PLANNING ON HEADING to the cinema this weekend?

There are a few new movies out, but which is a must-watch, and are there any you should avoid? We take a look.

Which one would you go see first?

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

What we know

The game of Jumanji pops up again – this time in digital form – and sucks four teenagers in to play along. This time, they’re in the (you guessed it) jungle, and they inhabit the bodies of some unusual people.

What critics say

• “One everything gets explained, Jumanji settles into a rhythm that just lets the characters shine. Yes, there are “lives” and “levels”, but rather than go deep on video game jokes, the movie gets comfortable with its characters and lets the humor from those relationships.” – Collider 
• “Ms. Gillan, the lesser-known quantity of the group, has to work harder as the geeky teen comes to enjoy living, even if temporarily, in a bombshell adult package. She does commendable work both satirizing, and also fulfilling, a sexist conception.” – New York Times

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 6.1/10
• IMDB: 6.9/10

Pitch Perfect 3

What we know

It’s the third film in the Pitch Perfect series, and this time the Bellas are separated into two groups. So one of them decides to take part in a competition at an overseas military tour. Predictably, they face some big competition.

What critics say

• “It’s a testament to writer Kay Cannon (who wrote all three Pitch Perfects) and new director Trish Sie that all these random elements stay in tune with each other and everything wraps up neatly. The comedy rarely falters.” – The Guardian
• “The film only truly comes alive in its performance scenes, which is as it should be, and a succession of pop hits guarantee toe-taps in the cinema. Music, at least, never lets these girls down, even if the rest of their lives — and their movie — fails to live up to what’s on stage.” – Empire

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 4.9/10
• IMDB: 7.3/10

Molly’s Game (Released: 26 December)

What we know

Molly Bloom is an Olympic-class skier who gives it up to run a high-stakes poker game. Then she’s arrested by the FBI for her behaviour… and the only one to stand by her is her criminal defence lawyer. A true story, directed by Aaron Sorkin (his directorial debut).

What critics say

• “Based on Bloom’s 2013 memoir, but given much added weight by Sorkin’s smart adaptation, Molly’s Game really is more of an original screenplay about pride, fathers and daughters, protecting your name, and gaining a sense of self-worth over power and money.” – Deadline
• “The experience of watching Molly’s Game feels a bit like hearing a long, rambling story from someone high on something, a frantic, exhausting splurge of information that never truly justifies its existence.” – The Guardian

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 6.9/10
• IMDB: 7.4/10

Which one would you go see first?

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