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: Hail, Caesar!

Joel and Ethan Coen’s comedy Hail, Caesar! is a delightful watch. The filmmakers pay homage to the Hollywood studio system while also lampooning it.

Eddie Mannix is a studio fixer. Eddie has to contend with any number of issues that may arise with the studio’s roster of stars. When a famous movie star disappears, Eddie has one more problem to fix…

Writers and directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s Hail, Caesar! blends different aspects of the Hollywood studio system to create a comedy with a healthy dose of mystery. The film focuses on the central character of the studio fixer. This works well as a narrative device to include various minor storylines. Smaller characters are weaved into Eddie’s day. The central plot of Baird’s disappearance proves interesting in that it retains a sense of mystery for a significant duration. Devices are used to retain this mystery in Hail, Caesar!, even when certain aspects of this story are revealed.

The Coen brothers playfully poke fun at various aspects of classical Hollywood. This ranges from the archetypal on screen action to the gossip and the backstage going ons. Some the the sequences in Hail, Caesar! are very tongue in cheek; viewers should lap these up. There are also some very well written exchanges. The film depicts a marked difference between classic and contemporary Hollywood. Studios no longer retain quite the control they did, although the marketing of stars is still very recognisable.

Sets and costumes in Hail, Caesar! are luscious. Costume designer Mary Zophres really captures the look of the era. Roger Deakins’ cinematography is as wonderful as ever. Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes and George Clooney offer good performances. Alden Ehrenreich does well among more established actors. Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson are decent in minor roles.

Hail, Caesar! is a must see for fans of films about the film industry. Other viewers will find the film most entertaining.

Previews: The Conjuring 2 trailer, The Jungle Book and more!

The first of the film previews for 2016, including The Conjuring 2 trailer, the latest poster for The Jungle Book and more…

The Conjuring 2 Trailer

The Conjuring 2 trailer promises more of the same from horror director James Wan. The follow-up to 2013’s The Conjuring sees Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as ghost hunters Lorraine and Ed Warren. With the action shifting to 1977 for the Enfield haunting, The Conjuring 2 will hit the big screen on 17th June 2016.

The Jungle Book Poster

Here is the latest poster for The Jungle Book. Jon Favreau directs the live action adaption of the famous tale. The film features an enviable voice cast which includes Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson. Newcomer Neel Sethi stars as young Mowgli. No word yet on whether there will be songs. The Jungle Book is set for release on 15th April 2016.

The Forest Trailer

The Forest is horror movie set in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest. The film stars Natalie Dormer as an American who travels to Japan to track down her missing twin sister. Also starring Tyler Kinney, The Forest will be released in UK cinemas on 26th February 2016.

Hail, Cesar! Poster

Hail, Cesar! is the new comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen. Set during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the film concentrates on a day in the life of a studio fixer. Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton feature among the film’s stellar cast. A must see for those who love films about filmmaking, Hail, Cesar! hits UK cinemas on 4th March 2016.

Previews: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Bridge of Spies and More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions including the full Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, a clip from Bridge of Spies and more…

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer

Here it is. The Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer has already set the internet ablaze since its release a matter of hours ago. People are reminiscing over their childhood, ticket sales are going crazy; it is pretty much the biggest news of the day. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released in cinemas on 17th December 2015.

Bridge of Spies Clip

 

Tom Hanks stars as an insurance claims lawyer who finds himself thrust into the centre of the Cold War in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies. The above clip shows Hanks’ character as he gets ready for his trip abroad. Bridge of Spies hits UK screens on 27th November 2015.

The 33 Featurette

The 33 is about the story of the Chilean miners who were trapped underground in 2010. This featurette sees the cast and crew of the new movie discussing the event, and their thoughts behind the film. Starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche, The 33 is set for release on 29th January 2016.

Joy Trailer

Writer-director David O. Russell re-teams with Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper for Joy. The film is about a family across four generations, and centres on a young woman who founds a business dynasty. Joy is scheduled for release in January 2016.

Hail, Caesar! Trailer

The Coen Brothers’ latest is Hail, Caesar!, a comedy set during Hollywood’s Golden Age. The film follows Josh Brolin’s studio fixer Eddie Mannix, who encounters plenty of problems with the studio’s stars. With an enviable cast that includes George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and Tilda Swinton, Hail, Caesar! will hit the big screen on 26th February 2016.

Stuff To Look At

This week we have plenty of clips and trailers for next year’s releases, including Inherent Vice, Jupiter Ascending and A Little Chaos…

A Little Chaos

Period drama A Little Chaos is about the unlikely landscape architect of the Palace of Versailles. Directed, co-writtend and starring Alan Rickman, the film focuses on Kate Winslet’s Madame Sabine de Barra. A Little Chaos is out in cinemas on 17th April 2015.

Inherent Vice

Here is a brief clip from the upcoming Inherent Vice. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, and Reese Witherspoon among others. Inherent Vice is released in UK cinemas on 30th January 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road

This Mad Max: Fury Road trailer caused quite a storm when it was unleashed last week. From the trailer at least, the film is striking on a visual level. Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult, Mad Max: Fury Road hits the big screen on 15th May 2015.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2

Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry and Clark Duke return for time-travelling comedy sequel Hot Tub Time Machine 2. After the success of the first film, the group venture into the future, as well as the distant past in this instalment. Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is released in UK cinemas on 10th April 2015.

Jupiter Ascending

Here is an extended V spot for upcoming science fiction blockbuster Jupiter Ascending. I can’t get over Channing Tatum’s ears. Also starring Mila Kunis and Eddie Redmayne, Jupiter Ascending hits UK screens on 6th February 2015.

The Last Five Years

Based on the theatre show, The Last Five Years is a musical which tells the story of a five-year relationship. Anna Kendrick once again shows off her vocal skills, following Pitch Perfect and the upcoming Into The Woods. The Last Five Years is scheduled for release in Spring 2015.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Sequel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sees the cast from the first film reunited, along with newcomer Richard Gere. This follow-up sees Dev Patel’s Sonny open a second hotel. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is set for release on 26th February 2015.

Stuff To Look At

This week, a look at the most eagerly-anticpated movies coming out in the next few months or next year, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Birdman, and Into The Woods…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

The week’s most talked about trailer sees a first look at the highly-anticpated Avengers: Age of Ultron. From this initial footage, the film appears less humorous than its wildly successful predecessor Avengers Assemble. We will find out whether this is the case or not when Avengers: Age of Ultron is released in April 2015.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Here is one of the new TV spots for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. Things are heating up in the franchise, with Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss fights to save a nation and her friends. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 will hit the big screen on 20th November 2014.

Birdman

I cannot wait for this one. Black comedy Birdman features a stellar cast, headed by the wonderful Michael Keaton starring as a washed-up Hollywood actor who once played a superhero. Birdman, which is receiving an abundance of praise so far, is released in UK cinemas on 2nd January 2014.

The Drop

The Drop features the final performance from the late James Gandolfini. It also features Tom Hardy and a puppy, as illustrated above. No word on how integral a role the adorable puppy plays in the rest of the film. The Drop will be released in cinemas on 14th November 2014.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

What’s happened to Gandalf?! Here is one of the latest images from the upcoming The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The final part of The Hobbit series, I am really hoping the film features Gollum. Everything needs more Gollum. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will open on 12th December 2014.

Inherent Vice

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice features an amazing cast and a fantastic trailer. Adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s novel, the film’s cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin and Owen Wilson. Inherent Vice is set for release on 30th January 2015.

Interstellar

The more I see of Interstellar, the more interesting it looks. Christopher Nolan directs Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway in his stab at space exploration. Interstellar lands in cinemas on 7th November 2014.

Into The Woods

Disney and fairy tales are like… two things that go very well together. Leading on from a new look at Into The Woods earlier this week, here is an image from the film. Starring Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt, musical Into The Woods is set for release on 9th January 2015.

Big Eyes

Tim Burton’s latest effort appears to mark a departure from his more recent films. For one, Johnny Depp is nowhere to be seen. Big Eyes seems more reminiscent of Big Fish than more recent films, and that is definitely a good thing. Starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, Big Eyes is set for release in the UK on 26th December 2014.

The Theory of Everything

Here is a clip from upcoming Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything. Starring Eddie Redmayne as the young physicist and Felicity Jones as Jane Wilde, the arts student he feel in love with at Cambridge, The Theory of Everything is released in UK cinemas on 1st January 2014.

Film Review: Labor Day

Jason Reitman’s Labor Day is a finely executed drama, and compelling viewing.

Depressed single mother Adele lives with her teenage son Henry. When a stranger asks for a ride from the supermarket, Adele acquiesces to his request, little realising he is an escaped convict…

Labor Day is a superb drama that delivers a fascinating story, well drawn characters, and moments of genuine emotion, warmth and tension.

Reitman’s screenplay, based on the novel by James Maynard’s novel, ticks along wonderfully. The narrative intersperses action over a holiday weekend with flashbacks. This works well to slowly reveal more about the two protagonist as the audience are invited to get to know them. The narration from Henry’s point of view works well to paint a picture of both an overview of the situation in relation to his mother and his feelings towards Frank and his mother.

The relationships between the characters develop at a suitable pace. The majority of the action takes place over a holiday weekend, yet the increasing feelings between the characters never feels rushed. Labor Day has moments of sweetness and warmth. These never stray into an over-sentimental territory, thanks to Reitman’s writing and directing skills.

Cinematography in Labor Day is memorable. There is a hazy quality to the film which is in keeping with the recollective nature of the film. There is a sweltering atmosphere that is effectively conveyed through cinematography and art direction.

Performances in Labor Day are superb. Kate Winslet is very believable as Adele; the shaky, unconfident quality to her performance endears her more to viewers. Josh Brolin is also great, while Gattlin Griffith is perfectly cast and shines as Henry.

Labor Day is an admirable that reinforces Jason Reitman’s place as a great director and screenwriter.

Labour Day is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2013.

Film Review: Gangster Squad

Gangster Squad is an entertaining but flawed gangster film. Despite some inconsistencies the film is enjoyable.

In the Los Angeles of 1949 Sgt. John O’Mara is a rare honest cop in a city rife with corruption. With mafia boss Mickey Cohen holding influence in all levels of authority, O’Mara must work covertly with a small group of officers in order to smash his operation…

Gangster Squad is a by the numbers gangster feature with the requisite action, crime and corruption. At the very beginning it seems as if the film is aiming for a noir approach but this is quickly dispelled. Instead it is a more straightforward gangster picture.

The plot, a violent game of cat and mouse, throws up few surprises. The mood of the film is the aspect that may raise eyebrows. At various points the film is humorous, a take on the traditional gangster movie and a serious action film. It is most fun when it takes on the former two personas. The latter, in the final third, is less enjoyable.

Violence in the film is frequent. The dominant message appears to be only violence get beat violence. This is addressed explicitly in the film, but a satisfactory response is never ascertained. There is no more nuanced a message than honest cops are the good guys.

The costumes and sets are great. It is a pity that the camera work does not quite match this aesthetic. The slow motion is unnecessary. If the entire film was comic-like this may have worked. The dialogue is at times pithy, but can descend into delusions of grandeur in the more serious moments. Performances are good overall. Josh Brolin is well cast as honest cop O’Mara while Gosling offers the best delivery. Anthony Mackie is underused as ever, while Sean Penn has fun with his caricature role.

Gangster Squad is never a chore. It is fun and entertaining in spite of some flaws.

Trailer Round-Up

This week is all about the The Expendables 2. Well, not really but the trailer was released this week. Gangster Squad, Brave and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter also feature in this round-up.

The Expendables 2

This film looks amazing. I was one of the people who quite liked the The Expendables, so I am looking forward to this sequel. The Expendables 2 features more of Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Chris Hemsworth, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. Let’s hope the film matches this stellar action cast. The Expedendables 2 is out on 17th August 2012.

Gangster Squad

Gangster Squad is the new film from director Ruben Fleischer. Starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling, the film tells the story of the LAPD’s battle with gangsters in the late 1949. The film is being distributed by Warner Bros, who were famed for the gangster movies in the 1930s. Hopefully Gangster Squad will bring back some of that magic. The film is released on 9th November 2012 in the UK.

Brave

Here is an amusing little video to promote Disney’s Brave. The Scottish theme is really being played up in the film’s publicity. Brave will be out in the UK on 17th August 2012, although cinemagoers in Scotland will be able to see the film two weeks before this. Brave will premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival in June, so expect to hear more about the film around that time.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Above is a short featurette about Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. The film’s UK release date has been brought forward; the film will now open on 20th June 2012, bringing it in line with the US release. Given the premise of the film, it should be a lot of fun to watch Lincoln fight vampires in 3D.

Film Review: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Admirers of Oliver Stone’s 1987 classic Wall Street were surely intrigued when news of a sequel first broke. Although the film begins well, it loses its way; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps does not come close to matching the overall quality of its predecessor.

A number of years after he is released from prison, Gordon Gekko is on the book promotion circuit. Jake Moore is going out with Gekko’s estranged daughter Winnie, and attends one of Gekko’s lectures to introduce himself. Jake needs help with his career, so Gekko uses this to enlist the young trader’s help in reuniting him with his daughter…

A sequel to Wall Street seems particularly timely given the economic turmoil of recent years. Given that the film is set in 2008, it would appear that writers Allan Loeb and Stephen Schiff aimed to capitalise on the distrust felt towards the finance sector. The film is successful in one regard; with a backdrop of the economic crisis with a company modelled on Lehman Brothers, it easy to follow the parallels. Nevertheless, despite the possibilities offered by this setting, the filmmakers chose to refrain from more hard-hitting commentary to focus on the personal story. In another film this may not have been an issue, but it all feels like it has done before in this sequel.

Jake is much like Bud Fox in the original film. A young up-and-comer, just like Bud, Gekko takes Jake under his wing. Again, Jake is warned against this, but decides to trust in Gekko’s wealth of experience instead. Jake is hotheaded and quite an interesting character to watch, but is just too similar to Bud.

Gordon Gekko is one of the most memorable characters in cinema of the last thirty years. In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, however, is character flip-flops so many times it really is a betrayal of the persona built by the first film. At certain times his actions become predictable, while at other times they appear irrational in the context.

Michael Douglas is on good form as Gekko; it is just a pity the script does not live up to expectation. Shia LaBeouf gives a decent performance in a role that doesn’t really stretch his capabilities. Carey Mulligan doesn’t shine as Winnie, but in her defense the character is pretty doltish. Josh Brolin meanwhile brings some much needed gravitas as Bretton James.

The visual aesthetic is almost faultless, with some really intriguing cinematography. Likewise, the sound is great, combining the score with a splendid use of well-known tunes. The product placement is a sticking point, however, as the presumably intentional concentration on certain brands is distracting. Stone seemingly wished to make a comment about capitalism, but in this big-budget production there is an air of hypocrisy about it.

An opportunity to bring back a memorable character with hardly a more appropriate backdrop, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps fails to live up to its initial promise. With a better script and a more coherent narrative, the film could have struck gold.