Previews: The Man Who Invented Christmas Trailer, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Man Who Invented Christmas trailer, Phantom Thread, Daddy’s Home 2 and more…

The Man Who Invented Christmas Trailer

Here is the first The Man Who Invented Christmas trailer. The film stars Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens, and tells the story behind the classic A Christmas Carol. Directed by Bharat Nalluri, the film also stars Christopher Plummer, Jonathan Pryce, and Miriam Margolyes. The Man Who Invented Christmas hits UK screens on 1st December 2017.

Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built Trailer

This looks suitably chilling. Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built is inspired by true events, and is about Winchester fortune heiress, who keeps construction going on her house for decades. The film stars Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, and Sarah Snook. Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built is set for release in UK cinemas on 2nd March 2018.

Daddy’s Home 2 Clip

Here is a clip from upcoming comedy sequel Daddy’s Home 2. A follow-up to 2015’s Daddy’s Home, the film sees the return of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg’s characters as they celebrate Christmas. This time, they are joined by their own dads, played by John Lithgow and Mel Gibson. Daddy’s Home 2 is out in UK cinemas on 22nd November 2017, with previews on 18th and 19th November.

Darkest Hour Poster

Here is one of the latest posters for Darkest Hour. Directed by Joe Wright (Pan, Anna Karenina), the film is about the lead up to Britain entering World War II. Gary Oldman is unrecognisable as Winston Churchill. He is joined by Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, and Ben Mendelsohn. Darkest Hour hits UK screens on 12th January 2018.

Phantom Thread Trailer

Here is the trailer for the eagerly anticipated Phantom Thread. The film is the second collaboration between writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson and actor Daniel Day-Lewis. The film is about a fashion designer who falls in love with a young woman, who becomes his  muse. The film also stars Lesley Manville and Vicky Krieps. Phantom Thread is out in UK cinemas on 2nd February 2018.

Journey’s End Trailer

Journey’s End is based on the play and novel of the same name. The film is about a company on the front-line trenches in France during World War I. Journey’s End stars Sam Claflin (My Cousin Rachel), Asa Butterfield, and Toby Jones. The film is set for release on 2nd February 2018.

Previews: Darkest Hour Trailer, Dunkirk, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Darkest Hour trailer, Dunkirk, American Assassin, and more…

Darkest Hour Trailer

Gary Oldman once again proves his chameleon credentials in this new Darkest Hour trailer. Oldman stars as Winston Churchill as he becomes prime minister days before Britain enters World War II. The film also stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, and is directed by Joe Wright (Pan, Hanna). Darkest Hour is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 12th January 2018.

Dunkirk World Premiere Highlights

Here are the highlights from last night’s world premiere of Dunkirk in London’s Leicester Square. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film stars Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, and Cillian Murphy. Dunkirk will be released in both 70mm and standard presentation on 21st July 2017.

American Assassin Trailer

Here is the second trailer for American Assassin. The presence of Michael Keaton just makes everything better. The film is about a CIA black ops recruit under the training of a Cold War veteran. Keaton is joined by Dylan O’Brien, Taylor Kitsch, and Sanaa Lathan. American Assassin hits UK screens on 15th September 2017.

Atomic Blonde Featurette

This featurette focuses on Atomic Blonde‘s stunt coordination, and Charlize Theron considerable skill in this department. Theron stars as a lethal assassin sent to deliver a priceless dossier in 1980s Berlin. Also starring James McAvoy and John Goodman, Atomic Blonde is out in UK cinemas on 9th August 2017.

Maudie Poster

Here is the poster for Maudie. Based on a true story, the film is about an unlikely romance between a folk artist and a reclusive fish peddler. The film stars Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke, and is directed by Aisling Walsh. Maudie will be released in UK cinemas on 4th August 2017.

Valerian Trailer

Above is the latest look at Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. If nothing else, the film will be a visual feast. Directed by Luc Besson, the film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. Valerian will hit UK screens on 2nd August 2017.

Film Review: My Old Lady

Writer-director Israel Horovitz’s My Old Lady is a suitably decent comedy drama that offers strong performances from its three leads.

American Mathius is eager to see the Parisian apartment he has inherited. When he arrives in Paris, however, he learns that his inheritance comes with a complicated extra…

Isreal Horovitz’s feature debut is an entertaining watch. My Old Lady boasts good writing from Horovitz. This is particularly true of the development of Mathius. The character is depicted in a way which renders him believeable. Moreover, the progression of his character during the film’s duration is convincing.

My Old Lady combines comedy and drama in a way that is complementary. The humour does turn to drama, as is necessary for a film of this nature. Some of the scenes are quite dark, but this does not feel out of step with the overall film. My Old Lady moves at a good pace, allowing for both characters and relationships to develop in a natural manner.

A significant driver in My Old Lady is the fallout from an event in the past. The film exhibits the detrimental effects of this, on all the characters involved. The ending of the film is a little predictable, but it plays out well nevertheless.

There are some emotional moments in My Old Lady. Although these are in keeping with the overall mood of the film, viewers may not fully invest in these moments. Despite good writing, sometimes the impetus is not there in Horovitz’s film.

Kevin Kline delivers a strong performance as Mathias. He is solid in both humorous and darker moments. It is also good to see Maggie Smith showing off her talents in a different type of role. Kristin Scott Thomas is also convincing.

My Old Lady will have a definite appeal to those who enjoy mature dramas tinged with comedy. The performances from its leads make the film a worthwhile watch.

Film Review: Only God Forgives

Nicolas Winding Refn’s revenge thriller Only God Forgives is a masterclass in immersive filmmaking.

Julian runs a boxing club, which is a front for a drug-smuggling operation. When Julian’s brother is killed, Julian is expected to find his killer and exact revenge. The pressure is heightened with the arrival of Julian’s mother, baying for blood…

Only God Forgives is light on both plot and dialogue. This coupled with the emphasis on style and atmospherics makes the film immediately comparable to Winding Refn’s last film Drive. The flimsiness of plot is not a problem, however, as any lack is compensated by the pervasive atmosphere.

There is a sense of tribalism to the whole of Only God Forgives. Themes of revenge and accountability reign supreme. Nicolas Winding Refn does not hand these to the audience on a plate. Exposition is limited in Only God Forgives; viewers are left to come to their own conclusions about characters and their motivations.

Whether intentionally or not, Only God Forgives appears unmistakably Lynchian. The cutting from violence to song and the blurred reality give the film a surreal edge. This is a big part of what makes Only God Forgives so absorbing.

The violence in the film exemplifies the barbarism of the story itself. Some of the most violent scenes are difficult to watch. This will not be a surprise to viewers who have seen Drive.

Only God Forgives is highly stylised. The art direction is fantastic, using a limited palette to offer memorable imagery. The use of red and artificial lighting is key to the whole appearance of the film. Composition is exemplary, and the direction is superb. Sound is also used to great effect, generating an uneasy and burgeoning atmosphere. Cliff Martinez’s score is great.

Performances are in-keeping with the overall style of the film. Ryan Gosling and Vithaya Pansringarm were obviously directed to maintain an expressionless countenance which mirrors the mood of proceedings. Kristin Scott Thomas is marvellous playing the grotesque Crystal.

Only God Forgives may frustrate a minority, but most will find the film engrossing and rewarding.

Trailer Round-Up

Plenty of new trailers this week, including The Call, The Frozen Ground,and Only God Forgives…

The Call

Halle Berry plays an emergency call operator in The Call. Also starring Abigail Breslin, film looks like a fast-paced thriller, from the trailer at least. It at least serves as a warning to always keep your phone adequately charged. The Call is out in UK cinemas on 20th September 2013.

The Frozen Ground

Watching this trailer, it’s hard to believe that John Cusack is the same guy who was in Say Anything. The Frozen Ground is based on the true story of the hunt for a serial killer in Alaska. Also starring Nicolas Cage and Vanessa Hudgens, The Frozen Ground hits the big screen on 19th July 2013.

Only God Forgives

Here is the latest trailer for Only God Forgives. Kristin Scott Thomas is barely recognisable. And Nicolas Winding Refn really does seem to like neon. Starring Ryan Gosing, Only God Forgives is out in UK cinemas on 2nd August 2013.

Pacific Rim

Monsters! Robots! Action writ large! Pacific Rim (I can’t with this name) is Guillermo del Toro’s future-set action blockbuster. If gigantic monsters started popping out of the ocean, I think I would just hide under the bed. But perhaps this would not make for a very exciting film. Pacific Rim hits the big screen on 12th July 2013.

Runner Runner

Justin Timberlake plays a college student who pays for his tuition through online gambling in Runner Runner. In fairness, he could be a mature student. The film also stars Gemma Arterton and Ben Affleck,  in his second role since his Argo success. Runner Runner is out on 27th September 2013.

Hawking

Hawking is a new documentary on the life of the most famous living scientist in the world, Stephen Hawking. His fame seems to concentrate on his work as a physicist and his disability, so perhaps this film is an opportune chance to discover more about the renowned scientist. Hawking is released on 20th September 2013.

Film Review: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Although it can be cloying in its sentiment, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a very watchable film.

Dr Alfred Jones is a fisheries expert working for the British Government. He is approached by consultant Harriet, on behalf of her wealthy  client, to bring salmon fishing to the Yemen. Alfred is initially reluctant, thinking the whole scheme is absurd. As he becomes more involved, he has a change of heart…

Written by notable screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, based on Paul Torday’s novel, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen works well as a drama. The central narrative of the burgeoning friendship between Alfred and Harriet is well written and convincing. Some of the subplots, however, could have been better executed. The troubles that Sheikh  Muhammed has, for example, are underdeveloped and seem to appear only to give this character a more integral role. The side strands are simply less polished than the central narrative.

The two main characters in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen are sufficiently absorbing to carry the film. The friendship develops at an appropriate pace; the interactions seem natural. Sheikh Muhammed is a more ambiguous character. Functioning mostly as a facilitator, he appears almost selfless in his intentions. This makes him less convincing, although rather interesting as the wise sage archetype.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen features some amusing moments, but overall the emphasis is on drama rather than comedy. The cinematography works well to capitalise on some beautiful landscapes. Production values are good, apart from some inauthentic-looking CGI effects.

Ewan McGregor is strong as Alfred. It is refreshing to hear the actor playing a Scotsman; a rarity among his more recent roles. Emily Blunt delivers a good performance also. Blunt is in danger of being typecast as the upper-class English lady, however. Amr Waked is fine as Sheikh Muhammed, while Kristin Scott Thomas provides good comic support.

Despite some flaws, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a well produced drama. Audiences are unlikely to be too disappointed by what it offers.