JULY 2022 - FILMS (CINEMA) + THEATRE

Slim pickings this month with not too many new films rocking up at the Odeon.

We saw three, which is still value for money, but I wasn't vibing the new Thor or Minions films TBH. One film we were hoping to see in July, got knocked back to August.

We did get to see some live music as well at Aylesbury Theatre. 

Lightyear (2022)

Well I loved Toy Story and all the sequels, enjoying them with my family as my children grew. It was worth popping along on a Sunday morning to have a look at this offshoot.

It was okay. In truth, I think Buzz Lightyear isn't a strong enough or interesting enough character to carry his own film. He's just a bit boring, a bit two-dimensional. Not one I'll be watching again when it rocks up on TV.

From Odeon website....

SYNOPSIS

The sci-fi action-adventure presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans. Chris Evans lends his voice to Buzz. Annie Award-winning director and veteran Pixar animator Angus MacLane helms “Lightyear.” Galyn Susman produces.

CAST

Keke Palmer, James Brolin, Peter Sohn, Efren Ramirez, Uzo Aduba, Dale Soules, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Chris Evans, Taika Waititi

DIRECTORS

Angus MacLane

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

I've heard of the book that inspired the film but haven't read it and didn't know the story before watching this. It's a fantastic film, brilliant acting and a gipping story. I'd happily see it again. I don't feel like I need to read the book now.

From Odeon website....

SYNOPSIS

From the best-selling novel comes a captivating mystery. Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what actually happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal the many secrets that lay within the marsh.

CAST

Taylor John Smith, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sterling Macer Jr., Michael Hyatt, Harris Dickinson, David Strathairn

DIRECTORS

Olivia Newman

The Johnny Cash Roadshow - Aylesbury Theatre

I can't say I'm the world's biggest Johnny Cash fan. I reckon I would struggle to name half a dozen of his songs, but this tribute act was absolutely superb. I went with my wife as a belated Anniversary present to ourselves and we had a fantastic time. The musicianship was superb and the whole band put everything into their performance. The encore with Ring of Fire ended things perfectly with everyone up on their feet. Well worth catching if it appears in a town or city near you.

From Johnny Cash Roadshow ...

The Johnny Cash Roadshow

A touring theatre show celebrating the the life & work of the late great Johnny Cash.

About the Show

Only show to be endorsed by the Cash Family! The Johnny Cash Roadshow is finally back and better than ever with a brand new show. This year award winning Clive John pays homage to Cash’s career as the Man In Black, alongside his iconic wife June Carter (Meghan Thomas) the Roadshow Horns, and on selected shows The ‘Carter Sisters’.  With all the hits such as Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Get Rhythm, Orange Blossom Special and Boy Named Sue along-side some of the darker more atmospheric songs from the later American Recordings such as The Man Comes Around and Hurt, this year’s show is an emotional roller-coaster through Cash’s career, packed together in one fantastic unforgettable evening’s entertainment.

With standing ovations every night, Johnny Cash Roadshow is the longest running, most recognised and still the biggest and best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world today guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Joyride (2022)

Enjoyable enough. I do like Olivia Colman, though her Irish accent is a bit wobbly at times here. Funny in places, sad in places, it broaches some tricky subjects.... unwanted parenthood, bereavement, loss, and a dysfunctional family. I don't suppose there's an actual template for a perfect family. I suppose putting your kids needs ahead of your own would be a decent start.

From Odeon website...

SYNOPSIS

Joy (Colman) and Mully (Reid) are two lovable rogues. Joy is angry – she’s got a baby and motherhood does not come naturally to her; she feels she’s tossed her own dreams aside to give a screeching monster unconditional love. And, if she’s honest to herself, when she looks in the mirror she sees the shadow of her own neglectful mother. Twelve-year-old Mully also has a mum-shaped void in his life, as well as a conman dad. But Mully’s got balls; he knicks his dad’s stash of cash and steals a taxi in a bid for freedom. But, there’s an almighty yell from the back seat. It’s Joy – hungover, freaking out, and holding a baby! As they tear up the road on their riotous misadventure, we follow these roguish ‘outlaws’ in search of their dreams, in this feel-good, foul-mouthed fairy-tale.

CAST

David Pearse, Charlie Reid, Ruth McCabe, Olwen Fouéré, Lochlann O'Mearáin, Olivia Colman

DIRECTORS

Emer Reynolds

Rankings

1. Where the Crawdads Sing

2. Joyride

3. Lightyear