Regal Cinema Melton: Film guide December 31 to January 7

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) Set three decades after Return Of The Jedi, the much-anticipated new Star Wars episode sees the return of key figures who kickstarted the franchise – Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2 and Chewbacca – with original stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Kenny Baker and Peter Mayhew back in their iconic roles. In a plot that is being kept secret by director/co-writer J. J. Abrams (Star Trek), new characters also abound, including Finn (Boyega), a self-doubting stormtrooper; Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger on the desert planet Jakku; and lightsabre-rattling villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver, Inside Llewyn Davis). Today (New Year’s Eve) at 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

Bridge Of Spies (12A) During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers’ only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA 
operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man’s freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court. Tomorrow (New Year’s Day) at 4pm, Saturday at 8.30pm, Sunday at 7.30pm, Monday at 8.45pm, Tuesday at 2pm and 5pm, and Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm.

Everest (12A) On the morning of May 10, 1996, climbers (Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin) from two expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With little warning, a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. Challenged by the harshest conditions imaginable, the teams must endure blistering winds and freezing temperatures in an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds. Tomorrow (New Year’s Day) at 7pm and Tuesday at 8pm.

Paddington (PG) After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear (Ben Whishaw) makes his way to England in search of a new home. The bear, dubbed Paddington, finds shelter with the family of Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins). Although Paddington’s amazement at urban living soon endears him to the Browns, someone else has her eye on him. Taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has designs on the rare bear and his hide. Saturday at 12.30pm and Sunday at 2.45pm.

SPECTRE (12A) A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis, he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of SPECTRE, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeka. Saturday at 2.45pm and Monday at 5.30pm.

Suffragette (12A) In early 20th-century Britain, the growing suffragette movement forever changes the life of working wife and mother Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan). Galvanized by political activist Emmeline Pankhurst (Meryl Streep), Watts joins a diverse group of women who fight for equality and the right to vote. Faced with increasing police action, Maud and her dedicated suffragettes must play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, risking their jobs, homes, family and lives for a just cause. Saturday and Wednesday at 6pm.

The Lady In The Van (12A) In 1973 London, playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) develops an unlikely friendship with Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith), a homeless woman who lives in a van in his driveway for the next 15 years. Sunday at 5pm and Thursday at 6pm.