Ant-Man (12A)
(Peyton Reed, 2015, US) Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly. 117 mins
A minor Marvel movie in every sense (the climactic showdown takes place in a child’s bedroom), but Rudd is a welcome new addition to the next cycle of the comic-book franchise masterplan. His initiation is mostly good, silly fun played in a comic key with soapy family interludes, some standard corporate intrigue and inventive microcosmic effects, even if it all feels like a routine summer movie rather than the next big thing.
The Wonders (15)
(Alice Rohrwacher, 2014, Ita/Swi/Ger) Maria Alexandra Lungu, Sam Louwyck, Agnese Graziani. 111 mins
A crass TV talent show throws into relief the messy and precarious existence of an independent-minded Tuscan beekeeping family – in particular the conflicted eldest daughter. An intelligently observed drama as oblique as its subjects.
The Salt Of The Earth (12A)
(Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, Wim Wenders, 2014, Fra/Bra/Ita) 110 mins
The biography and personality of Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado proves to be as extraordinary as his work in this evocative doc, looking back on a lifetime spent documenting extremes of humanity. Stunning images are a given.
True Story (15)
(Rupert Goold, 2014, US) Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones. 99 mins
Truth is very much the issue when Hill’s disgraced reporter strikes up an odd acquaintance with a shifty murderer who assumed his identity. Echoes of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, although the character clash doesn’t quite generate enough sparks.
13 Minutes (15)
(Oliver Hirschbiegel, 2015, Ger) Christian Friedel, Katharina Schüttler, Burghart Klaussner. 114 mins
After Downfall, Hirschbiegel dramatises Hitler’s earlier near-downfall: Georg Elser’s 1939 attempt to assassinate the Führer. Flitting between Elser’s subsequent interrogations and his resistance past, it’s a solid piece of work.
The Gallows (15)
(Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing, 2015, US) Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos. 81 mins
Mild stagefright when students revisit a cursed school play in this found-footage horror. The scariest thing is the cliche count.
Self/less (12A)
(Tarsem Singh, 2015, US) Ryan Reynolds, Matthew Goode, Ben Kingsley. 117 mins
Kingsley’s tycoon literally gets a new lease of life via Reynolds’s body, thanks to an experimental technique whose side-effects soon become apparent. This sci-fi is more concerned with chase thrills than psychological questioning, though.
The Ecstasy Of Wilko Johnson (15)
(Julien Temple, 2015, UK) 93 mins
Possibly the most uplifting documentary about terminal illness ever made, as the charming musician looks back over his eventful life, and prepares for his (supposed) exit with an inspiring lack of fear.
Thomas & Friends: Sodor’s Legend Of The Lost Treasure (U)
(David Stoten, 2015, UK) John Hasler, Eddie Redmayne, John Hurt. 63 mins
More gentle, railway-related kids’ animation, this time boasting Oscar-winner Redmayne as a new engine.
Out from Friday
Southpaw A beefed-up Jake Gyllenhaal plays a boxer with plenty to fight for, in and out of the ring.
Inside Out Pixar gets into the head of an 11 year-old girl for a refreshingly smart animation.
Eden A journey-by-DJ through the 90s French dance scene.
The Legend Of Barney Thomson Robert Carlyle plays a Glasgow barber and accidental serial killer.
Maggie A zombie apocalypse challenges Arnold Schwarzenegger’s parenting skills.
Best Of Enemies Doc revisiting Gore Vidal and William F Buckley’s fractious 1968 TV face-offs.
Ruth & Alex Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton play a Brooklyn couple pondering selling their long-time home.
You’re Ugly Too Aidan Gillen plays an Irish ex-con landed with his cocky young niece.
Coming soon
In two weeks… More risky business in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation… Reese Witherspoon’s buddy comedy Hot Pursuit…
In three weeks… Fantastic Four rebooted… Jason Bateman in creepy thriller The Gift…
In a month… Amy Schumer commits to Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck… Guy Ritchie revives The Man From UNCLE…
