Previews: Oldboy Trailer, Knives Out, More!

A plethora of forthcoming cinematic attractions, including the Oldboy trailer for the 4k re-release, Knives Out, Spies in Disguise and more…

Oldboy Trailer

Here is the new Oldboy trailer. Director Park Chan-wook‘s classic gets a 4k restoration for its upcoming re-release. For those who haven’t seen the 2003 film, it is about an imprisoned businessman who seeks revenge. Oldboy will be released in selected cinemas on 2nd August 2019.

Knives Out Trailer

Here is the trailer for Rian Johnson’s upcoming Knives Out. The murder mystery takes place after a crime novelist is murdered at his estate. The film features an enviable cast that includes Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, and Lakeith Stansfield. Knives Out will hit UK screens soon.

The Art of Dancing in the Rain Poster

Above is the poster for The Art of Dancing in the Rain. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, the film is about a racecar driver and his relationship with his canine best friend. The film stars Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and the voice of Kevin Costner. The Art of Dancing in the Rain will hit UK cinemas on 9th August 2019.

Spies in Disguise Trailer

Spies in Disguise is an adventure comedy about a suave spy who must team up with an awkward scientist. The film features the voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, and Karen Gillan. Spies in Disguise will be coming to UK cinemas soon.

A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Poster

Above is a Stranger Things-inspired poster for the upcoming A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. The film is about an alien who lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, and Shaun’s attempts to shepherd the alien home. A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is set for release in UK cinemas on 18th October 2019.

Film Review: Hidden Figures

Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures is a feel-good film with great performances from its ensemble cast.

In 1961, the United States are in a race with Russia to see who can put a man in space. NASA finds untapped potential in a group of African-American female mathematicians working as human computers. Three of these women play a vital role in the space race…

Hidden Figures tells an important story about the achievements of three women with the odds stacked against them. Based on Margot Lee Sheerly’s book, the film gives worthy recognition to these women and their story. What makes Hidden Figures special is that it is incredibly entertaining, as well as informative.

Melfi’s storytelling makes the film a joy to watch. Hidden Figures first contemporary scene does a succinct job of making viewers aware of the social condition of the era, as well as giving a quick insight in the three main character’s personalities. As the film progresses, Melfi explores each of these characters with sufficient depth, taking place in the overarching narrative of NASA’s mission to put a man in space.

The film combines drama with comedy in a seemingly effortless way. Melfi offers humour throughout, although the film is punctuated by moments of drama and a tense climax. The romance strand is explored just enough, giving an insight into a home life for the extraordinary women. Katherine, Dorothy and Mary are portrayed as talented women who manage to break through an almost overwhelming hierarchy. However, they are each portrayed as characters in their own right, and with enough personal detail. There is an element of the benign father figure to Al Harrison, however this does not detract from the entertainment of the film.

Tara P. Henson delivers strong performance as Katherine Jackson. Octavia Spencer, Kevin Costner, and Kirsten Dunst are also good. It is Janelle Monáe, however, who stands out as Mary. Music by Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams (who also produces), and Benjamin Wallfisch ably sets the tone. Costumes and styling in the film are polished and appealing.

Hidden Figures gives rightful attention to the overlooked contribution of three African-American trailblazers of the 1960s. It tells their stories in a very engaging and warm manner.

Previews: Patriots Day Featurette, Rogue One, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including a Patriots Day featurette, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Silence, and more…

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Featurette

Here is Diego Luna talking about working on the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Luna plays Cassian Andor, a Rebel Alliance officer. The Star Wars spin-off features a stellar cast, including Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Riz Ahmed, and Forest Whitaker. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits UK screens on 15th December 2016.

Patriots Day Featurette

This Patriots Day featurette focuses on J.K. Simmons and the character he plays in the film. Patriots Day is an account of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath that followed. Also starring Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, and Kevin Bacon, Patriots Day is set for release in 2017.

Silence Poster

Martin Scorsese’s latest film Silence revisits some of the themes prevalent in his earlier pictures. Starring Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver as Jesuits priests who visit Japan to locate their mentor. Also starring Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds, Silence will hit UK screens on 1st January 2017.

Fences Trailer

Here is the second trailer for Denzel Washington’s Fences. This one reveals a little more about the plot and the main characters than the first look at the film. Based on August Wilson’s award-winning play, the film also stars Viola Davis and Jovan Adepo. Fences will be released in selected UK cinemas on 10th February 2017, and everywhere from 17th February.

 

Passengers Clip

Here is a brief clip from the upcoming Passengers, which showcases the special effects that the film offers. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, the film is about two passengers on a voyage to a new colony who wake up early in space. Passengers jets into UK cinemas on 21st December 2016.

Power Rangers Image

Here is the first look at Alpha 5 from the upcoming Power Rangers movie. As with other images released from the film, the character looks pretty different from the 1990s TV show.  Alpha 5 is voiced by Bill Hader in the film. Also starring Elizabeth Banks and Bryan Cranston, Power Rangers is scheduled for release on UK screens in 2017.

Hidden Figures Clip

Here is a brief clip from Hidden Figures. It is based on the true story of a group of black women who worked at NASA during the space race of the 1960s. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, and Kevin Costner. Hidden Figures is out in UK cinemas in February 2017.

Previews: Criminal Trailer, Julieta and More!

A host of film-related goodness in this week’s previews, including the Criminal trailer, Julieta, The Purge: Election Year and more…

Criminal Trailer

Here is the new Criminal trailer. The film features an enviable cast that includes Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, and Tommy Lee Jones. Criminal revolves around death-row inmate Costner, who is implanted with the memories and skills of CIA operative Reynolds. The film will hot the big screen on 15th April 2016.

Julieta Trailer

Here is the trailer for Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film Julieta. The film centres on Julieta, a 55-year-old teacher who writes a confessional letter to her estranged adult daughter. The films seems to lack the comedy of Almodóvar’s other recent efforts; it seems a more reflective affair. Julieta is set for release in UK cinemas in August 2016.

Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates

Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates is the latest Zac Efron comedy. The film stars Efrom and Adam Devine as brothers who are required to bring dates to their sister’s wedding. Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick may look the part, but they are after a free trip to Hawaii. Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates is set for release on 12th August 2016.

Our Kind of Traitor Trailer

Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harries star as a British couple who meet a charismatic Russian money launderer on holiday. Based on the John Le Carré novel, the film also stars Stellan Skarsgård and Damian Lewis. Directed by the acclaimed Susanna White, Our Kind of Traitor will be released in cinemas on 6th May 2016.

The Purge: Election Year Trailer

The third instalment of the franchise, The Purge: Election Year sees the return of Frank Grillo’s character. In this film, he must protect a senator who has publicly spoken about her intention to end the annual purge event. The Purge: Election Year bounds onto UK screens on 15th July 2016.

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.

Film Review: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is suitably entertaining action thriller. Nonetheless, it lacks originality and depth.

A former Marine, a young Jack Ryan is headhunted by the CIA. As a covert CIA analyst, Ryan uncovers some unusual stock market activity which leads him on a trail to Moscow…

Many readers and cinemagoers will be familiar with the Jack Ryan character. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit takes him back to the beginning, charting his induction to the CIA and the case which establishes his reputation. The film paints Ryan like a superhero or James Bond figure, and this film is his origins story.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit‘s narrative is by the numbers. There is little inventiveness to distinguish it from other action thrillers. The film lacks complexity; the narrative is too lean to feel substantial. The Russian antagonist is reminiscent of Cold War-era Bond films, and as a result comes across as a bit of a caricature.

There are a number of aspects of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit which are dubious. The film certainly requires a suspension of disbelief. Ryan is extremely adept at the more physically demanding aspects of his role, for example, despite admitting his limited training.

The action sequences are slick thanks to the editing and Kenneth Branagh’s direction. The ending however does lack a little fizz. The film is slick, thanks to its cinematography. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit has a glossy sheen; it is a shame the plotting does not quite match the polished visuals.

Chris Pine is suitably cast as the action hero title character. It is a shame that both he and Kevin Costner are not given meatier roles. Branagh hams it up a little as Cherevin.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is an entertaining (albeit mindlessly) ride. Audiences expecting more substance might be disappointed by the generic thriller.

Stuff To Look At

Film stuffs galore, including the Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit trailer, Machete Kills, Into The Woods and more…

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Here is the first Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit trailer. The release of the trailer comes in the same week as the character’s creator, author Tom Clancy, passed away. Starring Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, and Kenneth Branagh (who also directs), Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is out in UK cinemas on 26th December 2013.

Rio 2

Talking animal alert! Rio 2 features the voices of Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Mann and Jamie Foxx. Blu, Jewel and their three children venture to the Amazon for a family reunion. Rio 2 is due for release in April 2014.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Here is the latest trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. This middle instalment features Orlando Bloom returning as Legolas, but a distinct lack of Gollum in the trailer at least. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is out in UK cinemas on 13th December 2013.

Machete Kills

Machete Kills is the follow up to 2010’s Machete. The film features more outlandish casting (including Charlie Sheen) and a more outlandish plot. Machete Kills hits cinemas on 11th October 2013.

Into The Woods

Well, Meryl Streep looks different. She plays the Witch in the first image released from Into The Woods. Based on the musical of the same name, Into The Woods is an amalgamation of a number of well-known fairy tales. The film also stars Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt and Chris Pine. It is set for a Christmas Day 2014 release in the US.

Frozen

Here is the first full trailer for Disney animation Frozen. With a talking snowman as a sidekick, the film seems perfect for Christmas. Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Idina Menzel provide the voices. Frozen   hits UK screens on 6th December 2013.

Film Review: Man of Steel

Man of Steel is a very entertaining blockbuster. Nevertheless, it does not quite reach the zenith of superhero movies set by The Dark Knight trilogy.

As a young boy, Clark realises that he is not like everyone else. As an adult, he drifts, helping people along the way. Clark is determined to find out where he came from and what his purpose is on Earth…

Man of Steel is an ambitious project, considering the success of the first series of Superman films and the lukewarm reception to Superman Returns. Zack Snyder’s film is a success, but not a masterpiece.

Man of Steel is very much a coming of age story, writ large and fantastic. The narrative concerns itself with the past of the title character, and the present of being on the cusp of discovery. The origins tale is told partly through flashbacks. The dialogue is occasionally cheesy, but this perhaps fits in with Superman as the ultra-American hero.

The two dominant themes in Man of Steel are morality and otherness. The emphasis on choosing the right path and so forth was a strain that ran through the earlier series of films. The focus on Clark as an alien however, seems specific to this film. This is dealt with in as natural way as possible, given the topic.

Hallmarks of director Zack Snyder are present throughout the film. His style is particularly noticeable in the frequent action sequences, which are mostly on a grand scale. The very last action scene is a little overlong, but for the most part these sequences are well executed. There is a heavy use of CGI in the film, but this should not come as a great shock to those familiar with the director’s earlier work. 3D works well in Man of Steel as it is not too overt.

Henry Cavill delivers a solid performance in the title role, and Michael Shannon is as strong as ever. Amy Adams, Diane Lane and Kevin Costner provide good support. Hans Zimmer’s score is a highlight.

Man of Steel is a big improvement on Superman Returns. Snyder’s film entertains for its 143-minute running time, although it is not exactly a peerless blockbuster.