What’s Opening In UK Cinemas This Week: Is This Thing On? Asks Primate And Kangaroo!

Get ready for comedy with Is This Thing On?, family fun with Kangaroo, and frights and chills with Primate, all in cinemas this week.

There’s a terrific selection of new movies opening in UK cinemas this week. For comedy fans, there is the hilarious Is This Thing On?. For the family viewing, there is the wonderful and charming Kangaroo. Horror fans can jump out of their skins and their seats with Primate, while action fans can get to grips with Jason Statham’s new movie, Shelter. Plus, with Richard Linklater’s Novelle Vague and the release of Rabbit Trap, cinema fans are well catered for.

IS THIS THING ON?

Walt Disney

Released Friday 30th January

Synopsis: Facing middle age and an impending divorce, Alex finds new purpose in the New York comedy scene, while his wife, Tess, confronts the sacrifices she made for their family.

Cast: Will Arnett, Laura Dern

Director: Bradley Cooper

Cert: 15

We saw the film at the BFI London Film Festival and loved it. Our editor, Phil Roberts, said this about the film:

Bradley Cooper’s #IsThisThingOn is a delightful treat. Cooper’s sharp screenplay explores married life wonderfully while also embracing the bizarre nature of relationships.

The screenplay is fun, uplifting, poignant and utterly hilarious. Will Arnett and Laura Dern are 🔥 #LFF

I myself said this about the film:

Bradley Cooper’s #IsThisThingOn is a marvellously delightful comedy drama that ticks every box.
Will Arnett and Laura Dern are superb as the separated couple making the best of their situation for their children.
Funny, moving and uplifting.
#BFI #LFF

KANGAROO

Studio Canal

Released Friday 30th January

Synopsis: Ex-TV personality Chris Masterman becomes stranded in a town outside Alice Springs. There, he teams up with 12-year-old Charlie.

Cast: Ryan Corr, Lily Whiteley, Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair

Director: Kate Woods

Cert: PG

Here’s what Phil had to say:

Kate Woods’ #Kangaroo is a delightful treat. It’s Doc Hollywood meets the outback.

With Ryan Corr leading the cast and Lily Whiteley stealing every scene, the film is an uplifting, heartwarming, family-friendly adventure with a heart of pure gold. It’s Joey-hopping fun!

While I said:

#Kangaroo is a delightful, charming, heartfelt, and moving family film for everyone.

The acting is top-notch, the scenery is stunning, and the whole film resonates.

However, it is the Joey’s that steal our hearts.

Hop and see it.

Thank you to our friends at @StudiocanalUK

Check out my full review of the film here.

PRIMATE

Paramount Pictures

Released Friday 30th January

Synopsis: Lucy’s tropical island homecoming turns deadly when her family’s clever chimpanzee, Ben, becomes rabid. With her father away and no help coming, paradise becomes a prison as Lucy and her friends fight for survival against a pet they once trusted.

Cast: Johnny Sequoyah, Jess Alexander, Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant

Director: Johannes Roberts

Cert: 18

Phil says:

Johannes Roberts’ #PrimateMovie is an insanely gory, chimp-tastic rollercoaster ride.

The action is fierce and brutal, the violence is jaw-dropping, and the monkey mayhem will have you going ape! Nerve-shredding, funny, and visceral, this is terrifying monkey business!

While I say:

#PrimateMovie is a brilliantly twisted, gory, nasty and fun creature feature that is terrific from start to finish.

It’s not for the squeamish but the scares, tension and shock value holds the attention throughout.

Chimpan-Crazy fun!!

This monkey movie is a real swinging time!

Check out my full review of the film here.

SHELTER

Black Bear

Released Friday 30th January

Synopsis: On a remote coastal island, a former assassin living in self-imposed exile rescues a young girl from a deadly storm. As their lives start to intertwine, he must protect the orphan while battling enemies from his past.

Cast: Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Bill Nighy

Director: Ric Roman Waugh

Cert: TBC

Our editor, Phil, also caught the film at an early screening and had a blast with Statham’s latest action/drama. He said, “Shelter is a wonderfully layered adventure that delivers more emotional weight than seen from the actor in some time. More than just a token throwaway, the emotional heft this story conveys is infectious, proving there is more to the actor than his chiselled physique and well-placed punches. Action-packed, brutal, and crammed with poignant moments, the film is a great watch that gives audiences something tangible to chew on.” Read his full review here.

If that isn’t enough to have you booking your tickets, Phil also sat down with Director Ric Roman Waugh and star Bodhi Rae Breathnach to talk about the film. Check out the full interview here.

ALSO RELEASED THIS WEEK

NOUVELLE VAGUE

Altitude Films

Release date: Friday 30th January

Cert: 12A

RABBIT TRAP

Picturehouse

Release date: Friday 30th January

Cert: 15

Take a trip out to the cinema this weekend with one or more of these great films.

 

 

 

 

 

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