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Next week, Nick Park will open The Arc Cinema in Preston city centre, offering another eight screens with a wide variety of showings for customers to enjoy.
Until then, Vue, Odeon, and The Flower Bowl are yet again putting on films ranging from the brand new to the classics, and event cinema.
In terms of new releases, all three cinemas will be offering frequent showings of the latest MCU movie, Captain America: Brave New World, along with the final entry in the British rom-com series, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. And for younger viewers, Dog Man is out today, and will have frequent showings available.
But, in terms of unique offerings, these are the films and event screenings appearing in the local cinemas this week, from Friday 14 to Thursday 20 February.
Read more: Nick Park to officially open Preston’s Animate cinema and leisure complex
Paddington in Peru
Vue – Book Here
All Week
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Tuesday, Thursday
Odeon – Book Here
All Week
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 three 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.
Heart Eyes
Odeon – Book Here
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. Though Heart Eyes is brand new this week, it appears that only the Odeon has added it to their listings.
Hard Truths
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Friday, Wednesday, Thursday
Hard Truths is an independent British film that has been making its way around film festivals since September 2024. The Flower Bowl has given 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.
In pictures: Inside Preston’s new The Arc Cinema at Animate before opening
Sarah & Duck On The Big Screen
Vue – Book Here
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday
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.
The Sloth Lane
Vue – Book Here
All Week
Odeon – Book Here
All Week
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. The movie debuts across the UK and Ireland this week, though screenings of the film are limited to just one slot daily at both Odeon and Vue in Preston.
Tiddler + The Snail & The Whale
Vue – Book Here
All Week
Odeon – Book Here
All Week
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.
In pictures: Inside Preston’s new The Arc Cinema at Animate before opening
CatVideoFest 2024
Odeon – Book Here
Monday
One of the most unique listings currently available is CatVideoFest 2024. This 75-minute special presentation consists of a large compilation of funny cat videos, animations, and audio, which has been put together to raise money for cats in need. The film is priced as an event screening, though part of the proceeds are due to go towards the cause, and it’s suitable for all ages.
Scream Unseen
Odeon – Book Here
Monday
Odeon regularly hosts special early screenings of upcoming titles available exclusively to Limitless members. For any cinema buffs, this membership allows the user to attend the screening an unlimited number of times for a low monthly subscription and provides access to special releases like this. For the Scream Unseen listings, it is always a horror title, and usually set to release a few days later, or in the following week.
Becoming Led Zeppelin
Vue – Book Here
Monday, 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.
Les Miserables – The Staged Concert Live!
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Tuesday
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.
Read more: Arc Cinema in Preston’s Animate complex gets February opening date
Aladdin
Vue – Book Here
Tuesday
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.
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Wednesday
Odeon – Book Here
Sunday, Wednesday
David Tennant had an incredibly popular run as Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010, but since then, his career has seen him appear in numerous other projects across the screen and stage. Tennant’s performances in Shakespearian plays have been particularly successful, and his latest West End outing with Cush Jumbo in Macbeth is no different. Having received numerous 5-star reviews, this show is not one to miss, and with several showings in the local cinemas, there are plenty of chances to get yourself a ticket.
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Thursday
Odeon – Book Here
Thursday
Vue – Book Here
Thursday
From one Doctor Who actor to another, Ncuti Gatwa, who currently holds the title as the Fifteenth Doctor is starring in the National Theater 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.
Beauty And The Beast
Vue – Book Here
Thursday
Another live-action Disney remake is set to play in Vue on Thursday, two days after Aladdin. Beauty and the Beast is another beautiful classic story, this time featuring Emma Watson of former Harry Potter fame as the lead, Belle. Once again, the remake received mixed reviews, but it has sparked excitement and love for the Disney Classics among a new generation of viewers.
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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to [email protected] for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
