#OnTheBigScreen: Ferdinand the bull, Wonder Wheel and The Nutcracker

Ferdinand

The tale of Ferdinand, a giant bull who prefers flowers to fighting, has captured the hearts of millions since it was first told in the 1936 book The Story of Ferdinand by author Munro Leaf and illustrator Robert Lawson. A warm and charming take on how appearances can be deceptive (or why you should never judge a bull by its cover…), the book’s message of love and acceptance has resonated for decades. Now, a new generation of moviegoers can enjoy a delightful CG-animated family film inspired by the classic story.

The story centres on the adventures of a peace-loving bull (voiced by John Cena), who is adopted by a loving farmer and daughter. However, his idyllic life changes after he’s mistaken for a vicious beast and is taken away to the last place on Earth he wants to be, a bull training camp. But Ferdinand is determined to get back home. Along the way, the kind-hearted bull makes many friends and changes the lives of those he meets. But there's still one great obstacle he’ll have to overcome… In the film’s thrilling climactic scene, Ferdinand has to face the matador El Primero in a packed arena, but he valiantly stays true to his peaceful nature, and inspires all those around him.

This computer-animated comedy film is produced by Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox Animation, and is directed by Carlos Saldanha, starring the voices of Adam DeVine, Gabriel Iglesias, Mark Valley, and Kate McKinnon.

Pitch Perfect 3

The astonishing blockbuster success of the first two films in the Pitch Perfect series naturally prompted discussions about getting a third installment under way. Now graduated from college and out in the real world where it takes more than a cappella to get by, the Bellas return in Pitch Perfect 3, the next chapter in the beloved series that has taken in more than $400m at the global box office.

After the highs of winning the World Championships, the Bellas find themselves split apart and discovering there aren’t job prospects for making music with your mouth. But when they get the chance to reunite for an overseas USO tour, this group of awesome nerds will come together to make some music, and some questionable decisions, one last time.

The film is directed by Trish Sie (Step Up All In) from a screenplay by Kay Cannon and Mike White, with a story by Cannon, based on the book by Mickey Rapkin.

Wonder Wheel

Like so many of Woody Allen’s films, Wonder Wheel is a story that involves love and betrayal, telling the story of four characters whose lives intertwine amid the hustle and bustle of the picturesque Coney Island amusement park in the 1950s.

Four peoples’ lives intertwine: Ginny (Kate Winslet) is a melancholy, emotionally volatile former actress now working as a waitress in a clam house; Humpty (Jim Belushi) is Ginny’s rough-hewn carousel operator husband; Mickey (Justin Timberlake) is a handsome young lifeguard who dreams of becoming a playwright; and Carolina (Juno Temple) is Humpty’s long-estranged daughter, who is now hiding out from gangsters at her father’s apartment.

“The view is beautiful from the Wonder Wheel, but you’re going no place. It has an element of romance to it, an element of beauty to it, but ultimately, an element of futility,” says Allen.

The Bolshoi Ballet's Nutcracker

Being the first and only ballet in Dolby Atmos, The Nutcracker will screen exclusively at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau Theatres from 23 December.

As the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, Marie’s wooden nutcracker doll comes to life and transforms into a prince. Soon joined by her other toys that have also come to life, Marie and her prince embark on a dreamy unforgettable adventure. A holiday tradition for the whole family, The Nutcracker sweeps the Bolshoi stage for two hours of enchantment and magic.

Along with Tchaikovsky’s cherished score and some of the Bolshoi’s greatest artists, The Nutcracker remains a treasure not to be missed.

Featuring luxurious and sumptuous sets and costumes, this production will undoubtedly leave you feeling love, power and good and evil. You’ll certainly concur that these feelings are universal.

Recorded live in Moscow, Denis Rodkin plays the heroic Nutcracker, and Anna Nikulina the delightful Mary.

Duration: two hours and 15 minutes, with an interval of 15 minutes. The 2017-2018 Bolshoi Ballet season will screen at the following Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau Theatres only: Cinema Nouveau Brooklyn, Cinema Nouveau V&A Waterfront, Cinema Nouveau Rosebank, Cinema Nouveau Gateway.

Read more about the latest film releases: www.writingstudio.co.za.