Flicks and Giggles: Tyneside Cinema announce comedy season
Tyneside Cinema
Comedy’s everywhere these days, isn’t it? In my local, on my telly, in my ears – and all sorts of other places I’d rather not mention on a public forum like this. Producing something that’s unique and interesting – while still being funny – is clearly becoming harder. But special props must go to the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle, who’ve managed to grab our attention with a new season of dark comedy films to cure those winter blues…
They start today with the bold, shocking Alps and run throughout the festive period, partying on until at least mid-January (by which time you’ll have quit your post-Christmas diet and be ready to stuff your face with popcorn again).
To help you decide what to see and when, here’s a run-down of the flicks on offer this winter…
Alps (15) – Starts today!
Alps introduces four professionals who provide service to grieving relatives…by pretending to be their deceased friends or family until they can come to terms with their loss. We said Alps was bold, and we weren’t kidding.
Sightseers (15) – Starts Friday 30 November
A disturbing black comedy from Kill List director Ben Wheatley, Sightseers is the toast of this year’s major film festivals. It follows couple Tina and Chris, whose caravanning holiday around England takes a surprisingly murderous turn. More death.
NBCQ Shorts: The Joy Of Six (15) Plus Q&A – Wednesday 5 December, 6pm
Here’s something a little bit different. Fronted by Peter Mullan (Tyrannosaur) and Judi Dench (Skyfall), the NBCG Shorts are a selection of independent short films showcasing British screen talent. There’s also a special Q&A with some of the filmmakers after. One for the film anoraks, we suspect…
Up There (15) – Wednesday 12 December, 6.15pm
Like the NBCQ Shorts, Up There is another ‘one-off’ screening at the Tyneside Cinema. This ace new comedy picked up two Scottish BAFTA awards this month for Best Feature Film and Best Director, and stars Burn Gorman (a bloke from Torchwood and The Dark Knight Rises) as Martin – who dies in an accident and finds out that the afterlife isn’t what he expected. There’s a pattern emerging here.
Safety Not Guaranteed (15) – Starts Monday 14 January
It’s January. You’ve given up on your diet, stuck your unwanted presents on eBay (99p starting price), and – if you’re my mam – started planning for Christmas 2013. But bring yourself back to reality for a brief moment with Safety Not Guaranteed, a smart and heartfelt comedy from the producers of Little Miss Sunshine.
Aubrey Plaza (Scott Pilgrim Vs.The World) and Mark Duplass (Your Sister’s Sister) front this funny flick about an intern who answers a classified ad from paranoid supermarket clerk Kevin, “seeking another to travel back in time with.” No deaths. Promise.
Click the titles above for tickets – or see: www.tynesidecinema.co.uk.
