Shhh.... Secret Cinema is back this November

Secret Cinema the daddy of immersive cinema is back. And this November is seems as though they have pulled out all the stops.

I have been following their movements as closely as I can in the run up to their November screenings and I have to say that their November campaign is one of the most intricate and well thought out experiences yet. Top viral marketeers (I'm talking to you Dark Knight, Tron, etc.) could learn a thing or two from this month's campaign.

I've been sworn to secrecy, well it is Secret Cinema after all - but I can now let you know the following..

SECRET CINEMA CREATE A VIRTUAL WORLD

11TH – 21st NOVEMBER 2010

In Partnership with Windows® Phone

Secret Cinema is back. For this month’s immersive cinema
experience over 50,000 people join a virtual world. Visit the New Well
Being Foundation website, listen to the Wellbeing radio or call the
Wellbeing telephone line.

The journey begins here…

Please log onto:

www.thenewwellbeingfoundation.com

To get you into the mood I have lifted the following clips from their Facebook page here

Previously I have taken pleasure in guessing what the screenings are going to be and I have some guesses on what this months film could be, but in the spirit of Secret Cinema I'm telling no one.

Shhh.... Secret Cinema is back this November

Where:
It's a secret

When:
Yea, that's a secret too

More info:
All is revealed at http://www.secretcinema.org/

Martin Scorsese, Thelma Schoonmaker and Columba Powell discuss Peeping Tom

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michael Powell's Peeping Tom, Curzon Cinemas have announced a very special screening of the film followed by acclaimed filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker and Powell’s son Columba Powell in conversation.

Peeping Tom was, upon its release, one of the most controversial films ever made in Britain. Powell’s career never recovered from the scandal, but twenty years later, Peeping Tom was hailed as a misunderstood masterpiece – thanks to the efforts of filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, who helped finance a wider US re-release.

The event will be hosted by Francine Stock. Francine Stock is the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The Film Programme. Formely presenter of Newsnight and Front Row, Francine was also nominated for the Whitbread First Novel award for her debut book, A Foreign Country.

Peeping Tom - By day, Mark Lewis works as a modest focus-puller in a film studio. But he also shoots glamour photographs for a seedy Soho newsagent, and by night he seeks victims for his most gruesome obsession – filming the face of mortal fear, moments before death. Directed by Michael Powell, the acclaimed director of A Matter of Life and Death and The Red Shoes.

Director: Michael Powell
Writer: Leo Marks
Starring:Karlheinz Böhm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey, Maxine Audley

UK, 1960, 101 mins

Martin Scorsese, Thelma Schoonmaker and Columba Powell discuss Peeping Tom

Where:
Curzon Soho, 99 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5DY

When:
5:20pm, Sat 13 Nov, 2010

More info:
Over at the Curzon website

Edgar Wright Double Bill at The Ritzy

To celebrate the highly anticipated release of Edgar Wright's latest film, SCOTT PILGRIM Vs. THE WORLD, the Ritzy folk thought it only right to revisit Edgar's two previous films, SHAUN OF THE DEAD and HOT FUZZ on the big screen.

And they're offering both films for one regular Ritzy admission price - TWO amazing films for less than £10! So head to the Ritzy and grab a Cornetto for this memorable double-bill at The Ritzy.


Edgar Wright Double Bill at The Ritzy

Where:
Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG

When:
6:00pm, Sun 8 Aug, 2010

More info:
Over at the Ritzy website

QA Michael Moorcock & The Final Programme screening

Pulp novelist, sci-fi pioneer and sometime member of Hawkwind, Michael Moorcock has written scores of subversive, groundbreaking cult books.

The BFI are screening a rare example of a big screen adaptation – don't miss this chance to The Final Programme.

Jon Finch is terrific as hip, party-hungry adventurer Jerry Cornelius, troubled by the recent passing of his father but reluctantly on the hunt for the mysterious 'Final Programme': dad’s design for the perfect self-replicating human. Meanwhile, his sister is missing and his drugged-up brother holds fierce dominion over the house where the missing microfilm is supposedly located. Somehow Jerry has to get his head together, and deal with gorgeous, icily seductive Miss Bruner (Jenny Runacre) – who's also after the design. Terrific performances all round in this fast-moving, futuristic update of the thrilling adventure tales of yesteryear, with an unmissable supporting turn from a cigar-chomping Sterling Hayden.

Director: Robert Fuest
Starring: Jon Finch, Jenny Runacre, Hugh Griffith, Patrick Magee, Sterling Hayden
USA, 1973, 2009, 81 mins

QA Michael Moorcock & The Final Programme screening

Where:
BFI Southbank,Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT


When:
9:00pm, Tues 10 Aug, 2010

More info:
Over at the BFI website

QA Director Marc Caro & The City of Lost Children

Intricate producton design (by Caro and Jean Rabasse), a battery of special effects, Jean-Paul Gaultier costumes and a richly atmospheric score by Angelo Badalamenti all combine to create a dazzlingly surreal, post-apocalyptic world that frames the hunt for a kidnapped boy after a circus strongman's little brother goes missing. Not only creators of their own universe, Caro and Jeunet are also storytellers who inspire some beautifully shaded performances from a distinctive cast.

A dazzlingly surreal post-apocalyptic world frames the hunt for a kidnapped boy.

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Marc Caro
Starring: Ron Perlman, Dominique Pinon
France-Germany-Spain, 1995, 112 mins

QA Director Marc Caro & The City of Lost Children

Where:
BFI Southbank,Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When:
8:10pm, Thurs 5 Aug, 2010

More info:
Over at the BFI website

ZULU Exhibition opens at The London Film Museum

"If 1200 men couldn't hold a defensive position this morning, what chance have we with 100?"

From - http://www.londonfilmmuseum.com/zulu.htm

On Saturday 24th July, the London Film Museum is proud to present the first exhibition dedicated to the classic British film, ZULU.

Starring Michael Caine, Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins and Ulla Jacobsson, the film was produced by Joseph E. Levine, directed by Cy Endfield, and was released worldwide in 1964.

The exhibition will include many items seen in public for the first time, including the original colour storyboards, scripts, and unpublished photographs taken by the director on set in Natal, South Africa. Also on display will be Chief Cetewayo's shield and throne tusks, and Assegais (spears) used in the film as well as some from the original battle.

The storyboards were discovered in Natal last year a few miles from where the film was shot, and illustrate the "Attack on the Hospital". Dr Sheldon Hall, author of the definitive book on the making of the film, says "Until recently it was thought that no original storyboards had survived from the production of ZULU, or even existed in the first place. The recent discovery in South Africa of an extremely rare set of storyboard sketches for one key sequence is a major find for anyone interested in the film."

"Contributions to the exhibition have come from right across the country and collectors have been generous in providing us with original material" says Henry Coleman from ZuluFilmStore.com, who has helped in curating the exhibition.

The exhibition will be at the museum until June 2011 when it will travel to South Africa to go on display.

Opening day events will include a free screening of the film, as well as a Q&A with Maureen Endfield and a lecture by Dr Sheldon Hall.

As part of the opening day we shall also be collecting for Help for Heroes in recognition of the people still involved in conflict around the world.

ZULU Exhibition opens at The London Film Museum

Where:
The London Film Museum, 1st Floor, Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

When:
Sat 24 July 2010 - June 2011

More info:
Over at the The London Film Museum website

Breathless: 50th Anniversary release

Breathless (A Bout De Souffle), has been digitally restored and is being re-released in cinemas by Optimum Releasing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of it's original release.

The film debut of Jean Luc Godard started the French new wave of filmmaking -recognised as one of the most stylish and influential movements in film history.

Cigarettes, hats, sunglasses and determined unconformity make Michel Poiccard (Belmondo) a true cinematic icon. Playing against the stunning Jean Seberg he smokes his way through a series of sexy gallic exchanges in the ultra cool Paris of the 1960's.

Celebrating 50 years of cool, Jean-Luc Godard’s BREATHLESS premiered at Berlin before receiving a digital re-release in UK cinemas June 25th. With Godard still going strong and about to release a new film: Socialisme, we celebrate where it all began, with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg effortlessly stylish and in love in Paris: he a petty criminal on the run from the police, she a wide-eyed American student selling the New York Tribune on the Champs-Elysées.

BREATHLESS: 50th Anniversary will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on 13th September 2010.

Director: Jean Luc Godard
Starring: Jean Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg

France 1960, 87 mins, French with English subtitles

Breathless: 50th Anniversary release

When:
In cinemas June 25th 2010

Jason and the Argonauts Introduced by Ray Harryhausen

The mythological themes of many of Harryhausen’s films reappear as Jason sets sail with a band of Greek heroes, his argonauts. If succesful in their quest to find the Golden Fleece, Jason will secure his rightful place as the king of Thessaly. First they face many dangers, including an army of skeletons that grow from the teeth of the dreaded seven- headed hydra. The skeleton sequence remains one of the most memorable of all of Harryhausen’s creations with its complex technique to ensure the free flowing, stop-motion movement of the different body parts.

Director: Don Chaffey
Starring: Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack, Gary Raymond,Laurence Naismith

USA 1963, 86 mins, English

Jason and the Argonauts Introduced by Ray Harryhausen

Where:
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When:
2:00pm, Sun 20 Jun, 2010

More info:
Over at the BFI website

Seven Samurai: Masterclass with Mamoun Hassan

Explore Seven Samurai, Kurosawa’s most famous, enduring and internationally acclaimed film in a collaborative workshop with Mamoun Hassan, former Head of BFI Production.

Hassan, who will lead a scene-by-scene exploration of what we see and hear and facilitate discussion about the wider significance of what occurs on screen, was responsible for devising and producing the acclaimed C4 series Movie Masterclass and his particular approach to the work of the director has been widely praised by audiences for its ability to alter the way in which they experience cinema. This participatory seminar will require prior viewing of Seven Samurai and tickets are available as stand-alone or in conjunction with any screening of the film, playing as part of the season devoted to Kurosawa and His Influence.

Seven Samurai: Masterclass with Mamoun Hassan

Director:Catherine CorsiniStarring:Yvan Attal, Sergi Lopez, Kristin Scott ThomasFrance 2009, 86 mins, French with English subtitles

Where:
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When:
6:20pm, Weds 23 Jun, 2010

More info:
Over at the BFI website

Film4 Summer Screen returns for 2010

Film4 Summer Screen returns to the glorious Somerset House for 2010. A highlight of the summer calendar, the series features everything from special previews to cult classics, all showing on a state-of-the-art screen with full surround-sound.

There’s more than just the movies. Arrive early; come and picnic in the magnificent Edmond J. Safra courtyard while DJs play or attend one of the companion events in Behind the Screen.

Fri 30 July
Kill Bill Vol. 1 (18) /Enter the Dragon (18)
The Somerset House courtyard becomes an arena for savage stand-offs, kung fu carnage and martial-arts mayhem.

Sat 31 July
Team America: World Police (15) / Special Preview: A Town Called Panic (PG)
Outrageous humour from the South Park gang, followed by a special preview of a brilliantly bonkers new toy story.

Sun 1 August
Manhattan (12A)
Woody Allen’s rapturous love letter to New York: romance, heartbreak and fireworks in luminous black-and-white.

Mon 2 August
Goldfinger (PG)
The 007 series at its best, as Sean Connery’s Bond mixes it up with memorable characters Oddjob and Pussy Galore.

Tues 3 August
Black Narcissus (U)
Powell & Pressburger‘s beautiful tale of a convent’s descent into madness, deep in the Himalayas.


Wed 4 August
Paths of Glory (PG)
Stanley Kubrick's riveting and emotional wartime drama, powerful enough to bring any audience together in awestruck silence.

Thu 5 August
Cabaret (15)
Liza Minnelli steps into the spotlight for high drama, dazzling set-pieces and the decadence of 1930s Berlin.

Fri 6 August
Mulholland Drive (15)
Mystery, magic, fear and desire swirl together in David Lynch’s intoxicating and troubling adult fairytale.

Sat 7 Aug
Let the Right One In (15) / The Lost Boys (15)
A moody modern masterpiece of Swedish-style bloodsucking, followed by cool Californian creatures of the night.

Sun 8 August
Master and Commander
Russell Crowe stars as Captain Jack Aubrey in this stirring tale of naval warfare and spectacular high-seas adventure.

Film4 Summer Screen returns for 2010

Where:
Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

When:
Tues 29 July - Mon 9 Aug, 2010

More info:
Over at the Somerset House website or book tickets directly at Ticketmaster

Battleship Potemkin with Zombie Zombie Live

French duo Zombie Zombie have gained worldwide attention since their debut album A Land For Renegades in 2008, both as a formidable live band and as music producers of the highest calibre. Through their use of vintage analogue synthesizers the band create intensely atmospheric music that has oft drawn comparison with the soundtracks of John Carpenter, the scores by Goblin for the films of Dario Argento and, notably, Gil Melle's soundtrack for The Andromeda Strain.

Such references would not seem to lead obviously to working on Battleship Potemkin, yet the band's passionate re-imagining of Eisenstein's silent classic has been heralded as a triumph since its debut performance in Paris at the end of 2009. The BFI are delighted to present the UK Premiere of this re-score.

Premiere: Battleship Potemkin with Zombie Zombie Live

Where:
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When:
6:30pm, Fri 28 May, 2010

More info:Over at the BFI website

The African Queen Premiere & QA with Anjelica Huston and Angela Allen

The BFI are delighted to welcome Anjelica Huston and Angela Allen (Script supervisor/Continuity on The African Queen) to the BFI Southbank stage for the London premiere of the new restoration of John Huston's classic Oscar-winning adventure The African Queen.

The saga of filming CS Forrester's tale of an unlikely couple who join forces on an African riverboat to sink a German warship looms almost larger than Huston's film, with everyone involved – including Cardiff – recalling the illness and dangers that beset them in Congo and Uganda. But much ingenuity was also needed to link material shot in Turkey, London and LA for this classic adventure that brought Bogart his only Oscar.

London Premiere: The African Queen + Q&A with Anjelica Huston and Angela Allenci

Where:
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When:
6:20pm, Sat 27 May, 2010

More info:
Over at the BFI website

The Usual Suspects A Magnum Gold Carpet Screening

Glittering, precious and dangerously irresistible, New Magnum Gold?! is a priceless indulgence which Benicio Del Toro goes to extreme lengths to get his hands on in the new Magnum ads, directed by Bryan Singer.

To celebrate the launch of Magnum Gold?! Magnum invites you to attend an exclusive Gold?! Carpet screening of ‘The Usual Suspects’ - one of the best heist films of all time directed by Bryan Singer and starring Benicio Del Toro - taking place at selected ODEON cinemas on Thursday April 22nd.

The night will include:
A rare and exclusive screening of the classic heist movie 'The Usual Suspects' directed by Bryan Singer and starring Benicio Del Toro
The chance to win a glamorous weekend for two in Monte Carlo.
An opportunity to sample NEW Magnum Gold?! boasting an indulgent mix of smooth Madagascan vanilla ice cream with a swirl of delicious caramel, all covered in a cracking golden dipped milk chocolate
And much more

Limited seating available.

The Usual Suspects A Magnum Gold Carpet Screening

Where
ODEON Covent Garden
135 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8AH.

When
6:00pm, Thurs 22 Apr, 2010

Airplane Jameson Irish Whiskey presents a VIP Screening

The timing of this event couldn't be better! Together with their friends at Curzon Cinema Jameson will be showing an exclusive VIP screening of the classic film Airplane at the Curzon Soho tomorrow evening, Weds 21st April.

Loved by millions, this satirical take on the disaster movies of the 70s was an instant hit, with legendary performances from Leslie Nielson and the ensemble cast. Not only was the film a bench mark for future films of this genre, but many of the classic moments have been re-enacted in countless other spoof films and TV series. Who can forget the Auto-pilot, the grandma speaking jive, or the timeless “I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley”?

The screening will also be a fitting tribute to Peter Graves, the airplanes captain in the film, who sadly passed away in March this year and will be greatly missed by the film world.

If you would like to get a pair of exclusive free VIP tickets for this screening, along with a free Jameson Irish Whiskey, then please send the names of yourself and your guest to: editor@jamesoncultfilmclub.com

Jameson Irish Whiskey presents a VIP Screening of Airplane

Where
Curzon Soho
99 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5DY

When
6:30, Weds 21 Apr, 2010

Zulu + introduction by Stephen Woolley

Renowned and prolific British producer Stephen Woolley (Made in Dagenham, Perrier's Bounty, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People, Stoned, The Good Thief, The End of the Affair , B. Monkey, The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, Dust Devil, Hardware, Scandal, Mona Lisa, Absolute Beginners, The Company of Wolves, etc.) joins the BFI to introduce Zulu the film that inspired him.

An epic account of the true story of under-strength British forces defending an isolated African mission at Rorke's Drift against hordes of Zulu warriors. Stanley Baker (who also co-produced with director Cy Endfield) impresses as the officer in charge, whilst a then scarcely known Michael Caine adopts an upper-class accent. The spectacular second half of the film is almost totally taken up with the battle, as the Zulus look to overpower the mission and reclaim their land. The stirring music score is by John Barry, the narration by Richard Burton.

In Woolley's words, Zulu is "a terrific adventure film" and this is a rare chance to catch it on the big screen

British producer Stephen Woolley will join the BFI for their latest instalment of their new strand, Screen Epiphanies, to introduce this classic tale. Starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker, Zulu, a "terrific adventure film" in Woolley's words, is a spellbinding account of the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulus in January 1879.


Zulu + introduction by Stephen Woolley

Where
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When
8:40pm, Tues 6 Apr, 2010

For more info & tickets head over to the BFI

Dead Man Running + QA with Tamer Hassan & Ashley Walters

Urban Screen, the film club supported by Film London's Cultural Exhibition Fund and dedicated to showcasing new talent, is showing Dead Man Running at the Albany on 7 April.

Tamer Hassan (Kick-Ass, Eastern Promises) and Ashley Walters (Hustle, Life and Lyrics) will be making a special appearance.

24 hours, 100 grand to pay, where you gonna run?

The world's favourite gangster duo is back on breathtaking form in the year's most explosive, high-octane blockbuster

The clock is ticking and the boys, Danny Dyer (Doghouse, The Business) and Tamer Hassan (Eastern Promises, The Business), have just 24 hours to raise $100,000 in cash to pay back bloodthirsty New York kingpin, Mr Thigo (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson). Fail and everyone dies.

Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled thrill-ride as our heroes take desperate measures - from cage fighting to armed robbery - to come up with the cash in time.

What would you be willing to risk if you were a Dead Man Running?
Dead Man Running is available on DVD now.

Short films also screening include Rebecca Johnson's Top Girl and Ahmet Husseyin's We're Not Blood.

Top Girl

We're Not Blood.

Dead Man Running + QA with Tamer Hassan & Ashley Walters

Where
The Albany
Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG

When
7:00pm, Weds 7 Apr, 2010

More info over and tickets over at The Albany

Michael Palin in conversation + American Friends Screening

Michael Palin a Patron of The Phoenix Cinema, will be appearing at a Phoenix Restoration Fundraising event. He'll be screening his 1991 film, American Friends, and then host a Q&A session.


This will be a rare chance to hear the extraordinary and witty Michael Palin talk about his travels, work and career.

American Friends
Francis Ashby (Michael Palin) a middle-aged Oxford tutor on a hiking trip in Switzerland in 1861. There he meets the American Caroline Hartley (Connie Booth) and her 18-year old ward Elinor (Trini Alvarado). Ashby is drawn to them both, particularly Elinor, but is rather surprised when they arrive in Oxford and rent a house. Women are not allowed in the College, nor are Fellows allowed to marry, which puts him in an embarrassing situation. Ashby's rival for the post of College President, Oliver Syme, takes full advantage of this to try and discredit Ashby. However the situation is finally resolved and Ashby and Elinor are finally married.

The plot was based on a real-life incident involving Palin's great-grandfather, Edward Palin

Tickets are £25 (£23 concs) with a £2 discount for Friends. Tickets are sure to sell fast, so book online now to ensure a good seat. All ticket sales benefit the Phoenix Centenary Restoration Project.

Michael Palin in conversation + American Friends Screening

Where
Phoenix Cinema
52 High Road, East Finchley, London, N2 9PJ

When
6:45pm, Thurs 8 April, 2010

For more info & to book tickets head over to the Phoenix Cinema

March UK Film Releases

March is a bumper month with a good variety of releases. The full list and dates of the UK's March cinema releases can be found here. Our top picks are as follows:


This months top choice will have to be Peter Greenway’s Nightwatching. Completed in 2007 it’s finally getting a general release and promises a return to earlier form for the Master of cinema Peter Greenway.

The film is centred on the creation of The Night Watch, Rembrandt's most famous work, depicting civilian militiamen who wanted to be celebrated in a group portrait. The film posits a conspiracy to murder within the musketeer regiment of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch, and suggests that Rembrandt may have immortalized a conspiracy theory using subtle allegory in his group portrait of the regiment, subverting what was to have been a highly prestigious commission for both painter and subject.

The film also depicts Rembrandt's personal life, and suggests he suffered serious consequences in later life as a result of the accusation contained in his most famous painting.

Nightwatching
Director: Peter Greenaway
Starring: Martin Freeman, Sarah Polley, Minnie Driver

Expectations are also running high for Scorsese and DiCaprio's fourth chilling outing Shutter Island.

Shutter Island
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer

Superb acting and (Oscar winning) performances lift the touching on mediocre Crazy Heart to greatness. Jeff Bridges is always excellent, Maggie Gyllenhaal still developing leaving Colin Farrell to almost steal the story of a former country and Western star (Jeff Bridges) at the end of his career.

Crazy Heart
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell

Both moving and meaningful the French The Father Of My Children will hit a nerve in these financially stormy times.

The Father Of My Children
Director: Mia Hansen-Løve
Starring: Louis-Do de Lencquesaing, Chiara Caselli, Alice de Lencquesaing

If you are a fan of good music the revelatory No One Knows About Persian Cats by Negar Shaghaghi is not to be missed. (Full review up soon). Persian Cats follows a pair of young musicians, on a mission to take their rock band to Europe. Forbidden by the authorities to play in Iran, they plan their escape abroad with a fast—talking music promoter.

No One Knows About Persian Cats
Director: Negar Shaghaghi
Starring: Bahman Ghobadi, Ashkan Koshanejad, Hamed Behdad

In the psycho sexual department Bernard Rose's The Kreutzer Sonata with the increasingly compelling Danny Huston make for good viewing.

The Kreutzer Sonata
Director: Bernard Rose
Starring: Danny Huston, Elisabeth Röhm, Matthew Yang King

Documentaries that shine this month are Banksy's cringe worthy Exit through the gift shop. Has to been to be believed.

Exit through the gift shop
Director: Banksy

Hard hitting dramas that make the grade are hardcore prisoner drama Lion's Den and the gripping war crimes trial film Storm.

Lion's Den
Director: Pablo Trapero
Starring: Martina Gusman, Elli Medeiros, Rodrigo Santoro

Storm
Director: Hans-Christian Schmid
Starring: Kerry Fox, Anamaria Marinca, Stephen Dillane

Two small films with big hearts are also worth noting. Ondine, the enchanting story of Syracuse, a lonely fisherman who one day pulls a beautiful woman named Ondine out of the sea in his nets. His young daughter Annie is convinced that she is a "selkie" —a creature from Irish folklore much like a mermaid. Syracuse has his doubts, but as Ondine brings some luck and joy to his otherwise downcast life, he starts to come around as well. Ondine deftly blends romance and fantasy with the realism of modern life in an Irish seaside town.

Ondine
Director: Neil Jordan
Starring: Colin Farrell, Alicja Bachleda, Stephen Rea

Perrier's Bounty
Director: Ian Fitzgibbon
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson

Lock and load high action efforts include:

Damon and Greengrass team up again for Green Zone a Middle Eastern military actioner continuing their Bourne theme.

Green Zone
Director: Paul Greengrass
Starring: Matt Damon, Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear

If the trailer is anything to go by Takers looks like it may be a blast.

Takers
Director: John Luessenhop
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Idris Elba, Matt Dillon

Nicolas Winding Refn’s previous effort Bronson was highly entertaining and Valhalla Rising looks to up his game. It centers on a mute warrior and his ally who escape the imprisonment of an evil chieftain and embark on a series of dark adventures.

Valhalla Rising
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Maarten Steven, Jamie Sives

British futuristic gang war fare in a dystopian London. Looks like Class of 1984 mixed in with Kidhulthood as directed by Guy Ritchie

Shank
Director: Mo Ali
Starring: Kedar Williams-Stirling, Ashley Thomas, Michael Socha

Chills from the superior Scandinavian The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and very spookyThe House of the Devil.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace

The House of the Devil
Director: Ti West
Starring: Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov



The guy behind Office Space is back with Extract and his observations of work & mid life scenarios is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Extract
Director: Mike Judge
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Mike Judge, Jason Bateman



From the mainstream we have

Alice In Wonderland
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp continue there successful collaboration with the 3D extravaganza that is Alice In Wonderland. Top notch effects and cast make this a good Saturday kids matinee viewing.

Alice In Wonderland
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Johnny Depp

Nice to Uma Thurman in mainstream role that she can get her teeth into as the put upon lead in the very entertaining Motherhood.

Motherhood
Starring: Minnie Driver, Uma Thurman

I love a good sword and scorcery tale and hope that Season of the Witch manages to maintain the promise of the trailer, even though it does look like a complete rip off of Solomon Kane.

Season of the Witch
Director: Dominic Sena
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Graham

The big budget Precious The Blindside is surprisingly good and hits all the right emotional notes. But I’m not sure if it’s Oscar good though?

The Blindside
Director: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Kathy Bates

Vintage Jim Carrey in I Love You Phillip Morris is sure to have people in stitches.

I Love You Phillip Morris
Director: John Requa
Starring: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann

Marie Claire & ICA Secret Oscars Screening

Calling all film buffs! The ICA & Marie Claire are holding a special secret screening on Oscar night and you're invited!

Over the past few weeks, you've been voting for the best woman-directed film of the year. The great news is that you can now get your hands your very own tickets for the super-secret screening, with an introduction from amazing Hollywood actress Gillian Anderson.

And that's not all. You'll get to join Marie Claire for drinks in the ICA bar, where there will also be stylists on hand for glam Oscar-style makeovers.

Marie Claire & ICA Secret Oscars Screening

Where
Institute of Contemporary Arts
The Mall, London, SW1Y 5AH

When
5:30pm, Sun 7 March, 2010

for more info or tickets head over to the ICA website

Moon for the next Jameson Cult Film Screening

Moon may have been snubbed by the Oscars but it continues to be the fans No. 1 choice. Moon has just won the Jameson Readers Choice for the auspices St. Patricks Day Sci Fi Cult screening. Fans were asked to vote for their favourite screening choice between Donnie Darko, H. G. Wells War Of The Worlds and Moon. From the Jamesons Cult Film website:

"The votes are in, they have been verified and counted and we are please to confirm that the winner, with 59% of Empire readers’ votes is…… Moon.

Join us on March 17 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Jameson way with our screening of Moon, followed by an after-show party – all at an unique venue, the Royal Institution, in W1, London .

Tickets are now open, so if you want to join us for a chance to see this Bafta nominated film, at the Royal Institution – the home to great British scientific achievement – then CLICK HERE."

Jameson Cult Film Club offers a series of cult film screenings for the serious movie fan with fun, adventure and — of course! — complimentary Jameson drinks! These events showcase cult flicks in locations that riff on the movies’ themes, storylines or locations, bringing them to life. Just one thing — you’ll need to be 18 years old or above.

For updates follow the JamesonCultFilm (@JamesonCultFilm) on Twitter for tickets visit their website (http://www.jamesoncultfilmclub.com/).

Moon for the next Jameson Cult Film Screening

Where
The Royal Institution of Great Britain
21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS

When
7:00pm, Wednesday 17 March, 2010

More info and to get your tickets head over to the Jameson Cult Film website here!