Films to look out for when Kent cinemas reopen
It seems like years since we were last able to watch a film properly – in the quiet darkness of a cinema.
The thrill of the pre-movie snacks, the smell of the popcorn and the sense of switching off from the world for a few hours are just some of the little things that people have missed.
With indoor cinemas being allowed to reopen from Monday 17 May, movie lovers are getting excited again as a whole bunch of new films are ready to be released.
Some of these films had meant to open before or during the Covid-19 pandemic, with others having to be completed during it.
Here are the current confirmed opening dates for Kent cinemas:
Cineworld – Ashford/Rochester/Dover/Strood
Open from: May 17 (Source: Empire)
Curzon – Canterbury
Open from: May 17 (Source: Curzon Facebook)
Odeon – Canterbury/Chatham/Maidstone
Open from: Vast majority on May 17 (Source: Digital Spy)
Vue – Thanet (Westwood Cross)
Open from: No announcement
With less than two weeks until these cinemas reopen their doors, we take a look at some of the best films on offer this summer…
1. Peter Rabbit 2 – 21st May 2021
One of the first films to be released when cinemas reopen is the sequel to the 2018 animation based on the Beatrix Potter character.
James Corden stars as Peter Rabbit with the film’s synopsis involving the mischievous character adventuring out of the garden and running away.
It was due to be released back in February 2020 but had to be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It – 28th May 2021
The Conjuring series of films follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The third film in this trilogy is based on the 1981 murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first known case in which the defendant tried to claim demonic possession as their defence.
The Conjuring Universe franchise features the ‘Annabelle’ films as well as ‘The Nun’ and ‘The Curse of La Llorona’. It has grossed a combined £1.3 billion – making it the second highest grossing horror franchise behind Godzilla.
3. A Quiet Place: Part II – 4th June 2021
A Quiet Place, released in 2018, became an instant hit and was nominated for Golden Globes, a BAFTA and an Academy Award. So, it’s no wonder a sequel was picked up so soon.
The film, directed by The Office star John Krasinski, involves a family who have to survive living in a world where monsters roam who kill if they hear a noise.
Part two picks up straight after the deadly events at the end of the first film, with the family having to venture out into the unknown.
Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy has joined the cast for this sequel.
4. Black Widow – 9th July 2021
Marvel movies had dominated the box office for years before the pandemic hit, so it’s no surprise they’re releasing one this summer when cinemas reopen.
The film is set after the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016) and will see Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson, on the run.
It stars English actors Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz and Ray Winstone as well as David Harbour of Stranger Things fame.
This will be the first film in Marvel’s phase four of their cinematic universe.
5. Jungle Cruise – 30th July 2021
This upcoming Disney film is based on their theme park attraction of the same name.
It tells the story of a riverboat captain who takes a scientist and her brother into the jungle on a mission to find a tree believed to have healing powers.
It brings together the acting duo that everyone wants to see – Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Jack Whitehall!
Disney will be hoping the film can emulate the success of Pirates of The Caribbean, which was also based on one of their theme park attractions.
6. The Suicide Squad – 6th August 2021
Suicide Squad (without the ‘The’) was released back in 2016 and received mostly negative reviews.
Now DC bring us The Suicide Squad, which they intend to be a standalone sequel to the first. Some actors will be reprising their roles, but there is a brand-new director in the form of James Gunn.
Gunn is best known for the hugely popular Guardians of the Galaxy films, with fans hoping he can bring his magic to the DC Universe.
Read our review of the last DC film release here.