January Film Releases
It’s officially 2017 and just when we thought 2016 left us with film memories aplenty, 2017 promises oodles of top notch flicks for the year to come (as well as some stinkers). Here is a list of upcoming film releases in Ireland for the month of January:
xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage – 19th of January
As hinted in the title, xXx 3 is the threequel in this saga. It stars Vin Diesel who reprises his role as Xander Cage. It is directed by D.J. Caruso and stars Samuel L. Jackson, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa, UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping, and Neymar, the latter of which plays himself…good god.
Jackie – 20th of January
The much-anticipated biopic of Jackie Kennedy, one of the most well-known public figures in America and the wife of JFK hits our screens this month and is directed by Pablo Lorrain. Academy Award winner Natalie Portman stars as the titular character as she comes to terms with the assassination of her husband. Portman earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance which has also seen her tipped as an early contender for an Academy Award.
Lion – 20th of January
Another critically praised picture, Lion is directed by Garth Davis and stars Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman. It tells the story of an Indian boy who goes missing in Calcutta, and details his life adventures. The film has earned praise from critics, as well as 4 Golden Globe nominations.
Split – 20th of January
Not to be confused with M Night Shyamalan’s latest film, Split is directed by Deborah Kampmeier and tells the story of a young woman who becomes obsessed with a mask maker and attempts to win his love. It stars Amy Ferguson as the young woman in a film which was nominated for best picture at the Sarasoto Film Festival.
Cameraperson – 27th of January
The 1st of 8 films to be released on the 27th, Cameraperson is a documentary about Kirsten Johnson, award winning documentary filmmaker and cinematographer, and her life behind the camera. The documentary was directed by Johnson herself.
Christine – 27th of January
Christine is directed by Antonio Campos and tells the story of TV reporter Christine Chubbuck in the 1970s. The film stars Rebecca Hall as the titular reporter, as well as Michael C. Hall, Tracy Letts, and Maria Dizzia.
Denial – 27th of January
Denial is a drama directed by Mick Jackson, and stars Rachel Wiesz as historian Deborah E. Lipstadt as she seeks to prove that the Holocaust occurred after she is sued for libel. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson and Timothy Spall and is based off a book written by Lipstadt herself.
Hacksaw Ridge – 27th of January
From a directorial debut to a directorial return. Mel Gibson returns to the director’s chair for the first time since Apocalypto in 2006 as he brings us Hacksaw Ridge, the real life tale of Desmond Doss, an Army Medic who refused to use a gun in World War 2. It stars Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn and Sam Worthington and is already receiving critical praise having picked up several Golden Globe nominations.
Sing – 27th of January
The first and only animation to be released in January, Sing stars Scarlett Johansson, Michael McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and many others and tells the story of a koala named Buster and his attempts to increase business for his theatre. The animated musical is directed and written by Garth Jennings.
The White King – 27th of January
The second last film to be released on the 27th of this month, The White King is directed by Alex Helfrecht and Jorg Tittel, and tells the story of Djata, a 12-year-old boy, after his father is imprisoned by his country’s dictator. The film stars Olivia Williams, Jonathan Pryce, and Greta Scacchi and is based off of a novel written by Gyorgy Dragomán. And now on to the final film of January 2017…
T2 Trainspotting – 27th of January
IT’S FINALLY HERE!!! The long-awaited sequel to the 1996 Danny Boyle-directed classic will finally hit our screens on the 27th of January. The film, helmed by Danny Boyle, will see the original group of actors return, including Ewan McGregor, Kelly MacDonald, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, and Ewan Bremmer. The film follows Renton, played by McGregor, as he reunites with his pals from 20 years prior. John Hodge, once again, pens the screenplay for the picture, easily one of the most eagerly anticipated films for the month of January.
Andrew Ryan