This month is jammers with new releases
There are a whole tonne of new movies arriving at the cinemas this January.
Many have generated awards buzz, given it is Oscar season. Between dramas, arthouse, comedy and action, there's something for everyone this month.
Here are our picks of the best upcoming movies and when you can see them.
Jojo Rabbit - 1 January
A boy growing up in Nazi Germany has Hitler as his imaginary best friend (stay with us on this one). But he changes his mind about his idol when he learns that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is harbouring a Jewish girl in their attic. It alternates between being funny, sweet, sad and surreal. Taika Waititi of 'Thor Ragnarok' and 'What We Do in the Shadows' fame directs and co-stars.
Uncut Gems - 10 January
Adam Sandler headlines this one, but don't expect your average Adam Sandler movie. Critics are praising it as his best dramatic performance in years and it comes from the Safdie Brothers, who previously helmed Robert Pattinson in the highly impressive 'Good Time'. Sandler plays a jewellery shop owner who faces mounting pressure from the criminal world after becoming embroiled in some dodgy gambling. It arrives on Netflix later this January.
1917 - 10 January
This upcoming war epic from 'Skyfall' director Sam Mendes is apparently (akin to 'Birdman') done all in one shot. It boasts a highly impressive cast between Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, George McKay, Mark Strong, and Richard Madden. The story follows two young soldiers tasked with crossing enemy territory to deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers. Heart-racing stuff.
Bombshell - 17 January
Another killer cast can be found in 'Bombshell', which stars Charlize Theron (who has been totally transformed into Megyn Kelly), Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Kate McKinnon, Rob Delaney and Mark Duplass. Based on true events, it depicts a group of women who decide to take on Fox News boss Roger Ailes and expose the sexual harassment they were forced to endure.
Just Mercy - 17 January
This will definitely be one to bring tissues to. The legal drama stars Michael B. Jordan as a young defense attorney named Bryan Stevenson, who decides to commit his life and career to defending those on death row. His defense of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), convicted of a murder he didn't commit, would come to shake the system. Based on a true story.
The Lighthouse - 31 January
This movie looks so genuinely weird and messed up that it's impossible not to be curious to check it out. Its director is 'The Witch' helmer Robert Eggers and the stars are Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two lighthouse keepers who gradually lose their clutch on sanity as they spend more time isolated on the relentless island they're stationed at. Interesting to see Pattinson in an indie film such as this before he takes on 'The Batman'.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood - 31 January
Who can say no to a Tom Hanks movie, especially when he's playing the real-life, joyful, amicable Fred Rogers? The movie is based off an interview between Esquire journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) and the beloved television personality. Its director is Marielle Heller who helmed last year's hidden gem 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' starring Melissa McCarthy.
Richard Jewell - 31 January
The latest directorial effort from Clint Eastwood recalls the Tom Hanks starrer 'Sully'. Richard Jewell' too portrays a true story, this time of a security guard who through his discovery of pipe bombs at a concert held in conjunction with the Olympics, managed to save many civilians from injury and death. Initially lauded by the public and media, he soon became the primary suspect for the crime. Sam Rockwell, Cathy Bates, Jon Hamm and Paul Walter Hauser star.
Queen & Slim - 31 January
This rom-com written by Lena Waithe ('Master of None', 'Ready Player One') has received much acclaim already, having hit US cinemas late last year. 'Get Out' star Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith play the titular lovers who embark on a 'Bonnie and Clyde'-like escapade.
The Rhythm Section - 31 January
It's always nice every now and then to see a blockbuster with principal photography shot in Ireland. We'll get that with 'The Rhythm Section' which stars Blake Lively, Sterling K. Brown and Jude Law, and is directed by Reed Morano ('The Handmaid's Tale'). Upon discovering the plane crash that killed her family was not an accident, a woman seeks revenge.