Five Magnificent Movies Not To Miss At The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival
The projectors are primed, the popcorn ready to be popped, and the wait almost over; the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is just around the corner!
More than 100 wonderful movies will be screening in venues across the capital from February 20th to March 2rd, and from fabulous features to stunning shorts, there’s a whole lot to look forward to. If you fancy getting your ducks in a row before the curtain rises, then read on; we’ve selected a handful of highlights you’ll definitely want to catch!
Wednesday February 20th @ 6.30pm and 9.00pm, Cineworld
Beginning with an almighty bang, the Virgin Media Opening Gala sees one of Ireland’s finest filmmakers arriving home with what many have deemed a career best effort. John Butler – of The Stag and Handsome Devil fame – is writer and director of this touching, tender and terrifically funny feature following an L.A. weatherman and a Latino labourer as they form an unlikely friendship.
Thursday February 21st @ 8.40pm, Light House
Long a favourite in front of the lens, Jonah Hill journeys to the other side of the camera in his directorial debut, a nostalgic coming-of-age tale featuring sharp characters, swift dialogue and a refreshing dose of honesty and authenticity. Hill’s comedy chops are legendary – check out Superbad (available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €2.99) if you need a refresher! – but his serious side is something to be reckoned with too; turns out the bloke can do everything…
Thursday February 21st @ 8.15pm, Cineworld
Decidedly more debauched than Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale, Elizabeth Moss stars as a punk rock hellraiser forced to confront the less-than-rock’n’roll realities of life. Her showing is typically scene-stealing, and coupled with the fast and furious story – as well as the emotional haymakers it lands with regularity – it’s a movie that’s rough, ready and enormously rewarding.
FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY
Wednesday February 27th @ 6.15pm, Light House
This year’s Virgin Media Gala will feature belly-laughs and body-slams, with this hilarious wrestling drama set to be a massive hit! Based on the real-life story of WWE superstar Paige (who still struts her stuff on Smack Down, Sky Sports, Virgin TV 401) it follows the extraordinary journey from the backroads of British wrestling to the bright lights of the world’s biggest promotion – and what it means for the family of fellow grapplers watching her do it. Stephen Merchant directs a star-studded cast in a movie that promises to be a knockout!
Sunday March 3rd @ 8.15pm, Cineworld
Talk about last but not least! This year’s Closing Gala is a music-fuelled masterpiece. There’s a long road from Glasgow to Tennessee, but that’s the adventure planned by a country music wannabe who has Nashville in her crosshairs. Underpinned by an extraordinary performance from Jessie Buckley, this clever and charming film isn’t the fairytale you might expect – but is all the more captivating for it.
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