Film Review: Unlocked

Director Michael Apted’s Unlocked is a by the numbers spy thriller that will entertain but not enthral.

Alice Racine is working undercover in London. The CIA agent is asked to step in to interrogate a terror suspect. Time is not on her side, however, as London is at risk of a biological attack…

Directed by Michael Apted and written by Peter O’Brien, Unlocked boasts an enviable cast and a suitable enough premise. Nevertheless, the film fails to engage fully because of an increasingly implausible narrative and a lack of character development.

The premise of Unlocked sounds pretty typical of the genre. And the movie very much matches this. The film offers plenty of twists as the narrative progresses. Some of these are more predictable than others. In a sense, the countdown to the terrorist attack becomes secondary to the mystery of who is really trying to stop Alice. When the film returns to this attack strand, the excitement is missing. The film suffers from a lacklustre ending.

Character development in the film is barely existent. As the protagonist, Alice is given a small backstory but this does not give her much depth. Her colleagues are given even less development. Elsewhere, the London-based helpers are disposable. Action sequences are decent overall, as are the production values.

Unlocked features a stellar cast. Noomi Rapace makes a good action hero, but is limited by the script. Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich are underused in their supporting roles. Orlando Bloom has more to do, but is not entirely convincing.

The film attempts to turn pre-conceived ideas on their head with its twisting plot. Yet the script is a letdown, as is the narrative progression. Added to this is the minimal plot development. Unlocked is unlikely to bore viewers, but will not satisfy either.

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: Unlocked Trailer, Power Rangers, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Unlocked trailer, The Beguiled, Power Rangers and more…

Unlocked Trailer

Here is the first Unlocked trailer. Noomi Rapace heads a stellar cast that includes Orlando Bloom, Toni Collette, Michael Douglas and John Malkovich. The action-thriller is about a CIA agent who must prevent a biological attack on London. It’s always London. Unlocked hits UK screens on 5th May 2017.

The Beguiled Trailer

Sofia Coppola’s latest film looks thrilling. The Beguiled is set during the Civil War, with a girls’ school in Virginia taking in a wounded Union soldier. The film Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, and Kirsten Dunst. The Beguiled is set for release in UK cinemas on 23rd June 2017.

Headshot Trailer

Headshot is revenge thriller which is all about the action sequences. Starring The Raid‘s Iko Uwais, it’s clear that these scenes are going to be good. Uwais plays an amnesiac struggling to recall his identity before a crime lord murders the only person he trusts. Headshot will be released in UK cinemas and VOD on 3rd March 2017.

Power Rangers Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming movie Power Rangers. Based on the television franchise of the same name, the film stars Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks. From this poster, it is clear the film is hoping to tap into nostalgia. Power Rangers will be out on UK screens on 24th March 2017.

Personal Shopper Trailer

Kristen Stewart plays the lead in Personal Shopper. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film is about a personal shopper to the stars, who is hoping for a message from her deceased twin brother. Personal Shopper is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Trailer

Those watching The LEGO Batman Movie this weekend will see a short for this upcoming The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Based on the toy line, the film features the voices of Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux and Dave Franco. The LEGO Ninjago Movie is set for release on 13th October 2017.

Finding Fatimah Trailer

Finding Fatimah is a new comedy about Shahid, a young Muslim who longs to find a partner.  The only problem is that he is divorced, a big no-no for all the young women he encounters. The film stars Danny Ashok, Asmara Gabrielle, and Nina Wadia. Finding Fatimah is out in UK cinemas on 21st April 2017.

Ant-Man Press Conference

Last week, director Peyton Reed and stars Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Michael Peña sat down for the Ant-Man press conference in London. They discussed influences on the film, how Ant-Man was conceived, and future Marvel movies…

On Edgar Wright’s involvement…

Peyton Reed: I think it’s fair to say that none of us would be here, and there might not be an Ant-Man movie if it weren’t for Edgar and Joe [Cornish]. The idea to make Ant-Man a heist movie structure was all Edgar and Joe. The idea of Hank Pym and Scott Lang as mentor and pupil, again that was all their’s. I came on at the same time that Adam [McKay] and Paul [Rudd] were starting to do re-writes on the draft. There was some elements that had been in the comics but had not made their way into the script, that we wanted to bring into it.

On inspiration for their characters…

Michael Peña: As far as I know, there is no comic book called ‘Luis’. I am portraying someone that actually lives in Chicago, he may or may not be a criminal. He may or may not be in jail, I cannot say.

Paul Rudd: The idea of Scott doing everything that he does for his daughter is from the comics. That’s the imprint we used for the film. When we were working on the movie and writing the script… both Adam [McKay] and I felt that we never veered too far from something that doesn’t make sense in the Marvel universe, or something that isn’t true to the comic.

Michael Douglas: I was never a comic kid growing up. They were kind enough to send me the script of the Ant-Man along with a leather-bound copy of two years of the comics. There was more backstory for Hank Pym than any of the so-called ‘reality’ movies that I might done. So I had a pretty good blueprint to follow.

Michael Douglas on starring in a comic book movie…

Michael Douglas: I was very excited about this opportunity when they came to me because I never had really done anything in this milieu. My entire career is contemporary-based, not by choice, just by characters. All the things I’ve done in forty years, except for one, is contemporary, never did an effects movie. I was also a producer, so I was really curious about how this whole thing went together. I have tremendous respect for Peyton in keeping all these pieces together. I enjoyed the experience, and I also have a great appreciation for actors who work with green screen, because there ain’t anything there.

On genre in Ant-Man…

Peyton: I think Marvel have always done these sub-genres. I think that’s one of the things that keeps the Marvel movies so interesting. When you look at last year, Captain America: The Winter Soldier owes to a sort of 70s political thriller, a paranoia thriller. And Guardians of the Galaxy is this crazy Gonzo space opera. Our movie happens to have the structure and feel of a heist movie.

On the future of Ant-Man…

Paul: I have no idea what the future holds. I’m excited about it, I’m interested in playing this part in whatever way Marvel sees fit I suppose.

Peyton: If we’re fortunate enough to make another Ant-Man movie, I think there is a lot of story left to tell with these characters. I think there is a freedom at Marvel to kind of tonally do whatever we think is best, what serves the story best.

On filming Captain America: Civil War…

Paul: It was weird; it made this whole thing seem real in a way that it wasn’t even real for all of us. I think we were kind of shooting in a bubble when we did this [Ant-Man].

Ant-Man is released in cinemas on Friday 17th July 2015.

Film Review: Ant-Man

Director Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man is a lot of fun. More humorous than many of the other Marvel films, Ant-Man is an entertaining ride.

Recently released from prison, con-man Scott Lang struggle to find a job. Nevertheless, he seems a perfect candidate to Dr Hank Pym, who has invented a suit which allows humans to shrink to the size of an ant…

The latest in Marvel’s universe of superheroes, Ant-Man is one of the lesser known characters to receive a stand-alone movie. With this comes less of a weight of expectation, and more freedom to be creative within the superhero genre. Ant-Man is not wildly different to other Marvel films, however the embellishments made certainly add to the film’s success.

The strength of Ant-Man is its script. The ensemble screenwriters, based on Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish’s story, have done a good job of creating a likeable but offbeat hero, as well as dialogue and situations that frequently make viewers laugh. The sidekicks featured in the film know their role, and are good additions for comedic purposes.

Ant-Man‘s narrative works well to establish Scott as a protagonist, and unfurl the mission of Hank Pym. The film progresses well, keeping viewers engaged. The finale of Ant-Man is not as tense as may be expected, but this is down to the overall humorous tone.

Ant-Man operates as a superhero movie with the tropes of a heist film. This combination of genres, as well as the comedy, is very successful. Ant-Man is an origins story in a loose sense, although the film does not dwell on motivation or threat too heavily. Given the absurdity of some of the situations, this is a good thing. There are some serious moments, but any descent into schmaltz is quickly rescued by humour.

Paul Rudd is good as Scott, and picks up a screenwriting credit for his efforts. Michael Douglas adds a little gravitas, whilst Evangeline Lilly is decent is a well-crafted supporting role. The special effects in Ant-Man are great, and the use of 3D is effective in the miniaturised sequences.

Although it is not one of Marvel’s very best, the blending of genres makes Ant-Man stand out in the sea of superhero movies. An enjoyable watch.

Previews: Ant-Man Trailer, Irrational Man Trailer and More

Previews of forthcoming attractions this week include the latest Ant-Man trailer, Irrational Man, Steve Jobs…

Ant-Man Trailer

Here is the latest Ant-Man trailer. The film looks like it will have a healthy dose of comedy, and given that the film is about an ant-sized superhero, this will be welcome. Starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, Ant-Man hits the big screen on 17th July 2015.

Irrational Man Trailer

Woody Allen’s latest film Irrational Man stars Joaquin Phoenix as a philosophy professor who  gets caught in a love triangle with two women. Emma Stone returns for her second performance in an Allen film whilst it is the first for Parker Posey and Joaquin Phoenix. Irrational Man opens in UK cinemas on 11th September 2015.

Steve Jobs Trailer

Here is the debut trailer for Steve Jobs. The film comes with quite a pedigree; it is directed by Danny Boyle, written by Aaron Sorkin, and stars Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen. Steve Jobs will be released in UK cinemas on 13th November 2015.

The Walk Poster

The Walk is based on the true story of a man who walked between the two World Trade Centre towers in New York. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon and Ben Kingsley, and is directed by Robert Zebecks. The Walk hits the big screen on 2nd October 2015.

Creed

The Rocky franchise gets another instalment, albeit with a bit of a difference. Michael B. Jordan stars as the son of Apollo Creed, and sees Sylvester Stallone reprise his role as the boxing legend. Creed also reunites Jordan with his Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler. Creed is set for release on 27th November 2015.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl Trailer

The Diary of a Teenage Girl has already won praise at film festivals this year. The film is about a teenage girl growing up in San Francisco in the 1970s. Starring Bel Powley, Kirsten Wiig and Alexander Skarsgård, The Diary of a Teenage Girl will hit the big screen in the UK on 7th August 2015.

Masterminds

New comedy Masterminds tells the true story of a group of idiots who pulled off a $17 million heist. The film stars Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Own Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. Masterminds will hit UK screens on 7th August 2015.

 

 

Previews: Inside Out TV Spot, Maggie Trailer and More

A cornucopia of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Inside Out TV spot, a Terminator Genisys featurette, Maggie trailer and lots more…

Inside Out TV Spot

Here is the latest Inside Out TV spot. The Disney Pixar film has been doing fantastic business in the US, and looks certain to replicate that in the UK with its summer holiday’s release. With the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, Inside Out hits UK screens on 24th July 2015.

Terminator Genisys Featurette

The cast and crew of upcoming Terminator Genisys talk about protagonist Sarah Connor in this new featurette. The famous action heroine is played by Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke, who indicates that there will be nods to the original film in this latest instalment of the franchise. Terminator Genisys is released on 2nd July 2015.

Ant-Man TV Spot

Marvel’s latest super hero to receive the big-screen treatment is Ant-Man. From the above TV spots and earlier trailers, the film looks to offer a fair amount of humour. Starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, Ant-Man launches its way onto the big screen on 17th July 2015.

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation Poster

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in the five instalment of the Mission: Impossible film franchise. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation sees the IMF disbanded, leaving Ethan and his team trying to combat deadly terror attacks. With Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames also returning, Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation bursts into cinemas on 30th July 2015.

Maggie Trailer

Arnold Schwarzenegger must once again play the hero in new thriller Maggie. The film is a teenage girl who is infected during a zombie outbreak, and her father’s efforts to protect her. Also starring Abigail Breslin, Maggie is set for release on 24th July 2015.

Ted 2 Trailer

So teddy bears coming to life is something that I dream about. Ted is a little lewd for my tastes, but the first film was enjoyable enough. Ted 2 reunites Mark Wahlberg and Seth McFarlane, and brings on board Amanda Seyfried as Ted’s lawyer. Ted 2 hits the big screen on 8th July 2015 in the UK.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension Trailer

The trailer for the latest instalment of the Paranormal Activity franchise is here. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension sees a family discover some old VHS tapes which hold a nasty surprise. The conclusion of the horror franchise is scheduled for release on 30th October 2015.

Vacation Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming comedy Vacation. The film is the latest in the National Lampoon franchise, and sees a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) taking his family on a road-trip vacation. Also starring Christina Applegate, Leslie Mann and Chris Hemsworth, Vacation is release in UK cinemas on 21st August 2015.

The Secret Life of Pets Trailer

I know what pets to all day; the nap and eat and nap some more. That is to say, they live the life. New animated comedy The Secret Life of Pets takes us behind closed doors. Featuring the voices of Louis C.K., Ellie Kemper and Hannibal Buress, The Secret Life of Pets  is set for release on 24th June 2016.

Fantastic Four Photo Shoot

Here are the stars of the new Fantastic Four film looking dapper. Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell star as the superhero quartet in the reboot of the Marvel franchise. Fantastic Four launches its way onto the big screen on 6th August 2015.

Spectre Vlog

Here is the latest blog from the set of new James Bond move Spectre. Director Sam Mendes discusses filming a scene that takes place amidst the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. Starring Daniel Craig and Christoph Waltz, Spectre will be released on 6th November 2015.

Magic Mike XXL Clip

The marketing for sequel Magic Mike XXL has been wonderful. This latest clip suggests the tongue-in-cheek attitude will continue in the film. Whereas the first film descended into schmaltz, here’s hoping this instalment will keep the tone humorous. The film is, after all, about male entertainers. Magic Mike XXL is released in cinemas on 3rd July 2015.

Preview of Coming Attractions: Disney in 2015

This year sees the release of numerous films under the Disney banner, ranging from sci-fi adventure (Tomorrowland – A World Beyond), fairy tale musicals (Into The Woods), superhero movies (Avengers: Age of Ultron), and re-envisioned classics (The Jungle Book). Here are some highlights from Disney in 2015…

Big Hero 6

Above is an introduction to Baymax, one of the stars of Disney’s Big Hero 6. The film is about Hiro, a young robotics expert who spends his time competing in back alley robot fights. Although the film was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, several members of Marvel’s creative team were involved in the production of Big Hero 6.

See it because: Big Hero 6 has been getting rave reviews from critics and audiences.

Big Hero 6 is released in UK cinemas on 30th January 2015.

Cinderella

Disney’s live action version of fairy tale Cinderella looks sumptuous. Starring Lily James, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham Carter, the film looks set to dazzle with costume designer Sandy Powell’s collaboration with Swarovski for the jewellery and costumes, including the crystal slipper.

See it because: Cate Blanchett will surely be a wonderful wicked stepmother.

Cinderella hits UK screens on 27th March 2015.

Ant-Man

The above trailer for Ant-Man was released this week, giving viewers a taste of what to expect from Marvel’s latest comic book adaptation. Starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, the film brings one of the lesser-known Avengers to the big screen for the first time.

See it because: The curiosity factor of seeing a miniature superhero.

Ant-Man is released in UK cinemas on 17th July 2015.

Inside Out

Pixar Animation Studio’s newest feature looks to be a lot of fun, judging from the above trailer. The film takes viewers inside the mind, looking at the emotions based in its headquarters. Inside Out features the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling.

See it because: The imaginative Pixar seem to have done it again with this film.

Inside Out his UK cinemas on 24th July 2015.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Giving Avengers: Age of Ultron a run for its money in the hotly-anticipated movie stakes, Star Wars: The Force Awakens sees the big screen return of the sci-fi franchise. With the cast of the film still growing, there is still a lot to be revealed about the seventh Star Wars film.

See it because: Director J.J. Abrams did a good job re-invigorating the Star Trek franchise; hopefully he can work his magic here.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is due to be released on 18th December 2015.

Film Review: Behind the Candelabra

Steven Soderbergh’s Behind the Candelabra is resplendent. As dazzling as any of Liberace’s outfits, Behind the Candelabra is easily one of the best films of the year so far.

Scott Thorson is a young gay man living in California. When a friend takes him to see legendary entertainer Liberace, a relationship develops. Scott is thrust into a world of extravagance, but living with Liberace is not plain sailing…

Behind the Candelabra works so well because both comedy and drama are executed fantastically. Based on Thorson’s autobiographical novel, the film has many laughs. However, it is the moments of emotion and reflection which are affecting.

Behind the Candelabra is funny without mocking Liberace. It does poke fun at the flamboyant character now and again, but this is done in an affectionate way rather than a spiteful one. In a way, it is in keeping with the camp of the legend himself. The film boasts some excellent lines.

The central dynamic of the tumultuous relationship between Liberace and Thorson is what makes the film tick. This relationship is portrayed with depth; it is convincing and engaging. Both protagonists are three dimensional. Other characters, such as Dr Startz bring excellent comedy value to the film.

Costumes and sets in Behind the Candelabra are sublime. The film really captures the flamboyance of Liberace’s outfits and staging for his shows. There is a good use of Liberace’s music and staging to recreate shows. Soderbergh’s direction solid throughout; he handles the intimate scenes and the busier stage numbers equally well.

Behind the Candelabra features some fantastic performances. Michael Douglas is wholly convincing as the legendary entertainer, while Matt Damon delivers a strong performance as Scott Thorson. The pair are aided by a solid supporting cast. In particular Rob Lowe is a scene stealer as Dr Startz.

Simply put, Behind the Candelabra is essential viewing.

5 Reasons to Watch Behind the Candelabra

When I heard a Liberace biopic was being made, I clutched my rhinestone-encrusted cape with excitement. Behind the Candelabra is based on Scott Thorson’s autobiographical novel about his relationship with the flamboyant entertainer. Here are five reasons to watch Behind the Candelabra when it is released in cinemas on 7th June 2013…

1. The Outfits

Look at this magnificent outfit. The costumes are reason enough to watch Behind the Candelabra. The rings, ruffled sleeves, the bejewelled fur-lined cape. Librace was famed for his outfits, so the film is bound to feature several of show-stopping looks. Get ready to take notes.

2. The Hair

Rob Lowe can really work a feathered bob. I don’t think he has ever looked better. Behind the Candelabra is set in 1977, so expect hairspray, feathering, and volume like no other.

3. The Cast and Director

The enviable cast is another reason to watch Behind the Candelabra. Michael Douglas looks ever inch the part as showman Liberace, while Matt Damon always delivers a solid performance. Dan Aykroyd and Rob Lowe are two other big-name members of the cast. Although I haven’t been overly impressed by some of Steven Soderbergh’s recent efforts (I am yet to see Side Effects, but Magic Mike and Haywire were below par), however his pedigree does add a certain allure to this project.

4. Librace

Behind the Candelabra is about the incomparable Liberace. One of my (and surely everyone else’s) idols, Liberace was exactly what an entertainer should be: flamboyant, talented, and not without a whiff of controversy. If you require another reason to watch Behind the Candelabra, check out the above clip of Liberace on The Muppet Show from 1978.

5. Librace’s Dog

Look at this dog. Look at its collar. Being Liberace’s dog must have been the greatest vocation on Earth. To be surrounded by that much glamour and that many sequins would make my heart explode. On top of everything else, viewers get to soak up the magnetism of this canine in Behind the Candelabra. Spectacular.