Previews: The Man Who Invented Christmas Trailer, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Man Who Invented Christmas trailer, Phantom Thread, Daddy’s Home 2 and more…

The Man Who Invented Christmas Trailer

Here is the first The Man Who Invented Christmas trailer. The film stars Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens, and tells the story behind the classic A Christmas Carol. Directed by Bharat Nalluri, the film also stars Christopher Plummer, Jonathan Pryce, and Miriam Margolyes. The Man Who Invented Christmas hits UK screens on 1st December 2017.

Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built Trailer

This looks suitably chilling. Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built is inspired by true events, and is about Winchester fortune heiress, who keeps construction going on her house for decades. The film stars Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, and Sarah Snook. Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built is set for release in UK cinemas on 2nd March 2018.

Daddy’s Home 2 Clip

Here is a clip from upcoming comedy sequel Daddy’s Home 2. A follow-up to 2015’s Daddy’s Home, the film sees the return of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg’s characters as they celebrate Christmas. This time, they are joined by their own dads, played by John Lithgow and Mel Gibson. Daddy’s Home 2 is out in UK cinemas on 22nd November 2017, with previews on 18th and 19th November.

Darkest Hour Poster

Here is one of the latest posters for Darkest Hour. Directed by Joe Wright (Pan, Anna Karenina), the film is about the lead up to Britain entering World War II. Gary Oldman is unrecognisable as Winston Churchill. He is joined by Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, and Ben Mendelsohn. Darkest Hour hits UK screens on 12th January 2018.

Phantom Thread Trailer

Here is the trailer for the eagerly anticipated Phantom Thread. The film is the second collaboration between writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson and actor Daniel Day-Lewis. The film is about a fashion designer who falls in love with a young woman, who becomes his  muse. The film also stars Lesley Manville and Vicky Krieps. Phantom Thread is out in UK cinemas on 2nd February 2018.

Journey’s End Trailer

Journey’s End is based on the play and novel of the same name. The film is about a company on the front-line trenches in France during World War I. Journey’s End stars Sam Claflin (My Cousin Rachel), Asa Butterfield, and Toby Jones. The film is set for release on 2nd February 2018.

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.

Previews: Ghost In The Shell, The Fits, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions includes the Ghost in the Shell TV spot, Beauty and the Beast, and more…

Ghost in the Shell TV Spot

Here is the Super Bowl TV spot for Ghost in the Shell. A live-action version of 1995 animated film, it stars Scarlett Johansson, Michael Pitt, and Juliette Binoche. Johansson plays The Major, a cyborg counter-cyberterrorist commander. Ghost in the Shell is out in UK cinemas on 31st March 2017.

The Fits Trailer

The Fits is a portrait of eleven year-old tomboy who assimilates to a dance group. Things are going well until the group is hit by an outbreak of fainting spells. Starring Royalty Hightower, The Fits is released in UK cinemas on 24th February 2017.

Beauty and the Beast Trailer

Here is the final Beauty and the Beast trailer. It shows us a bit more of the film’s supporting characters, such as Luke Evans’ Gaston. What I, and many others I’m sure, want to know is how a live-action ‘Be Our Guest’ is going to be pulled off. Starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, Beauty and the Beast is released in cinemas on 17th March 2017.

John Wick: Chapter Two Clip

This clip from the upcoming John Wick: Chapter Two shows us just how the title character manages to avoid the onslaught of bullets. Keanu Reeves returns as the once-retired hitman in this sequel to 2015’s John Wick. John Wick: Chapter Two hits UK screens on 17th February 2017, with special previews on Valentine’s Day.

Previews: Rings Trailer, Coco, More!

The first of this year’s previews of coming attractions include the Rings trailer, a new Blade Runner 2049 image, A Cure for Wellness, and more…

Rings Trailer

Here is the latest Rings trailer. The film is a new chapter in the horror franchise. From the synopsis, Rings does not appear to be directly linked to the characters from 2002’s The Ring, or its sequel. The cast includes Matilda Lutz, Jonathan Galecki, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Rings will hit UK screens on 3rd February 2017.

Blade Runner 2049 Image

Above is a new Blade Runner 2049 image. Not much has been revealed about the characters yet – is Ana de Armas’ character a replicant? Is Ryan Gosing’s? Who knows. Also starring Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto, Blade Runner 2049 is due open in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

A Cure for Wellness Trailer

A Cure for Wellness has to be one of this year’s most anticipated movies. This trailer reveals a little more about the plot, which concerns a young executive who is sent to retrieve his CEO from a mysterious “wellness” centre. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film stars Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, and Jason Isaacs. A Cure for Wellness is due for release in UK cinemas in early 2017.

Mute Image

Here is a brand new image from Netflix’s upcoming Mute. Directed by Duncan Jones, the film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, and Justin Theroux. Set in the near future, the film is about a mute bartender and his search for his missing girlfriend. Mute will be released by Netflix in all their territories later this year.

Beauty and the Beast Video

Here is a short video featuring the leads from the upcoming Beauty and the Beast movie. If follows the clip of Emma Watson singing ‘Something There’, which was released a few days ago. Beauty and the Beast also stars Dan Stevens, and features the voices of Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. The film is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

The LEGO Batman Movie Poster

I am thrilled to see that the upcoming LEGO Batman Movie features Harley Quinn. The film also sees appearances from Robin, The Joker, and Batgirl. Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jenny Slate, The LEGO Batman Movie will hit UK screens on 10th February 2017.

Patriots Day Trailer

Patriots Day is the latest film from director Peter Berg (Lone Survivor, Battleship). The film concentrates on the immediate aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Mark Wahlberg heads up a cast that includes John Goodman, Kevin Bacon, and J.K. Simmons. Patriots Day will be released in cinemas on 23rd February 2017.

Coco Image

Here is the first look at Coco, the latest animated film from Disney Pixar. The movie is about  a young boy who sets of a chain of events relating to a centuries-old mystery. Coco is directed by Pixar stalwart Lee Unkrick and Adrian Molina, who also wrote the film. Featuring the voices of Gael García Bernal and Benjamin Bratt, Coco is due to be released in UK cinemas in December 2017.

Previews: Beauty and the Beast trailer, Moana, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions includes the new Beauty and the Beast trailer, plus Live By Night, Moana and more…

Beauty and the Beast Trailer

Here is the first Beauty and the Beast trailer. The first thing that stands out is the accents of the cast; those familiar with the animated classic may find it strange to hear well-known characters with British accents. The second notable thing is how much the sets, props, and costumes resemble the animated film. The film features new songs, as well as the original score. Starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, Beauty and the Beast is set for release on 17th March 2017.

Live By Night Trailer

Ben Affleck directs and stars in Live By Night. The crime thriller is based on the Dennis Lehane novel. From the trailer at least, Affleck seems to emulate the classic Warner Bros gangster movies. Also starring Zoe Saldana and Elle Fanning, Live By Night hits UK screens on 13th January 2017.

Moana Clip

Here is a clip from the upcoming Moana. The film features the voices of Auli’i Carvalho and Dwayne Johnson. It will be interesting to see if directors Ron Clements and John Musker can recapture their earlier magic. Moana launches on to UK screens on 2nd December 2016.

Ghost in the Shell Featurette

Ghost in the Shell is based on the manga series of the same name. This featurette goes behind the scenes on the making of the film, speaking to director Rupert Sanders and others. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Ghost in the Shell is scheduled for release on 31st March 2017.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Trailer

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is the latest film from filmmaker Luc Besson. Benson follows Lucy with another sci-fi film, albeit a futuristic, space-set one. The film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is out in UK cinemas in Summer 2017.

Film Review: The Guest

Adam Wingard’s The Guest is part 1980s nostalgia fest, part thriller, and part knowingly outlnadish. These elements combine for an entertaining watch.

The Peterson family are still mourning the death of their eldest son, who was killed in action, when a soldier turns up at their house claiming to be a former comrade of his. As David quickly endears himself to the family, his presence brings about some disturbing activity…

The Guest is, above all, an entertaining film. The film takes the mysterious stranger trope and plays it for both tension and laughs. Director Adam Wingard imbues his film with a wink of self-awareness to the audience. It is clear that The Guest does not take itself too seriously, allowing the audience to laugh at the more absurd moments.

The film reveals details about its protagonist little by little. It is clear from the beginning that there is more than meets the eye with David, but there is a sense of unpredictability which keeps viewers engaged. The ending of The Guest is a little silly, however with the tangent that the film takes, this is not entirely surprising.

The Guest has an unmistakably 1980s feel to it. There is something very retro to many elements of the film. There are shades of 80s slasher movies, particularly in the film’s climax. The soundtrack retains this theme, with the synth-heavy electro songs provided a fitting accompaniment to the visuals.

Dan Stevens takes a stark departure from the role he is known for with The Guest. This is a wise move, as Stevens shows his versatility as David. Maika Monroe is decent as Anna.

The Guest is an unusual mix of thriller and comedy, served with a large slice of 1980s nostalgia. The narrative does descend into absurdity, but this is part of what makes the film enjoyable.

Film Review: Summer in February

Based on true events, Summer in February is a historical drama that lacks passion.

Florence Carter-Wood joins her brother Joey in Lamorna Valley, Cornwall, which is home to a colony of artists. There she meets the talented but incendiary artist A.J. Munnings, who offers to teach her. Florence also catches the eye of soldier and best friend of Munnings, Gilbert Evans…

Summer in February looks the part of a period drama. Christopher Menaul’s film concerns love and relationships against the backdrop of art. The film therefore should imbue some kind of passion. Unfortunately this is absent; Summer in February feels tepid more than anything else.

The narrative unfolds at a suitable pace for the most part, although some aspects do seem elongated. Director Menaul introduces the characters succinctly in the beginning of the film so that dominant personality traits are made apparent.

Initial interest in the characters and plot at the beginning of Summer in February does wane as the film progresses. The narrative becomes less engaging; the incidents that occur should be more absorbing than they actually are. Some of the protagonists’ actions should be more frustrating than they are. This is because it is difficult to care enough about them.

Andrew Dunn’s cinematography effectively captures both the beauty and the coldness of the landscape. Costumes and art direction depict an authentic-looking representation of the Edwardian era. The artwork exhibited in the film effectively conveys the talents of the artists who feature.

Dominic Cooper offers a strong performance as Munnings; he is convincing in all the artist’s guises. Emily Browning is adequate as Florence, although at times her beauty is relied upon instead of offering her character more depth. Dan Stevens looks the part as Gilbert Evans, although the role does not seem a stretch for him.

Summer in February is inoffensive and will just about hold the audience’s attention. Nevertheless, the film is unlikely to generate a strong emotional reaction.