T H U R S D A Y 1 2 D E C E M B E R -
W E D N E S D A Y 1 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9
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The Wellington Film Society has concluded its screening schedule for 2019. It will return to the Embassy
on the first Monday in March 2020, hopefully with a 3D classic. The programme will officially be launched around the last week of January. In the meantime members will continue
to enjoy discounts at the commercial cinemas around town.
Anyone can join the Film Society at any time on line.
Film Festivals to note:
NZ International Film Festival 2020. Embassy, etc. 31 July -16 August 2020. Mark your diaries now.
This site relies on the various cinemas having their own websites up to date to access their screening times.
The paragraphs describing the films starting this week are in most cases adapted from the linked reviews.
If you are looking for a new web host, by using Host Bee, linking from their graphic at the foot of this page, the small commission we receive will help offset the cost of
running this website.
For comments and movie news, contact the Cinemaster at filmster@gmail.com.
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s t a r t s t h i s w e e k!
ASK DR RUTH -
Documentarian Ryan White followed Ruth Westheimer as her 90th birthday approached, and this lets the doctor herself do most of the heavy lifting in her life story. It wouldn't make
sense any other way, really: Westheimer is so delightfully vibrant that watching her talk couldn't be more fun. She knows that she's been a force for good in the world, for acceptance
and equality. As a documentary this has got an enchanting subject eager to tell a fascinating story. From the NZIFF.
Also Lighthouse Petone.
HAPPY ENDING -
A somewhat thoughtful meditation on growing older, albeit one couched in sitcom sentimentality. This Danish film may be a slightly insubstantial intermediary between a cheerful sex
comedy and a light-hearted drama, but it will keep you entertained while reminding you that emotional life does not end or become less complicated once you reach your autumn years.
Also Lighthouse and Shoreline.
PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE -
Playmobil's smiling, flat-faced toy figures with the cup holder hands have been delighting children since 1974. There should be a guaranteed pre-school and young-family audience
for this hectic, madcap plunge into their world. It is a manic, hit and miss affair complete with slapstick antics and wisecracking one-liners but it is in need of some of the adventurous
spirit that it so relentlessly advocates.
Also Monterey, Reading Porirua and Coastlands.
THE QUEEN'S CORGI -
Children's films these days need to be more than just a veneer of comedy and a message - they need to have a proper emotional impact. Unfortunately, this has almost no impact.
If you're looking for something (anything) to pass some time, you could watch this film. Thankfully, much like the lifespan of the subject, the film is blissfully short.
This weekend. Also Readings and Monterey.
THE TWO POPES -
New Zealander Anthony McCarten's script focuses on the moment the Catholic Church changed hands from Pope Benedict XVI to Pope Francis and forever vowed to leave the past
behind and embrace a newer, cooler Pope. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins help transform the story into something heartwarming and inspirational.
See it on the big screen before its banished to Netflix. Also Monterey.
THE WHISTLEBLOWER -
A competent enough little thriller that loses a bit of goodwill in the last act when it just won't end, setting up a finale that feels tacked on. But it's certainly nice that a movie that could
have been too serious to let cars getting smashed up be fun can actually let its audience sit back and relax instead.
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