Previews: Oldboy Trailer, Knives Out, More!

A plethora of forthcoming cinematic attractions, including the Oldboy trailer for the 4k re-release, Knives Out, Spies in Disguise and more…

Oldboy Trailer

Here is the new Oldboy trailer. Director Park Chan-wook‘s classic gets a 4k restoration for its upcoming re-release. For those who haven’t seen the 2003 film, it is about an imprisoned businessman who seeks revenge. Oldboy will be released in selected cinemas on 2nd August 2019.

Knives Out Trailer

Here is the trailer for Rian Johnson’s upcoming Knives Out. The murder mystery takes place after a crime novelist is murdered at his estate. The film features an enviable cast that includes Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, and Lakeith Stansfield. Knives Out will hit UK screens soon.

The Art of Dancing in the Rain Poster

Above is the poster for The Art of Dancing in the Rain. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, the film is about a racecar driver and his relationship with his canine best friend. The film stars Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and the voice of Kevin Costner. The Art of Dancing in the Rain will hit UK cinemas on 9th August 2019.

Spies in Disguise Trailer

Spies in Disguise is an adventure comedy about a suave spy who must team up with an awkward scientist. The film features the voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, and Karen Gillan. Spies in Disguise will be coming to UK cinemas soon.

A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Poster

Above is a Stranger Things-inspired poster for the upcoming A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. The film is about an alien who lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, and Shaun’s attempts to shepherd the alien home. A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is set for release in UK cinemas on 18th October 2019.

Previews: Dark River Poster, Oceans 8, More!

Plenty in this pre-Christmas preview of coming events, including the new Dark River poster, Gringo, Oceans 8, and more…

Dark River Poster

Here is the new Dark River poster. The drama is about fraught relationship between a brother and a sister. Directed by Clio Bernard, the film stars Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, and Sean Bean. Dark River will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd February 2018.

Gringo Trailer

Gringo is a dark comedy about a businessman who finds himself at the mercy of colleagues and local drug lords in Mexico. The film features an all-star cast that includes David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton, and Amanda Seyfried. Gringo is directed by Nash Edgerton (brother of Joel), and is set for release on UK screens on 9th March 2018.

Oceans 8 Trailer

Here is the first trailer for Oceans 8. The film features the same big heist set-up as its predecessors, albeit with a brand new cast. Sandra Bullock leads the star-studded cast, and is joined by Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, and Anne Hathaway. Oceans 8 is scheduled for release in June 2018.

Isle of Dogs Poster

Here is the newest poster for Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. The stop-motion animated film is about a boy who travels to an island of dogs to find his dog, Spots. The enviable voice cast includes Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Ken Watanabe, and Greta Gerwig. Isle of Dogs will be released in UK cinemas on 30th March 2017.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Trailer

The sequel to the hit 2008 film Mamma Mia! gets a belated sequel. The film is part sequel and part prequel as it focuses on current activity and well as telling the story of Donna when she was younger. Lily James plays the young Donna, and the cast of the original reprise their roles, including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again will be released on 20th July 2018.

Film Review: Ted 2

Seth MacFarlane’s Ted 2 is an apt follow-up to the 2012 hit comedy. The brand of humour will not appeal to all, but there’s certainly an audience who will find the film very funny.

Ted, still working at the supermarket, is now married and seeks to adopt a child with his wife. When the process raises questions of Ted’s legitimacy as a person, he enlists best friend John and young lawyer Samantha on his quest for civil rights…

Director and co-writer Seth MacFarlane offers more of the same with this sequel to the comedy hit Ted.  The film once again relies on crude comedy and pop culture references as its source of humour. Ted 2 might not be sophisticated, but it should make viewers laugh.

This time around, the narrative concentrates on Ted being denied basic rights and taking the matter to court. It is perhaps not the tangent fans of the first film would expect Ted 2 to take. Nevertheless, the plot of the first film demanded that this sequel explored a different avenue, and the theme of the film is perfectly adequate.

The comedy is crude, relying on a similar set of jokes as the first film. If the pot-and-pop-culture references suit viewers, then Ted 2 definitely works as a comedy. Some of the jokes are vulgar, others are juvenile, but most are successful. The film is littered with little cutaways, not unlike MacFarlane’s Family Guy.

Mark Wahlberg reprises his role as John. This time, he plays second fiddle to MacFarlane’s voicing of Ted. Amanda Seyfried is a good addition to the cast, in that she plays a central female character with similar characteristics to the pair. Ted 2 tries to be a little more evolved with its views than its predecessor, and this is a welcome change.

Ted 2 delivers the style of humour that MacFarlane fans will be accustomed to. No real surprises here, but entertaining for those who enjoyed the first outing.

Previews: Inside Out TV Spot, Maggie Trailer and More

A cornucopia of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Inside Out TV spot, a Terminator Genisys featurette, Maggie trailer and lots more…

Inside Out TV Spot

Here is the latest Inside Out TV spot. The Disney Pixar film has been doing fantastic business in the US, and looks certain to replicate that in the UK with its summer holiday’s release. With the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, Inside Out hits UK screens on 24th July 2015.

Terminator Genisys Featurette

The cast and crew of upcoming Terminator Genisys talk about protagonist Sarah Connor in this new featurette. The famous action heroine is played by Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke, who indicates that there will be nods to the original film in this latest instalment of the franchise. Terminator Genisys is released on 2nd July 2015.

Ant-Man TV Spot

Marvel’s latest super hero to receive the big-screen treatment is Ant-Man. From the above TV spots and earlier trailers, the film looks to offer a fair amount of humour. Starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, Ant-Man launches its way onto the big screen on 17th July 2015.

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation Poster

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in the five instalment of the Mission: Impossible film franchise. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation sees the IMF disbanded, leaving Ethan and his team trying to combat deadly terror attacks. With Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames also returning, Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation bursts into cinemas on 30th July 2015.

Maggie Trailer

Arnold Schwarzenegger must once again play the hero in new thriller Maggie. The film is a teenage girl who is infected during a zombie outbreak, and her father’s efforts to protect her. Also starring Abigail Breslin, Maggie is set for release on 24th July 2015.

Ted 2 Trailer

So teddy bears coming to life is something that I dream about. Ted is a little lewd for my tastes, but the first film was enjoyable enough. Ted 2 reunites Mark Wahlberg and Seth McFarlane, and brings on board Amanda Seyfried as Ted’s lawyer. Ted 2 hits the big screen on 8th July 2015 in the UK.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension Trailer

The trailer for the latest instalment of the Paranormal Activity franchise is here. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension sees a family discover some old VHS tapes which hold a nasty surprise. The conclusion of the horror franchise is scheduled for release on 30th October 2015.

Vacation Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming comedy Vacation. The film is the latest in the National Lampoon franchise, and sees a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) taking his family on a road-trip vacation. Also starring Christina Applegate, Leslie Mann and Chris Hemsworth, Vacation is release in UK cinemas on 21st August 2015.

The Secret Life of Pets Trailer

I know what pets to all day; the nap and eat and nap some more. That is to say, they live the life. New animated comedy The Secret Life of Pets takes us behind closed doors. Featuring the voices of Louis C.K., Ellie Kemper and Hannibal Buress, The Secret Life of Pets  is set for release on 24th June 2016.

Fantastic Four Photo Shoot

Here are the stars of the new Fantastic Four film looking dapper. Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell star as the superhero quartet in the reboot of the Marvel franchise. Fantastic Four launches its way onto the big screen on 6th August 2015.

Spectre Vlog

Here is the latest blog from the set of new James Bond move Spectre. Director Sam Mendes discusses filming a scene that takes place amidst the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. Starring Daniel Craig and Christoph Waltz, Spectre will be released on 6th November 2015.

Magic Mike XXL Clip

The marketing for sequel Magic Mike XXL has been wonderful. This latest clip suggests the tongue-in-cheek attitude will continue in the film. Whereas the first film descended into schmaltz, here’s hoping this instalment will keep the tone humorous. The film is, after all, about male entertainers. Magic Mike XXL is released in cinemas on 3rd July 2015.

Film Review: While We’re Young

Noah Baumbach’s comedy While We’re Young is amusing, engaging, and speaks about the modern condition without ever appearing cacophonous in its social commentary.

Josh and Cornelia are a  long-time married couple in their forties. When a young couple enter their lives, Josh and Cornelia’s world is affected by the influx of youth…

Writer-director Noah Baumbach has produced perhaps his most accomplished work to date with While We’re Young. The film is funny, absorbing, and meditates on modern society in a disarming fashion. The set up of While We’re Young works well to briskly establish the lifestyle of the two protagonists, so that the change brought in by Jamie and Darby seems fresh and exhilarating. Baumbach utilises support characters effectively in marking this change.

Viewers are invited to identify with Josh in the whirlwind of change that he encounters. His excitement is understandable, as is his increasing apprehension. While We’re Young‘s script functions well to reveal characters in a way that is natural yet interesting.

The humour in While We’re Young works exceptionally well. There is comedy to be found in all manner of aspects, from the situations that arise to the cultural references. Baumbach’s script is very amusing, and the direction lends itself to comedy.

Performances in the film are great. Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts have good chemistry, and interact in a way which seems very natural. Adam Driver is finely cast as Jamie, whilst Amanda Seyfried brings the necessary perkiness to Darby.

While We’re Young is a meditation on the concept of youth and ageing. There will be plenty in the film for all ages of adult to identify with. Youth is posited as both exotic and fearsome in Baumbach’s film, and this is executed in a way that resonates. The issue of having children is dealt with in a way that feels thoroughly modern and retains a sense of humour.

While We’re Young is a satisfying comedy that shows a convincing understanding of ageing in the contemporary world. Highly recommended viewing.

Trailer Round-Up

It’s all about the Avengers: Age of Ultron latest trailer this week, but there is plenty more besides…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

The latest trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron looks ever so exciting. The film has a tough act to follow with the success of its predecessor, but from this trailer it looks up to the job. Avengers: Age of Ultron launches on to the big screens on 23rd April 2015 in the UK.

Mr Holmes

Mr Holmes offers a different take on the famous detective. Ian McKellen plays an older Sherlock Holmes, retired and living in a remote farmhouse, who tackles an unsolved mystery. Mr Holmes is out on UK screens on 19th June 2015.

While We’re Young

Noah Baumbach’s While We’re Young sees the writer-director team up with Ben Stiller again. Also starring Naomi Watts and Amanda Seyfried, While We’re Young focuses on a middle-aged couple and the disruption in their lives caused by a younger couple. The film is released in UK cinemas on 3rd April 2015.

The Face of an Angel

Inspired by the killing of British student Meredith Kercher in Italy, The Face of an Angel examines the obsession with violent stories, whether fictional or real. Michael Winterbottom’s film, starring Kate Beckinsale and Daniel Brühl, is out in UK cinemas on 27th March 2015.

The Salvation

Mads Mikkelsen is the protagonist in western The Salvation. Also starring Eva Green and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the film focuses on a man who avengers his family, and the consequences of this. The Salvation hits UK screens on 17th April 2015.

Stuff To Look At

The brand new teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Plus Pan, Jurassic World, Cinderella and more this week…

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

How exciting! The first proper look at the new Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This teaser does not reveal too much about the film, although it is a mighty relief that there is no sign of Jar Jar Binks. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set for release in cinemas on 18th December 2015.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Oh my, there is a pug in this film! But if you need any more swaying, Kingsman: The Secret Service is an action comedy starring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service is out in UK cinemas on 29th January 2015.

Jurassic World

Dinosaurs in the sea! Genetically modified dinosaurs! Even after the events of the first three films, they still decided to open Jurassic Park. Steven Spielberg returns as executive producer for Jurassic World, which is due for release on 12th June 2015.

Pan

Fascinating fact: some of Pan was filmed mere meters from where I am sitting right now. A new live-action take on the classic story, Pan stars Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried and Garrett Hedlund. The film is scheduled for release in July 2015.

Cinderella

Here is the first trailer for Disney’s new live-action fairy tale Cinderella. Starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter, it will be interesting to see if the film can replicate the success of this year’s Maleficent. Cinderella hits the big screen on 27th March 2015 in the UK.

Into The Woods

Here is a featurette on upcoming musical Into The Woods. Meryl Streep certainly looks like a force to be reckoned with as the witch. Directed by Robert Marshall, Into The Woods is out in UK cinemas on 9th January 2014.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Here is a clip from Ridley Scott’s upcoming biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings. Starring Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton and Indira Varma, the film is a retelling of the Moses story. Exodus: Gods and Kings will hit the big screen on Boxing Day, 26th December 2014, in the UK.

Film Review: Lovelace

Lovelace is an absorbing biopic of the infamous Linda Lovelace. The film boasts great performances, although a more nuanced depiction of the title character would have been welcome.

At the beginning of the 1970s, Linda Boreman is living with her parents in Florida. When she meets Chuck Traynor, she is initially charmed by him. When he gets her involved in the porn industry, the fame comes with an abusive lifestyle…

Directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman divide the film into two perceptions. Lovelace offers two depictions of Linda’s foray into the porn industry. The first shows a willing participant. The film then flips, going back to show the other side, the underside really, with Linda being abused by her husband. The switch in perceptions is also a change in tone; with the second part much darker than the first. It is a good way to reflect the public and private persona of the title character.

Lovelace is a drama, with welcome flecks of humour. At first the film seems as if it will be similar to Boogie Nights, with its obvious parallel. Nonetheless, this is a more serious story, which is reflected in the tone.

Lovelace depicts Linda as a victim. It is a shame that the film does not go beyond this. That is not to say that she was not a victim, but merely that she was more than just this. It would have been interesting, for example, to depict her later interactions with feminists of the period.

Amanda Seyfried delivers a solid performance as Linda Lovelace. Peter Sarsgaard is most convincing as Chuck, while Adam Brody exhibits his comedy chops as Harry Reems. The soundtrack, costumes and styling really give a feel for the era.

Lovelace is not a comprehensive portrayal of Linda Lovelace. For what it is, however, the film is suitably engrossing.

Stuff To Look At

This week we have a clip from Pain & Gain, the Lovelace trailer, the Pacific Rim vault and the trailer for Filth…

Pain & Gain

I know American audiences saw the film a lifetime ago, but I am super excited to see Pain & Gain. Marky Mark, The Rock, the 90s setting! Above is a clip from the film. Pain & Gain hits UK screens on 30th August 2013.

Pacific Rim 

For the release of Pacific Rim on Friday, a vault of film-related treats has been compiled. The vault, which features clips, vlogs, and information on the various Jaegers, can be viewed here. I noticed there isn’t a robot shaped like a unicorn though. Something to think about, Guillermo del Toro.

Lovelace

Here is the first Lovelace trailer. The film stars Amanda Seyfried as infamous porn star Linda Lovelace. The trailer is a 1970s overload. Not least Chloë Sevigny’s hair. Given the setting and topic, Lovelace will face the inevitable comparisons to Boogie Nights. We’ll see how it does when the film is released on 23rd August 2013.

Filth

Filth is the new film based on Irvine Welsh’s novel. The film stars James McAvoy as a corrupt policeman who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Filth is released in Scottish cinemas on 27th September 2013, and in the rest of the UK on 4th October 2013.

Stuff To Look At

The post in which I wax lyrical about new movie trailers. And inform you of the films set for release this summer. And get annoyed when I find out film characters share my name. The audacity…

Summer of Cinema 2013

Two weeks ago I went to the launch of ‘Summer of Cinema 2013’ to hear about upcoming releases and enjoy a mini burger (I love miniature food). There is lots to see this summer, from the big blockbusters (Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness) to films by Robert Redford and Sofia Coppola. Check out the compilation above.

Epic

Epic has a rather impressive cast voicing its characters. Among others, Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried and Christoph Waltz lend their voices. Beyonce voices a character called ‘Princess Tara’. Contrary to popular belief, this is not actually by nickname. Although I am not happy about the use of my name, I will reserve judgement until I see how this character plays out. Epic is released is UK cinemas on 22nd May 2013.

Much Ado About Nothing

A departure from vampires and superheroes, Joss Whedon directs a contemporary update of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in twelve days and starring some of Whedon’s previous collaborators, the film is a far cry from the filmmaker’s recent output. I am looking forward to this foray into Shakespeare; it will be interesting to see if Whedon can handle it as well as he does big-budget comic book fare. Much Ado About Nothing is released on 14th June 2013.

The Seasoning House

Well, The Seasoning House is certainly not about the abode of spices. This revenge thriller looks pretty brutal. The Seasoning House is the directorial debut of special effects designer Paul Hyett. The film is out in cinemas on 21st June 2013.

In Fear

This trailer is almost haunting. It’s definitely the music. In Fear is a British horror film starring Alice Englert. It looks like a warning never ever to go on a car journey, and not just because they make you feel a bit queasy. Perhaps this is just me. In Fear is due for release in Autumn 2013.

Byzantium

Neil Jordan knows vampires. That’s why I am looking forward to Byzantium, unlike some other recent vampire flicks *cough Twilight cough*. Starring Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan, Byzantium is released in UK cinemas on 31st May 2013.

Thor: The Dark World

For the first minute-plus of this trailer I must have been in the majority of people thinking ‘yeah, but where the hell is Loki? I know Tom Hiddleston is in this film’. Looking rather bedraggled, Avenger Assemble‘s fantastic antagonist finally makes an appearance. Thor: The Dark World hits the big screen in the UK on 30th October 2013.