Previews: Dark River Poster, Oceans 8, More!

Plenty in this pre-Christmas preview of coming events, including the new Dark River poster, Gringo, Oceans 8, and more…

Dark River Poster

Here is the new Dark River poster. The drama is about fraught relationship between a brother and a sister. Directed by Clio Bernard, the film stars Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, and Sean Bean. Dark River will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd February 2018.

Gringo Trailer

Gringo is a dark comedy about a businessman who finds himself at the mercy of colleagues and local drug lords in Mexico. The film features an all-star cast that includes David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton, and Amanda Seyfried. Gringo is directed by Nash Edgerton (brother of Joel), and is set for release on UK screens on 9th March 2018.

Oceans 8 Trailer

Here is the first trailer for Oceans 8. The film features the same big heist set-up as its predecessors, albeit with a brand new cast. Sandra Bullock leads the star-studded cast, and is joined by Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, and Anne Hathaway. Oceans 8 is scheduled for release in June 2018.

Isle of Dogs Poster

Here is the newest poster for Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. The stop-motion animated film is about a boy who travels to an island of dogs to find his dog, Spots. The enviable voice cast includes Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Ken Watanabe, and Greta Gerwig. Isle of Dogs will be released in UK cinemas on 30th March 2017.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Trailer

The sequel to the hit 2008 film Mamma Mia! gets a belated sequel. The film is part sequel and part prequel as it focuses on current activity and well as telling the story of Donna when she was younger. Lily James plays the young Donna, and the cast of the original reprise their roles, including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again will be released on 20th July 2018.

Film Review: Queen of Katwe

Director Mira Nair’s film is infectious in its positivity. Queen of Katwe is a heartwarming picture.

Phiona is growing up in the slums of Katwe, Kampala, living with her mother and siblings. When she unexpectedly discovers the game of chess, Phiona seems like a natural. With the support of her coach, Phiona excels, despite home troubles…

Telling the true story of an unlikely chess champion from the slums of Kampala, Queen of Kwante is an edifying film. Mira Nair’s film is a classic underdog tale. Whilst it is the type of story that has been told before, the film is made appealing thanks to strongly drawn characters and Nair’s fine storytelling.

Queen of Katwe quickly established Phiona’s life for viewers; it is easy to see her lack of prospects. The film also plays up the arbitrary manner in which Phiona discovers chess. An accidental stumbling on to coach’s chess group changes her life. There is a sense that if not for this meeting, Phiona’s talents would never have been discovered. The film also is a proponent of the idea of an equality of opportunity for children, whatever their background.

Nair’s film is polished, and vibrant in its visuals. Nevertheless, Queen of Katwe does not shy away from presenting reality of Phiona’s life. Yet Nair does not feel the need to be overtly gritty; the harshness is often implied without too much depiction of on-screen suffering. This works well in the context of film.

There are strong female characters at heart of Queen of Katwe. Although coach Robert is a pivotal role, and shows great support to the protagonist, it is the women who stand out. Phone is the one who excels using her natural talents, with the support of Robert and others. Also, Phiona’s Harriet’s mother is a believable and staunch character. Even Robert’s supportive wife Sara is depicted as a progressive and strong character, albeit in a small role.  Newcomer Madina Nalwanga gives a great performance as Phiona. David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o are both excellent in their roles.

Queen of Katwe is an uplifting story, and a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Queen of Katwe is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2016.

Film Review: A United Kingdom

Amma Asante’s A United Kingdom is a very British period drama. The film is well acted, and glossy in its production.

Heir to the Kingdom of Bechuanaland, Seretse Khama is studying in London when he meets Ruth Williams. The pair engage in a relationship, much to the chagrin of Ruth’s parents, Seretse’s uncle, and the British Government…

Director Amma Asante delivers an accomplished film with A United Kingdom. The film stands out because its subject matter is not widely known. It is based on the true story of the first President of Botswana and the ripples caused by his marriage to a white English wife. The film feels refreshing in its telling a new story in an era often seen in film.

Race relations are at the forefront of A United Kingdom. The relationship between Seretse and Ruth was unusual for the time, as well as being a diplomatic matter. As such, Assante’s film works on two levels. There is a personal love story to be told, which is conveyed in a suitably effective manner. The political complications give the film a sharper edge, and puts the relationship in a wider historical context.

The film is a period drama, with irregular accents of comedy. A United Kingdom follows the well-trodden path of British historical dramas. Those who have seen the trailer will not be surprised by anything in Guy Hibbert’s screenplay. Nevertheless, the film has enough substance to make it an enjoyable watch.

Asante’s direction is good, despite some standard period-drama set ups. The art direction is effective in showing a contrast in the London sequences palate to that of Africa. David Oyelowo delivers a convincing performance as Seretse. He is particularly captivating in his speech-giving, as exemplified in his Selma performance. Rosamund Pike has good chemistry with Oyelowo, and is strong in the film. Tom Felton and Jack Davenport are well cast in their respective roles.

A United Kingdom is presents an engaging story in a familiar format. Despite this, there is a lot to like about the film.

A United Kingdom opens the the BFI London Film Festival on 5th October 2016.

BFI London Film Festival 2016 Launch

Today saw the launch of the BFI London Film Festival 2016. This year’s programme is bursting with cinematic delights. There are more galas than in previous years, and screen talk participants include Werner Herzog and Paul Verhoeven. Here are some of the films to look out for at London Film Festival 2016.

Headline Galas

The London Film Festival 2016’s opening gala A United Kingdom had already been announced, the Scorsese-produced, Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire looks like a lot of fun. Elsewhere, plenty of hotly anticipated films including La La Land, Arrival and The Birth of a Nation. Writer-director Nate Parker also stars in the story of an enslaved preacher who led a revolt in 1830s Virginia. Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals is also a headline gala. An adaptation of Austin Wright’s novel Tony and Susan, the film stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon. Mira Nair’s Queen of Katwe stars David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o.

Strand Galas and Special Presentations

This year sees additional galas, which will take place on a purpose built venue on the Strand. They include The Handmaiden, from director Chan-wook Park. The film looks as sumptuous as Park’s previous film Stoker. Miles Teller stars in Bleed For This, based on the true story of boxer Vinny Paziena. Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq is the Sonic Gala. The hip hop musical features Teyonah Parris, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson. Andrea Arnold’s American Honey and Ava DuVernay’s The 13th are among the special presentations this year.

Official Competition

Paul Verhoeven’s Elle is amongst the Official Competition at London Film Festival 2016. Staring Isabelle Huppert, the film is an adaptation of a Philippe Dijan novel. Terence Davies’ A Quiet Presentation is a biopic of Emily Dickinson staring Cynthia Nixon. Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, about a young man struggling with his sexuality in 1980s Miami, looks like a great watch. In the First Feature Competition, Porto sees one of Anton Yelchin’s final performances, whilst animation My Life As A Courgette looks like a lot of fun. David Lynch: The Art Life is among the contenders for the Documentary Competition, as well as The Graduation. The latter is a documentary about a prestigious film school in Paris. Chasing Asylum, about the Australian government’s immigration policies, seems very topical.

Strands

The Love strand features Lovesong, director So Yong Kim’s film about a lonely young mother. It stars Jena Malone and Riley Keough. Highlights in the Debate category include Asghar Farhadi’s The Salesman. A Separation‘s Farhadi has already won awards at Cannes. Mindhorn features in the Laugh strand. The film stars Julian Barratt as a washed-up 1980s TV detective. Dare features Christine, starring Rebecca Hall as the notorious television journalist. Paul Schrader’s Dog Eat Dog looks to be a highlight of the Thrill section, with Nicholas Cage starring alongside Willem Dafoe. Another David Lynch connection (Cage and Dafoe starred in Lynch’s Wild at Heart), Blue Velvet Revisited, features in the Cult strand.

Cult also features I Am Not A Serial Killer, based on the young adult novel. The Innocents looks to be a highlight of the Journey strand. Anne Fontaine’s film is about a young doctor working for the French Red Cross in 1945. London Town, a coming of age film set in 1979 London, features in the Sonic strand. The Family strand includes Rock Dog, an animation featuring the voices of J.K. Simmons and Luke Wilson. Finally, Experimenta includes Have You Seen My Movie?; a must-see for cinema fans.

The full London Film Festival 2016 programme can be viewed here. The BFI London Film Festival runs from 5th-16th October 2016.

Film Review: Selma

Ava DuVernay’s Selma is a historical drama which is equally parts moving and absorbing.

In 1965, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and his supporters attempt to help secure equal voting rights for citizens in Selma, Alabama. In the face of violent opposition, the civil rights activist plans a march from Selma to Montgomery…

Selma is a finely executed historical drama. Director Ava DuVernay guides the story with precision; concentrating on the events during a three-month period rather than more infamous aspects of King’s story and the civil rights movement. The film allows for pensive moments and sincere dialogue without a lapse in pacing. The conclusion is build towards with the requisite tension it requires.

The story that the film focuses on functions on a number of levels. There is a keen awareness, referenced in the film, that this is just one struggle of many within the movement. Moreover, the film gives viewers enough indication of Martin Luther King Jr. as an individual without the need for an encompassing biopic. Finally, Selma is powerful in its depiction of real struggles and tragedies.

Selma features a story that took place at a pivotal period in the civil rights movement. The film has additional weight given that some aspects portrayed are sadly mirrored in recent events that have taken place in the US. There are several moments in Selma that feel poignant, and DuVernay executes these effectively.

Bradford Young’s cinematography is decent throughout. The use of lighting is particularly strong. Costumes and stylings are also good, as is the film’s score.

David Oyelowo gives a convincing performance in Selma. Playing a much recorded character, the actor had a lot to live up to. Nevertheless, Oyelowo carries it off incredibly well; the lack of an Oscar nomination for this role is surprising. Tom Wilkinson and Carmen Ejogo offer good support.

Selma tells an important story, and has been released at a pertinent time. Highly recommended viewing.

Stuff To Look At

A plethora of movie trailers and clips on Oscar nomination day, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Blackhat and Cake…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

It all looks very, very bad in sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron. Where are jokes of Loki? From the above trailer, it looks like this Marvel instalment will have a more serious tone. Not that this is a bad thing, as last year’s superlative Captain America: The Winter Soldier can attest to. Avengers: Age of Ultron hits UK cinemas on 24th April 2015.

Selma

So Selma may have been snubbed for several awards, but at least it has received a Best Picture nod from the Academy. Starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., Selma tells the story of his struggle to secure voting rights for African Americans. The film is released in the UK on 6th February 2015.

Cake

Jennifer Aniston may have been snubbed for a Best Actress nomination at this year’s Oscars, but Cake still seems worth a look. A dark comedy, the film focuses on Aniston’s character and dubious relationship with a widower. Cake will be released in UK cinemas on 20th February 2015.

Blackhat

Director Michael Mann delves into the world of global cybercrime with his latest thriller Blackhat. Starring Chis Hemsworth and Viola Davis, the film concentrates on convicted hacker who is helping the government tackle a network of criminals. Blackhat hits UK screens on 20th February 2015.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Following yesterday’s world premiere of Kingsman: The Secret Service, here is a clip from the film. Following the success of Kick-Ass, screenwriter Jane Goldman and writer-director Matthew Vaughan team up again for another adaptation of a comic book. Kingsman: The Secret Service is released on 29th January 2015.

Run All Night

Here is the trailer for action thriller Run All Night. The film is about a prolific hit man played by Liam Neeson. Also starring Ed Harris and Joel Kinnamen, Run All Night is set for release in the UK on 1st May 2015.

Inherent Vice

This clip from Inherent Vice sees Joaquin Phoenix reunited with his Walk The Line co-star Reese Witherspoon. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and with a stellar cast, Inherent Vice hits UK screens on 30th January 2015.

Film Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

As prequels go, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is certainly one of the better ones. Rupert Wyatt’s film is thoroughly entertaining and a suitable addition to the franchise.

Trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, scientist Will tests his genetic engineering experiments on apes in his San Francisco laboratory. After a test goes wrong, an ape is killed, and Will is left to care for her baby. Little Caesar shows remarkable cognitive development skills as he grows up with Will and his ailing father. After an incident, Caesar’s outlook and relationship with humans change…

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is so entertaining primarily because of its well-constructed story. Writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver have created a compelling narrative. Moreover, the story resonates with viewers as it is plausible. Set in the current day, the idea of genetic engineering to find cures is very contemporary. Although events in the film may be shocking, they are not totally fantastical.

Wyatt’s film provides a good combination of drama, comedy and action. For a big summer blockbuster, the use of action is restrained in the film. This factor makes the action scenes more powerful, and the violence more pronounced. The human story is unmistakably secondary to that of Caesar in Rise. Nonetheless, the construct works well to give reason for Will’s experiments and for raising the small ape. The film also features a surprising amount of humour, which effectively breaks some of the more tense moments.

Rise should be enjoyed by fans of the original film as it holds it in reverence. There are a number of references to events of the original film, making the transition between the two films smoother despite the decades that separate them. For those who have not seen the original, or read Pierre Boulle’s novel, Rise inevitably reveals the big twist. However, most viewers will be aware of it, and Wyatt’s film pays homage with an excellent use of the 1968 film’s immortal line.

The effects in the film are astounding. The motion-capture technique used by WETA are integrated seamlessly into the live action. The apes are incredibly expressive and natural looking. Wyatt’s direction is also commendable. There are some fantastic images, particularly in the second half of the film, such as the apes in the trees. Rise definitely provides a sense of spectacle.

Performances are good in the film, although the humans play second fiddle to the apes. James Franco and Frieda Pinto offer decent performances, and John Lithgow stands out as Will’s father. David Oyelowo is perfectly cast as the business-minded company head Steve Jacobs.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a very enjoyable film that offers great visuals as well as an absorbing narrative.