STACK October 2016 Issue 144

22 / 125

ALSO SCREENING
IN OCTOBER
There's something strange about this latest
addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The hero is certainly atypical: a former
neurosurgeon (Benedict Cumberbatch) who is
tutored in the arcane arts by an Ancient One
(a bald Tilda Swinton). Expect Inception-like
folding of reality and a dark and moody vibe
courtesy of director Scott Derrickson (Deliver
Us from Evil). Casting a spell on Oct 27.
DOCTOR STRANGE
This murder-mystery based on Paula Hawkins'
mega-selling novel stars Emily Blunt as an
alcoholic witness to a murder, who becomes a
prime suspect. Likely to be this year's answer
to Gone Girl. All aboard on Oct 6.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
The Cruiser returns as Lee Child's action hero,
who now stands accused of committing a
murder 16 years ago. The race is on to clear
his name in a sequel we hope is as good as
the 2012 film. Jack's back on Oct 20.
JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK
Tom Hanks is back as Robert Langdon in the latest
adaptation of a Dan Brown best-seller. This time
he's tasked with uncovering a global conspiracy
linked to Dante's famous work. Igniting Oct 13.
INFERNO
visit
22 OCTOBER 2016
CINEMA
REVIEWS
Oliver Stone is back behind the camera after a
four-year hiatus, and the fact that this fearless
filmmaker was initially reluctant to tell the true
story of US government whistleblower Edward
Snowden should be recommendation enough
to check out his latest political thriller. Snowden
found himself on the most wanted list along
with Julian Assange, after leaking classified
documents to the media in 2013 that exposed
illegal surveillance practices by the NSA. It’s
the perfect material for Stone, who favours
controversial figures and issues. The story begins
in 2004. Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-
Levitt) is determined to serve his great country
in any way possible, after being discharged from
the United States Army Reserve due to injury.
He soon finds himself working for the CIA and
NSA, impressing them with his extraordinary
computer skills (cue lots of technological jargon).
Upon discovering numerous illegal security
breaches running within the system, Snowden
begins to question the morality of the agencies
he serves, and is faced with an ethical dilemma.
Gordon-Levitt delivers an utterly convincing
performance as the introverted Snowden,
and shares genuine chemistry with co-star
Shailene Woodley, who plays his girlfriend.
Whether you’re familiar with Snowden’s story
or not, Stone has delivered a tense and nail-
biting film that raises disturbing questions
concerning government surveillance in our
constantly connected world. It’s time to
double check your privacy settings and look
over your shoulder – you’ll leave the cinema
with the feeling that someone is watching
your every move. Savannah Douglas
FURTHER VIEWING: The Fifth Estate
A Rubik's Cube of secrets.
SNOWDEN
RELEASED: Now Showing DIRECTOR: Oliver Stone CAST: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley RATING: M
In October of 1994 three student filmmakers
disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville,
Maryland, while shooting a documentary...
A year later their footage was found. That footage
became The Blair Witch Project, one of the most
successful independent films of all time and
the movie that popularised the found-footage
format that has haunted the horror genre ever
since. Ignoring the dire 2000 sequel Blair Witch
2: Book of Shadows, this return to Black Hills
Forest features a new group of documentarians,
led by the brother of the still missing Heather,
who mounted the first attempt to uncover the
local legend. Having stumbled across a YouTube
video that suggests his sister might still be alive,
he convinces five companions to accompany him
into the cursed forest on a search and possible
rescue mission. Armed with GPS, a drone, and
ear-mounted DV cameras, there’s little chance of
becoming lost and disoriented. But hi-tech won’t
help when an ancient evil is out to get you, and
before long the signature sticks and stones begin
appearing around their campsite. Director Adam
Wingard has a good handle on horror – having
helmed the quality thrillers You’re Next and The
Guest – and respects what made the original
film work, recreating the discombobulating
cinematography and adding a truly unnerving
sound mix to crank up the fright factor, as well
as his own sinister touches to the Blair Witch
legend. If you regard the 1999 original as a
terrifying classic, you’ll view this sequel as
a more polished but ultimately superfluous
exercise. If you’re still wondering what all the
fuss was about, this is the Blair Witch film
you’ve always wanted to see. Scott Hocking
FURTHER VIEWING: The Blair Witch Project
Within the woods.
BLAIR WITCH
RELEASED: Now Showing DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard CAST: James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez RATING: MA15+