AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM
Warner Bros.
Released Thursday 21 December
Synopsis: After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Hoping to end his reign of terror, Aquaman forges an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Setting aside their differences, they join forces to protect their kingdom and save the world from irreversible destruction.
Cast: Jason Momoa, Ben Affleck, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Director: James Wan
Cert: 12A
ANYONE BUT YOU
Sony Pictures
Released Tuesday 26 December
Synopsis: Despite an amazing first date, Bea and Ben’s initial attraction quickly turns sour. However, when they unexpectedly find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia, they pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances.
Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell
Director: Will Gluck
Cert: 15
FERRARI
Black Bear
Released Tuesday 26 December
Synopsis: During the summer of 1957, bankruptcy looms over the company that Enzo Ferrari and his wife built 10 years earlier. He decides to roll the dice and wager it all on the iconic Mille Miglia, a treacherous 1,000-mile race across Italy.
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Adam Driver, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Cruz
Director: Michael Mann
Cert: 15
NEXT GOAL WINS
Walt Disney UK
Released Tuesday 26 December
Synopsis: With the 2014 World Cup qualifiers approaching, down-on-his-luck coach Thomas Rongen tries to turn the American Samoa soccer team into winners.
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, David Fane
Director: Taika Waititi
Cert: 12A
FAB UK Review:
This is the feel good movie of the year – even though we’re a few days into 2024 – you’ll feel the same too.
A true story of the American Samoa team having not actually ever winning a football match, Michael Fassbender saves the day as the newly arrived coach (ignore the real bad hair dye job) – in 2014 – with the goal of turning the team around, and raising the hopes and spirits of the small island that is an American territory that seems to be all but forgotten. Peppered with great performances by the whole cast (most are actual American Samoan citizens, and includes the fantastic story of transgender athlete Jaiyah Saelua (played by actress Kaimana) who was a member of the team and who was truly accepted by everyone on the team and on the island. It’s such a heart warming story, and even though you can guess how it ends, nonetheless it’s a joy and it’s fun to get there. ‘Next Goal Wins’ is uplifting and a good film to start the new year with.
ONE LIFE
Warner Bros.
Released Monday 1 January
Synopsis: The story of British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who helped save hundreds of Central European children from the Nazis on the eve of World War II.
Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Anthony Hopkins
Director: James Hawes
Cert: TBC
PRISCILLA
Mubi
Released Monday 1 January
Synopsis: When teenager Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who’s already a meteoric rock ‘n’ roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, and a gentle best friend.
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi
Director: Sofia Coppola
Cert: 15
Also released this week:
SWEET SUE
Curzon
Release date: Friday 22 December | Cert: 15
RAGING GRACE
Modern Films
Release date: Friday 29 December | Cert: 15
TCHAIKOVSKY’S WIFE
Sovereign
Release date: Friday 29 December | Cert: 15