We were totally there and everything. ARE WE ACHIEVING YET, DAD?

GO ON GARY

So after a wet and blustery June and a less than tropical July, it looks like August is going to be no better. So, rather than delay the inevitable, best face facts now: that barbeque is staying in the shed, you’re not going to get a chance to wear that bikini and picnic food tastes rubbish when it’s covered in rain. However, last time we checked cinemas are all rain free! Huzzah! Here’s your pick of what’s to come next month!

SO IRISH

One of those “Isn’t he the one from…” actors, Brendan Gleeson has been consistently delivering great performances for nearly twenty years, without ever really getting major recognition outside of industry circles. Perhaps with his current release The Guard getting glowing reviews, and with his directorial debut At Swim-Two-Birds in pre-production, he’ll finally be rooted in the public consciousness. Lord knows he deserves it.

Take In Bruges, add a dash of Hot Fuzz and you have The Guard, a sharply observed comedy set in Ireland, it may not please the easily offended but there are enough laughs here to ensure that Brendan Gleeson’s star turn is a must-see.

From the 15th-26th June, the Edinburgh Film Festival will return for its 65th year. Endeavouring to reinvent itself for the 2011 ceremony in spite of recent budget cuts, a slew of cinematic events and a strong selection of shorts, feature films and documentaries stand this year’s festival in good stead to be the best yet.