Previews: Ad Astra Poster, The Current War, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Ad Astra poster, The Current War, Pain And Glory, and more…

Ad Astra Poster

Here is the brand new Ad Astra poster. The film, directed by James Gray, is about an astronaut who travels to the edge of the solar system to find his missing father. Brad Pitt heads the cast, and is joined by Tommy Lee Jones and Ruth Negga. Ad Astra launches onto UK screens on 18th September 2019.

The Current War Trailer

Above is the trailer for the forthcoming The Current War. Set in the late 19th century, the film is about the rivalry between Thomas Edison and entrepreneur George Westinghouse. The enviable cast includes Michael Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Waterston, Nicholas Hoult, and Tom Holland. Counting Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, The Current War hits UK cinemas on 26th July 2019.

Pain And Glory Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Pain And Glory. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (The Skin I Live In, I’m So Excited), the film is about an ageing film director and a series of re-encounters. The film, which stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

21 Bridges Poster

21 Bridges is an upcoming thriller with quite a cast. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is a thriller about a New York detective involved in a city-wide manhunt for a pair of cop killers. The film is set for release in UK cinemas on 27th September 2019.

BFI August Season

There is plenty to look forward to at the BFI Southbank this August, leading with a season of Cary Grant films. Classics such as The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, and Notorious will be screened in August. Other highlights include a preview of Pain And Glory and a Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar, and a preview of Netflix’s upcoming The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance television series. More details of the full programme can be found here.

Film Review: The Philadelphia Story

George Cukor’s 1940 classic romantic comedy The Philadelphia Story gets a re-release in time for Valentine’s Day.

Socialite Tracy Lord is getting married for the second time to a self-made businessman. As the wedding approaches, her ex-husband shows up, along with two journalists tasked to cover the big day for their magazine…

The cinematic version of the stage play, Cukor’s The Philadelphia Story has lost none of its vigour. The film is still a wonderful example of a romantic comedy, with romance, drama and humour combining to produce a memorable story.

The Philadelphia Story draws its main characters strongly. Protagonist Tracy gets most attention, although the three other main characters are not left languishing. Other characters are rather more one-dimensional; but do well to provide humour.

The narrative of The Philadelphia Story is set up almost as a mystery; with the central question being whether Tracy will get married, and to whom. The film’s relationships swing back and forth, with pairings revolving as the film progresses. Although some viewers may predict the eventual outcome of the story, but this does not negate from overall enjoyment.

Dialogue in the film is great. With this, The Philadelphia Story reveals what a lot of modern romcoms are missing. The script offers a lot of humour, and interactions between the love interests fizzle and bristle as appropriate. Some aspects of the film do feel dated, but this is to be expected given the film’s age.

George Cukor directs his cast tremendously well, and shows a flair for comic timing. Katherine Hepburn delivers just one in a series of wonderful performances as Tracy Lord. She has the attitude and air to carry off such a character. Cary Grant is good as ever as C.K. Dexter Haven, whilst James Stewart offers an energetic and assured performance. Ruth Hussey also shines.

For those looking for a romance fix, The Philadelphia Story offers this and more. A classic of the genre.

A Philadelphia Story is being screened at the BFI Southbank as part of the Katherine Hepburn season, as well as at selected venues throughout the UK.