Verve’s film picks for the month of June.
VIVE LE CINEMA
25 May – 5 July
The crème de la crème of French Cinema graces screens across Aotearoa in June and July during the French Film Festival Aotearoa. With 340 feature films produced in 2021 alone, French cinema lovers are in for a treat. Beyond the mainstream hits, this festival offers a diverse selection of bold dramas, charming romantic comedies, and thought-provoking documentaries. Choosing from the extensive programme can be a challenge, as there is an abundance of cinematic riches to explore. To book tickets or learn more, visit frenchfilmfestival.co.nz.
NO HARD FEELINGS
22 June
Jennifer Lawrence produces and stars in No Hard Feelings, a laugh-out-loud, edgy comedy from director Gene Stupnitsky (Good Boys) and the co-writer of Bad Teacher.
On the brink of losing her childhood home, Maddie (Lawrence) discovers an intriguing job listing: wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to ‘date’ their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, before he leaves for college. To her surprise, Maddie soon discovers the awkward Percy is no sure thing.
THE LAST RIDER
22 June
The incredible story of the greatest cycling race in history, the 1989 Tour De France. Winner of the 1986 race, American Greg LeMond was far from a favourite pick for the race. LeMond had spent the last few years recovering from a fatal near-death experience. However, LeMond gives a race of a lifetime against rival Laurent Fignon, in one of the most inspiring comebacks in sporting history. Documentary directed by Alex Holmes.
GRATEFL DEAD MEET-UP AT THE MOVIES 2023
22 June
A year after Brent Mydland’s passing, the Grateful Dead returned to the summer stadium circuit, playing Chicago’s Soldier Field for the first time, with two keyboard players filling the seat Brent left vacant. Bruce Hornsby’s and Vince Welnick’s presence and musical contributions reinvigorated and revitalised the Grateful Dead, and the inspiration of the Dead’s playing was palpable. On a Saturday night in front of 60,000 fans, the Dead played what is often considered one of the greatest shows of the Bruce-Vince era, up there with the second Giants Stadium show from a few days earlier. From the original six-camera video feed that appeared on the stadium’s big screens and the pristine soundboard audio, Chicago 6/22/91 is an incredible performance start-to-finish.
