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?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What we know

It’s the film we’ve been waiting for two years for – the latest in the Star Wars saga. Expect lots of gorgeous shots of Ireland and perhaps the answer to what Rey’s connection to the Jedi is.

What the critics say

• “The Last Jedi gives you an explosive sugar rush of spectacle. It’s a film that buzzes with belief in itself and its own mythic universe – a euphoric certainty that I think no other movie franchise has. And there is no provisional hesitation or energy dip of the sort that might have been expected between episodes seven and nine. What there is, admittedly, is an anticlimactic narrative muddle in the military story, but this is not much of a flaw…” - The Guardian
• “ Like most contemporary action flicks, this one more or less plays out as a succession of fights, chases and time outs (for chatting, scheming or lonely musing) across two or more plot lines. ” – The New York Times

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes:
• IMDB: 8.4/10

Mountains May Depart

What we know

A film spanning three time periods in a woman named Tao’s life in China and beyond. She gets married, names her child Dollar, and watches as he grows up.

What the critics say

• “That final coda does not entirely work: inevitably, some of the dreamed-up technological innovations and stylings look self-conscious and the sheer weirdness means that the emotional power of ordinary life is no longer available. And yet without this unexpected leap into the future, the movie would not have the savour that it has. And what a wonderful performance from Zhao Tao.” - The Guardian
• “The most lauded of China’s Sixth Generation filmmakers, Jia has always evinced a confidence and a seriousness of purpose that are on fine display in “Mountains May Depart,” another intimate journey through history that’s as stirring and beautifully nuanced as anything he’s made.” – RogerEbert.com

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes: 8/10
• IMDB: 6.8/10

Ferdinand

What we know

Spanish bull Ferdinand is a good sort, but after he’s mistaken for a dangerous animal, he’s taken from home. So he decides to find his way back to his family, bringing a rag-tag team of misfits with him.

What the critics say

• ““Ferdinand” will keep children and their parents entertained – young non-conformists in particular will take this hero to heart – and the growing anti-bullfighting wave in Spain and elsewhere will no doubt find this empathetic tale to be a handy recruiting tool.” – The Wrap
• “There are moments of comic delight to be found here, like a literal “bull in a china shop” sequence, as well as the foppish antics of a trio of Lipizzaner horses (voiced by Boris Kodjoe, Flula Borg and Sally Phillips). But the plotting — the script is credited to Robert L. Baird, Tim Federle and Brad Copeland — admittedly takes a while to find its footing, and even when it does, the stop-start momentum never quite rises to the occasion.” – Hollywood Reporter

What’s it rated?

• RottenTomatoes:
• IMDB: 6.6/10

Which one would you go see first?

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More