Covid-19 led to the closure of most cinemas all over the world, but now, as restrictions are coming to an end, we can all get back to the cinema to be amongst fellow film fans to check out the latest releases, and some older titles we may have missed due to the pandemic.
When coronavirus took hold on the world during the early part of 2020, cinemas, theatres, bingo halls, casinos and other entertainment outlets were forced to close their doors. Of course, there were options for consumers with theatre and cinema-goers offered titles to stream, while bingo and online casino games were still available via the convenience of their couch. The Canadian and UK government has allowed some of the land-based casinos to reopen now, even though you can still access casinos online, while cinema-goers of can also return to auditoriums to check out some of the films that were held back due to Cov0d-19 and its ruthless hold.
The big thing that we all missed were the big spectacle movies, and now films like Fast and Furious 9 and Marvel Studios’ Black Widow now playing to audiences around the world. There are a vast number of fantastic movies worth a ticket that can now be found playing on the big screen. Conrad Brennan (check profile) showcases the best films that were released via digital or streaming over the past 12 months, but are ones you absolutely you need to try to watch in the cinemas as they reopen. Get your popcorn and passports ready for the following.
Nomadland
Nomadland is an absolute masterclass in filmmaking and comes to the screen from celebrated filmmaker Chloé Zhao. Starring Frances McDormand, the film was a huge hit with both the critics and audiences, and while the film can now be found online to stream for subscribers to Disney+, we implore you to venture down to your local multiplex to check it out on the biggest screen possible.
McDormand plays the role of Fern who embarks on a mammoth journey across the American West after losing her home. She piles everything into her van and ventures across America as a modern day Nomad, searching for work. Nominated for six Academy Awards, the film won three; for Best Picture, Best Director for Zhao, and Best Actress In A Leading Role for the superb McDormand, her third win.
Ammonite
A love story directed by Francis Lee (God’s Own Country), Ammonite focusses on Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), a celebrated fossil hunter in Lyme Regis on the south coast of England. Battling wind and rain-swept beaches and finding Jurassic artefacts that even end up in the British Museum, Anning is largely underappreciated. Her life changes when Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) enters her life.
Initially not wanting anything to due with the young woman, Anning slowly starts to fall in love with her, and the two embark on a passionate relationship which will alter both of there lives forever.
Ammonite was selected to be part of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, which was sadly cancelled, and is a film that absolutely deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. With amazing vistas of sodden Dorset beaches to stunning sound design, Ammonite is one of the best films of the year.
Judas and the Black Messiah
The movie features Daniel Kaluuya, who gives an outstanding performance, one that would go on to earn him the Best Actor Oscar at this year’s ceremony. The true Story is directed by Shaka King, and also features an equally impressive performance by LaKeith Stansfield. Stansfield plays the role of William O’Neal, an FBI informant who infiltrates the local Black Panther Party in Chicago. There, he gathers intelligence on its leader, Fred Hampton (Kaluuya), reporting back to his superiors in a thrilling, urgent and hugely engrossing drama.
Judas and the Black Messiah premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and was released stateside shortly afterwards. The film was one that Warner Brothers debuted simultaneously onto HBO Max where it secured huge audiences, but this is another that deserves a big screen experience, and now can be found playing in multiplexes across the country.
Sound of Metal
One of the best films of the year, and one of those that uses sound to maximise its impact. Starring Riz Ahmed, Sound Of Metal focusses on a drummer, Ruben, in a rock band who suddenly loses his hearing whilst touring across the country with his girlfriend, and lead singer, Lou (Olivia Cooke).
The film charts his journey as he initially unwillingly retreats from the music scene to a rural retreat for deaf recovering addicts – through to having cochlear implants to huge personal expense. We love this film – everything about it – from its stunning direction from Darius Marber, to its unique, award-winning sound design that immerses the viewer into Ruben’s different new world. A must.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
A more mainstream release, though Those Who Wish Me Dead also has some indie sensibilities. Angelina Jolie leads the cast with Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) directing. The plot revolves around a young boy, Connor (Finn Little) who witnesses the murder of his father. With two assassins (Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen) hot on his trailer, smoke jumper Hannah (Jolie) comes to his aid and goes on the run in the rugged Montna wilderness.
Sheridan takes the directing reigns for a superb little action-thriller, one that again hit streaming and premium on demand services during the pandemic, but absolutel should be given the time of day down at the local cinema.
It’s easy to agree that cinema, theatre and land-based casino sectors have experienced low revenues during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, you can still have a good time by watching the above movies right now on your local screen. We’ve selected a bunch of films that we’ve seen play on the small screen, but there are other Casino movies, thrillers, dramas, animated flicks, or pretty much any other genre feature available now in your nearby theatre now they have all pretty much re-opened. If games are your thing then Cookie casino is an awesome example of an online casino, but always ensure that you always check reviews of various platforms before you get started.
