Cinemas & Home Entertainment this week…
GRIM PICKINGS this week includes key dates to dismember with the latest instalment in the HARRY POTTER universe unfolding in cinemas while two solid sequels land on home entertainment!
IN CINEMAS
Thursday November 15th
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD
Following on from the HARRY POTTER spin-off feature of 2016, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, this latest instalment is a slower burn than its predecessor but equally rewarding as it expands the universe of both franchises while containing some critical reveals in the mythos of the series itself. Gargantuan in scope, magnificently stylized and thoroughly engaging, THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD is valued addition to the HARRY POTTER universe! At the conclusion of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday November 14th
THE EQUALIZER 2
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington returns in a sequel that is arguably better than its predecessor. Conjuring some truly awe-inspiring action set pieces and with a tighter focused narrative, THE EQUALIZER 2 allows time for the vengeance to stew before delivering its punishing wrath. Retired CIA black ops operative Robert McCall (Washington) – a man who serves an unflinching form of justice – returns to his old ways after discovering the murder of a friend. McCall sets out to find and punish the perpetrators. Sony’s 4K Ultra-HD & Blu-ray versions contain 11 Deleted & Extended Scenes, 5 Featurettes and even a pop-up trivia track!
ANT-MAN AND THE WASP
Being the first act to follow directly after THE AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was always going to be a challenge but thankfully ANT-MAN AND THE WASP proves to be the perfect distraction from the numbing depression we’ve been facing. Paul Rudd & Evangeline Lilly return to the titular roles in a refreshingly light superhero caper that is as rich in humour as it is in high impact spectacle. In the aftermath of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, Scott Lang (Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past. Disney’s 4K Ultra-HD, 3D Blu-ray & Blu-ray versions contain an absolute hive of Special Features including Deleted Scenes, Production Featurettes, Outtakes, Gag Reel and much much more!
MARY SHELLEY (DVD Only)
Whether you’re about to embark on a long flight overseas or generally have issues with sleeping, we’ve found the remedy! This historical drama is the perfect snooze-fest for any insomniac’s needs! She will forever be remembered as the writer who gave the world Frankenstein. But the real life story of Mary Shelley—and the creation of her immortal monster—is nearly as fantastical as her fiction. Raised by a renowned philosopher father (Stephen Dillane) in 18th-century London, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (Elle Fanning) is a teenage dreamer determined to make her mark on the world when she meets the dashing and brilliant poet Percy Shelley (Douglas Booth). So begins a torrid, bohemian love affair marked by both passion and personal tragedy that will transform Mary and fuel the writing of her Gothic masterwork. Imbued with the imaginative spirit of its heroine, Mary Shelley brings to life the world of a trailblazing woman who defied convention and channeled her innermost demons into a legend for the ages.
Grim Pickings is written weekly by Jarret Gahan.
