Every month, UGC cinemas offer special screenings to see or rediscover cult films that have had a profound impact on spectators and critics. These are less expensive screenings than a traditional screening, and which allow you to have a good time watching films that have stood the test of time.
#1 The Untouchables, by Brian De Palma (1987)
When we talk about gangster films, we often think of Martin Scorsese (The Freedmen, Casino, Mean Streets) and to Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather). Another New Hollywood filmmaker has distinguished himself particularly well in this field: it is obviously Brian De Palma, to whom we owe Scarface et The Untouchables. This latest film, which recounts the hunt for Al Capone by federal agent Eliot Ness and his teammates, left its mark, particularly thanks to its exceptional casting.including Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro. The film earned Sean Connery a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. We must also mention the absolutely legendary soundtrack by Ennio Morricone.
To be seen on December 1, 2024.
#2 The City of God, by Fernando Meirelles (2002)
Often considered one of the best films of the 2000s, City of God takes us into the most violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, through the eyes of a young man from this neighborhood who wants to become a photographer. Unanimously considered a masterpiece, City of God is a gem of Brazilian cinema. It was recently the subject of a sequel in the form of a series broadcast in September 2024 on HBO, entitled City of God: The Struggle Continues. No doubt this event release motivated UGC cinemas to re-release the film in theaters, to make the pleasure last.
To be seen on December 5, 2024.
#3 The Witch, de Robert Eggers (2015)
In just three films (The Witch, The Lighthouse et The Northman), American director Robert Eggers has established himself among the most talented directors of his generationand as one of the leaders of what some critics call theelevated horror. While his fourth film, Nosferatu – which received absolutely rave reviews -, is due to be released in French cinemas from December 25, 2024, this is the perfect opportunity to rediscover his first feature film: The Witch. Presented in 2015 at the Sundance Festival where it caused a sensation, The Witch immerses us in New England in the first half of the 17th century and invites us to follow a Puritan family prey to an evil force living in a forest. With this first film with impeccable artistic direction, Robert Eggers is interested in the myth of the witch. If we can obviously mention the careful and elegant staging of the filmmaker and the breathtaking work of the cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, one of the greatest strengths of The Witch remains the interpretation of Anya-Taylor Joyof which it is one of the first roles in the cinema. Thanks to Robert Eggers for introducing us to such a great actress!
To be seen on December 6, 2024.
#4 The Five Legends, by Peter Ramsey (2012)
December is obviously the month of end-of-year celebrations. And this month's lineup is filled with amazing Christmas films, starting with the animated film The Five Legends by Peter Ramsey. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and Mexican filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, The Five Legends tells us the story ofa rebellious and ingenious young boy, Jack Frost (the spirit of winter), who allies himself with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman in order to protect dreams and children's hopes. Acclaimed for the virtuosity of its animation and artistic direction, The Five Legends is an ideal Christmas story to get in the mood!
To be seen on December 7, 2024.
#5 Batman, de Tim Burton (1989)
Last September, the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – which marked the great return of Tim Burton – had been the perfect opportunity for UGC to emerge first Beetlejuice in theaters. The immense success of the film in 1988 convinced Warner Bros. to entrust the little genius with glasses with the making of the film Batman. Far from the kitsch of the 1960s series with Adam West, Tim Burton takes on the darker vibe of 1980s comics – which perfectly illustrate The Dark Knight Returns et Batman: Year One by Frank Miller as well as The Killing Joke by Alan Moore – to lay and Batman with a completely seductive gothic aesthetic. The film, which also owes a lot to Jack Nicholson's performance as the Joker and Danny Elfman's cult soundtrack, was at the origin of the Batmania that swept through the 1990s. Oh, and a- Did we mention Prince's Bat Dance?
To be seen on December 8, 2024.
#6 Interstella 5555, de Leiji Matsumoto (2003)
Sadly passed away in February 2023, Leiji Matsumoto was one of the greatest manga authors of all time. The father ofAlbator and of Galaxy Express 999 has marked many generations around the world. Very fans of his work, Daft Punk have written a script for a science fiction film, telling the story of a group of abducted extraterrestrial musicians who become stars on Earth. They then asked the manga artist to oversee the artistic design of the film. Almost entirely silent and highlighting the album Discovery of the famous duo, the movie Interstella 5555 is the result of this completely crazy collaboration. It is re-released in a fully remastered version in 4K.
To be seen on December 12, 2024.
#7 Nosferatu, by Murnau (1922)
On the occasion of the release on December 25, 2024 of Nosferatu the Robert Eggers, the movie Nosferatu the vampire by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau is released in theaters for a special screening. Considered the first horror film in the history of cinema, this feature film released in 1922 is one of the peaks of German expressionist cinema and Gothic cinema. This free adaptation of the masterpiece Dracula by Irishman Bram Stoker is aesthetically crazyand has influenced many filmmakers, starting with Tim Burton.
To be seen on December 12, 2024.
#8 The Pole Express, by Robert Zemeckis (2004)
On November 6, 2024, director Robert Zemeckis returned in force with the magnificent Herein which he reconvened the actors of Forrest Gump for a terribly moving film, but unfortunately shunned by the public due to particularly questionable distribution choices… No matter, the director of Back to the future and of Who wants Roger Rabbit's skin? will be one of the great architects of our end-of-year celebrations, since the wonderful Christmas story The Pole Express released in theaters on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary. First animated film to be made entirely in motion-capture, The Express Pole tells the story of a young boy doubting the existence of Santa Claus, invited to go to the North Pole.
To be seen on December 14, 2024.
#9 Gremlins, by Joe Dante (1982)
Released in 1984, Gremlins is one of the best films from the Amblin Entertainment studio created by Steven Spielberg. This Christmas horror comedy directed by the excellent Joe Dante is inspired by a legend mentioned by Welsh writer Roal Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) in a children's book published by Disney. With sadistic pleasure, Joe Dante twists the codes of Christmas films, starting with Life is beautiful by Frank Capra, to better mock the artificial and sugary happiness in which the West wallows. Full of dark and ingenious humor, Gremlins is a great film that we can't wait to see again!
To be seen on December 15, 2024.
#10 Le Grinch, de Ron Howard (2000)
Released in 2000, Le Grinch certainly not one of Ron Howard's best films (Willow, Apollo 13). However, Christmas is an opportunity to see or rewatch this feature film with Jim Carrey and narrated by Anthony Hopkinsadapting the classic children's book written by Dr. Seuss.
To be seen on December 21, 2024.
#11 Batman: The Challenge, by Tim Burton (1992)
After the immense success of Batman in 1989, Tim Burton needed to refocus by making a more personal film. This will result in the magnificent gothic Christmas movie Edward Scissorhands. When Warner offers him to come back for a second Batmanhe accepts on one condition: that he be given carte blanche. Result, Batman, the challenge (or Batman Returns in English) is a Burtonian work in Devil. The director has created one of his finest feature films: a gothic Christmas film paying homage to monsters, The Bride of Frankenstein et Nosferatu (notably through the character of Max Schreck played by Christopher Walken, and who is a tribute to the vampire actor in Murnau's film). Finally, let us note, to complete the picture, that the original soundtrack of Batman Returns is the most beautiful composed by Danny Elfman !
To be seen on December 22, 2024.
#12 Pulp Fiction, by Quentin Tarantino (1994)
While Quentin Tarantino works on his tenth and final feature film – the first since Once Upon a Time in Hollywood -, his masterpiece Pulp Fiction celebrated its 30th birthday this year. Fcult film of an entire generation, Pulp Fiction is obviously one of the most important films of the 1990swhose influence we still feel in contemporary culture.
To be seen on December 26, 2024.
Did this article interest you? In this case, don't hesitate to tell us which films you plan to see or rewatch in December.
