Films

When you have a young family it is often the case that instead of going out to the cinema to watch the latest new release it is easier to stay at home and have a family movie night. If the children fall asleep or someone wants a drink or snacks it is far easier in your own home than in a cinema where you may worry about disturbing others who are watching the film.

Choosing a film that is suitable for all the ages of the family can be a challenge so watching an old favourite should not be ruled out. There is something nice about watching a film where you know some of the dialogue of by heart and can join in. Also, if you do miss bits of the film because you need to leave the room it is simple to pick up the storyline again.

Animated films are a great favourite of children, but the writers of modern day animations are aware that adults may also be watching and often put in little references that may go over the children’s heads but that adults watching will find amusing. The music used in these films is usually very catchy and you may find yourself humming the tunes well after the film has finished.

The new Tomb Raider film, starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, is something of a breakthrough when it comes to creating a film out of a video game. 

The film focuses on the adventures of Lara Croft, in a similar way to the video game. It even uses some of the locations from the game, so people who know it well will certainly be able to draw comparisons.

However, there are also some details that don’t really marry up. Lara only kills people in two scenes during the film, and in both cases, she is either defending herself or others. This isn’t really in the same vein as the film, in which she kills people all the time.

Whilst this might, on the surface, appear like a lack of attention to detail, in reality it is very much a way of making the character more human and relatable. We care about the character, and the film is about much more than just the action, as is seen in others like Red Dead Redemption and Assassin’s Creed.

Tomb Raider is now showing in UK cinemas.

NOW TV is a new concept in television. It is based on being contract-free, allowing users to pay month by month. There are all kinds of different shows and films that can be viewed, often at very low prices – much cheaper than going to the cinema, for example.

One of the appealing things about this service is that it can be used for multiple devices – up to 60, to be exact. This means you can always watch television on the go, using a mobile phone, a games console or just a regular television as well.

There is plenty of content available on NOW TV. There are more than 60 box sets that you can watch, as well as new shows and films. There is the option to purchase channels temporarily using a pass, such as Sky Sports. The service is much cheaper than other similar TV services, like Virgin Media or Netflix.

2017 has been a great year for film. Cinema and movie fans will have found themselves watching action films, comedies, romances and horrors that have surprised and delighted. Box offices have had strong takings and cinema-goers are finding more variety on screen. Her are some top picks from 2017 so far:

• Dunkirk. Dramatic and powerful, Dunkirk was a sensory overload and an emotional journey all in one. With little dialogue, it still managed to draw audiences in and capture the full horror of war.
• Blade Runner 2049. This one has had mixed reviews but in general, reviewers say it is a triumph.
• After the Storm. An understated drama that isn’t a big Hollywood blockbuster, this film has, regardless, done very well. It is touching and cleverly executed.
• Baby Driver. An action/ motoring movie, the title features a young getaway driver working for a man called Doc, played by Kevin Spacey. It is filled with adrenaline and makes for a captivating film.

Atomic Blonde is an action film set in Berlin during the Cold War. It tracks MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, a lethal assassin and expert in hand-to-hand combat, as she is sent to Berlin to uncover mysteries and assassinate Satchel, an agent who has sold intelligence to Soviet officials. Her mission is not without problems – she is immediately ambushed upon her arrival in the city and the action continues throughout the film. This is definitely one for the action fans out there.

If you were hoping for an in-depth historical narrative, you could be a little disappointed with this film. There is plenty going on but the narrative is its downfall, coming second after the action. The film is directed by David Leitch and is the first film he has directed alone. It stars Charlize Theron as the main character and alongside her are James McAvoy, John Goodman and Eddie Marsan.