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New in cinemas across Preston this week, Black Bag stars Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, and Pierce Brosnan in an action-packed thriller full of deceit and betrayal. Last Breath is also new in theatres, starring Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu. The film is based on a true story about a commercial diver stranded at the bottom of the North Sea. In The Lost Lands starring Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista is a high fantasy action adventure film about a powerful sorceress seeking to become a werewolf. And finally, rounding out the new releases, Opus, starring Ayo Edebiri, is a thriller about a writer who finds herself in the middle of a story stranger than fiction.
And in addition to new releases, these are the unique listings for Preston’s local cinemas from Friday 14 to Thursday 20 March.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods [Extended Cut]
All Week
The hit anime series, Dragon Ball is one of the most popular animes of all time. The franchise has also expanded to include several movies and additional series. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods initially came out in 2013, but with this special extended cut, fans can expect to see this epic story in a whole new light. All week, The Arc Cinema will be playing the film with subtitles.
One of Them Days
All Week
All Week
One of Them Days hit theatres across America in January, but it’s finally landed in the UK. Starring SZA in her theatrical debut, the tragicomedy film has gotten largely positive reviews. However, it will only be playing in The Arc and Odeon, so if you want to see it, plan accordingly.
Paddington in Peru
All Week
Saturday, Sunday
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 tenser than ever for Paddington and company in this outing. The Arc continues to feature regular shows, while the Odeon is featuring the movie over the weekend.
The Last Showgirl
Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
The Last Showgirl stars Pamela Anderson in a touching drama about a 57-year-old showgirl whose show has just been cancelled after 30 years. The film was nominated for a BAFTA, but despite critical success, it has not received a widespread release.
Conclave
Thursday
Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Saturay, Sunday, Tuesday
Of the eight categories that Conclave was nominated for, it managed to win only one for Best Adapted Screenplay. Starring Ralph Fiennes and a slate of stunning actors, the movie has proven very popular with audiences, which is reflected in the decision from three of Preston’s local cinemas to feature the film prominently despite the movie being released in November of 2024.
Tiddler + The Snail & The Whale
All Week
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday
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.
Beverly Hills Cop
Friday, Wednesday
Beverly Hills Cop originally came out in 1984, which technically makes it 41 years old. Despite this, Vue is celebrating the movies 40th Anniversary by adding limited screenings of the film this week. Starring Eddie Murphy, this movie launched a franchise and remains one of the most popular movies in Murphy’s career.
A Greyhound of a Girl
Saturday, Sunday
The Arc Cinema is a family owned cinema chain that was founded in Ireland, and as such, the cinema stays true to its roots. This can be seen this weekend as the cinema will feature an animated film based on a novel by the Irish author, Roddy Doyle. It also features talented Irish actors voicing the main cast, Brendan Gleeson and Sharon Horgan. This is a touching and emotional film suitable for the whole family.
Mystery Movie Night
Saturday
Odeon has been running a Screen Unseen program for some time, where Limitless members can book to see special previews of movies ahead of a general release. Now, The Arc is doing something similar with their mystery movie night. The film will be a surprise for audiences, but it will be an upcoming release.
Wicked
Saturday, Sunday
Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday
Wicked is a film adaptation of the popular stage musical directed by John M. Chu. The film won two Oscars for the production design and costume design, which was well-earned looking at the stunning visuals throughout the film. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it’s a powerful story of friendship and overcoming challenges.
The Sloth Lane
Saturday, Sunday
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 anthropomorphized versions of Australia’s unique array of wildlife.
Ne Zha 2
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
It’s very likely that you have never heard of Ne Zha or the sequel, both of which released primarily in China. However, Ne Zha 2 has managed to shake up the global box office as it has rocketed to become the highest grossing animated film of all time. In fact, the film has reportedly earned almost $2 billion (£1.5 billion), which puts it firmly in the top 10 highest grossing films of all time.
Transformers One
Saturday, Sunday
Transformers One came out in late 2024, and despite having a small box office compared to the live-action films in the series, Transformers One has received some of the best reviews for the franchise in a long time. It’s a wonderful animated feature suitable for the whole family, and well worth watching for any fans of the toys and cartoons.
Gundam Gquuuuuux
Saturday
Gundam is a popular game franchise that has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Now, a feature film based on the series has been made, and will be playing exclusively in Vue this week.
Anora
Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday
Anora had a surprisingly eventful Academy Awards night, taking home a total of five Oscars. Generally, the film has not seen a wide release, and to date, it’s only managed to earn a little over $40 million at the global box office. The movie follows a young escort in a dark romantic comedy with mature themes.
A Night With Janis Joplin, The Musical
Sunday
Janis Joplin is a renowned musician who has been in the spotlight for decades. Now, an event cinema listing can transport audiences to a show featuring the incredibly talented woman without having to leave Preston.
Twiggy
Monday, Thursday
Twiggy was a huge fashion icon who became a household name in the 1960s. Now, director Sadie Frost leads a documentary exploring her life and rise to prominence, with interviews of famous figures such as Dustin Hoffman, Paul McCartney, and Joanna Lumley who describe her influence and prominence at the height of her fame and in the decades since.
Heat
Monday
This crime thriller came out in 1995, starring icons of the era, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer and more. Now, celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary, Odeon is putting on a special screening this coming Monday.
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
Monday
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.
Reputation
Tuesday
Reputation is an independent British film by local filmmaker Martin Law that follows a dark and harrowing story of drug abuse, crime, and redemption. The film has been touring film festivals, and even managed to pick up an award for Best Feature Film at the Eastern Europe Film Festival.
Read more: ‘Dream come true’ as Preston-based film Reputation secures screening at local cinema
A Real Pain
Tuesday
On the back of two BAFTA wins, A Real Pain also picked up a win at the Academy Awards. The film explores tragedy, grief, and friendship in a visceral way that elicits intense emotion. It’s a wonderful film that is well worth watching, and is available only at the Odeon this Tuesday.
Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story + Q&A
Tuesday
Pauline Black is a well-known musician and advocate who has spent her four-decads long career fighting for racial equality. The film will only be available in the Odeon on Tuesday, with a special screening that includes a question and answer reel.
Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert
Wednesday
Wednesday
Hans Zimmer is the incredible musician and composer whose work has shaped film for decades. With contributions to movies like The Lion King, Dune, Interstellar, The Dark Knight and so much more, his legacy in film can’t be overstated. Now, a special concert experience of his work will be screening in The Flower Bowl and Vue on Wednesday, celebrating his incredible work.
The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
For fans of the ballet, this week will see The Royal Ballet appear in three of the four local cinemas as they perform Romeo & Juliet. The performance is not to be missed for fans of dance and Shakespeare, and the event screening promises to be a night to remember.
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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.
