What to watch: future films for travel lovers

There’s nothing quite like the sweeping vistas of the big screen to rouse that travel bug. Escape vicariously with six sensational new movies… then plan a cinema-worthy trip of your own

Top Gun: Maverick

In UK cinemas from 27 May
From his filmography, it looks as if Tom Cruise only accepts projects that require travelling to some of the world’s most beautiful locations, and we can hardly blame him. Following his globe-trotting Mission: Impossible franchise (number seven is due out next year and features Rome, Venice, Hellesylt in Norway, and various corners of the UK) the action star reprises one his most famous roles – as fighter pilot Maverick – in the sequel to 1986’s Top Gun. In amongst some serious plane action (expect an F-14 Tomcat, Black Hawks, Super Hornets and Cruise’s very own P-51 Mustang ‘Kiss Me Kate’), viewers will enjoy a veritable tour of North America, from sun-swept San Diego and Lake Tahoe to the lush mountain peaks of Washington state. Be sure to catch it in IMAX to maximise that ‘right there with you’ feeling.

The Railway Children Return

In UK cinemas from 15 July
It’s been 42 years since Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter stole our hearts in Lionel Jeffries’ moving take on E. Nesbit’s novel about a displaced Edwardian childhood in Yorkshire in The Railway Children. And if that film effectively sold the idyllic British countryside (landslides notwithstanding), this sequel will have you looking up property prices in no time. Set some 40 years later in the midst of World War II, this instalment follows a group of children evacuated to the north of England who strike up a friendship with a soldier also far from home. Backdrops of buttercup-filled fields, babbling brooks and rolling green hills abound, all delivered in an Instagram-worthy cosy colour palette. Jenny Agutter returns as Bobbie, but otherwise it’s a whole new cast, including Game of Thrones’ John Bradley and stage and screen star Sheridan Smith at the helm.

Elvis

In UK cinemas from 24 June
Most movie-goers know to brace themselves for a Baz Luhrmann film, and the flamboyant director’s latest flick may require even more prep than usual. Telling the story of one of the greatest performers in history – rock and roll legend Elvis Presley – this biopic is a true feast for the senses. Viewers will enjoy not only outrageous outfits, sufficient hair gel to glue continents together and those semi-maniacal moves, but also some seriously impressive singing, dancing and all-round acting from Austin Butler as The King and a near-unrecognisable Tom Hanks as his controversial manager Colonel Tom Parker. Though most of the film was shot in the director’s homeland of Australia, Luhrmann and cinematographer Mandy Walker do a stellar job of transporting viewers back to 1960s America, complete with neon lights, leather two pieces and hysterical fans, all peppered throughout Las Vegas, Memphis and the doors of Graceland.

Jurassic World: Dominion

In UK cinemas from 10 June
After a rough ride to release, the final instalment of everyone’s favourite box office-breaking dino-franchise is here. Jurassic World: Dominion brings the original gang back together for the first time since 1993’s Jurassic Park, so viewers can enjoy Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill alongside next gen Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in one last ground-trembling adventure. Covid restrictions meant shooting took place primarily on sets in Canada and the UK, though the original home of Isla Nublar – Kauai in Hawaii – still gets a look-in. It’s the ever-versatile isle of Malta that’s a nice surprise this time round, though, with the fortified town of Floriana hosting a thrilling Owen Grady-led set piece early on. Ready for some velociraptors, pyroraptors and the new big bad giganotosaurus? Grab your backpacks and bug spray and let’s head into the wilderness.

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris

In UK cinemas from 30 September
Based on a 1958 novella of (nearly) the same name by Paul Gallico, this cheerful charmer of a film is just the ticket for some afternoon escapism. Beginning in 1950s London, the tale follows the life of a widowed cleaning lady (the titular Mrs Harris, played by Lesley Manville) who becomes obsessed with a Dior dress and decides to go to Paris to buy her own. Working and gambling her way to a ticket across the channel, Mrs Harris finally makes it to Paris, where she meets a series of intriguing characters who change not only her life, but that of the fashion house she’s visiting. The film is a feelgood nostalgia trip oozing glamour and sophistication (with a dash of light-hearted comedy). Being part-funded by House of Dior, it’s also steeped in fabulous fabrics, glossy gowns and enough à la mode vêtements to have you reassessing your wardrobe in no time. Just don’t tell Emily in Paris.

The Fabelmans

In UK cinemas late 2022/early 2023
Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a peek behind the curtain of the rich and famous? Well, one man who is both those things – and a certified nice-guy to boot – is Oscar-toting director Steven Spielberg, who this year gives audiences a look into his childhood with semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans. We don’t expect any overly honest revelations but, with Spielberg directing Spielberg (so to speak) and the film focusing on young love, parental divorce and the director’s obsession with movie making, we’re confident it’ll be a coming-of-age drama to please the masses. Plus, with an array of Arizonan and Californian backdrops (shooting took place in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Malibu and Universal Studios), views will take on a new significance in framing one of cinema’s most iconic visionaries. Sounds like a road trip could be on the cards…