#OnTheBigScreen: Aquaman, a battle-scarred autobot, and a mad king

Aquaman

This spectacular origin story of half-surface dweller, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry takes him on the journey of his lifetime — one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be… a king.

The action-packed adventure spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, and stars Jason Momoa in the title role.

In Aquaman, Arthur Curry’s quest to unite two worlds begins with a challenge that will test both his strength and the courage of his convictions: to retrieve the Lost Trident of Atlan. Only the true King of Atlantis can wield it, but to even find it he must partner with Mera, Princess of the ocean kingdom of Xebel, on a treacherous journey over land and sea.

The first hurdle Arthur must overcome is his own disinterest in being the solution to anyone’s problem — be it the Atlanteans’ or mankind’s. Up until now, he’s been satisfied operating as something of a super powerful lone wolf, choosing his own waterborne battles and avoiding involvement in any sort of global civil war.

James Wan directs from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall, story by Geoff Johns, James Wan and Will Beall, based on characters created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger for DC.

Read more here.

Bumblebee

On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary yellow VW bug.

Directed by Travis Knight from a screenplay by Christina Hodson. Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Pamela Adlon, John Cena, Stephen Schneider, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Jason Ian Drucker, Kenneth Choi, Ricardo Hoyos, Abby Quinn, Rachel Crow, Grace Dzienny. It is the sixth installment of the live-action Transformers film series and a prequel to 2007’s Transformers.

The Madness of George III

National Theatre Live once again brings the best of British theatre to Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau with the screening of The Madness of George III. From 22 December local audiences will get an opportunity to experience this compelling and critically acclaimed production for four screenings only.

It’s 1786 and King George III (Mark Gatiss, Sherlock, Game of Thrones) is the most powerful man in the world. However, his behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic with his mind unravelling at a dramatic pace. As the queen and prime minister attempt to hide the king’s illness from his subjects, royal doctors (Dr Willis played by Adrian Scarborough, Gavin & Stacey, A Very English Scandal) hopelessly squabble over the correct cure, subjecting him to torturous medical treatments, while ambitious politicians and a scheming prince begin a power struggle, endangering the stability of the crown. Alan Bennett’s epic multi-award-winning drama was first performed at the National Theatre in 1991 before being turned into an Oscar and BAFTA winning film in 1994. This production is directed by the artistic director of Nottingham Playhouse Adam Penford.

The Madness of George III screens at Ster-Kinekor Nouveau nationwide and Gateway Commercial Durban on 22, 26 and 27 December at 7:30pm and on 23 December at 2:30pm.

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