- Michael Fassbender Delivers a Killer Performance
Precision has always defined David Fincher projects. Fastidious, exacting, and relentless is a fair assessment of his expectations. The Killer embraces that maxim to the extreme, delivering a clinical cinematic experience few people could mistake for anyone else. Free from any narrative fat, this thriller contains one of the most …Continue reading “Michael Fassbender Delivers a Killer Performance”
- Trainspotting Continues to Provoke 30 Years on
Trainspotting was never a mainstream movie. However, with its 30th anniversary re-release through Signature Entertainment, this cultural touchstone gets a new lease of life on 4K Ultra-HD. First unleashed into cinemas back in 1996, it helped launch the careers of Ewan McGregor and Johnny Lee Miller, as well solidify Robert …Continue reading “Trainspotting Continues to Provoke 30 Years on “
- The Gray Man Remains an Underrated Espionage Thriller
Back in 2022 The Gray Man was unleashed on Netflix with every ounce of hype this streaming giant could muster. Directed by the Russo brothers and written with long time collaborators Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, it was designed to rock some industry foundations. Headlined by hot properties Chris Evans, …Continue reading “The Gray Man Remains an Underrated Espionage Thriller “
- Woman of the Hour is An Impressive Showcase for Anna Kendrick
Woman of the Hour is a riveting and impressive directorial debut from Anna Kendrick. Known for starring roles in the Pitch Perfect franchise, and solid support opposite films including Up in the Air with George Clooney – this is a departure. It centres on the appearance of infamous serial killer …Continue reading “Woman of the Hour is An Impressive Showcase for Anna Kendrick”
- Will & Harper is Pure John Hughes with an Edge
Will & Harper is a heartfelt human journey captured on the road. There are no egos, and this is no star vehicle, but feels more like an honest relationship between best friends. Director Josh Greenbaum simply stands back and lets Will Ferrell’s charisma and connection to former Saturday Night Live …Continue reading “Will & Harper is Pure John Hughes with an Edge”
- Annihilation Continues to Be a Potent Force in Alex Garland’s Back Catalogue
Annihilation does everything it can to side-step mainstream expectations. Distributed by Paramount Pictures and streamed by Netflix, this hybrid tentpole sci-fi oddly reflects the changing face of cinema. Adapted and directed by Alex Garland, who made the contentious and provocative Civil War, he dissects another complex problem with his cautionary …Continue reading “Annihilation Continues to Be a Potent Force in Alex Garland’s Back Catalogue”
- A Quiet Place: Day One is Another Solid Addition to This Series
Michael Sarnoski, writer-director of A Quiet Place: Day One, has made a solid companion piece and engaging threequel that really measures up. By going back to the beginning and making this an origin stories of sorts, Sarnoski and his fellow collaborators including series originator John Krasinski maintain momentum. This is …Continue reading “A Quiet Place: Day One is Another Solid Addition to This Series “
- The Family Plan is a Mark Wahlberg Movie Worth Watching
On paper, The Family Plan sounds like another Mark Wahlberg cash-in financed by Apple. One packed full of cliches, that combines shades of National Lampoon and weirdly lifts from Coen Brothers classic Raising Arizona. However, The Family Plan also turns out to be an enjoyable, engaging, and inventive action comedy. …Continue reading “The Family Plan is a Mark Wahlberg Movie Worth Watching”
- In My Sleep Might End Up Being Your Go to Guilty Pleasure
There is something about In My Sleep that gives off a distinctive ‘80s vibe. This revenge thriller starring Philip Winchester as Marcus, a sex addicted sleepwalker who also happens to massage people for money, trades on lo-fi visuals. His friendship with Justin (Tim Draxl) and wife Ann (Kelly Overton), form …Continue reading “In My Sleep Might End Up Being Your Go to Guilty Pleasure “
- Wolfs is Nothing But an A-list Disappointment
If you put Marvel’s Spiderman director together with two Hollywood movie stars, that must make money, right? Audiences could almost hear the executives at Apple rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Jon Watts, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt making Wolfs. A slick and stylish action thriller that promised …Continue reading “Wolfs is Nothing But an A-list Disappointment “
- Apartment 7A is Mediocre Background Noise
Adapted and directed by Natalie Erika James (Relic), this lacklustre re-tread of the Roman Polanski classic is turgid stuff. Julia Garner (Ozark) does the best she can as Terry, an ambitious dancer who craves fame and fortune on Broadway, but Apartment 7A rarely measures up. Taken under the wing of …Continue reading “Apartment 7A is Mediocre Background Noise “
- Coda Stands Alone as a Unique Cinematic Experience
Coda is still one of the most important films in cinema. A bold statement some might say, but one that illustrates the power of film to transcend the senses. One thing that Sian Heder’s indie drama does so well, is reinforce the importance of family. Ruby (Emilia Jones) may be …Continue reading “Coda Stands Alone as a Unique Cinematic Experience “
- Rebel Ridge Should Be Essential Viewing
Rebel Ridge is the very definition of a rough diamond. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, who gave audiences Jean-Luc Picard in neo-Nazi skinhead horror Green Room, this is no less un-nerving. Saddled with a simple premise, that finds combat veteran Terry accosted by local law enforcement on his way … - Unfrosted Is a Breakfast Based Dramedy That Fails to Fill You Up
Writer-director Jerry Seinfeld is a sit-com legend. His self-titled television series Seinfeld ran for ten seasons and won numerous Emmys. With few mountains in comedy left to climb, turning to film with his debut feature Unfrosted feels like an obvious choice. Mining the potential comedy gold of rival cereal companies …Continue reading “Unfrosted Is a Breakfast Based Dramedy That Fails to Fill You Up “
- The Union is Just Disappointing
The Union is more a meeting of pay cheque performances than anything else. Produced by and starring Mark Wahlberg, with direction from his Entourage alumni Julian Farino, this Netflix original is dire. Himself and Halle Berry play old flames who are forced together due to extraordinary circumstances. Roxanne (Berry) is … - IF Feels Like Vintage Pixar – Just A Little More Adult
Writer-director John Krasinski is an anomaly. Best known for his directorial debut A Quiet Place, now in the threequel phase, IF proves to be an extremely accomplished departure. Aided and abetted by a multitude of A-list talent in the voice department, Krasinski reminds every adult what it feels like to …Continue reading “IF Feels Like Vintage Pixar – Just A Little More Adult “
- Ghosted Should Never Have Been Greenlit, What a Disappointment
On paper Ghosted should be a hit. With Dexter Fletcher (Bohemian Rhapsody) directing, alongside Ana de Armas (Ballerina) and Chris Evans (Lightyear) on romcom duties this Apple original should shine. There are guns, espionage, and globe-trotting escapades aplenty that should come together to form an epic action comedy. However, Ghosted …Continue reading “Ghosted Should Never Have Been Greenlit, What a Disappointment”
- Trigger Warning Delivers Nothing but Disappointment
Jessica Alba is a savvy businessperson who has made her fortune by combining intellect with obvious genetic advantages. Catalogue model looks have come together with an unrivalled self-awareness, keeping Alba in the public eye for decades. In a film career featuring Sin City, The Fantastic Four and their subsequent sequels, …Continue reading “Trigger Warning Delivers Nothing but Disappointment”
- Not Even the Presence of Oscar Winners Makes The Instigators Work
Doug Liman has an impressive track record when it comes to collaborations. Responsible for kick starting franchises including the Jason Bourne series, he is also known for great one and done efforts including Jumper, American Made, and the sequel baiting Edge of Tomorrow. At present Liman is busy slinging mud …Continue reading “Not Even the Presence of Oscar Winners Makes The Instigators Work”
- Flora and Son Is a Rough and Ready Romcom That Hits All the Right Notes
Written and directed by John Carney, Flora and Son is a working class romcom with edge. Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters) plays Flora, a young single mother who divides her time equally between nightclubs, nannying, and looking after her teenage son Max (Oren Kinlan). Set in and around Dublin, Carney ensures …Continue reading “Flora and Son Is a Rough and Ready Romcom That Hits All the Right Notes”
- Dread Club: Vampire’s Verdict Is a Truly Impressive A I Generated Animation
Dread Club: Vampire’s Verdict is an animated A I feature film that takes movie making to another level. Writer-director Hooroo Jackson has fashioned something unique with this Gothic horror romance, that not only feels cinematic, but proves to be truly engaging. Across the 87-minutes Dread Club embraces B-movie horror tropes, …Continue reading “Dread Club: Vampire’s Verdict Is a Truly Impressive A I Generated Animation”
- Chinatown Still Defines Film Noir in 70s Cinema
Released in 1974 and starring Jack Nicholson, Chinatown is considered a classic. Written by Robert Towne and director Roman Polanski, this is an old-fashioned gumshoe melodrama that studios have stopped making. Featuring Faye Dunaway and cinematic legend John Huston, Chinatown was made during a time of creative upheaval in Hollywood. …Continue reading “Chinatown Still Defines Film Noir in 70s Cinema”
- The Heat Is Back on in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Eddie Murphy is a phenomenon. Considered a trailblazer in comedy circles and an absolute legend when comes to breaking down barriers for other entertainment veterans including Chris Rock, Chris Tucker and Dave Chappelle among others – Murphy has reached GOAT status. Following in the slipstream of Richard Pryor, Saturday Night …Continue reading “The Heat Is Back on in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”
- Tableau Is an Engaging Debut Features Elevated by Superior Performances
Writer-director Stuart Howes has created something captivating with his debut feature Tableau, that delicately explores relationship dynamics through the eyes of Nicole (Sophia Smith). Coming to terms with the end of college and actively pursuing a career in photography, she is torn between artistic opportunities in Paris and an idyllic …Continue reading “Tableau Is an Engaging Debut Features Elevated by Superior Performances”
- Freydis and Gudrid Is an Operatic Tour de Force That Resurrects the Fireside Folktale
Freydis and Gudrid is an experience unlike any other. This unprecedented passion project from Jeffrey Leiser sees him wearing a multitude of hats, as he reinvigorates the spirit of Scandanavian folktales through his cinematic hybrid. Merging cutting edge green screen technology with evocative exterior shots, audiences are transported back to … - Against All Odds Atlas Is Worth Watching
Atlas might not be flavour of the month among critics with its over-reliance on visuals effects, derivative storyline, and drama free denouncement, but it still delivers. There are huge action sequences that offer bang for your buck, pithy one-liners said with adequate distain, and Mark Strong’s General Jake Boothe giving … - Hit Man Marks Another Movie Star Making Moment for Glen Powell
Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) is in the ascension. With leading man looks, a movie star mentor in Tom Cruise, and co-writing credits on Hit Man, there seems to be little the man cannot do. That reputation is unlikely to be hampered by this Netflix release, which sees him slip …Continue reading “Hit Man Marks Another Movie Star Making Moment for Glen Powell”
- The Sound of Violet Contains a Call to Arms
Autism is rarely explored on film and even less so within the confines of a rom com which is what makes The Sound of Violet so special. Writer-director Allen Wolf has adapted his own novel and managed to create a film which openly embraces genre tropes, but triumphs primarily because …Continue reading “The Sound of Violet Contains a Call to Arms”
- The Seductress from Hell Falls Short of Introducing an Iconic Horror Creation
The Seductress from Hell is a mixed bag of conventional horror tropes, grisly homage, and heavy-handed social commentary. Writer-director Andrew de Burgh has crafted a distinctive thriller from his love of indie influenced genre classics including John Carpenter’s Halloween, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, and Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. …Continue reading “The Seductress from Hell Falls Short of Introducing an Iconic Horror Creation”
- Guy Friends Is a Complex Relationship Drama That Hits Home
Guy Friends marks a refreshing return to the arena of relationships, in an intimate indie drama written and directed by Jonathan Smith. Combining the pre-occupations of early Woody Allen with shades of Neil LaBute, this New York story rests squarely on the shoulders of newcomer Kavita Jariwala (Jaime). As the …Continue reading “Guy Friends Is a Complex Relationship Drama That Hits Home”
- Love Lies Bleeding Is a Sucker Punch Second Feature That Leaves an Impression
This sex-soaked redneck fever dream of a revenge thriller will catch audiences off guard. Love Lies Bleeding marks the audacious return of writer-director Rose Glass with her follow-up to the seminal Saint Maud. Sultry, sordid, and packed to the hilt with down at heel performances from Kristen Stewart (Lou), Katy …Continue reading “Love Lies Bleeding Is a Sucker Punch Second Feature That Leaves an Impression”
- Argylle: A Disappointing Spy Caper with An Epic Ensemble Cast
Argylle should be an epic spy adventure that grabs you by the lapels and refuses to let go. It should be Matthew Vaughn in full force with elements of The Gentleman thrown in alongside flashes of Layer Cake. It should take the concept of Kingsman and throw caution to the …Continue reading “Argylle: A Disappointing Spy Caper with An Epic Ensemble Cast”
- Vengeance Trail Is a Western Flick with Big Ambitions
Directed by Stephen McCurry and Josh Seat this old school Western is dynamically shot, effectively told, and celebrates the oldest of Hollywood genres by embracing conventional tropes. Stagecoach heists, crooked lawmen and put upon heroes getting out of tight spots are all in attendance. With a colourful cast of engaging …Continue reading “Vengeance Trail Is a Western Flick with Big Ambitions”
- The Manifestation Is a Complex Thriller That Delivers
There is something intangible about The Manifestation that addresses AI, explores notions of self and does it without leaning into cliche. Over the course of this character-driven contemporary thriller, writer-director Geert Heetebrij focuses on the relationship between Stephen (Jack Kesy) and Roni (Inbar Lavi). Driven by ambition Stephen is reckless …Continue reading “The Manifestation Is a Complex Thriller That Delivers”
- Late Night With the Devil Lingers Long After the Lights Go Out
Writer-directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes have created something special. A horror film that plays out on live television and welcomes audiences to a Late Night with the Devil. David Dashmalchian (Oppenheimer) plays late night chat show host Jack Delroy. Locked in a ratings war with Johnny Carson and grieving the …Continue reading “Late Night With the Devil Lingers Long After the Lights Go Out”
- Mickey Hardaway Hits Hard and Keeps on Coming
Mickey Hardaway (Rashad Hunter) is an unflinching exploration into generational abuse captured with confidence by writer-director Marcellus Cox, who combines a stripped back storytelling style with visual economy to draw audiences in. His decision to shoot in black and white adds further fuel to the fire of this low-key rough …Continue reading “Mickey Hardaway Hits Hard and Keeps on Coming”
- The Potential of This Featurette Is Smothered by Over-Indulgence
Writer-director Joe Aliberti makes films that challenge his audience and promote debate. Featurette is no different in its stripped back examination of the creative process, as an up-and-coming actor captures himself on smartphone ahead of a bit-part breakthrough at his local multiplex. Through a combination of fly-on-the-wall stylings and an …Continue reading “The Potential of This Featurette Is Smothered by Over-Indulgence”
- All of Us Strangers Is a Heartwarming Love Story Tinged With Tragedy
Adapted from the book by Taichi Yamada, All Of Us Strangers is a peerless piece of work from writer-director Andrew Haigh, who channels his own emotional agenda through Adam (Andrew Scott) and Harry (Paul Mescal), two men who form an intimate attachment amid the loneliness of London life. Coming together …Continue reading “All of Us Strangers Is a Heartwarming Love Story Tinged With Tragedy”
- Oppenheimer Has Earned Its Place Amongst the Greats on 4K, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download
Image via Universal Robert J. Oppenheimer is a name synonymous with the Manhattan project, who helped handpick a select group of scientists for their insight and expertise in the pursuit of tactical supremacy over Nazi Germany. In a race against time bankrolled by the US government he marshalled the best … - How to Ruin the Holidays Offers a Mediocre Merry Christmas
Image via Chelsea Patrick How to Ruin the Holidays might embrace moments of melodrama on its yuletide journey, before diving into the dynamic of family get-togethers, but it never feels less than warm and fuzzy. As the eldest sister, Michelle (Amber Nash) must work her way through this emotional minefield …Continue reading “How to Ruin the Holidays Offers a Mediocre Merry Christmas”
- As We Know It Might Be the Zombie Romcom Destined to Disarm Audiences
Image via Buffalo 8 As We Know It maybe a zombie romcom flick that embraces Edgar Wright and rips pages from the Ruben Fleischer playbook, but director Josh Monkarsh also brings his own brand of mayhem to bear thanks to a charismatic cast. Not only paying homage to those mavericks …Continue reading “As We Know It Might Be the Zombie Romcom Destined to Disarm Audiences”
- May December Sees Two Oscar Winning Actors Lock Horns in This Small-Town Drama
Image via Sky May December is a film filled with promises and resolutions that never come. It proves that personal connections are treacherous, and all too often they get in the way of good intentions. Writer-director Todd Haynes (Carol) knows this all too well and dives into deep water addressing …Continue reading “May December Sees Two Oscar Winning Actors Lock Horns in This Small-Town Drama”
- David Holmes Proves That Resurrection Is Just a State of Mind in The Boy Who Lived
Image via HBO/Sky Harry Potter did more than spawn theme parks or create cultural icons in Daniel Radcliffe and J.K Rowling, he also put stunt double David Holmes in a wheelchair. Paralyzed from the waist down after a life changing stunt rehearsal for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part … - King and Country Is a Delicate Diatribe on the Barbarity of War
Image via StudioCanal King and Country from director Joseph Losey is a searing indictment of inhumanity during the First World War built on two understated powerhouse performances from Dirk Bogarde (Captain Hargreaves) and Tom Courtenay (Private Arthur James Hamp). Adapted from a play by John Wilson, which itself drew …Continue reading “King and Country Is a Delicate Diatribe on the Barbarity of War”
- Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One Set to Be a Franchise Favourite
Image via Paramount Pictures Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) just can’t catch a break, pinballing from one global catastrophe to another with barely a moment to draw breath. Whether he is skydiving from thousands of feet up or scaling a mile high skyscraper in an audacious act of counterterrorism, this …Continue reading “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One Set to Be a Franchise Favourite”
- Fingernails Puts the Pain Back in Relationships
Image via Apple Happiness only looks easy from the outside and people spend a lot of time hanging on by their Fingernails in this Apple original from writer director Christou Nikou. Emotions are fragile, egos easily bruised, and compromise is costly for those seeking long term relationships. Uncertainty and misinformation …Continue reading “Fingernails Puts the Pain Back in Relationships”
- John Le Carre Brings His Secrets Home to Roost in the Pigeon Tunnel
Image via Apple With the seasoned eye of an undercover operative David Cornwell weighs up his interrogator, an Oscar winning documentarian who calls himself Errol Morris (The Fog of War). Interspersed with archive photographs, fictional recreations and era specific images of historical events, what follows is an engrossing ninety-minute dive …Continue reading “John Le Carre Brings His Secrets Home to Roost in the Pigeon Tunnel”
- Clerk Is a Retrospective Documentary With Heart and Soul
From major heart attacks to Miramax collaborations, Kevin Smith has carved his own niche in popular culture that kicked off with Clerks circa 1994. An acerbic and foul-mouthed low budget indie film that cost pennies but put this renegade writer director on the map, through a combination of sardonic dialogue …Continue reading “Clerk Is a Retrospective Documentary With Heart and Soul”
- Vacation Friends 2 – A Disappointing Sequel Which Proves John Cena Should Pick His Company More Carefully.
Sequels are a dangerous business often motivated by money. The follow up to Vacation Friends is no exception, as it brings Ron (John Cena), Kyla (Meredith Hagner), Marcus (Lil Rey Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji) back together in the Caribbean for a couples’ reunion. Proving in the process that one … - Window Seat Proves to Be an Intriguing AI Introduction
Thousands of feet up hemmed in by hostiles tech CEO Thom is under threat. Faced with Raydon, an old school yard adversary and Milly his long-suffering girlfriend, fights are flaring up while relationships lay in ruins. Penned by writer director Hooroo Jackson, Window Seat is billed as the first film …Continue reading “Window Seat Proves to Be an Intriguing AI Introduction”
- Heart of Stone review: Gal Gadot’s action caper is a surprisingly feel-good flick
The film is out on Netflix on Friday, 11 August. Heart of Stone is a preposterous spy thriller, packed with explosive action which revels in letting Gal Gadot high kick her way through henchmen as Rachel Stone. Written by Greg Rucka (The Old Guard) and Allison Schroeder (Hidden Figures), director …Continue reading “Heart of Stone review: Gal Gadot’s action caper is a surprisingly feel-good flick”
- Despite Some Dungeons and Dragons There Is Clearly No Honour Amongst Thieves
Bounding onto swashbuckling Blu-ray, 4k and DVD from 31 July – Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves has a cavalcade of character acting talent vying for attention. From the ever-dependable Chris Pine (Don’t Worry Darling), through to a deliciously despicable Hugh Grant (Paddington 2) – everyone here is doing their …Continue reading “Despite Some Dungeons and Dragons There Is Clearly No Honour Amongst Thieves”
- Sci-Fi Blaxploitation Throwback Is Too Cool for Skool
With all the casual cool of a Blaxploitation classic, They Cloned Tyrone kicks off with some serious 70s vibes, backed up by an abundance of ice-cold Bootsy Collins funk, as writer director Juel Taylor partners up with Tony Rettenmaier, to tell a tall tale of human cloning which is effortlessly …Continue reading “Sci-Fi Blaxploitation Throwback Is Too Cool for Skool”
- The Out-Laws Is Saved by an Ensemble Cast Intent on Delivering Some Comedy Gold
The Out-Laws might promise an innocent culture clash comedy in those opening minutes, but things soon devolve into mayhem when ghost bandits Billy (Pierce Brosnan) and Lilly (Ellen Barkin) McDermott make an appearance. Faced with meeting the in-laws, Owen (Adam Devine) spends much of his screentime trying to impress Parker’s …Continue reading “The Out-Laws Is Saved by an Ensemble Cast Intent on Delivering Some Comedy Gold”
- Nimona Feels Mediocre in Comparison to the Competition
Nimona is a rip-roaring animated adventure from Annapurna Pictures, about the power of emotional connections and the importance of being seen. Adapted in part by writer Robert L. Baird (Big Hero 6) from N D Stevenson’s novel of the same name, Nimona features Chloe Grace Moretz (Nimona) and Riz Ahmed …Continue reading “Nimona Feels Mediocre in Comparison to the Competition”
- Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale Deliver Two Powerhouse Performances in Prisoner’s Daughter
Despite the humdrum plot, which sees a career criminal return home after 12 years to reunite with his only child, Prisoner’s Daughter from Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) is packed with pathos. Carried on the broad shoulders of veteran Brian Cox (Max), this film succeeds because of his performance opposite Kate Beckinsale … - John Wick Lays Waste to the World in an Epic Fourth Instalment
With ice cool chop-socky machismo, indestructible tenacity and countless assassins tracking his every move – John Wick (Keanu Reeves) trailblazes his way onto 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD digital in John Wick: Chapter 4. Pursued by everyone on foot, on horseback and by every modern means of mobilisation – …Continue reading “John Wick Lays Waste to the World in an Epic Fourth Instalment”
- Chris Hemsworth Racks up Another Extraction in This Slick Netflix Offering
As Tyler Rake, Chris Hemsworth will do no damage to his image as the man of tomorrow. If falling off a bridge backwards, before rising from the ashes like an obscenely chiselled phoenix is the mark of an action hero, then Extraction 2 might just be the motherload. Inhabited by …Continue reading “Chris Hemsworth Racks up Another Extraction in This Slick Netflix Offering”
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Comes Into Its Own on 4K Ultra HD
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, makes its 4K Ultra-HD debut in spectacular fashion, bringing back Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) for his second outing to face off against another world ending adversary known only as Kang (Jonathan Majors). In this ever-evolving multiverse which makes up the MCU Ant-Man has always been …Continue reading “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Comes Into Its Own on 4K Ultra HD”
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Is Pure Popcorn Entertainment to Its Core
Summer blockbuster season has arrived with all the logic stretching bravado that comes with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. A bold and brash tent pole crowd pleaser, which teams Autobots with Maximals against another galactic threat to their adopted planet Earth. With some serious character actors offering their vocal talents …Continue reading “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Is Pure Popcorn Entertainment to Its Core”
- Babylon Review (4K UHD): Director Damien Chazelle celebrates the chaos in creativity, with his own 3-hour love letter to Hollywood
Packed with more invention than most mainstream movies can manage, Damien Chazelle’s Babylon is equal parts love letter and cautionary tale. One which strips away the artifice of entertainment to reveal an industry built on ambition. Spanning the breadth of cinema history from the 1920s through to present day, Babylon … - Review: Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon prove to be a formidable duo in ‘Boston Strangler’
Martha and the Vandellas is blasting from a nearby television set, neighbors are fighting in another apartment, while beneath all the hubbub, something more gruesome is playing out. Muffled sounds of a struggle combine with frantic thrashing, as Boston Strangler cranks out another chorus of “Nowhere To Run,” and audiences … - Review: ‘Tetris’ sees Taron Egerton slot all the blocks perfectly into place
In 1989, when gaming classic Tetris launched, it took the world by storm. Now explored by Apple TV’s latest original that lands on Mar. 31, this fiendishly addictive, perfectly portable, and instantly accessible title would sell millions. However, behind that global success story sits something altogether more unbelievable, involving Russian …Continue reading “Review: ‘Tetris’ sees Taron Egerton slot all the blocks perfectly into place”
- Review: ‘Devil’s Peak’ is a slice of small town melodrama packed with powerful performances
Devil’s Peak is a slice of small-town Americana headlined by Robin Wright (Wonder Wonder 1984), Billy Bob Thornton (The Gray Man), and Jackie Earle Harley (Alita: Battle Angel), one that delves into the lives of one family ruled over by a meth-peddling kingpin patriarch. Adapted by Robert Knott from the … - Review: Rom-com cliché meets superhero culture clash in ‘At Midnight’
Everything about At Midnight is dipped in cliché up to the neck, and marinaded overnight. Co-written by Jonah Feingold, alongside fellow collaborators Maria Hinojos and Giovanni M. Porta, it stars Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick) as movie star Sophie Wilder. Trapped in a manufactured relationship with screen partner Adam Clark (Anders Holm), …Continue reading “Review: Rom-com cliché meets superhero culture clash in ‘At Midnight’”
- Review: ‘Disquiet’ is the bargain basement horror movie mashup audiences should avoid
Disquiet, from writer and director Michael Winnick is a subpar horror movie mashup featuring deserted hospitals, rampaging patients, and more than a little metaphysical subtext. When it hits theaters and on-demand from Feb 10, this B-tier psychological segue will provide just the right level of undemanding entertainment to audiences in … - Review: Slick, sassy, and ‘Sharper’ than most thrillers – this could be the making of Sebastian Stan
With directing stints on Sherlock, The Crown, and Andor under his belt, plus an Emmy win, director Benjamin Caron brings pedigree to this Apple original from the outset. Dissected into four interlinking stories which meld into one over the running time, Sharper is equal parts character piece and con artist action thriller. Written by Brian Gatewood … - Review: Can feelings be rekindled? Coincidence brings two people together to find out in ‘She Is Love’
Selected for the London Film Festival in 2022, She Is Love brings together Sam Riley (Rebecca) and Haley Bennett (Magazine Dreams) in a Cornish country house as an estranged couple. Written and directed by Jamie Adams, She Is Love explores rekindled relationships, lays to rest emotional baggage, and reminds audiences that sometimes people from the … - Sundance Review: ‘Plan C’ makes an impact with a hard-hitting look at life choices
There is no denying that Plan C intended to inform, sought to educate, and hoped to enlighten when it came to Sundance, but for some audiences, this is exactly what made the documentary so dangerous. Debates around abortion in America have raged on for decades, coming to a head in 1973 when … - Sundance Review: ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ does Julia Louis-Dreyfus no favors
Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, You Hurt My Feelings features Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Beth, a successful author who is suffering a crisis of confidence in her new book. Married to a therapist Don (Tobias Menzies), her sister Sarah (Michaela Watkins) and husband Mark (Arian Moayed) complete the central quartet in this …Continue reading “Sundance Review: ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ does Julia Louis-Dreyfus no favors”
- Sundance Review: ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ tackles some big ideas, but lacks coherence
Set in a near-future where an alien species called the Vuvv have made contact, hijacked the most intelligent humans to be high paid lapdogs, then turned Earth into landfill for everyone else – Landscape with Invisible Hand will be a tough sell for any audience. With shades of Elysium and District 9, both Neil Blomkamp … - Sundance Review: ‘Rye Lane’ is a vibrant South London rom-com worth the investment
Vibrant South London rom-com Rye Lane – from director Raine Allen Miller – fizzes and pops with an immersive exuberance from the outset. Plunging audiences head first into Yas (Vivian Oparah) and Dom (David Jonsson) spending their first day together putting the world to rights. Part urban snapshot and inner city travelog, this … - Sundance Review: ‘The Deepest Breath’ is a free diving tragedy not without motive
Plunging into the depths for this tragic tale of extreme sports gone wrong, The Deepest Breath comes to Sundance with an intention to educate and enlighten. Written and directed by Laura McGann, it tells the tale of Steven Keegan and Alessia Zecchini, who both shared a passion for professional free diving. With …Continue reading “Sundance Review: ‘The Deepest Breath’ is a free diving tragedy not without motive”
- Sundance Review: ‘Cat Person’ tackles a contemporary talking point that demands discussion
Director Susanna Fogel (Booksmart) and writer Michelle Ashford have created a contemporary talking point in Cat Person, which is sure to promote furious debate this year at Sundance. Headlined by Emilia Jones (CODA) alongside Nicholas Braun, it explores the world of online dating, with specific emphasis on age gap relationships. Jones’ … - Sundance Review: ‘Other People’s Children’ is a rom-com romance filled with revelations
Other People’s Children is a rom-com from French writer director Rebecca Zlotowski, which will reignite lost loves, seep into the pores of cynics, and convince the Sundance faithful that passion after parenthood need not be a pipe-dream. Much of that magic trick is effortlessly pulled off on screen by effervescent leading … - Sundance Review: ‘Fair Play’ proves to be a cutthroat rom-com with the gloves off
From writer and director Claire Domont, Fair Play is a hedge fund rom-com, which takes elements of J C Chandor’s Margin Call and pits Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) against boyfriend Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) on the trading floor of One Crest Capital. Living together against company policy, analysts Emily and Luke are blissfully happy crunching numbers …Continue reading “Sundance Review: ‘Fair Play’ proves to be a cutthroat rom-com with the gloves off”
- Sundance Review: ‘Bad Behavior’ at least lives up to the first half of its title
Headlined by Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick) and Ben Whishaw (No Time to Die), Bad Behavior from writer director Alice Englert comes to Sundance with a top tier cast. Playing Lucy, a faded child star who made her money from one long-running show before falling from grace, Connelly is a mass of …Continue reading “Sundance Review: ‘Bad Behavior’ at least lives up to the first half of its title”
- Sundance Review: ‘Eileen’ brings out a side of Anne Hathaway to get people talking
Based on the debut novel from PEN award winner Ottessa Moshfegh, Eileen is directed by William Oldroyd (Lady Macbeth) and stars Anne Hathaway (Armageddon Time) alongside Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho). A period piece set in 1950s Boston, it charts the daily grind of Eileen Dunlop (McKenzie), who lives with her … - Sundance Review: ‘Magazine Dreams’ confirms Jonathan Majors as a force to be reckoned with
Ever since his star turn in Lovecraft Country, which would set him on the path to MCU dominance, Jonathan Majors has delivered great things. Whether that is in Netflix Western The Harder They Fall, or his prior breakout performance in White Boy Rick. Now in 2023, he lands at Sundance as Killian Maddox … - Review: ‘Maybe I Do’ is worth the investment if only for its glorious ensemble cast
Maybe I Do, which hits selected theaters on Jan. 27, might only feel like a concoction built on relationships, but there is more on offer here for audiences than might be apparent at first glance. Adapted and directed from his own play into a sharply written piece on the foibles of … - Sundance Review: ‘Squaring The Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)’ is the stuff of music legend
Pop icon peddler, rock musician photographer, and creatively considerate film director Anton Corbijn came to Sundance 2023 with his first feature-length documentary Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis). Founded by 1960s hucksters Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, Hipgnosis would go on to create some of the most iconic album … - Sundance Review: ‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’ is a love letter of a legacy to someone still fighting for his life
No one ever saw this coming. An 80’s icon of film and television being struck down by early onset Parkinson’s in his late 20s. Even more astonishing is the emergence of that same icon like a phoenix from his own fire, who would go on to be a figurehead and … - Review: ‘Teen Wolf: The Movie’ is a swan song for fans who feel short-changed
With the imminent arrival of spinoff series Wolf Pack, a feature length version of MTV’s Teen Wolf: The Movie seeks to close out one whilst introducing another on Paramount Plus from on Jan. 26. Whether this is entirely necessary depends upon your perspective since the Jeff Davis (Criminal Minds) creation had already run for …Continue reading “Review: ‘Teen Wolf: The Movie’ is a swan song for fans who feel short-changed”
- Sundance Review: ‘Sometimes I Think About Dying’ might be the making of Daisy Ridley
Sometimes I Think About Dying might just be the revelation audiences have been waiting for from Daisy Ridley as she charts the lonely existence of Fran, an office worker who spends her days watching others interact while daydreaming about death. Plucked from obscurity by J.J. Abrams to headline an as-yet unwritten Star … - 4k Ultra HD Review: ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ continues to bring it home for Christmas
Road trip movies come no more festive than Planes, Trains and Automobiles – which hit screens in 1987. Written by 80s icon John Hughes, who wrote and directed The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off amongst others – traded all that to audiences an old-fashioned odd … - Review: David Duchovny and a savage ensemble get despicable in ‘The Estate’
Due to premiere this year at the London Film Festival, The Estate demonstrates what a group of money grabbing relatives can do when it comes to an inheritance. Written and directed by Dean Craig (Death at a Funeral), it opens with café opening sisters Macey (Toni Collette) and Savanna (Anna …Continue reading “Review: David Duchovny and a savage ensemble get despicable in ‘The Estate’”
- We Got This Covered – ‘Spirited’ adds another string to the bows of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds
If anyone ever wished for a yuletide musical complete with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, wish no longer, as Spirited seeks to scratch that itch from Nov. 18 on Apple. Not only rebooting A Christmas Carol for contemporary audiences, but doing so with some seriously festive dance numbers. Written by John Morris and director Sean … - Top Gun: Maverick – 4k UHD Review
After 36 years and a career which has come to define the words ‘movie star’, Tom Cruise returns as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in this year’s most anticipated 4k release. Following a billion-dollar box office, queues around the block and enough feelgood to sink an aircraft carrier, Top Gun: Maverick hits … - We Got This Covered – ‘Enola Holmes 2’ expands into franchise territory with an accomplished new entry
From Christopher Lee to Basil Rathbone, Sherlock Holmes has always been synonymous with deductive reasoning and iconic deerstalkers. That is until Enola Holmes joined him, springing from the mind of author Nancy Springer. What followed in quick succession was a modicum of precocious talent, one Netflix phenomenon, and Millie Bobby Brown. As … - We Got This Covered – ‘Causeway’ benefits from Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar-worthy form
Disability in cinema often comes with an Oscar promise attached, as actors automatically jockey for recognition of their work. Rarely is that performance stripped back to its bare bones to reveal the person beneath dealing quietly with their struggle instead of on a cinematic soapbox. Thankfully, Lila Neugebauer’s Causeway achieves just that … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Decision to Leave’
Not every attraction in life comes without a degree of compromise. Whether that means an element of risk, a taste of something taboo, or a connection with someone outside our comfort zone. That is what Oscar winning writer director Park Chan-wook seeks to explore in Decision to leave. A tantalizing …Continue reading “London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Decision to Leave’”
- London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Women Talking’ marks a new level of maturity for writer director Sarah Polley
Adapted from the novel by Miriam Toews, Women Talking represents a cinematic deconstruction of feminine identity. Complex in its dissection, comprehensive in its encompassing approach, and packed with powerhouse performances on all sides this feels like a political treatise. Charting the course of conversations discussing female roles within an isolated colony, following … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Palm Trees and Power Lines’ never shies away from tackling an extremely contentious topic
Palm Trees and Power Lines from writer-director Jamie Dack is destined to become a divisive feature film dealing as it does with the reality of relationships in contemporary society by exploring taboo topics. The story focuses on a socially questionable connection between Lea (Lily McInerny) and Tom (Jonathan Tucker), A teenager … - We Got This Covered Review – ‘Raymond and Ray’ mixes gallows humor with graveside gravitas to create something unique
Families are funny things – a fact that really hits home in Apple’s latest feature film as the half-brothers and title characters of Raymond and Ray bond over a hole in the ground. From that first formative connection, through to those awkward adult interactions, each and every family is unique. These are … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Bardo’ is an inspirational piece of cinema
Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths is no easier to explain than some will find it to say. Multi-time Academy Award-winning writer, director, and producer Alejandro González Iñárritu has always created visually exquisite cinematic experiences, which sought to challenge the boundaries of film in their fearlessness. From Birdman or (The …Continue reading “London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Bardo’ is an inspirational piece of cinema”
- London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘The Son’ is rife with cliches and wasted opportunities
The Son could have been a dramatic home run that effortlessly explored anxiety, parental break-ups, and contemporary debates around generational anxiety. With veteran screenwriter Christopher Hampton on board, this should have been plain sailing as the Oscar-winning scribe fashioned a work of genuine poignancy. Alongside writer-director Florian Zeller, The Son should have been … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘The Wonder’ is a windswept fable of female empowerment that demands investment
Tempestuous, windswept, and allegorical are just a few words which spring to mind when it comes to The Wonder. A faith-driven character piece starring Florence Pugh and directed by Sebastian Lelio (Disobedience), which calls into question the role of power and belief in contemporary society. Adapted by Alice Birch (Normal People) from Emma … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ favors brains over a booty call in this steamy adaptation
Intellectual wealth over financial security defines this latest adaptation of 1929 novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover, as shaped by Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Magee (Finding Neverland). Lush open woodlands and expansive family estates form a backdrop to this tale of inherent class divide and forbidden passion from author D.H. Lawrence. Directed by Laure … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Aftersun’ is a nostalgia trip of personal tragedy, which transcends cinematic expectations
Charlotte Wells, writer-director of Aftersun, has created an understated portrait of personal tragedy in this deceptively dark father-daughter team-up. Melding camcorder footage with an absurdly gifted performance from Frankie Corio, it has garnered unanimous adulation from festival audiences, helped in no small measure by the presence of Paul Mescal (Normal People). … - London Film Festival 2022 Review – ‘Inland’ is marred by arthouse introspection and a ponderous plotline
Urban legends, fireside fables and faery folk cavorting in forests may not sound like a starting point for family drama, but writer-director Fridtjof Ryder begs to differ with Inland, crafting, as he does, an eerie, if disjointed, tale of disconnection, disappearance, and rebirth in this festival film. Grounded by an intriguing …