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James Finnegan on some epic movies playing at Tralee Omniplex this week…
This weeks offerings at the Tralee Omniplex can truly be described as epic. These are films that challenged the makers to new levels of ingenuity, storytelling and spectacular visual effects.
The big treat this week is the showing of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, made up of The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003).
Thankfully, the films are being shown separately, and at various times, over the next week as we are talking about nine hours in total.
The films, set in the fictional world of Middle-Earth, tell of the quest of Frodo Baggins and his fellow Hobbits to destroy the One Ring, and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron.
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Naturally, there are numerous impediments to this, and the Hobbit Fellowship is tested in all manner of ways. There is friendship and treachery, bravery and daring, disappointments and successes, Heroes and Villains.
Filmed simultaneously in New Zealand, this was obviously a passion project for Director and Producer Peter Jackson, and is now regarded both critically and commercially as one of the most influential film series ever.
The ensemble cast are al uniformly excellent, although I must mention in particular Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Andy Serkis as Gollum in his motion capture performance.
While on the fantasy magical path, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third of the series being shown at Tralee Omniplex in order of release.
It is the third term at Hogwarts for Harry, Hermione and Ron. Harry is informed that the Prisoner of the title, Sirus Black, has escaped and is out to kill him. However, all is not quite as it seems.
There is a definite change in tone with this film, which also sees Michael Gabbon bring his interpretation of Professor Dumbledore to the screen following the passing of Richard Harris.
The Dark Knight is the second of the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, and is widely seen as the best ever cinematic comic book adaption.
The combined efforts of Batman, Commissioner Gordon and a committed and determined District Attorney, Harvey Dent, are making significant difficulties for the Gotham City Underworld.
The arrival of a psychotic wildcard in the form of the Joker, brilliantly played by Heath Ledger, brings the chaos and mayhem to a whole new level, and the creation of another of the great Batman villains.
The dark, gritty and realistic tone is, I believe, one of the reasons why this film is considered so highly, so all the praise given to Christopher Nolan is well deserved.
Away from the fantasy to a different reality, Mamma Mia the Movie is the ultimate date feel good movie.
Based on the successful stage musical, and, of course, the music of Abba, this is the story of Sophie and her family preparing for her wedding.
However, Sophia has secretly invited three of her mothers past boyfriends in the hope of finding out which of them is her father. Enjoy and stay safe.
