature, previously thought to be extinct, and now lies disabled at the bottom of the deepest trench in the Pacific... with its crew trapped inside. With time running out, expert deep sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is recruited to save the crew--and the ocean itself--from this unstoppable threat: a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon.
From the very first scene of this tongue in cheek B movie it's quite obvious that anything resembling acting or indeed script writing were not considered when putting this feature together. I accept that extra helpings of cheese are a staple part of the B movie diet but the some of the dialogue in this film were so full of fromage that they nearly rendered me lactose intolerant with each line more cringe worthy than the last.
As for the actors on show, the performances were so bland that the Stath shone like a beacon in this underwater bed of insipidity and you would imagine that the biggest thing about this feature was the the cheque that made him agree to take part!
The visual effects of this big budget blockbuster should have made up for the rest of this movies shortcomings but alas by the end of the near two hour running time I was simply exhausted at the at times flaky CGI and was yearning for the exit door long before the final scene.
If I have to find crumbs of comfort and give credit for this mess it would be firstly to those in the editing department that managed via the endless trailers to convince me (and countless others no less) that this may be a blockbuster worth catching and secondly to Jason Statham whose performance is De Niro like in comparison to his acting companions and you do feel that with a proper script and director he may find a feature that showcases his talents.
Overall, the Meg is one strictly for fans of the straight to home release B movie which fails to rise above the depths of mediocrity in which it so willingly sinks to throughout!
✷

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Equalizer 2
Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington return in what is incredibly Washington's first ever sequel. Initial reviews have been mixed but Denzel rarely makes a real turkey so may be worth checking out!




Streaming: 

Wind River (Netflix)
Directorial debut from talented screenwriter Taylor Sheridan this thriller benefits largely from strong characters, an impressive cast and a haunting setting.Read my full review of this magnificent film here.




On Telly

Still Alice (Channel 4 Sunday 19th August 00:45)
Anchored by a fantastic performance by Julianne Moore this heartbreaking drama deals with it's delicate themes with compassion and sensitivity and is a harrowing yet ultimately rewarding watch.

6 reasons why the cinema is the best place to watch a movie

As our viewing habits have changed to include more instant gratification when it comes to movie going with the popularity of streaming services now being the norm, it is also unsurprising that the cinema experience is still one that is enjoyed far and wide with Irish attendances double the EU average it's clear that the big screen adventure that we all still enjoy taking. As proof of this I have listed 5 reasons why the cinema still holds a dear place in our hearts: (Feel free to add your own views in the comment box or on social media)

6. The Big Screen: 
Nothing looks better on the big screen than that latest effects filled, CGI exploding summer blockbuster. It's the closest you'll get to a high thrill rollercoaster without leaving the ground and exists to be enjoyed!

5. No distractions:
The phone is put away (or at least it should be), there is no doorbell and peace and serenity rules. In a world of short attention spans the cinema is one of the few places left where instant gratification is not required at every turn!

4. A group pastime:
 The cinema is a wonderful environment to spend time with family and friends and share in the experience of that latest movie release that has everyone's tongue wagging! Agreements and arguments afterwards about the film only add to the enjoyment!

3. The snacks:
That alluring smell of popcorn as it fills up the theatre, the pick n mix, nachos and ice-cream. Park the diet for the day and chow down on the unhealthiest concoction you can find, safe in the darkness of the movie theatre!

2. Choice:
You are far more likely to take a chance on a film in the cinema than at home. Thanks to the variety of choice and the appealing setting you may just buy a ticket for that movie you may have passed over on the small screen and be pleasantly surprised with the results!

1. The Sound system:
As great as the big screen is for the visuals, it is the surround sound speaker system that really drives home the ultimate cinematic experience and immerses the viewer right in the middle of the action. IMAXX, 3D and 4K projection only heighten the experience!