Previews: The Beguiled Trailer, Baywatch, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest The Beguiled trailer, Baywatch, Alien: Covenant, and more…

The Beguiled Trailer

Here is the latest The Beguiled trailer. The film is from writer-director Sofia Coppola, and is based on the novel of the same name. The novel was made into a film starring Clint Eastwood in 1971. Coppola’s version stars Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning. The Beguiled will be released in UK cinemas on 14th July 2017.

Alien: Covenant Crew Message

The marketing team behind Alien: Covenant are being astute at feeding viewers information before the film is released. Like the earlier clip of the crew socialising, this video reveals a bit more about one of the personalities in advance of the film’s release. Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien: Covenant hits UK screens on 12th May 2017.

Baywatch Poster

Here is the latest Baywatch poster. Based on the beloved nineties television series, the action-comedy stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario. If the original theme isn’t featured heavily in the film, the filmmakers are missing a hell of a trick. Baywatch launches onto UK screens on 29th May 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Quick Peek

Here is a super speedy look at Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The film is a sequel to the 2015 hit Kingsman: The Secret Service, and sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth. They are joined by Julianne Moore, Halle Berry and Channing Tatum. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in September 2017.

American Assassin Trailer

Here is the first trailer for American Assassin. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film is about a CIA Black Ops recruit. It stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch. American Assassin hits UK cinemas on 15th September 2017.

The Red Turtle Trailer

The Red Turtle is the latest Studio Ghibli film. The animated film tells the story of a man shipwrecked on an island inhabited by turtles. The film is the feature debut of director Michael Dudok de WitMichael Dudok de Wit, who is known for his animated shorts. The Red Turtle will be released in cinemas on 26th May 2016.

Previews: Unlocked Trailer, Power Rangers, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Unlocked trailer, The Beguiled, Power Rangers and more…

Unlocked Trailer

Here is the first Unlocked trailer. Noomi Rapace heads a stellar cast that includes Orlando Bloom, Toni Collette, Michael Douglas and John Malkovich. The action-thriller is about a CIA agent who must prevent a biological attack on London. It’s always London. Unlocked hits UK screens on 5th May 2017.

The Beguiled Trailer

Sofia Coppola’s latest film looks thrilling. The Beguiled is set during the Civil War, with a girls’ school in Virginia taking in a wounded Union soldier. The film Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, and Kirsten Dunst. The Beguiled is set for release in UK cinemas on 23rd June 2017.

Headshot Trailer

Headshot is revenge thriller which is all about the action sequences. Starring The Raid‘s Iko Uwais, it’s clear that these scenes are going to be good. Uwais plays an amnesiac struggling to recall his identity before a crime lord murders the only person he trusts. Headshot will be released in UK cinemas and VOD on 3rd March 2017.

Power Rangers Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming movie Power Rangers. Based on the television franchise of the same name, the film stars Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks. From this poster, it is clear the film is hoping to tap into nostalgia. Power Rangers will be out on UK screens on 24th March 2017.

Personal Shopper Trailer

Kristen Stewart plays the lead in Personal Shopper. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film is about a personal shopper to the stars, who is hoping for a message from her deceased twin brother. Personal Shopper is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Trailer

Those watching The LEGO Batman Movie this weekend will see a short for this upcoming The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Based on the toy line, the film features the voices of Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux and Dave Franco. The LEGO Ninjago Movie is set for release on 13th October 2017.

Finding Fatimah Trailer

Finding Fatimah is a new comedy about Shahid, a young Muslim who longs to find a partner.  The only problem is that he is divorced, a big no-no for all the young women he encounters. The film stars Danny Ashok, Asmara Gabrielle, and Nina Wadia. Finding Fatimah is out in UK cinemas on 21st April 2017.

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.

Film Review: On The Road

Walter Salles’ film is a fittingly wistful adaptation of the Jack Kerouac novel. Occasionally feeling its two hour plus duration, On The Road nevertheless works in its ambling style.

Sal Paradise is a struggling young writer. When Dean Moriarty enters his life, Sal is beguiled by his free-spirited way. Embarking in a journey across America with Dean and his girl Marylou, Sal’s life is changed by his friends and others he meets along the way…

The story of On The Road unfolds at its own pace. The film lacks a firm structure, but this is unsurprising given the source material. What makes the film watchable is the great performances and the well executed portrayal of the relationship between the characters. The friendship between Sal and Dean in particular is depicted with a sense of believability. It is easy to see the allure of a character like Dean for Sal, given his rather mundane existence.

Walter Salles does a commendable job in attempting to capture the essence of Kerouac’s work. The  director tries to capture a sense of the Beat Generation; the portrayal of the period at least appears authentic. The problem is that the nature of Kerouac’s novel means that the film meanders. For the most part, the performances are engaging enough to compensate for this. However, on a few occasions the film feels overlong.

There are some beautiful shots in On The Road that capture the variant landscapes. Salles excels in depicting the changing landscapes throughout the journey, giving the audience a really sense of distance covered. The music always seems entirely in keeping with the on screen action.

Garrett Hedlund is fantastic as Dean Moriarity. He really embodies the character, and his performance is often compelling. Sam Riley is also great as Sal. Kristen Stewart is less engaging as Marylou, while Kristen Dunst provides good support as Camille.

On The Road is not flawless, but it does have attributes that make it a worthwhile watch.

Film Review: Melancholia

Melancholia is a heart-wrenchingly acute depiction of depression. Those who are not fully absorbed may find the 136-minute running time a bit much, but most will be hooked by Lars von Trier’s film.

On her wedding day, Justine should be the happiest she has ever been. Instead, she cannot seem to shake her negative feelings. At the same time, her sister Claire is anxious about a planet which is set to narrowly pass by Earth in the coming days…

Lars von Trier’s Melancholia is more satisfying film than his last effort Antichrist. There is a completeness to Melancholia that was missing from the 2009 film. Melancholia is more conventional than its predecessor, and this is definitely a good thing.

Notwithstanding, von Trier hallmarks are apparent throughout the film. This is particularly true of the opening sequence. Although the imagery in this segment is beautiful, there is also a healthy dose of pretension. The slow-motion scene seems a specific trait of the director.

The beauty of Melancholia is its ability to compel viewers to identify with Justine, as well as Michael and Claire. Viewers should be able to empathise with Justine, as well as being able to sympathise with the frustration she causes to Claire and Michael. This bodes well for the second half of the film, which lays more emphasis on older sister Claire.

Melancholia‘s portrayal of depression appears incredibly authentic. What makes it so convincing is its multi-faceted nature. The nature of Justine’s plight is made clear as the first half of the film unfolds. It is difficult not to be moved by her condition. Her pained behaviour seems genuine, and illustrative of what a debilitating illness depression is. Similarly, the array of emotions expressed by Claire are equally convincing. The sympathy, frustration and sorrow Claire feels towards her younger sister exemplify why Melancholia is such a great film.

The film is beautifully shot. Lars von Trier and cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro have done a fantastic job in making the visuals so alluring. There is a good mix of intimate shots and large-scale imagery, and great attention to detail. The effects employed by Melancholia are also good.

Kirsten Dunst offers perhaps her best performance to date as Justine. She is entirely convincing throughout the film. Charlotte Gainsbourg is also great as Claire, while solid support is offered from Alexander Skarsgård, Keifer Sutherland and John Hurt.

Melancholia can be heavy-going, with its sombre subject matter. However, it is an incredibly worthwhile watch.

Melancholia Trailer

http://www.premierpr-online.co.uk/player/player_480x300_no_auto.swf?file=http://www.premierpr-online.co.uk/cinema/me13ia?user=ppr

The cheerfully-titled Melancholia is released in UK cinemas on 30th September 2011. I have been looking forward to seeing the film since it screened at Cannes; you are always promised something interesting from director Lars von Trier, if nothing else. The film features an enviable cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland and Alexander Skarsgård. Check out the new trailer for Melancholia above.