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With Tralee Omniplex back to business, our movie guy James Finnegan takes a look at some great old movies playing as part of the ‘Bring It Back’ season…
The great news that the Omniplex has reopened is another sign of the gentle return to what passes for normal.
Yes, these are different and difficult times, and we all need to take things slowly until we get used to them, but let’s take the joy where we can and go to see the films in the manner they were intended to be seen – on a big screen.
There is a wonderful eclectic selection of twelve films on offer, with something for all the family. Don’t forget you must book ahead online and take note of the new arrangements regarding your and your fellow viewers, comfort and safety.
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The marquee film on show is The Empire Strikes Back. This second in the original Star Wars Trilogy, and the fifth in the chronological order is, in my view, the best of them all.
It is a far more nuanced story, with the introduction of Yoda, and Daddy Vader (opps Spoiler Alert!) chasing down Luke, Leia, Han (Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford) and the Rebel Alliance across the Galaxy.
Luke is learning about his legacy and the powers within, there are spectacular battles, lots of daring do, great one liners and an unexpected romance. Where were we forty years ago? Queuing up to see this film!
Next up is what might now be called a cult classic. Dirty Dancing is the story of how Frances “Baby” Houseman, played by Jennifer Grey, falls for the Dance Instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) at the holiday resort she is visiting for the summer in the early sixties. Naturally, her father, played by Jerry Orbach, is less than impressed.
Does true love run smoothly? What do you think? It has the impressive choreography and tunes that one would expect with this story of lovers from different backgrounds.
In fact, I can imagine that the biggest potential danger is being trampled by all the dancers and singers who have been locked up these past months heading to see this film again.
One definitely for all the family is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first in the series of books and films from the creative imagination of J.K Rowling.
Eleven year old orphan Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) finds out he is, in fact, a wizard. He is invited to study at Hogwarts School, where he swaps his life of everyday drudgery for magical adventures with new friends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint).
Starring almost every notable Thespian on these islands, why not introduce the next generation to this series of stories that have reawakened the reading habits of children and adults all around the world.
I cannot let the week pass without noting the passing of the greatest film soundtrack composer ever.
From the Spaghetti Westerns to the likes of Cinema Paradiso, The Mission and The Untouchables, and many more, Ennio Morricone was a prolific genius. Ciao and grazie molto Maestro Ennio. Enjoy and Stay Safe!
