Previews: The Grinch Trailer, Tully, More!

Lots of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Grinch trailer, The Strangers: Prey at Night, Tully and more…

The Grinch Trailer

Here is the new The Grinch trailer. The upcoming animation is the latest adaptation of the Dr Seuss’ classic. The 2000 live-action film How The Grinch Stole Christmas was one of the highest grossing movies of its year, so it will be interesting to see how this new version fares. Featuring the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch, The Grinch will be released in UK cinemas on 9th November 2018.

The Strangers: Prey at Night Trailer

This trailer for The Strangers: Prey at Night reveals little about the plot but a lot of the genre. The film is about a family holiday that goes wrong with the arrival of some strangers. The horror movie stars Christina Hendricks and Martin Henderson. The Strangers: Prey at Night will hit UK screens on 4th May 2018.

Tully Trailer

Above is the second trailer for Tully. The film sees director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody reunite with star Charlize Theron, following 2011’s brilliant Young Adult. The film is about a mother of three young children who is gifted a night nanny by her brother. Also starring Mackenzie Davis and Mark Duplass, Tully will be released on 20th April 2018.

Truth or Dare Trailer

The latest film from producer Jason Blum is based on that time-honoured party game. Truth or Dare is about a group of friends who must play the game, with horrendous consequences. The film stars Lucy Hale and Tyler Posey. Truth or Dare is set for release in UK cinemas on 13th April 2018.

Love, Simon Clip

Above is a clip from the upcoming Love, Simon. It gives a pretty succinct introduction to the title character in the film, which is based on the novel of the same name. The film stars Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, and Josh Duhamel. Love, Simon is out at UK cinemas on 6th April 2018.

Previews: Nine Lives Trailer, Deadpool and more!

Plenty in this week’s preview of upcoming films, including the Nine Lives trailer, a Deadpool clip, Zoolander 2 and more…

Nine Lives Trailer

Talking animal film alert! A cat is at the centre of the film in the Nine Lives trailer. The film tells the story of a billionaire businessman who finds himself trapped in the body of the family cat. Starring Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner and Christopher Walken, Nine Lives is set for release later this year.

Deadpool Clip

What is clear from the fantastic marketing for the film is that Deadpool is not for children. This clip falls in line with what has been revealed. Deadpool looks as if it will be a heady mix of comedy and action. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, and Gina Careno, Deadpool hits UK screens on 10th February 2016.

Zoolander 2 Commercial

Here is a spoof commercial for Zoolander 2. The clip offers us a insight into Kristen Wiig’s character Alexanya Atoz. The film certainly continues the theme of parodying the fashion industry. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell reprise their roles in Zoolander 2, which opens in UK cinemas on 12th February 2016.

The Secret Life of Pets Poster and Trailer

Here is a poster for one of the most anticipated films of the summer (in my eyes at least). The Secret Life of Pets answers one of lives quintessential questions; what do pets do whilst their humans are at work? With the voices of Louis C.K., Kevin Hart and Eric Stonestreet, The Secret Life of Pets will be released on 24th June 2016.

Disorder Trailer

Disorder focuses on a secret service soldier who takes a private job protecting a wealthy family. Matthias Schoenaerts stars as the soldier, and Diane Kruger as the wife of the wealthy businessman. Disorder will receive its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on 21st February, and will be released in cinemas on 25th March 2016.

Eddie The Eagle Trailer

Eddie The Eagle tells the story of Michael Edwards and his determination to become Britain’s first Olympic ski jumper. The film stars Taron Egerton in the title role, and Hugh Jackman as Eddie’s coach. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Eddie The Eagle is out in UK cinemas on 1st April 2016.

Previews: Jurassic World Trailer, Inside Out Clip and more

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Jurassic World trailer, a clip from Inside Out, plus Black Mass, Danny Collins and more…

Jurassic World Trailer

Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the next instalment of his dinosaur franchise. This Jurassic World trailer reveals a little more about the plot of the film and its new dinosaurs. Although genetically-modified dinosaurs may raise eyebrows, the casting of Chris Pratt certainly does appeal following his turn in Guardians of the Galaxy. Jurassic World  will hit UK screens on 11th June 2015.

Black Mass

My, doesn’t Johnny Depp look different? Black Mass focuses on Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger and his unlikely alliance with the FBI in the 1970s. The film also stars Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kevin Bacon. Back Mass is set for release on 25th September 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road Legacy Trailer

This retro Mad Max: Fury Road trailer is smart marketing. It differentiates the film from other remakes, a key factor in this is the return of director George Miller. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road steams into UK cinemas on 14th May 2015.

Inside Out Clip

The more I see of Inside Out, the more I am looking forward to it. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, the film focuses on Riley and her fluctuating emotions growing up. Inside Out is screening at Cannes Film Festival this May, and will be released in 24th July 2015.

Danny Collins Trailer

Danny Collins stars Al Pacino as an ageing rock star who goes on a journey to rediscover his family and himself. Based on a true story, the film also stars Annette Bening, Christopher Plummer and Jennifer Garner. Danny Collins will be released on UK screens on 29th May 2015.

Mr Holmes Trailer

Mr Holmes features an older version of the infamous detective than is usually portrayed on screen. Ian McKellan plays Sherlock Holmes as a returned detective, living in his farmhouse, who turns his attention to an unsolved case. Also starring Laura Linney, Mr Holmes is set for release on 19th June 2015.

Man Up Clip

Man Up is a new romantic comedy starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell. The film is premised on a case of mistaken identity; Pegg’s Jack thinks Bell’s Nancy is his blind date. Also starring Olivia Williams and Rory Kinear, Man Up reaches UK cinemas on 29th May 2015.

Suffragette Trailer

This first trailer for Suffragette offers us a peak at Sarah Gavron’s historical drama. Suffragette is the first feature film to tell the story of British women’s fight for the right to vote at the turn of last century. With an enviable cast that includes Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan, Suffragette is set for release on 30th October 2015.

Summer Blockbuster Montage

Every year, film journalist Amon Warmann creates a montage of the Summer movie blockbusters. This year’s video features Mad Max: Road Fury, Ant-Man, Tomorrowland – A World Beyond and more. Check out his blog here.

Film Review: Men, Women & Children

Jason Reitman’s Men, Women & Children is a treatise on the negative aspects of the internet. The drama is slow-burning, with characters that engage throughout.

A group of high school students navigate the modern world, with their lives played out and guided by online activity. Their parents too navigate the impact the internet has had in their lives…

In previous films, director and co-writer Jason Reitman has exhibited a knack for depicting authentic characters, not all of whom are entirely likeable. Reitman continues this trend with Men, Women & Children, albeit with an ensemble cast rather than one or two protagonists.

Men, Women & Children distributes its run time fairly evenly between parents and their kids. The film takes a little while to develop the characters, given the numbers involved in the storylines. Nevertheless, as the film progresses, the characters are fleshed out sufficiently to make them appear authentic.

Reitman’s film is abundantly clear in its views of the impact of the internet. As a fable on the negative aspects of the internet, Men, Women & Children feels like it has arrived a little late. Whilst the far-reaching impact of the internet on modern society is a topic ripe for investigation, the film seems reductive in its moralising. It is obvious the type of relationship which is endorsed by the film, and the types that are considered unhealthy.

Performances in the film are strong. The ensemble cast performs well, particularly Judy Greer and Elena Kampouris. Jennifer Garner is also decent, as is Adam Sandler; it is refreshing to see him in a more subdued role.The film’s soundtrack works well.

Although it does have its merits, Men, Women & Children is not at the same level as some of Jason Reitman’s previous films. A more nuanced depiction of the theme would have no doubt been an improvement.

Men, Women & Children is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2014.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of aural-visual delights this week, including The Babadook, Dracula Untold and Serena. And the new trailer for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1…

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Here is the official trailer for the first part of the final instalment of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. The trailer reveals a little more about the plot, and shows Katniss in full-on action mode. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is released in UK cinemas on 20th November 2014.

The Babadook

I saw a trailer for The Babadook recently, and thought that it looked pretty terrifying. The quotes on this poster for the film appear to cement this opinion. Horror The Babadook hits the big screen on 24th October 2014.

Dracula Untold

Here is a clip from the upcoming Dracula Untold. The film is an origins story of the man who became the legenedary vampire. Starring Luke Evans and Dominic Cooper, Dracula Untold hits the big screen on 3rd October 2014.

Serena

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence reunite in Susanne Bier’s Serena. Cooper and Lawrence star as a newly wed couple in the 1920s who build a timber empire. Serena is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival and is released in cinemas on 24th October 2014.

Effie Gray

Here is a trailer for Effie Gray. Starring Dakota Fanning and Emma Thompson. the film tells the story of the marriage between Victorian art critic John Ruskin and his young bride. Effie Gray is out in cinemas on 10th October 2014.

The Judge

Robert Downey Jr. leads an all-star cast in The Judge. The film is about a city lawyer who returns to his hometown where his father, the town judge, is suspected of murder. The Judge is released in UK cinemas on 17th October 2014.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

To celebrate the upcoming release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paramount commissioned artists across the world to make artworks based on the origins of the turtles called ‘The Legend of the Yokai‘. One of my favourites is the the one by Nicolas Delort. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is released in UK cinemas on 17th October 2014.

Lava

I don’t know exactly what this film is about, where the story will go, or why it has been made, but there is a singing volcano! And that is fine by me. Above is a short clip of Pixar’s Lava, which is scheduled for release in the UK in July 2015.

Draft Day

Draft Day is set on, as the title suggests, the day of the NFL draft. Starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, the film is about the manager of an American football team and the decisions he makes on that day. But really, the reason to see this film is that Frank Langella (aka Skeletor) is in it. Draft Day is set for release on 3rd October 2014.

London Film Festival 2014 – Preview of Coming Attractions

The full programme for the BFI London Film Festival 2014 was announced today, and it is brimming with fascinating artifacts. A total of 245 fiction and documentary features, including 16 World Premieres, are being screening during the twelve day festival, as well as 148 shorts. Opening the London Film Festival 2014 is The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. The festival closes with David Ayer’s Fury, starring Brad Pitt and Shia LaBeouf. The BFI London Film Festival 2014 runs from 8th-19th October. Here are my picks from the programme…

Men, Women & Children

Following the success of Young Adult and Labor Day, Jason Reitman’s latest film is an adaptation Chad Kultgen’s novel. Focusing on emotional isolation in the digital age, Men, Women & Children features an ensemble cast that includes Jennofer Garner, Adam Sandler and Judy Greer. 

Second Coming

Second Coming is Debbie Tucker Green’s directorial debut. The British drama stars Nadine Marshall and Idris Elba as a London-based couple living with their teenage son. Second Coming is one of the film’s shortlisted for the London Film Festival 2014’s First Feature Competition.

Whiplash

Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash is about the relationship between a musical prodigy and his teacher. Starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, the film won the Grend Jury and Audience awards at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Dear White People

Writer-director Justin Simien’s Dear White People is a satire which tackles the issue of race in contemporary America. Set at an Ivy League college, the film concerns a sole-black fraternity which is to be diversified.

White God

A film about a dog. When young Lili goes to stay with her dad, he is not interested in looking after her pet dog Hagen. Deciding to leave the dog at the side of the road, this sets off a eye-opening series of events in director Kornél Mundruczó’s White Dog.

Tickets for the BFI London Film Festival 2014 go on sale to the public on Thursday 18th September 2014. For the full schedule, and details of events, see here.

Film Review: Dallas Buyers Club

Dallas Buyers Club is an engrossing and thought-provoking drama with great performances from its cast.

In Dallas, 1985, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof is diagnosed with HIV. Given only a short time to live, Ron is desperate to get his hands on new medication that is in the testing stage. When this proves difficult to obtain, Ron takes matters into his own hands…

Based on real events, Jean-Marc Valleé’s Dallas Buyers Club illustrates an important but little-known struggle in the history of Aids treatment. However the triumph of Dallas Buyers Club is its character study.

At its core, Dallas Buyers Club is a characters study of protagonist Ron Woodroof. What makes the film absorbing is the fact that the character is multi-faceted and believable. Viewers are invited to sympathise with the character given his diagnosis, yet also be troubled by the views he espouses. Woodroof exudes charm in some contexts, whilst also being painted as the frustrated victim.

Writers Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack paint their characters and circumstances in realistic hues. In the background there is the political story of access Aids patients had to treatment in the 1980s, and the FDA procedures. As Dallas Buyers Club progresses, there is a shift in emphasis on the political. This works reasonably well as the protagonist is still at the heart of the action and the historical context provides food for thought.

Matthew McConaughey offers perhaps the strongest performance of his career as Ron Woodroof. Although the physical transformation is eye-catching, McConaughey delivers a comprehensively convincing performance. Jared Leto is also utterly superb as Rayon, with the physical transformation again being matched with a truly authentic portrayal. Jennifer Garner provides good support as Eve.

Given its subject matter, Dallas Buyers Club could have easily descended into cliched sentimentality. Instead, director Valleé keeps the tone steady. Dallas Buyers Club is a better film for it.

Film Review: The Odd Life of Timothy Green

The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a sickly sweet fantasy that requires a healthy suspension of disbelief.

Cindy and Jim Green long for a child. After receiving bad news from a fertility doctor, the couple discuss the traits they would want their child to have and bury those wishes in a box. Something unexpected occurs during a storm later that night…

It is difficult to take a film like The Odd Life of Timothy Green seriously. This is because the incidents that occur are so far removed from reality that the film lacks any sense of verisimilitude. Despite being set in contemporary small town with a mostly regular cast, the premise of the film is most incredulous.

Nevertheless, this is not to say that The Odd Life of Timothy Green is boring. The film should prove sufficiently entertaining for a family audience.  It may leave viewer slightly bemused, but Peter Hedges’ film does its best to entertain. There are some flaws, however. After the initial set up, the narrative is a bit predictable. Cindy and Jim Green come across badly at the beginning, although they become more endearing as the film progresses. Finally, there are some lines of dialogue that are ridiculous, but this adds to the overall experience and will amuse those viewers struggling to take the film seriously.

Joel Edgerton is decent as Jim Green. Both Jennifer Garner and Dianne Wiest are adequate. The Odd Life of Timothy Green was never going to be a highlight on any of their resumes. CJ Adams offers a good performance as Timothy. He has an appealing quality which is most necessary for this role.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green will not be for everyone. The premise and style of the movie certainly narrow its appeal. Nevertheless, viewers who take a punt are unlikely to be bored.

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.