With busy schedules combined with the hundreds of films released each year, unless you've got your eye on something specific it can be pretty easy to let many hidden movie gems slip through the net and glide past unseen. Over the last week or so lots of websites have been uploading lists of films to look out for in 2015, but given how they're covering twelve months' worth of films it can be pretty overwhelming. Plus, the big movies hitting cinemas towards the end of the year are so far away that although it's wonderful to be excited about them now, the specific release dates are instantly forgettable.
At the start of each month I'm going to be collating a list of must-see films, covering both huge blockbusters and smaller independents. Hopefully you might come across a film you wouldn't normally pick, be reminded to see a film that piqued your interest via a trailer months ago, or be intrigued by something totally out of your comfort zone.
January is exceptionally bloated with films as a result of awards season, and although this offers an insane amount of movies to choose from, as far as I'm concerned that's not exactly a bad thing! From a biopic of Steven Hawking, to a Sondheim musical, to the adaptation of one woman's journey of self-discovery on the Pacific Crest Trail, there's definitely something for everyone, and taking into account the time of year it's safe to say that the standard at the moment is ridiculously high. Odds are, you won't be disappointed.
All films below are released in cinemas in January in the U.K.: many, particularly American films, have already opened abroad so if you're outside the U.K. then do check your local cinemas for film times and release dates.
RELEASED THIS WEEK:
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Thursday 1st January 2015
"A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife."
BIRDMAN
Thursday 1st January 2015
"A washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory."
[I saw Birdman last year at the London Film Festival but loved it so much I'm going to see it again next week… Let me know if you see it and think it deserves 5* like I did!]
ENEMY
Friday 2nd January 2015
"A man seeks out his exact look-alike after spotting him in a movie."
REST OF THE MONTH
TAKEN 3
Thursday 8th January 2015
"Ex-government operative Bryan Mills is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed. As he is tracked and pursued, Mills brings out his particular set of skills to find the true killer and clear his name."
FOXCATCHER
Friday 9th January 2015
"The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher lead by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances."
INTO THE WOODS
Friday 9th January 2015
"A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree."
AMERICAN SNIPER
Friday 16th January 2015
"Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind."
TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
Friday 16th January 2015
"A British woman recalls coming of age during World War I."
[I was lucky enough to see a preview of Testament of Youth last year and would recommend it. Be aware: it's not particularly original or groundbreaking, but it has a wonderful cast and has been shot at the most stunning locations. It's very 'BBC period drama' so although it's brilliant it might be best to avoid if that sort of film is not your cup of tea!]
WHIPLASH
Friday 16th January 2015
"A promising young drummer enrolls at a cutthroat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential."
[Whiplash was the film chosen for the last Odeon Screen Unseen preview, so I saw it in December. It still haunts me now, and I deemed it the Most Brutal film of 2014, with J.K. Simmons' performance as the monstrous music teacher Fletcher making him my Supporting Actor of the Year. It's a truly astonishing 5* film.]
WILD
Friday 16th January 2015
"A chronicle of one woman's 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent catastrophe."
EX MACHINA
Friday 23rd January 2015
"A young programmer is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I."
A MOST VIOLENT YEAR
Friday 23rd January 2015
"In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history."
KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
Thursday 29th January 2015
"A veteran secret agent takes a young upstart under his wing."
BIG HERO 6
Friday 30th January 2015
"The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes."
INHERENT VICE
Friday 30th January 2015
"In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend."
TRASH
Friday 30th January 2015
"Set in Brazil, three kids who make a discovery in a garbage dump soon find themselves running from the cops and trying to right a terrible wrong."
What are you looking forward to in January? Is there a film I've missed off my list that you think everyone should see? Do let me know in the comments below!
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