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Deepwater Horizon, Swiss Army Man, Free State of Jones and more: In cinemas this week

Stuck for what to watch at the weekend? Let Entertainment Focus help you with our handy guide to this week’s new releases. From the biggest blockbusters to the best in independent and world cinema, we’ve got it covered.

Deepwater Horizon

What’s it about? The true story of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, that exploded in 2010, leading to one of the worst man-made ecological disasters of all time, as the equivalent of 4.9 million barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. Directed by Peter Berg, and starring Mark wahlberg, the film chronicles the harrowing events of the explosion, the brave battle for survival, and the abject failure of the men in suits who could have prevented it. BP sympathisers are unlikely to find much to enjoy. Fans of thrilling disaster movies can expect a much more satisfying cinematic experience.

Who’s in it? Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O’Brien, Kate Hudson

[brid video=”31369″ player=”531″ title=”Deepwater Horizon Official Trailer In Cinemas Sep 2016″]

 

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children

What’s it about? Tim Burton’s latest curio is an adaptation of Ransom Riggs’ novel of the same name. The story follows 16 year old Jake, who after a personal family tragedy is forced to travel to a mysterious island and take up residence at the titular home. He finds himself in a fairytale world of wonder, weirdness and horror, at the centre of which is Miss Peregrine, played by the extraordinary Eva Green. A bizarre, magical and terrifying adventure ensues. With such a perfect match of material to director, it’s almost hard to believe that this isn’t an original Tim Burton story.

Who’s in it? Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O’Dowd, Allison Janney, Rupert Everett, Terence Stamp, Ella Purnell, with Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson

[brid video=”42804″ player=”531″ title=”Miss Peregrine’ Home for Peculiar Children Official HD Trailer #2 2016″]

 

Free State of Jones

What’s it about? A US Civil War drama, based on the true story of a confederate deserter who leads a rebel militia against the pro-slavery Confederacy. Matthew McConaughey takes the lead role of Newt Knight, the Mississippi farmer turned wartime medic, who grows disillusioned with the war and the toll it is taking. When he learns that the side he is fighting for are raiding land and seizing crops and livestock for taxes, he decides to fight back, leading a band of misfit deserters and runaway slaves in an armed rebellion against the confederate army in Mississippi. It bombed in the States, and is unlikely to trouble the box office in the UK either. Is the McConaissance over?

Who’s in it? Matthew McConaughey, Keri Russell, Gugu Mbatha-Raw

[brid video=”65830″ player=”531″ title=”FREE STATE OF JONES Official Trailer In Cinemas September 30th”]

 

Swiss Army Man

What’s it about? Unfairly dubbed the “farting corpse” film, and dogged by stories of people walking out when it premiered at Sundance, Swiss Army Man is a welcome blast of much needed cinematic originality. Paul Dano’s Hank is preparing to end his life on a beach, when he notices a dead body lying beside the shore. Whilst trying to revive the corpse (played by Daniel Radcliffe) he discovers that the body can be used for a number of useful purposes, just like a Swiss Army Knife. As the body (which Hank names Manny) begins to come back to life, they develop a friendship, and embark on a surreal adventure to get home. This won’t be for everyone, but for those of you who moan that “nothing original ever gets made anymore, it’s all just reboots, remakes, sequels and comic books” then go and see Swiss Army Man this weekend.

Who’s in it? Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

[brid video=”66563″ player=”531″ title=”Swiss Army Man Official Trailer HD A24″]

 

Under The Shadow

What’s it about? Another welcome dose of original filmmaking this week, as Iranian horror film Under the Shadow makes a brief cinematic bow before heading to Netflix next month. The film follows a mother and daughter struggling to cope with the terrors of the post-revolution, war torn Tehran of the 80s. As if life isn’t hard enough, a mysterious evil begins to haunt their home. A huge hit on the festival circuit, drawing comparisons with films such as The Babadook, The Haunting and Mama, this is definitely one to seek out.

Who’s in it? Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi, Ray Haratian

[brid video=”66564″ player=”531″ title=”Under the Shadow Official Trailer #1 (2016) Horror Movie HD”]

 

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Urban Hymn
British coming-of-age drama directed by Michael Caton-Jones

The Fencer
Biopic of Estonian fencer Endel Nelis

John Parker
John Parker
John is a freelance writer and film reviewer for Entertainment Focus.

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