Previews: The Addams Family Trailer, Official Secrets, More!

Plenty to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new The Addams Family trailer, The Day Shall Come, The Farewell, and more…

The Addams Family Trailer

Here is the brand new The Addams Family trailer. The animated film is the latest iteration of the creepy family, following the television shows and the 1990s films. This latest movie features the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloe Grace Moretz. The Addams Family hits UK screens on 25th October 2019.

The Day Shall Come Trailer

Above is the new trailer for The Day Shall Come. Directed by Chris Morris (Four Lions), the film is a satire on Homeland Security, based on 100 true stories. It stars Marchánt Davis, Anna Kendrick, and Danielle Brooks. The Day Shall Come will be released in UK cinemas on 11th October 2019.

Official Secrets Poster

Official Secrets is about the 2003 UK-US invasion of Iraq. The film focuses on Katherine Gun, a translator who leaks a classified email. Directed by Gavin Hood, the film stars Kiera Knightley, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode, and Ralph Fiennes. Official Secrets will hit UK cinemas on 18th October 2019.

The Farewell Trailer

Lulu Wang’s Sundance smash The Farewell gets a UK release date. Written and directed by Wang, the semi-autobiographical drama is about a US-raised young woman who returns to China to see her ailing grandmother. The film stars Awkwafina and Tzi Ma. The Farewell will be released in UK cinemas on 20th September 2019.

The Third Man Trailer

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Carol Reed’s classic The Third Man gets a 4k re-release. The film, which stars Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles, is about a writer who arrives in post-War Vienna to meet his childhood friend. The film will be screened at a special event at Picturehouse Central in London on 1st September 2019 – seventy years to the day of its world premiere. The Third Man returns to UK cinemas for one day only on 29th September 2019.

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: Captain America: Civil War Posters, and more!

Plenty of blockbusters in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including Captain America: Civil War posters, X-Men: Apocalypse, Independence Day: Resurgence and more…

Captain America: Civil War Posters

Are you #TeamCap or #TeamIronMan? These new Captain America: Civil War posters highlight the division in the Avengers. Captain America: Civil War is as much a follow-up to Avengers: Age of Ultron as it is to 2014’s superlative Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and a host of other Marvel stars, Captain America: Civil War hits UK screens on 29th April 2016.

Welcome To Me Trailer

Welcome To Me is about a lottery winner who decides to spend her winnings on creating her own talkshow. Kristen Wiig stars at the winner inspired by Oprah Winfrey, and the film also stars James Marsden, Wes Bentley and Joan Cusack. Welcome To Me will be released in cinemas and on Sky Store on 25th March 2016.

 

X-Men: Apocalypse Poster

Michael Fassbender’s Magneto leads the four horsemen of the apocalypse in this new poster for X-Men: Apocalypse. The film sees the return of familiar characters from previous instalment as well as new additions played by Oscar Isaac, Sophie Turner and others. X-Men: Apocalypse blasts onto UK screens on 18th May 2016.

Florence Foster Jenkins Trailer

Florence Foster Jenkins star Meryl Streep as the New York heiress. She has a desire to sing, but her voice does not live up to her concert-hall aspirations. Also starring Hugh Grant, the film is directed by Stephen Frears. Florence Foster Jenkins is released in cinemas on 6th May 2016.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children First Look

Well this looks mildly terrifying. Here is one of the first images released from Tim Burton’s upcoming Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Based on the bestselling novel, the film stars Eva Green, Allison Janney, and Samuel L. Jackson. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will be released in UK cinemas in Autumn 2016.

Demolition Trailer

Demolition is about a successful investment banker who struggles to cope after the tragic death of his wife. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts and Chris Cooper. Directed by Dallas Buyers Club helmer Jean-Marc Valleé, Demolition hits UK cinemas on 29th April 2016.

Independence Day: Resurgence Poster

Here is a new poster for the delayed sequel Independence Day: Resurgence. The film is set twenty years after the original, and sees the return of director Roland Emmerich and cast members Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Vivica A. Fox. Independence Day: Resurgence launches on UK screens on 23rd June 2016.

Film Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a throughly entertaining instalment in the franchise, which lovingly pays homage to Star Wars: A New Hope.

Many years after the defeat of the Empire, a new threat is rising. The First Order wishes to rule the galaxy. It is down to an unlikely group of individuals to stop them, along with help of the Resistance…

The long-awaited sequel to the original Star Wars trilogy lives up to expectations in terms of entertainment and nostalgia. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is an enjoyable blockbuster that should satisfying fans and new viewers alike. The film reminds the audience how entertaining an action adventure can be.

Director J.J. Abrams is clearly a fan of the original films; this shines through in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There are a lot of overt references to Star Wars: A New Hope in particular, in terms of characters and sets. Even in terms of narrative structure and set-up, there are allusions to the first trilogy.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens introduces new characters to the franchise, and a new battle to fight. The film follows a similar premise to the 1977 film in bringing these characters together, and setting up their mission. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is well paced. The film opens with an action sequence, and continues to build momentum whilst allowing for exposition.

The new characters introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens are a good fit for the franchise. These characters have good chemistry, particularly Finn and Rey. Abrams eschews the trap that the prequel films fell into by having supporting characters that aggravate. Droid BB8 is a delightful addition to the cast.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has the look of the original series in terms of settings and props. Production values are great; with CGI used sparingly. John Williams’ score is very memorable. John Boyega and Daisy Ridley have a little bit of the hokeyness of Luke Skywalker in the original, with their line delivery. However, even this is disarming; the pair bubble with enthusiasm. Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac also do well.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a most fitting follow-up in the Star Wars franchise. The film works well on its own, and will ignite zeal for the next instalment.

Star Wars Celebration – London

I was very excited to be invited to the Star Wars celebration in London yesterday evening, an event which featured a live stream to the Anaheim presentation of the brand new trailer for The Force Awakens, plus a q&a session with J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy and others. Here is what happened…

We were greeted by two ominous-looking Stormtroopers, however Any apprehension was soon eased by the appearance of everyone’s favourite robot duo. C3PO and R2D2 were on hand at the Star Wars Celebration to offer a more friendly welcome. Despite 38 years passing since the release of the first Star Wars film, these two looked sprightly as ever.

Before too long, the show began, with Willow Ofgood himself (aka Warwick Davis) presenting the Star Wars Celebration event for the London audience. Davis makes an excellent host; he was highly amusing throughout the evening. After some events for fans, the presentation was about to begin.

Director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy looked genuinely thrilled to be at the Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim. The emphasis was definitely on going back to Star Wars’ roots with The Force Awakens. Numerous times, J.J. Abrams, mentioned going back to the original trilogy with both the look and the feel of the new film. It definitely felt as if both Abrams and Kennedy wished to steer away from memories of the less well-received prequel trilogy of the late nineties/early noughties.

After answering some questions, it was time to bring out more guests including the makers of the new R2D2, plus the robot himself and B8, a new robot addition to the Star Wars franchise. Fans at the Star Wars Celebration then got to meet the main stars of The Force Awakens; John Boyega (Finn), Daisy Ridley (Rey) and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron). All three spoke of their memories of Star Wars growing up, and their excitement of working on the film at being at the Star Wars Celebration.

Next, it was time for some old faces to appear, in the form of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C3PO) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca). The cast from the original franchise spoke of their affection for the films and their joy at coming back for the new films. The main event arrived at the every end of the presentation, with the first screening of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer.

Reception to the trailer was extremely positive. Earlier spoken of “retro” aspects are apparent at this new glimpse, with the look of the film a great reflection of the original franchise. There are some wonderful shots, including the desert landscape opening shot, the image of Pol Dameron in the pilot seat (echoing Luke Skywalker) and decaying helmut of Darth Vader. The teaser also posed some interesting questions, particularly in who Luke is speaking to when he talks about family. I would assume it is a child or nephew/niece of his, which posits Rey or Pol Dameron as the likely audience of this speech. Then again, this teaser gives away so little that this may be a red herring. The final shot of Han Solo and Chewbacca, unsurprisingly got the biggest cheer of all; fans were certainly glad to see the return of this duo.

After the excitement of seeing the new teaser on the big screen at Empire Leicester Square, it was time for the Star Wars Celebration to conclude. There was a definite air of excitement about the new footage at the event; the venue was buzzing with discussion of what was screened as I left, goodies in hand.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is released in cinemas on 18th December 2015.

Film Review: In Secret

An adaptation of Emile Zola’s Thérèse Raquin, In Secret is high melodrama. The film functions successfully as such, although those expecting a serious period drama may be surprised.

Sent to live with her aunt and sickly cousin, Thérèse Raquin finds her life restricted. It is only after the family move to Paris that Thérèse has more freedom, but this comes at a cost…

Director Charlie Stratton’s adaptation of Zola’s story is a period drama that offers comic amusement with its brand of humour and entertainment with its melodrama. The film is played out in the style of a soap opera, with moments of emotion heightened to the point of camp.

It is In Secret‘s comedy that indicate that the melodrama in the film is deliberate rather than accidental. If it was not for the overt comedy stylings, In Secret could be considered an attempt at serious drama gone awry. The film works perfectly at the level of cam melodrama. Stratton and the screenwriters surely know this, and pepper the film with amusing asides and covertly comic supporting characters.

The plot of In Secret is played out in an extravagant manner. With the passion and tone, events move briskly and without a great deal of depth or pondering. As a result, viewers may feel that they do not have the chance to really get to know the characters beyond a superficial level. Ultimately, this is not a major problem as the tone ensues that most will simply be eager to reach the next twist in proceedings.

Cinematography in the film works well, with some beautifully composed shots. Costumes and art direction are also good. Jessica Lange is ever the scene stealer, offering a performance in keeping with the tone of In Secret. Elizabeth Olsen and Oscar Isaac show strengths in different areas.

In Secret may not please all, but those who submit to the melodrama should find it an entertaining watch.

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: Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis is a thoroughly enjoyable film. Joel and Ethan Coen’s latest is bursting with dry humour.

Llewyn Davis is a folk singer gigging in New York of the early 1960s. Llewyn is struggling to make a living through music, whilst his living arrangements cause other problems…

Inside Llewyn Davis is an entertaining and engaging film. Focusing on a week in the life of the title character, the films throws up interesting if quirky incidents whilst also illustrating the drawbacks of such a lifestyle.

The Coen brothers’ film works because of its central character. Llewyn is not a bright spark but an almost melancholy figure drifting out of others’ lives. This is nicely juxtaposed with some real personalities among the secondary characters.

The narrative progresses at a steady but laconic pace. The first two thirds of Inside Llewyn Davis are stronger than the third, but even this is very watchable. The dry humour is regular and successful. The comedy acts almost as a guise to obscure what is quite a sad tale.

Inside Llewyn Davis functions almost like a musical, with a number of in-action performances. The folk songs are a beautiful accompaniment to imagery. The film has the look and feel of early 1960s thanks to costumes and styling.

Oscar Isaac is great as Llewyn, but it is the supporting cast who are scene stealers. John Goodman and Garrett Hedlund amuse greatly in their scenes, while Carey Mulligan tackles the perpetually annoyed Jean. Robin Bartlett is also fantastic in her scenes.

Inside Llewyn Davis has the style of the Coen brothers stamped all over it, although it will be enjoyed by a far wider audience than just devotees of the filmmakers.

Inside Llewyn Davis is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2013.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of movie stuffs this week, including the latest Man of Steel TV spot, Disney’s Big Hero 6, the Coen Brothers’ latest and a Herzog re-release…

Man of Steel

Here is the new Man of Steel TV spot. Although the film looks exciting, the TV spot fails to answer the question everyone is asking; is Gus Gorman in this latest Superman film? Really, that’s what we want to know. Man of Steel, with or without Gus Gorman, is released in UK cinemas on 14th June 2013.

Big Hero 6

Here is the first look at Disney Animation’s Big Hero 6. I want to live in San Fransokyo, it looks amazing! The film is about a robotics prodigy who finds himself in the grips of  criminal plot that threatens the city. Big Hero 6 is due for release in the US on 7th November 2014.

Inside Llewyn Davis

Ethan and Joel Coen’s Inside Llewyn Davis is about a young folk singer in 1960s New York. The film stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake. But who knows, the breakout star may be the cat in the first seen in this trailer. Inside Llewyn Davis is due for release in UK cinemas on 24th January 2014.

The World’s End

Edgar Wright’s latest offering is The World’s End, starring past collaborators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The film seems like exactly what one would expect from the trio; comedy and some very strange shenanigans. The World’s End hits UK screens on 19th July 2013.

The Internship

The Internship reunites Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. The comedy is about two advertising salesmen who start an internship at Google. The trailer reminds me of that episode of Friends where Chandler starts an internship at an ad agency and he’s so much older than the rest of the interns. The Internship is out in UK cinemas on 4th July 2013.

About Time

Here is the first trailer for Richard Curtis’ latest film, About Time. The comedy stars Bill Nighy, Rachel McAdams and Domhall Gleeson. I’m getting Groundhog Day vibes from the trailer, although I think the film is going to weigh heavy on the whole consequences theme. About Time is released in UK cinemas on 6th September 2013.

Aguirre, Wrath of God

I wish Werner Herzog was narrating this trailer. Werner Herzog should narrate everything. Anyway, the director’s 1972 film Aguirre, Wrath of God gets a re-release as part of the BFI’s retrospective of Herzog in June. Aguirre, Wrath of God will be screened at the BFI and selected UK venues from 7th June 2013.

Film Review: Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch is a typical Zack Snyder film in that style is heavily favoured over substance. For all its veneer, the film is severely lacking in the narrative department.

Following the death of her mother, a young girl is institutionalised by her cruel and abusive stepfather. To cope with the traumatic situation, she creates an imaginary world. Baby Doll and four other young girls plot to escape their surroundings by collecting the five items necessary for them to complete their mission…

The plot of Sucker Punch is as flimsy as some of the girls’ outfits. The film is really not much more than an excuse for beautiful women to kick ass in revealing costumes. This may have been passable if there had been a decent storyline, however the narrative is lamentable, with very little plot or character development. The plot is very simple, with all the clichés of a platform game rather than a feature film.

In creating a multi-platform vehicle, it is easy to see what Zack Snyder was aiming for. However, the allegory is astoundingly obvious, leaving little room for alternative interpretation. Those hoping for more depth from Sucker Punch are likely to be disappointed. The epilogue at the end sums up everything that is wrong with the film. There are pretensions of something grander and more profound. Yet there is little more to the film than surface polish.

There will inevitably be some debate as to whether the main characters are positive feminist role models or exploited females who serve the sole purpose of providing titillation. On the one hand, the girls are empowered enough to fight for themselves without having to rely on anyone else. Nevertheless, the young women all wear ridiculously skimpy outfits, totally inappropriate for the combat scenes. Furthermore, Baby Doll and her cohorts are not above using their feminine wiles in order to distract men, who are depicted almost entirely in a negative light.

The action scenes in Sucker Punch are a lot of fun. The high-energy set pieces are bravura, and by far the most entertaining moments in the film. The effects are good, with the highly stylised visuals having become a Snyder trademark. Similarly, the soundtrack is great, totally in keeping with the attitude of the film.

Emily Browning is beautifully striking as Baby Doll, but the actress is given little opportunity to show any range. The other young girls in the film are just as limited. Oscar Isaac is suitably one-dimensional as Blue, and the same can be said for Carla Gugino’s Dr Gorski.

Sucker Punch is an aural and visual feast. It is just a shame that Snyder did not put as much effort into making the script compelling.