Film Review: Knives Out

Writer-director Rian Johnson’s murder mystery Knives Out is tremendous fun. The star cast are on great form in this very entertaining film.

When Harlan Thrombey, a successful author and head of the Thrombey family, is found dead, the police begin an investigation. The detectives wish to interview each family member, to see what they know about his death…

Knives Out combines the old and the new in its rendition of the murder mystery. The film has the hallmarks of classic murder mystery. After all there is the secluded period mansion, the wealthy patriarch and the squabbling family, and the detective with a stellar reputation. Johnson plays with these tropes, sometimes referring to them explicitly, in his version of a murder mystery. He also brings a contemporary edge to proceedings. The film does not feel like a parody of the genre; Knives Out rather comes across as a film from someone who has admiration of what has come before. 

Johnson offers a fresh and engaging story. To begin with, it seems as if the film will follow the formula of several suspects and a detective attempting to ascertain the murderer. Yet in the first third of Knives Out, Johnson throws a curveball. The narrative veers off in a different direction, with a particular witness the focus of much of the film. This twist works well; viewers will not know exactly how much to trust, and indeed who else may be in on it. 

One of the highlights of Knives Out is the way in combines mystery with humour. The film is frequently funny, and there are some great lines. Humour is present throughout, and this does not diminish the mystery. It is a difficult tightrope to walk, yet Johnson manages it exceptionally well.

Set design in the film is wonderful. Nathan Johnson’s score is also great. Ana de Armas delivers a solid performance as Marta. The stellar ensemble cast are well cast, with Daniel Craig appearing to have a lot of fun with his role. Don Johnson, Toni Collette and Chris Evans are also great fun.

With Knives Out, Rian Johnson plants several red herrings, offers up twists, and delivers a hugely enjoyable film. 

Knives Out is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2019.

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.

Film Review: Logan Lucky

Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky is a very entertaining heist comedy. The directing, writing, acting, and overall energy make for a most enjoyable watch.

Having lost his construction job, and with his wealthy ex-wife wanting to relocate with his daughter, Jimmy Logan is down on his luck. His brother Clyde believes in a family curse, but Jimmy wants to prove everyone wrong with an audacious heist…

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Rebecca Blunt (believed to be an alias for the real writer), Logan Lucky is a crowd pleaser of a film. The caper is littered with amusing set ups, characters, and dialogue.

The central plot of Logan Lucky is not particularly original. There are definite parallels with Soderbergh’s earlier Ocean’s Eleven. Although there are some smart manoeuvres, these are never groundbreaking. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment, as Soderbergh’s latest has so much going for it. The characters are well drawn; the protagonists are very quickly established without laboursome character development. Supporting characters are amusing, and go well beyond serving their narrative purposes.

Soderbergh’s film is set in the South West of the United States, and this setting plays a prominent role. Along with a notable soundtrack song, the film depicts a region not often portrayed in Hollywood films. Soderbergh strikes a good balance between creating a fun tone and having characters which appear authentic. The film’s working class protagonists are certainly ones to root for, even if their actions fall foul of the law.

Channing Tatum delivers a convincing performance as Jimmy. He is ably assisted by Adam Driver’s Clyde. Daniel Craig seems to be having a lot of fun as Joe Bang, whilst Riley Keough is great as Mellie. Farrah Mackenzie shines as young Sadie.

Logan Lucky is just the sort of fun caper that the Summer season needs. A welcome return for Steven Soderbergh.

Previews: Logan Lucky Trailer, Stronger, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Logan Lucky trailer, My Little Pony: The Movie, Stronger and more…

Logan Lucky Trailer

Here is the new Logan Lucky trailer. The films sees director Steven Soderbergh teaming up with Channing Tatum once again for this new action comedy. Tatum is joined by an enviable cast that includes Adam Driver, Katie Holmes, and Daniel Craig. Logan Lucky will hit UK cinemas on 25th August 2017.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle Trailer

Here is the brand new trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film is set in the same world as the 1995 film, albeit updated to be a video game rather than a board game. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in December 2017.

My Little Pony: The Movie Trailer

Will this new film be as good as 1986’s My Little Pony: The Movie? Only time will tell. After Hasbro re-launched the toy and media franchise in 2010, a new new movie seemed inevitable. This new film features an all-star voice cast, including Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoworth, Live Schreiber, and Taye Diggs. My Little Pony: The Movie arrives on UK screens on 20th October 2017.

The Greatest Showman Trailer

The Greatest Showman is a new original musical. The film is inspired by P.T. Barnum, and celebrates the birth of show business. Hugh Jackman headlines, and is joined by Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The Greatest Showman is set for release in UK cinemas on 1st January 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Poster

Here is the latest poster for Annabelle: Creation, which emphasises the creepiness of the doll. The film is a prequel, and details how the doll was brought to life originally. This latest horror is directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out). Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on  11th August 2017.

The Dark Tower Featurette

This new featurette for The Dark Tower reveals a bit more about the main character in the film. Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey star in the film, based on Stephen King’s novel. The Dark Tower is out in cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Stronger Trailer

Here is the trailer for drama Stronger. The film is based on the true story of the Boston man  whose iconic photo from the 2013 Boston marathon bombing was broadcast throughout the world. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Masley, and Miranda Richardson. Stronger will be released later this year.

Film Review: Spectre

Latest James Bond instalment Spectre is a competent and entertaining addition to the series. Perhaps most exciting of all is the possibilities the film affords.

A message from the past sends James Bond on a mission to uncover a sinister organisation. As Bond tries to get to the man at the root of the organisation, M is battling to save MI6 in London…

Sam Mendes’ second Bond film Spectre sees many of the stylistic devices as its predecessor Skyfall. However, there are also marked differences in this latest instalment of the franchise. Known for their spectacular pre-credits sequences, Spectre comes up short in this regard. Whilst the setting is ripe with potential, the sequence itself is rather lacklustre. It is only as the film progresses that the reasoning behind this becomes clear.

Spectre follows the usual Bond pattern of a mission leading the protagonist to exotic locales in dangerous circumstances. All the hallmarks of Bond are present; the gadgets, the stunts, the beautiful women. Yet Spectre feels slightly different from other Bond films in the Daniel Craig oeuvre.

The last three Bond films seemed to concentrate on building the character of the protagonist, with Skyfall in particular focussing on the man and not the mission. Spectre continues this trend to a certain extent, with weight on the decisions made by Bond. However, the film is much more about building a suitable adversary for the spy. Harking back to earlier films in the Bond franchise, Spectre delivers an antagonist worthy of Bond.

There seems also to be a conscious homage to the Bond franchise with almost overt references to From Russia With Love, The Living Daylights, For Your Eyes Only and others by way of action sequence. The score and theme of Spectre are a bit disappointing, but there is some nice camera work in the film’s opening.

Daniel Craig reprises his role with the same emphasis on physicality. Ralph Fiennes’ delivery is good, whilst Lea Seydoux preforms well in an interesting role. Monica Bellucci is underused, but Christoph Waltz is as compelling as ever.

Not an outstanding Bond film, Spectre nevertheless is a fitting follow up to Skyfall. Furthermore, it offers two enticing possibilities as to what may come next.

Previews: Spectre Trailer, The Revenant and more

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the final Spectre trailer, The Revenant, The Good Dinosaur and more…

Spectre Trailer

Here is the final Spectre trailer. Daniel Craig returns as James Bond, alongside Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Whishaw. The film, which also stars Christoph Waltz and Monica Belluci, sees Bond on a rogue mission where he finds out the existence of a sinister organisation. Spectre is released in the UK on 26th October 2015.

The Revenant Trailer

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu returns from his Oscar-winning success with Birdman with The Revenant. Starring Leondardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and Will Poulter, the film is inspired by true events. The Revenant is set for release on 15th January 2016.

The Good Dinosaur Poster

Here is the poster for Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur. The film poses the question of what if the dinosaurs never went extinct. Arlo the dinosaur makes an unlikely young human friend in the film. The Good Dinosaur will hit the big screens in the UK on 27th November 2015.

Victor Frankestein Video

In the above video, James McAvoy speaks about tackling the role of Victor Frankenstein, and working with Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Igor). The film is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, with a focus on the psyche of the scientist. Victor Frankenstein is put in cinemas on 4th December 2015.

Creed Trailer

Ryan Coogler directs Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in Rocky spin-off Creed. Michael B. Jordan plays the son of boxer Apollo Creed, who tracks down Rocky Ballboa in Philadelphia. Creed is set for release in 2016.

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: Skyfall

Skyfall is an excellent Bond film. The entertainment does not let up throughout its two and a half an hour duration.

Secret agent James Bond is on a mission to recover an encrypted key which contains highly classified information. He begins by chasing the assailant through the streets of Istanbul…

Sam Mendes has done a fantastic job directing the 23rd Bond movie. The narrative of Skyfall is somewhat formulaic in its events, but the modern context makes the film feel fresh. All Bond films will be compared with previous episodes, however Skyfall holds its own.

There are some fantastic set pieces in the film, but these are not the only hook. Skyfall carries on from Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace in establishing Bond conventions for the Daniel Craig revision of the series. References to earlier films are featured, in the same wry manner of other Bond films.

Skyfall feels like a more personal film in places, placing greater emphasis on the central character. Raoul Silva is an interesting antagonist. Numerous other Bond villains have been eccentric, but Silva is certainly memorable. Some of the expository dialogue appears too obvious. However this is a minor complaint, as the film is great overall.

As expected, the film features a host of exotic locations. Roger Deakins’ cinematography is on point in capturing both beautiful imagery and frenetic action. The theme song harks back to classic Bond, with a title sequence that matches. Mendes succeeds in building pace and tension to an exciting finale.

Daniel Craig is as convincing as ever on his third outing as James Bond. Javier Bardem is great as Silva, bringing an authentic creepiness to the character. Bond’s colleagues are more apparent in this adventure, with Naomie Harris adding some lightness as field agent Eve.

Skyfall is what a good Bond movie should be; exciting, with great action sequences and an interesting plot. Few will be disappointed with Sam Mendes’ film.

Trailer Round-Up

This week has seen the release of the first trailer for new Bond movie Skyfall and the teaser for Anchorman 2. Also featured are The Campaign, Killer Joe and Cosmopolis.

Skyfall

Well isn’t this exciting? Albeit with less of the unreserved glamour of the Roger Moore days, Bond is back in what’s looks to be another frenetic adventure. The tube train excerpt is sure to strike fear in the heart of any London commuter. Quantum of Solace was a bit disappointing, but hopefully director Sam Mendes will return Daniel Craig’s Bond to the form of Casino Royale. Skyfall is released on 26th October 2012.

Anchorman 2

A belated sequel to a much-loved film is always tricky. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was a fantastic film, so the idea of a sequel is received with equal parts glee and skepticism. This teaser reveals nothing really about the film itself, but it is great to see Will Ferrell reunited with Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and David Koechner. Hopefully that hot piece Baxter will also return for the sequel.

The Campaign

Before Anchorman 2 is released, here is another slice of Will Ferrell. The Campaign is a new comedy starring Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis. Ferrell’s line during the trash talking sequence alone makes me want to go and see this film. The Campaign is out on 28th September 2012.

Killer Joe

This looks like it will be a combination of tense and absurd. William Friedkin directs Killer Joe, based on a play by Tracy Letts. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple. Killer Joe is released in cinemas on 29th June 2012.

Cosmopolis

David Cronenberg’s last film, A Dangerous Method, was a letdown. From this brief teaser, Cosmopolis immediately looks inherently more Cronenberg, which is definitely a good thing. Starring Robert Pattinson, Paul Giamatti, Samantha Morton and Juliette Binoche, Cosmopolis is released on 15th June 2012.

Dream House Trailer

Dream House stars Daniel Craig, his new wife Rachel Weisz, as well as Naomi Watts. The film looks creepy. From the trailer above, Dream House could be one of those very outlandish suspense thrillers. However, the calibre of the main cast suggests more quality than this. With The Awakening released around the same time, it seems November is the month for chills. Dream House is out 25th November 2011.