Previews: Halloween Trailer, First Man Poster, More!

A profusion of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the band new Halloween trailer, First Man, Bad Times at the El Royale, and more…

Halloween Trailer

Here is the brand new Halloween trailer. Forty years after John Carpenter’s horror classic, Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film sees the return of Michael Myers, as he escapes from a secure facility. Halloween will hit UK screens on 19th October 2018.

First Man Poster

This is the first poster for the upcoming First Man. Directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land and Whiplash) and written by Josh Singer, the film is about NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong. First Man, which stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, will be released on 12th October 2018.

Bad Times at the El Royale Trailer

Bad Times at the El Royale is the latest film from Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods). The film features an enviable cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Jeff Bridges, and Cynthia Erivo. Bad Times at the El Royale is set for release on 10th October 2018.

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Trailer

Above is the first trailer for the third instalment of the franchise, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. The film catches up with a slightly older Hiccup and Toothless as they discover their destinies. Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera return for the latest instalment, which follows 2014’s How To Train Your Dragon 2. How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is set for release on 1st February 2019.

Home Entertainment Releases

Upcoming home entertainment releases include A Quiet Place. The critically acclaimed horror is directed by John Krasinski, and also stars Emily Blunt. A Quiet Place receives its Digital release on 30th July, and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on 13th August 2018. Also set for a home entertainment release is Game Night. The action comedy stars Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman. Game Night is released on Digital Download on 25th June and Blu-ray and DVD on 2nd July 2018.

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Previews: Proud Mary Trailer, Jigsaw, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Proud Mary trailer,  Jigsaw, The Snowman, and more…

Proud Mary Trailer

Here is the new trailer for Proud Mary. Well, you couldn’t really title a film that without featuring Tina Turner’s iconic song. Taraji P. Henson stars as a hit woman working for an organised crime family in Boston. Proud Mary will hit UK screens on 2nd February 2018.

Jigsaw Trailer

Above is the new Jigsaw trailer. The film reignites the Saw franchise, with the killer who was seemingly dead earlier in the series appearing to strike again. Fans of all things creepy will cheer the return of Billy the puppet. Jigsaw is set for release in time for Halloween, on 27th October 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Trailer

The latest trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle reveals a little more about the plot and new characters. The sequel sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth, who face a new challenge in America. They are joined by an enviable cast that includes Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges. Kingsman: The Golden Circle will be released on UK screens on 20th September 2017.

IT Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming horror IT. Based on the classic Stephen King novel, the film is about the mysterious disappearance of children in the town of Derry. The film stars Bill Skarsgård as antagonist Pennywise. IT is out in UK cinemas on 8th September 2017.

Only The Brave Trailer

Only The Brave is based on a true story of an elite team of firefighters in American. The film stars Josh Brolin as the leader of the group, who trains his team from local firefighters to well-known task force. The film also stars Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, and Jennifer Connelly. Only The Brave is set for release later this year.

The Snowman Trailer

This trailer for The Snowman really hones in on the mystery elements of the film. Based on the Jo Nesbø novel, the film is about a detective and his recruit trying to track down a serial killer. The film is directed buy Thomas Alfredson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and stars Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The Snowman will hit UK screens on 13th October 2017.

Blade Runner 2049 Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for the hotly anticipated Blade Runner 2049. Set thirty years after the original Blade Runner, the sequel sees the return of Harrison Ford’s Deckard, who has been missing all this time. Ryan Gosling plays K, a LAPD officer. Blade Runner 2049 is out in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

Previews: Spark Trailer, Snatched, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Spark trailer, plus Snatched, Alien: Covenant, and more…

Spark Trailer

Here is thew new Spark trailer. The film is about a teenage monkey who must journey across the universe in order to save the galaxy. The film features the voices of Susan Sarandon, Patrick Stewart, Jessica Biel, and Hilary Swank. Spark launches on to UK screens on 26th May 2017.

Alien: Covenant Prologue

This Alien: Covenant prologue (The Crossing) bridges the gap between Prometheus and the upcoming Alien: Covenant. The clip explains what happened to the survivors of the previous film, and features Michael Fassbender’s character as narrator. The latest film in the Alien franchise also stars Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, and Danny McBride. Alien: Covenant hits UK screens on 12th May 2017.

Snatched Clip

Amy Schumer shows off her comedy prowess in this clip from the upcoming Snatched. The film is about a mis-matched mother and daughter who take an exotic vacation together. Schumer is joined by Goldie Hawn, as well as Wanda Sykes and Joan Cusack. Snatched is out in UK cinemas on 19th May 2017.

Wilson Trailer

Here is the trailer for new comedy Wilson. The film is about a middle-aged misanthrope who reunites with his estranged wife. The film stars Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, and Judy Greer. Wilson receives its debut at Sundance London on 2nd June 2017, and will be released  in selected cinemas on 9th June 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Trailer

Following the teaser last week, here is the full trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle. In this sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, the Kingsman headquarters is destroyed, leading Eggsy and co to discover an allied spy organisation. Director Matthew Vaughn and writer Jane Goldman return, as do Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, and Colin Firth. They are joined by Juliane Moore, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry, and Channing Tatum. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release in September 2017.

Gifted Clip

Director Marc Webb’s latest film is Gifted. The film stars Chris Evans as a man single-handedly raising his niece (played by Mckenna Grace). The film also stars Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer, and a one-eyed cat (according to the above clip). Gifted will be released on UK screens on 16th June 2017.

Stuff To Look At

Well-known characters dominate this week’s round-up…

Thor: The Dark World

Just before Iron Man 3 hits cinema screens, the first poster for Thor: The Dark World has been revealed. The film reunites Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. Thor: The Dark World is due for release on 30th October 2013.

Man of Steel

Here is the latest trailer for Man of Steel, one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. Can writers David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan once again weave their magic in a re-telling of DC Comics legend? We will see when the Zack Snyder-directed Man of Steel is released on 14th June 2013.

The Great Gatsby

The soundtrack has been one of the most talked about aspects of The Great Gatsby. Above is a sampler of some of the tracks used in the film. A mixture of covers of well-known songs and samples music from the era the film is set. What else would to expect from Baz Luhrmann? The Great Gatsby is released on 16th May 2013.

The Lone Ranger

Here is the latest trailer for The Lone Ranger. Despite being the sidekick to the title character, it looks as if Johnny Depp’s Tonto may steal the show. The Lone Ranger hits UK screens on 9th August 2013.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The second instalment in The Hunger Games trilogy has a first trailer. Catching Fire has a lot to live up to after the huge success of last year’s The Hunger Games. Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which is due for release on 22nd November 2013.

R.I.P.D.

A new action fantasy, R.I.P.D. looks like it could be a lot of fun. The film stars Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges as two undead cops tasked with protecting the world from those who refuse to move to the other side. R.I.P.D. hits UK cinemas on 30th August 2013.

Film Review: True Grit

Joel and Ethan Coen’s remake of the 1969 western True Grit is handsome but pointless. Henry Hathaway’s original still holds up well, therefore this new version offers little to merit its existence.

After her father his murdered by criminal Tom Chaney, young Mattie Ross wants the man brought to justice. She hires Rooster Cogburn, a US marshal with a fierce reputation, on the provision she can accompany him on his mission. Joining them is Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who wants to capture Chaney in order to receive a hefty reward…

True Grit is a straightforward tale of revenge. What makes the film enjoyable is good writing and great characters. Nevertheless, the film loses its way in the middle section, when it ambles instead of continuing the momentum that had been building in the first third. True Grit recovers by the climax, providing a action-packed conclusion.

Joel and Ethan Coen use a lot of the dialogue from the original film, based on Charles Portis’ novel. Much of the humour from the original film is also present here. There are few changes to the narrative from the 1969 True Grit. The Coen brothers have included an epilogue to conclude proceedings. This adds very little to the overall film, the end of the action would have sufficed as an appropriate conclusion.

Cogburn, LeBoeuf and Mattie are at the very heart of True Grit. Whilst Cogburn brings much of the humour and action, it is the determined Mattie who really defines the film. For the teenage girl, the mission is life changing; it is Mattie’s unfailing determination that proves that she has ‘true grit’. LaBoeuf, meanwhile, is a more ambivalent character in this version. Whereas LeBoeuf was more of a straightforward good guy in the 1969 film, the Coens’ update casts his motives in an ambiguous light.

The highlight of True Grit is its cinematography. Director of photography Roger Deakins has captured some beautiful imagery of the landscapes. The film has an authentic feel to it; the locations and sets appear natural despite the 1880 setting. The music accompanies the visuals well, although the Coen brothers have missed a trick by not including the gloriously outdated theme from the 1969 version.

Jeff Bridges is excellent as Rooster Cogburn. Bridges wisely eschews imitating John Wayne; making the character his own whilst retaining the humour of his persona. Matt Damon is well cast as LaBoeuf, although his role is diminished from the original film. Hailee Steinfeld gives a terrific performance as Mattie, matching Kim Darby’s pluck despite her young age.

True Grit is a well-executed film, but ultimately an unnecessary one. It is curious that Joel and Ethan Coen decided to remake the film without many significant changes. It is enjoyable, but does not surpass the 1969 version in quality or entertainment value.

Film Review: Tron: Legacy

Tron: Legacy is all about spectacle. Just like the 1982 original, the narrative is exiguous at times, but the special effects are captivating.

Several years after his father Kevin’s disappearance, Sam Flynn is reluctant to take over the reigns of his father’s company. Investigating a new development in his father’s mystery disappearance, Sam is pulled into a cyber world where programs duel to survive…

Tron is a strange choice for a very delayed sequel. The film did lacklustre business at the box office upon its 1982 release, although it has become something of a cult favourite since then. Tron is best known for its pioneering use of CGI. Tron: Legacy is very much the progeny of Tron; the films share similarities in terms of strengths and weaknesses.

Tron: Legacy‘s story is not the most engrossing. The film uses a similar premise to the original, albeit with the addition of Kevin Flynn already being a part of the cyber world. Sam finds an obligatory love interest in Quorra; an interesting, if fairly predictable, character. The dialogue is sometimes cringe worthy, particularly Sam’s one-liners during the action sequences. As well as harking back to the original film, Tron: Legacy exhibits shades of Gladiator in the games sequence. The film also depicts a poster of Disney’s 1979 film The Black Hole, a remake of which is the next project Tron: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski is due to tackle.

Tron: Legacy‘s strength lies firmly in the visual. The virtual world that Sam is pulled into is nothing short of stunning. A combination of neon and monochrome, Darren Gilford production design is effortlessly futuristic. Kevin’s apartment and the downtown bar are particularly memorable. Coupled with this are the film’s special effects. Special Effects supervisor Eric Barba has done a magnificent job in taking about thirty years off Jeff Bridges.

Daft Punk’s soundtrack is wonderful, and feels entirely in keeping with the tone of the film. Tron: Legacy is very aware of its 1980s ancestry, and appeases it with touches such as the inclusion of a couple of classic tunes from the decade.

Garrett Hedlund is adequate as Sam; the role does not call for too much of a range. Jeff Bridges has enormous presence in Tron: Legacy, aided in part by his multiple roles. Olivia Wilde brings a necessary stiffness to Quorra, while Michael Sheen offers some frivolity to proceedings as Castor.

Go and see Tron: Legacy purely for the spectacle. The story may not be absorbing, but the visuals certainly are.

Film Review: Crazy Heart

Jeff Bridges gives an exceptional performance as the washed up country singer attempting to revive his career in Scott Cooper’s Crazy Heart. Behind the singer, who is lamented by both his dwindling fan base and his fellow musicians, is a man struggling with an alcohol problem, amongst other demons.

Crazy Heart features a wonderful and fitting soundtrack, including the Oscar-winning title track ‘The Weary Kind’. Composer and performer Ryan Bingham also makes an appearance in the film as one of the numerous musicians Bad Blake performs with. Colin Farrell is impressive as Blake’s more popular rival and former collaborator.

The narrative is not incredibly original. Nonetheless, this does not seem to matter when the story is told in such a captivating manner. Along with Bridges’ award-winning performance, Maggie Gyllenhaal makes a believable love interest. There is a depth to her character that makes the audience root for the unlikely couple.

Despite his talent, Blake is a fallible character. Although much of the audience will not be able to identify with his specific issues, the general themes of redemption and second chances are universal and timeless. Thus, Crazy Heart is a moving tale, one that is worth a look for more than just Bridges’ noted performance.