Thanks to the great success of Barbie last year, Cape Town cinemas have returned to their pre-pandemic levels with a regular rotation of blockbuster fandom movies and thought-provoking dramas. Going to the movies, the freshly-made popcorn and slushies, and the comfortable seating will always be a unique experience that can never really be replaced by home streaming. We spotlight some of the exciting must-watch movies scheduled for release in Cape Town cinemas.
Dune: Part Two
When to see it: Showing now
In the second part of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of author Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction epic, Duke Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) joins the Fremen and begins a spiritual and martial journey to become Muad’dib, while trying to prevent the horrible but inevitable future he’s witnessed: a Holy War in his name, spreading throughout the known universe. This breathtaking spectacle also stars Zendaya, Javier Bardem and others.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre Killarney | Movie@ Montecasino
Miller’s Girl
When to see it: From 23 February
Wednesday’s Jenny Ortega stars as a talented young writer embarks on a creative odyssey when her teacher (Martin Freeman) assigns a project that entangles them both in an increasingly complex web. As lines blur and their lives intertwine, professor and protégé must confront their darkest selves while straining to preserve their sense of purpose and the things they hold most dear.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre GrandWest
Cabrini
When to see it: From 8 March
The powerful film follows the story of Francesca Xavier Cabrini (also known as Frances Cabrini), an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children.
This Christian nun sets off on a daring mission of social justice to convince the hostile mayor and culture to secure housing and healthcare for society’s most vulnerable. With broken English poor health and heavy pushback, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind and unapologetic faith to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.
Francesca Cabrini is portrayed as a strong woman of faith who is clashing with sexist men of the era as well as the political and religious leaders.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movie@ Montecasino
Click to see our spotlight post on the new Cabrini film
Imaginary
When to see it: From 8 March
From the genre-defining masterminds behind Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3GAN comes an original horror that taps into the innocence of imaginary friends and begs the question: Are they really figments of childhood imagination or is something more sinister lurking beneath?
When Jessica (DeWanda Wise) moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice (Pyper Braun) develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed teddy bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey who becomes increasingly sinister.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro
The Bricklayer
When to see it: From 8 March
The Bricklayer follows a rogue insurgent blackmailing the CIA by assassinating foreign journalists and making it appear the agency is responsible. As other nations begin turning against the U.S., the CIA must lure the rebellious Steve Vail (Aaron Eckhart) out of retirement.
With an elite and deadly skill set, Vail is tasked with helping clear the agency’s name, forcing him to confront his checkered past while unravelling an international conspiracy.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre
#LoveMySelfie
When to see it: From 8 March
In this locally-made KykNet Films comedy, twelve lucky winners are chosen to spend the weekend with TV star Adele on the cruise of a lifetime after entering a selfie competition. Up-for-grabs is a retirement unit with a value of R7 million. The women compete in survivor-like games and quizzes to win the exclusive prize.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro
Lukas
When to see it: From 8 March
Directed by Philippe Talavera and written by Mikiros Garoes, Lukas is the story of a 15-year-old boy and the harsh realities faced by street children and challenging society’s response to their plight. The movie boasts a Namibian cast and crew that reflects the nation’s rich talent and creativity.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor
A Light Never Goes Out
When to see it: From 15 March
A Light Never Goes Out is Hong Kong’s Official Selection for Best International Feature at the Oscars year. The film stars the legendary Sylvia Chang, for which she took the 59th Annual Golden Horse Best Actress (Asia’s version of the Oscars).
Director Anastasia Tsang’s production revolves around a woman attempting to reinvigorate the neon signs of Hong Kong after her husband’s passing while nurturing his apprentice in his absence.
Where to see it: at Nu Metro
Arthur the King
When to see it: From 15 March
Over the course of 10 days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur.
Based on an incredible true story, this new film in Johannesburg cinemas follows Light who is desperate for one last chance to win and convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic.
As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre
Hate to Love: Nickelback
When to see it: From 22 March
A feature-length, in-depth look at one of the world’s most successful rock groups. This documentary film tells the real story of Nickelback from their humble beginnings in Alberta to the explosive global success of ‘How You Remind Me’ in 2001 and the record-breaking hits that followed and continue to this day.
In a refreshingly open, honest, and revealing account, the band discuss the conception of Nickelback and their incredible rise to the top in the 2000s. They reveal the personal impact of the online vitriol, the loyalty of their fans and their decision to return after a 5-year break with a new record and a hugely successful new tour, finding themselves riding a sudden wave of online love that has introduced their music to an army of new fans.
Where to see it: at Nu Metro
Kung Fu Panda 4
When to see it: From 22 March
The 4th instalment of Kung Fu Panda features new death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with Po’s unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills.
Voiced by Golden Globe nominee Jack Black, Po is called upon by destiny and tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace but he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position.
Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Oscar winner Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. So, Po’s going to need some help.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
When to see it: From 29 March
An explosive showdown of Godzilla versus King Kong is on the cards with this all-new cinematic adventure. The Monsterverse franchise pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence and our own.
The epic new film will delve further into the histories of these Titans, their origins, and the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre
Immaculate
When to see it: From 29 March
Sydney Sweeney plays Cecilia, a woman of devout faith who is warmly welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside where she is offered a new role at an illustrious convent. But it becomes clearer to Cecilia that her new home harbours dark and horrifying secrets. Definitely one not to be missed in Cape Town cinemas.
Where to see it: at Nu Metro | CineCentre
The First Omen
When to see it: From 29 March
The First Omen is a new prequel to the iconic horror film, The Omen. When a young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, she encounters a darkness that causes her to question her own faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.
Where to see it: at Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | CineCentre