Previews: Logan Lucky Trailer, Stronger, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Logan Lucky trailer, My Little Pony: The Movie, Stronger and more…

Logan Lucky Trailer

Here is the new Logan Lucky trailer. The films sees director Steven Soderbergh teaming up with Channing Tatum once again for this new action comedy. Tatum is joined by an enviable cast that includes Adam Driver, Katie Holmes, and Daniel Craig. Logan Lucky will hit UK cinemas on 25th August 2017.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle Trailer

Here is the brand new trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film is set in the same world as the 1995 film, albeit updated to be a video game rather than a board game. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in December 2017.

My Little Pony: The Movie Trailer

Will this new film be as good as 1986’s My Little Pony: The Movie? Only time will tell. After Hasbro re-launched the toy and media franchise in 2010, a new new movie seemed inevitable. This new film features an all-star voice cast, including Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoworth, Live Schreiber, and Taye Diggs. My Little Pony: The Movie arrives on UK screens on 20th October 2017.

The Greatest Showman Trailer

The Greatest Showman is a new original musical. The film is inspired by P.T. Barnum, and celebrates the birth of show business. Hugh Jackman headlines, and is joined by Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The Greatest Showman is set for release in UK cinemas on 1st January 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Poster

Here is the latest poster for Annabelle: Creation, which emphasises the creepiness of the doll. The film is a prequel, and details how the doll was brought to life originally. This latest horror is directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out). Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on  11th August 2017.

The Dark Tower Featurette

This new featurette for The Dark Tower reveals a bit more about the main character in the film. Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey star in the film, based on Stephen King’s novel. The Dark Tower is out in cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Stronger Trailer

Here is the trailer for drama Stronger. The film is based on the true story of the Boston man  whose iconic photo from the 2013 Boston marathon bombing was broadcast throughout the world. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Masley, and Miranda Richardson. Stronger will be released later this year.

Film Review: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

With the intention of increasing night light sales, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark offers the traits of a vintage horror. In terms of creepiness, the film is pretty effective.

Sally is a young girl who is sent to live with her father and his partner in New England. Architect Alex and interior designer Kim intend to renovate the house they are working on. The property gives Sally ample opportunity to explore. However, it appears that Sally is not alone when she hears voices calling her name…

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is effective on a creepy level, rather than being all out terrifying. There are some jumpy moments in Troy Nixey’s film, but less so than a film such as Insidious. Instead, Don’t Be Afraid takes a different tact, opting for a more subtle, unsettled feel.

Loosely based on the 1973 television movie of the same name, Don’t Be Afraid features a screenplay by Guillermo del Toro and Matthew Robbins. The film treads a rather familiar narrative path; featuring a child who sees supernatural things while the adults think it is all in her mind. Nevertheless, the film does not head entirely in the direction one may think; there are a few small surprises.

Much of the film is concerned with Sally; the audience is often made to identify with her with the choice of camera angles. In this way Don’t Be Afraid is most effective. Viewers should be able to empathise with the fear felt by the little girl, as well as her frustration when no one believes her. The sequences that take place in Sally’s bedroom are particularly persuasive in conveying the childlike terror that the film preys upon.

Despite some scares, Don’t Be Afraid does not tap into childhood fears and anxieties quite as Joe Dante’s The Hole. Dante’s film had a power and effectiveness that is missing from Nixey’s production. However, the special effects in Don’t Be Afraid are excellent, and the location, set and lighting combine well to create an atmospheric film.

Bailee Madison is excellent as Sally. Her performance is integral to the success of the film, and she does a fantastic job. Katie Holmes is also good as Kim. Guy Pearce, meanwhile, does not get to show much range as Alex, which is a shame as he is such a talented actor.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark may disappoint those looking to be petrified, but it works well on a more subtle level.