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What's on the big screen this week

Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in a scene from Fifty Shades Freed.
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in a scene from Fifty Shades Freed. Doane Gregory

HITTING cinemas just in time for Valentine's Day, the final instalment of Fifty Shades Freed reunites Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.

Lovers Anastasia and Christian finally tie the knot, but it's not as easy as happily ever after for the couple.

Also out this week are the fourth instalment of the Insidious franchise and the animated family film Tad The Lost Explorer.

Here are this week's highlights of the big screen and why you should see them:

 

Fifty Shades Freed (MA 15+)

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson in a scene from Fifty Shades Freed.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson in a scene from Fifty Shades Freed. Doane Gregory

Anastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship.

Why you should see it: Fifty Shades leads Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan are unlikely to suddenly find that burning chemistry the story needs, but fans will flock to see this third and final film nonetheless.

 

 

Insidious: The Last Key (M)

Lin Shaye and Tessa Ferrer in a scene from Insidious: The Last Key.
Lin Shaye and Tessa Ferrer in a scene from Insidious: The Last Key. Supplied

Parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet - in her own family home.

Why you should see it: Lin Shaye once again shines on screen but her efforts are not enough to save this sequel.


 

Tad the Lost Explorer (TBA)

A scene from the movie Tad The Lost Explorer.
A scene from the movie Tad The Lost Explorer. Supplied



Tad Jones, the most awkward explorer, must rescue his beloved Sara from a millionaire who is looking for King Midas' necklace.

Why you should see it: This animated Spanish film features a talented English voice cast including Ariel Winter, Cheech Marin and Kerry Shale. While not particularly inventive, it Tad's adventures will entertain the family.

Continuing

 

Phantom Thread (M)

Daniel Day-Lewis in a scene from the movie Phantom Thread.
Daniel Day-Lewis in a scene from the movie Phantom Thread. Laurie Sparham

Set in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.

Why you should see it: Daniel Day-Lewis gives another committed performance but it's his co-star Vicky Krieps who will sweep you off your feet.

 

Molly's Game (M)

Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba in a scene from the movie Molly's Game.
Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba in a scene from the movie Molly's Game. Michael Gibson

Molly Bloom, a young skier and former Olympic hopeful becomes a successful entrepreneur (and a target of an FBI investigation) when she establishes a high-stakes, international poker game.

Why you should see it: This is a solid directorial debut by acclaimed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, featuring an intriguing story and great performances by Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba. Read the review.

 

Den of Thieves (M)

Gerard Butler, Maurice Compte, and Mo McRae in a scene from the movie Den of Thieves.
Gerard Butler, Maurice Compte, and Mo McRae in a scene from the movie Den of Thieves. Supplied

While planning a bank heist, a thief gets trapped between two sets of criminals.

Why you should see it: This Gerard Butler-helmed action flick has plenty of energy, but it's unlikely to be remembered as one of the better heist films.

 

Jane (E)

Jane formed a close bond with young Fifi. As the movie Jane depicts, Jane and the other Gombe researchers later discontinued feeding and touching the wild chimps.
Jane formed a close bond with young Fifi. As the movie Jane depicts, Jane and the other Gombe researchers later discontinued feeding and touching the wild chimps. Hugo van Lawick

Oscar-nominated director Brett Morgan uses a trove of never-before-seen footage to tell the story of Dr Jane Goodall's early explorations and research in Tanzania, focusing on her ground-breaking field work, her relationship with her cameraman and husband Hugo van Lawick, and the chimpanzees that were the subject of her study.

Why you should see it: If you were not already aware of her invaluable work, and even if you are, this documentary shines a new light on Dr Jane Goodall thanks to more than 100 hours of never-before-seen footage from the National Geographic archives.

 

I, Tonya (MA 15+)

 

Margot Robbie in a scene from the movie I, Tonya.
Margot Robbie in a scene from the movie I, Tonya.

Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises among the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the sport is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.

Why you should see it: Margot Robbie brings grace and strength to figure skating's biggest villain in her Oscar-worthy turn. Allison Janney nearly steals the show, though, as Tonya's mother LaVona. Read the review.

 

Sweet Country (MA 15+)

Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris, Natassia Gorie Furber and Sam Neill in a scene from the movie Sweet Country.
Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris, Natassia Gorie Furber and Sam Neill in a scene from the movie Sweet Country. Michael Corridore

Inspired by real events, Sweet Country is a period western set in 1929 in the outback of the Northern Territory, Australia. When Aboriginal stockman Sam kills white station owner Harry March in self defence, Sam and his wife Lizzie go on the run. They are pursued across the outback, through glorious but harsh desert country.

Why you should see it: This is a harrowing film but an important one highlighting the injustices that took place on the outback frontier. The performances by the indigenous cast members, nearly all acting for the first time, are captivating. Read the review.

Topics:  fifty shades freed insidious: the last key movies tad the lost explorer



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