Boxing Day Movie Guide

Compiled by Charlotte Whan

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

The Hobbit is set to recapture the beloved elements of intense action and triumph from the Lord of the Rings tales. Following the quest of Bilbo Baggins to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, we venture through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs, giant spiders, shapeshifters and sorcerers. En route Bilbo is captivated by a creature who will change his life forever: Gollum.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/G0k3kHtyoqc” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

In May 1939 King George and Queen Elizabeth staged the British monarchy’s first visit to the United States – to President Franklin D Roosevelt’s country estate in Hyde Park, New York. Amidst the brewing international affairs, the President is caught up with his own domestic concerns with his wife, mother and mistress – altogether an unforgettable royal weekend.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/RqQzNyxSShM” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

LES MISERABLES

The classic story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, as he takes on the care of a factory worker’s young daughter after being hunted for decades by the unrelenting policeman, Javert. Set in 19th-century France, a riveting story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption in an alluring interpretation of Victor Hugo’s enthralling tale.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/IuEFm84s4oI” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

When old-school grandparents agree to look after their three grandchildren, the baby-sitting stint merges into a frantic blend of tough ruling, lots of loving and old-fashioned games. In a collision of 21st-century behaviours and behind-the-times parenting, Parental Guidance is a family comedy on the true glue that binds a family together – a bit of bending the rules.

<iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/D1ZoNHGUq6c” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

QUARTET

Said to be charmingly similar to last year’s Marigold Hotel; four retired opera singers reunite for the annual gala concert of their Beecham House retirement home. When a former member returns, the wounds and differences of the quartet emerge and test the ability of time to heal, as divorcees clash and ex-divas disrupt in an extravagant attempt to pull the show together.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/wSEnh8Hi62E” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

WRECK-IT RALPH

Ralph, a video game villain, longs to be as honoured as his game’s good guy, Fix-It Felix. So on a quest to unharness his inner-heroism and happiness, Ralph journeys through all branches of beloved generic arcade games, only to accidentally unleash a deadly threat to the other games. Will Ralph discover what it means to be a true hero before it’s ‘Game Over’ for the entire arcade?

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/btB8tb8fLYM” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

SAMSARA

Filmed over nearly five years and across 25 countries, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders. Samsara, meaning ‘the ever turning wheel of life’, is a compelling interpretation of the interconnected rhythm of humanity and the rest of nature.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/qp967YAAdNk” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

SIGHTSEERS

When Chris decides to show girlfriend Tina his world, they embark on a self-proclaimed ‘erotic odyssey’ that soon spirals out of control, caravan style. From director Ben Wheatley, Sightseers is a wondrous journey of true love and dead bodies. Said to be one of the darkest and funniest comedies of the year.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/qyg9aRqlUxM” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>