Previews: Game Night Trailer, The Post, More!

Lots of cinematic wonder in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Game Night trailer, The Post, Sherlock Gnomes, and more…

Game Night Trailer

Here is the new Game Night trailer. The film is about a group of friends who get together for a game night which becomes a murder mystery party. The film stars Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, and Kyle Chandler. Game Night is scheduled for release in cinemas on 4th May 2018.

The Post Trailer

The trailer for The Post exudes quality. The film features a stellar cast and crew, and focuses on team behind the The Washington Post taking a stand for free speech during the Nixon administration. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is written by Josh Singer and stars Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, and Sarah Paulson. The Post is released in UK cinemas on 19th January 2018.

The Greatest Showman Poster

Here is one of the new posters for the upcoming The Greatest Showman. The musical is all about the spectacle, focusing on the ambition of P.T. Barnum. Hugh Jackman heads the cast, and is joined by Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. Featuring music from the Oscar-winning Pasek and Paul (La La Land), The Greatest Showman hits UK screens on 1st January 2018.

Sherlock Gnomes Trailer

Sherlock Gnomes is a follow-up to 2011’s Gnomeo and Juliet. The film sees the couple arrive in London and enlist the help of the famous detective to find out who is kidnapping garden gnomes. The adventure comedy features the voices of Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Johnny Depp, Maggie Smith, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Sherlock Gnomes is set for release next year.

The Commuter Image

Here is a new look at the upcoming action thriller The Commuter. The film stars Liam Neeson as an insurance salesman who is forced to uncover the identity of a hidden passenger before the train reaches its final stop. Neeson is joined by Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and Sam Neill. The Commuter arrives in UK cinemas on 19th January 2018.

Previews: The Commuter Trailer, Tomb Raider, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the brand new The Commuter trailer, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Tomb Raider, and more…

The Commuter Trailer

Here is the brand new The Commuter trailer. The action thriller is about a regular commuter who is forced to find a hidden passenger on his train. The film sees director Jaume Collet-Serra reunite with Liam Neeson following Non-Stop and Unknown. Also starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and Sam Neill, The Commuter launches onto UK screens on 19th January 2018.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Trailer

Here is the new Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle trailer. The film is a new adventure based in the world of Jumanji. The film is about four teenagers who are sucked into the jungle world, and stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is set for release on 20th December 2017.

Tomb Raider Trailer

This is the trailer for the new Tomb Raider film, a reboot of the game-set series which starred Angelina Jolie in the early 2000s. Alicia Vikander plays Lara Croft, and the film focuses on the character at the beginning of her career. Also starring Dominic West and Walton Goggins, Tomb Raider is scheduled for release in March 2018.

The Glass Castle Clip

Above is a clip from The Glass Castle. The film is based on the memoirs of Jeannette Walls, focussing on her relationship with her unconventional father. Starring Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson, The Glass Castle is out in cinemas on 6th October 2017.

Better Watch Out Trailer

This looks like a lot of fun. Better Watch Out is a Christmas time-set horror comedy about a babysitter who must defend her tween charges from an intruder. The film looks like it has all the ingredients of an entertaining movie, from the trailer above at least. Starring Levi Miller and Olivia DeJonge, Better Watch Out hits UK screens on 8th December 2017.

The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Poster

I was non-plussed about The LEGO NINJAGO Movie but this cat is making it much more appealing. The third LEGO movie, this film is about a group of secret ninja warriors. Featuring the voices of Jackie Chan, Dave Franco, and Justin Theroux, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie is out in UK cinemas on 13th October 2017.

Film Review: The Conjuring 2

Director, producer and co-writer James Wan has created a genuinely scary horror movie with The Conjuring 2. It is Wan’s best horror film to date.

A mother and her four children begin to experience strange occurrences in their home in Enfield, North London. With professionals stumped by the strange case, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to the UK to investigate…

The Conjuring 2 outshines its predecessor The Conjuring in terms of fear, atmosphere and engagement. The film delivers a palpable sense of apprehension for much of its two hour plus running time. There are a few times that the film veers into sentimental territory, but these are balanced by plenty of scares.

The film is set in late 1970s England. The Conjuring 2 features an almost obligatory montage of London crowd shot to introduce the setting. Whilst this is a bit tired, the suburban backdrop of Enfield gives the impression that supernatural activity could happen anywhere. Unlike the remote farmhouses of other horror films, there is a normality to the setting which is unnerving.

Wan appears to throw everything into the film in order to produce frights. The Conjuring 2 is heavy on jump scares, yet these are effective most of the time. Some of the more supernatural elements seem overexposed, and yet Wan throws in a number of red herrings which work effectively. The central antagonist is a genuinely frightening spectre.

By the time the film reaches its conclusion, fear gives way to violence. The threat has transformed into something tangible, requiring sufficient action to combat. Although the ending is a little predictable, it is a suitable ending for the film. There are several unnerving moments earlier in The Conjuring 2 to compensate for the lack of terror in the ending.Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles well. Frances O’Connor does a decent job as the frantic mother, whilst Madison Wolfe is believable as the young Janet.

The Conjuring 2 feels like a finale to James Wan’s series of horror films. If this turns out to be the case, the series certainly ends on a high.

Previews: The Conjuring 2 trailer, The Jungle Book and more!

The first of the film previews for 2016, including The Conjuring 2 trailer, the latest poster for The Jungle Book and more…

The Conjuring 2 Trailer

The Conjuring 2 trailer promises more of the same from horror director James Wan. The follow-up to 2013’s The Conjuring sees Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as ghost hunters Lorraine and Ed Warren. With the action shifting to 1977 for the Enfield haunting, The Conjuring 2 will hit the big screen on 17th June 2016.

The Jungle Book Poster

Here is the latest poster for The Jungle Book. Jon Favreau directs the live action adaption of the famous tale. The film features an enviable voice cast which includes Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson. Newcomer Neel Sethi stars as young Mowgli. No word yet on whether there will be songs. The Jungle Book is set for release on 15th April 2016.

The Forest Trailer

The Forest is horror movie set in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest. The film stars Natalie Dormer as an American who travels to Japan to track down her missing twin sister. Also starring Tyler Kinney, The Forest will be released in UK cinemas on 26th February 2016.

Hail, Cesar! Poster

Hail, Cesar! is the new comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen. Set during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the film concentrates on a day in the life of a studio fixer. Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton feature among the film’s stellar cast. A must see for those who love films about filmmaking, Hail, Cesar! hits UK cinemas on 4th March 2016.

Film Review: Insidious: Chapter 2

Sequel Insidious: Chapter 2 has some jumps and some good laughs, but ultimately is inferior to its predecessor due to the lack of sustained suspense.

Following the supernatural events that endangered their children, Josh and Renai Lambert’s connection to the spirit world remains unbroken. A childhood secret may hold the key to removing the nefarious spirits from their family…

Insidious: Chapter 2 carries on from the events of the first film, with some sequences which go back into the past. Through the course of the film it is two parallel narratives that run, although they intertwine at times.

The film replays some of the events of Insidious, filling in the gaps. This works well for the most part, although the film is not as clever as it thinks it is.

The main problem with Insidious: Chapter 2 is that the apprehension that was so successfully generated for much of the first film is missing here. There are jumps certainly, but the film is devoid of the building tension and atmosphere which made the original so memorable.

The comedy in Insidious: Chapter 2 does work, and indeed is more frequent than in its predecessor. This certainly offers an element of relief from the film’s scarier moments. The new characters brought into this instalment are a good fit.

The imagery and objects of fear build on what is featured in the original film. Some of the articles used to generate fear are those depicted time and again in the horror genre. As such, some devices can be spotted a mile off.

Performances in Insidious: Chapter 2 are in keeping with the tone of the film. Patrick Wilson injects an aura of campery which fits the more humorous side of the film.

Insidious: Chapter 2 is disappointing compared to its predecessor, but is by no means a terrible film in its own right. However there is no need for a third film.

Film Review: The Conjuring

The Conjuring is an atmospheric horror that successfully combines the visceral with the psychological.

In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Parren move into a Rhode Island farmhouse with their daughters. When strange events begin to occur in the house, Carolyn contacts noted paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren to remove the dark presence…

The latest offering from James Wan, helmer of Saw and Insidious, combines elements of the haunted house film with that of an exorcism flick. This works for the most part, with the detective aspects being employed for expositional purposes.

The Conjuring builds tension in an effective manner. There are well-placed jumpy moments. These are executed with some restraint, rather than being an onslaught.

References to other horror movies begins with The Conjuring‘s opening titles. The film’s title on screen immediately evokes The Exorcist. This is not the only allusion to the 1973 film. Other horror films are also referenced in Wan’s film.

The only real let down is that too much is overstated in The Conjuring. Th film attempts to drop some red herrings but these fall like clangers rather than hints. The result is that the end game is rather predictable. This is only the case as The Conjuring adopts the tried and tested methods of horror films past.

Wan’s direction is solid. There are several nice transitional and tracking shots employed in the film. The sound is an effective tool in generating tension. For the most part, the film looks of the era it is set.

It is a nice touch that Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are cast as the experienced investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, given that both actors could be considered veterans of the genre. Elsewhere, performances are decent.

There is enough in the film to give both the immediate jumps and disquieting feelings that should stay with viewers. The Conjuring is not perfect, but it is a very entertaining horror.

Stuff To Look At

All manner of upcoming film-related items to occupy you for at least a few minutes…

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby has some mighty fine artwork. Art Deco reigns supreme in these new character posters. You can view the latest trailer for the film here. The Great Gatsby is out in UK cinemas on 16th May 2013.

The Hangover Part III

This new trailer for The Hangover Part III gives a good idea of the plot of the film. All the regular faces return for this final instalment, directed by Todd Phillips. The Hangover Part III is released in UK cinemas on 23rd May 2013.

21 and Over

21 and Over is a rites of passage comedy from the writers of The Hangover. Jeff Chang’s two best friends come to town to celebrate his 21st birthday, but he has an important interview the next morning. Starring Project X‘s Miles Teller, the trailer lets viewers know exactly what to expect. 21 and Over is out in UK cinemas on 3rd May 2013.

The Iceman

With a stellar cast that includes Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder and Ray Liotta, The Iceman is based on the story of real-life hitman Richard Kuklinski. The critically acclaimed film is due for release in the UK on 7th June 2013.

The Conjuring

Well this looks suitably terrifying. Here is the main trailer for horror movie The Conjuring. Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the film hits UK screens on 19th July 2013.

Film Review: Young Adult

With superlative writing, directing and performances, Young Adult is one of the best comedy dramas in recent years. Jason Reitman’s film is a must see.

Mavis Gary is an author of young adult literature living in Minneapolis. Following her recent divorce, Mavis decides to return to her small hometown in Minnesota to try to rekindle the flame with her high school boyfriend. He is, however, married with a newborn baby…

It is the erudite combination of skilful directing, magnificent writing and an astonishing central performance that makes Young Adult such a fantastic movie. Not only is Mavis such a well written character, but she is depicted with the upmost authenticity. Despite some rather unsavoury traits, Mavis still resonates with audiences because she is so believable. Thus, viewers will side with her precisely because she is a flawed character.

Young Adult is an acutely affecting film, thanks to this brilliant depiction. Even those who find it difficult to relate to Mavis’ actions should find the film resonant. This is due to the fact that the themes are depicted so convincingly. The return to a glorious past, an isolated life, depression and an uncertain future are all ideas that should resound with viewers both younger and older than the protagonist.

Diablo Cody’s screenplay is fantastic, and definitely her best work to date. The dialogue is great, expeically the conversations between Mavis and Matt. These scenes combine humour with refreshing honesty. Young Adult’s pacing is also good. The film never feels rushed or dragged out.

Jason Reitman’s directing is both stylish and subtle. Reitman seems to have his own style, one that is not glaringly obvious, but one that differentiates him from other contemporary directors of comedy drama. After the critical and commercial success of his previous efforts, it is a real shame that Young Adult has not received the recognition it deserves during the award season.

Charlize Theron is superb as Mavis Gary. It is a testament to Theron’s versatility that she is able to play the character so authentically. Patton Oswalt provides excellent support as Matt, while Patrick Wilson is well cast as Buddy.

Young Adult may not please those looking for a stereotypical Hollywood comedy drama. Everyone else should find it captivating. Young Adult is a fine piece of filmmaking.

Film Review: Insidious

People in horror movies never actually seem to watch horror movies themselves. Otherwise, they would know to scarper at the first sign of danger, unlike the protagonists in Insidious.

Josh, Renai and their three children move into a new home. Before they have finished unpacking, strange things start to occur. When the couple find their oldest son Dalton in an unexplained comatose state, they decide to pack up ad leave. Moving into a new home, the family find that whatever was previously haunting them has followed…

Insidious is a good schlock horror that provides a decent amount of frights for those who buy into it. Some elements are unsurprisingly silly; seemingly a prerequisite of the modern horror film. Nevertheless, Insidious is an effective possession movie overall.

Much is made in the film’s publicity of the fact that the makers of Saw and Paranormal Activity are at the helm. Creator of Saw James Wan directs and Leigh Whannell writes, while Paranormal Activity creator Oren Peli is one of the film’s producers. Given the success of these two recent franchises, it is easy to see why they have been played up in the advertising for the film. Although it is most comparable to Paranormal Activity of the two, thankfully Insidious is its own movie. The film does not draw too heavily on previous haunting films, despite the inevitable comparisons to The Haunting in Connecticut and The Amityville Horror among others.

One of the best things about Insidious is that the film injects a healthy dose of humour into proceedings. The appearance of Specs and Tucker lighten the atmosphere at the right time. They relieve some of the tension and sombreness that had hitherto been building. Whilst Insidious is unlikely to rank alongside cult classic Evil Dead II with this mix of horror and comedy, this aspect does distinguish the film from being just another generic possession movie.

Certain scenes in the film evoke Ridley Scott’s Legend, with their polemical imagery and use of colour. The booming score is pivotal in enhancing the sense of apprehension. The use of a recurring vintage tune is reminiscent of the Halloween series and Jeepers Creepers in giving an innocuous song a more menacing turn. Effects are good, although there is one particular use of CGI that cheapens the look of the film.

Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are aptly cast as protagonists Josh and Renai. Ty Simpkins is believable as young Dalton, while Barbara Hershey is underused as Lorraine.

With its nods to numerous horror films, Insidious is a well-crafted movie that effectively delivers the scares. It’s not The Haunting, but should prove to be popular amongst horror aficionados.