There are only two big releases out this week, but they feature two huge stars – the busiest man in Hollywood, Nicolas Cage; and everyone’s favourite award magnet Tom Hanks. To mix things up a bit we also have a roundup of all the special film events happening in the city during the next few weeks.
Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (12A)
Cage is back in the sequel to the dreadful 2006 superhero movie Ghost Rider. He resumes the role of Johnny Blaze, now hiding out in Europe trying to control The Rider, a spirit of vengeance that he turns into when faced with evildoers.
He must use this curse for good, however, when he is charged with protecting a young boy who is wanted by the devil himself. Absolute drivel, it’s hard to imagine making a film much worse than the first installment, and although this is very different in style it’s just as bad in story, acting and direction. One to avoid.
Star rating: *
Extremely Loud, And Incredibly Close (12A)
A tearjerker from the director of Billy Elliot about a young New York boy (Thomas Horn) desperately searching a post-9/11 ravaged Big Apple in search of a lock that fits a key his late father (Tom Hanks), who was killed in the attacks, left in his closet.
His search widens his perspective, bringing him in contact with other people whose lives have been torn apart. Somewhat exploitative, the film throws as many sad images as it can in an attempt to move you, but forgets to bring a story worth telling.
While Horn is riveting to watch, this obvious Oscar bait should have been so much more.
Star rating: **
Forthcoming attractions…
The Human Rights Film Festival, February 27 to March 2
Now in its 10th year, Oxford Brookes University hosts the annual Human Rights Film Festival, showcasing a series of 10 films over five days, which each day focusing on a separate continent.
There will also be events with special guests including the BBC world affairs correspondent Mike Wooldridge. Screenings are free and take place every day of the festival at 1pm in the Oxford Hub, and 6.30pm at the Ultimate Picture Palace.
For more information, visit www.oxfordhumanrightsfestival.org
Black Pond and Q&A with Chris Langham
Having hosted a number of great events at their Jericho-based cinema, The Phoenix Picturehouse plays host to dark British comedy Black Pond, starring The Thick of It actor Chris Langham and comedian Simon Amstell.
The film is already something of a cult hit, and will feature a Q&A with Langham after the film’s screening. For more information, visit www.picturehouses.co.uk
Annie Hall, The Ultimate Picture Palace, February 19 and 20
This 1977 Woody Allen classic is something every film lover should see on the big screen.
Tomorrow night’s screening will be followed by a Q&A from University of Oxford lecturer Kiri Bloom. For more information, visit www.UPPcinema.co.uk
Good reviews, I always hated Nicholas Cage anyway