5 new cinema releases that were worth the wait for the big screen…
Horrors, thrillers and Academy Award winners, plus the hottest new movie musical and another live action from Disney… Here are your Summer blockbusters
By Chris Kingston
Cruella
Out now in cinemas and streaming on Disney+
If you enjoy your favourite Disney films getting the live-action treatment, then look no further than Cruella. I mean, we all love a good villain origin story, don’t we? Just look at how well Maleficent did. Now, Disney tells the backstory of one of its most iconic baddies ever.
Emma Stone plays Estella, a brilliant dress designer who we see slowly transform into the infamous Cruella de Vil. How, we hear you ask? Well, it has a little something to do with the fact that Estella works for a titan of the fashion world, The Baroness (played with relish by Emma Thompson), who – in this writer’s personal opinion – would have made a brilliant Cruella herself, had they gone for a full-on remake of 101 Dalmatians.
A cracking half-term treat for kids (of all ages).
The Conjuring: The Devil made me do it
In cinemas from 4th June
Another horror from The Conjuring universe (bone-chilling spin-offs include Annabelle and The Nun), The Devil Made Me Do It reunites Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Scarily enough, this is another horror based on a true story – which just makes everything that much creepier.
The case? That of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who stabbed his landlord to death before claiming to be possessed by the Devil. Perfect if you fancy a scare – definitely not one for the family!
A quiet place, part 2
Out now in cinemas
Emily Blunt returns to cinema screens in the highly-anticipated A Quiet Place sequel.
The action intensifies on an even bigger scale, as Emily and her children Regan and Marcus continue their journey – walking a dangerous line between life and death, as every loud step could attract danger. Cillian Murphy of Peaky Blinders fame and Djimon Hounsou join the cast as fellow survivors.
If you’ve never seen the first film, watch it! Then you’ll be in for double the treat.
The Father
In cinemas from 11th June
Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins won another Best Actor Oscar earlier this year for his performance in The Father.
A drama co-written and directed by Florian Zeller in his directorial debut, The Father follows an ageing man who must come to terms with his progressing dementia.
Refusing help from his daughter, he tries to make sense of his circumstances while experiencing increasing doubt about his loved ones, his own mind and the very fabric of his reality.
Hopkins is supported by an all-star cast, with Olivia Colman, Olivia Williams and Imogen Poots all lending their acting talents. Bit of a warning in advance – you’re probably going to need your tissues with you for this one.
In the Heights
From 18th June
Hamilton star Lin Manuel Miranda co-created In the Heights, along with Quara Algeria Hudes. Now the musical is coming to screens big and small. And we cannot wait!
Set in a predominantly Dominican neighbourhood in Washington Heights, we follow bodega owner Usnavi – who has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother’s fortune.
This one’s already generating plenty of buzz among musical fans and critics alike, so we’re expecting great things. And with a large ensemble, plenty of catchy bangers and a stellar cast, it’s safe to say we’ve already got our tickets booked.
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