Previews: Ad Astra Poster, The Current War, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Ad Astra poster, The Current War, Pain And Glory, and more…

Ad Astra Poster

Here is the brand new Ad Astra poster. The film, directed by James Gray, is about an astronaut who travels to the edge of the solar system to find his missing father. Brad Pitt heads the cast, and is joined by Tommy Lee Jones and Ruth Negga. Ad Astra launches onto UK screens on 18th September 2019.

The Current War Trailer

Above is the trailer for the forthcoming The Current War. Set in the late 19th century, the film is about the rivalry between Thomas Edison and entrepreneur George Westinghouse. The enviable cast includes Michael Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Waterston, Nicholas Hoult, and Tom Holland. Counting Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, The Current War hits UK cinemas on 26th July 2019.

Pain And Glory Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Pain And Glory. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (The Skin I Live In, I’m So Excited), the film is about an ageing film director and a series of re-encounters. The film, which stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

21 Bridges Poster

21 Bridges is an upcoming thriller with quite a cast. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is a thriller about a New York detective involved in a city-wide manhunt for a pair of cop killers. The film is set for release in UK cinemas on 27th September 2019.

BFI August Season

There is plenty to look forward to at the BFI Southbank this August, leading with a season of Cary Grant films. Classics such as The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, and Notorious will be screened in August. Other highlights include a preview of Pain And Glory and a Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar, and a preview of Netflix’s upcoming The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance television series. More details of the full programme can be found here.

Previews: Hellboy Trailer, Pain and Glory, More!

A profusion of films in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Hellboy trailer, Pain and Glory, Mid90s and more…

Hellboy Trailer

Above is the brand new Hellboy trailer. The film is set in England, where the title character has to take on an ancient sorceress. Hellboy stars David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Dae Kim, and Sasha Lane. The film hits UK screens on 11th April 2019.

Pain and Glory Trailer

Pain and Glory is the latest film from Pedro Almodóvar. The veteran filmmaker’s latest is about a film director in decline as he experiences a number of encounters from his past. With a cast that includes Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, Pain and Glory will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

Little Trailer

Here is the trailer for Little. The film is a reversal of the Big/13 Going on 30 bodyswap comedy, with the adult being the one who returns to childhood. Little is based on an idea by Marsai Martin, who stars alongside Regina Hall and Issa Rae. The film is directed by Tina Gordon, with a screenplay by Tracy Oliver and Gordon. Little is out at UK cinemas on 12th April 2019.

Rocketman Trailer

Taron Egerton plays Elton John in this new Rocketman trailer. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film is a biopic of the legendary singer. Egerton has recorded some of Elton John’s most famous songs for the film, which counts John among the executive producers. Rocketman will hit UK cinemas in May 2019.

Mid90s Trailer

Here is the trailer for Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid90s. Hill also wrote the film, which is a coming of age tale about a young boy in 1990s Los Angeles. The film stars Sunny Suljic, Katherine Waterston, and Lucas Hedges. Mid90s will be released on UK screens on 12th April 2019.

The Curse of La Llorona Poster

The Curse of La Llorona is a new horror about a weeping woman caught between heaven and hell. The film counts James Wan among its producers, and is the directorial debut of Michael Chaves. The Curse of La Llorona is set for release on 3rd May 2019.

Lords of Chaos Trailer

Lords of Chaos has been getting rave reviews, as well as some notoriety for how graphic it is. The film tells the semi-true story of the birth of Norwegian black metal with the band Mayhem. Starring Rory Culkin, Emory Cohen, and Sky Ferreira, Lords of Chaos will hit UK screens on 29th March 2019.

Under the Silver Lake Trailer

Under The Silver Lake is the new film from writer-director David Robert Mitchell (It Follows). The film stars Andrew Garfield and Riley Keough. The film is a neo-noir about a man who discovers a mysterious woman swimming in his apartment complex’s pool. Under the Silver Lake will be released at cinemas and on Mubi from 15th March 2019.

Previews: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Bridge of Spies and More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions including the full Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, a clip from Bridge of Spies and more…

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer

Here it is. The Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer has already set the internet ablaze since its release a matter of hours ago. People are reminiscing over their childhood, ticket sales are going crazy; it is pretty much the biggest news of the day. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released in cinemas on 17th December 2015.

Bridge of Spies Clip

 

Tom Hanks stars as an insurance claims lawyer who finds himself thrust into the centre of the Cold War in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies. The above clip shows Hanks’ character as he gets ready for his trip abroad. Bridge of Spies hits UK screens on 27th November 2015.

The 33 Featurette

The 33 is about the story of the Chilean miners who were trapped underground in 2010. This featurette sees the cast and crew of the new movie discussing the event, and their thoughts behind the film. Starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche, The 33 is set for release on 29th January 2016.

Joy Trailer

Writer-director David O. Russell re-teams with Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper for Joy. The film is about a family across four generations, and centres on a young woman who founds a business dynasty. Joy is scheduled for release in January 2016.

Hail, Caesar! Trailer

The Coen Brothers’ latest is Hail, Caesar!, a comedy set during Hollywood’s Golden Age. The film follows Josh Brolin’s studio fixer Eddie Mannix, who encounters plenty of problems with the studio’s stars. With an enviable cast that includes George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and Tilda Swinton, Hail, Caesar! will hit the big screen on 26th February 2016.

The Expendables 3 Press Conference

Last week the cast of The Expendables 3 were in London to discuss making the film, on-set injuries, and the future of the franchise. Heading the cast, Sylvester Stallone was joined by Kellan Lutz, Antonio Banderas, Jason Statham, Wesley Snipes and producer Avi Lerner. Here are the highlights…

On injuries sustained…

Antonio Banderas: I think I got an injury the first take I did in the movie. I carried it all the way through the move, but I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want them to think I was getting older.

Sylvester Stallone: Jason [Statham] actually saw death in the bottom of the Black Sea. He’s very modest about it. He drove a five ton truck sixty feet down into black mud… because I cut the break line. That’s a little reveal, by the way.

Wesley Snipes: I broke a nail…

Stallone: …in someone’s eye.

On violence in The Expendables 3…

Stallone: The idea of PG-13; we wanted to hit a broader audience. And our predecessors, looking at the Bournes and James Bonds, they are pretty violent films. They are extremely graphic without pushing it. When we do the DVD, then you’ll see the next eighty frames and you’ll say ‘oh, there it is’. Also I thought the amount of violence, the amount of warfare in this movie, if it was graphic, after a while it would be too much. Even though I personally enjoy it, I think it would be pushing the envelope. Also it would diminish the humour.

On The Expendabelles…

Stallone: You don’t have to totally depend on actresses per se – you’re going to need a certain kind of physicality to pull that off… With The Expendabelles we have a situation here where we’re in unchartered waters. Are The Expendabelles part of a divorce with Barney, and say Sigourney Weaver as my wife and she inherited half the Expendables. So it’s all these things you are trying to concoct, so when we do it, it doesn’t languish there… it’s actually something that would hold its own.

Avi Lerner: We are right now finalising the script, we have lots of ideas about who is going to be the action movie stars. We are planning to do it the beginning of next year.

On favourite action sequences…

Kellan Lutz: You know honestly, being a part of this movie. To date, I’ve done only a few action movies.

Banderas: Anything that has to do with horses and sword-fighting.

Stallone: Overall, I would say dealing with Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV, that was brutal. He was so unbelievably powerful, it’s hard to describe. The idea of sustaining a fifteen-round fight and you know that it took six months, so it’s really on long stunt. That’s what I am really proud of; I know I can never come close to something like that today.

The Expendables 3 is out in cinemas now.

Film Review: The Expendables 3

The latest instalment, The Expendables 3 certainly brings star power. Nevertheless, the film is a bit patchy; the narrative and visuals could have done with more work.

Whilst on a mission, Barney Ross and his team of mercenaries take a personal hit. Barney is determined to track down the arms dealer responsible, requiring fresh blood to do so…

Director Patrick Hughes’ The Expendables 3 continues on the same tact as the previous two films. However this instalment lacks some of the humour of The Expendables 2, which was a highlight of that film.

The story in The Expendables 3 is not particlarly compelling. There is a focus on the new characters that protagonist Barney meets. This new breed of mercenaries, however, are not that interesting as characters. Only one of these new characters has a distinct personality, and is a welcome addition to proceedings.

The Expendables 3 would have definitely benefitted from more humour. The second film in this franchise got the balance right between action and comedy. This film reverts to the more serious style of the first film. This is a shame, as the second film was overt in not taking itself too seriously. The Expendables 3 has too many moments where it attempts to bring emotion (with lingering shots and the like). Unfortunately this simply is not there.

The film relies on some action heavy set pieces. Some of the effects in the film are poorly executed. Stock footage is used to a noticable point. The violence does feel as if it has been edited for a lower rating. The action works best with the physical combat, of which some of the new additions show their prowess.

Antonio Banderas is a welcome addition to the cast. Harrison Ford and Wesley Snipes seem to be having fun in their roles, while Mel Gibson is well cast. The chemistry between Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham so pushed in all three films still does not generate the laughs that it hopes to.

The Expendables 3 will no doubt satisfy fans of the franchise for its star names and brash action. Any further films need to remember the comedy, and offer a more gripping story.

Stuff To Look At

A bumper post filled with trailers galore for the end of the week, featuring Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Nut Job and lots more…

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Cesar is such a badass. In this final trailer for the upcoming Dawn of the Planet of the Apes we are given more of an idea of the film’s narrative. But more importantly, apes on horses. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes has big shoes to fill after the success of its predecessor Rise of the Planet of the Apes, but it looks up to the job, from this trailer at least. Rise of the Planet of the Apes hits the big screen on 17th July 2014.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Here is the second trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy, which shows more action and drama compared to the comedy of the first trailer. It looks as if the film will continue Marvel’s run of hits. Even if the franchise isn’t as well-known as the Avengers sphere, people will go for the gun-wielding raccoon. Guardians of the Galaxy is out in UK cinemas on 31st July 2014.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Here is a new featurette for Michael Bay’s Transformers: Age of Extinction. The video focuses on Marky Mark’s character, but really everyone just wants to see the Transformers. Or the Dinobots. Tranformers: Age of Extinction is released on 5th July 2014.

Paddington

With the news that Colin Firth will no longer be voicing the bear, what will now become of Paddington? Who will the filmmakers find to voice the marmalade-swilling bear? Perhaps a Peruvian actor, for authenticity’s sake. In the mean time, here is the latest trailer for Paddington, set for release on 24th November 2014.

The Expendables 3

Look at all this potent 1980s/90s magic right here. The Expendables 3 is loaded with action stars; Wesley Snipes and Antonio Banderas are just two of the new members to join the crew. Nevertheless, I was thinking that The Expendables 3 was missing something. And that is Brigitte Nielsen. Seriously, why isn’t Red Sonja in this? Anyway, The Expendables 3 hits UK screens on 14th August 2014. You can view the latest trailer here.

Penguins of Madagascar

The Penguins of Madagascar get their own spin-off movie of the same name. Featuring the vocal talents of Benedict Cumberbatch, the popular supporting characters take centre stage in this new film. I am liking the use of Kenny Loggins in the trailer. Penguins of Madagascar is scheduled for release in December 2014.

Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 looks like it will be a good laugh. If I was constructing a robot, it would be for servitude purposes, not for fighting or crime solving, but each to their own. Big Hero 6 is set for release in UK cinemas in January 2015.

The Nut Job

The Nut Job is a new animated feature about a squirrel and his friends who go on a mission to break into a nut store. Nuts are great and that, but if you were going to all this effort, surely you would rob a chocolatiers? The Nut Job is released in UK cinemas on 1st August 2014.

Hercules

Dwayne Johnson’s muscle veins are pretty scary in this new poster for Hercules. Interestingly, there used to be a WWF (before it was WWE) wrestler called Hercules. I am sure this movie isn’t a biopic of his life. Hercules muscles his way into UK cinemas on 25th July 2014.

No Good Deed

Here is the trailer for thriller No Good Deed. Starring Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson, reminds viewers never to open the door to strangers. A fitting Halloween release, No Good Deed hits UK screens on 31st October 2014.

Home

Pig is a really good name for a cat. Home sees Jim Parsons (in voice) sounding like a very familiar character. Still, the film looks like it will be a lot of alien culture-clash fun. Home is scheduled for release in the UK on 27th March 2015.

Film Review: Haywire

Given the talented cast and director involved with this project, Haywire is a disappointing film. At best, the film is mildly entertaining, although it never really engages the viewer.

Mallory Kane is a freelance operative, working for a company that hires out her services to government and other powerful figures. After a mission goes wrong, Mallory discovers that she has been betrayed. On the run, Mallory must find out the truth and fight to stay alive…

Haywire is very much a by-the-numbers action thriller, offering little innovation or surprise. The narrative is predictable, with the flashback format doing little to alleviate this. Haywire features the usual themes of double crosses and omnipotent agencies, which is fine but for the lack of development or decent storytelling. Moreover, anyone who has seen the Haywire trailer will have had the movie ruined as it gives everything away.

The only thing that distinguishes Haywire from a plethora of similar action films is its choice of protagonist. It would be refreshing to have a female hero at the centre of Haywire if the depiction of her character was not so lacklustre. Apart from the fact that she is a good-looking female, everything about Mallory suggests stereotypically male traits. She uses force to fight back against her male antagonists, rather than having to use ingenuity. Her seduction, for want of a better word, of one of the male characters is also very masculine. Mallory is the only female in the film except for a few extras, yet she is a man in all but gender.

Characters in Haywire are barely developed. Mallory’s relationship with her father is presumably meant to humanise her, but does little to endear the audience to her character. Similarly, Kenneth and Aaron are too one-dimensional for the audience to care about.

Performances in the film are fine. Gina Carano does a decent job as Mallory, excelling in the fight sequences. Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Channing Tatum and Antonio Banderas are given little to do in their narrow roles. Director Steven Soderbergh appears to think that quirky angles are enough to make a straightforward action thriller.

Haywire is not painful viewing, but neither is it particularly enjoyable. Give it a miss.

Haywire Trailer

Haywire comes with quite a pedigree. The film combines director Steven Soderbergh with a stellar cast that includes Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender and Antonio Banderas. Haywire is an action thriller that focuses on a CIA agent played by Gina Carano. It will be interesting to see whether the MMA fighter has any acting chops when Haywire is released on 20th January 2012.

Film Review: Puss in Boots

Shrek is a franchise that began brightly, but diminished in quality with more recent instalments. Thankfully spin-off Puss in Boots bucks this trend, offering an entertaining movie that should please family audiences.

Puss in Boots is an outlaw; his face appearing on wanted posters all over town. When he hears about some magic beans, Puss is determined to seek them out, even if it puts him in danger. As he tries to obtain them, Puss finds he has a masked rival after the same treasure…

Puss in Boots works successfully as a origins tale of one of the best-loved characters in the Shrek franchise. Although the character first appeared in another film series, Puss in Boots functions as a stand-alone film. The film launches into the action almost immediately, before a lengthy flashback fills in Puss’ background. The narrative has some predictable aspects, but pacing is good.

Like the franchise that spawned it, Puss in Boots is made enjoyable through its use of humour. The comedy operates on different levels, with something to appease a wide age demographic. The universal humour is great; it is sufficient in quality to amuse adults as well as children. References and jokes geared towards older viewers also work well, for example the allusion to James Bond at the very beginning is an amusing introduction. Like Shrek, some of the humour relies on knowledge of fairy tales, with well-known characters being altered to suit the narrative and generate laughs.

Antonio Banderas does a fine job voicing the title character. Salma Hayek rises to the challenge as Kitty Softpaws, while Zach Galifianakis is perfectly cast as the voice of Humpty Dumpty. Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris offer their talents as a very alternative Jack and Jill.

The animation in Puss in Boots is luscious. Particularly striking is Puss’ fur, which appears incredibly realistic. Like a lot of CGI animated films, the 3D works well in providing depth. The soundtrack provides a great accompaniment to the on-screen action, with music integral to the bar scene.

Puss in Boots will give viewers what the expect; a fun, family animation which offers all the ingredients to entertain this audience.

Film Review: The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In is an excellent film. Pedro Almodóvar’s film is unusual and fascinating, and is highly recommended.

After his wife was horrifically burned in a car accident, plastic surgeon Dr Robert Ledgard has been trying to develop artificial skin. After much testing, he has developed skin that is more resilient than natural skin, and is immune to mosquito bites.  With his faithful assistant Marilia at his side, Robert needs to test his creation out on a subject…

What works so well in The Skin I Live In is the way in which the narrative is constructed. Almodóvar throws viewers into the action, before offering some explanation and background in lengthy flashback sequences. The film retains a sense of mystery until the reveal. There are clues, so some viewers may already guess the outcome. Those that do not guess, will find the reveal surprising and welcome. There are indications that the film may head in a different, even more surreal direction.

Despite the dramatic nature of The Skin I Live In, the film does have some humorous moments. In keeping with the tone of the film, any comedy is unmistakably black. The drama in Almodóvar’s film is sometimes shocking, but never unconvincing. The Skin I Live In is very well crafted, and ensures that the audience is always absorbed.

The film walks the fine line between quirky and accessible. The narrative is bizarre and the film offers a number of surreal moments. These are executed very well, and can be amusing or surprising. Nonetheless, the film never veers too far off the path; it is mainstream despite its peculiarities. The film works on a surface level, as well as delving underneath the epidermis.

Art direction in the film is superb. The whole picture is preoccupied with the form. The cinematography is beautiful. It perfectly captures the flawless skin of Vera. The film has a sheen reminiscent of a glossy magazine. It is highly polished and immensely pleasing to the eye.

Antonio Banderas gives a solid performance as Robert. Elena Anaya is fantastic as Vera. Her beauty makes her perfectly for the role, and she shows a good range. Marisa Paredes is great as the loyal Marilia, while Jan Cornet is well cast as Vicente.

The Skin I Live In is highly recommended. If you manage to avoid finding out the reveal beforehand, then the film is even better.