Previews: Ad Astra Poster, The Current War, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Ad Astra poster, The Current War, Pain And Glory, and more…

Ad Astra Poster

Here is the brand new Ad Astra poster. The film, directed by James Gray, is about an astronaut who travels to the edge of the solar system to find his missing father. Brad Pitt heads the cast, and is joined by Tommy Lee Jones and Ruth Negga. Ad Astra launches onto UK screens on 18th September 2019.

The Current War Trailer

Above is the trailer for the forthcoming The Current War. Set in the late 19th century, the film is about the rivalry between Thomas Edison and entrepreneur George Westinghouse. The enviable cast includes Michael Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Waterston, Nicholas Hoult, and Tom Holland. Counting Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, The Current War hits UK cinemas on 26th July 2019.

Pain And Glory Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Pain And Glory. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (The Skin I Live In, I’m So Excited), the film is about an ageing film director and a series of re-encounters. The film, which stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

21 Bridges Poster

21 Bridges is an upcoming thriller with quite a cast. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is a thriller about a New York detective involved in a city-wide manhunt for a pair of cop killers. The film is set for release in UK cinemas on 27th September 2019.

BFI August Season

There is plenty to look forward to at the BFI Southbank this August, leading with a season of Cary Grant films. Classics such as The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, and Notorious will be screened in August. Other highlights include a preview of Pain And Glory and a Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar, and a preview of Netflix’s upcoming The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance television series. More details of the full programme can be found here.

Film Review: A Boy Called SailBoat

Cameron Nugent’s A Boy Called Sailboat is a comedy drama that aims for whimsy. The film charms in places.

Young Sailboat lives with his parents on the outskirts of town. When his sick grandmother asks him to write her a song, Sailboat sets about composing on his little guitar. The impact of his song is quite unexpected…

Written and directed by Cameron Nugent, A Boy Called Sailboat is a curious little tale. The film features a real-world setting, although Nugent makes this as offbeat as can be. There is a reach for the whimsical; this pervades the film through the choice of characters, the dialogue, and the setting. There is a feeling that Nugent is aiming for a similar feel to the films of Wes Anderson or early Tim Burton with this ‘abnormal within the normal’ approach. The filmmaker does not reach these giddy heights, although there enough to admire here.

The narrative unfolds at its own pace, telling viewers as much as they need to know about the characters. A Boy Called Sailboat really kicks off when the protagonist begins to compose. Nugent shows a change in the characters that surround Sailboat through actions rather than words overall. Sometimes this is overt for comedic effect, such as the teacher’s immediate change. The subtler change in Sailboat’s father feels more rewarding. As word spreads about Sailboat’s song, it is not clear how the story will conclude. Ultimately, the ending is in keeping with the film’s style, and is satisfying as a result.

Julian Atocani Sanchez is decent as Sailboat, although some of his delivery is unclear. Perhaps this is to be expected with a protagonist so young. Noel Gugliemi is good as José, while J.K. Simmons is always good value, even in this very minor role. The film features a lot of long shots, which emphasise the small stature of the protagonist. It is an effective technique.

A Boy Called Sailboat is a decent directorial debut from Cameron Nugent. The aspects that work well are very admirable.

A Boy Called Sailboat will be available on Digital Download from Monday 6th May 2019.

Film Review: The Front Runner

Jason Reitman’s political drama The Front Runner is an engrossing watch. The film is superbly scripted, and boasts solid performances from its cast.

In 1986, Gary Hart is the front runner to be the presidential candidate for the Democratic party in the 1988 election. A lot can change in three weeks…

Set over a three week period in 1986, The Front Runner tells the story of democratic candidate Gary Hart’s campaign demise. The film conveys how quickly the front runner’s campaign fell apart after a scandal. Reitman’s film focuses on different sets of characters – the candidate’s team,  the set of reporters who break the scandal, other reporters in the pool, and Hart’s family. The action jumps between various locations on the campaign trail, and from campaign to newspaper office.  

The story is told in a compelling way, with markers showing each of the three weeks. Pacing is good; the freneticism of the campaign is mirrored by the jumping from location to location, from conversation to conversation. Reitman harks back to the period with his shooting style and the titles. It can be a little hokey, but draws viewers into this world. 

The script, written by Reitman, Matt Bai, and Jay Carson, is fantastic. The dialogue gives an easy feel for the large cast of characters, conveying the personalities adroitly. The dialogue is often quick-fire, and there is plenty of humour to be found, amongst the more serious proceedings. The Front Runner has an enviable cast. Hugh Jackman gives a strong performance as Hart. J.K. Simmons, Mamoudou Athie, Jenna Kanell all highlights among a great cast. Music is used well throughout. 

What does The Front Runner say in this political age? The scandal which sunk Hart is far, far more tame than the numerous scandals that did not even dent the current US president. A couple of themes become clear. Reitman returns to the idea of the role of the press, questioning the shift from serious reporting to tabloid splashes. Yet this seems redundant in this new political age, when neither appears to make as much of an impact.

Furthermore, Reitman underlines Hart’s disparaging of the personal line of questioning he receives from the press. At the same time, the film makes it clear that this obtuseness is a hinderance to Hart’s own team, much to their frustration. Reitman sets up the paradox of a man who demands integrity from others, but lacks the very same himself. The Front Runner plays with these ideas – the role of the press, the public versus private persona of politicians, whether a scandal should deter an otherwise meritorious politician – without positing a firm opinion. The film works better for leaving these ideas for viewers to mull over themselves.

The Front Runner is a diverting watch, and one of Reitman’s more accomplished films.

The Front Runner is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2018.

Film Review: The Bachelors

Kurt Voelker’s The Bachelors is a drama which feels authentic. Good performances and a well-crafted narrative make for decent viewing.

After the death of his beloved wife, Bill and his teenage son Wes move across the country for a new start. Bill has a new teaching job in a private school, but grapples with his grief as he attempts to start afresh…

Written and directed by Kurt Voelker, The Bachelors is a drama about grief. There are aspects of comedy and romance, yet drama is the dominant force. Despite the subject matter, the film is not maudlin. The portrayal of a grieving father and son feels authentic. The fact that the focus is on male characters makes for a welcome change.

The story follows Bill, a year on the death of his wife of over thirty years. His attempt to deal with his grief has led him to relocate with his son. In Voelker’s film, grief isn’t something that is cured by fresh start or a burgeoning romance. Instead, viewers are given a more realistic portrayal. There are ups and downs for him, as well as difficulty in letting go, despite long-term therapy.

The other strand of the film focuses on Wes as he starts a new school. His main narrative focuses on his romantic interest in Lacy. Whilst Wes is sufficiently developed character, Lacy’s issues feel like shorthand. The most striking scenes with Wes tend to be with his father. The relationship between Bill and Carine fares better, although dialogue is not always  as good as the performances. J.K. Simmons delivers a very convincing and at times moving performance as Bill. Josh Wiggins is good as Wes, even if the chemistry with Odeya Rush’s Lacy does not hit the mark. Julie Delpy is also good, although she is not given a great deal to do.

The Bachelors works well thanks to J.K. Simmons’ strong performance and Voelker’s tempered exploration of the subject.

The Bachelors is available on DVD from Monday 28th May 2018.

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What to Watch on Shudder: Antiviral and More

This week’s guide of what to watch on Shudder features Brandon Cronenberg’s Antiviral, zombie sequel [Rec] 2, and Dark Skies…

What to Watch on Shudder: Antiviral

Brandon Cronenberg carries on his father David’s tradition of science fiction/body horror with Antiviral. At times uncomfortable viewing, the film nevertheless compels. Antiviral is about the employee of a clinic which sells injections of viruses harvested from celebrities to their obsessed fans. The premise of the film is fantastic, and so is some celebrity worship to the extreme with an interesting and unusual tangent. The theme and imagery create a distinctive atmosphere. Clinical and dystopian, there is nothing about the film that feels comfortable. Yet it is a great watch. Read a full review of Antiviral here.

What to Watch on Shudder: [Rec] 2

Sequels can be a mixed bag, but [Rec] 2 is certainly one of the better ones. The film picks up straight after the events of the first film, and focuses on a SWAT team and doctor who are sent in the building to retrieve blood samples. The film gives hints to the cause of the outbreak, and offers tension, gore and some great scares. The film is a must-see for fans of the first film, and indeed the zombie sub-genre generally.

What to Watch on Shudder: Dark Skies

Given the premise and advertising, it would be forgivable to think Dark Skies is a homage or a rip off of Hitchcock’s The Birds. Yet the film takes a different tangent. The film is about a suburban family whose lives are disrupted by a series of strange events. Scott Stewart’s film combines science fiction and horror. The film is a little generic; at times it feels as if it could be an episode from The Twilight Zone. Nevertheless, there are a few good scares, and a decent atmosphere prevails. Dark Skies stars Keri Russell and J.K. Simmons.

To find out more and to sign up to Shudder, visit https://www.shudder.com.

Previews: Annihilation Trailer, Darkest Hour, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Annihilation trailer, Darkest Hour, Isle of Dogs and more…

Annihilation Trailer

Above is the new Annihilation trailer. The film is based on the best-selling Southern Reach trilogy, and is directed by Alex Garland. The film features an all-star cast, including Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tessa Thompson. Annihilation is set for release on 23rd February 2018.

Darkest Hour Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Churchill biopic Darkest Hour. The film focuses on the period just after Winston Churchill becomes prime minister, as Britain is on the cusp of entering World War II. Starring Gary Oldman and directed by Joe Wright (Anna Karenina), Darkest Hour is out in UK cinemas on 12th January 2018.

Father Figures Trailer

Father Figures is a new comedy about two adult brothers who only find out their father is still alive many years after they thought he had died. The film stars Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Glenn Close, and J.K. Simmons. Father Figures is scheduled for release on 16th February 2018.

Happy Death Day Poster

Happy Death Day is a new thriller about a college student who relives the day of her murder until she finds out the identity of her killer. The film stars Jessica Rothe, and is produced by Blumhouse, the company responsible for Whiplash and Get Out. Happy Death Day will hit UK screens on 20th October 2017.

Isle of Dogs Trailer

Isle of Dogs looks joyful. Wes Anderson’s new film is about a young boy who goes to rescue his dog after all dogs are exiled to a rubbish dump island. The film features a stellar voice cast, including Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, and Tilda Swinton. Isle of Dogs is set for release on 30th March 2018.

Film Review: Rock Dog

Rock Dog is a sufficiently likeable animated adventure. However, the storytelling becomes generic and the film lacks real originality.

Bodi is meant to be a soldier in his father’s army, aiming to protect his village. When a radio falls from the sky, Bodi falls in love with music and wishes to pursue a career as a musician…

Directed and co-written by Ash Brannon, Rock Dog is a coming of age story. The film follows a familiar tread of an adolescent character deciding who he wants to be. In this film, this story plays out through a dog who is due to follows his father’s footsteps. The story that is told has sufficient heart. The trope of the child disobeying the parent plays out well in that it is slightly subverted. Instead of most of the duration being about a child who wants to choose a different path, Brannon’s film clears this up swiftly. This leaves more time for the more interesting aspect of Bodie trying to join a band and meet his idol. 

The main characters in Rock Dog are amiable, if unoriginal. Bodi’s father is not as stubborn as others who fill this archetype. Bodie is a protagonist that the audience can root for. He is not particularly memorable, but fulfils his function well. Angus is lots of fun as the ageing rocker. 

The animation does not feel lovingly crafted. Compared to other animated features, the computer-generated imagery looks cheap. The soundtrack contains a mix of well-known songs and original music. This will no doubt suit younger viewers, although older ones may wish for more rock to match the film’s title.

The film features a decent voice cast, including Luke Wilson, J.K. Simmons, and Eddie Izzard. Unfortunately, even these talents fail to make the film memorable. Rock Dog is watchable enough, yet leaves those craving originality bereft.

Previews: Rings Trailer, Coco, More!

The first of this year’s previews of coming attractions include the Rings trailer, a new Blade Runner 2049 image, A Cure for Wellness, and more…

Rings Trailer

Here is the latest Rings trailer. The film is a new chapter in the horror franchise. From the synopsis, Rings does not appear to be directly linked to the characters from 2002’s The Ring, or its sequel. The cast includes Matilda Lutz, Jonathan Galecki, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Rings will hit UK screens on 3rd February 2017.

Blade Runner 2049 Image

Above is a new Blade Runner 2049 image. Not much has been revealed about the characters yet – is Ana de Armas’ character a replicant? Is Ryan Gosing’s? Who knows. Also starring Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto, Blade Runner 2049 is due open in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

A Cure for Wellness Trailer

A Cure for Wellness has to be one of this year’s most anticipated movies. This trailer reveals a little more about the plot, which concerns a young executive who is sent to retrieve his CEO from a mysterious “wellness” centre. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film stars Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, and Jason Isaacs. A Cure for Wellness is due for release in UK cinemas in early 2017.

Mute Image

Here is a brand new image from Netflix’s upcoming Mute. Directed by Duncan Jones, the film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, and Justin Theroux. Set in the near future, the film is about a mute bartender and his search for his missing girlfriend. Mute will be released by Netflix in all their territories later this year.

Beauty and the Beast Video

Here is a short video featuring the leads from the upcoming Beauty and the Beast movie. If follows the clip of Emma Watson singing ‘Something There’, which was released a few days ago. Beauty and the Beast also stars Dan Stevens, and features the voices of Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. The film is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

The LEGO Batman Movie Poster

I am thrilled to see that the upcoming LEGO Batman Movie features Harley Quinn. The film also sees appearances from Robin, The Joker, and Batgirl. Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jenny Slate, The LEGO Batman Movie will hit UK screens on 10th February 2017.

Patriots Day Trailer

Patriots Day is the latest film from director Peter Berg (Lone Survivor, Battleship). The film concentrates on the immediate aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Mark Wahlberg heads up a cast that includes John Goodman, Kevin Bacon, and J.K. Simmons. Patriots Day will be released in cinemas on 23rd February 2017.

Coco Image

Here is the first look at Coco, the latest animated film from Disney Pixar. The movie is about  a young boy who sets of a chain of events relating to a centuries-old mystery. Coco is directed by Pixar stalwart Lee Unkrick and Adrian Molina, who also wrote the film. Featuring the voices of Gael García Bernal and Benjamin Bratt, Coco is due to be released in UK cinemas in December 2017.

Previews: Patriots Day Featurette, Rogue One, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including a Patriots Day featurette, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Silence, and more…

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Featurette

Here is Diego Luna talking about working on the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Luna plays Cassian Andor, a Rebel Alliance officer. The Star Wars spin-off features a stellar cast, including Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Riz Ahmed, and Forest Whitaker. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits UK screens on 15th December 2016.

Patriots Day Featurette

This Patriots Day featurette focuses on J.K. Simmons and the character he plays in the film. Patriots Day is an account of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath that followed. Also starring Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, and Kevin Bacon, Patriots Day is set for release in 2017.

Silence Poster

Martin Scorsese’s latest film Silence revisits some of the themes prevalent in his earlier pictures. Starring Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver as Jesuits priests who visit Japan to locate their mentor. Also starring Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds, Silence will hit UK screens on 1st January 2017.

Fences Trailer

Here is the second trailer for Denzel Washington’s Fences. This one reveals a little more about the plot and the main characters than the first look at the film. Based on August Wilson’s award-winning play, the film also stars Viola Davis and Jovan Adepo. Fences will be released in selected UK cinemas on 10th February 2017, and everywhere from 17th February.

 

Passengers Clip

Here is a brief clip from the upcoming Passengers, which showcases the special effects that the film offers. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, the film is about two passengers on a voyage to a new colony who wake up early in space. Passengers jets into UK cinemas on 21st December 2016.

Power Rangers Image

Here is the first look at Alpha 5 from the upcoming Power Rangers movie. As with other images released from the film, the character looks pretty different from the 1990s TV show.  Alpha 5 is voiced by Bill Hader in the film. Also starring Elizabeth Banks and Bryan Cranston, Power Rangers is scheduled for release on UK screens in 2017.

Hidden Figures Clip

Here is a brief clip from Hidden Figures. It is based on the true story of a group of black women who worked at NASA during the space race of the 1960s. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, and Kevin Costner. Hidden Figures is out in UK cinemas in February 2017.

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.