Previews: Okja Trailer, The Mummy, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Okja trailer, The Mummy, War for the Planet of the Apes, and more…

Okja Trailer

Here is the latest Okja trailer. Bong Joon Ho’s film is having its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Okja is about a girl who must stop a corporation from capturing her gentle friend. The film stars Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Paul Dano. Okja launches globally on Netflix on 28th June 2017.

The Mummy Featurette

This featurette on The Mummy reveals a bit more about the characters and the world of the film. The film is intended to be the first in a series of a franchise rebooting the Universal Monsters. Russell Crowe plays Dr Jekyll (the Robert Louis Stevenson creation), with Sofia Boutella starring as the title character. With a cast headed by Tom Cruise, The Mummy hits UK screens on 9th June 2017.

War for the Planet of the Apes Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for War for the Planet of the Apes. The film completes a trilogy that began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The series acts as a prequel to the 1968 classic Planet of the Apes. Starring Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, and Steve Zahn, War for the Planet of the Apes is out in UK cinemas on 14th July 2017.

Baby Driver Poster

This poster for Baby Driver gives an idea for the tone of the film. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film is about a young getaway driver who hopes to ditch his criminal life. The cast includes Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, and Lily James. Baby Driver is released in UK cinemas on 28th June 2017.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard Trailer

Here’s hoping the film is as hilarious as the premise. Ryan Reynolds stars as the bodyguard attempting to protect Samuel L. Jackson’s hitman in action comedy The Hitman’s Bodyguard. With two likeable leads in an odd couple pairing, the film could be a winner. The Hitman’s Bodyguard is out in UK cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Wonder Woman TV Spot

Here is one of the new TV spots for the upcoming Wonder Woman. The first live-action film based on one of the most famous comic book characters, the film has been a long time coming. Directed by Patty Jenkins, and starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Robin Wright, Wonder Woman launches onto UK screens on 1st June 2017.

IT Clip

Hopefully this adaptation of Stephen King’s IT lives up to the novel’s reputation. A group of kids (the ‘Losers Club’) must face their biggest fears when children start going missing in the town of Derry. Starring Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, IT is set for release on 8th September 2017.

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.

Film Review: The Nice Guys

Shane Black’s The Nice Guys is an amiable mix of comedy and mystery. There is enough of a hook to reel viewers in, even if the film isn’t always as funny as it thinks it is.

Private Investigator Holland March is hired to investigate the apparent suicide of a porn star. He crosses paths with enforcer Jackson Healy, who is out to protect his client. Healy and March reluctantly team up to find a missing girl…

Set in late 1970s Los Angeles, The Nice Guys is a buddy detective movie. Shane Black and Anthony Bagarozzi’s screenplay has a distinct neo noir style. The film combines this crime narrative with a broad humour. The narrative works well to engage viewers; there is sufficient mystery surrounding the case the pair are investigating. The detective story offers a number of twists and turns. Although this is not wholly original, there is some pleasant harking back to noir hallmarks.

The set up of the story works suitably well in The Nice Guys. Director Shane Black’s film has similarities to Inherent Vice in terms of setting and theme, but it lacks the genuine outlandishness of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film. Where The Nice Guys excels is in the addition of Holland’s daughter Holly. Having a young girl tag along gives a different dimension to the buddy cop dynamic. Jokes in the film do not always hit the mark, but when they do, they are very funny.

The film’s period setting is wonderfully exhibited by the costuming and sets. The soundtrack also works very well. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling work well as the unlikely duo. Angourie Rice shines as Holly, whilst Kim Basinger appears a little stiff in a minor role.

The Nice Guys is a decent popcorn flick, with enough action, laughs and mystery to sustain its audience.

Previews: X-Men: Apocalypse Clip, The Nice Guys and more

Lots in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including a X-Men: Apocalypse clip, Our Kind of Traitor, The Nice Guys and more…

X-Men: Apocalypse Clip

Here is the latest X-Men: Apocalypse clip. Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique watches Ben Hardy’s Angel take on Kodi Smitt-McPhee’s Nightcrawler in a cage fight. It is unclear where this fits in with the plot, but the 1980s setting looks fun. X-Men: Apocalypse is out in UK cinemas on 18th May 2016.

Our Kind of Traitor Featurette

The cast of Our Kind of Traitor discuss their roles in the film in this short featurette. Directed by Susanna White, the film is based on John Le Carré’s novel of the same name. Starring Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgård, Naomie Harris, and Damian Lewis, Our Kind of Traitor is released on UK screens on 13th May 2016.

The Nice Guys Poster

Here is one of the new poster’s for Shane Black’s The Nice Guys. The film is set in the 1970s and revolves around a hired enforcer (Russell Crowe) and a private investigator (Ryan Gosling) teaming up to solve a case. Also starring Kim Basinger, The Nice Guys hits the big screen on 3rd June 2016.

The Neon Demon Trailer

The Neon Demon has a UK release date. Nicholas Winding Refn’s latest film will hit cinemas on 8th July 2016. The Neon Demon stars Elle Fanning as an aspiring model who moves to LA. Her youth is noted by a group beauty-obsessed women, desperate for what she has. The Neon Demon also stars Jena Malone, Keanu Reeves and Christina Hendricks.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Out of the Shadows. A sequel to 2014’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this new film features some familiar faces from the popular cartoon series. Starring Megan Fox and Will Arnett, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is out in UK cinemas on 30th May 2016.

The Shallows Trailer

Here is the trailer for upcoming thriller The Shallows. The film stars Blake Lively as a young woman who takes a surfing trip to a deserted beach. Only metres from shore, she is obstructed by a great white shark. The Shallows is scheduled for release in cinema in August 2016.

Previews: The Legend of Tarzan trailer, TMNT2 and more!

An abundance of film trailers this week, including The Legend of Tarzan trailer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and more…

The Legend of Tarzan Trailer

The Legend of Tarzan trailer is here. Boasting a cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robie, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz, the film focuses on Tarzan later in life when he asked to be a trade emissary and travel to the Congo. The Legend of Tarzan bombards its way to cinema screens on 18th July 2016.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Trailer

For where is Krang? That’s what everyone wants to know. The trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is here, and features more of the characters from the much-loved cartoon series of the 1980s-1990s. The follow-up to 2014’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is released on 3rd June 2016.

Jane Got A Gun Trailer

Here is the trailer for Western Jane Got a Gun. The film stars Natalie Portman as a mother living on a ranch in New Mexico when her family is threatened by a gang of outlaws. Also starring Joel Edgerton and Ewan McGregor, Jane Got A Gun is set for release in Spring 2016.

The BFG Trailer

The BFG was never my favourite Roald Dahl book (after all, it didn’t revolve round a chocolate factory), but this new film adaptation looks to be a spectacle. Steven Spielberg directs the live-action film, with a cast that includes Mark Rylance, Rebecca Hall and Bill Hader. The BFG stomps its way onto screens on 22nd July 2016.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Trailer

The full-length trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice reveals quite a bit about the upcoming superhero movie. We get to see Clark Kent meeting Bruce Wayne, even if it may take some time getting used to seeing Ben Affleck in this role. There is also more of Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor and an appearance from another of the Justice League. Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is released in cinemas in March 2016.

The Nice Guys Trailer

The Nice Guys sees the unlikely pairing of muscle for hire Russell Crowe and private eye Ryan Gosling team up to track down a missing girl. The film’s 1970s setting is instantly recognisable, from the costumes to the soundtrack. Also starring Kim Basinger and Matt Bomer, The Nice Guys will hit the big screen on 3rd June 2016.

Film Review: Noah

Darren Aronofsky’s Noah is an aesthetically pleasing film, that works on a certain level. Overall, hover, it is not fully satisfying.

When he receives apocalyptic visions from The Creator, Noah knows he must act. With the help of his family, Noah begins on a quest to rescue the world’s animals before the floods come…

The idea of director Darren Aronofsky helming a biblical epic is a fascinating concept. From the trailers and clips, it was not clear whether Aronofsky would deliver a traditional retelling of the tale, or offer something more complex. The finished article falls somewhere between the two.

Noah seems to be reaching for something profound, but it never quite gets there. There is a great emphasis on Noah’s struggle, which works to a certain extent. It can be difficult to identify with a protagonist in a situation so far removed from any sense of reality. The film would perhaps have benefitted from subtle shadings in the character earlier on to make the later struggle as weighty as it could be.

The story feels padded out at times, as is necessary to fill the run time and embellish the biblical tale. Some of these aspects do not gel with the story that most will be familiar with. Although the film never claims to be realistic, it would have been nice to have a few of the elements explained.

Noah‘s commentary on humanity and choice is the most fascinating aspect of the film. There is certainly an allegorical element that most will recognise. It would have been more satisfying for Aronofsky to explore these themes further.

The cinematography in Noah is excellent. The time-lapse sequences in particular are superb. Special effects are great, and the sound is also an effective accompaniment. Russell Crowe delivers a competent performance in the title role. Jennifer Connelly is not given too much to do, while Emma Watson is decent. Ray Winstone is well cast as Tubal-cain.

As a cinematic retelling of the biblical tale, Noah is certainly successful. Those hoping that Aronofsky would weave through some innovation or variance, or that it would be provocative, may be disappointed with the end product.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinema-related stuff this week for your visual pleasure, including the latest Captain America: The Winter Soldier poster, Transformers: Age of Extinction and Paddington…

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Here is the latest Captain America: The Winter Soldier poster. What the hell happened to Carter Baizen from Gossip Girl? Sebastian Stan returns for the Captain America: The First Avenger sequel, although he is looking a little different. More of the film’s posters are available to view here. Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits UK screens on 26th March 2014.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Damn, Optimus Prime. Here is the latest trailer for Michael Bay’s upcoming blockbuster Transformers: Age of Extinction. Like most I’m sure, I am looking forward to the Dinobots. Transformers: Age of Extinction is released in the UK on 10th July 2014.

Muppets Most Wanted

It’s time to play the music. It’s almost time to light the lights… The Muppets return in sequel Muppets Most Wanted, and in the video above they are joking about it in musical form. Kermit and co return to the silver screen when Muppets Most Wanted hits UK cinemas on 28th March 2014.

Noah

Above is a motion poster for upcoming biblical epic Noah. I like the idea of motion posters, they should be utilised more often. Starring Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Hopkins, Noah is released in the UK on 4th April 2014.

Paddington

Ah this teaser trailer reveals everything and nothing. Based on the literary bear with a penchant for marmalade, Paddington will hopefully be a fun-filled adventure. The trailer does not feature Paddington speaking, but he is voiced by Colin Firth so is sure to sound like a marvellously English gentleman. Paddington is set for release on 28th November 2014.

The Other Woman

Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann show off their comedy chops in The Other Woman. They are joined by Kate Upton as three women being cheated on by the same guy. I think it is clear where this is heading. The Other Woman will be released in UK cinemas on 28th April 2014.

Guardians of the Galaxy

I am mostly interested in Rocket Raccoon, I’m not going to lie. A raccoon who is a superhero? Yes. Guardians of the Galaxy sees Marvel go all-out fantasy in their latest comic-book franchise. The blockbuster will be released on 1st August 2014.

Locke

I actually couldn’t tell what accent Tom Hardy was doing to begin with. It gets clearer. Locke has been receiving critical acclaim thus far. The trailer does not reveal too much, but it looks intriguing. Locke is released in UK cinemas on 18th April 2014.

Grace of Monaco

Nicole Kidman and Tim Roth star in biopic Grace of Monaco. Set in 1962, the film revolves around the period of Grace Kelly’s life when she is wishes to return to Hollywood, after her royal marriage and the birth of her children. Grace of Monaco hits UK screens on 6th June 2014.

Sabotage

When I read the title of this film, my first thought was Alfred Hitchcock. I don’t think this is a remake, but I could be wrong. Arnold Schwarzenegger heads the cast of action thriller Sabotage, which is set for release on 9th May 2014.

Film Review: A New York Winter’s Tale

A New York Winter’s Tale is a bemusing fantasy drama. There are flashes of what writer-director Akiva Goldsman appears to be aiming for, but overall the film is a stupefying mess.

Former mechanic and current thief Peter Lake is on the run from his former boss. Breaking into a house, Peter stumbles across Beverley, a beautiful but sick young woman. This meeting changes the course of his life…

An adaptation of Mark Helprin’s novel, A New York Winter’s Tale features an interesting enough premise. The execution, however, leaves a lot to be desired. The intention of Goldsman is clear; he has aimed to create a romantic drama infused with fantasy and strong religious overtones. Nevertheless, the plotting is muddled and the characters are weak.

Rather than offering a measured introduction to the protagonists, action (and fantasy action at that) occurs early in proceedings. This serves to bemuse viewers more than anything else. Characters are developed slightly later in the film as relationships form. There is little to them behind the initial bluster. Peter and Beverly supposed to fall in love from their initial meeting. However this scene belies any intensity in feelings.

The problems that arise in A New York Winter’s Tale are both large and small. Pearly Soames is too caricature a villain to be taken seriously. His desire to track Peter requires a motivation which is absent in the film at least. Later in the film the audience is implored to root for a recently introduced characters without being given any real indication why they should care. On the lower end of the scale, it is inexplicable that the editor of a major newspaper would be over a hundred years old. There is no explanation for this.

Cinematography in the film is lush. Hans Zimmer’s score offers a quality that is severely lacking from the narrative and direction. Russell Crowe’s poor accent is distracting. Colin Farrell is adequate, but he and others have to contend with a poor script that elevates tired sentimentality above everything else.

A New York Winter’s Tale is amusing for the fact that it gets so much wrong. It is hard to believe that producers and actors would read the screenplay and think that it was a good idea.

Captain Phillips Press Conference

Director Paul Greengrass and star Tom Hanks were on hand to talk about Captain Phillips, which has its European premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. Paul Greengrass called it “an honour and a privilege” to open the London Film Festival. He said: “I love the festival. I think it’s an important festival, and I think it’s growing in importance… Unlike other festivals, for instance, what I think is very very good about the London Film Festival is that it takes place in a city where a lot of movies are made. And that distinguishes it, I think, in a very powerful way”. Tom Hanks followed this up by joking; “It may out other film festivals out of business”.

Hanks spoke about meeting the real Richard Phillips. He stated: “It’s not the most realistic of moments to walk into somebody’s house and say ‘Hi, yes, Forrest Gump, yeah that’s me. I will now be playing you in a film whether you like it or not’. It’s an interesting dilemma that you have”. Hanks went on to discuss playing Rich, explaining; “Even in the first meetings I had with Rich I said, look, I’m going to say things you never said, and I’m going to do things you did not do. But based on that, let’s get as close to the the DNA of the authenticity as possible”.

The pair talked about the filming process. Speaking about filming at sea, Greengrass commented; “It was pretty difficult. The worst was the the lifeboat scenes. We did some of those scene on the stage, but we started on the ocean. That was a truly horrendous experience – it’s very small, you are low down, you are crammed in. On the first day we started shooting… I spoke to Chris [Carreras, First Assistant Director] and said ‘What’s going on?’ and he said ‘Focus puller has just thrown up all over Tom'”.

Tom Hanks was also asked about his recent omission that he suffers with Type 2 Diabetes. When asked about what advice he would give to other actors who put on and lose weight for roles such as Russell Crowe, Hanks joked “Are you trying to tie me into a quote on Russell Crowe?! Is there anyone else you want to work into there? Miley Cyrus? Benedict Cumberbatch?”. On Cyrus, he stated: “I think she’ll be fine”.

Captain Phillips opens the BFI London Film Festival on 9th October 2013.

Film Review: Broken City

Director Allen Hughes’ Broken City is a solid thriller with very contemporary themes.

Former cop Billy Taggart is a private detective who needs to chase his clients for unpaid bills. When he is hired by the mayor of New York City to tail his wife, Taggart sees it as an easy case. However, it may not be simple adultery that the private detective uncovers…

Written by Brian Tucker, Broken City is very competent in what it does. The film is not wildly innovative, but it is executive well enough to satisfy audiences. Tucker sets up a decent thriller with sufficient twists and turns. There are a few moments of humour and some violent action. However it is the narrative which makes the film tick.

There is a sound level of ambivalence over the motivation of the main characters. This is effective in keeping the audience engaged with the plot. Allen Hughes paces the film well, with the election giving a necessary sense of urgency key to making a thriller such as this work.

Given the setting, it is hardly surprising that Broken City concerns itself with the political world. This theme feels both contemporary and resonant given the growing public awareness of political corruption in the last few years. The financial background of the film is rooted in this period.

Broken City has the polished look of a slick thriller. The film features a good use of music. Performances from the main cast are admirable. The casting of Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones in their respective roles is great. Mark Wahlberg has been cast as a cop several times before, but it is a role he plays well.

Although Broken City does not break any mold, it is well-crafted and entertains throughout. The film is recommended for those who like their political thrillers to contain some action.