Previews: Edie Trailer, Yellow Submarine, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Edie trailer, Yellow Submarine, Whitney, and more…

Edie Trailer

Here is the new Edie trailer. The film is about an older woman who decides to fulfil a life-long dream following the death of her controlling husband. Directed by Simon Hunter, the film stars Sheila Hancock in the lead role. Edie will be released in UK cinemas on 25th May 2018.

Yellow Submarine Trailer

For its 50th anniversary, The Beatles’ animated classic Yellow Submarine gets a big screen rerelease. Directed by George Dunning, the film features some of The Beatles’ best-loved songs. Yellow Submarine will be screened across the UK on 8th July, with tickets going on sale on 17th April 2018.

Whitney Trailer

This is the new trailer for documentary Whitney. The film will no doubt be compared to the other recent Whitney Houston documentary, Nick Broomfield’s Whitney: Can I Be Me, although this new film is produced by Patricia Houston. Whitney is directed by Kevin MacDonald (Marley) and will be released in UK cinemas from 6th July 2018.

Big Fish & Begonia Opening Clip

Here are the first three minutes of upcoming animation Big Fish & Begonia. The film is about a young girl who is transformed into a dolphin when she turns sixteen in order to explore the human world. The film combines new storytelling with ancient Chinese legends. Big Fish & Begonia will hit UK screens on 18th April 2018.

Night School Trailer

Above is the trailer for new comedy Night School. The film is about a group of adults forced to attend night classes to pass the GED exam. The film is directed by Malcolm D. Lee (who had recent success with Girls Trip) and stars Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and Rob Riggle. Night School is scheduled for release on UK screens on 28th September 2018.

Film Review: Midnight Sun

Scott Speer’s Midnight Sun is certainly cheesy, but is a good fix for those looking for a teen weepie.

Teenager Katie suffers from Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a rare condition which means she cannot be exposed to sunlight. Relying on the company of her father and her best friend, Katie is flummoxed when she meets her crush one evening. Reluctant to let him know about her condition, Katie cautiously begins to date Charlie…

Directed by Scott Speer and written by Eric Kirsten, Midnight Sun is a remake of a 2006 Japanese film. This version shifts the action to small-town America, where teen Katie must spend daylight behind closed doors.

Midnight Sun seems unambiguous in its aim; the film wants to make its audience cry. It is in the same vein as The Fault in Our Stars and other teen melodramas which centre on a severe medical condition. The film combines a romance with this looming condition. Some humour is attempted, although the success of this is patchy. The narrative is predictable; there will be few surprises here for those familiar with teen melodramas.

Some of the dialogue feels hackneyed, particularly in the film’s more emotional scenes. Furthermore, there are a few plot holes in the second half of the movie. Despite this, Midnight Sun is not beyond redemption. Perhaps through persistence more than anything else, Speer’s movie has a certain charm to it. The protagonist is likeable, and viewers may find themselves rooting for her burgeoning relationship with Charlie.

Bella Thorne delivers much needed charisma as Katie. She is most amiable in this role, and receives good support from Rob Riggle as her father. Patrick Schwarzenegger may look the part of the attractive love interest, but sadly he lacks the acting chops. The music (including songs performed by Bella Thorne) is very much in keeping with the film’s tone, although does lead to a cringeworthy sequence on Katie and Charlie’s big date.

Midnight Sun requires viewers to leave their cynicism behind if they are to enjoy the movie. Often cheesy and sometimes silly, the film entertains in a TV-movie style.