Previews: The Beguiled Trailer, Baywatch, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest The Beguiled trailer, Baywatch, Alien: Covenant, and more…

The Beguiled Trailer

Here is the latest The Beguiled trailer. The film is from writer-director Sofia Coppola, and is based on the novel of the same name. The novel was made into a film starring Clint Eastwood in 1971. Coppola’s version stars Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning. The Beguiled will be released in UK cinemas on 14th July 2017.

Alien: Covenant Crew Message

The marketing team behind Alien: Covenant are being astute at feeding viewers information before the film is released. Like the earlier clip of the crew socialising, this video reveals a bit more about one of the personalities in advance of the film’s release. Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien: Covenant hits UK screens on 12th May 2017.

Baywatch Poster

Here is the latest Baywatch poster. Based on the beloved nineties television series, the action-comedy stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario. If the original theme isn’t featured heavily in the film, the filmmakers are missing a hell of a trick. Baywatch launches onto UK screens on 29th May 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Quick Peek

Here is a super speedy look at Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The film is a sequel to the 2015 hit Kingsman: The Secret Service, and sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth. They are joined by Julianne Moore, Halle Berry and Channing Tatum. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in September 2017.

American Assassin Trailer

Here is the first trailer for American Assassin. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film is about a CIA Black Ops recruit. It stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch. American Assassin hits UK cinemas on 15th September 2017.

The Red Turtle Trailer

The Red Turtle is the latest Studio Ghibli film. The animated film tells the story of a man shipwrecked on an island inhabited by turtles. The film is the feature debut of director Michael Dudok de WitMichael Dudok de Wit, who is known for his animated shorts. The Red Turtle will be released in cinemas on 26th May 2016.

Film Review: Sully: Miracle on the Hudson

Sully: Miracle on the Hudson is Clint Eastwood’s best film for years. Good performances and a well-crafted narrative make for enjoyable viewing.

Veteran pilot Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger is in charge of a routine flight when something goes wrong. Whilst the media declares him a hero, behind the scenes he faces an investigation into this actions on the flight…

With Sully: Miracle on the Hudson, director Clint Eastwood tackles a very recent and familiar story. From the premise, it is difficult to see how the film will deliver something new and engaging. Nevertheless, screenwriter Todd Komarnicki has crafted a genuinely interesting narrative, focusing on what the audience already knows and what they don’t.

Rather astutely, Eastwood does not give the audience what they expect at the beginning. Instead, the narrative commences after the incident, telling the story through the device of the investigation and through flashbacks. This works well to tell the wider story, both of the protagonist and the investigation. Eastwood and Komarnicki wisely eschew the biopic trap, instead littering the film with some brief pivotal moments in the career of the pilot.

Even though most viewers will know exactly what happened in New York, Eastwood still manages to generate a good deal of tension. The reenactment of the incident appears in the middle of proceedings. By this point, the protagonist is sufficiently developed. Furthermore, the action focuses on the very immediate aftermath; an aspect given less coverage than the act itself. Eastwood directs these sequences deftly, and generates sufficient tension in the later hearing scene. There is an element of sentimentality, but this does not override other aspects. Tom Hanks is reliable as ever, delivering a convincing performance as Sully. Aaron Eckhart provides good support.

Sully: Miracle on the Hudson is well-paced, and avoids following other recent Eastwood films in being overlong. With a strong performance by Hanks, the director delivers a solid feel-good film.

Previews: Denial trailer, Hacksaw Ridge and More!

Plenty of trailers, images, and features this week, including the Denial trailer, Hacksaw Ridge, Wonder Woman and more…

Denial Trailer

Here is the new Denial trailer. The film is based on the legal battle over Holocaust denial. Rachel Weisz plays Deborah E. Lipstadt who is accused of libel by David Irving (Timothy Spall). Also starring Tom Wilkinson, Denial is set for release on 27th January 2017.

Fences Poster

Here is the latest poster for Denzel Washington’s Fences. Washington directs and stars in the film, based on August Wilson’s play. Wilson also writes the screenplay for the film. Also starring Viola Davis, Fences is out in UK cinemas in early 2017.

Hacksaw Ridge Clip

This is a clip from the upcoming Hacksaw Ridge. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film is based on the true story of Desmond Doss, who saved many soldiers without firing a weapon in a World War II battle. Starring Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, and Teresa Palmer, Hacksaw Ridge will be released on 27th January 2017.

Darkest Hour Image

The first image from Darkest Hour is striking to say the least. Gary Oldman has form as a chameleon, and proves his transformation skills once again playing Winston Churchill. Director Joe Wright’s film is about the tense time the former British Prime Minister faces trying to negotiate a peace treaty with Nazi Germany. Darkest Hour is scheduled for release on 29th December 2017.

The LEGO Batman Movie Trailer

A spin-off from the wonderful The LEGO Movie, The LEGO Batman Movie focuses on one of the best characters from the original film. This trailer reveals more about the plot, as well as the range of franchise characters we can expect. Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, and Michael Cera, The LEGO Batman Movie will hit UK screens on 10th February 2017.

Passengers Poster

Here is the latest poster for Passengers. Starring America’s current sweethearts Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, the film is about to passengers on a spacecraft transporting them to a different planet. Also starring Michael Sheen and Laurence Fishburne, Passengers is out in UK cinemas on 21st December 2016.

Wonder Woman Trailer

The second trailer for Wonder Woman reveals more about the narrative and the main characters. Set during World War II, the film tells the story behind the photograph seen in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Connie Nielsen, Wonder Woman hits UK screens on 2nd June 2017.

Sully: Miracle on the Hudson Poster

Sully: Miracle on the Hudson tells the story of the pilot who landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River. The film, directed by Clint Eastwood, focuses on the heroic act and the investigation that followed. Sully: Miracle on the Hudson jets onto UK screens on 2nd December 2016.

Previews: War Dogs Trailer, Finding Dory and more!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the War Dogs trailer, Star Trek Beyond, Finding Dory and more…

War Dogs Trailer

Here is the War Dogs trailer. The Hangover director Todd Phillips helms this action comedy. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller star as two unlikely arms traders who travel to Afghanistan. Based on a true story, the film also stars Bradley Cooper. War Dogs reaches UK screens on 26th August 2016.

Star Trek Beyond Featurette

Rihanna talks about her love for Star Trek and her new song for the upcoming Star Trek Beyond. Justin Lin takes over directing duty from J.J. Abrams for this latest instalment of the franchise, which sees the crew of the USS Enterprise encountering a new threat. Star Trek Beyond will hit UK screens on 22nd July 2016.

Sully: Miracle on the Hudson Trailer

It is a bit strange to see the movie version of an event that many will remember took place less than a decade ago. Tom Hanks stars as the pilot who saved his passengers by landing the plane on the Hudson River. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film also stars Laura Linney and Aaron Eckhart. Sully: Miracle on the Hudson is released in cinemas on 2nd December 2016.

Finding Dory Clip

Baby Dory is just adorable. Finding Nemo sequel Finding Dory shifts the attention to Marlin’s friend Dory. Along with her friends, Dory searches for answers about her past in this latest film. Finding Dory will hit UK screens on 29th July 2016.

Nerve TV Spot

From the directors of Catfish and Paranormal Activity 3, comes Nerve. Starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, the film is about a high school student who joins a popular online game. Nerve will be released in UK cinemas on 11th August 2016.

Morgan Trailer

Morgan is a science-fiction thriller produced by Ridley Scott. The film stars Kate Mara as a corporate troubleshooter is set to a remote environment to investigate an accident. Also starring Toby Jones and Paul Giamatti, Morgan is set for release in September 2016.

Film Review: Jersey Boys

The songs are certainly memorable in the film adaptation of the musical Jersey Boys. It is a shame that other aspects of the film pale in comparison.

Frankie Valli is a teenager with a big voice growing up in Jersey. Along with his friends, Frankie dreams of making it big. As success comes within reach, The Four Seasons still have some obstacles to overcome…

The premise of Jersey Boys is decent, but this is let down by the execution of the narrative. The elements for a rags to riches tale are present; talented individuals, shady pasts and a meteoric rise to fame. Yet the film lacks the emotion that would really engage the audience. Moreover, early scenes of dodgy dealings and gangsters in New Jersey are clinical rather than gritty. It feels as if the film is not trying to be  authentic in the protagonists background, but neither is it effective in generating a reaction in its audience.

The film has some moments of drama, but emotional scenes are not successfully conveyed. Instead, the pace of Jersey Boys makes the film feel much longer than it actual run time. Some scenes could have easily been trimmed or omitted with no depreciation of the central narrative.

Although Jersey Boys concentrates primarily on Frankie Valli, other members of the group have their own strands. These gel together well enough. Nevertheless, there are some aspects, particularly in the latter half of the film that are not fleshed out properly. As a result, they appear superfluous.

Clint Eastwood’s direction shows none of the sharpness of some of his previous films. Jersey Boys suffers from the same issues of his previous two films in being overlong with a cumbersome narrative execution. John Lloyd Young is fine as Frankie, although does not look like a teenager in the least in earlier scenes. Vincent Piazza is more convincing as Tommy, whilst Christopher Walken is underused in a poorly written role. The ageing make up in the penultimate scene are laughable.

Clint Eastwood foray into musicals is unfortunately unsuccessful. This will probably not put off die-hard fans of Jersey Boys, but the film will have little pull beyond this audience.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic treats for Good Friday, including Gone Girl, Jersey Boys, and X-Men: Days of Future Past…

Jersey Boys

The most surprising thing about the upcoming screen adaptation of Jersey Boys is that Clint Eastwood directs it. Not an entirely new genre for Eastwood, nevertheless it is an interesting choice. Jersey Boys is set for release on 20th June 2014.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

The third X-Men: Days of Future Past reveals a bit more about the plot of the film. What it does not explain is young Charles Xavier’s hair. Maybe Wolverine reveals what is in his future, follicle-wise, so Xavier decides to grow luscious locks while he can. X-Men: Days of Future Past hits UK screens on 22nd May 2014.

The Fault in Our Stars

Here is the trailer for the upcoming adaptation of John Green’s best-selling novel The Fault in Our Stars. Starring Shailene Woodley as a teenage cancer patient who is forced to attend a support group by her parents, The Fault in Our Stars is out in UK cinemas on 20th June 2014.

Gone Girl

In case you missed it: the trailer for the hotly anticipated Gone Girl was released this week. David Fincher’s team sure do know how to cut a trailer. Starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, the cinematic adaptation of the best-selling novel Gone Girl is set for release on 3rd October 2014.

The Equaliser

Denzel Washington stars as a former black ops commander who fakes his own death in The Equaliser. I am guessing that this film will be more action thriller than The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin. The Equaliser is due to hit UK screens on 10th October 2014.

Annie

The first trailer for musical remake Annie was released earlier this week. I only saw the original for the first time recently, and my lasting impression was that Miss Hannigan was everything. So Cameron Diaz has big shoes to fill. Annie will be released on 6th February 2015.

Sabotage

Arnold Schwarzenegger leads strong cast in action thriller Sabotage. With Arnie getting back into the swing of things, it is funny to think that the action star was Governor of California not too long ago. Sabotage bursts on to UK screens on 7th May 2014.

Film Review: Trouble with the Curve

A baseball drama, Robert Lorenz’s film appears to be all about promoting traditional American pursuits.

Veteran baseball scout Gus has increasing problems with his vision. Cranky in his attitude, he has a strained relationship with lawyer daughter Mickey. Sent on a recruiting trip, Gus may reluctantly need Mickey’s help if he is to save his job…

The narrative of Trouble with the Curve is fine. The story concerns itself with a father-daughter relationship set to the backdrop of baseball. The pace, however, does slacken on occasion. The film is rather predictable, but the main characters are sufficiently engaging to hold the audience’s attention. There is some awkward expository dialogue at the beginning of the film, but otherwise the script is sound.

Lorenz’s film appears quite clear-cut in this message. Everything traditionally American is promoted as positive, whether this is baseball or hot dogs. Anything else appears to be a subversion of some kind; a form of straying from the path. This is played out through the character of Mickey. It is a rather black and white viewpoint.

The romance strand definitely adds something to Trouble with the Curve. There are some nice scenes between Mickey and Johnny. The prevalent theme of following gut instinct is apparent through all of the film’s strands.

Clint Eastwood plays cranky well as Gus. Sometimes the character’s aggression is overplayed, however. Amy Adams offers a solid performance as Mickey. Adams has good chemistry with Justin Timberlake’s Johnny.

Trouble with the Curve is suitably entertaining. It is questionable, however, whether something so focused on a particular aspect of American culture will have mass appeal elsewhere.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of stuff this week; a new Oz The Great and Powerful poster, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters trailer, something from Stoker and more…

Trouble With the Curve

Starring Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake, Trouble With the Curve is a drama about a baseball scout. After Clint Eastwood films received a mixed reception at best, it will be a relief to some that he is not directing this one. Trouble With the Curve is out in cinemas on 30th November 2012.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters

Hansel and Gretel was always a disturbing fairy tale, so it is really no surprise that the filmmakers have chosen to go down the violent fantasy route with this cinematic adaptation. Starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arteton, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters looks like a lot of fun. The film is released in the UK on 15th March 2013.

Oz The Great and Powerful

This week the first poster for Oz The Great and Powerful was released. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams. Disney’s last foray into Oz territory was the cult classic Return to Oz, so it will be interesting to see what this new film brings. Oz The Great and Powerful is due for release in March 2013.

Stoker

This is not a trailer for Stoker, but a video that depicts the creation of the poster, along with clips from the film. I’m not entirely sure what Stoker is, but I am interested to find out more. Starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska, Stoker will be released on 1st March 2013.

A Good Day to Die Hard

John McClane is back for another adventure in A Good Day to Die Hard. The last instalment did not quite match the much-loved earlier trilogy, so it will be interesting to see how this one does. Bruce Willis returns as McClane on 14th February 2013.

Django Unchained

Above is the latest trailer for Django Unchained. The trailer has director Quentin Tarantino’s stamp all over it. Starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained is released in UK cinemas on 18th January 2013.

Film Review: J. Edgar

Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar offers flashes of greatness, but ultimately is weighed down by its flaws. The film is interesting, but fails to satisfy.

J. Edgar Hoover became the first director of the FBI. After a quick rise in through the ranks of the Bureau of Investigation, Hoover’s successes were well publicised. Although he was the face of crime fighting in America, J. Edgar held secrets of his own…

Director Clint Eastwood seemingly has good intentions with J. Edgar, but comes up short. The film appears as if it will be told in flashback format at first. However, the film frequently jumps from the present day to different periods in history. Given the lack of immediate information regarding the setting, it may take viewers a few moments to identify the era and event in different scenes. In one sense, covering most of Hoover’s career offers a suitable biopic of the life of a prolific character. Nevertheless, Eastwood may have done better to explore a handful of key events in more detail, rather than the constant jumping from decade to decade and back again.

Dustin Lance Black’s screenplay is uneven. There are some good scenes between J. Edgar and long-time confidant Clyde, which explore the close relationship between the pair. Likewise, some of the scenes with Hoover and his mother give some context to his later behaviour. However, there is an over reliance upon grand posturing dialogue, perhaps to mask J. Edgar‘s lack of substance at times. Moreover, some scenes are awkwardly written, while others seem surplus to requirement. The film could have also been trimmed to under two hours, which would have made for a more enjoyable picture overall.

Performances in J. Edgar are good for the most part. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a strong performance as the title character. It will be surprising if DiCaprio does not receive an Oscar nomination for this performance. Armie Hammer is also solid, however both he and DiCaprio are hindered by some cumbersome prosthetics. The prosthetics used on Hammer in particular seem to alter him far too drastically. Naomi Watts is suitably cast in a minor role, while Jeffrey Donovan’s impersonation of Robert Kennedy is so abysmal it seems like a parody.

The costumes in J. Edgar are fantastic. The art direction is also great in producing the authenticity of the period settings. Hoover was an intriguing character, it is a shame that J. Edgar is not better executed.

J Edgar Posters

Leonardo DiCaprio looks angry in these new posters for J Edgar. A quick Google search informs me that J Edgar Hoover did not really look like DiCaprio when he was younger. I have no doubt, however, that the actor will give a powerful performance. J Edgar is directed by Clint Eastwood and also stars Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer and Judi Dench. This one has Oscar nominations written all over it. J Edgar is released in cinemas on 20th January 2012.