THERE are no punches pulled in the positively powerful Bastille Day, Eye in the Sky poses provocative political peril, Miles Ahead presents a passionate portrayal of a jazz phenomenon, and a posse of pensioners find new purpose purloining pennies in Golden Years. Plenty of purpose to plod, patrol, or promenade (post-haste) to Ilkley Cinema at present!

Don Cheadle makes a marvellous Miles Davis in Miles Ahead, an electric and energetic film packed with improvisational spirit and the feature directorial debut from the Hotel Rwanda actor. The 8pm screening of Miles Ahead on Friday, May 20 will be preceded by a live jazz performance to celebrate the film’s Ilkley premiere.

Complications arise when a lieutenant general (Alan Rickman, in his last ever film role) and a colonel (Helen Mirren) order a drone missile strike to take out a group of terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya. Eye in the Sky is a riveting and superbly acted thriller that raises many questions about the ethics of modern-day warfare. A film to think about for days after viewing.

A former CIA agent (Idris Elba) is forced to team up with a pickpocket (Richard Madden) to foil a terrorist plot in the heart of France in Bastille Day. It’s impossible to feel bored thanks to director James Watkins’ keen instinct for action choreography and explosive set pieces, and with Idris Elba doing what he does best (intimidating bad guys, throwing punches, and generally being way cooler than everyone you know) this is a more-than-competent, enormously fun thriller.

Fate, the pensions crisis and a steadfast refusal to accept the injustice of old age have contrived to force retired couple, Arthur and Martha Goode, into a life of crime. Refusing to take the loss of their pensions lying down, our characters decide to fight back. Golden Years stars Simon Callow, Bernard Hill, Una Stubbs and many more famous faces. Guaranteed to delight fans of Lady in the Van!

The Dude abides, Ilkley! The Coen Brothers beloved cult classic The Big Lebowski returns to the big screen for one night only – Thursday, May 26, 8pm. With party games, prizes to be won, and fancy dress strongly encouraged, this is guaranteed to be a spectacular night for die hard fans and first time viewers alike. Don’t forget to order a White Russian at the bar - careful, man, there’s a beverage here!

by Jack Hanson