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: Logan Trailer, Loving, and more!

Plenty of great previews this week, including the new Logan trailer, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Loving, and more…

Logan Trailer

Here is the first Logan trailer, the latest film in the X-Men series. The film is set in the future, and sees Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart reprise their roles. Logan is directed by James Mangold, who helmed 2013’s The Wolverine. The film is set for release in cinemas in 2017.

Loving Featurette

Loving tells the true story of the Richard and Mildred Loving, who fought for their right to live as an interracial couple in late 1950s America. This featurette sees the the cast of the film, including Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, discuss the characters and the wider background. Loving will be released in UK cinemas on 3rd February 2017.

A Cure for Wellness Trailer

This trailer for A Cure for Wellness looks intriguing. The film is a psychological thriller from director Gore Verbinski. A young executive is sent to a remote wellness centre to retrieve his company’s CEO. Starring Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, and Jason Isaacs, A Cure for Wellness is set for release in early 2017.

Collateral Beauty Poster

Here is the latest poster for Collateral Beauty. The film is about an advertising executive, and the group of colleagues who get him to confront his grief. The film features a stellar cast, including Will Smith, Edward Norton, and Helen Mirren. Collateral Beauty will be out in cinemas on 26th December 2016.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer

So for most of this first trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, it seems as if Marvel are withholding Baby Groot. But, have no fear, they deliver at the very end. The eagerly anticipated sequel sees the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy reunite. Brand new footage of James Gunn’s film can be seen at screenings of Doctor Strange (released on the 25th October). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 28th April 2017.

The Accountant TV Spot

Here is one of the latest TV spots for The Accountant. The film had its European premiere in London’s Leicester Square this week. The Accountant stars Ben Affleck as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous organisations. The film hits UK screens on 4th November 2016.

Film Review: Trumbo

Director Jay Roach’s Trumbo is an engaging and finely written biographical drama. With great performances, the film is a must see.

Successful Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo is also a member of the Communist Party in the 1940s. When the House of Un-American Activities Committee starts to investigate the film industry, Trumbo and several of his colleagues find themselves blacklisted…

There is a difficulty in writing a film about a brilliant screenwriter. However, John McNamara pulls it off with Trumbo. There are plenty of films about Hollywood and filmmaking, several of these are excellent in fact, but Trumbo shows a darker period and aspect of the industry. Despite the seriousness of the issue, there is a playfulness that avoids a descent into bleakness. Nevertheless, this in no way diminishes the hardships of those affected.

Trumbo‘s narrative is well constructed; the real strength of the film is its screenplay. The film covers an extensive period, yet it never feels like it is not delving into relevant parts of each era. McNarama shows the light and shade of such a time. The film does broadly characterise heroes and villains with sufficient shades of grey. Characters are three dimensional enough to not be caricatures. Above all, Trumbo paints the absurdity and sadness of the situation.

Jay Roach’s direction is solid, and production values in the film are good. Fans of Classic Hollywood will surely enjoy the portrayal of well-known faces from this era. Bryan Cranston delivers a wonderful performance in the title role. Diane Lane is also good as wife Cleo. There are some great smaller parts in the film; Helen Mirren and John Goodman appear to be having fun roles.

Trumbo highlights a significant figure in Hollywood history, and an important aspect of that history. The film takes its subject matter to weave a engrossing picture.

Trumbo is being screened at the London Film Festival in October 2015.

London Film Festival 2015 Preview

The BFI London Film Festival 2015 commences this Wednesday, with a total of 238 fiction and documentary features being screened, including 16 World Premieres, 8 International Premieres, 40 European Premieres and 11 Archive films. The festival opens with the European premiere of Suffragette, starring Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan. Here are some of the films to catch at the London Film Festival 2015…

Trumbo

Bryan Cranston plays Dalton Trumbo, the Hollywood screenwriter who was blacklisted after refusing to testify in the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1947. A must-see for fans of films about the film industry, Trumbo is a biopic set in Hollywood’s Golden Age. The film also stars Diane Lane, Helen Mirren and Louis C.K.

The Witch

Taking place in a pre-Salem Witch Trials New England, The Witch is about a family who believe a supernatural force is at work. The Witch is the first feature directed by Robert Eggers, who won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival in January this year. The film is nominated for the Sutherland Award for first feature at the London Film Festival 2015.

Beasts of No Nation

Netflix’s foray into film distribution comes in the form of the powerful Beasts of No Nation. The film is directed by Cary Fukunaga, based on his screenplay about a young boy who is forced to join a group of soldiers in Africa. Starring Idris Elba, the film received critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year.

Steve Jobs

The London Film Festival 2015 hosts the European premiere of Steve Jobs as its closing gala. Based behind the scenes at three product launches, the film has envious credentials. Directed by Danny Boyle and scripted by Aaron Sorkin, the film stars Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen.

The BFI London Film Festival 2015 takes place between 7th-18th October. For full listings and more information, see here.

Film Review: Monsters University

A prequel to Monsters Inc., Monsters University will certainly appeal to fans of the original.

Long before they were an unbeatable duo, Mike and Sully were students at Monsters University. Mike Wazowski dreams of being a top scarer, while Sully believes it is in his genes. However, the mismatched pair must work together if they are to succeed at university…

It was certainly a good idea to go back to the beginning of Mike and Sully’s friendship for this film, rather than produce a run-of-the-mill sequel. The narrative of Monsters University works well. Although the journey of Mike and Sully’s friendship pans out in the expected manner, the final outcome of the film is more of a surprise. It is interesting that writers Dan Scanlon, Daniel Gerson and Robert L. Baird chose a somewhat unconventional ending, but it offers a good message.

Monsters University really is Mike’s story. Whereas there was more of a parity between the two protagonists in the original, Monsters University  concentrates on Mike for the most part. This is not a bad thing; as an underdog, Mike is easy to identify with. There are some nice scenes with Mike that makes the character even more endearing.

There is humour in Monsters University. Nonetheless, an increase in jokes would have made the film more enjoyable. Young viewers may find one or two moments a little frightening. The theme of college being a time when individuals discover who they are is persistent. Younger viewers may find the scenes concentrating on this fail to capture their attention.

Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their voice roles well. They are ably joined by Helen Mirren. The standard of animation is great, as one would expect from Disney Pixar.

Monsters University should prove an entertaining animated feature for adults and older children, but it will be fans of the original who find the film most endearing.

Film Review: Hitchcock

With The Girl being screened on television last year and now Hitchcock, legendary director Alfred Hitchcock is getting a bad rap on screen. Although Hitchcock looks great and is never dull, ultimately it feels unsatisfying.

In 1959 Alfred Hitchcock is a very successful director, skillfully abetted by his wife Alma. Looking for his next project, Hitchcock decides to adapt the horror novel Psycho. Self-financing the production, Hitchcock’s behaviour causes Alma to seek solace in another project…

Set during the making of Psycho, Sacha Gervasi’s film mixes events around the production of the film with Alfred and Alma’s marriage and the mindset of the director. Whilst the first and arguably second aspects are sound, the film is let down by this third strand.

The Ed Gein element of the film does not work well. Although the connection between the notorious killer and the film Psycho are clear, it seems a strange tact to focus on this character. The film’s depiction of Hitchock’s preoccupation with Gein is odd. Playing on the mental stability of a real person, especially one in living memory will rarely sit well. Hitchcock is very much the Gervasi and screenwriter John J. McLaughlin’s interpretation of events.

Although Alfred Hitchcock’s career has been widely praised, much has been made of his treatment of his leading ladies. Hitchcock goes a step beyond this to insinuate more serious problems. This is unlikely to sit comfortably with most viewers.

The script is littered with humorous lines and the pacing of the film is fine. Costumes are great, and the film has a glossy look to it, with everything appearing immaculate. Anthony Hopkins sounds the part of Hitchcock, and looks the part thanks to some prosthetics. Helen Mirren is good as Alma, while James D’Arcy makes a convincing Anthony Perkins.

As a fictional interpretation, Hitchcock is fine. Given that it is based on real people however, the film does become problematic.

Stuff To Look At

A bumper edition this week, with plenty of releases for 2013…

Man of Steel

I have always been more of a Batman child than a Superman one, but I did love the Christopher Reeve movies (maybe not the last one). After 2006’s underwhelming Superman Returns, this new version looks more appealing. Henry Cavil stars as the title character in the first full trailer for Man of Steel, due for release in June 2013.

Oblivion

Ageless Tom Cruise has been getting action-heavy recently, with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Jack Reacher and now Oblivion. This futuristic thriller sees Cruise’s character Jack Harper battle to save mankind. Also starring Andrea Riseborough, Oblivion will be released in UK cinemas on 12 April 2013.

The Wolverine

The follow-up to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine is due for release in July 2013. The film sees Hugh Jackman reprise his role from the X-Men franchise. This adventure is set in Japan, as the above poster suggests. I’m sure a trailer for The Wolverine will be released shortly.

The Lone Ranger

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter together again, but not in a Tim Burton film? The emphasis in the above trailer is on the fact that it is the same team behind Pirates of the Caribbean. If executed correctly, The Lone Ranger should be a lot of fun, like the first film of that earlier franchise. The Lone Ranger is due for release next year.

The Croods

The latest animation from DreamWorks is The Croods, a prehistoric adventure film. The Croods features the voices of Nicholas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone. From the above trailer, I am liking the monkey. The Croods will be released in UK cinemas on 22nd March 2013.

Broken City

Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in Broken City, a crime thriller set in New York. My first thought on viewing this was ‘Russell Crowe’s weave!’. That aside, this tale of corruption could be quite good. Broken City is out on 1st March 2013.

The Last Stand

What is The Last Stand, you ask? Well it is Arnold Schwarzengger’s return to lead roles on the big screen. Schwarzenegger plays the sheriff of a small town where a notorious drug baron is trying to make his escape. The Last Stand, which also stars Forest Whitaker and Rodrigo Santoro, is out on 24th January 2012.

Hitchcock

Everyone loves a bit of Alfred Hitchcock, don’t they? The eagerly anticipated Hitchcock tells the story behind the making of Psycho. Anthony Hopkins stars as Alfred Hitchcock in the film which also features Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson. Hitchcock is released in UK cinemas on 8th February 2013.

Film Review: The Debt

The Debt is an accomplished thriller that audiences should find absorbing. The various aspects combine together effectively to produce an atmospheric film that retains a sense of plausibility.

In 1997, the daughter of two former Mossad agents publishes a book detailing their accomplishments. Rachel and Stefan, along with fellow agent David, undertook a mission to track down a Nazi war criminal in 1966. The team accomplished their mission with a few obstacles, but not everything is quite as it seems on the pages of their daughter’s book…

The one dominant factor that makes The Debt work so well is its excellent screenplay. The Debt, a remake of a 1997 Israeli film, was written by Matthew Vaughan, Jane Goodman and Peter Straughan. The characters are highly believable, as is the dialogue. The film plunges viewers into a world that will be foreign to the vast majority. Yet, the events that occur seem authentic given the context.

The format of the film allows tension to build in a naturalistic manner. This begins quite slowly, but exceeds to a very tense finale. It is the tension and mystery that grips viewers the most. For the most part, The Debt remains plausible. It is this facet that distinguishes the film from so many other recent thrillers that are let down by incredulous plot twists.

The Debt has a particular visual style that imbues the entire film. The colours are muted, and the film seems to be saturated by a blue tone. This is particularly pertinent in the scenes set in the apartment. The visual style of the film helps to enhance the sense of claustrophobia. Director John Madden, along with cinematographer Ben Davis and art directors Peter Francis and Dominic Masters, have done an excellent job in making these scenes appear cramped, closed and tense.

Performances in The Debt are good all round. Helen Mirren brings gravitas to the role of Rachel. Playing the younger Rachel, Jessica Chastain shows why she has been much in demand this year. Sam Worthington is controlled as the younger David, while Marton Csokas brings more personality as the young Stephan.

The Debt may cause restlessness in audiences more acclimatised to breakneck pacing and constant action. Nonetheless, it is a solid thriller that should satisfy fans of the genre.

Film Review: Arthur

Steve Gordon’s 1981 romantic comedy gets an update in this Russell Brand vehicle. Not as charming as the original, the new Arthur is passably entertaining.

Arthur is a multi-millionaire who has never had to work and relies upon his nanny Hobson and driver Bitterman to look after him. Arthur’s mother issues him with an ultimatum; marry businesswoman Susan or be cut off from his fortune. Arthur reluctantly agrees, but is torn when he meets Naomi…

Arthur is a fairly enjoyable movie. There are scenes which are a lot of fun, but the film could have been trimmed. Jason Winer’s film lacks loses its drive once or twice; the ending in particular feels more drawn out than it should be. There is humour, but most of the jokes are mildly amusing rather than raucously so. The film is not as funny as it thinks it is.

Although this remake retains the basic plot of the original, a number of elements have changed. The dominant shift appears to make Arthur more contemporary. This pertains to modern references; Arthur and Bitterman drive through the streets of New York in a Batmobile in one scene. More so than this, however, is the perceptible shift to ensure the film is palatable to a modern audience.

The Arthur of the 1981 film was a drunk, but a lovable one. In this version, Arthur’s alcoholism takes centre stage at times. It is dealt with as a serious problem, rather than a personality quirk. There is none of the drinking and driving of the original. Winer’s film is more concerned with showing the negative side, whilst also being responsible with what it depicts. Although driving under the influence is a serious matter, it is rather sad that towing the line has meant some of the enjoyment has been removed from the original.

Similarly, the depiction of women in the 2011 film indicates the socio-cultural shift since the early 1980s. Arthur’s love interest Naomi needs to be successful in her own right rather than rely upon Arthur’s obscene wealth. Linda in the 1981 Arthur had more attitude than her contemporary counterpart, but there was no such requirement for her to be a big earner independently. These changes may appease some, but they rather suck the fun out of proceedings.

Russell Brand is a more infantilised character than Dudley Moore’s Arthur. He has good chemistry with Helen Mirren and Greta Gerwig. Helen Mirren is suitably stoic as Hobson, while Jennifer Garner is great as the overbearing Susan.

Arthur has its moments, but is not a patch on the original. The lack of spontaneity is replaced with a sombre air that works fine in the context, but is not as lively as it should be.

Film Review: Red

Bruce Willis proves he is still a bona fide hero in this enjoyable action romp. Red provides enough high-octane sequences and amusing interactions to entertain throughout, but there is nothing that hasn’t been done before.

Retired CIA agent Frank Moses is enjoying his free time when he is the target of an assassination attempt. Moses decides to track down his own team to discover who is out to get him. As the group are attacked, they prove they can still hold their own, despite their advancing years…

Red keeps a steady pace; there is never a real lull in proceedings. There is nothing remarkable about the film, however. Robert Schwentke’s movie features actions and explosions, humorous banter, and the obligatory love story. None of this is particularly original; the action scenes are reminiscent of numerous films in the genre, and the humour seems to hinge almost entirely on the age of the protagonists.

Bruce Willis calls in his performance; there is nothing showcased in Red that we haven’t seen from him before. In the actors defense, however, the script does not really call for him to be stretched. Frank Moses is typical of many of the characters Willis has played before; a tough guy that overcomes despite being outnumbered, and protects those he cares about. In this case, his love interest is Mary-Louise Parker’s Sarah, who provides humour as the unwitting civilian caught up in the action because of her association with Moses.

John Malkovich is great as Marvin, Moses’ paranoid former colleague. His eccentricity is the perfect antidote for the conventional action hero Moses. Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren add some weight to the action, with Mirren playing up the refined English lady persona with her choice of vocation. Elsewhere, Brian Cox gives a robust performance as Russian agent Ivan, adding lightness to some of the film’s more tense moments.

Red‘s action set pieces are slick, and combine well with the thumping sound to produce enjoyable spectacles. The film is rated 12A, and most of the violence is in keeping with this certification. Nevertheless, Red features images of humans exploding. Although these shots are more cartoon-like than realistic, they may be quite shocking for younger viewers.

Red is an entertaining affair, but ultimately disappoints with its lack of imagination. Enjoyable enough, but not indelible in the slightest.