Film Review: Ingrid Goes West

Director Matt Spicer’s feature debut Ingrid Goes West is a well-written comedy. The film is very contemporary and a lot of fun.

Ingrid Thorburn has a history of mistaking social media interactions for real friendship. When Ingrid moves to Los Angeles, she attempts to ingratiate herself into the life of rising social media star Taylor Sloane…

With Ingrid Goes West, Writer-director Matt Spicer and co-writer David Branson Smith tackle the modern phenomena of social media stars and how much of their lives are depicted online. Ingrid is the perfect protagonist to enter this world. In the opening sequence her backstory is succinctly established. She is a well crafted character; unhinged and awkward, and very sympathetic.

Spicer and Smith’s screenplay is peppered with wit. There is a lot of funny dialogue throughout. In the second half of the film, the subject dictates that the tone becomes more serious. This sift in tone works, thanks to the writing and direction. Notwithstanding, jokes are never too far away. The set up of the film works well; the narration of social media captions provides many laughs. The writers are sometimes biting when tackling modern fads. This is also a great cause of laughs. The film gives a negative impression of social media, but only in its extreme forms.

Characters in Ingrid Goes West are well written, even supporting characters such as Dan and Ezra are fleshed out and given believable personalities. Ingrid and Taylor take centre stage, and they are both flawed and convincing. The narrative is a bit predictable, but this does not take away from overall enjoyment of the film. Aubrey Plaza delivers a great performance as protagonist Ingrid. Elizabeth Olsen and O’Shea Jackson Jr. are also gold in their roles.

Ingrid Goes West is a very contemporary, satirising view of online connections. Matt Spicer has created a highly amusing film.

Ingrid Goes West is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2017.

Previews: Mother! Poster, Wind River, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Mother! poster, Wind River, IT and more…

Mother! Poster

Here is the latest Mother! poster. The upcoming horror movie is written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, and Michelle Pfeiffer. A teaser trailer can be viewed here. Mother! will be screened at Venice Film Festival, and will hit UK cinemas on 15th September 2017.

IT Trailer

Above is the first full trailer for the upcoming adaptation of IT. The footage gives us a proper look at Pennywise. Based of Stephen King’s best-selling novel, the film is directed by Andrés Muschietti (Mama). The story follows a group of children in a town called Derry, where children have been disappearing. IT will be released on UK screens on 8th September 2017.

Wind River Poster

Wind River is about a U.S. fish and wildlife agent who joins a rookie FBI agent to solve a murder on an Indian reservation. The film stars Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Gil Birmingham, and Jon Bernthal. Wind River will be released in UK cinemas on 8th September 2017.

Flatliners Trailer

Here is the new trailer for Flatliners. The film seems to be a part remake, part sequel to the 1990 film. This new version stars Ellen Page, Diego Luna, and Nina Dobrev. The film is about a group of medical students who decide to trigger near-death experiences. Flatliners will hit UK cinemas on 29th September 2017.

American Assassin Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming action thriller American Assassin. The film is about a Black ops recruit under the instruction of a Cold War veteran. The pair are asked to investigate a wave of attacks. The film stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch. American Assassin will be released on UK screens on 14th September 2017.

Previews: Rogue One Trailer, David Brent and more!

Plenty in this round-up of trailers and posters from this week, including the Rogue One trailer, David Brent: Life on the Road, Ben-Hur and more…

Rogue One Trailer

Here is the Rogue One trailer. The film is the first in a series of stand-alone Star Wars movies. Taking place before the events of Episode IV, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story certainly has the look of the original franchise. Starring Felicity Jones, Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed, Rogue One hits UK screens on 16th December 2016.

David Brent: Life on the Road Trailer

The trailer for David Brent: Life on the Road is just as cringe-inducing as you would imagine. Ricky Gervais resurrects his famed character from The Office for this film about Brent’s time on the road as a salesman and amateur rockstar. David Brent: Life on the Road is out in UK cinemas on 19th August 2016.

Ben-Hur Poster

Here is the latest poster for Ben-Hur. The film is a remake of the 1959 epic. Starring Jack Huston and Morgan Freeman, the film is about a falsely accused Jewish nobleman who survives years of slavery. Ben-Hur gallops on to the big screen on 26th August 2016.

The B.F.G. Trailer

Here is the trailer for Steven Spielberg’s The B.F.G. The film is based on the Roald Dahl’s classic and features Mark Rylance as the title character and Ruby Barnhill as Sophie. The B.F.G. hits UK screens on 22nd July 2016.

Captain America: Civil War Featurette

Here is a featurette on the upcoming Captain America: Civil War. The video focuses on the film’s main female characters, with Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen and Emily Van Camp discussing their roles in the film. Captain America: Civil War launches onto UK screens on 29th April 2016.

Avengers: Age of Ultron Press Conference

On Tuesday director Joss Whedon assembled with the cast of Avengers: Age of Ultron to discuss the new Marvel movie. On hand to discuss the film were Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Elisabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Paul Bettany…

On on Avengers: Age of Ultron as a sequel…

Joss Whedon: There are restrictions, but a lot of the questions have already been answered, so you know going in what you have to work with. It’s a bit of a comfort actually.

On what excites them about coming back for the second instalment…

Jeremy Renner: I’m excited about hanging out with these degenerates.

Mark Ruffalo: Coming back to the world and seeing where these crazy people that we’re playing are headed. And knowing that Joss is going to take us there, to his own twisted psyche.

Robert Downey Jr.: Probably my first costume fitting; me surrounded by many full-length mirrors.

Chris Evans: Marvel has a done a great job at bringing a lot of the same people together, not just in front of the cameras, but behind the cameras. Coming back to as a group, it kinda feels like a family of familiar faces. It’s like a high school reunion or something.

Scarlett: Johansson: I would say I get most excited about reading Joss’ script. It’s the big pay-off after a long wait.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson: I’m just excited to be a part of it.

Paul Bettany: Box office bonuses!

On a possible Black Widow film…

Scarlett Johansson: She’s a very slippery fish for her job, but when you get her, Natasha, she’s in herself, which is kind of cool… A Black Widow movie? That would be cool. I am always happy to put the catsuit back on.

On story arcs in Avengers: Age of Ultron…

Robert Downey Jr.: Hawkeye has a heck of an arc this time.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson: It was great to dive into Mark Ruffalo’s character, to see such a sensibility in that beast.

Elizabeth Olsen: My favourite moment is the first time we watch Black Widow talk down the Hulk.

On the possibility of a Hulk movie…

Mark Ruffalo: [to Joss Whedon] Do you want to tell them?

Joss Whedon: No, you go.

Mark Ruffalo: I can’t.

Joss Whedon: Sorry, it’s too amazing!

Avengers: Age of Ultron is out in cinemas from 23rd April 2015.

Film Review: Godzilla

Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla is a through and through blockbuster that should prove enthralling to viewers.

When researchers find unusual fossils at a mining site, they are flummoxed. Little do they realise the effect that their find will have on the world…

Godzilla is a great modern example of spectacle cinema. Director Gareth Edwards has learned from the best in making the audience wait for the visual pay off. When it does come, it is a fantastic spectacle.

Godzilla distinguishes itself from recent movies of this ilk by maintaining a straght face throughout. There are no humorous asides or comic characters or relief. This may have been a negative had it not been for the fact that everything else in the film is so well executed. This lack of lightening the tone adds tension in pivotal scenes.

The film does feel formulaic in some respects. There are some familiar disaster movie tropes to be found in this version of Godzilla. Nonetheless, the narrative unfolds in a way which keeps viewers engaged. Edwards’ direction is on point; he proves he can handle wide-scale action with aplomb.

The characters in Godzilla are not more important than the overall action. This is by no means a problem. The audience will want to see the action rather than dwell heavily on a sob story. The film’s protagonist gives enough to root for without delving too far, and unnecessarily, into his psyche.

Special effects in Godzilla are magnificent. Production and sound design are also most commendable. The use of 3D is not overt, but it does add depth in a subtle manner. Godzilla‘s opening titles are great at setting the scene, referencing both history and the history of the title character in film. Aaron Taylor-Johnson makes a suitable hero. Elizabeth Olsen and Ken Watanabe provide decent support, whilst Bryan Cranston packs the most emotional punch in a small role.

This version of Godzilla is far more likely to stand the test of time than its 1998 predecessor. Godzilla delivers the spectacle that is required of a blockbuster such as this, and it does it with style.

Film Review: In Secret

An adaptation of Emile Zola’s Thérèse Raquin, In Secret is high melodrama. The film functions successfully as such, although those expecting a serious period drama may be surprised.

Sent to live with her aunt and sickly cousin, Thérèse Raquin finds her life restricted. It is only after the family move to Paris that Thérèse has more freedom, but this comes at a cost…

Director Charlie Stratton’s adaptation of Zola’s story is a period drama that offers comic amusement with its brand of humour and entertainment with its melodrama. The film is played out in the style of a soap opera, with moments of emotion heightened to the point of camp.

It is In Secret‘s comedy that indicate that the melodrama in the film is deliberate rather than accidental. If it was not for the overt comedy stylings, In Secret could be considered an attempt at serious drama gone awry. The film works perfectly at the level of cam melodrama. Stratton and the screenwriters surely know this, and pepper the film with amusing asides and covertly comic supporting characters.

The plot of In Secret is played out in an extravagant manner. With the passion and tone, events move briskly and without a great deal of depth or pondering. As a result, viewers may feel that they do not have the chance to really get to know the characters beyond a superficial level. Ultimately, this is not a major problem as the tone ensues that most will simply be eager to reach the next twist in proceedings.

Cinematography in the film works well, with some beautifully composed shots. Costumes and art direction are also good. Jessica Lange is ever the scene stealer, offering a performance in keeping with the tone of In Secret. Elizabeth Olsen and Oscar Isaac show strengths in different areas.

In Secret may not please all, but those who submit to the melodrama should find it an entertaining watch.

Stuff To Look At

A treasure trove of film-related goodness this week, including X-Men: Days of Future Past, Edge of Tomorrow and Godzilla…

X-Men Days of Future Past

Here is a new featurette for the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past. Wolverine is one of a host of characters returning from the original X-Men film series. X-Men: Days of Future Past is released in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2014.

Love, Rosie

Above is a teaser trailer for new comedy Love, Rosie. Starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, the film centres on the friendship of Rosie and Alex who go and study in the US together. Love, Rose is scheduled for release in October 2014.

Godzilla

Show us Godzilla! Listening to director Gareth Edwards talk about the monster in his upcoming blockbuster makes me all the more eager to see it. Godzilla hits the big screen on 15th May 2014.

Boyhood

Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is something rather extraordinary. A fictional film made with the same group of actors over a twelve year period, Boyhood is certainly something to look out for. The film is released on 11th July 2014.

Edge of Tomorrow

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in action adventure Edge of Tomorrow. The film seems like it fits into both Cruise and Blunt’s fairly recent predilection for science fiction. Edge of Tomorrow is released in UK cinemas on 30th May 2014.

22 Jump Street

As silly as it is, I am not going to deny that I laughed at this clip. 21 Jump Street was a very entertaining picture, so I am hoping that its sequel will deliver more of the same. 22 Jump Street is released in UK cinemas on 6th June 2014.

In Secret

Here is a clip from upcoming period drama In Secret. Set in 1860s Paris, the film stars Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton and Oscar Isaac. An adaption of Zola’s classic Thérèse Raquin, In Secret hits cinemas on 16th May 2014.

If I Stay

If I Stay is a romantic drama starring Chloe Grace Moretz. The film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name. I am not familiar with it, but I presume it is popular with the kids. If I Stay is due for release later this year.

The Wind Rises

Hayao Miyazaki’s farewell picture is a wonderful ode to dreaming. The Wind Rises continues Studio Ghibli’s tradition for superb animation. The film is released on 9th May 2014.

Film Review: Silent House

Silent House boasts some excellent moments of tension. Nevertheless, the film falls into the same trap as so many other horrors by having a weak and incredulous final act.

Sarah is keeping her dad and her uncle company as they fix up their old holiday home. Having not been at the property since she was a young girl, Sarah has few memories of her time there. When she becomes trapped inside the house, Sarah worries there is another presence with her…

A remake of Uruguayan La Casa Muda, Silent House shares many of the same tropes with other haunted house films. Silent House features the regular set up of normality becoming quickly subverted and descending into a nightmarish situation. The film also elevates the level of threat in a way that will be familiar to most viewers.

Chris Kentis and Laura Lau’s film leaves little real mystery, despite the necessity of this to sustain the story. The narrative is lacking unfortunately. Indicators of what is to come appear early on in Silent House. These are like clangers, rather than sly hints however. A bit more ambivalence and a more coherent plot would have worked wonders, as tension is effective throughout the film.

Silent House is filmed in one continuous take. This appears partially to have been done for gimmick effect. On the one hand, the filmmakers should be applauded for generating some very tense moments despite the limitations of this filming style. Nevertheless, other aspects of the film, particularly in the final third, would have benefited from editing to make the composition look more polished and less haphazard. The location is perfect for the film, and lighting works well to generate atmosphere.

Elizabeth Olsen delivers a strong performance that really carries the film. Silent House would not have worked at all without Olsen. Elsewhere the film features some interesting casting, but perhaps it is the characters rather than the actors that are less believable.

Silent House is ultimately disappointing. It is only partially successful as a horror film.

Film Review: Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts is a warm and engaging comedy drama. The themes that Josh Radnor’s film covers are almost universally applicable.

Jesse is a thirty-something admissions officer living in New York. When he is invited to his old professor’s retirement dinner at his alma mater, Jesse is keen to attend. There he meets Elizabeth, a young undergraduate who is an acquaintance of the professor. Jesse and Elizabeth have a mutual interest in one another other, despite the age gap…

Josh Radnor, who writes, directs and stars in Liberal Arts, appears to know his subject area well. There is a level of insight that shines through the entire film. The script is great, with its humour and involving exchanges. The characters are all well written. Radnor has a flair for creating interesting and authentic characters of all ages.

Liberal Arts will be particularly pertinent to those who graduate from university a few years ago. Nevertheless, the broader theme of age and ageing will be applicable to the widest remit. It is not difficult to identify with Jesse, who does not quite feel his age. There is also some solace in the learned professor’s pearls of wisdom. The beauty of Liberal Arts is the way it depicts all of the main characters as struggling with this. The well-crafted dialogue and characters with depth ensure that viewers will find resonance on some level.

The setting of Liberal Arts is what seems to be the quintessential American campus. It is easy to see why protagonist Jesse would feel such a sense of nostalgia about a place like this. The references to literature are amusing throughout the film. The camera work is controlled, and the film features a good use of music.

Josh Radnor plays Jesse perfectly as the likeable bookish protagonist. Elizabeth Olsen is strong as ever as Elizabeth, while Richard Jenkins brings both humour and acute sadness as Peter. Zac Efron steps out of his comfort zone in a welcome manner, while Allison Janney is great as the aloof Professor Judith.

Liberal Arts simultaneously considers the social impact of literary escapism and the anxieties of ageing in a way that is thoughtful, authentic and amusing. Josh Radnor’s film is highly recommended.

Liberal Arts is being screened at Sundance London, which runs from 26-29th April 2012.

Sundance London Picks

This is actually a ‘films I am going to see at Sundance London’ piece rather than ‘Preview of forthcoming attractions’. The very first Sundance London festival takes place at the 02 from the 26th-29th April 2012. The festival features film screenings and musical performances, as well as talks and guest appearances. More details can be found here. Due to scheduling conflicts, I am not covering as much of the weekend as I had hoped. These are the films I am looking forward to seeing however…

Nobody Walks

Starring John Kasinski and Olivia Thirlby, Nobody Walks is a drama about a young artist who goes to stay in the home of a liberal LA family. The film, directed by Ry Russo-Young, won a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

Liberal Arts

I have been hearing very good things about this film on the grapevine that is Twitter. Liberal Arts is about a newly single graduate who returns to his alma mater for the retirement dinner of his favourite professor. The film stars Elizabeth Olsen and Josh Radnor.

Placebo: Coming Up For Air

Placebo are playing Sundance London at the Indig02 on Saturday 28th April. Earlier in the afternoon there will be a special screening of Placebo: Coming Up For Air, a documentary about the band. Charlie Targett-Adams tracks the band on their eighth world tour after the release of their 2009 album.