Another year, another batch of films to stretch and stagnate the imagination. January sees the appearance of Hollywood royal Leonardo Di Caprio alongside long anticipated 12 Years A Slave. One that’s set to be a disappointment is Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. From Idris Elba’s aberrant South African accent to the apparent appraisal of violent methods to overthrow government it seems they’ve made a hash of it all, which doesn’t prove well for a subject that is still in the memory of many. Nevertheless the recent death of the great South African leader will undoubtedly prove a boost to ticket sales.
Paranormal Activity- The Marked Ones
Release Date: 3rd January
After what seemed like an endless stream of Paranormal Activity films, with the fifth expected to be released at the back-end of 2014, things are moving in a refreshing direction with The Marked Ones. Central to the film is still the idea of paranormal entities creating increasingly threatening situations but the Marked Ones drags the action into the open world, introducing audiences to an array of new paranormal incidents. With a new setting, cast and set of ideas, The Marked Ones looks promising.
The Wolf Of Wall Street
Release Date: 17th January
Starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and directed by Martin Scorsese, most, including myself, won’t need more reason than the all-star cast to see this black comedy, Leonardo Di Caprio’s on-screen aura is always a good enough reason to visit the cinema. The film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. The release of The Wolf Of Wall Street will mark Di Caprio’s fifth collaboration with Scorsese, following; The Aviator, Gangs of New York, Shutter Island and The Departed.
12 Years A Slave
Release Date: 24th January
A year after the UK release of Django Unchained comes 12 Years A Slave, a film that has many parallels to Tarentino’s Western but one that promises to top its dizzy heights. Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom, a free black man from upstate New York is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life. Directed by Steve McQueen and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt, it is yet another all-star January release. If you’re not yet sold on 12 Years A Slave, I challenge you to watch the trailer and not be touched by Ejofor’s rousing ” I will survive! I will not fall into despair. I will keep myself hardy until freedom is opportune!” speech.
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