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.

Film Review: Lincoln

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is exactly what you would expect. The historical drama is solid, and boasts great performances.

In 1865 the American Civil War is heading towards its conclusion. President Abraham Lincoln aims to make a landmark constitutional amendment to abolish slavery. Lincoln faces a race against time to obtain the necessary votes before peace is declared and he loses the opportunity to end slavery forever…

Director Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner tell an absorbing story with Lincoln. The film is a good history lesson for those with little knowledge of the period or the title figure. The complexity of the issue and the varying divisions are rendered digestible. Although the focus is placed on the president and his motivations, there is at least a little space allotted to why some politicians may have been reluctant to vote yes.

There is a sense of gravitas that permeates the entire film. This is enabled by Spielberg’s directorial flair and John Williams’ grandiose score. The film undoubtedly focuses on a serious issue. Nevertheless, this dies not mean that it is without humour and warmth. Despite the overall sombre tone, there are moments of lightness.

Despite the wartime setting, there is little action in Lincoln. Spielberg chooses instead to concentrate on the political sphere. The war scenes that do feature are portrayed with the requisite violence. The film does not shy away from depicting the consequences of Lincoln’s ambitions.

Daniel Day Lewis is as superb as ever as Abraham Lincoln. He is supported by a strong cast that includes Sally Field as Mary Tood Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens. Jared Harris and James Spader also stand out among the supporting cast.

Steven Spielberg tackles an important person and event with the substance they deserve. Lincoln is worthy of its numerous nominations.

Trailer Round-Up

A bumper post of trailers to round off the week, with Epic, Jack the Giant Slayer and more…

Epic

What more do you want from an animated film than talking animals and a fun dog? Epic is the new animated feature from the makers of Rio and Ice Age. The film is due for release in May 2013.

Jack the Giant Slayer

The fairy tale gets a twist in Jack the Giant Slayer. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Ewan McGregor, Jack the Giant Slayer has a touch of Lord of the Rings to it. The film will be released on 22 March 2013.

Zero Dark Thirty

Following the success of Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow returns with Zero Dark Thirty. The film tells the story of Osama Bin Laden’s pursuit and capture. Starring Jessica Chastain and Joel Edgerton, Zero Dark Thirty is out on 25th January 2013.

Oz The Great and Powerful

Treasure! Broken dolls! Lots of emerald! Munchkins! Fireworks! Michelle Williams looking lovely! A hot slice monkey in a uniform! Oz The Great and Powerful looks enchanting from this first trailer. The film is due for release on 8th March 2013.

Les Miserables

This film version of Les Miserables looks like an all-star spectacular. Starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried, the film is sure to pique the interest of fans of the musical as well as those less familiar with it. Les Miserables hits cinemas on 11th January 2013.

Lincoln

This trailer is ripe with the scent of Oscar nominations. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Abraham Lincoln in this sumptuous-looking historical drama. Lincoln is out in cinemas on 25th January 2013.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Posters

New posters for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows have been released. What I am really looking forward to is seeing images of Jared Harris as Moriarty. At one time Daniel Day Lewis was rumoured to be taking the role. This would have been a stroke of genius, as he is exactly how I have always imagined Moriarty to look. Nonetheless, Harris is an interesting choice. The film also stars Noomi Rapace, who was the best thing about The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and the two following films. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is released on 16th December 2011.