Previews: Logan Lucky Trailer, Stronger, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Logan Lucky trailer, My Little Pony: The Movie, Stronger and more…

Logan Lucky Trailer

Here is the new Logan Lucky trailer. The films sees director Steven Soderbergh teaming up with Channing Tatum once again for this new action comedy. Tatum is joined by an enviable cast that includes Adam Driver, Katie Holmes, and Daniel Craig. Logan Lucky will hit UK cinemas on 25th August 2017.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle Trailer

Here is the brand new trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film is set in the same world as the 1995 film, albeit updated to be a video game rather than a board game. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in December 2017.

My Little Pony: The Movie Trailer

Will this new film be as good as 1986’s My Little Pony: The Movie? Only time will tell. After Hasbro re-launched the toy and media franchise in 2010, a new new movie seemed inevitable. This new film features an all-star voice cast, including Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoworth, Live Schreiber, and Taye Diggs. My Little Pony: The Movie arrives on UK screens on 20th October 2017.

The Greatest Showman Trailer

The Greatest Showman is a new original musical. The film is inspired by P.T. Barnum, and celebrates the birth of show business. Hugh Jackman headlines, and is joined by Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The Greatest Showman is set for release in UK cinemas on 1st January 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Poster

Here is the latest poster for Annabelle: Creation, which emphasises the creepiness of the doll. The film is a prequel, and details how the doll was brought to life originally. This latest horror is directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out). Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on  11th August 2017.

The Dark Tower Featurette

This new featurette for The Dark Tower reveals a bit more about the main character in the film. Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey star in the film, based on Stephen King’s novel. The Dark Tower is out in cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Stronger Trailer

Here is the trailer for drama Stronger. The film is based on the true story of the Boston man  whose iconic photo from the 2013 Boston marathon bombing was broadcast throughout the world. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Masley, and Miranda Richardson. Stronger will be released later this year.

Film Review: Made in Dagenham

Given director Nigel Cole’s previous work in Calendar Girls, it is unsurprising that Made in Dagenham is a film that concentrates more on the emotional side rather than the factual evidence of the 1968 strike by female workers at the Ford Dagenham car plant. As this film is a dramatisation featuring mostly fictional characters, that doesn’t matter too much; Made in Dagenham is an enjoyable movie which should do well, in the UK market at least.

Rita O’Grady becomes the reluctant leader of a campaign for equal pay for women in late-1960s Britain. As well as dealing with personal issues brought on by the strike, Rita and her band of campaigners have to contend with chauvinistic bosses, unhelpful union leaders, and numerous others in their quest to end pay discrimination…

Made in Dagenham is in many ways typical of mainstream British cinema. It is a feel-good film combining drama and comedy. The film features many well-known faces from the British screen. And the focus is on a very particular group on individuals; in this case a group of working class women living in Dagenham.

Although it ticks these boxes, that is not to say that Made in Dagenham is a tired film. Some of the characters are well-developed, and will be responded to accordingly by audiences. Others are featured more for comic value, but again this seems to work in Nigel Cole’s film. Whilst the film holds no great surprises, it is engaging enough to entertain viewers throughout.

Some may complain that Made in Dagenham follows a well-tread path in British film, eschewing realism for sentimentality. The film, however, functions on the level it intends to; a feel-good film that will appeal to audiences well-versed in the style of its predecessors. On this level, Made in Dagenham is effective. Whilst it may not be ground-breaking, it is enjoyable.

Sally Hawkins gives an excellent performance as Rita, the reluctant working wife and mother who, at heart, understands how important it is to stand up against injustice. Bob Hoskins is watchable as ever, in a role that does not stretch his capabilities in the least. Geraldine James and Miranda Richardson both add a necessary weight to proceedings, whilst Andrea Riseborough is immense fun as the outspoken Brenda.

Technical credits are good all-round. The 1960s soundtrack works well to transport viewers back to the late-1960s setting. Likewise, the costume department have excelled in this respect.

Some of the humour and references may be lost on non-British audiences, but for the most part Made in Dagenham has universal appeal, if taken on face value as the feel-good film it is.