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.

Film Review: Jackpot

Jackpot is a fun Norwegian crime caper that works because of its macabre humour. Not quite as good as Jo Nesbø’s Headhunters, Jackpot is entertaining nevertheless.

When Oscar awakens clutching a shotgun at the scene of a bloody crime, police arrest him and take him in for questioning. As police try to ascertain his guilt, Oscar explains to them that it all started when he and three others won the lottery jackpot…

The blend of humour works well with the violent crime backdrop in Jackpot. Based on Jo Nesbø’s novel, the film carries similar hallmarks to Headhunters, also based on the author’s work. Most notable of these is the combination of violent crime with macabre humour.

The plot of Jackpot is a bit predictable. This does not diminish to greatly from the overall enjoyment factor however. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously; the gore is quickly placated by something oddly humorous. The emphasis is on caper rather than serious and authentic crime.

Perhaps the one drawback of Jackpot is the central character. Oscar is not as engaging as a protagonist should be. There is little to root for, despite the dilemma he finds himself in. Elsewhere, characters are not developed sufficiently. If more effort had gone into this, Jackpot would have been a great film.

The style of the film is reminiscent of other recent mainstream Scandinavian films. Director Magnus Martens brings a light touch, and the film does not feel longer than its brief run time. The use of music is a plus. Given the Christmas setting, a winter release would have been more fitting for the film.

Henrik Mestad performs best as police detective Solør. Mestad is suitably overblown as the detective struggling to figure out the truth. Kyrre Hellum is well cast as Oscar, looking every inch the normal guy stuck in an abnormal situation.

Definitely a fun watch, Jackpot is unlikely to face strong opposition. Nonetheless, it is not a particularly memorable film.

Film Review: Headhunters

Based on Jo Nesbø’s novel, Headhunters is implausible but tremendous fun. Morten Tyldum’s crime thriller is highly recommended.

Roger Brown is a successful headhunter who lives in a swish apartment with his beautiful wife. In order to afford their extravagant lifestyle, Roger steals valuable portraits from clients, replacing them with forgeries. When he meets ex-mercenary Clas Greve at his wife’s art gallery, Roger thinks he has found his next target…

Morten Tyldum directs Headhunters with deftness. Action scenes are suitably frantic, and the film maintains a steady pace throughout. Although Headhunters can be tense at times, there is an underlying irreverence to the film. The action sequences never lose their sense of frivolity, despite a certain brutality to them.

Headhunters is a heady mix of creativity and predictability. There are some highly amusing moments in the film. Most will pick up the clues to see where the ending is going. This is not too much of a detraction, as Tyldum retains the fun factor. The central character Roger is fallible in his insecurities. He appears inferior to nemesis Clas in terms of looks and success; in this way he is more of an every man despite his questionable morals.

Headhunters offers sleek production values and cinematography. Performances are decent all around Aksel Hennie and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are well cast as Roger and Clas; both are sufficiently believable in the roles. Headhunters is recommended fro those who like their thrillers tinged with humour.

Headhunters is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2011.