Previews: The Addams Family Trailer, Booksmart, More!

The Addams Family Trailer

A plethora of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Addams Family trailer, Booksmart, My Spy and more…

The Addams Family trailer is here. This first look at the new animated film gives a taste of the humour we can expect. The voice cast for this latest iteration includes Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloë Grace Moretz. The Addams Family is set for release on 25th October 2019.

Booksmart Trailer

Booksmart is the directorial debut from Olivia Wilde. The film received critical acclaim on its premiere at SXSW in March. The comedy focuses on two high school friends, played by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. The cast also includes Jason Sudeikis and Lisa Kudrow. Booksmart is due to hit UK screens on 27th May 2019.

My Spy Trailer

Dave Bautista’s latest film is action comedy My Spy. The film is about a hardened CIA operative who is at the mercy of a young girl when sent undercover to surveil her family. The film also stars Ken Jeong and Chloe Coleman. My Spy is coming soon to UK cinemas.

The Corrupted Trailer

Here is the trailer for crime thriller The Corrupted. The film is set in East London, and is about a land grab that occurred following the Olympic Games. The Corrupted stars Sam Claflin, Timothy Spall, and Noel Clarke. The film is set for release on 3rd May 2019.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile Trailer

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile tells the story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. The film focuses on Bundy and his relationship with single mother Liz. The film’s cast features Zac Efron and Lily Collins. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile will be released in UK cinemas and on Sky Cinema on 3rd May 2019.

Previews: Rules Don’t Apply Trailer, Doctor Strange, More!

Lots of film-related goodness this week, including the new Rules Don’t Apply trailer, Hacksaw Ridge, Doctor Strange and more…

Rules Don’t Apply Trailer

Here is the latest Rules Don’t Apply trailer. The film is directed by Warren Beatty, who stars as Howard Hughes. The film is about a relationship between Hughes’ driver (played by Alden Ehrenreich) and an aspiring young actress (played by Lily Collins). Rules Don’t Apply is one of a number of recent films set in Hollywood’s Golden Age, following Café Society and  Hail, Caesar!. Beatty’s film is scheduled for release soon.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Trailer

Here is the new trailer for action-thriller Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. The film is a follow up to 2012’s Jack Reacher. This instalment sees To Cruise return as the title character. I am hoping that filmmakers keep the same tone as the original film, even if there is no Werner Herzog. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back hits cinema and IMAX screens on 20th October 2016.

Doctor Strange Poster

Here is one of the Doctor Strange character posters. Tilda Swinton joins a stellar cast (Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Womg, and Mads Mikkelsen) in Marvel’s latest film. Cumberbatch stars as Dr Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who sets out to repair himself following an accident. Doctor Strange is out in UK cinemas on 25th October 2016.

Moana Featurette

Here is Moana star Dwayne Johnson and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda talk about mutual love and respect in this new featurette. The film is about a teenager who sets out on a mission to complete her ancestors’ unfulfilled quest. Moana will be released in UK cinemas on 2nd December 2016.

Fences Trailer

Denzel Washington directs Fences, based on August Wilson’s award-winning play. Wilson also writes the screenplay for the film, which is about a man struggling to raise his family in the 1950s. Also starring the brilliant Viola Davis, Fences is set for release soon.

20th Century Women Trailer

Writer-director Mike Mills follows 2011’s Beginners with 20th Century Women. The film is about three women at different eras of the 20th century. Starring Annette Benning, Greta Gerwig, and Elle Fanning, 20th Century Women will be released in 2017.

Hacksaw Ridge Trailer

Mel Gibson directs war drama Hacksaw Ridge. The film is about the true story of Desmond Doss, a soldier during World War II who saved many of his compatriots without firing a weapon. Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, and Teresa Palmer, Hacksaw Ridge will be released in cinemas soon.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Trailer

Here is the final trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The film is based on the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is out in 3D on 18th November 2016.

Previews: Rules Don’t Apply Trailer, Morgan and More!

Lots of trailers, posters and clips this week, including the Rules Don’t Apply trailer, a clip from Morgan, Same Kind of Different trailer and more…

Rules Don’t Apply Trailer

Here is the Rules Don’t Apply Trailer. Warren Beatty writes, directs, and stars in the Golden Era-set film. With Alden Ehrenreich in the cast, the film is instantly reminiscent of this year’s Hail, Cesar!. Ehrenreich stars as the driver to Beatty’s Howard Hughes. The film features a stellar cast, that includes Lily Collins, Alec Baldwin, and Matthew Broderick. Rules Don’t Apply is coming soon to cinemas.

Morgan Clip

This clip from the upcoming Morgan gives a bit of insight into the title character. The film stars Kate Mara as a troubleshooter sent to a remote location to investigate an accident. Also starring Paul Giamatti and Jennifer Jason Leigh, the film is produced by Ridley Scott. Morgan is out in UK cinemas on 2nd September 2016.

Arrival Poster

This is one of a series of posters for new ski-fi thriller Arrival. The film is about a mystery spacecraft that arrives on Earth, and the team who are sent to investigate. Denis Villeneuve directs the film, which stars Amy Adams, Forest Whitaker and Jeremy Renner. Arrival lands in UK cinemas on 11th November 2016.

War on Everyone Trailer

The Guard director John Michael McDonagh’s latest film combines dark humour with a buddy cop movie. War on Everyone stars Alexander Skarsgård and Michael Peña as New Mexican cops who set out to blackmail every criminal that crosses their paths. War on Everyone will hit UK screens on 7th October 2016.

Moana Trailer

Disney latest animation Moana is about a South Pacific teenager who sails on a daring mission to save her people. The film features the voice of Dwayne Johnson, and songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Moana is directed by Disney dream-team Ron Clements and John Musker. UK cinemagoers will have to wait until 2nd December 2016 to see if the pair can recreate their earlier magic.

Hell or High Water Trailer

Hell or High Water is a new crime thriller from the writer of Sicario, Taylor Sheridan.  The film stars Chris Pine and Ben Foster as robbers who meet their match in Texas Ranger Jeff Bridges. Hell or High Water hits UK screens on 9th September 2016.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Poster

This poster is a visual feast. Director Tim Burton always delivers on the imagery front. Based on the book by Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children looks like it will be weird and wonderful. Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield and Samuel L. Jackson, the film will be released in UK cinemas on 30th September 2016.

Same Kind of Different as Me Trailer

Uncomfortably reminiscent of The Blind Side, Same Kind of Different as Me is based on the book of the same name. The film stars Renée Zellweger and Greg Kinnear as a couple who befriend a homeless man (played by Djimon Hounsou). Some of what is shown seems risible, but the film will probably appeal to fans of the book. Same Kind of Different as Me is set for release in 2017.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of trailers this week, with Mortdecai, The Maze Runner, Maps to the Stars and more…

Mortdecai

Here is the first trailer for Mortdecai. The film stars Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan McGregor. Depp plays Charlie Mortdecai, an art dealer on a mission to recover a stolen painting. The film will be released in January 2015.

The Maze Runner

Above is an introduction to the characters in upcoming action thriller The Maze Runner. Based on the best-selling novel, The Maze Runner is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The film will hit UK screens on 10th October 2014.

Maps to the Stars

David Cronenberg’s latest Maps to the Stars is about the celebrity-obsessed culture. The film features an enviable cast, including Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska. Maps to the Stars will be released in UK cinemas on 26th October 2014.

Love, Rosie

Love Rosie is a new British comedy starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin. The film focuses on best friends Rosie and Alex who decide to attend university together in the US. Love Rosie is scheduled for release on 22nd October 2014.

Planes 2: Fire and Rescue

Planes 2: Fire and Rescue is out in cinemas now. The above video shows how to draw protagonist Dusty. No matter how good the instruction, mine would still turn out looking nothing like that. Although I did draw a good Mrs Potts once.

Horns

Well this looks unsettling. Supernatural thriller Horns stars Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple and Max Minghella. The film hits UK cinemas on 29th October 2014, just in time for Halloween.

Stuff To Look At

A treasure trove of film-related goodness this week, including X-Men: Days of Future Past, Edge of Tomorrow and Godzilla…

X-Men Days of Future Past

Here is a new featurette for the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past. Wolverine is one of a host of characters returning from the original X-Men film series. X-Men: Days of Future Past is released in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2014.

Love, Rosie

Above is a teaser trailer for new comedy Love, Rosie. Starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, the film centres on the friendship of Rosie and Alex who go and study in the US together. Love, Rose is scheduled for release in October 2014.

Godzilla

Show us Godzilla! Listening to director Gareth Edwards talk about the monster in his upcoming blockbuster makes me all the more eager to see it. Godzilla hits the big screen on 15th May 2014.

Boyhood

Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is something rather extraordinary. A fictional film made with the same group of actors over a twelve year period, Boyhood is certainly something to look out for. The film is released on 11th July 2014.

Edge of Tomorrow

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in action adventure Edge of Tomorrow. The film seems like it fits into both Cruise and Blunt’s fairly recent predilection for science fiction. Edge of Tomorrow is released in UK cinemas on 30th May 2014.

22 Jump Street

As silly as it is, I am not going to deny that I laughed at this clip. 21 Jump Street was a very entertaining picture, so I am hoping that its sequel will deliver more of the same. 22 Jump Street is released in UK cinemas on 6th June 2014.

In Secret

Here is a clip from upcoming period drama In Secret. Set in 1860s Paris, the film stars Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton and Oscar Isaac. An adaption of Zola’s classic Thérèse Raquin, In Secret hits cinemas on 16th May 2014.

If I Stay

If I Stay is a romantic drama starring Chloe Grace Moretz. The film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name. I am not familiar with it, but I presume it is popular with the kids. If I Stay is due for release later this year.

The Wind Rises

Hayao Miyazaki’s farewell picture is a wonderful ode to dreaming. The Wind Rises continues Studio Ghibli’s tradition for superb animation. The film is released on 9th May 2014.

Film Review: The English Teacher

The English Teacher is a light comedy drama that most viewers will find suitably entertaining.

Linda is a high school English teacher lives a predictable existence; hoping to inspire kids during the day and getting lost in books in the evening. When a former student returns to town, Linda is keen to help him realise his dream of becoming a playwright…

Director Craig Zisk’s The English Teacher is an adequately convincing feature debut. The film focuses on teacher Linda, and how a chance encounter shakes up her monotonous life. The plot of the film is rather meagre, concentrating on a love triangle of sorts.

There is comedy to be found in The English Teacher, although this tends to be light humour rather than all-out hilarity. Zisk keeps the tone light for the most part, shifting to a more reflective atmosphere for the final third. The use of a narrator is a good introduction to the character of Linda and the themes of the film. It is nevertheless overused in the film’s finale.

The strength of The English Teacher is in its protagonist. Linda is an interesting character; one written with suitable nuance. It is a shame that the film is not more of a character study, as it would have been more engaging to explore Linda’s traits and life in greater depth. Given that the narrative offering is light, The English Teacher would have been stronger to concentrate on Linda rather than the foibles of high school drama.

Julianne Moore is convincing as the literature-engrossed Linda. Nathan Lane brings some laughs as fellow teacher Karl, while Greg Kinnear and Lily Collins are given little to do. Michael Angarano is well cast as the young playwright Jason.

With its quasi-appropriation of literary tropes, The English Teacher indicates sharpness behind the fluff. It is a shame that the film does not capitalise on this.

The English Teacher is out on DVD from Monday 3rd March 2014.

Film Review: Stuck in Love

Stuck in Love is a twee romantic comedy drama which is suitably engaging. The reliance on literature works for the most part, although some viewers may find the film overly saccharine.

Samantha is looking for fun, she avoids romantic relationships entirely. Her younger brother Rusty is the opposite; he is head over heels for a girl in his class. Their father, meanwhile, struggles to move on from their mother, who is now married to someone else…

The aspect of Stuck in Love that stands out the most is the reversal of stereotypical gender roles. This is how the film differentiates itself from others of the same ilk. The inversion is made clear from the first quarter or so of the film; it is not a point that Stuck in Love relies upon or feels the need to emphasise later.

Instead, the film develops the standard preoccupations of romantic comedy dramas. Stuck in Love features the same exploration of the ups and downs of romantic and familial relationships as many of its predecessors. The film is predictable in places, and cloying in others. There are moments when an emotional response is strived for. Some of these scenes are touching. Others feel more contrived, with slow zoom, meaningful dialogue and addition of the score.

Writer-director Josh Boone is clearly fond of literature. This is a vein that runs prominently throughout the film. He can overindulge the peccadillo for quotes and references to books and writers. Occasionally, these are cute.

Stuck in Love features some great casting, particularly Jennifer Connelly and Lily Collins as mother and daughter. Greg Kinnear meanwhile is strong as William.

Perhaps not as deep as it aims to be, Stuck in Love never bores viewers or feels as if it is dragging. However, the film does not really engender a strong response either.

Film Review: Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror is a visually sumptuous film. Tarsem Singh’s version of the Snow White fairy tale has enough substance to entertain audiences of all ages.

In charge of the kingdom, the Queen is jealous of the youth and beauty of her stepdaughter Snow White. She banishes the young princess to her room, eager to be seen as the fairest in all the land. When Snow White sees the outside world, she is convinced the Queen must be stopped. Snow White needs some help in her plan to reclaim her birthright…

Mirror Mirror is light in tone, which should enamour audiences. The film does not take itself too seriously, the campy feel hits the right balance been joviality and keeping the story engaging. The script is amusing, there is plenty of humour throughout the duration. Pacing is not as tight as it could be, however.

Although it retains the general plot, Mirror Mirror updates the Snow White fairy tale. Singh’s adaptation is somewhat more modern than the Disney version at least. There is a greater emphasis on the power and responsibility of Snow White; she is not quite the passive princess of previous incarnations. There is also more of an accentuation on the importance of working together, which is surely a good message for younger viewers.

Everything about Mirror Mirror is pleasing to the eye. The film features a highly stylised look, something of a trait the director. The art design, costumes, sets and effects are quintessential fantasy in their removal from reality. Colour is used extremely well in the film, particularly in the costumes of Snow White and the Queen.

Julia Roberts is a little irritating as the Queen. The actress had obviously been told to ham it up. Lily Collins is a delight as Snow White, looking every inch the part. Armie Hammer takes to light comedy surprisingly well as Prince Alcott. Nathan Lane provides good support as Brighton.

Mirror Mirror should prove to be enjoyable viewing for both family audiences and those looking for a light and amusing distraction.

Mirror, Mirror Trailer

I’m a little tardy with this one. Hot on the heels of Snow White and The Huntsman, the trailer for Tarsem Singh’s Mirror, Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White was released last week. This version of the fairy tale takes a decidedly different approach to its rival, with a much camper feel. Like Snow White and The Huntsman, the central character seems to be the Evil Queen in Mirror, Mirror. It is Julia Roberts’ Evil Queen which makes the film less appealing; she is too over the top in this trailer at least. However, Mirror, Mirror does star Lily Collins as Snow White, and Armie Hammer as the Prince, so the casting is more promising in some respects. Perhaps the ideal version of Snow White features Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen and Lily Collins as Snow White? Mirror, Mirror is out on 16th March 2012.

 

Film Review: Abduction

As an action thriller, Abduction sits at the cheesy end of the scale. Notwithstanding, John Singleton’s film is still an enjoyable enough ride.

Nathan is a regular teenager attending high school, who has a crush on his neighbour. When searching online for a school project, Nathan discovers his picture on a website for missing children. He confronts his mother about it, but there is a knock on the door before she is able to provide any details…

Abduction focuses on a fascinating concept; discovering your parents are not who they say they are. Rather focusing on the enormity of this revelation, the film is a faced-paced action thriller. John Singleton deftly directs the film’s action sequences. They are often frenetic, and work well to engage the audience.

The plot of Abduction borders on fantastic, and occasionally leaps over this line. Viewers are required to suspend their disbelief for the twists that ensue. This is not necessarily a bad thing; the silliness is rather enjoyable. Nonetheless, those with a healthy dose of scepticism may find the film tiring.

Where the film descends into a cheese-fest is in its dialogue. There is a palpable corniness to the film, particularly the budding relationship between Nathan and Karen. Even in other aspects of the film, the cheesiness breaks through. The flashback sequences late in the film are hard to take seriously.

Abduction sometimes comes across as a children’s television show masquerading as a spy thriller. The film is riddled with espionage clichés, acting almost how it thinks a thriller of this nature should behave. The film is filled with spurious incidents; it is essential that concentrate on the action rather than the plot in order to see the fun in Abduction.

Abduction is clearly a vehicle for Twilight star Taylor Lautner. The film has a 12A certificate, which reflects the intended audience. The main characters are teenagers; again reflecting who the filmmakers think the movie will appeal to. Notwithstanding, the film is quite violent at times, and these scenes may be unsuitable for young viewers.

Performances in Abduction vary. The film features a well-known cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Alfred Molina and Maria Bello. While Bello and Molina are decent, Weaver does not match her usual standard. Taylor Lautner is adequate as lead Nathan, while Lily Collins fulfils the love interest role with her natural beauty.

Abduction is far fetched, and does not have a lot going for it in the narrative department. But the action sequences are entertaining, and overall the film is sufficiently distracting.