Previews: Long Shot Clip, Rocketman, Dark Phoenix, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including a new Long Shot clip, Rocketman, Dark Phoenix and more…

Long Shot Clip

Here is a brand new Long Shot clip. The film is about a journalist who reunites with his childhood babysitter as she is about to make a presidential run. Directed by Jonathan Levine, the film stars Charlize Theron, Seth Rogan, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Long Shot will hit UK cinemas on 3rd May 2019.

Rocketman Featurette

This featurette looks at Elton John’s involvement with biopic Rocketman. The film, featuring the music of John, stars Taron Egerton as the musician early in his career. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Rocketman will screen at the Cannes Film Festival before being released in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2019.

Fast & Furious: Hobbes & Shaw Trailer

A spin-off of the hugely successful Fast & Furious franchise, Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw focuses on two of the favourite characters from later films. The two former enemies partner up to bring down a threat to humanity. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, and Vanessa Kirby, Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw is scheduled for release on 2nd August 2019.

Dark Phoenix Trailer

Above is the latest trailer for Dark Phoenix. A continuation of the latest X-Men series, Dark Phoenix concentrates on Jean Grey as she evolves in Phoenix. Regulars Sophie Turner, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and James McAvoy return for the sequel. They are joined by newcomer Jessica Chastain. Dark Phoenix will hit UK screens on 5th June 2019.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum Clip

Here is a new clip from John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. In this latest episode, assassin Wick has a hefty price tag on his head. Director Chad Stahelski (John Wick and John Wick: Chapter Two) returns for the film, and is joined by Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and Angelica Huston. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum will be released in UK cinemas on 15th May 2019.

Playmobil: The Movie Trailer

Here is the first trailer for Playmobil: The Movie. The film is based on the toy line of the same name. The film is about a sister who must rescue her younger brother when he disappears into the Playmobil universe. Featuring Anya Taylor-Joy, Jim Gaffigan, and Daniel Radcliffe, Playmobil: The Movie is set for release in UK cinemas on 9th August 2019.

Previews: On Chesil Beach Trailer, Death Wish, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview attractions, including the new Yardie trailer, Death Wish, Yardie, and more…

On Chesil Beach Trailer

Here is the latest On Chesil Beach trailer. Based on the novel by Ian McEwan (with a screenplay also written by McEwan), On Chesil Beach is about a young couple’s wedding day in the early 1960s. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Billy Howle, and Anne-Marie Duff. On Chesil Beach will be released on 15th June 2017.

Yardie Trailer

Above is the trailer for Idris Elba’s directorial debut Yardie. Set in 1970s Kingston and 1980s Hackney, the film tells the story of a young man who grows up under the wing of a Kingston don and music producer. Starring Aml Ameen, Sheldon Shepherd, and Shantol Jackson, Yardie will be released later this year.

Death Wish Poster

Here is one of the new poster for Death Wish. The new Eli Roth movie is a reimagining of the 1974 film. The film stars Bruce Willis as a surgeon who is confronted by violence when his family are attacked. Also starring Vincent D’Onofrio and Elisabeth Shue, Death Wish will hit UK screens on 6th April 2018.

A Gentle Creation Trailer

Here is the trailer for the Palme d’Or nominated A Gentle Creature. Directed by Sergei Loznitsa, the film is about a woman with an incarcerated husband. When her parcel to him is returned, she begins on a quest for justice. A Gentle Creature will be released in UK cinemas on 13th April 2018.

A Quiet Place Featurette

John Krasinski explains a little about the concept of A Quiet Place in the above featurette. Directed, co-written, and starring Krasinski, the horror is about a family who must stay quiet in order to evade detection. Co-starring John Krasinski’s wife Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place will hit the big screen later this year.

Mary Magdelene Trailer

Mary Magdalene is a biblical biopic. The film tells the story of the title character as she meets Jesus of Nazareth. Rooney Mara plays Mary, with Joaquin Phoenix playing Jesus. The film also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tahar Rahim. Directed by Garth Davis, Mary Magdalene is out in UK cinemas on 16th March 2018.

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.

Previews: Flatliners Trailer, Girls Trip, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Flatliners trailer, Girls Trip, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, and more…

Flatliners Trailer

Is it a remake of the 1990 movie, or is it a sequel? This new Flatliners trailer reveals a lot about the plot, but does not answer the question resolutely. The film stars Ellen Page and Diego Luna as medical students who decide to experiment with near-death experiences. Flatliners will hit UK cinemas on 29th September 2017.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard Trailer

This movie looks like a lot of fun. Action comedy The Hitman’s Bodyguard is about a notorious hitman who has to be guarded Trailerby a top protection agent. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Gary Oldman. The Hitman’s Bodyguard is out in UK cinemas on 18th August 2017.

The Mountain Between Us Trailer

Here is the new trailer for The Mountain Between Us. The film is a thriller about two strangers who become stranded on a mountain following a crash. Based on the novel of the same name, the film is directed by Hany Abu-Assad, and stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet. The Mountain Between Us is released on UK screens on 6th October 2017.

Girls Trip Poster

Here is the new poster for Girls Trip. The film is about four long-time friends who head down to New Orleans for the Essence Festival. The film stars Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tiffany Haddish. Girls Trip is out in UK cinemas on 26th July 2017.

Spider-Man: Homecoming Featurette

This Spider-Man: Homecoming featurette focuses on the Spidey Suit. The film stars Tom Holland in the title role. He is joined by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, as well as Michael Keaton, Zendaya, and Marisa Tomei. Spider-Man: Homecoming launches onto UK screens on 5th July 2017.

Scribe Trailer

Here is the trailer for political thriller Scribe. The film is about a middle-aged man who is hired by a mysterious employer to transcribe phone-tapped conversations. François Cluzet, Scribe is released in UK cinemas and on demand from 21st July 2017.

Previews: Blade Runner 2049 Poster, Wonder Woman, More!

This week preview of coming attractions features a new Blade Runner 2049 poster, The Dark Tower, Wonder Woman, and more…

Blade Runner 2049 Poster

Here is Harrison Ford in the latest Blade Runner 2049 poster. Ford reprises his role as Deckard from the 1982 sci-fi classic. He is joined by Ryan Gosling, who plays a LAPD officer who unearths a long-buried secret. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 is released in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

The Dark Tower Trailer

Here is the first trailer for The Dark Tower. The film is based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel. Idris Elba plays the last gunslinger, in a battle with the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). The Dark Tower will be released in UK cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Wonder Woman Poster

It is less than a month until the release of Wonder Woman, so here’s a new poster. Despite being far behind Marvel in terms of establishing a cinematic universe for their comic book characters, DC have beaten Marvel to the punch in having the first stand-alone film headlined by a female character. Gal Gadot stars as the popular hero, and is joined by Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. Wonder Woman hits UK screens on 1st June 2017.

Valerian Poster

Here is a new poster for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. I don’t know who Melo is, but it looks interesting. Valerian is a new sci-fi adventure from Luc Besson. The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, and Rihanna. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hits UK screens on 4th August 2017.

Summer 2017 Summer Montage

Every year, the esteemed Amon Warmann creates a montage of all the Summer’s biggest blockbusters. This year’s edition features a variety of hotly anticipated movies, including Wonder Woman, War for the Planet of the Apes (a sequel to 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Check out the supercut above.

Film Review: 100 Streets

Jim O’Hanlon’s 100 Streets is a mostly engaging drama. Some of the film’s narrative strands work better than others.

Max is trying to win back estranged wife Emily. George is trying to make everything perfect for his wife. Kingsley is growing tired of the antics of his teenage compatriots. All these stories take place in the London neighbourhood of Battersea…

Directed by Jim O’Hanlon with a screenplay by Leon Butler, 100 Streets is a multi-strand drama that takes place in one area of London. The film focuses on three main strands, with overlap with varying characters. Although the stories entwine to a certain extent, each strand has its individual story to tell.

There seems to be a clear distinction between each of the three strands in 100 Streets. The clearest divide can be seen in the class of strand protagonist. Max and Emily represent the wealthiest of the area, and Kingsley the most deprived. George and his wife fall some way in between, although how a cab driver and a cleaner afford such a property in that area is questionable. What also distinguishes each strand is the different stage of life each protagonist is at.

Max’s descent is plausible at first, but too quick to jump from a little messy to utterly chaotic. George’s story is earnest, if a little weak. Kingsley’s story becomes more formulaic as it continues. His dilemma at the climax of the film is quite a predictable conclusion to the strand.

Performances in the film are decent. Idris Elba and Gemma Arterton are believable as the estranged Max and Emily. Charlie Creed-Miles does a good job; it is shame he isn’t given a meatier role. Franz Drameh is well cast as Kingsley.

100 Streets boasts a good cast, it is just a shame that the action does not unfold in a more compelling manner. There seems as if there are good stories to tell in such a format, but none of the strands quite make the cut.

100 Streets is out on DVD on 23rd January 2017.

Film Review: Star Trek Beyond

The third instalment of the franchise reboot, Star Trek Beyond continues in the same vein as its predecessors. The film is a lot of fun, although not as striking as the first two films.

Two years into their five-year mission, the crew of the USS Enterprise latest mission takes them into unchartered territory. Captain James T. Kirk and his crew are stranded on a remote planet with no means of communication…

Justin Lin takes over the directing reigns from producer J.J. Abrams for Star Trek Beyond. The third instalment of the franchise has a more episodic feel than the first two. If its predecessors were setting up the world and the characters, Star Trek Beyond then runs with this. The film is an adventure, putting established characters in a dangerous and exciting situation.

Writers Simon Pegg and Doug Jung create something akin to a vast and well-executed episode of the television series. The threat is felt fairly early on, with the main characters isolated in an unknown world. The force which pushes the crew forward in Krall, an antagonist with mysterious origins. However this set up works as a vehicle to explore and further the relationships within the crew.

Star Trek Beyond throws together different members of the crew, offering further depth to their characters as they face a powerful challenge. Karl Urban’s Bones is the character that benefits most from this; the character is given more colour than in the previous instalments. Scotty’s dialogue becomes inexplicably pastiche at times, whilst Kirk and Spock further their ties. Jayla (Sofia Boutella) is a good addition to the film, whilst Idris Elba delivers a suitably wearied performance. The film works best when it is concentrating on the action. These sequences are finely executed by director Justin Lin.

Lin is kinetic with his camera movement, entering scenes at any and all angles. This will work well in 3D, although 2D also feels the benefit. Action sequences generate excitement and will satisfy those yearning for blockbuster spectacle. Michael Giacchino’s score is as fitting as ever.

Star Trek Beyond does a good job of furthering crew dynamics whilst entertaining throughout. A focus on the science fiction aspects of the franchise would probably be welcome in the next edition. Nevertheless, the action, comedy, adventure and fitting tributes work very well in this film.

Film Review: Bastille Day

James Watkins’ Bastille Day is an adequately entertaining action thriller. Despite its flaws, the film is watchable.

Michael is an American pickpocket living in Paris. When he picks up the wrong bag, Michael is mistaken for a member of a terrorist group. With Bastille Day fast approaching, the CIA’s Briar is on a mission to track down Michael…

Bastille Day features many tropes of the action thriller; there are twists, double agents, and high-octane sequences. Director James Watkins’ film, written by Andrew Baldwin, seeks to evoke the spirit of classic action thrillers in a contemporary setting. The film is successful in its momentum and energy, but it is not without its flaws.

Bastille Day‘s plot focuses on a not irredeemable pickpocket and the CIA agent looking for terrorists in Paris. These characters are drawn in broad strokes; there is little nuance to these protagonists. The set up of the pickpocket who accidentally becomes embroiled in a terrorist plot works quite well because of its setting. The Paris setting is refreshing, if unnervingly prescient. Moreover, the film’s pacing is good; building to a strong momentum with the ticking clock of the holiday.

Dialogue in the Bastille Day is ranges from passable to awful. There are lines in the film that are wince-inducing. The narrative has some interesting facets, but it is hindered by a twist too many. Quite why Americans have to say the day – given that the film is set in France and stars British actors – may jar with some viewers. Action sequences have a level of freneticism, although they are not always well executed.

Idris Elba delivers a decent performance, but he is better than the material he is delivering. Richard Madden’s American accent is poor at times, whilst Charlotte Le Bon is decent as Zoe.

Bastille Day will be a fix for those looking for a standard action thriller, although it is rather forgettable.

Film Review: The Jungle Book

Jon Favreau’s adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling classic The Jungle Book is awe-inspiring in its visuals and immensely entertaining in its story.

Mowgli, an orphan boy, is raised in the jungle by wolves, with the help of panther Bagera. When fearsome tiger Shere Khan asserts his dominance, Mowgli must leave the only home he has ever known…

Viewers would be forgiven for being skeptical when a live-action remake of the Disney animated classic The Jungle Book was announced. Thankfully, Favreau’s film quickly assuages any fears. This new version of the film is captivating, distinguishing itself sufficiently from its animated predecessor.

Favreau plays homage to the 1968 animation with this film. The most obvious nod is the music; some of the songs from the original film are adapted well in this new version. Favreau distinguishes the new adaptation in terms of tone. Whilst there is still a playfulness in many scenes, The Jungle Book has more darkness than its predecessor. Rather than a moodiness, this comes across as a desire to depict the brutality of the jungle. There is more of a realism to this version; it does not shy away from some blunt events. Whilst a couple of sequences may be frightening to very young viewers, the tone works overall.

The Jungle Book is well paced; with the narrative progressing well over the running time and momentum building to the climax. The main characters are developed succinctly, but with enough depth to make the audience care about their fates. There is a good balance of humour, adventure and peril, all of which is suitable for a family audience.

Special effects in the film are fantastic; the rendering of all the animals are immensely realistic and believable. The soundtrack is a wonderful accompaniment. Neel Sethi makes a charming young Mowgli. Idris Elba brings striking presence as Shere Khan, and Bill Murray makes a wonderful Baloo.

The Jungle Book is a fantastic adventure, one that brings to life its amazing source material.

Film Review: Zootropolis

Disney’s latest Zootropolis is an incredibly enjoyable animation. The film blends mystery with adventure for a most entertaining ride.

Bunny Judy Hopps has always aspired to be a police officer. When she graduates from the academy, Judy starts her dream job on the Zootropolis police force. Initially disheartened by her first assignment, Judy must work with a con artist fox to get to the bottom of a case…

Disney alums Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush direct Zootropolis. The film is a typical Disney picture in many ways, with its blend of comedy and adventure, its unlikely friendships, and its messaging. What makes the film so entertaining is how well the directors manage to execute these different facets.

The narrative of Zootropolis is engaging throughout. The film functions on a number of levels. Firstly, it is the story of a determined bunny who must overcome obstacles in order to achieve her goals. Secondly, it is the story of an unlikely friendship which requires characters to let go of their prejudices. Finally, and most interestingly, the film features a mystery – the case that Judy works on – that runs through most of the film. Although a few aspects are a little predictable, this mystery functions successfully to hold the audience’s attention.

Humour in Zootropolis works very well. There are several humorous sequences, as well as references to appeal to older viewers. The premise of the film is just as appealing; the imaginative city is filled with wonderful sights and events. The message of the film is abundantly clear. Like a fairy tale, allegory is used to send a clear message about acceptance and the harm of stereotyping.

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are well cast as the voices of Judy and Nick. Idris Elba does a decent job, and Shakira’s song has a good message, even if it is dripping with schmaltz.

Zootropolis should delight children, as well as enchanting older viewers. Highly recommended viewing.