Previews: Spark Trailer, Snatched, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Spark trailer, plus Snatched, Alien: Covenant, and more…

Spark Trailer

Here is thew new Spark trailer. The film is about a teenage monkey who must journey across the universe in order to save the galaxy. The film features the voices of Susan Sarandon, Patrick Stewart, Jessica Biel, and Hilary Swank. Spark launches on to UK screens on 26th May 2017.

Alien: Covenant Prologue

This Alien: Covenant prologue (The Crossing) bridges the gap between Prometheus and the upcoming Alien: Covenant. The clip explains what happened to the survivors of the previous film, and features Michael Fassbender’s character as narrator. The latest film in the Alien franchise also stars Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, and Danny McBride. Alien: Covenant hits UK screens on 12th May 2017.

Snatched Clip

Amy Schumer shows off her comedy prowess in this clip from the upcoming Snatched. The film is about a mis-matched mother and daughter who take an exotic vacation together. Schumer is joined by Goldie Hawn, as well as Wanda Sykes and Joan Cusack. Snatched is out in UK cinemas on 19th May 2017.

Wilson Trailer

Here is the trailer for new comedy Wilson. The film is about a middle-aged misanthrope who reunites with his estranged wife. The film stars Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, and Judy Greer. Wilson receives its debut at Sundance London on 2nd June 2017, and will be released  in selected cinemas on 9th June 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Trailer

Following the teaser last week, here is the full trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle. In this sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, the Kingsman headquarters is destroyed, leading Eggsy and co to discover an allied spy organisation. Director Matthew Vaughn and writer Jane Goldman return, as do Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, and Colin Firth. They are joined by Juliane Moore, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry, and Channing Tatum. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release in September 2017.

Gifted Clip

Director Marc Webb’s latest film is Gifted. The film stars Chris Evans as a man single-handedly raising his niece (played by Mckenna Grace). The film also stars Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer, and a one-eyed cat (according to the above clip). Gifted will be released on UK screens on 16th June 2017.

Previews: Detroit Trailer, 6 Days, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Detroit trailer, Transformers: The Last Knight, 6 Days, and more…

Detroit Trailer

Here is the Detroit trailer. Kathryn Bigelow’s latest film is about the civil unrest that rocked the city in 1967. The film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, and Jack Reynor. Detroit will be released in UK cinemas later this year.

Transformers: The Last Knight Trailer

Here is the latest Transformers: The Last Knight trailer. The film sees Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel return from the last instalment. They are joined by Anthony Hopkins this time around. From the above trailer, it seems that the world this film is set in is rather different to previous incarnations. Transformers: The Last Knight will hit UK screens on 23rd June 2017.

Atomic Blonde Trailer

So far, all the Atomic Blonde promotion seems to be delivering style in spades. The film stars Charlize Theron as an MI6 agent sent to deliver a priceless dossier. Theron is joined by James McAvoy, John Goodman, and Eddie Marsan. Atomic Blonde will be released in UK cinemas on 11th August 2017.

The Mummy Poster

The Mummy is intended as a reboot of the Universal Monsters series of films which were successful in the 1930s. This film is meant to kick off the series, which will also see the return of famed creatures in a shared universe. This new version of The Mummy certainly has star power; Tom Cruise heads up a cast which includes Sofia Boutella, Courtney B. Vance, and Russell Crowe. The Mummy hits UK screens on 9th June 2017.

6 Days Trailer

6 Days is a new action thriller based on true events. The film focuses on the Iranian Embassy siege that took place in London in 1980. The film stars Jamie Bell, Mark Strong, and Abbie Cornish. 6 Days is out at UK cinemas on 4th August 2017.

My Cousin Rachel Trailer

My Cousin Rachel is an adaption of the Daphne du Maurier novel. The film is about a young man who plots revenge against his mysterious cousin, who he believes murdered his guardian. Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, and Holliday Grainger, My Cousin Rachel will be released on UK screens on 9th June 2017.

Unlocked Clip

Here is a clip from upcoming thriller Unlocked. The film is about a CIA agent who must stop a biological attack in London. Noomi Rapace heads up the cast, and is joined by Orlando Bloom, Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich. Unlocked hits UK cinemas on 5th May 2017.

Previews: Fantastic Beasts sneak peak, Me Before You and more!

Lots of film-related goodness in this week’s previews, including a Fantastic Beasts sneak peek, the Me Before You trailer and more…

Fantastic Beasts Sneak Peek

For the Harry Potter fans out there, a Fantastic Beasts sneak peek. Actors including Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston discuss their characters in the upcoming film. With a screenplay by J.K. Rowling herself, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is set for release on 18th November 2016.

Me Before You Trailer

Me Before You is an adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ bestselling novel. The film features an array or British talent, including Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, and Matthew Lewis. The film concentrates on Lou, a young woman, and her burgeoning relationship with Will, you she acts as a caregiver for. Me Before You will be released in UK cinemas on 3rd June 2016.

The Finest Hours Trailer

Inspired by a true story, The Finest Hours tells the story of the a mission to rescue the crew of an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod. The film stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck and Eric Bana. The Finest Hours hits UK screens on 19th February 2016.

Hail, Cesar! Featurette

George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and others talk about the making of Hail, Cesar! in the above featurette. The Coen Brothers direct the Hollywood Golden Age-set comedy. With a magnificent cast, Hail, Cesar! arrives on UK screens on 4th March 2016.

Grimsby Clip

Sacha Baron Cohen’s new comedy is Grimsby. The film is about a Grimsby football fan (Cohen) who reunites with his brother, a deadly MI6 agent (played by Mark Strong). Penelope Cruz and Rebel Wilson also star in the action comedy. Grimsby will be out in UK cinemas on 24th February 2016.

Film Review: Zero Dark Thirty

Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty is a thoroughly absorbing thriller. Bigelow’s film is excellent.

Following the World Trade Centre attack in 2001, CIA Operative Maya takes part in the interrogation of suspects thought to have links with Al Qaeda. Maya is unflinching in her pursuit to uncover the whereabouts Osama Bin Laden, even when her colleagues wish to concentrate on other targets. Despite her colleagues and superiors’ dubiety, Maya thinks she has found the link to Bin Laden…

It would be impossible to depict a truly authentic account of what happened in the CIA post 9/11 with the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Nevertheless, Zero Dark Thirty offers a plausible depiction, and perhaps as realistic a portrayal as Hollywood can deliver.

The focus in Zero Dark Thirty remains on the events rather than the individuals. This is wise, given how little is known about the real people involved. Nonetheless, Maya is an interesting protagonist. Although screenwriter Mark Boal does not offer viewers much of a background, Maya is still compelling due to her dogged determination.

The pacing of Zero Dark Thirty maintains the audience’s attention, despite a long running time. The film features the downtime of fact finding and surveillance interspersed with scenes of heightened tension. It follows a rhythm with the interrogation at the beginning, the leg work (with the aforementioned tense moments) and a gripping finale.

Kathryn Bigelow exhibited her flair for directing suspense with 2008’s The Hurt Locker. Zero Dark Thirty is no different, with editing, camera work and sound being used to great effect. Jessica Chastain is excellent as Maya; the actress deserves the praise and accolades she has hitherto received. The supporting cast including Jason Clarke, Mark Strong and others are also great.

Kathryn Bigelow has taken a story that everyone knows the end to and fleshed it out, giving context and depth beyond the headline. Zero Dark Thirty is highly recommended.

Film Review: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Thomas Alfredson’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a successfully constructed film which boasts a fantastic combination of intrigue and tension. The film should satisfy audiences beyond just espionage-thriller aficionados.

In the early 1970s, veteran British spy George Smiley is assigned with the task of finding a mole on the British Secret Service. Following his former boss’ hunch, Smiley must investigate his colleagues to uncover which one of them is leaking information to Soviet intelligence agencies…

Based on the novel by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a gripping film. The narrative is carefully woven by screenwriters Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan. There is a steady trickle of exposition, some of which occurs in flashback sequences. This works to keep the viewers guessing whilst retaining the big mystery. The premise of the film is fairly simple, but it is made intriguing by the different strands that operate and the increasing sense of mystery.

Pacing in Tinker Tailor is impeccable. The different strands come together effectively, building tension as the film progresses. The more dramatic scenes are executed perfectly, and work well to compel viewers. The story builds to a climax which is incredibly tense. Given the various options the film could have taken, it is unlikely that too many will guess the reveal with any certainty.

The central mystery of Tinker Tailor is very successful is absorbing the audience’s attention. At first it may seem as if there are an awful lot of players, for those unfamiliar with the novel or 1979 TV mini-series. Nonetheless, every aspect of the film is relevant to the overarching narrative. Moreover, the main players become clear as the film progresses.

Alfredson’s direction is controlled, guiding the film superbly. Shots that pull focus are a bit overused, but the film is visually gratifying otherwise. The art direction and design of Tinker Tailor is excellent. There is excellent attention to detail with regards to the early-1970s setting, with locations, props and costumes all appearing authentic for this period.

Alfredson’s film boasts a stellar British cast with does itself justice. Gary Oldman is fantastic as ever as the straight-faced George Smiley. Benedict Cumberbatch is also superb as Peter Guillam. There is not a single sub-par performance, with Colin Firth, Mark Strong and others delivering the goods.

A far cry from the glamour of James Bond films, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is an intriguing mystery thriller which is difficult to fault.

The Guard Trailer

The Guard is released on 19th August 2011. This is a rare occasion as I am posting the trailer after I have actually seen the film. So I can say with some confidence that it is a great film; definitely a worthwhile watch. The Guard stars Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle and Mark Strong, and is directed and written by John Michael McDonagh.

Film Review: The Guard

Initially, the premise does not sound overly appealing, given that the ‘fish out of water’ narrative has been done to death. Nevertheless, The Guard quickly disperses any apprehension; it is an extremely well-executed film.

Sergeant Gerry Boyle is an apathetic Irish police officer who tends not to do things by the book. He is annoyed to be joined by a new officer from Dublin, Aidan McBride. The duo discover a murder, which has links to a drug-smuggling operation. Boyle is forced to team up with FBI agent Wendell Everett in order to investigate the crime…

The Guard boasts a fantastic script by John Michael McDonagh, who also directs the film. Characters are well written and the dialogue is peppered with wit. The film shows an admirable level of self-awareness. There are frequent references to the bad guys being aware that they are villains, or how the film fits into the crime film mould, for example.

The film is frequently humorous, some of which is black. In certain places, some may find the jokes a little close to the bone, but most will relish the comedic aspects of The Guard. These work well against the rather melancholy tone of both the incidents and the backdrop.

While the story may seem like another tale of an unlikely duo, in reality it offers much more than this. The beauty of the writing is in its deception. The film initially appears quite straightforward, but as it develops it is clear that there is more to it. The same can be said of protagonist Boyle. His character is succinctly introduced by the opening sequence. However, Boyle develops throughout the film, and appears truly three-dimensional. Given his authenticity, it is difficult to judge what action he will take later in the film.

Performances in the film are great. Nonetheless, it is Brendan Gleeson who steals the show as Boyle. Gleeson embodies the character, giving a tremendously strong performance. Elsewhere, Mark Strong is decent as the knowingly caricatured Clive, while Don Cheadle brings presence as Wendell. Fionnula Fanagan is also great as Boyle’s ailing mother Eileen.

There is a grainy, naturalistic look to the film, which is highlighted by the Galloway setting. The cinematography really emphasises the ordinariness of the locale, contrasting it with frequent mentions of big cities such as London and Dublin.

The Guard is a great watch, with exemplary writing and performances. It is an excellent showcase of McDonagh’s talents.