ENGLISH MOVIE ROUND-UP – THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA

ENGLISH MOVIES IN GENEVA THIS WEEK:

Highlights of English films showing in Geneva.

by Sarah Scaddan

ALL HAIL JULIA ROBERTS – Ben is Back

Julia Roberts plays Holly Burns, a mother whose 19-year-old son Ben unexpectedly returns home after being ‘dismissed’ early from rehab. With a history of substance abuse and a ruinous past, Holly is wary but delighted to have her son home. Then the nightmare begins. Although every moment of this film contains a high level of dread, you come to care for this mother and son so deeply and urgently. Phenomenal work by Julia Roberts. We LOVE her.

Showing at Le City, Les Scala, Pathé Balexert

MULTI-AWARD WINNING – Green Book

When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on “The Green Book” to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humour-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime. Green Book recently won three Golden Globes including best motion picture.

Showing at Ciné 17

CLINT EASTWOOD FEST – The Mule

Clint Eastwood directs, produces and starts in The Mule, playing a man in his 80’s, down on his luck, who is offered good money for a driving job. Unbeknownst to him, he is trafficking drugs for a Mexican cartel. In thoughtful, solid film and the only film about drug trafficking that you can take your grandparents to.

Showing at Cinérama Empire

THE EYE OF THE TIGER – Creed II

The follow up to Creed and latest (8^th!) in the Rocky franchise, Adonis Creed has to face the son of the Soviet boxer who killed his father Apollo in the ring 33 years ago. Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren are of course in there as Rocky Balboa and his old nemesis Ivan Drago, and Stallone co-writes the screenplay. Creed II has all the elements of a borefest, but surprisingly it is seriously entertaining with edge of your seat fight scenes. The Italian Stallion still reigns.

Showing at Pathe Balexert.

YOU CANNOT CONTAIN WHO YOU ARE – Glass

Glass is the sequel to Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016), cumulatively forming the Eastrail 177 Trilogy. Glass finds David Dunn (Bruce Willis) pursuing Kevin Wendell Crumb’s (James McAvoy) superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.

Showing at Cinerama Empire, Pathé Balexert

KEIRA KNIGHLY STARS – Colette

Keira Knightly stars as Colette, pushed by her husband to write novels under his name. Upon their success, she fights to make her talents known, challenging gender norms. I think you have to really love Keira Knightly to find joy in this film. I don’t.

Showing at Ciné 17

TRUTH, JUSTICE AND THE AMERICAN WAY – On the Basis of Sex

A biographical film based on the life and early cases of this Supreme Court Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ginsburg is a struggling attorney and new mother who faces adversity and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights. When she takes on a groundbreaking tax case with her husband, attorney Martin Ginsburg, she knows it could change the direction of her career and the way the courts view gender discrimination. An enjoyable but safe story of truth, justice, and the American way.

Showing at Pathé Balexert, Le City, Les Scala

SHE’S STILL JENNY FROM THE BLOCK – Second Act

In the vein of Working Girl or Maid in Manhattan, Second Act is a comedy about a factory worker (J-Lo) dissatisfied with her life and then gets the chance to prove that street smart is just as book smart. Very predictable but pleasant rom com.

Showing at Ciné 17

HE’S NOT FROM AROUND HERE – Aquaman

Revelling in comic book goofiness, Aquaman is an underwater extravaganza that is visually stunning. Chippendale-chested Aquaman is half-human, half-Atlantean who goes on a journey to discover if he is worthy of being king

Showing at Pathé Balexert

A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR – Mary Poppins Returns

Michael and Jane are now grown up and Micheal has three children of this own. After Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins re-enters their lives, and uses her magical skills to help the family rediscover the joy missing in their lives. Emily Blunt plays Mary Poppins impeccably in this sweet throwback movie, to be enjoyed – in the most delightful way.

Showing at Ciné 17, Pathé Balexert

INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE – Spider-man

The creative minds behind The Lego Movie bring fresh vision to the Marvel genre, set in multiple universes; the Spider-Verse. If you’re a Marvel fan you will be excited by this new and unique visual style. This film is heralded as the best animated film of the year.

Showing at Pathé Balexert

YOU STILL NEED TO SEE THIS FILM – A Star is Born

More than a remake, this is a new take on this tragic love story. Bradley Cooper plays a seasoned musician who fall in love with a struggling singer (Lady Gaga). A vibrant and compelling romantic tragedy with exceptional performances by Gaga and Cooper. Cooper produced and directed this film which makes me love him even more, if that’s at all possible. Not a film just for the ladies, it is bringing grown men to tears too.

Showing at Pathé Balexert

AIR GUITARS AT THE READY – BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

A celebration of Queen and the unique Freddie Mercury, played expertly by Rami Malek (Mr Robot). Bohemian Rhapsody follows the band from conception onwards, and if you love rocking out to Queen hits, this will be a good 2 hours and 14 minutes of your life. It is not a documentary, glossing over some of the elements of Mercury’s identity and life that make him so absolutely fascinating, but great entertainment.