Plenty to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Once Upon a Time in Hollywood trailer, Downton Abbey, The Flood, and more…
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Trailer
Here is the brand new Once Upon a Time in Hollywood trailer. Earlier in-world posters from the film were revealed. Quentin Tarantino’s latest stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an actor, and Brad Pitt as his stunt double. Also starring Margot Robbie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood hits UK screens on 14th August 2019.
Downton Abbey Trailer
Above is the first full trailer for the upcoming Downton Abbey film. Written by television series creator Julian Fellowes, the film sees the return of the main cast including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, and Michelle Dockery. Downton Abbey will be released in UK cinemas on 13th September 2019.
The Flood Trailer
Here is the trailer for The Flood. The film, directed by Anthony Woodley, is about an immigration officer and her interrogation of a young man seeking asylum. Starring Game of Thrones‘ Lena Headley and Iain Glen, and Ivanno Jeremiah, The Flood will be released in cinemas and on demand from 21st June 2019.
Framing John DeLorean Trailer
Framing John DeLorean is a documentary-drama about the rise and fall of automotive executive John DeLorean. The film mixes interviews and archival footage with re-enactments featuring Alec Baldwin, Morena Baccarin, and Josh Charles. Directed by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce, Framing John DeLorean will be available on Digital Download from 29th July 2019.
Pavarotti Trailer
Here is the first trailer for upcoming film Pavarotti. Directed by Ron Howard, the documentary focuses on the life and career of the late opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. With unique access to home movies, family archives, and behind the scenes footage, Pavarotti will be released in UK cinemas on 15th July 2019.
Plenty of film-related goodness in this preview of coming attractions, including a new Pet Sematary clip, Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood, Thunder Road and more…
Pet Sematary Clip
Here is a new Pet Sematary clip. The upcoming film is an adaption of the Stephen King novel, which was previously brought to the silver screen in 1989. This new adaptation stars Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz who relocate to rural Maine with their young children. Pet Sematary hits the big screen on 4th April 2019.
Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood Poster
Here is the brand new poster for Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood. The film is set in 1969, and focuses on a television star and his stunt double around the time of the Manson murders. The film features an enviable ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino. One Upon a Time in… Hollywood is set for release on 14th August 2019.
Thunder Road Trailer
Thunder Road, which has been a critical hit at festivals so far, gets a UK release. The film is written and directed by and stars Jim Cummings. Thunder Road is a dark comedy about a police officer who suffers a breakdown following his divorce. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 31st May 2019.
Long Shot Trailer
Long Shot is the latest film from director Jonathan Levine (The Night Before, 50/50). The film is about a journalist who is reunited with his first crush, an accomplished diplomat who is making a run for the presidency. Starring Charlize Theron, Seth Rogan, and O’Shea Jackson Jr., Long Shot hits UK screens on 3rd May 2019.
Spy Cat Trailer
What is this? A film about a special agent cat certainly ticks the boxes! Spy Cat is an adventure comedy about a house cat who must team up with a band of drifters when she is abandoned at a rural petrol station. Spy Cat will exclusively be screened at Vue Cinemas from 26th April 2019.
With an abundance of movie releases slated for next year, it can be hard to identify the gems. After all, there is a glut of Disney live-action remakes (Dumbo, Aladdin, The Lion King), as well as the straight up unappealing (Downton Abbey film, anyone). Here are some must-see films in 2019…
The Favourite
Begin the New Year with Yorgos Lanthimos’ brilliant The Favourite. Starring Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone, the film is Lanthimos’ most enjoyable to date. Boasting a superb script and wonderful performances, The Favourite is hilarious, consuming, and at times touching. Read full review here.
The Favourite will be released in UK cinemas on 1st January 2019.
If Beale Street Could Talk
Director Barry Jenkins has done it again with the powerful and beguiling If Beale Street Could Talk. There is so much to be in awe of in If Beale Street Could Talk. Jenkins’ attention to detail is superb. His storytelling is absolutely enchanting. Read full review here.
If Beale Street Could Talk will be released in UK cinemas on 8th February 2019.
The Lady Eve
Not a new release for the upcoming year, nevertheless the 1941 classic gets a re-release in 2019. Directed by Preston Sturges and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, the screwball comedy stands the test of time. For first time viewers, The Lady Eve will be one of the best films in 2019.
The Lady Eve will be released at the BFI Southbank and at selected cinemas nationwide from 15th February 2019. It will be screened as part of the Barbara Stanwyck season in February 2019. For more details see here.
Us
Jordan Peele’s Us is one of the most anticipated films in 2019. Following the success of 2017’s Get Out, director and writer Peele returns with another striking-looking horror. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, and Elisabeth Moss, the film is about a family trip that takes a dark turn.
Us will be released in UK cinemas on 15th March 2019.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino’s latest film has the potential to be explosive. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is set during the Manson Family reign of terror, focusing on a television star and his stunt double. With a cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is sure to get people talking.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will be released in UK cinemas on 26th July 2019.
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese’s latest project is a thrilling proposition. Focusing on a mob hitman and his possible involvement in the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa, the film sees Scorsese reunite with Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, and a host of Boardwalk Empire stars (Stephen Graham, Bobby Cannavale, Jack Huston). The Irishman also sees Scorsese direct Al Pacino for the first time. The film is expected to have a cinema release as well as being available to stream on Netflix.
Sunset
László Nemes’ Sunset is a captivating watch. The director’s sophomore feature (after Son of Saul) is an entrancing mystery drama. Part of the film’s beauty is that it maintains this mystery throughout the duration. Set in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the eve of World War I, Sunset‘s sense of unease is enthralling. The film is set to be released in early 2019.
The Nightingale
After the success of 2014’s The Babadook, all eyes are on director Jennifer Kent for her next picture. The Nightingale is about a young Irish convict woman who chases a British officer through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness in the early nineteenth century. Starring Sam Claflin and Aisling Franciosi, the film premiered at Venice Film Festival and is due to be released in 2019.
Greed
Michael Winterbottom’s Greed is sure to be a lot of fun. The satire is about a fictional retail billionaire and the build up to his star-studded 60th birthday party on a Greek island. Greed stars Steve Coogan, Isla Fisher, and David Mitchell. Although the protagonist is fictional, the parallels are all too clear. Greed is due to be released in UK cinemas in late 2019.
Sequels
Like 2018, next year will see many sequels. Here are some of the more anticipated follow-up films in 2019. 2014’s The LEGO Movie gets a sequel, with the main voice cast returning, as well as Phil Lord and Chris Miller as producers. The LEGO Movie 2 will be released in UK cinemas on 8th February 2019.
Later in the year, Avengers: Endgame sees the finale of the cycle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which began with 2008’s Iron Man. The film will hit UK screens on 26th April 2019. Spider-Man: Far From Home is the sequel to 2017’s superb Spider-Man: Homecoming. Jake Gyllenhaal joins the returning cast for Spider-Man: Far From Home, which will be released on 5th July 2019. Later this year, Zombieland gets a belated sequel. The original cast return for Zombieland 2, which will be released in UK cinemas on 11th October 2019.
A visual feast in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including Alice Through The Looking Glass, Sisters, and By The Sea…
Alice Through The Looking Glass Trailer
Here is the first at upcoming sequel Alice Through The Looking Glass. Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp and the rest of the cast return for the follow-up to 2010’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice Through The Looking Glass is directed by James Bobin, whose work on the last two Muppet films is certainly a good sign. Alice Through The Looking Glass is set for release in the UK on 27th May 2016.
Sisters Poster
Sisters is the latest venture to reunite Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The film is about two disconnected sisters who return to their family home to clear out their childhood bedroom. Directed by Pitch Perfect‘s Jason Moore, Sisters will hit UK screens on 18th December, with previews from 12th December 2015.
The Good Dinosaur Clip
This just looks magical. The Good Dinosaur poses the question of what if the dinosaurs never became extinct. The notion looks rather wonderful in the film, although I do wonder if in reality in would be some horrible Jurassic Park type situation. The Good Dinosaur is out in UK cinemas on 27th November 2015.
By The Sea Featurette
Angelina Jolie speaks about her ideas behind By The Sea. The film is written, directed and stars Jolie, alongside husband Brad Pitt. She states that she has been influenced by European cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, and audiences will be able to see for themselves when By The Sea is released on 11th December 2015.
The Dressmaker Trailer
The Dressmaker stars Kate Winslet as a designer who returns to her childhood small town in Australia. Also starring Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth, the comedy drama is based on Rosalie Ham’s bestselling novel. The Dressmaker is out in UK cinemas on 20th November 2015.
The Revenant Poster
Is this the film that will get Leonardo DiCaprio his coveted Oscar? The Revenant tells the story of Hugo Glass, a man left for dead in uncharted territory. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film also stars Tom Hardy, Will Poulter and Lucas Haas. The Revenant hits UK screens in January 2016.
Dirty Grandpa
Zac Efron stars as the straight-laced groom to be on a road trip with his recently windowed grandfather in comedy Dirty Grandpa. Robert De Niro’s grandfather is not quite the kindly old gentleman however. Also starring Aubrey Plaza, Dirty Grandpa is set for release on 22nd January 2016.
Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the final Spectre trailer, The Revenant, The Good Dinosaur and more…
Spectre Trailer
Here is the final Spectre trailer. Daniel Craig returns as James Bond, alongside Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Whishaw. The film, which also stars Christoph Waltz and Monica Belluci, sees Bond on a rogue mission where he finds out the existence of a sinister organisation. Spectre is released in the UK on 26th October 2015.
The Revenant Trailer
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu returns from his Oscar-winning success with Birdman with The Revenant. Starring Leondardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and Will Poulter, the film is inspired by true events. The Revenant is set for release on 15th January 2016.
The Good Dinosaur Poster
Here is the poster for Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur. The film poses the question of what if the dinosaurs never went extinct. Arlo the dinosaur makes an unlikely young human friend in the film. The Good Dinosaur will hit the big screens in the UK on 27th November 2015.
Victor Frankestein Video
In the above video, James McAvoy speaks about tackling the role of Victor Frankenstein, and working with Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Igor). The film is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, with a focus on the psyche of the scientist. Victor Frankenstein is put in cinemas on 4th December 2015.
Creed Trailer
Ryan Coogler directs Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in Rocky spin-off Creed. Michael B. Jordan plays the son of boxer Apollo Creed, who tracks down Rocky Ballboa in Philadelphia. Creed is set for release in 2016.
A new boxset of the prolific director’s work, the Woody Allen Collection is available this week. In addition to Barbara Kopple’s 1997 documentary Wild Man Blues about the musical avocation of Woody Allen, the collection includes the director’s cinematic releases from 1994 to 2000. The films were released after my personal Allen favourite Manhattan Murder Mystery, and do not feature his best-known work. Nevertheless, here is why you should be watching these films…
Bullets Over Broadway
A playwright is forced to cast a mobster’s girlfriend in his latest drama in order to get it produced.
Why You Should Watch It: The film stars John Cusack in the ‘Woody Allen’ role.
Celebrity
The fortunes of a husband and wife differ following their divorce.
Why You Should Watch It: Leonardo DiCaprio plays a teen heartthrob in his post-Titanic role.
Deconstructing Harry
An author suffering with writer’s block starts to remember events from his past, whilst his fictional characters come to life.
Why You Should Watch It: Harry Block is one of Woody Allen’s quintessential roles.
Everyone Says I Love You
With her half-sister getting engaged, a New York girl decides to set her father up with a beautiful woman in a shaky marriage.
Why You Should Watch It: The film is a musical! Drew Barrymore, Ed Norton et al demonstrating their singing abilities.
Mighty Aphrodite
After discovering his adopted son is a genius, a sportswriter seeks out the boy’s borth mother
Why You Should Watch It: Mira Sorvino won an Oscar for her role in the film.
Small Time Crooks
A crook and his wife prosper after a botched bank job’s cover business becomes wildly successful.
Why You Should Watch It:Small Time Crooks was Woody Allen’s biggest grossing film of the 1990s in the US.
Sweet and Lowdown
A jazz guitarist faces gangsters and falls in love in the 1930s.
Why You Should Watch It: The film focuses on one of Allen’s greatest loves; jazz.
The Woody Allen Collection is available on DVD from 7th July 2014.
Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is Hollywood cinema at its finest. Scorsese’s adaptation of Jordan Belfort’s memoirs is magnificent.
A young Jordan Belfort is keen to establish a career on Wall Street in the 1980s. He becomes wildly successful, even with his unorthodox ways and lifestyle. His financial achievements come at a cost however…
The Wolf of Wall Street is a thoroughly entertaining black comedy that engages throughout its three hour duration. Martin Scorsese illustrated his flair for the darkly comic with 1982’s The King of Comedy, and his latest has some parallels with it.
The Wolf of Wall Street is raucous, outrageous and always compelling. The incidents that occur in the film are often wild, such is the nature of the story. Yet this is part of the reason that the film is so great; the sense of disbelief often generates humour. Scorsese’s film is often laugh out loud funny.
The narration and voiceover works well in The Wolf of Wall Street, thanks to its protagonist. Scorsese and screenwriter Terence Winter do not present Belfort’s activities in a positive or negative light. They simply present the story in an engaging manner. Despite the humour, there is no endorsement of criminal or immoral action. The audience are left to form their own opinion; The Wolf of Wall Street is thankfully free of moralising.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a tour de force performance. DiCaprio is electric as Belfort; his performance is more than worthy of the praise and nominations he has hitherto received. Jonah Hill provides great support as Donnie, and is responsible for a good portion of the humour.
Scorsese’s direction is as impeccable as ever, ably assisted by editor Thelma Schoonmaker. The soundtrack is also strong. The Wolf of Wall Street is marvellously rambunctious film. Highly recommended.
Plenty of stuff on upcoming movies this week, including the brand new Anchorman: The Legend Continues trailer, Disney’s Frozen, and more…
Anchorman: The Legend Continues
Here is the latest Anchorman: The Legend Continues trailer. Almost ten years later, one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s gets a sequel. The original cast are joined by a host of other stars, including Harrison Ford, Tina Fey and Sacha Baron Cohen. Anchorman: The Legend Continues hits the big screen on 20th December 2013.
Frozen
Here is the first trailer for Frozen, the latest animated comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The trailer reveals little about the plot, which revolves around a girl trying to find her sister in a kingdom besieged by an eternal winter. Frozen is due for release on 6th December 2013.
The LEGO Movie
The first trailer for The LEGO Movie was released today. Featuring the voices of Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and Elizabeth Banks, The LEGO Movie will be released in UK cinemas on 14th February 2014.
The Wolf of Wall Street
There was a palpable excitement (at least virtually) when this trailer for The Wolf of Wall Street was released on Monday. There is little not to like in this trailer of Martin Scorsese’s latest film. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill (and a monkey!), The Wolf of Wall Street is out 17th January 2014. I can’t wait.
The Wolverine
Here is the latest trailer for The Wolverine. I wonder if one day Hugh Jackman will become too old to play Wolverine. But for this upcoming film he still looks the part. The Wolverine will be released in 3D on 25th July 2013.
300: Rise of an Empire
300: Rise of an Empire is a prequel to the 2006 hit 300. The film has the same look as its predecessor, even though Zack Snyder is not at the helm for this adventure. 300: Rise of an Empire is due for release in March 2014.
Frances Ha
Here is the trailer for Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha, co-written and starring Greta Gerwig. Worthy of the praise it has hitherto received, the film explores the friendships of a dance company apprentice in New York. Frances Ha is released in UK cinemas on 26th July 2013.
Despicable Me 2
Above is a short featurette with Steve Carell exploring the upcoming animated sequel Despicable Me 2. I am kind of relieved that there is a unicorn in this film as well. Despicable Me 2 hits UK screens on 28th June 2013.
Baz Luhrman’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby is both dazzling and dizzying. Although the film has its detractors, it offers an unmissable cinematic experience.
Writer turned bond salesman Nick Carraway rents a cottage in Long Island. Living next door in a huge mansion is mysterious multi-millionaire Jay Gatsby. Nick finds himself being drawn into the life of his wealthy neighbour…
Those expecting a faithful version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal work are unlikely to be fully satisfied by this film. It is Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of the story, and an ambitious one at that. Once viewers are aware of this (and the abundance of promotion for the film has made this clear), they should find The Great Gatsby an immersive and enjoyable ride.
The main shift from the novel revolves around the tone and representation rather than changes to the narrative. The film uses a lot of the same dialogue from its source material, which is unsurprising given the artistry of Fitzgerald’s prose. Luhrmann instead eschews some of the subtlety of the novel in favour of excess. Elements that are dealt with nuance are shifted to centre stage in this version.
Like the novel, the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy dominates the narrative. However, Luhrmann pushes this further with an almost undivided focus on the relationship. There is less emphasis on Gatsby’s past and rise, except in relation to Daisy. Nick functions almost entirely as a narrator in the film, with much less being made of his interactions with Jordan Baker. The framing device employed in The Great Gatsby is not really necessary. It seems to have been added in to underscore the main narrative as a recollection; with the archive footage and overlayed text feeding into this.
From the opening titles to the final scene, The Great Gatsby is visually sumptuous. The 3D looks fantastic and is employed smartly with the highly stylised look of the film. The cinematography makes the most of this extra dimension. The camera work is at times disorientating in paralleling the frenzied nature of the mood and action.
The costumes and styling are excellent. Much has been made of the modern soundtrack, but it is a fantastic accompaniment to the on-screen action. Leonardo DiCaprio offers a terrific performance as the title character. Carey Mulligan is also strong as Daisy, and Joel Edgerton is finely cast as Tom Buchanan. The only letdown is Tobey Maguire, who is rather flaccid as Nick.
The Great Gatsby is a hymn to excess. A new cinematic version of a beloved book was always going to have some naysayers. But with Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, viewers should sit back and engorge.
Quentin Tarantino does revenge motifs well, and Django Unchained is no exception. Tarantino’s spaghetti western is immense fun.
Former dentist Dr Schultz buys the freedom of a slave, Django, in order to help him complete a mission. As Django can identify the men Schultz is after, the former dentist trains him in the art of bounty hunting. Django meanwhile is determined to be reunited with his wife…
Like many westerns, the theme at the heart of Django Unchained is revenge. This is fulfilled by both the overarching narrative and the occupation of bounty hunter. The plot is uncomplicated, eschewing numerous strands to concentrate on character motivation and action set pieces.
Django Unchained is a fantasy of the oppressed. It is one that most can engage with. It will be difficult to find viewers who cannot get behind the protagonist. Slavery is universally abhorred, so the idea of a slave getting revenge on those that mistreat others was bound to be a winner.
The violence in Tarantino’s film is frequent and often over the top. Some of the brutality is difficult to stomach, but represents the seriousness of the issue, despite the film’s novelty wrapping. The outlandishness of the shoot outs bring the fun back in a wholly cathartic manner.
The music used in Django Unchained really sets the tone. There are several stylistic devices that mark it out as an unmistakable product of Quentin Tarantino. Dialogue is often quotable. Much has been made of the film’s use of racially charged language. Nevertheless, it appears entirely in keeping given the setting.
Jamie Foxx plays the title character straight, allowing the supporting cast to excel in terms of amusement or outlandishness. Christoph Waltz is excellent as Dr Schultz, while Samuel L. Jackson delivers a star turn as Stephen. Leonardo DiCaprio makes a memorable foe as Calvin Candie.
Django Unchained is a very enjoyable film. Tarantino has produced a striking addition to the genre.
I Heart The Talkies 