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The Arc Cinema is officially open following a tremendous and well-attended opening event on Thursday evening. With that, Preston is officially up to four cinemas with each showing a range of hit new releases, and some hidden gems.
It’s a lighter week in terms of new releases, with just The Monkey joining most cinemas’ lineups. Fortunately, there is plenty to go and see in terms of the more unique offerings in cinemas from today (Friday 21) to Thursday 27 February.
Tiddler + The Snail & The Whale
All Week
All Week
Limited screenings as above. First time both cinemas are aligning in some time.
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features that are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
Sunday, Tuesday
Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Ncuti Gatwa, who currently holds the title as the Fifteenth Doctor, is starring in the National Theatre Live production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The play, originally written by Oscar Wilde, tells a story of love, identity, and impersonation with plenty of humour throughout.
Becoming Led Zeppelin
Friday, Saturday, Thursday
Unlike the flood of musical biopics that have appeared in cinemas over the last couple of years, Becoming Led Zeppelin takes a different approach, while still demanding that big screen treatment. The film is a documentary with interviews, recorded performances, and never-before-seen footage. This is the definitive and official film covering the early years of the world famous rock band.
The Substance
Friday, Monday
The Substance is a body horror flick starring Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore and it is a showstopper. The film has also been nominated for five Oscars, which just goes to show how strong of a release it’s proving to be. That being said, if you don’t have the stomach for body horror, maybe sit this one out.
Heart Eyes
All Week
All Week
Heart Eyes is a rom-com slasher perfect for couples who want something a little darker and more unique. The film harks back to the classic comedy horror movies of the 1980s and 1990s, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and some gory mishaps.
Paddington in Peru
All Week
Saturday
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Saturday, Sunday
Despite the movie debuting in November, it appears to have made a strong impression, which has landed Paddington in Peru a regular slot in all four available cinemas. The third entry in the series continues to prove popular, especially as it’s got something for the whole family. Following the famous bear from the Paddington stories by Michael Bond, things get more tense than ever for Paddington and company in this outing.
The Brutalist
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Monday
Saturday, Tuesday
The Brutalist is another hit film that is currently making the rounds for Awards season. The film is currently on the slate for a total of ten Oscar nominations, and it has received widespread praise for the incredible storytelling, and the performance of leading actors like Adrian Brody and Guy Pearce.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
All Week
All Week
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has proven to be immensely popular as the third entry in the franchise based on the video games. The film brings back Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Idris Elba and James Marsden, in addition adding the incredible Keanu Reeves to the lineup. However, with the movie having been in cinemas for months now, there may not be long left to catch it on the big screen.
Beauty And The Beast
Saturday
Beauty and the Beast is a beautiful classic story featuring Emma Watson of former Harry Potter fame as the lead, Belle. The remake received mixed reviews, but it has sparked excitement and love for the Disney Classics among a new generation of viewers.
Sarah & Duck On The Big Screen
Saturday, Sunday
Sarah & Duck is a popular animated series aimed at children aged 4 to 6. The special screening combines eight of the best episodes from the series and two sing-along songs to make this a special event for young fans of the show.
Aladdin
Sunday
Disney has been working to recreate several of their most popular classic titles into live-action movies. As a result, Aladdin, a hit movie first released in 1992 was remade in 2019, with much of the bones of the story still in place. Of course, there is a new cast, brand-new visuals, and even a new song, but the heart of the film remains. However, the live-action remakes have not always proven popular among the fanbase.
Conclave
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Sunday, Wednesday
Conclave is another huge contender at Awards season. The film has been nominated for a total of eight Oscars, and while it’s been playing in The Flower Bowl for the past few weeks, Vue and Odeon have put it back in their screens to give it a boost before the Academy Awards. Starring Ralph Fiennes and a slate of stunning actors, the movie has proven very popular.
A Real Pain
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
A Real Pain is a unique film starring Jesse Eisenberg, who is also directing, and Kieran Culkin, who previously starred in Succession. On the British awards circuit, the film has been doing incredibly well, landing some Bafta wins, and it continues on the American circuit with two Oscar nominations.
Les Miserables – The Staged Concert Live!
Monday
The incredibly popular cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas, and many more is returning to the big screen across the UK. While this West End performance was recorded in 2019, it stands out as one of the most popular versions of the musical, which has led to it returning several times in cinemas everywhere.
Gladiator II
Tuesday
Odeon’s Silver Cinema offering this coming week is the Ridley Scott directed sequel to the hit film Gladiator. Paul Mescal stars alongside impressive talents like Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn in this epic action film. Gladiator II is loud, bright, and full of action, and well worth a watch.
September 5
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
September 5 received a limited release here in Preston early in February, but now it’s being brought to several screens around the city. The film follows the events of the Munich massacre of 1972, where an American sports broadcasting channel was involved in covering a developing hostage crisis at the Olympics.
Lytham Film Festival Independent Film Night
Tuesday
In association with Lytham International Film Festival, The Flower Bowl is hosting special screenings of short films, with special guests and Q&As on the last Tuesday of each month. This is a great opportunity to see something completely different, and support independent filmmakers.
Read more: Preston cinema teaming up with Lytham International Film Festival to launch indie nights
Hard Truths
Wednesday
Hard Truths is an independent British film that has been making its way around film festivals since September 2024. The Flower Bowl originally gave this comedy-drama, directed by Mike Leigh, a prominent place in their listings, with daily showings. For something fresh, Hard Truths is a great choice.
Attack on Titan: The Last Attack
Wednesday, Thursday
Wednesday, Thursday
Attack on Titan is a popular anime series that has been running since 2013, and now, the story continues on the big screen. The film features an epic and tense story about a group of people who find themselves surrounded by hideous monstrous giants. In order to keep them safe, a specially trained group of soldiers fight back with aerial equipment and melee weapons. The film will be playing in both Odeon and Vue with subbed and dubbed versions available.
Royal Ballet & Opera: Swan Lake
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Swan Lake is a renowned ballet from composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. And now, a performance of the famous show will be playing out on screens across Preston. It will begin playing on Thursday next week, but will likely be featured a few more times in the days following.
Juror #2
Thursday
The Arc Cinema is also hosting a weekly Silver Screen cinema experience aimed at guests aged 60 and over, featuring some of the biggest and best films from recent months. The Silver Screen showing will be a regular instalment each Thursday, with specially discounted ticket rates and complimentary tea or coffee and biscuits. This week, Juror #2 will kick things off, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience for all those in attendance.
The Sloth Lane
Saturday, Sunday
The Sloth Lane is an animated children’s film from Australia that is part of a larger series called The Tales from Sanctuary City. While this is the fifth entry in the franchise, it’s not necessary to have seen the other movies, each of which highlights anthropomorphised versions of Australia’s unique array of wildlife.
