Previews: Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer, Goodfellas, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer, Baywatch, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, The Mummy, and more…

Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer

Here is the full Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. The film seems to be very much in the style of the recent Marvel films, not least with the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. Starring Tom Holland as the title character, and featuring Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei, Spider-Man: Homecoming is set for release on 7th July 2017.

Baywatch Trailer

Here is the trailer for the Baywatch film. Whilst it is yet another film reboot of a television show, this one looks like it will be a lot of fun. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra, the film reprises the characters from the original television show.  Directed by Horrible Bosses‘ Seth Gordon, Baywatch will be released in Summer 2017.

Goodfellas Trailer

Here is the first new Goodfellas in 25 years, produced for the 4K restoration of the film. The film is being re-released UK-wide, and as part of the BFI’s Martin Scorsese’s retrospective season which runs from 1st January-28th February 2017. The classic gangster film will be re-released in UK cinemas on 20th January 2017.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 Trailer

Baby Groot is just enchanting. Here is the first real look at next year’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Guardians of the Galaxy was a brilliant mix of action, spectacle, comedy, and music, and the sequel seems to offer the same. The film sees the return of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and the voice of Bradley Cooper. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will hit UK screens on 28th April 2017.

Live By Night Poster

Here is the latest poster for Live By Night. Director, screenwriter and star Ben Affleck channels the classic gangster movie with his latest. Affleck collaborates with author Dennis Lehane once again (after Gone Baby Gone) for the Boston-set thriller. Featuring an all-star cast, Live By Night will be released in UK cinemas on 13th January 2017.

The Mummy Trailer

Here is the trailer for Universal’s The Mummy. The film is another incarnation of the series of films, the first of which was released in 1932. This version stars Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, and Annabelle Wallis. Much of the action seems to take place in London, continuing the trend of city being destroyed in big-budget movies. The Mummy will hit UK screens on 9th June 2017.

Transformers: The Last Knight Trailer

Here is the trailer for the latest Transformers movie, the fifth in this franchise. Mark Wahlberg returns in Transformers: The Last Knight, along with Stanley Tucci, Josh Duhamel, and Tyrese Gibson. Anthony Hopkins also joins the cast this time around. Transformers: The Last Knight is set for release in Summer 2017.

Film Review: A Little Chaos

Alan Rickman’s romantic period drama A Little Chaos is pure escapism. As such, it ticks the boxes despite some flaws.

Sabine is a talented landscape designer. When she is commissioned to work on one of the gardens at Versailles for King Louis XIV, Sabine is thrown out of her comfort zone with the politics of court, and a burgeoning relationship…

A Little Chaos offers wonderful imagery in its polished vision of a period drama. Visual aesthetics work more successfully than narrative aspects, although viewers should be sufficiently entertained. Director and star Alan Rickman appears to favour gloss over grit in this period piece.

A Little Chaos moves at a suitable pace, with romance occupying the main strand of the film. There is the requisite chemistry between the two main characters, although the script’s attempts to provide friction falls a little flat.

The characterisation of protagonist Sabine is weak. The back story in A Little Chaos suffices only to illustrate why the character would show restraint. Other than this, Sabine is drawn a little too perfect, particularly highlighted by the fact that she is surrounded by imperfect characters.

Humour in the film is entirely welcome. Rickman knows exactly what he is doing with the comedic elements; revelling in the absurdity of it all. As such, A Little Chaos has a strange tone; the deep sighs and corsetry meshing oddly with the pseudo-parody of the period drama. The film touches on the issues of high society of the day, even if some attitudes feel too evolved for the era. Social dynamics are discussed, but not over indulged.

A Little Chaos‘s costumes, sets and styling are marvellous. Cinematography is strong for the most part, although a few shots break with the overall style of the film. Kate Winslet is good as ever in the strong female role she often occupies. Rickman and Stanley Tucci appear to enjoy hamming up their parts.

Entertaining but not wholly satisfying, A Little Chaos is amiable enough viewing. Rickman attempts to reach beyond a straightforward period drama, although it is not clear exactly what he is aiming for.

Film Review: Transformers: Age of Extinction

Transformers: Age of Extinction certainly offers spectacle, thanks to great special effects and sound design. It is a pity that not as much effort was put into the plot of Michael Bay’s film.

Five years after the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons took place in Chicago, all alien robots are considered to be a threat by the US government. With Autobots being hunted down, when an self-styled inventor buys an old truck, he thinks he has found a Transformer…

Like the previous Transformers movies, Age of Extinction suffers from the problem of visual style over narrative substance. It seems like a lack of thought has gone into the story and plotting, which detracts from the positive aspects of the film.

The plot of Transformers: Age of Extinction is riddled with holes. There are elements that are introduced at the beginning of the film that are swept aside, or not really dealt with in any tangible way. There are various narrative strands at play, which explains the lengthy run time. However, some of these strands do not tie in successfully with others.

Transformers: Age of Extinction suffers from the problem of having to juggle various narrative elements, yet even with this abundance of activity the film lacks depth and purpose. Bay’s film feels overlong; there is too much in the first half of the film that could have been trimmed down.

With the various elements being introduced at the beginning of the film, at one point it appears as if screenwriter Ehren Kruger may have something interesting to say about threat and the nature of alien. However this gives way to the everyman story of Mark Wahlberg’s Cade and his family, which simply is not engaging. At least Stanley Tucci’s character shows some personality. Any hopes of a more tangible narrative are dashed by the undisguised product placement and the most overt political propaganda (in order to appease or appeal to a specific market).

Transformers: Age of Extinction redeems itself slightly with the climactic action scenes, which offer spectacle and some excitement. Visual effects are superb, with action scenes looking fantastic on an IMAX screen. Sound also works well to cement a sense of spectacle.

Most viewers who flock to see Transformers: Age of Extinction will not care what the reviews say. However, even these cinemagoers may hanker for a little more depth and narrative coherency.

Stuff To Look At

Here lies the brand new Interstellar trailer, plus Cinderella, Transformers: Age of Extinction, A Million Ways to Die in the West and more…

Interstellar

Here is the latest Interstellar trailer. Christopher Nolan’s hotly anticipated film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine. Interstellar will be released in the UK on 7th November 2014.

Cinderella

Hot on the tails of the upcoming Maleficent, another Disney classic is given the live-action treatment. Starring Cate Blanchett, Stellan Skarsgård and Helena Bonham Carter, and directed by Kenneth Branagh, This teaser does not reveal much, except an awfully shiny glass slipper. I always thought glass shoes would be incredibly painful to walk in, yet Cinderella dances the night away in hers. Anyway, Cinderella is set for release on 3rd April 2015.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Here is the latest trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The most important thing you will see occurs in the last twenty seconds. Dinobots! Starring Marky Mark, Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer, although the humans are decidedly less important than the robots in disguise. Transformers: Age of Extinction hits UK screens on 10th July 2014.

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Above is a clip from the upcoming comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West. Without context, the clip seems only to offer a glimpse into the character of Albert, played by Seth MacFarlane, who also directs, produces and co-writes the film. A Million Ways to Die in the West is released in cinemas on 30th May 2014.

22 Jump Street

Here is a new clip from 21 Jump Street sequel 22 Jump Street. The film sees Schmidt and Jenko head to college. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum had good chemistry in the first film, which will hopefully be replicated here. 22 Jump Street hits UK cinemas on 6th June 2014.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

I saw this trailer in Imax a few days ago, and it looks mighty impressive on the big screen. The follow-up to the 2011 hit Rise of the Planet of the Apes stars Gary Oldman and Jason Clarke. I am hoping for flashback sequences of baby Cesar, although great action will do just fine. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is released on 17th July 2014.

Summer of Cinema

Here is a compilation of all the big films that are being released this summer, from the Film Distributors’ Association. I didn’t recognise all of them, but there are some exciting films to come this season. If you can’t get enough of trailer compilations, I suggest you check out this blockbuster one by AMONymous.

Film Review: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Like many middle films of a series, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire lacks any real resolution. Nevertheless, it is a very entertaining film.

Following their triumph at the Hunger Games tournament, Katniss and Peeta must keep up the pretence of their relationship to protect their families. When their public appearances spark trouble in the districts, the Capitol is determined to take revenge…

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire features a good mix of action, drama and tension. With the way that the plot unfolds, the film could have become a rehash of its predecessor. Thankfully Catching Fire eschews this, offering a fresh take on proceedings.

The set up of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire works well. The film replicates the tension of the first film. However, it also delivers a progression of the narrative. In some ways, it does feel very much like a middle film. Plans are dropped in place that will no doubt materialise in the next instalment. The events in the film are of course important to the overall narrative arc, but Catching Fire lacks the driving force to make it feel like a stand-alone movie. The ending is a little abrupt; it is very much a cliff-hanger to ensure viewers are eager to return for the next part.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire continues from the first film in depicting a highly-stylised dystopian world. Like most decent films of this ilk, the dystopia in Catching Fire is not too far removed from the real world as to be unrecognisable. Costumes in the film are excellent, and special effects are also good.

Jennifer Lawrence delivers a strong performance as Katniss. Stanley Tucci is a lot of fun, while Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks reprise their roles with a good energy.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a decent follow up to The Hunger Games. The next two instalments should over the resolution that this film lacks.

Film Review: Jack the Giant Slayer

Jack the Giant Slayer is an entertaining family adventure. Although it does not reinvent the wheel, Bryan Singer’s film does the job of creating an enjoyable viewing experience.

As a young boy, Jack is told about the war between humans and giants, which was won by Erik the Great. As an adult, Jack unwittingly opens a gateway between Earth and the world of the giants…

Based on the well-known fairy tale, Jack the Giant Slayer is a formulaic film. But this does not mean that it isn’t entertaining. Director Bryan Singer does a good job of balancing the elements of adventure; action, quest, peril, consequence, as well as some romance thrown in.

Jack the Giant Slayer follows in the footsteps of the recent Hansel and Gretal: Witch Hunters in making a familiar fairy tale into an action-heavy adventure. Singer’s film works better however, as it clearly knows the audience it is aimed at. The plot and level of action clearly aim to appeal to a family audience.

Jack is a likeable protagonist. He is confident without being arrogant and modest without being wet. It is a shame that the princess is so passive, especially in comparison to Jack. In this sense, the film harks back to old fairy tales. The princess and the pauper theme really emphasises the class aspect. Jack cannot win her hand without rescuing her; he is not worthy on his own merits. Jack the Giant Slayer is quite old fashioned on both these counts.

Production design is solid. The film makes the most of its lush landscapes, and 3D is utilised well. Nicholas Hoult makes a good unassuming hero. Ewan McGregor and Stanley Tucci appear to be having fun in their respective roles.

Jack the Giant Slayer is a fun romp which will satisfy most viewers.

 

Film Review: The Hunger Games

Gary Ross’ adaptation of the bestselling novel is a well-executed production. The Hunger Games is a extremely watchable film, although there are a few flaws.

In the futuristic world of Panem, the 12 districts are each forced to send two young competitors to take part in the Hunger Games. A brutal annual tournament where 24 young people must fight to the death on live television, there can only be one winner. When her younger sister Prim is selected to represent District 12, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to go in her place…

The Hunger Games is an enjoyable film. It hits the right notes in terms of drama and apprehension. Moments of tension are tremendously well executed. In particular, the lottery scene and the countdown scene are fantastic. The lack of music, and in part sound, is incredibly effective in heightening tension in this scenes.

There are some very obvious parallels between The Hunger Games, based on Suzanne Collins’ book, with Battle Royale. The Ross’ film differentiates itself by providing its own dystopian back story. The futuristic setting works well; any allegory is simple and does not distract from the microcosm of Catniss’ involvement in the tournament.

Costumes and art direction create quite the contrast between the Capitol and the world of the districts. Some of the effects used appear synthetic, however. Due to cuts made to guarantee a 12A certificate, some of the action sequences seem haphazardly edited. These scenes would most likely have been more satisfying in their original state. Furthermore, the cuts seem ironic, given that the film is preoccupied by themes of violence.

Jennifer Lawrence delivers a commanding performance as protagonist Catniss. Lawrence is really proving why she is one of Hollywood’s brightest young actresses. Elsewhere, Josh Hutcherson is believable as Peeta, while Stanley Tucci is suitably larger than life as Caesar Flickerman.

The Hunger Games is implausible at times, with some suspect plotting and explanations. Nevertheless, the film entertains throughout its 142-minute duration.

Film Review: Burlesque

It is a little disappointing that Burlesque does not fall into the ‘it’s so bad, it’s good’ category, despite its casting and premise. Sure, the plot is predictable and the writing uninspired, but the musical numbers are incredibly fun and overall Burlesque is an enjoyable enough movie.

Small-town girl Ali buys a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, with dreams of making it big. She finds a job waitressing at a burlesque club run by Tess, who is having financial difficulties. Ali dreams of performing on the stage, while Tess is desperate for a solution to her difficulties…

Given a renaissance by the likes of Dita von Teese, burlesque seems a ripe subject for a film. Christina Aguilera is a sound choice for the protagonist. She has the look and the attitude necessary, together with a tremendous set of lungs. The film is a great showcase for her performing talents, if not for her acting skills. Cher, also, is an appropriate choice for the grand-dame matriarch figure. Yet despite this, Burlesque is not as camp as you might expect; the glitter and garishness are present, but the film lacks flamboyancy.

Burlesque functions as a ‘small-town girl trying to make it big’ movie, very much in the same vein as Coyote Ugly. The storyline is very predictable; there is little innovation in this aspect of the film. Several of the jokes fall flat; although Burlesque tries to be humorous, it does not really succeed. Some of the segue ways prior to the next musical number appear wooden, particularly the introduction to ‘You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me’.

Director and writer Steve Antin adds little depth to his characters. Ali is very one-dimensional; precious little is garnered about her background, or what triggers her to make a life-changing move. Likewise, Jack appears to be a very standard love interest for Ali. There is nothing particularly interesting about this character; he functions predominantly as eye candy for the audience (largely made up of women and gay men, presumably).

Where Burlesque excels is in its lavish production numbers. The choreography is fun and enticing, and the music is excellent. The other scenes seem like intermissions before another song; the musical numbers certainly hold the film together. Costume designer Michael Kaplan has created some fantastic costumes, which are pivotal to certain routines.

Christina Aguilera is adequate as Ali; the role is not a great measurement of her acting capabilities. Cher has a commanding presence in the film. Her appearance in musical sequence ‘Welcome to Burlesque’ is a great introduction. Stanley Tucci and Cam Gigandet, meanwhile, do their best given the limitations of the material.

Burlesque is at times by-the-numbers and at other times flashy and entertaining. The film features great production on the musical numbers, and can be described as mediocre at worst in the other scenes.

Film Review: Easy A

Easy A is a witty film that both replicates and parodies teen movie conventions. Although it does not reach the higher echelons of the likes of Mean Girls, it is fun and inventive nevertheless.

When Olive is overheard telling her friend Rhiannon about losing her virginity, the rumour spreads around high school like wildfire. Although the story isn’t true, Olive begins to enjoy the notoriety of being the school slut. Olive’s life, however, begins to resemble that of Hester Prynne’s in The Scarlet Letter, the book she is studying at school…

Stripped back to its narrative basics, Easy A trends a familiar path in teen movie terrain. While it is concerned with social standing and romance like most other films in the genre, Easy A turns convention on its head somewhat by having a female protagonist who actively encourages rumours about her promiscuity. Rather than shy away or be mortified at the gossip, Olive uses it to her advantage, benefiting financially and in social standing.

Easy A is very witty, but not laugh-out-loud hilarious. The film elevates itself above many of its peers by overtly referencing the 1980s teen films (and John Hughes in particular) that clearly have influenced writer Bert V. Royal. Thus, Easy A does not just feature elements of 1980s teen films, but also actively make reference to them. Most evident of these is Say Anything, which is paid a delightful homage by Easy A.

Olive is an amiable protagonist who uses her wit to deflect the hostility of her classmates. It is clear from the interactions with her family that she is a smart and well-balanced girl, which makes her easy to relate to. Elsewhere, Easy A features some teen movie stereotypes like the holier-than-thou Marianne, as well as characters that defy the archetypes, such as teacher Mrs Griffith.

Emma Stone is incredibly likeable as Olive, and proves she has the talent to headline a film. Stanley Tucci gives an amusing turn as her unconventional father. Amanda Bynes seems aptly cast as mean girl Marianne, while Penn Badgley remains untested as Todd, a character very similar to the role he plays on Gossip Girl.

Production values are good, with Olive’s webcam narration appearing entirely appropriate given the context. Director Will Gluck shows a flair for the teen film; offering the audience what they expect, with a little innovation and plenty of one-liners.

Easy A may not be raucously funny, but it is a cut above many other teen films of the last decade. Highly recommended for fans of this genre.

Film Review: The Lovely Bones

Based on the bestselling novel by Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones is a heart-wrenching drama that will elicit emotion in even the most hardened cinemagoers. The story of a murdered teenage girl and the aftermath of the tragedy overrides the harrowing nature of this event, instead choosing to focus upon the relationship between family members.

The film combines drama and fantasy to produce a film that leaps between the identifiable and the surreal. It is in these fantastic “afterlife” sequences that The Lovely Bones most closely resembles director Jackson’s previous work. It is the real life action however that packs the most punch on an emotional level.

Tucci excels as the creepy neighbour turned murderer. He gives an unnerving performance a world away from roles he has formerly been associated with. Weisz and Wahlberg are convincing as Susie’s distraught parents, each struggling to cope with her death in their own way. Newcomer Saoirse Ronan is absorbing as the tragic teen, and has a promising career ahead if her performance here is anything to go by.

Set in the 1970s, art direction, cinematography, score and costuming is spot on in recreating the period. Rather than focus on the terrible crime, the film shifts its attention to the family and the way each member copes with the loss of a loved one. In doing so, The Lovely Bones is an uplifting experience despite the sombre subject matter.