Previews: Alien: Covenant Clip, Atomic Blonde, More!

Lots of big films in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including an Alien: Covenant clip, Atomic Blonde, Beauty and the Beast, and more…

Alien: Covenant Clip

This Alien: Covenant clip gives viewers an insight into the crew and personalities in Ridley Scott’s latest film. Michael Fassbender returns in the sequel to Prometheus, and is joined by Danny McBride, Katherine Waterston, and James Franco. Alien: Covenant is set for release in May 2017.

Atomic Blonde Poster

Charlize Theron is striking in this poster for Atomic Blonde. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the film is about an assassin who is sent to retrieve a priceless dossier. The film also stars James McAvoy and John Goodman. Atomic Blonde hits UK screens on 11th August 2017.

Beauty and the Beast Clip

Emma Watson shows of her singing ability in this clip from the upcoming Beauty and the Beast. From this brief look, it seems as if a lot will be replicated from the original film, but it won’t be a shot-by-shot remake à la 1998’s Psycho. Dan Stevens and Luke Evans join Watson in heading up a enviable cast. Beauty and the Beast is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Trailer

After success with Sherlock Holmes and its sequel, director Guy Ritchie turns his attention to another British fable. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword tells the familiar story of Arthur’s rise to power, albeit in an action-packed way. Starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword launches on to UK screens on 12th May 2017.

Ghost in the Shell Poster

The artwork for Ghost in the Shell certainly is striking. Scarlett Johansson stars as Major, a cyber-enhanced human who is tasked with stopping the world’s most dangerous criminals. Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, Ghost in the Shell hits UK screens on 31st March 2017.

Their Finest Trailer

Lone Scherfig’s latest film is about a female screenwriter tasked with writing a film to lift spirits during World War 2. Their Finest stars Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy. Based on Lissa Evans’ novel, Their Finest will be released in UK cinemas on 21st April 2017.

Film Review: Pacific Rim

Wilfully silly but continually entertaining, Pacific Rim should satisfy audiences craving mindless blockbuster fun.

In the near future, humanity comes under attack from aliens which rise from the ocean. To fight back, humans create giant robots to fend off the invaders. These are piloted by people such as Raleigh, who has seen his share of tragedy…

Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim follows the formula laid out by many previous apocalyptic blockbusters. The film ticks all the expected boxes – tragedy spurring the hero on, the archetypal characters, fate being left in the hands of the underdogs and so on.

Where the film excels is in its execution. The action sequences offer fantastic spectacle. These scenes are immensely entertaining. Pacing is good for the most part, although there is a slight lull in the middle.

There is a real diversity to the characters in Pacific Rim. There is an emphasis on the crisis bringing humanity together rather than creating division. It is here that del Toro’s film deviates from the norm. Nevertheless, it is always apparent that the young, chiseled, white American male is going to have a pivotal role. It is a shame that the film does not follow through on its heterogeneity.

The premise of Pacific Rim seems like something the Syfy Channel would produce. However, it works as a big-budget film. High concept in the extreme, the film plays on the silliness of the idea. This generates some welcome humour.

The cast performs well in Pacific Rim. Charlie Hunnam certainly looks the part of the hero, and Idris Elba seems to be having fun. Meanwhile, Charlie Day appears to channel Rick Moranis in a gratifying manner.

Pacific Rim faces limitations in its unwillingness to diverge from the template. The fact that it does not take itself too seriously is what makes the film enjoyable.