Previews: The Beguiled Trailer, Baywatch, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest The Beguiled trailer, Baywatch, Alien: Covenant, and more…

The Beguiled Trailer

Here is the latest The Beguiled trailer. The film is from writer-director Sofia Coppola, and is based on the novel of the same name. The novel was made into a film starring Clint Eastwood in 1971. Coppola’s version stars Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning. The Beguiled will be released in UK cinemas on 14th July 2017.

Alien: Covenant Crew Message

The marketing team behind Alien: Covenant are being astute at feeding viewers information before the film is released. Like the earlier clip of the crew socialising, this video reveals a bit more about one of the personalities in advance of the film’s release. Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien: Covenant hits UK screens on 12th May 2017.

Baywatch Poster

Here is the latest Baywatch poster. Based on the beloved nineties television series, the action-comedy stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario. If the original theme isn’t featured heavily in the film, the filmmakers are missing a hell of a trick. Baywatch launches onto UK screens on 29th May 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Quick Peek

Here is a super speedy look at Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The film is a sequel to the 2015 hit Kingsman: The Secret Service, and sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth. They are joined by Julianne Moore, Halle Berry and Channing Tatum. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in September 2017.

American Assassin Trailer

Here is the first trailer for American Assassin. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film is about a CIA Black Ops recruit. It stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch. American Assassin hits UK cinemas on 15th September 2017.

The Red Turtle Trailer

The Red Turtle is the latest Studio Ghibli film. The animated film tells the story of a man shipwrecked on an island inhabited by turtles. The film is the feature debut of director Michael Dudok de WitMichael Dudok de Wit, who is known for his animated shorts. The Red Turtle will be released in cinemas on 26th May 2016.

Previews: Unlocked Trailer, Power Rangers, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Unlocked trailer, The Beguiled, Power Rangers and more…

Unlocked Trailer

Here is the first Unlocked trailer. Noomi Rapace heads a stellar cast that includes Orlando Bloom, Toni Collette, Michael Douglas and John Malkovich. The action-thriller is about a CIA agent who must prevent a biological attack on London. It’s always London. Unlocked hits UK screens on 5th May 2017.

The Beguiled Trailer

Sofia Coppola’s latest film looks thrilling. The Beguiled is set during the Civil War, with a girls’ school in Virginia taking in a wounded Union soldier. The film Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, and Kirsten Dunst. The Beguiled is set for release in UK cinemas on 23rd June 2017.

Headshot Trailer

Headshot is revenge thriller which is all about the action sequences. Starring The Raid‘s Iko Uwais, it’s clear that these scenes are going to be good. Uwais plays an amnesiac struggling to recall his identity before a crime lord murders the only person he trusts. Headshot will be released in UK cinemas and VOD on 3rd March 2017.

Power Rangers Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming movie Power Rangers. Based on the television franchise of the same name, the film stars Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks. From this poster, it is clear the film is hoping to tap into nostalgia. Power Rangers will be out on UK screens on 24th March 2017.

Personal Shopper Trailer

Kristen Stewart plays the lead in Personal Shopper. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film is about a personal shopper to the stars, who is hoping for a message from her deceased twin brother. Personal Shopper is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Trailer

Those watching The LEGO Batman Movie this weekend will see a short for this upcoming The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Based on the toy line, the film features the voices of Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux and Dave Franco. The LEGO Ninjago Movie is set for release on 13th October 2017.

Finding Fatimah Trailer

Finding Fatimah is a new comedy about Shahid, a young Muslim who longs to find a partner.  The only problem is that he is divorced, a big no-no for all the young women he encounters. The film stars Danny Ashok, Asmara Gabrielle, and Nina Wadia. Finding Fatimah is out in UK cinemas on 21st April 2017.

Film Review: The Bling Ring

Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring is vacuous but suitably entertaining, much like the subject of the film.

New at school, Marc quickly falls in with a group of friends who are obsessed with celebrities. Their desire to immerse themselves in the lives of celebrities grows, from frequenting the same establishments to stealing from their homes…

Based on the real case of teenagers stealing from celebrities’ homes in Hollywood (albeit with names changed), The Bling Ring is a case of style over substance. There is little to the narrative in terms of momentum.

The Bling Ring is not a dull film, but there is little to it beyond the premise. The set up itself is an interesting, particularly as it is based on a high-profile news story. However, there is little for viewers to real get their teeth into.

The Bling Ring follows trait of earlier Sofia Coppola films with its preoccupation with fame and celebrity. Given the narrative, this is more overt than in some of Coppola’s previous films. The Bling Ring offers a negative depiction of society’s interest in celebrities. Any other judgements are less explicit, although some of the parents do not cme out of it well.

Another theme that materialises is loneliness. Key to Coppola’s Somewhere, it also manifests itself in The Bling Ring. There is certainly a sense of protagonist Marc wanting to fit in. Moreover, there is a certain patheticness to the characters and their obsessions.

The film boasts good casting and performances. Israel Broussard, Katie Chang and Emma Watson are convincing as the teens obsessed with the celebrity lifestyle. Leslie Mann is also decent in a slightly comic role.

Coppola’s film does entertain, but is disappointing in its failure to offer something that is genuinely gripping. The themes it presents are certainly worthy of attention; it is just a shame that The Bling Ring does not leave an indelible mark.

Stuff To Look At

This week there is plenty of stuff to look at, including the latest from  Man of Steel, The Bling Ring trailer and more…

Man of Steel

Well doesn’t this latest Man of Steel trailer look exciting? To be honest, the first trailer for the new Superman film was a bit too fishing boat for me. This looks far more appealing, given that it is after all a superhero movie. Man of Steel is out in UK cinemas 14th June 2013.

The Bling Ring

Above is the international version of The Bling Ring trailer. I have seen The Bling Ring and can say with confidence that it is a great film. Sofia Coppola writes and directs the story of the young group of burglars who stole from the homes of Hollywood celebrities. It features the world’s greatest blog Dlisted, which is reason enough to go and see The Bling Ring when it hits UK cinemas on 5th July 2013.

The East

This is one good-looking group of anarchists. The East appears to tap into the proliferation of groups such as Anonymous with this story of an FBI officer who goes undercover to infiltrate a collective known as ‘The East’. The film opens in UK cinemas on 28th June 2013.

Rio 2

Following the success of the 2011 animated movie, sequel Rio 2 has a teaser trailer. Blu and Jewel have had three mini-birds. The teaser gives very little away about the plot, but I’m sure more will be revealed closer to Rio 2‘s release in 2014.

Stuff To Look At

The post in which I wax lyrical about new movie trailers. And inform you of the films set for release this summer. And get annoyed when I find out film characters share my name. The audacity…

Summer of Cinema 2013

Two weeks ago I went to the launch of ‘Summer of Cinema 2013’ to hear about upcoming releases and enjoy a mini burger (I love miniature food). There is lots to see this summer, from the big blockbusters (Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness) to films by Robert Redford and Sofia Coppola. Check out the compilation above.

Epic

Epic has a rather impressive cast voicing its characters. Among others, Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried and Christoph Waltz lend their voices. Beyonce voices a character called ‘Princess Tara’. Contrary to popular belief, this is not actually by nickname. Although I am not happy about the use of my name, I will reserve judgement until I see how this character plays out. Epic is released is UK cinemas on 22nd May 2013.

Much Ado About Nothing

A departure from vampires and superheroes, Joss Whedon directs a contemporary update of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in twelve days and starring some of Whedon’s previous collaborators, the film is a far cry from the filmmaker’s recent output. I am looking forward to this foray into Shakespeare; it will be interesting to see if Whedon can handle it as well as he does big-budget comic book fare. Much Ado About Nothing is released on 14th June 2013.

The Seasoning House

Well, The Seasoning House is certainly not about the abode of spices. This revenge thriller looks pretty brutal. The Seasoning House is the directorial debut of special effects designer Paul Hyett. The film is out in cinemas on 21st June 2013.

In Fear

This trailer is almost haunting. It’s definitely the music. In Fear is a British horror film starring Alice Englert. It looks like a warning never ever to go on a car journey, and not just because they make you feel a bit queasy. Perhaps this is just me. In Fear is due for release in Autumn 2013.

Byzantium

Neil Jordan knows vampires. That’s why I am looking forward to Byzantium, unlike some other recent vampire flicks *cough Twilight cough*. Starring Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan, Byzantium is released in UK cinemas on 31st May 2013.

Thor: The Dark World

For the first minute-plus of this trailer I must have been in the majority of people thinking ‘yeah, but where the hell is Loki? I know Tom Hiddleston is in this film’. Looking rather bedraggled, Avenger Assemble‘s fantastic antagonist finally makes an appearance. Thor: The Dark World hits the big screen in the UK on 30th October 2013.

Film Review: Somewhere

Somewhere is an aesthetically pleasing film, but the slow pace will not be to everyone’s taste. Somewhere displays flashes of Sofia Coppola’s earlier film Lost in Translation, but fails to live up to the promise of her 2003 hit.

Johnny Marco is a movie star living a vacuous lifestyle at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. When his young daughter comes to visit him, Johnny re-evaluates his life…

The fundamental problem with Somewhere is not that it is a slowing-moving film, but that it is a slow-moving film that fails to pack an emotional punch. Although Johnny is an interesting protagonist, he does not inspire any real emotional reaction. Therefore, it is completely conceivable that viewers will leave screenings wondering what exactly the point of the film was.

There is complete lack of urgency in Somewhere; events are left to unfold at a sedentary pace. Coppola, who also wrote the screenplay, expends energy on the subtle rather than very apparent actions. There is little dialogue in the film, Somewhere concentrates on the unsaid.

Somewhere focuses on the vacuousness of the Hollywood lifestyle and the resulting dysphoria. Rather than the glamour of such an existence, Coppola is intent on fixating on the negative side. Even with women throwing themselves at Johnny, it is clear that this is a shallow life where pleasure is fleeting.

Sofia Coppola’s real talent lies in her ability to effectively cut through the glossiness of the world of celebrity to expose the hollowness of this realm. She does this with a sly humour reminiscent of the photo shoot scene in Lost in Translation. Thus, there are the deeply unsexy pole artists putting on a private show for Johnny, the inane questions at the press conference, and the uncomfortable mould-casting session. Like the rest of the film, subtlety is the key in the humour of these scenes.

Stephen Dorff is solid as Johnny; it is fathomable that the actor may have experienced what is depicted in the film himself. Elle Fanning gives an excellent performance as his daughter Cleo, stepping out of Dakota’s shadow in a very convincing way. Benicio Del Toro’s cameo appears utterly pointless.

Coppola’s shooting style owes more to art house and independent cinema than mainstream Hollywood. There are numerous lengthy shots, but thankfully these stay on the pensive side, rather than becoming overly cumbersome. Despite the film’s negative reaction towards Hollywood, locations are shot beautifully.

As subtle portrait of existential anxiety, Somewhere is not as profound as it thinks it is. The film shows flashes of brilliance but feels a little superficial overall. Ironic, given its theme.

Somewhere was screened at the British Film Institute’s London Film Festival in October 2010.