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: Sorry To Bother You

Boots Riley’s satire Sorry To Bother You is inventive, thought provoking, and tremendous fun.

Cassius Green starts a new job as a telemarketer. After not having much luck, he is given some advice that propels his career forward – to use his white voice on calls…

Writer-Director Riley takes aim at everything with Sorry To Bother You, with employment rights, corporate speak, television, viral fame amongst the targets of his ire. The prime focus, however, is capitalism. Riley skewers the system in a way that is both amusing and resonant. 

The narrative takes its cue from Faustian myth, positing a young man who is tempted by the allure of wealth and power. What could have been rather a straightforward story is moulded into something far more compelling, thanks to Riley’s inventiveness. The premise of a call centre working finding success when he uses his ‘white’ voice is a strikingly honest appraisal of race and perception in America. The filmmaker satirises the system which upholds these values, whilst making a wider statement on the ills of capitalism and its effect on the working classes. 

At a certain point it seems as if Sorry To Bother You is going to be a show Cassius getting deeper into the system, before providing a redemptive arc. Whilst the narrative may loosely follow a traditional pattern, the final third is anything but ordinary. The spin might be absurdist, but it works ever so well given the film’s tone. 

Dialogue in the film is great at times. There is plenty to laugh at, even if the film gets serious at times. The protagonist has sufficient depth, and from the amusing interview at the beginning, he is someone for the audience to root for. Detroit is both love interest and a well crafted character in her own right. Lakeith Stanfield offers a great performance as Cassius. His delivery is on point, and reactions seem perfect. Tessa Thompson and Danny Glover standout among the supporting cast. Armie Hammer is most amusing in his caricature role. 

Riley is not afraid to target the system in Sorry To Bother You. The fact that he does this in an accessible, creative, and amusing is testament to Riley’s skill as a filmmaker.

Sorry To Bother You is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2018.

Previews: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Trailer, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse trailer, Fahrenheit 11/9, and more…

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Trailer

Here is the latest Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse trailer. The film is produced by The LEGO Movie‘s Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, and features a mix of computer-generated and hand-drawn animation. The cast includes Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is set for release in UK cinemas on 12th December, with previews on the 8th and 9th December 2018.

Fahrenheit 11/9 Trailer

Michael Moore returns with a political documentary on the 2016 US presidential election. Fahrenheit 11/9 sets its sights on the Trump era, with filmmaker Moore asking how America got to this point. Fahrenheit 11/9 will be screened at the BFI London Film Festival, and will be released in UK cinemas on 19th October 2018.

On The Basis Of Sex Trailer

Above is the trailer for On The Basis Of Sex. The film is based on the true story of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who led the fight against gender discrimination. It stars Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer, and is directed by Mimi Leder. On The Basis Of Sex will be released soon.

Sorry To Bother You Trailer

Sorry To Bother You finally has a UK distributor and release date. The film, directed by Boots Riley, the film is about a telemarketer who discovers a magical key which leads to material glory. Starring Lakeith Stansfield and Tessa Thompson, Sorry To Bother You will be screening at the BFI London Film Festival and hits UK screens on 7th December 2018.

Rocket Man Trailer

Here is the first look at Rocket Man, the story of Elton John’s early years. The film stars Taron Egerton as the musician, as well as Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film count Elton John among its executive producers. Rocket Man is set for release in May 2019.