Guardians of the Galaxy (opens Jul 31)
Marvel’s latest offering isn’t afraid to be silly. For starters, comedian Chris Pratt (of Parks and Recreation and The Lego Movie fame) takes over leading man duties as a brash intergalactic traveler whose team comprises of the last surviving member of an alien race (Zoe Saldana), a mountain of a man (WWE star Bautista) and a talking racoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper). The irreverent sci-fi flick has been drawing rave reviews for being a breath of fresh air in the recent deluge of superhero blockbusters.
And So It Goes (opens July 31)
Michael Douglas plays a cranky real estate agent and Diane Keaton a lounge singer in this Rob Reiner rom-com. The veteran actors’ characters are widowed neighbors who have to take care of a young girl after her father (Douglas’ onscreen son) has to go to prison. It’s a run-of-the-mill, feel-good affair where everybody lives happily ever after.
The Great Beauty (Aug 2, 7.30pm)
Annual outdoor film fest Films at the Fort is back! Included in this year’s line up the is the tale of an aging Italian socialite (Toni Servillo). The glamorous life he once craved as a young man now comes across as meaningless as he wanders around the city of Rome. A celebration of beauty and hedonism, it picked up best foreign film at the Golden Globes in 2014. Tickets are available via Sistic.
Pretty Woman (Aug 3, 7.30pm)
Also on offer at this year’s Films at the Fort are Roy Orbison’s catchy pop ditty of the same name and Julia Roberts’ iconic portrayal of Vivan, a prostitute with a heart of gold. The modern retelling of My Fair Lady follows Vivian and her relationship with Edward, a wealthy lawyer who decides to transform her into a high society lady. They fall in love along the way (of course).
First Take (Aug 4, 8pm)
This edition of The Substation’s monthly screening event will feature works from finalists in The Good Story Competition. Organised by OurBetterWorld.org, the competition aims to celebrate ordinary denizens in Asia who are doing good. Highlights include documentaries about an 11-year-old Teochew Opera singer in Singapore and a priest who cares for “untouchable” children. The screening is free and takes place at LASELLE College of the Arts.
Les Tontons Flingueurs (Aug 5, 8pm)
Alliance Française’s Cine Club screenings for August revolve around the theme of espionage and will include this 1963 classic about an ex-gangster who has to help an old friend, who is now head of the mob. Tickets cost $8 and are available via Sistic.
