What's new at the movies?

The big screen entertainment continues non-stop at Nu Metro cinemas in Pretoria this week: epic adventure, action, home-grown talent, horror thrills, true-life drama and family movie fun are all on the menu.

See It First This Saturday

In honour of having an extra 24 hours of awesomeness this leap year, come and spend it at all Nu Metro cinemas this Saturday, 29 February for a special see-it-first pre-screening of Disney & Pixar’s new animated blockbuster, Onward, a week before its official release. Watch the magic unfold before your eyes in Menlyn Park’s supersized Xtreme theatre as teenage elf brothers (voiced by the legendary Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) get a wonderful opportunity to spend one more day with their late father. Bookings are now open.

The Call of the Wild (7-9PG DV)

Showing at Nu Metro Menlyn Park and Woodlands

Follow the adventures of Buck, the big-hearted dog, as his blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his sunny California home. Buck now finds himself as the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team – in the middle of the wild Alaskan Yukon during the 1890s Gold Rush. Come along as he discovers his true place in the world – and becomes his own master. Adapted from the beloved literary classic, this live-action/animation hybrid starring Harrison Ford employs cutting edge visual effects and animation technology in order to render animals in the film as fully photo realistic – and emotionally authentic – characters.

The Informer (16 DLV)

Showing at Nu Metro Menlyn Park only

This tense, action-packed crime thriller with a strong emotional core stars Joel Kinnaman, Rosamund Pike, Common, Ana de Armas, and Clive Owen. It comes from the producers of The Town, Sicario and John Wick. The film follows Pete Koslow (Joel Kinnaman), a former special operations soldier working as an informant for the FBI to help dismantle the Polish mafia’s drug trade in New York. But when the FBI’s operation goes wrong, resulting in the death of an undercover NYPD cop, Pete is coerced into returning to Bale Hill, the prison he previously served time in for manslaughter, to take down the cartel from the inside.

Knuckle City (18 DLNSV)

Showing at Nu Metro Mams Mall (Mamelodi) and Menlyn Park

Witness the struggle of South African-born Dudu Nyakama, a down and out ageing boxer, struggling to fight the one match that he believes will change his life. Since the underbelly of the boxing world is filled with criminality, Dudu unwittingly enlists the help of his reckless but resourceful gangster brother who has just been released from jail. Haunted by the ghost of their father, Dudu soon finds that the fight at home is far more challenging than any opponent he could possibly face in the ring. This SAFTA-nominated film stars Bongile Mantsai, Thembekile Komani, Patrick Ndlovu, Faniswa Yisa, Siv Ngesi and other local stars.

Watch the trailer here – https://youtu.be/J31KA4ZDUFE

The Invisible Man (18 DHLV)

Showing at Nu Metro Woodlands and Menlyn Park

Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy, brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding. But when she receives news that her abusive ex has committed suicide, she is surprised to find out that he left her a generous portion of his vast fortune. As a series of eerie coincidences turn lethal and threaten the lives of those she loves, her sanity begins to unravel as she tries to prove that she’s being hunted by someone no one can see.

Unplanned (PG)

Showing at Nu Metro Parkview only

Follow the true story of Abby Johnson – one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors – who was involved in more than 22 000 abortions and counselled countless women on their reproductive choices. Her passion surrounding a woman’s right to choice led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed in. Until one day, she witnesses something that changes everything, and leads her to join her former enemies at “40 Days for Life” and become one of the most passionate anti-abortion speakers in America. Unplanned is a film that speaks to one of the most polarising topics of our day, giving voice to a woman who has been on both sides of the abortion debate.