ONSCREEN Magazine March/April 2014 by ONSCREEN Magazine

THe MAgAZINe FOr INdePeNdeNT cINeMAS what’S on / FEatURES CompEtitionS / Coming Soon

Free PY TAke A cO

onscreen MArcH / APrIL 2014 www.hollywoodcinemas.net

JUNGLE FEVER Prepare to take off for warmer climes as Rio 2 soars into cinema screens in a flurry of feathery fun, wild escapades and irresistible beats

He T b A gr OdIeS gO esome r aw See oupetition on com e 24 PAg

PLUS ALL OF THIS THe AMAZINg SPIder-MAN 2 » 300: rISe OF AN eMPIre » dIvergeNT » TrANSceNdeNce NOAH » THe LegeNd OF HercULeS » X-MeN: dAYS OF FUTUre PAST » MALeFIceNT » TArZAN

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★★★★★ Daily Express, Evening Standard, Metro

by William Shakespeare

Academy Award®-winner Sam Mendes directs Simon Russell Beale in the title role

Broadcast live to cinemas 1 May Repeat screenings in many venues Find your nearest venue

ntlive.com

Photo (Simon Russell Beale) by Paul Stuart

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CONTENTS

+++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ ISSUE 5 MARCH / APRIL 2014 +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +Comic + + + book + + + fans +++ + + + + for + +a+treat. + + +Hot + +on +++ - prepare +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +the + +heels + + of + +director + + + +Marc + + +Webb’s + + + reboot + + + +of+ the +++ Spider-Man phenomenon, The Amazing Spider+++++++++++++++++++++++++

wElCoME!

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Man 2 sees the depth and sterling performances of its predecessor combined with the mindblowing action we’ve come to expect of the new breed of superhero movie. And that’s not all. Fresh from the cataclysmic events in 2012’s The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier sees the super-soldier on his second solo outing. As well as grappling with the struggles of the modern world, Rogers faces assassins, paranoia - and one formidable enemy. From comic books to artificial intelligence, director Wally Pfister’s debut sees the consciousness of an A.I. researcher uploaded to the internet on his death - with potentially catastrophic consequences - in science fiction thrill fest Transcendence. And get set for Rio! We’re heading deep into the Amazon, to a world abuzz with vibrant energy and pulsating rhythms, as feathery heroes Blu and Jewel take off for another brilliantly captivating THE adventure in Rio 2 - just the ticket b A R G oDiEs for our winter-wearied spirits as we Go me swing into spring. Until next time! awesoon e our Craig May Editor

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6 wHAT’s oN

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DIVERGENT

Crammed full of previews of the unmissable new releases hitting the big screen in March and April. Including Divergent, Muppets Most Wanted, Noah, Labor Day and many more.

12 DEATH bECoMEs HiM Johnny Depp’s Will Caster has a mid-afterlife crisis when his consciousness is uploaded to the internet after an anti-technology team takes him down. Hold tight for Transcendence.

13 sPiN CiTY The Amazing Spider-Man 2 sees Spidey take on a trio of villains in his most daring and dizzyingly epic escapade yet.

10 NOah

14 JUNGlE FEVER Prepare to take off for warmer climes as Rio 2 soars into cinema screens in a flurry of feathery fun, wild escapades and irresistible beats.

16 THE wiNTER MARVEl The second solo outing for Marvel’s Captain America sees the super-soldier embroiled in a web of earth-shattering proportions in the modern world.

20 CoMiNG sooN We look at all the forthcoming films to get excited about in May and June. Including X-Men: Days of Future Past, Maleficent and 22 Jump Street to name but a few.

20 22 TaRZaN

www.hollywoodcinemas.net

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Roll CREDiTs » Editor Craig May / Assistant Editor Rebecca Matthews / Contributors Cheyenne Campbell, Chris Wasey, Rewan Tremethick, Lee Curtis, Brody Rossiter Design www.morewhitespace.co.uk Advertising Craig May / Print Four Way Print

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© Onscreen is published by Merlin Cinemas Ltd, Savoy Suite, Causewayhead, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2SN Tel: 01736 331177 Email: admin@merlincinemas.co.uk. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be published without written permission. While reasonable steps are taken to check the accuracy of the content within this publication, Onscreen cannot take responsibility for any mistakes or omissions or the views of our contributors or advertisers. All information enclosed is correct at time of going to print, however release dates are subject to change and not all films included in the publication may be shown at the cinemas above.

WHAT’S ON

THE UNMISSABLE

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Only spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city.

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HIS GREATEST BATTLE BEGINS

The AmAzing Spider-mAn 2 Release date 18 apRil / director Marc Webb / starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx / Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy

After the massive success of The Amazing Spider-Man back in 2012, Marc Webb is back in the director’s seat for the second instalment of web slinging chaos. We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead. It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend Harry Osborn (Dane Dehaan) returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp. So hold on tight as this much loved super hero swings back on to our screens reaching a whole new level of dizzying heights! 6 March / April 2014

Dates for your Diary 7 March

300: Rise Of an empire (3d) / the Grand Budapest Hotel / paranoia / escape From planet earth (3d)

14 March

Need For speed (3d) / Under the skin / the Zero theorem

21 March

about last Night / a long Way down / starred Up / labor day

28 March

Captain america: the Winter soldier (3d) / the legend Of Hercules / Muppets Most Wanted

4 april

divergent / the double / Noah / Rio 2 (3d)

11 april

Calvary / the last days On Mars / the Quiet Ones / the Raid 2

18 april

the amazing spider-Man 2 (3d) / the love punch

25 april

the Other Woman / Vampire academy / tracks / transcendence

THE LEGENd Of HERcULES

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Film ShOrTS The Quiet Ones

The Zero Theorem

Release date 11 apRil / director John Pogue / starring Jared Harris, Sam Claflin, Olivia Cooke / Genre Horror

Release date 14 MaRch / director Terry Gilliam / starring Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Thierry, David Thewlis / Genre Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Inspired by true events, The Quiet Ones tells the story of an unorthodox professor (Harris) who uses controversial methods and leads his best students off the grid to take part in a dangerous experiment: to create a poltergeist. Based on the theory that paranormal activity is caused by human negative energy, the rogue scientists perform a series of tests on a young patient, pushing her to the edge of sanity. As frightening occurrences begin to take place with shocking and gruesome consequences, the group quickly realise they have triggered a force more terrifying and evil than they ever could have imagined.

The Zero Theorem is an unconventional sci-fi movie directed by the very talented Terry Gilliam who brought us the likes of Brazil and Twelve Monkeys. An eccentric computer genius plagued with existential angst works on a mysterious project aimed at discovering the purpose of existence-or the lack thereof-once and for all. However, it is only once he experiences the power of love and desire that he is able to understand his very reason for being. Christopher Waltz plays the mysterious functionary Qohen Leth, with Matt Damon, Tilda Swinton and Ben Whishaw also making appearances.

3D in certain cinemas

Need FoR speed ReLeASe DATe 14 MARCH Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind.

GRaNd Budapest hotel ReLeASe DATe 7 MARCH the adventures of Gustave h, a legendary concierge at a famous european hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

the love puNch ReLeASe DATe 18 ApRIL piece Brosnan and emma thompson team up as a divorced couple scheming to recover the retirement money that was stolen from them.

in certain cinemas

it’s On in tHe amaZOn

seiZe YOUr GLOrY

rio 2

300: rise Of An Empire

Released 4 apRil / director Carlos Saldanha / starring Anne Hathaway, Amandla Stenberg, Leslie Mann / Genre Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Released 7 MaRch / director Noam Murro / starring Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva Green / Genre Action, Drama, War

The returning voices of Jesse eisenberg, Anne Hathaway and will.i.am are joined by a flock of newcomers, including Bruno Mars, for a sequel rich in colour, comedy and chorus. While Rio 2 still moves to its predecessor’s samba rhythm, it delves deeper into Brazilian culture as Blu, Jewel and their three children migrate from their domesticated luxury and into the wild Amazon. Despite Blu’s concerns, Jewel insists the family should experience the rainforest and learn to live like real birds. As Blu struggles to acclimatise to his new habitat and connect with his new neighbours he begins to worry that he will lose his family to the call of the wild. All the while his old nemesis Nigel the cockatoo is plotting revenge.

Shortly after the death of warrior King Leonidas and his valiant 300, Themistocles swears an oath to the mourning Queen Gorgo that he will avenge her husband and destroy the mortal-turned-god Xerxes. But, in the time since 300, his persian army has grown stronger and the battle has shifted from land to sea so the vengeful Spartan must unite all of Greece to overcome the odds and change the course of a most brutal war. 300 director Zack Snyder returns as a producer to assist newcomer Noam Murro and ensure this new chapter of Frank Miller’s epic saga maintains its famous graphic visual style. Fuelled by the same blood, sweat and spears of its predecessor, the seas are sure to run red in this action-packed sequel. March / April 2014 7

WHAT’S ON

ONE CHOICE CAN TRANSFORM YOU

Divergent Release date 4 apRil / director Neil Burger / starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet / Genre Action, Adventure, Romance

in Beatrice prior’s dystopian chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue candor (the honest), abnegation (the selfless), dauntless (the brave), amity (the peaceful), and erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is she can’t have both. so she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. during the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. and as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves... or it might destroy her.

8 March / April 2014

Film Shorts the Raid 2 Release date 11 apRil Only a short time after the first raid, Rama goes undercover with the thugs of Jakarta and plans to bring down the syndicate and uncover the corruption within his police force.

abOut last NiGht Release date 21 MaRch a modern reimagining of the classic romantic comedy, this version closely follows new love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world.

uNdeR the skiN Release date 14 MaRch Visually and aurally audacious, Jonathan Glazer’s (sexy beast, birth) elliptical sci-fi about an alien creature (scarlett Johansson) who stalks down human prey is a brilliant mixture of fantasy and reality.

CalVaRy Release date 11 apRil after being told he will be murdered in one week’s time Father James lavelle finds himself with seven days to determine his would be killer and put his affairs in order.

One TO WaTch

Labor Day

The Other Woman

Release date 21 MaRch / director Jason Reitman / starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith / Genre Drama

Release date 25 apRil / director Nick Cassavetes / starring Cameron Diaz, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Leslie Mann / Genre Comedy

Jason Reitman, famed for such films as Juno and Up in the Air, takes the directorial reigns of this heart wrenching drama. Labor Day centres on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence. On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.

Nick Cassavetes (My Sister’s Keeper, The Notebook) takes a different direction to his past projects in this hilarious new comedy. With Cameron Diaz heading up this eclectic cast you are sure for laughs a plenty. Carly (Cameron Diaz) discovers her new boyfriend Mark (Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is a fraud - and worse - when she accidentally meets his wife, Kate (Leslie Mann). Carly suddenly finds herself comforting Kate, and their unlikely friendship solidifies when they realise that Mark is cheating on both of them with yet another “other woman,” Amber (Kate Upton). The three women join forces plotting an outrageous plan for revenge.

Muppets Most Wanted Release date 28 MaRch / director James Bobin / starring Tom Hiddleston, Stanley Tucci, Lady Gaga / Genre Adventure, Comedy, Crime

disney’s Muppets Most Wanted takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theatres in some of europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and london. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by constantine - the World’s Number One criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit and his dastardly sidekick dominic, aka Number two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. the film stars tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and ty Burrell as interpol agent Jean pierre Napoleon. Not to mention a whole host of cameos from hollywood’s elite!

3D IN CERTaIN CINEmas

a NEW INTELLIGENCE Is BORN

THE FIRsT aVENGER RETURNs

Transcendence

captain america: The Winter Soldier

Released 25 apRil / director Wally Pfister / starring Johnny Depp, Kate Mara, Morgan Freeman / Genre Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

Dr. Will Caster is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him. For his wife Evelyn and friend Max, both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can… but if they should. Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.

Released 28 MaRch / director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo / starring Chris Evans, Frank Grillo, Sebastian Stan / Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Steve Rogers continues his journey as the super-powered American soldier who’s grasping to find his place in a modern world after being frozen in ice since WWII with this Marvel Studios sequel. After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, we find Steve, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. but when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Captain America and the Black Widow must recruit the aid of the Falcon to aid them in the looming battle and soon encounter an unanticipated and powerful adversary the Winter Soldier. March / April 2014 9

WHAT’S ON

THE END OF THE WORLD... IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Noah releASe DATe 4 April / Director Darren Aronofsky / Starring Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, Logan Lerman / genre Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

this is perhaps a rather fitting release considering the winter we’re currently experiencing. it’s one of the most well-known stories of all time, and now the epic tale of Noah comes to the big screen. Noah (Russell crowe) is plagued by visions of an apocalyptic deluge that will destroy all of mankind. desperate to protect his family, including wife Nameeh (Jennifer connelly), adopted daughter ila (emma Watson), and sons ham (logan lerman), shem (douglas Booth) and Japeth (leo Mchugh carroll), he sets about his plans to keep them safe. Black swan director darren aronofsky’s adaptation of the story has been on the cards since 2007, with a part of the script originally adapted into a graphic novel before a deal was struck for the $130million budget. it is sure to generate a few talking points. For one, the character of Noah is, in aronofsky’s own words, ‘dark and complex’, who drinks too much and ponders leaving all of mankind to their doom. also starring anthony hopkins and Ray Winstone, Noah is an epic film about devotion and courage that is sure to make a splash this april.

10 March / April 2014

Film Shorts The Double Release date 4 apRil A comic adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky)’s novel about a man whose life begins to unravel once he glimpses his doppelganger. Jesse eisenberg plays the lead roles of Simon and James.

eScApe From plAneT eArTh (3D) Release date 7 MaRch escape from planet earth is an animated family comedy that catapults moviegoers to planet baab where astronaut Scorch Supernova (brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population.

A long WAy DoWn Release date 21 MaRch on the edge and desperate to jump, four people meet on a london Skyscraper on new year’s eve. They form a surrogate family to help one another weather the difficulties of their lives.

TrAckS Release date 25 apRil Alice in Wonderland’s mia Wasikowska stars as a young woman on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog.

one to wAtch

Vampire Academy

Starred Up

Release date 25 apRil / director Mark Waters / starring Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky / Genre Action, Comedy, Fantasy

Release date 21 MaRch / director David Mackenzie / starring Rupert Friend, Jack O’Connell, Ben Mendelsohn / Genre Drama

Vampire Academy is a bestselling series of books by author Richelle Mead, following the adventures of the pupils at a secret school for peaceful vampires. Director Mark Waters brings this world to life, and follows the struggle of the rebellious guardian Rose, and her vampire princess friend Lissa. Captured and returned to St Vladamir’s Academy, the two must try to fit back in. The evil Strigoi prowl outside the Academy, waiting for their chance to strike at Lissa. However, there is danger within, too, as there are those inside the Academy who have plans for Lissa.

Jack O’Connell gives a star-making performance as 19 year-old Eric Love, a violent and troubled teenager making the difficult transition from a young offenders’ institute to adult prison. As he struggles to assert himself against the prison officers and the other inmates, he has to confront his own father, Nev (Ben Mendelsohn); a man who has spent most of his life in jail. As Eric forges allegiances with other prisoners, he learns that his rage can be overcome and discovers the new rules of survival. But there are forces at work which threaten to destroy him.

EVERY MAN HAS A DESTINY

Paranoia Release date 7 MaRch / director Robert Luketic / starring Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman, Harrison Ford / Genre Drama, Thriller

adam cassidy (liam hemsworth) is an ambitious but low-level employee at booming high-tech company Wyatt telecom. after he is unfairly fired, adam slyly diverts company funds to throw a huge going away party but is quickly caught by maverick ceO Nicolas Wyatt (Gary Oldman). Wyatt gives adam a choice: go to prison for embezzlement, or become a spy in the headquarters of their chief competitor trion systems under rival ceO, industry elderstatesman Jack Goddard (harrison Ford). Blackmailed into corporate espionage, adam finds himself trapped in a world where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted, discovering just how far some executives will go to keep company secrets

SPINE-TINGLING SCI-FI

the Legend of hercules the Last Days on Mars Released 28 MaRch / director Renny Harlin / starring Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins / Genre Action, Adventure

Released 11 apRil / director Ruairi Robinson / starring Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola Garai / Genre Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Leaving his blood sucking Vampire days in the past Kellan Lutz (The Twilight Saga) steps up to the plate as the muscle clad hero Hercules, the son of Zeus, a half-god, half- man blessed with extraordinary strength. In the epic origin story Hercules is betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and gladiator- arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.

On the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, a crew member of Tantalus Base believes he has made an astounding discovery fossilised evidence of bacterial life. Unwilling to let the relief crew claim all the glory, he disobeys orders to pack up and goes out on an unauthorized expedition to collect further samples. But a routine excavation turns to disaster when the ground collapses, and he falls into a deep crevice and near certain death. His colleagues attempt to recover his body. However, when another vanishes they start to suspect that the life-form they have discovered is not yet dead. As the group begins to fall apart it seems their only hope is the imminent arrival of the relief ship Aurora. March / April 2014 11

Feature Johnny Depp’s Will Caster has a mid-afterlife crisis, his consciousness uploaded to the internet after an anti-technology team takes him down. Will his life’s work equate to humanity’s salvation or its swan song? Hold tight for Transcendence WorDs Cheyenne Campbell

DEATH BECOMES HIM released 25 april / director Wally Pfister / starring Johnny Depp, Kate Mara, Morgan Freeman / Genre Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

hat if the key to immortality was within our hands or, more accurately, our computers? What would that immortality look like? Those questions, posed by Transcendence, the directorial debut of Wally Pfister (Christopher Nolan’s cinematographer since 2000’s Memento), offer either hope for humankind or a one-way plummet toward self-annihilation. By tapping into a concept that’s clung to our consciousness since first entering popular culture, Pfister seems assured of an audience. As mankind’s advancements hurtle ever forward, revisiting these ideas forces us to face our incredible progress - and its implications. Johnny Depp stars as Dr. Will Caster, an A.I.

researcher working alongside his wife (Rebecca Hall) and best friend (Paul Bettany) on the idea of Technological Singularity. Will invites us to “Imagine a machine with the full range of human emotion,” stating that such a machine would wield power greater than the collective intelligence of every person in history. Will’s team presents this work as a path towards utopia, the bottom line being “to save lives.” But not everyone sees this progress through quite so rose-tinted a lens. Enter RIFT, (Revolutionary Independence From Technology), who make short work of putting a radiation-laced bullet in Will. Before Will dies, his surviving team upload him to the internet, and then must decide whether the Will-in-the-machine is the utopian future they dreamed of or the end of civilization as we know it. Rounding out the cast are Morgan Freeman, Cate Mara and Cillian Murphy in this action thriller that’s as much cautionary tale as science fiction.

transcendence

RISE OF THE MACHINES star trek’s data

Often, self-aware a.i.s in sci-fi represent catastrophe for humanity, but the potential for good can strike just as resounding a chord one that rings with optimism rather than fear. star Trek: The next Generation’s beloved android, data, represented one such hopeful outlook. his goal throughout the series was to become more human - seeking comprehension and deeper companionship, but never control. While data’s abilities were hijacked occasionally by opponents of the Federation’s peaceful goals (not to mention his malevolent brother, lore), data brought out the best in humans around him, inspiring emotions - ironic, given his childlike desire to grasp them himself.

Feature

SPIN CITY Everyone’s favourite web-slinging wonder is back - and he’s got a nifty new suit. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 sees Spidey take on a trio of villains in his most daring and dizzyingly epic escapade yet

HERE COME THE VILLAINS! electro

wordS Lee Curtis

the amazing Spider-man 2

rhino

reLease date 18 apriL / director Marc Webb / starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx / Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy

aving successfully adapted to the post-Nolan superhero climate, where there is an increased demand for deeper, darker narratives, aptly named director Marc Webb returns with a hotly anticipated follow-up to his popular 2012 reboot. Of the few faults noted first time round was Webb’s failure to weave enough superhero action into his unique spin on the familiar comic book tale - and the American director has responded with an influx of Web-Head’s most powerful villains. Set only months after Spidey’s epic battle with Lizard, New York faces a greater threat with the emergence of three new terrors: Electro, Rhino and Green Goblin. High profile actors Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti and Chris

Cooper embrace these antagonists for an action-packed sequel that promises to intensify everything its predecessor offered. Similarly to the original, battling villains isn’t the only problem our hero faces. The focus remains on Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker and his continuing struggle to maintain a balance between the ordinary obligations of a young adult and the extraordinary responsibilities as the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. As well as a host of new enemies, Peter must manage his graduation, his deteriorating friendship with Harry Osborn and rapidly developing relationship with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy - all the while ensuring that both identities are separated to keep those close to him safe from his exploits as a masked vigilante. But Peter’s two worlds are about to collide like never before when he discovers his new enemies are all connected by Oscorp, the experimental science company that Harry’s father Norman Osborn owns.

in addition to web-slinging action and acute drama, Marc Webb’s villain-loaded sequel is something of a statement of intent for what the amazing spider-Man franchise will be offering over coming years. sony pictures has scheduled a further two sequels for 2016 and 2018 with the promise of yet more villains. Venom, who was previously depicted in raimi’s spider-Man 3, will be reintroduced alongside the sinister six, a collaboration of spider-Man’s most powerful comic book foes: doctor Octopus, electro, sandman, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio and Vulture. While the avengers tie-in that fans would love to see remains unlikely, both franchises are sure to excel as standalone products, ramping up the action with every addition.

March / April 2014 13

Feature Prepare to take off for warmer climes as Rio 2 soars into cinema screens in a flurry of feathery fun, wild escapades and irresistible beats woRds Brody rossiter

JUNGLE FEVER ANIMAL CRACKERS

Blu and Jewel are spix’s macaws, a bird native to Brazil and also known as the ‘Little Blue Macaw.’ they are members of the Arini tribe, a group of Neotropical parrots known for their vibrant, colourful plumage and long tails, and have a diet consisting of seeds and nuts plucked from the thousands of rainforest trees. today, the international Union for Conservation of Nature regards the bright blue birds as critically endangered or even extinct in the wild, due to rapid deforestation. Luckily, the work of scientists and conservationists has given this beautiful species new hope of survival as captive birds are placed into breeding programmes and released back into their natural habitat - hopefully Blu and Jewel won’t be rare for much longer.

14 March / April 2014

...If the imminent threat of destruction and disaster and the return of Nigel weren’t bad enough, the meek macaw also has to deal with Jewel’s suave ex-boyfriend roberto...

released 4 april / director Carlos Saldanha / starring Anne Hathaway, Amandla Stenberg, Leslie Mann / Genre Animation, Adventure, Comedy

he wonderment of Pixar’s fantastical lands has long towered over the world of animated cinema. Buzz and Woody’s Toy Story adventures not only pulled in the box office big bucks, but wowed cinemagoers of all ages with their thrilling escapades. Now there’s a new contender in town, and he’s ready to ruffle some feathers. Back in 2011, Blue Sky Studios - the creators of Epic and Ice Age - introduced audiences to Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) the last two blue macaws on Earth, who, amongst the colourful sights and bright lights of Rio de Janeiro, fell in love with one another. After the pair defeated evil bird smugglers, and an even more evil bird - the dastardly sulphur-crested cockatoo Nigel (Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement) - the rare pair returned home to set up a nest and live flappily ever after.

Reuniting all the fuzzy faces of Rio, and introducing a menagerie of new characters, Rio 2 picks up where the original movie left off: Blu still loves his home comforts and making pancakes, while Jewel longingly yearns for the freedom of a bird’s life. Two years later and with a flock of their own mini macaws in tow, free-spirited Jewel decides that her new family should experience the wild marvels of their true home, and reconnect with the ancient roots of the Amazon rainforest - unfortunately, this family reunion promises much more than dubious dad dancing and embarrassing family photographs. After stumbling across her long-lost father Eduardo (Andy Garcia), the feathered family learn that not only is the Amazonian habitat in great danger, but Blu’s vengeful nemesis Nigel has returned - and he’s more wicked than ever. If the imminent threat of destruction and disaster and the return of Nigel weren’t bad enough, the meek macaw also has to deal with Jewel’s suave ex-boyfriend Roberto (voiced by pop sensation Bruno Mars) landing on the scene. Luckily, Blu and Jewel have made some unforgettable friends on their travels. Birdbrained bulldog Luiz (Tracy Morgan), bottle cap hat-wearing canary Nico (Jamie Foxx),

rapping red-crested cardinal Pedro (will.i.am), alongside many more famous voices, reprise their Rio roles and race to the aid of their winged allies. The original Rio was highly praised for its sensational score. From the celebratory rhythms of the carnival parade to its tribal jungle boogies, the film not only explored landscapes overflowing with animated life, but ones bustling with musical delights. Rio 2 promises an equally melodic journey through Brazil’s cities and tropical forests, as veteran composer John Powell returns to score the high-flying action. Accompanied by original songs performed by Bruno Mars, Janelle Monáe, Jamie Foxx and will.i.am, Rio 2’s musical pleasures will have you dancing in the aisles - ensuring that this reunion party will have the best soundtrack in town. Pixar’s reign as animation extraordinaires may have gone largely unchallenged since Toy Story 3, but Blue Sky Studios and their brilliantly funny, charming and devilish members of the animal kingdom are sure to give them a run for their money this spring. He may well not be able to fly, but that won’t stop Blu and company from soaring through cinemas and transporting audiences to a carnival of music, mischief, and amazing adventure - it’s on in the Amazon.

March / April 2014 15

feature

MARVEL: PHASE II

guardians of the galaxy Iron Man 3 (2013)

Still recovering from post-traumatic stress, Stark faces his greatest enemy, The Mandarin, and his secretive army of super-soldiers.

Thor: The Dark WorlD (2013) Far darker than the first outing, Thor must enlist loki’s help to save Jane Foster and help prevent the universe’s destruction by the dark elves.

CapTaIn aMerICa: The WInTer SolDIer (2014) More details to your right…

GuarDIanS oF The Galaxy (2014)

aliens, trees and a talking racoon - by far the strangest franchise in Marvel’s repertoire. expect avengers’ 2 villain, Thanos, to feature heavily.

avenGerS: aGe oF ulTron (2015)

The big finish. as well as the (already huge) ensemble cast, this outing will also include twins Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch and an increased role for Iron patriot.

anT-Man (2015)

not due for release until 2015, this is technically phase III. Directed by edgar Wright, veteran of hot Fuzz and Scott pilgrim, expect this tiny avenger to be one of the funniest.

16 March / April 2014

The second solo outing for Marvel’s Captain America sees the super-soldier embroiled in a web of earthshattering proportions in the modern world. Explosive drama awaits in Captain America: The Winter Soldier words Christopher Wasey

THE WINTER MARVEL released 28 MarCh / director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo / starring Chris Evans, Frank Grillo, Sebastian Stan / Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

hase I of Marvel’s master plan was all about the buildup: origin stories, character introductions, broad mythology brush strokes. At more than $1 billion dollars across five movies, it was the most ambitious strategy in cinematic history, and culminated in a universally acclaimed superhero movie, grossing more than $1 billion. Following the events of Avengers Assemble, each member of the team must come to terms with a world that is forever altered. This path is even harder for Captain America (Chris Evans), a man 50 years out of time. With AA’s breakneck pace, there was barely time to address Steve Rogers’ adjustment to contemporary life: the deceit, the shadow games, the constant threat from within and without. Long gone is the simplicity of fighting clear-cut brutality from the Nazis. Steve Rogers might have been The First Avenger, but his place in cinephile hearts wasn’t fully cemented until Assemble. The most ‘human’ of the ensemble, he went toe-to-toe with Thor and Iron Man, verbally sparred with Tony Stark, built a fledgling friendship with Bruce Banner and led the team to victory over Loki’s invasion. In short, the scrawny 70-yearold infantryman saved the world.

Far from affording Cap or his fellow Avengers some reprieve, Phase II sees the tone grow ever darker. True to their otherworldly or lone wolf backgrounds, Thor and Iron Man had their outings with only a slight nod to SHIELD. By contrast, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is fully entrenched alongside the organisation - their fates intertwined. In the aftermath of New York, most of the team disbanded, but Cap continued to work for them. After two years juggling the conflicting obligations of public persona and black ops for Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), he grows disillusioned with the complexity of the modern world. Tasked with increasingly ‘pre-emptive’ combat missions, he begins to wonder if he is even fighting on the right side. Shady politician, Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) offers him the chance to make a different kind of difference: to tear SHIELD down and start again, rebuild anew with Cap as its ethical compass. As fellow agents are assassinated and Cap ambushed by supposed allies, he begins to wonder if Fury’s paranoia and murky moral strategy undermine the principles of freedom he once fought for. Still wrestling with these uncertainties, a new enemy emerges: one more powerful than even Cap himself. With its fleet of helicarriers and headquarters attacked, SHIELD finds itself under siege. While director Fury tries to coordinate a response, the Winter Soldier emerges to wreak further havoc. A relic of the old Soviet Union, he was once a US serviceman (captured during WWII) and brainwashed to function as the perfect soldier. With almost preternatural reflexes and fitted with a bionic

arm, Rogers finds himself in the fight of his life - while a revelation about the enemy’s identity might prove even more crushing. Cap’s only support comes from Sam Wilson, aka Falcon (Anthony Mackie). Sam is a SHIELD operative, trained to the highest level and entrusted with technologically advanced mechanical wings, which allow him to fly at altitudes similar to the helicarriers. With his first comic appearance in 1969, Falcon was the first African-American superhero to enter Marvel’s roster. The villains, too, are more numerous. As with all Marvel’s strategic canon productions, there are extra layers of geeky excellence for those familiar with the comics. Along with the eponymous antagonist, the trailers also quietly introduced two minor villains: Batroc the Leaper (played by UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre) and Crossbones (Frank Grillo from End of Watch), both of whom excel in handto-hand combat. Interestingly, it remains unclear whether these identities are already carved out, or whether their battles with Cap in this movie effectively become their supervillain origin stories, with a view to seeing them troubling SHIELD in future productions. In the last decade, Marvel has demonstrated no shortage of tenacity and ambition. As the big sequel looms on the horizon, one might think that our great heroes are safe, their place in the Ultron sequel confirmed. But as comic book fans will confirm, no Avenger is completely safe. With a nasty habit of killing off and replacing their main characters, more assembly may be needed after the Winter Soldier is done. March / April 2014 17

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Guess Who? 1

Who is this ?

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Who is this ?

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ox of chocolate s. You never kno w what you’re gonna get.”

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“You’v one qu e got to ask yourse estion: ‘ D o I feel lu lf Well, d cky?’ o ya, p unk?”

“Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?”

e him an “I’m going to mak se.” offer he can’t refu

Double acts Who’s my partner?

the Name ter charac

? answers:

1. Ewan McGregor 2. Gerard Butler 3. Denzel Washington 4. Jude Law 5. Mark Wahlberg 6. Nicole Kidman 7. Angelina Jolie 8. Tom Cruise 9. Forrest Gump 10. Dirty Harry 11. The Graduate 12. The Godfather 13. R2D2 14. Buzz Lightyear 15. Olaf

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coming soon FoRTHcoming

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WE nEED YoU To HoPE AgAin

X-Men: Days Of future Past Release date 23 May / director Bryan Singer / starring Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Evan Peters / Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy

X-Men: Days of Future Past serves as a direct sequel to X-Men: First Class, but also a culmination of fourteen years of filmmaking as it unites the narratives of the original trilogy and last year’s The Wolverine. The X-Men are getting The Avengers treatment, but looks set to surpass Marvel’s assemblage by offering an unrivalled ensemble of characters that has rarely, if ever, been seen in any superhero film before. Although plot details are scarce, the highly regarded comic book story from which it is based is set across two time periods and focuses on the mutants from the original trilogy joining forces with their younger selves to change the past to save their future. Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Patrick Stewart, Michael Fassbender, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page and many more reprise their roles for a sequel bursting at the seams with Hollywood talent. With so little information available, it’s hard to know what to expect, but there is one thing a film with such an ambitious time-travelling narrative, a giant roster of superheroes and equal number of villains guarantees; action. 20 March / April 2014

BLEnDED

Film Shorts the F WoRd RELEASE DATE 2 MAy daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan star as two friends who, despite their mutual attraction, give friendship a try in this romantic comedy from director Michael dowse (Goon).

prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.

MRs BRoWn’s Boys d’Movie

RELEASE DATE 23 MAy adam sandler and drew Barrymore reunite with their Wedding singer director, Frank Coraci, for this Warner Bros. romantic comedy regarding a terrible blind date that segues into a nightmare family vacation.

RELEASE DATE 27 JunE When Moore street market-trader agnes Brown finds her livelihood under threat from a ruthless developer, she and her family embark on a campaign to save her stall, aided as only the Browns will be by a motley troop of blind trainee ninjas, an alcoholic solicitor, and a barrister with tourettes syndrome.

Belle

Pele

Blended

RELEASE DATE 13 JunE Raised by her aristocratic greatuncle lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin

RELEASE DATE 30 MAy the film will tell Brazilian soccer Pele’s life story, from humble beginnings through leading Brazil to its first ever world cup victory in 1958.

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OnE TO waTch

Sabotage

Frank

Release date 9 May / director David Ayer / starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard / Genre Action, Crime, Drama

Released 9 May / director Lenny Abrahamson / starring Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal / Genre Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Directed by David Ayer, Sabotage follows Arnold Schwarzenegger as he leads an elite DEA task force against the world’s deadliest drug cartel. When the team successfully executes a high-stakes raid on a cartel safe house, they think their work is done - until, one-by-one, the team members start to be eliminated. As the body count rises, everyone is a suspect. Joining Arnie for some serious knuckle crunching are Sam Worthington, Terence Howard, Josh Holloway and Mireille Enos. Expect action a plenty!

Frank is a comedy about a wannabe musician, Jon, who discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew when he joins a band of eccentric pop musicians led by the enigmatic Frank and his terrifying sidekick, Clara. Frank’s uniqueness lies in the fact that he makes music purely for the joy of creating and because he wears a giant fake head. After a rocky start, Jon ingratiates himself with the band, and they retreat to a cabin in the woods to record an album. As his influence waxes, creative tensions mount and the band’s entire reason for existence is called into question.

LIVE, DIE, REPEAT

3D IN cERTAIN cINEmAS

22 Jump Street Released 6 June / director Phil Lord, Christopher Miller starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube Genre Action, Comedy, Crime

after making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. now they don’t have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them.

EVIL HAS A BEGINNING

3D IN cERTAIN cINEmAS

Edge Of Tomorrow

Maleficent

Release date 30 May / director Doug Liman / starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton / Genre Action, Sci-Fi

Release date 30 May / director Robert Stromberg / starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley / Genre Action, Adventure, Drama

The action unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world. Major William Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

From Disney comes Maleficent-the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal-an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realises that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well. March / April 2014 21

comiNG SooN

3D iN cERTAiN ciNEmAS

Raised from that day forward by a motherly gorilla named Kala, the boy, now named tarzan, quickly integrates into the family of primates.

THE LEGEND STARTS HERE

Tarzan Release date 2 May / director Reinhard Klooss / starring Kellan Lutz, Robert Capron, Jaime Ray Newman / Genre Animation, Action, Adventure

John Greystoke, Jr. was just a toddler when he accompanied his adventurous mother and father on a journey into Africa in search of a mineral that could revolutionise the energy industry. That trip turns tragic, however, when their helicopter crashes in a race to escape a massive storm, leaving young John the sole survivor. Raised from that day forward by a motherly gorilla named Kala, the boy, now named Tarzan, quickly integrates into the family of primates. But alpha male Silverback Tablat refuses to accept Tarzan’s presence, viewing him as a direct threat to the clan. Nearly a decade later, Tarzan encounters beautiful Jane Porter, and begins to long for human contact. When Jane returns to the jungle accompanied by smooth-talking entrepreneur William Clayton a few years later, her relationship with Tarzan is rekindled. But while Clayton has seemingly come to the jungle to support Jane’s conservationist endeavors, he’s actually searching for the very same energy source once sought by Tarzan’s father. The only one who can save Jane from both the villainous industrialist and the menacing Tablat is the noble Tarzan of the apes.

22 March / April 2014

bAD NEiGHbouRS

Film Shorts Plastic ReleASe dATe 2 MAy sam and Fordy run a credit card fraud scheme, but when they steal from the wrong man, they find themselves threatened by a sadistic gangster. they need to raise £5m and pull off a daring diamond heist to clear their debt.

Godzilla (3d) ReleASe dATe 16 MAy an epic rebirth to toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and legendary Pictures, pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Bad NeiGhBouRs ReleASe dATe 9 MAy seth Rogen, zac efron and Rose Byrne lead the cast of Bad Neighbours, a

comedy about a young couple suffering from arrested development who are forced to live next to a fraternity house after the birth of their newborn baby.

the Fault iN ouR staRs ReleASe dATe 20 JuNe hazel and Gus are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them - and us on an unforgettable journey. their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.

PostMaN Pat ReleASe dATe 23 MAy Greendale’s beloved Postman Pat enters a tV talent show competition, but will his small town values be compromised by the lure of fame and fortune?

One tO watcH

Legends Of Oz: Dorothy’s Return release date 23 May / director Will Finn, Dan St. Pierre / starring James Belushi, Hugh Dancy, Lea Michele / Genre Animation, Family, Musical

A continuation of one of the world’s most popular and beloved fairy tales, Legends of Oz finds Dorothy waking to post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends from a devious new villain. Wiser the owl (Oliver Platt), Marshal Mallow (Hugh Dancy), China Princess (Megan Hilty) and Tugg the tugboat (Patrick Stewart) join Dorothy on her latest magical journey through the colourful landscape of Oz to restore order and happiness to Emerald City.

Heaven Is For Real released 9 May / director Randall Wallace / starring Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum / Genre Drama

Based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name, Heaven is for Real brings to the screen the true story of a smalltown father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son’s extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world. Greg Kinnear and Kelly Reilly star as the real-life couple whose son Colton claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience. Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth ... things he couldn’t possibly know. Todd and his family are then challenged to examine the meaning from this remarkable event.

a MILLIOn ways tO DIe In tHe west

FROM THE GUY WHO BROUGHT YOU TED

in cERTain cinEMas

Pompeii released 2 May / director Paul W.S. Anderson / starring Dylan Schombing, Jean-Francois Lachapelle, Rebecca Eady / Genre Action, Adventure, Drama

expect action a plenty as Paul W.s. anderson (director of the resident evil saga) brings this explosive drama to a cinema screen near you. set in 79 a.d., Pompeii tells the epic story of Milo (Kit Harington), a slave turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia (emily Browning), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt roman senator. as Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him.

released 6 June / director Seth MacFarlane / starring Liam Neeson, Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried / Genre: Comedy, Western

Seth MacFarlane directs, produces, co-writes and plays the role of the cowardly sheep farmer Albert in A Million Ways to Die in the West. After Albert backs out of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend leaves him for another man. When a mysterious and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love. But when her husband, a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test. Starring alongside MacFarlane are Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman and Neil Patrick Harris. MacFarlane reunites many of the filmmakers behind Universal and MRC’s hit film Ted including Scott Stuber (Bluegrass Films) and Jason Clark who produce, and Wellesley Wild and Alec Sulkin who co-wrote the script.

COMPETITION grEaT PrIzEs

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MuPPETs MOsT waNTEd

Win Some Fantastic Film Goodies If you have been patiently waiting for your next puppet fix since The Muppets back in 2011, then wait no more! The whole gang hits the big screen once more this March, so hold on tight for laughter a plenty. Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theatres in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine - the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit - and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon. Not to mention a whole host of cameos from Hollywood’s elite.

grab T gOOdIEhE s

To celebrate the release of this must see title, on Friday 28th March, we have teamed up with Disney to give 2 lucky readers the chance to win some fantastic goodies. Simply answer the question below:

Q What type of animal is Kermit? Email your answer, name and local cinema to admin@merlincinemas.co.uk Or post your entry to Onscreen Magazine, Savoy Suite, Causewayhead, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2SN. Entries must be received by 30th April 2014. Terms and Conditions: Closing date for entries is 30th April 2014 - Two winners drawn at random will win Muppets Most Wanted goodies shown above - Some items may vary to that shown in the images.

24 March / April 2014

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