Posts with the label movie
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Woking's Nova Cinema Set to Open This Week



Woking’s brand-new, Nova Cinema reveals a full refurbishment, an out-of-this-world rebrand, plus a series of exciting events and bespoke programming, all launching from 15th October 2020.

Thanks to a joint investment from Woking Borough Council and venue owners, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), Nova Cinema is about to become the town centre’s brightest new star, boasting some of the best technology on offer within commercial cinema, and an unrivalled food and drink offer.
 
The new Nova Cinema now has seven stylish screens, including the flagship Screen One with state-of-the-art laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound, and the more intimate, premium Screen Seven where you can find luxurious electric reclining chairs and order tasty treats from your seat. The refurbishment also introduces a cutting-edge media suite for community and business hire, plus, the opportunity to book cinema screens for private functions.
 
An all new food and drink offering includes the refreshments bar in the main foyer and the addition of the luxury Nova Bar upstairs, which offers table service and a specially crafted menu of wines, beers and spirits with many products sourced from local businesses. An array of staple cinema snacks will be available from both, including popcorn, nachos and sweets, as well as ‘create your own’ gourmet hot dogs and vegan dogs.
 
Nova Cinema is completely COVID-safe and the team will be going above and beyond government requirements in order to make sure this is the safest place you can be, apart from your own home. Extra time has been added between screenings to allow for a thorough clean and all auditoriums will be treated with electro-static sanitising agents. A fully fresh air supply from brand new air handling units will circulate throughout all areas of the building. For further details, please see the website: novacinema.com/your-visit

On Thursday 15 October, the new venue throws open its doors with a full programme of films on offer, including the perfect mix of the latest releases including Bill & Ted Face the Music, 23 Walks, La Haine, Sonic and Pinocchio to name a few, as well as several specially curated seasons.

Simon Thomsett, Nova Cinema’s Venue Director, says “We are so proud to announce that the countdown is finally over, and the time has come to welcome in the people of Woking and beyond.
 
“We have got some incredible events coming up in our launch programme that we have curated to cater for everyone. With tickets now on sale through our new website, we cannot wait for you to experience it all for yourself – it’s going to be a stellar opening season!”
 
This is a magical moment for film-lovers in Woking, and for the town as a whole. The refurbishment of the ATG run venue is a significant step in Woking’s regeneration, and the launch collaborates with Woking Borough Council’s initiative to revitalise the town centre.
 
For tickets visit: novacinema.com

Woking's Nova Cinema Set to Open This Week

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Bitter Harvest (Film) | Review

Bitter Harvest tells the harrowing tale of  the Holodomor, a man-made famine which occurred in Ukraine in 1932-33, killing an estimated 2.5-7 million people. I, like many people had never even heard of this catastrophe and feel ashamed of that fact, so it was truly shocking to see the atrocities play out on screen.


Bitter Harvest sheds light on this widely overlooked tragedy in such a way that it is both provoking and shocking but at the same time brings warmth through the love story of Yuri (Max Irons) and Natalka (Samantha Barks). The whole story is told through the eyes of these young lovers as they struggle through imprisonment, famine and torture; battling to reunite with one another and to fight for a free country.

The film is visually stunning and quite literally sheds light on this devastating chapter of modern history. Douglas Milsome has added a whole layer to the story just through the lighting and has created a truly cinematic experience. We first see the warm lights and sky which quickly become dark and bleak. Particularly effective was the contrast of the bright Kiev when Yuri first got there to the muted grey of Yuri and Natalka's village. Truly striking.

The authenticity is so clear in this film, through not only the fact that it was filmed in true to life locations, but through the way the stellar cast play their roles so truthfully. Both Barks and Irons show the deep and dark complexities of their characters incredibly well, with their chemistry shining through to emphasise the reality of pain and loss throughout. Each moment is heart-wrenching and the whole film is beautifully shocking. The cast also includes Tamer Hassan, Barry Pepper and Terence Stamp, all of whom play their roles honestly and perfectly.

George Mendeluk has directed a visually striking film which is sure to educate people and get discussions going. There are parallels happening right now in Ukraine so this film has come at the perfect time to get people talking and to educate people so that nothing like this ever happens again. Although the love story is somewhat cliched, it works well in this film to provide a root for the story rather than being overpowering at every moment. The script is well written to make the actual event of the Holodomor the main focal point with the romance more of a reference point. The love story is beautiful and played out so well but it doesn't detract at all from the pain and suffering that was really happening. 

The story of this devastating famine is hard to watch but knowing and seeing the truth is necessary and Bitter Harvest is rightfully bringing this overlooked Ukrainian tragedy to the forefront of media in a way it never was at the time. I already am and will continue to recommend this film to everyone I see because it's honestly incredible. Truthful, painful, beautiful and powerful. The cinematography, story, acting and honesty make Bitter Harvest a must see. ★★★★

Watch my vlog of the premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We9bFF1mCBs


Bitter Harvest is released in the UK on February 24th.

Part of this review was used on the cover of the UK DVD so keep an eye out for it!


Review by Olivia Mitchell

Bitter Harvest (Film) | Review

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Saturday 15 October 2016

Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance (film) | Review



Movie musicals often get a bad rap and with some previously released ones its not surprising, so I was cautious about how the spectacle that is Miss Saigon would translate to film. Before watching the movie I thought that a production as big as this could only really be experienced live in the flesh... I was wrong. This is a momentous and immersive triumph like no movie musical I've seen before. 

Universals HD recording brings every moment of Miss Saigon to life; we hear the background conversations and see all the facial expressions which could easily be missed live at the Prince Edward Theatre. Every breath, song and moment of choreography is perfectly framed with a mix of close-ups and wide angles making the whole production visually stunning. Every magical feature of Bruno Poet's lighting design and Totie Driver and Matt Kingley's fantastic set design is highlighted and glorified.


The whole thing isn't just watching a musical filmed live from a theatre, its a cinematic experience where one feels truly immersed in the production and can relate and attach to the characters even more. I truly have no faults with this film and for the majority of it being filmed in front of a live audience on one night, its really mind boggling how perfect the team have managed to make it!

Of course a review of Miss Saigon would not be complete without mentioning the insane talents of the cast. Although I saw this cast twice live at the theatre, I was even more in awe of their talents watching this recording. The extreme close ups show every emotion that crosses their faces and you can truly see how much they commit making their characters as realistic and provocative as possible.

Eva Noblezada's voice as Kim is just on another level; it actually depresses me how young and talented she is and I can only dream of being so flawless one day. Every note that comes out of her mouth is golden and its worth going to see the film purely to hear I'd Give My Life For You which sent chills down my spine! Jon Jon Briones gets the comedy and depth of the hilarious but calculating engineer down to a tee and I will never be over his performance of The American Dream. Alistair Brammer is the perfect lead, his voice soaring with ease and complementing Eva's dulcet tones entirely. If I could mention every cast member I would but I'm afraid that would take forever so I'll just say that every performance is remarkable and each individual truly shines in this recording.

Whether you've seen the production before or not, you must go and see this film. If you saw the show at the Prince Edward you'll get to see it in an entirely new light and if you haven't seen it before you'll be introduced to one of the most fantastic works of musical theatre in complete and utter style. Its definitely a must-see for musical theatre fans but I am almost certain that anyone will enjoy it. This is a production which is truly, completely and utterly unforgettable and altogether an impeccable cinematic experience. ★★★★

Miss Saigon will be at cinemas on Sunday 16th October 2016 and will then be released on DVD.

Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance (film) | Review

Saturday 15 October 2016