Now the cold weather is here, we oldies like to rug up and have a day out at the mall or the city to catch up with friends. Now is a popular movie time in Australia, as boomers like to be somewhere dry and warm. While there are far more new release movies over the summer months, I have found some choice picks for us due for release this winter. My boomer movie selection tends to be low to nil violence, something funny or a genre or theme our age group can relate to. If you are not a babyboomer, then these will be the ones to ask your relatives if they would like to go for an outing to the movies. Here is my selection of the best new release movies for the mature viewer this Winter.
LAST CAB TO DARWIN Rated- M Release Date- August 6
This one will tick many boxes for us oldies. I support Australian films and try to get to see as many as I can. Another fun genre is the road trip movie, and there have been many made here in Australia, as we have very long roads and great scenery. So what does an ageing cabbie do when the doc says he hasn't got long to live? He gets into a car and drives of course. But along the way he learns a little more about life. Who else could they cast but dear Michael Caton of "The Castle" fame. This would be a good choice to take your Dad or get together with some mates. Finally a movie the blokes can relate to.
Michael Caton stars in a fair dinkum Aussie film boomers will love. Image courtesy of www.lastcab.com.au Rated- M Release Date- June 25
We all remember the Beach Boys and their music will live in our hearts forever. This film tells the familiar true story of one so talented, yet living a wretched life. The film reveals the behind the fame life and times of Brian Wilson, and more to the point the relationship with his doctor. The events and his emerging psychosis lead to his eventual breakdown. Not so good vibrations.
MADAME BOVARY Rated- M Release Date- July 9
Another classic novel brought to the screen. Oh I do love period films and this one set in 19th Century France will have me longing for another trip to Europe. This woman does not play by the rules society expects of her, so should bring us a few smiles. Paul Giamatti has been busy this past year as he also stars in the Beach Boys film mentioned above. It will be interesting to see his acting performance in very different roles.
Poster for the film Madame Bovary
Rated- PG Released-
This film is doing the rounds of the best film festivals in the world. Variety describes it as "mesmerising". There is some beautiful scenery and tender clever acting. A sweet naïve Japanese woman finds an old VHS video tape and watches the old American flick called "Fargo", which if I recall was some sort of cowboy flick. She believes it all to be true. In need of adventure or perhaps some common sense she leaves all and sundry in Japan and goes off to current day United States in search of the loot.
Official Poster for Kumiko The Treasure Hunter
Watch the
official movie trailer here for Kumiko The Treasure Hunter.
THE FAREWELL PARTY Rated- TBA Release Date- August 6
He is one we can all relate too. The old folks home is only up the road, as if we don't need reminding. But what if you lived there and wanted to help your mate who has a terminal illness? Euthanasia is an ethical and moral topic often in our news, so someone has finally made a film about it. This film was made in Israel and is being talked about around the world at many festivals. A group of residents in a retirement home put their heads together and build a machine to do the euthanasing, but there are just too many gossip mongers about. Will they spoil the party. Some light hearted humour keeps the film from becoming too depressing.
MR HOLMES
Rated-TBA Release Date- July 23
Alas, it seems everyone is getting old. Even Sherlock Holmes has retired and given away his sleuthing days. Yes, we love a good detective story, and there may be one here. There is one 50 year old unsolved case that still baffles him. Will Holmes' fading memory still serve him well? A film for all the murder mystery lovers.
Even Sherlock Holmes has got older - official movie poster.
(ALSO IN 3D)
Rated- M Release Date- out now.
This one is included not for the acting but for nostalgia's sake, and a bit of fun. Yes, it is 22 years since the first of the Jurassic Series came to the screen. It was so exciting to see at the movies. I recall jumping out of my chair when that dinosaur looked through the car window at that kid. The problems have been sorted, and the park is open to the public. So what could go wrong? Maybe they have finally got it right. If you have never seen a modern 3D film, then this would be a good one to start with. They sell you the 3D glasses at the cinema when you buy your ticket. Jurassic World is topping the USA box office at present.
So there is my picks for your winter entertainment. Remember to check your favourite cinema for any concession rates if you are eligible, or cheap ticket days- usually a Monday or Tuesday. Please note these release dates are for Australia and may be screening at later times in regional areas. Hope you get out to see a new release film this Winter, and I will see you at the movies.
