Previews: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Featurette, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions includes the latest Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom featurette, The New Mutants, and more…

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Featurette

Ahead of the trailer’s launch tomorrow, this Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom featurette reveals a little bit more about the plot and characters. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return, and are joined by Jurassic Park royalty Jeff Goldblum. A Monster Calls‘ J.A. Bayona directs this sequel, taking the helm from Jurassic World‘s Colin Trevorrow. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom hits UK screens on 7th June 2018.

The New Mutants Poster

Here is the new poster for the forthcoming The New Mutants. The film is part of the X-Men franchise, and is about the first graduates from Charles Xavier’s school. The film looks like something different from the superhero genre, in that there is an emphasis on horror rather than just action adventure. The New Mutants will be released in 2018.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower Trailer

Mary and the Witch’s Flower is the first feature from Studio Ponoc, formed by Studio Ghibli alums. The film is about a young girl who discovers a flower which gives her the power to be a witch. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (When Marnie Was There), the English voice cast features Ruby Barnhill, Kate Winslet, and Jim Broadbent. Mary and the Witch’s Flower is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in Spring 2018.

A Matter of Life and Death Trailer

Here is a trailer for the 4K restoration of the Powell & Pressburger’s classic A Matter of Life and Death. The film was originally released in 1946, and combines fantasy and romance as an air force pilot is given additional time on Earth by an afterlife jury. Starring David Niven, a 4K restoration of A Matter of Life and Death will be released in UK cinemas on 8th December 2017.

Film Review: A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls is an emotional fantasy drama. It is a film about storytelling, and it is wonderfully crafted.

Conor is struggling to deal with his mother’s illness, whilst having a tough time at school. When a monster comes to visit him just after midnight, hoping to teach Connor the truth through stories…

Based on novel by Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls it perfectly blends a genuinely emotional drama with fantasy elements. The two compliment each other very well in director J.A. Bayonne’s capable hands. The story unfolds at a good pace, as Connor must come to terms with his mother’s illness. The opening dream sequence gives a small taste of things to come, and is a startling beginning.

A Monster Calls has an feel of A Christmas Carol in its set up of the repeated visits. It is refreshing to watch a family film that deals with serious issues without shying away or sugarcoating themes. Some aspects are predictable, but the film is crafted in a way which makes this not matter.

The film is a combination of live action, CGI and animation. The animated sequences are wonderfully rendered, give a real fantasy tone to the film. There is a lot of symbolism in the film. There are also repeated motifs, which tie in neatly to the overall narrative. The score works well, although it is slightly overblown in the finale. These scenes are emotional enough without requiring the extra push. Indeed, some of the scenes without it are the most effective.

Lewis McDougall delivers an impressive performance as Conor. Sigourney Weaver also puts in a good turn as his grandmother. Liam Neeson is a great choice for voicing the monster. Performances throughout the film are strong.

A Monster Calls conveys the difficulty in facing uncomfortable truths in unfortunate circumstances. J.A. Bayona has delivered a poetic and engaging film.

A Monster Calls is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2016.

Previews: The Boss Trailer, A Monster Calls and More!

A plethora of trailers in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the first The Boss trailer, A Monster Calls, Zoolander 2 and more…

The Boss Trailer

Melissa McCarthy plays a successful businesswoman who falls foul of the law in this first The Boss trailer. McCarthy’s latest vehicle is a comedy with seemingly a similar tone to her last few films. The actress is on a roll, so it will be interesting to see how this film does. The Boss is out in cinemas on 26th February 2016.

A Monster Calls Trailer

Liam Neeson unmistakable tones narrate this teaser trailer for A Monster Calls. The film is based on the critically acclaimed novel, and also stars Felicity Jones and Sigourney Weaver. A Monster Calls is about a 12-year-old boy who attempts to deal with his mother’s illness and the bullying of his classmates. The film is set for release in October 2016.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens TV Spot

Here is the second US TV spot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Most of it is footage that has been seen before, but it is an exciting little preview of the film. Director J.J. Abrams has been careful not to reveal to much about the actual plot of the film, despite the various trailers and clips that have been released. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is out on 17th December 2015.

Concussion Trailer

It is strange to hear Will Smith doing an accent. Smith stars as Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a sports-related brain trauma, in a pro American football player. Concussion will hit the big screen on 12th February 2016.

The Huntsman: Winter’s War Trailer

A follow-up to 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman, The Huntsman: Winter’s War tells the story of Queen Ravenna and her connection with the huntsman long before Snow White. Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth return, and are joined by Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain. The film certainly looks appealing; time will tell whether it will eschew the pitfalls of its predecessor. The Huntsman: Winter’s War is set for release on 22nd April 2016.

How To Be Single Trailer

How To Be Single is a new comedy about being single in New York. The film stars Rebel Wilson and Dakota Johnson as single friends navigating life in the city. Also starring Leslie Mann and Alison Brie, How To Be Single will be released in time for Valentine’s Day on 12th February 2016.

Zoolander 2 Trailer

Zoolander 2 looks like it will be as silly and funny as its predecessor. The film reunites Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell, and introduces Penelope Cruz and a very different-looking Benedict Cumberbatch. Zoolander 2 struts its way on to the big screen on 12th February 2016.