In the 25 years since Alicia Silverstone learnt that “’tis a far, far better thing doing stuff for other people”, Clueless has gone on to become many a film fan’s favourite Jane Austen adaptation.
This week’s new take on Emma may have its work cut out trying to top the 1995 classic, but certainly looks worth checking out – while for reasons no-one can really explain, another ‘90s icon gets his first big screen outing in Sonic the Hedgehog…
New releases
Emma
- Cert U, 125 mins
- Vue York, City Screen, Everyman, Cineworld
- From Fri Feb 14
- More details
Anya Taylor-Joy plays Jane Austen’s matchmaking heroine in this new take on the classic novel.
The feature debut of music video director Autumn de Wilde (who sounds a bit like an Austen character herself), the story sees the wealthy, supremely self-assured Emma Woodhouse take ingenue Harriet (Mia Goth) under her wing, while sparring with potential romantic partners including her neighbour Mr. Knightley (Johnny Flynn) and local vicar Mr. Elton (Josh O’Connor).
With a screenplay by Booker prize-winning author Eleanor Catton and a supporting cast including Miranda Hart and Bill Nighy, it’s been well received by critics, with the Independent calling it a ‘decadent, fondant-swaddled delight’.
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Cert PG, 98 mins
- Vue York, Everyman, Cineworld
- From Fri Feb 14
- More details
This latest chapter in the long and undistinguished history of big screen video game adaptations sees Sega’s super-speedy blue furball do battle with arch-nemesis Dr. Robotnik.
In time-honoured ‘80s adventure movie style, the plot sees Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz from TV’s Parks and Recreation) arrive on Earth on the run from sinister forces who want to harness his special powers.
He teams up with small-town sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) to evade government authorities and take on evil scientist Robotnik (Jim Carrey) – naturally stopping to collect a few rings on the way.
Other screenings
Rarely does Valentine’s Day pass without an opportunistic reissue for a much-loved classic – and this year it’s the turn of Ghost, which is being resurrected for its 30th anniversary.
You can gaze aghast at Patrick Swayze’s and Demi Moore’s woefully neglectful pottery-making at Everyman and Cineworld on Fri 14th, while it’s on at Vue across the weekend.
There’s more timeless romance on offer at City Screen on Sunday 16th, when they’re showing a matinee of Casablanca.
The week’s less Valentine’s-friendly reissue is vamp-tastic ‘80s favourite The Lost Boys (Cineworld, Fri 14th), while Vue have another cinematic tribute to the late Terry Jones with a screening of Monty Python’s Life of Brian on Weds 19th.
And finally, parents looking for half-term alternatives to the not-exactly-wonderful-sounding likes of Sonic and Dolittle may be tempted by City Screen’s Frozen 2 singalong screenings on Sun 16th, Tues 18th and Weds 19th – it’s also on in non-singalong form throughout the week at Vue.