Previews: Rambo: Last Blood Trailer, Ad Astra, More!

An abundance of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Rambo: Last Blood trailer, Ad Astra, Marriage Story, and more…

Rambo: Last Blood Trailer

Here is the latest Rambo: Last Blood trailer. Sylvester Stallone returns as iconic action hero John Rambo. The film, purportedly the last in the series which began in 1982, sees Rambo confront his past and exact revenge on one final mission. Directed by Adrian Grunberg, Rambo: Last Blood will be released in UK cinemas on 19th September 2019.

Ad Astra Trailer

Above is the new trailer for Ad Astra. Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, and Ruth Negga, the film is about an astronaut who is sent to the outer edges of the solar system. The film’s success may be the bellwether for the direction that Disney takes 20th Century Fox, after some box office failures. Ad Astra will hit UK screens on 18th September 2019.

Marriage Story Poster

The first poster and teaser trailers for Noah Baumbach‘s Marriage Story are here. The film is about the breakup of a marriage and the impact on family. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver lead the cast, which includes Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta. Marriage Story will be released in selected cinemas and on Netflix this Autumn.

Underwater Trailer

Underwater is a new disaster movie about a group of underwater researchers who must scramble to safety after an earthquake hits their subterranean station. The cast is lead by Kristen Stewart, and also includes T.J. Miller and Vincent Cassel. Underwater is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 10th January 2020.

Stardust First Look

Here is the very first image from the upcoming Stardust. The film is about a young David Bowie, who is about to embark on his first road trip to America. Johnny Flynn stars as Bowie, and is joined by Jena Malone and Marc Maron. Stardust does not yet have a release date.

Film Review: JT LeRoy

Based on a true story, JT LeRoy offers a great hook and solid performances. For a story this interesting however, the film does lack vivacity. 

Laura pens a bestselling novel under the pseudonym JT LeRoy. When she is asked to do publicity for the book, Laura enlists her sister-in-law Savannah to take on the imaginary persona…

Directed by Justin Kelly, based on the screenplay by Kelly and Savannah Knoop herself, JT LeRoy offers quite the premise. It is a real stranger-than-fiction plot; a simple deception of an author’s identity gets out of hand  as her book grows in popularity. Similar themes to Marielle Heller’s Can You Ever Forgive Me? are present, although this film lacks the memorability of Heller’s film. 

The theme of identity is obviously key. Nevertheless, the focus on being heard, and reluctance of Savannah, come into play after the first third.  The voiceovers early on give a good feel for the source material. 

The change in the main characters’ demeanours is portrayed well. Pulling the focus from Laura to Savannah functions to give the JT LeRoy a more somber tone. After the deception comes out, Laura is given more attention once more. The difference in the way the two women deal with it again highlight their distinct personalities. 

Savannah’s relationship with Sean is not really developed to begin with. In the context of Savannah’s deception, this relationship functions merely to illustrate her mindset. This is not wholly a bad thing, JT LeRoy gives an insight into why she would take part in such a deception. Nevertheless, the relationship is not fleshed out sufficiently. 

The Paris scenes create tension well. Kelly knows when to use music and when to hold back. The film loses a bit of momentum in the middle third. It loses pep of first third, but is a thoughtful centre. The final third sees the deception unravel. 

Laura Dern is a ball of energy, really driving the film along. An understated Kristen Stewart is a good contrast to her. Diane Krueger is also good in a small role, while Jim Sturgess is not given a lot to do. Costumes and styling are good, as is the editing. 

The energy of Hole’s ‘Celebrity Skin’ over the end credits is the energy viewers may have hoped director Justin Kelly would bring to film. JT LeRoy is more pensive. This really works at times, although it can leave the film feeling a little flat. 

JT LeRoy is out in cinemas and on Digital HD on 16th August 2019.

Previews: Queen & Slim, The Irishman, more!

Lots of tantalising clips in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Queen & Slim trailer, The Irishman, JT LeRoy, and more…

Queen & Slim Trailer

https://youtu.be/R82DFWgHnFU

Here is the brand new Queen & Slim trailer. The trailer gives allusions of Bonnie and Clyde and Thelma & Louise with its couple on the run premise, albeit with a very contemporary edge. The film is written by Lena Waithe, and directed by Melina Matsoukas. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, Queen & Slim is coming soon to cinemas.

The Irishman Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS5JKhhvDv8

Finally the trailer for one of the year’s most anticipated films is here. The Irishman sees Martin Scorsese re-team with Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel. Additions to the cast include Al Pacino, Bobby Cannavale, and Anna Paquin. Written by Steve Zalillian, The Irishman is about a hitman who worked alongside some of the 20th century’s most notorious figures. The Irishman will be released in select UK cinemas and on Netflix this Autumn.

JT LeRoy Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmucwySv06I

JT LeRoy tells the story of one of the literary world’s most infamous hoaxes. The film stars Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Diane Kruger, and Jim Sturgess. Directed by Justin Kelly, JT LeRoy will be released in cinemas and on Digital HD on 16th August 2019.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLzomwuCv78

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood feels like the kind of film we need about now. The film is about Mister Rogers and his friendship with journalist Tom Junod. Directed by Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), the film stars Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys. A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood is set for release in UK cinemas on 6th December 2019.

Zombieland: Double Tap Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoJt6_SDebs

Here is the trailer for Zombieland: Double Tap. A belated sequel to the 2009 hit Zombieland, the film sees director Ruben Fleischer reunite with stars Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg, and Abigail Breslin. Zombieland: Double Tap hits UK screens on 18th October 2019.

Film Review: Personal Shopper

Olivier Assayas’ mystery drama Personal Shopper is strange, ponderous and frequently compelling.

Maureen is a personal shopper to a wealthy client, and well as a medium. Maureen wishes to stay in Paris as she is waiting for a message from beyond the grave from her twin brother…

Personal Shopper mixes mystery, drama, and suspense to create a memorable film. There is an air of mystery exudes throughout film. The film is not really a typical ghost story, and works all the better for offering an un-formulaic approach. Writer-director Olivier Assayas astutely transforms the focus of this mystery as film progresses. There is a theme of duality that permeates the film. Most obviously, the protagonist is a twin. However, there is the dual sense of mystery; the spirit contact and the very modern text contact. Furthermore, there is also duality of a very superficial lifestyle depicted through Maureen’s job, and the spirituality of her preoccupation.

Protagonist  Maureen is well written, and effectively conveyed. She is a lost soul; the feeling of waiting is both overtly mentioned as well as present in the film’s subtext. The film keeps other characters on the periphery. This is a smart move, as their motivations remain necessarily ambiguous. Viewers may guess who is contacting Maureen, but this does not spoil the enjoyment of mystery as the narrative unfolds. The finale of film feels fitting, exemplifying the theme that has been bubbling to the surface for some time.

Sound design in the film is great. The supernatural elements are rationed; the less is more approach works well. Kristen Stewart has made some interesting choices post-Twilight with Camp X-Ray, The Runaways and others. Personal Shopper continues this run. Stewart’s performance becomes more convincing as film progresses.

Personal Shopper is an unconventional film which offers a light touch tackling the supernatural. An enjoyable watch, and one of Kristen Stewart’s best performances so far.

Film Review: Certain Women

 

Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women is a series of character portraits, with some being more absorbing than others. When it connects, the film is engaging and stimulating.

Laura, a lawyer, must deal with a client who refuses to face reality. A husband and wife are building a new home in a remote location. A ranch hand forms a friendship with a lawyer who is teaching an adult education class…

Director Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women is comprised of three stories that take place in Montana. There are loose threads that link these tales, but they function as three separate chapters. Reichardt offers character portraits of different women in the same state, at different times in their lives. The first and third sections are the most interesting. The middle chapter sags a little, with neither a compelling protagonist nor narrative.

The first chapter almost immediately reveals a female struggle. The film requests empathy for Laura, in the way her advice is heeded by her client (compared that of a male lawyer). The film moves beyond this to a portrait of an authentic protagonist, with a tense episode. Although the focus is on women in Reichart’s film, the male characters are given sufficient depth. The second chapter also feels natural, yet the activity here does not grip. Events unfold slowly, revealing detail about the couple at the centre. Yet, this chapter is the weakest of the three; it simply feels that not much is said here. The third chapter is wonderful for its depiction of a burgeoning adoration. The relationship between Elizabeth and the unnamed rancher is sweet, and leads to a tense climax. The beauty of Certain Women is its authentic characters.

Laura Dern delivers a solid performance as Laura. Michelle Williams is decent, but would have benefitted from a meatier role. Both Kirsten Stewart and Lily Gladstone are great in the final chapter. Christopher Blauvelt’s cinematography captures the beauty of the landscape.

When it works, Certain Women is a beautifully rendered film. A stronger second chapter would have elevated the film immensely.

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.

Previews: Baywatch Poster, Logan, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including a moving Baywatch poster, The Eyes of My Mother, A Cure for Wellness, and more…

Baywatch Poster

Zac Efron promotes his new film in this moving Baywatch poster. The film, based on the 1990s television show, the film stars Efron, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario. Baywatch hits the big screen on 31st May 2017.

The Eyes of My Mother

Gothic horror The Eyes of My Mother looks intriguing. The directorial debut of Nicolas Pesce, the film is about a young women whose dark curiosities are triggered following a tragedy in her life. Starring Kika Magalhaes, Will Brill, and Clara Wong, The Eyes of My Mother will be released in UK cinemas on 24th march 2017.

A Cure for Wellness Clip

A Cure for Wellness looks rather creepy, if the above clip is anything to go by. The film stars Dane DeHaan as a young executive sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from a remote wellness centre. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film also stars Oscar Isaacs and Mia Goth. A Cure for Wellness will hit UK cinemas on 24th February 2017.

Certain Women Poster

Following Meek’s Cutoff and Night Moves, director Kelly Reichardt’s latest film is Certain Women. The film stars Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart as three women trying to forge there own paths in the plains of the American Northwest. Certain Women is out at UK cinemas on 3rd March 2017.

The Great Wall Featurette

Matt Damon describes The Great Wall as a “full-on battle monster movie” in the above featurette. He also speaks about his character, and the plot of the film. The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, and Willem Dafoe. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the film is out at UK cinemas on 17th February 2017.

Logan Trailer

Wolverine has turned babysitter in this latest X-Men movie. The film sees Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart reprise their roles in a dystopian road movie. James Mangold directs, and the film also stars Dafne Keen. Logan launches onto UK screens on 1st March 2017.

Beauty and the Beast Poster

Emma Watson looks very much the part of Belle in this latest Beauty and the Beast poster. From the images and clips revealed so far, this live-action remake is keeping the visual style of the original animated film. Also starring Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, and Ian McKellan, Beauty and the Beast is out on UK screens on 17th March 2017.

City of Tiny Lights Trailer

City of Tiny Lights very much evokes the look and feel of a neo-noir of decades past. Liz Ahmed stars as a deadbeat private eye whose services are engaged by a high-class prostitute. Also starring Billie Piper, City of Tiny Lights will be released in UK cinemas on 7th April 2017.

Previews: Blade Runner 2049 trailer, Dunkirk, More!

Previews of upcoming attractions include the new Blade Runner 2049 trailer, John Wick: Chapter Two, The White King, and more…

Blade Runner 2049 Trailer

Here is the first Blade Runner 2049 trailer. The film sees the return of Harrison Ford as Dekard. He is joined by Ryan Gosling, who plays a new blade runner. Set thirty years after the events of the original film, Blade Runner 2049 is set for release on 6th October 2017.

John Wick: Chapter Two Trailer

Following the success of 2014’s John Wick, sequel John Wick: Chapter Two is coming next year. Keanu Reeves returns as the title character, and is joined by Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, and Common. John Wick: Chapter Two will be released in UK cinemas on 17th February 2017.

Personal Shopper Trailer

After screening at a number of film festivals this year, Oliver Assayas’ Personal Shopper gets a UK cinema release next year. The film stars Kirsten Stewart as a personal shopper and a spiritual medium who tries to make contact with a deceased relative. Personal Shopper will be released in cinemas on 17th March 2017.

Jackie Poster

Here is the poster for Jackie. The film stars Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, and focuses on the assassination and aftermath as seen through her eyes. With awards buzz around the central performance, Jackie will be released in UK cinemas on 20th January 2017.

The White King Clip

Based on the novel of the same name, The White King is a dystopian drama set during a fictitious dictatorship. The film stars Jonathan Pryce, Agyness Deyn, and Olivia Williams as this creepy robot. The White King will be released in UK cinemas on 27th January 2017, and on DVD on 30th January.

Dunkirk Trailer

Here is the first proper look at Dunkirk. Director Christopher Nolan has fared well with science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and comic book movies, and now turns his hand to the war film. The film stars Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, and Cillian Murphy. Dunkirk will be released in 2017.

Previews: Star Trek Beyond Featurette, Cafe Society and More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions includes a new Star Trek Beyond featurette, Cafe Society, La La Land and more…

Star Trek Beyond Featurette

This new Star Trek Beyond featurette introduces a new character to the franchise, Jaylah. Played by Sofia Boutella, Jaylah is introduced as an ally of Scotty, played by the film’s co-writer Simon Pegg. Justin Lin directs the latest instalment of the series, with J.J. Abrams on board as a producer. Star Trek Beyond hits UK screens on 22nd July 2016.

Cafe Society Trailer

After its debut at Cannes, Woody Allen’s latest feature Cafe Society gets a UK release date. The film is set New York and Hollywood in the 1930s; a perfect backdrop for star Blake Lively’s classic Hollywood glamour. Also starring Jesse Eisenberg, Steve Carrell and Kristen Stewart, Cafe Society arrives in UK cinemas on 2nd September 2016.

La La Land Trailer

Here is the first trailer for La La Land. The film has a lot going for it; it is the follow-up from director Damien Chazelle after his brilliant Whiplash. It also reunites Ryan Gosling with Emma Stone after Crazy, Stupid, Love and Gangster Squad. The pair star as a musician and an aspiring actress who fall in love in Los Angeles. La La Land will be released in early 2017.

Finding Dory Featurette

This featurette for the upcoming Finding Dory reveals the background to the sequel. A follow-up to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory concentrates on Marlin’s sidekick, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres. The film hits UK screens on 29th July 2016.

The Shallows Featurette

Will this be as tense as Jaws? There certainly have been some memorable shark films, so it will be interesting to see how The Shallows measures up. Blake Lively discusses her character in this featurette, which includes footage from the film. The Shallows slinks into UK cinemas on 12th August 2016.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Clip

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a comedy featuring Zac Efron and Adam Devine. After putting an online ad for dates to their sister’s wedding, the brothers get more than they bargained for with Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is out in cinemas on 10th August 2016.

Power Rangers Poster

Here is one of the latest posters for upcoming film Power Rangers. I never watched the show, so I don’t have the “stop remaking everything” attitude to this. The film’s cast includes Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Banks, and Naomi Scott (pictured above). Power Rangers is scheduled for release next year.

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.