New movies at the cinema this week – Friday, 8 February

Even in the age of streaming, Catch Up, Showmax and ‘Netflix and Chill,’ the cinema will forever remain the place where you can truly get lost in a film, free from distraction.

Why not grab a few friends and head out to the cinema this week, for your weekly dose of comedy, drama, or horror. There is something for everyone this week.

Melissa McCarthy received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Lee Israel, while Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly puts a humorous spin on the Sherlock Holmes story.

Highlights this week:

Movie: Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Synopsis: The true story of bestselling celebrity biographer (and friend to cats) Lee Israel, who made her living in the 1970s and 80s profiling the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder, and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art-form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend, Jack.

Runtime: 105 minutes

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Jane Curtin, Anna Deavere Smith, Stephen Spinella, Ben Falcone, Shae D’Lyn, Tim Cummings.

Age Restriction: 16 DL

Genre: Biopic, Comedy, Drama

IMBd Rating: 7.3

Release date: 8 February 2019 at Ster Kinekor and NuMetro cinemas.

 Also read: The six best lunch places in Johannesburg

Movie: Holmes & Watson

Synopsis: Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson join forces to investigate a mysterious murder at Buckingham Palace. It seems like an open-and-shut case as all signs point to Professor James Moriarty, the criminal mastermind and longtime nemesis of the crime-solving duo. When new twists and clues begin to emerge, the world’s greatest sleuth and his trusted assistant must now use their legendary wits and ingenious methods to catch the killer before the queen becomes the next victim.

Runtime: 106 min

Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Kelly Macdonald, Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Hall, Lauren Lapkus, Hugh Laurie

Age Restriction:  13 D L S V

Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Detective.

Release date: 8 February 2019 at Ster Kinekor and NuMetro cinemas.

IMBd Rating: 3.4

Movie: Prodigy

Synopsis: A mother concerned about her young son’s disturbing behaviour thinks something supernatural may be affecting him. Fearing for her family’s safety, she must grapple with her maternal instinct to love and protect Miles in favor of investigating what—or who—is causing his dark turn. She is forced to look for answers in the past, taking the audience on a wild ride; one where the line between perception and reality remains blurry.

Runtime: 92 min

Cast: Taylor Schilling, Jackson Robert Scott, Colm Feore, Brittany Allen, Peter Mooney, Olunike Adeliyi, Elisa Moolecherry, Paula Boudreau, Paul Fauteux.

Age Restriction:  16 H L V

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural.

IMBd Rating: 6.0

Release date: 8 February 2019 at Ster Kinekor and NuMetro cinemas.

Movie: Sew The Winter To My Skin

Synopsis: In a racially-charged and violent 1950s rural South Africa, a liberal journalist recounts the epic chase, edge-of-your-seat capture, and intriguing trial of a flamboyant, native ‘Robin Hood.’ This captivating reimagining paints a portrait of a divisive outlaw hunted by the republic, elusive even to his loved ones, and a champion of the disenchanted.

Runtime: 118 min

Cast: Ezra Mabengeza, Kandyse McClure, Peter Kurth, Zolisa Xaluva, Bok Van Blerk, Mandisa Nduna, David James, Bongile Mantsai, Antoinette Louw,

Age Restriction:  13 D N P V

Genre: Action, Adventure

IMBd Rating: 6.3

Release date: 8 February 2019 at Ster Kinekor and NuMetro cinemas.

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Don’t miss out:

Released on 1 February

• How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Animation.
• The Upside, starring Kevin Hart and Nicole Kidman.
• The Possession of Hanna Grace, starring Shay Mitchell and Grey Damon.
• The Vice, starring Christian bale and Amy Adams.

Released on 25 January

• If Beale Street Could Talk, starring Kiki Layne and Stephan James.
• Matwetwe, starring Tebatso Mashishi and Sibusiso Khwinana.
• The Replicas, starring Keanu Reeves and Alice Eve.
• On The Basis of Sex, starring Felicity Jones and Justin Theroux.

Released on 18 January

• Glass, starring Bruce Willis and James McAvoy.
• The Mule, starring Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper.
• The Sisters Brothers, starring John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix.

Released on 11 January

• The Old Man & The Gun, starring Robert Redford and Casey Affleck.
• Beautiful Boy, starring Steve Carell and Timothee Chalamet.
• URI Surgical Strike, starring Vicky Kaushal and Mohit Raina.
• Wildlife, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan.