What’s Opening In Cinemas This Week: Ebenezer Learns How To Rob A Bank!
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Carl Roberts 
Johnny Depp is Ebenezer. We learn How To Rob A Bank. Also, we explore Prima Facie as the cinema gets some stunning new releases this week.
As we head towards Christmas (sorry!), the cinematic new releases start to develop a festive flavor. In fact, the festive entertainment movie-wise kicks off with Johnny Depp in Ebenezer. Also opening in cinemas this week are Nicholas Hoult in How To Rob A Bank, and Cynthia Erivo in the dramatic Prima Facie. With two other films opening, the multiplexes are the place to be.
EBENEZER
Paramount Pictures-Released Friday 13th November
Synopsis: Haunted by three spirits on Christmas Eve, miserly businessman Ebenezer Scrooge confronts his past, present and future for one final chance to change his ways and reconcile with those he has wronged.
Cast: Johnny Depp, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber
Director: Ti West
Cert: 12A
We saw the film earlier this week. We had fun, although we found the film flawed. Our reviewer, Phil Roberts, had this to say:
“Overall, Ebenezer is a solid, if somewhat flawed, addition to the A Christmas Carol filmography. Ti West has crafted a glorious, sincere period piece, brought to life by Johnny Depp’s energetic central performance. With its dark, gloomy atmosphere, Checco Varese’s wonderfully immersive cinematography, and a more horror-tinged approach to Dickens’ material, the film offers a fresh slice of Christmas spirit. By giving several of the novel’s supporting characters a little more meat on their bones, West has created a more fleshed-out adaptation than many of its predecessors, allowing his wonderfully assembled cast to deliver some cracking performances along the way.”
You can read his full review here.
HOW TO ROB A BANK
Sony Pictures-Released Friday 13th November
Synopsis: A crew of bank robbers has been using social media to document heists that they have pulled off. This has led to pursuit from the police.
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Christian Slater, Zoë Kravitz, Pete Davidson
Director: David Leitch
Cert: 15
We saw the film earlier this week and enjoyed it. I said in my review:
“David Leitch’s How To Rob A Bank is an entertaining crime caper that comes across as The Fast And The Furious, only switching fast cars for social media. And that isn’t an exaggeration. Yes, it is entertaining, amusing, and action-packed, but it also suffers from being fun and enjoyable rather than truly memorable. It does include a car chase that has us rooted firmly in our seats as the drama ramps up and the stakes rise. It also includes social commentary that resonates with the audience, allowing their innermost feelings about certain events and situations to be shown on screen. But instead of leaving us with these left firmly rooted in our minds, they fade a few hours after the film ends. And that is a shame, as the film has so much going for it.”
You can read my full review here.
PRIMA FACIE
Sony Pictures-Released Friday 13th November
Synopsis: Tessa Ensler, a working-class criminal defence barrister in London, expertly represents her clients. These include those who are accused of sexual assault. However, after being raped by a coworker, she must face the courtroom from the other side.
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Daniel Ings, Harry Treadaway, Noma Dumezweni
Director: Susanna White
Cert: 15
We saw the film at the BFI London Film Festival, and sad to say, we found a few faults with it. Phil said in his review:
“Despite Erivo’s extraordinary performance, Prima Facie drifts toward an underwhelming conclusion without ever fully committing to its own message. Beyond the initial shock and horror of the assault, the remainder of the film struggles to convey the full emotional devastation of what Tessa has endured. Erivo does an admirable job of communicating her character’s trauma, while Daniel Ings makes the most of the material he is given. But without greater insight into Julian’s motivations and the nature of his culpability, the character never develops into the fully realized antagonist the story needs. Again, perhaps this ambiguity is intentional, given the film’s interest in the grey areas surrounding sexual assault and the legal system. But there is a difference between leaving room for interpretation and leaving the audience without a meaningful emotional anchor. Unfortunately, Prima Facie falls into the latter trap, and that is ultimately its biggest failing.”
You can read his full review here.
ALSO RELEASED THIS WEEK
FJORD
Picturehouse-Release date: Friday 13th NovemberÂ
Cert: 15
Phil saw the film at the BFI London Film Festival and was blown away by it, saying in his review:
“Overall, Fjord is a morally compelling and thought-provoking piece of modern cinema, more than worthy of your box-office ticket. With its fascinating storyline, breathtaking cinematography, and brilliant, deeply resonant performances from its leading cast, the film is a triumph of independent cinema and deserves to be experienced on the big screen. Whichever side of the fence you find yourself on, this story is guaranteed to spark debate among friends and family as the consequences of actions taken by both the state and the family come under the spotlight.”
You can read his full review here.
WHISPERS IN THE WOODS
Dartmouth Films-Release date: Friday 13th NovemberÂ
Cert: U
Plan your next cinema visit with any of these great new releases.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
