STACK #144 Oct 2016

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CINEMA REVIEWS

SNOWDEN

ALSO SCREENING IN OCTOBER

RELEASED: Now Showing DIRECTOR: Oliver Stone CAST: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley RATING: M

A Rubik's Cube of secrets.

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

DOCTOR STRANGE

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 .

FURTHER VIEWING: The Fifth Estate

BLAIR WITCH

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

RELEASED: Now Showing DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard CAST: James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez RATING: MA15+

Within the woods.

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

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

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

FURTHER VIEWING: The Blair Witch Project

OCTOBER 2016

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