Film Review: Pet Sematary

Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel Pet Sematary is atmospheric, tense, and entertaining. 

When Louis and his family relocate to rural Maine, they hope for the tranquility of the countryside. However, they discover a mysterious burial ground in the woods of their new property…

An adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name (written by Jeff Buhler, with a screen story by Matt Greenberg), Pet Sematary is an engaging horror. The narrative is well constructed, revealing only what the audience needs to know until the time is right. The film builds to an uneasy conclusion, with a climax that compels. Pacing in directors Kölsch and Widmyer’s film is great. Pet Sematary feels like it is building towards something striking without neglecting the characters. 

Horror elements are very well executed. The movie is atmospheric from the get-go. The setting is a major part of this; tropes of isolation and transformation are strong. There are the requisite jump scares, but overall the film is smarter than this. Pet Sematary presents a portrayal of the abject that works on a quiet level despite the frantic action. 

Kölsch and Widmyer get the tone of the film right. Some aspects of the film are absurd, yet the film shrewdly laughs at itself rather than being po-faced. Notwithstanding, the atmosphere means these moments are light relief in an overarching darkness. Special effects in the film are good. Church is great; the cat certainly looks the part post transformation. Performances in Pet Sematary are decent, particularly Jeté Laurence and Jason Clarke. The sound design heightens tension rather effectively. 

Few would describe the 1989 version of Pet Sematary as a definitive adaptation. Bearing this in mind, Kölsch and Widmyer’s film feels in no way unnecessary. Pet Sematary is a very enjoyable horror movie.

Previews: Pet Sematary Clip, Long Shot, More!

Plenty of film-related goodness in this preview of coming attractions, including a new Pet Sematary clip, Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood, Thunder Road and more…

Pet Sematary Clip

Here is a new Pet Sematary clip. The upcoming film is an adaption of the Stephen King novel, which was previously brought to the silver screen in 1989. This new adaptation stars Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz who relocate to rural Maine with their young children. Pet Sematary hits the big screen on 4th April 2019.

Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood Poster

Here is the brand new poster for Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood. The film is set in 1969, and focuses on a television star and his stunt double around the time of the Manson murders. The film features an enviable ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino. One Upon a Time in… Hollywood is set for release on 14th August 2019.

Thunder Road Trailer

Thunder Road, which has been a critical hit at festivals so far, gets a UK release. The film is written and directed by and stars Jim Cummings. Thunder Road is a dark comedy about a police officer who suffers a breakdown following his divorce. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 31st May 2019.

Long Shot Trailer

Long Shot is the latest film from director Jonathan Levine (The Night Before, 50/50). The film is about a journalist who is reunited with his first crush, an accomplished diplomat who is making a run for the presidency. Starring Charlize Theron, Seth Rogan, and O’Shea Jackson Jr., Long Shot hits UK screens on 3rd May 2019.

Spy Cat Trailer

What is this? A film about a special agent cat certainly ticks the boxes! Spy Cat is an adventure comedy about a house cat who must team up with a band of drifters when she is abandoned at a rural petrol station. Spy Cat will exclusively be screened at Vue Cinemas from 26th April 2019.

Previews: The Killing of a Sacred Deer Trailer, More!

Plenty to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Killing of a Sacred Deer trailer, Goodbye Christopher Robin, and more…

The Killing of a Sacred Deer Trailer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is the latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos. Director Lanthimos follows The Lobster with this horror-thriller. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, and Barry Keoghan. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is out in UK cinemas on 17th November 2017.

IT VR Experience

Adjust your headsets for this frightening journey into the world of IT. This VR experience gives a flavour of the film, which is based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel. It is pretty scary! Starring Bill Skarsgård, IT floats on to UK screens on 8th September 2017.

Goodbye Christopher Robin Poster

Here is the latest poster for the upcoming Goodbye Christopher Robin. The film is about the real life relationship between author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the world of Winnie the Pooh. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, and Kelly Macdonald. Goodbye Christopher Robin is set for release on 29th September 2017.

Call Me By Your Name Trailer

Based on the novel of the same name, Call Me By Your Name is a drama from director Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash). The film is about an Italian-American teenager whose head is turned when a twenty-four year old intern comes to stay with his family for the summer. Starring Armie Hammer, Timothée Chamalet, and Michael Stuhlbarg, Call Me By Your Name hits UK screens on 27th October 2017.

The Death of Stalin Trailer

The Death of Stalin is the latest film from writer-director Armando Iannucci. The film is a dark comedy which takes place in the days after the collapse of Soviet leader Stalin. The film features an enviable cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Paddy Considine, and Andrea Riseborough. The Death of Stalin is out in UK cinemas on 20th October 2017.

Previews: Mother! Poster, Wind River, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Mother! poster, Wind River, IT and more…

Mother! Poster

Here is the latest Mother! poster. The upcoming horror movie is written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, and Michelle Pfeiffer. A teaser trailer can be viewed here. Mother! will be screened at Venice Film Festival, and will hit UK cinemas on 15th September 2017.

IT Trailer

Above is the first full trailer for the upcoming adaptation of IT. The footage gives us a proper look at Pennywise. Based of Stephen King’s best-selling novel, the film is directed by Andrés Muschietti (Mama). The story follows a group of children in a town called Derry, where children have been disappearing. IT will be released on UK screens on 8th September 2017.

Wind River Poster

Wind River is about a U.S. fish and wildlife agent who joins a rookie FBI agent to solve a murder on an Indian reservation. The film stars Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Gil Birmingham, and Jon Bernthal. Wind River will be released in UK cinemas on 8th September 2017.

Flatliners Trailer

Here is the new trailer for Flatliners. The film seems to be a part remake, part sequel to the 1990 film. This new version stars Ellen Page, Diego Luna, and Nina Dobrev. The film is about a group of medical students who decide to trigger near-death experiences. Flatliners will hit UK cinemas on 29th September 2017.

American Assassin Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming action thriller American Assassin. The film is about a Black ops recruit under the instruction of a Cold War veteran. The pair are asked to investigate a wave of attacks. The film stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch. American Assassin will be released on UK screens on 14th September 2017.

Previews: Proud Mary Trailer, Jigsaw, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Proud Mary trailer,  Jigsaw, The Snowman, and more…

Proud Mary Trailer

Here is the new trailer for Proud Mary. Well, you couldn’t really title a film that without featuring Tina Turner’s iconic song. Taraji P. Henson stars as a hit woman working for an organised crime family in Boston. Proud Mary will hit UK screens on 2nd February 2018.

Jigsaw Trailer

Above is the new Jigsaw trailer. The film reignites the Saw franchise, with the killer who was seemingly dead earlier in the series appearing to strike again. Fans of all things creepy will cheer the return of Billy the puppet. Jigsaw is set for release in time for Halloween, on 27th October 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Trailer

The latest trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle reveals a little more about the plot and new characters. The sequel sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth, who face a new challenge in America. They are joined by an enviable cast that includes Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges. Kingsman: The Golden Circle will be released on UK screens on 20th September 2017.

IT Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming horror IT. Based on the classic Stephen King novel, the film is about the mysterious disappearance of children in the town of Derry. The film stars Bill Skarsgård as antagonist Pennywise. IT is out in UK cinemas on 8th September 2017.

Only The Brave Trailer

Only The Brave is based on a true story of an elite team of firefighters in American. The film stars Josh Brolin as the leader of the group, who trains his team from local firefighters to well-known task force. The film also stars Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, and Jennifer Connelly. Only The Brave is set for release later this year.

The Snowman Trailer

This trailer for The Snowman really hones in on the mystery elements of the film. Based on the Jo Nesbø novel, the film is about a detective and his recruit trying to track down a serial killer. The film is directed buy Thomas Alfredson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and stars Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The Snowman will hit UK screens on 13th October 2017.

Blade Runner 2049 Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for the hotly anticipated Blade Runner 2049. Set thirty years after the original Blade Runner, the sequel sees the return of Harrison Ford’s Deckard, who has been missing all this time. Ryan Gosling plays K, a LAPD officer. Blade Runner 2049 is out in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

Previews: Logan Lucky Trailer, Stronger, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Logan Lucky trailer, My Little Pony: The Movie, Stronger and more…

Logan Lucky Trailer

Here is the new Logan Lucky trailer. The films sees director Steven Soderbergh teaming up with Channing Tatum once again for this new action comedy. Tatum is joined by an enviable cast that includes Adam Driver, Katie Holmes, and Daniel Craig. Logan Lucky will hit UK cinemas on 25th August 2017.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle Trailer

Here is the brand new trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film is set in the same world as the 1995 film, albeit updated to be a video game rather than a board game. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in December 2017.

My Little Pony: The Movie Trailer

Will this new film be as good as 1986’s My Little Pony: The Movie? Only time will tell. After Hasbro re-launched the toy and media franchise in 2010, a new new movie seemed inevitable. This new film features an all-star voice cast, including Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoworth, Live Schreiber, and Taye Diggs. My Little Pony: The Movie arrives on UK screens on 20th October 2017.

The Greatest Showman Trailer

The Greatest Showman is a new original musical. The film is inspired by P.T. Barnum, and celebrates the birth of show business. Hugh Jackman headlines, and is joined by Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The Greatest Showman is set for release in UK cinemas on 1st January 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Poster

Here is the latest poster for Annabelle: Creation, which emphasises the creepiness of the doll. The film is a prequel, and details how the doll was brought to life originally. This latest horror is directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out). Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on  11th August 2017.

The Dark Tower Featurette

This new featurette for The Dark Tower reveals a bit more about the main character in the film. Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey star in the film, based on Stephen King’s novel. The Dark Tower is out in cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Stronger Trailer

Here is the trailer for drama Stronger. The film is based on the true story of the Boston man  whose iconic photo from the 2013 Boston marathon bombing was broadcast throughout the world. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Masley, and Miranda Richardson. Stronger will be released later this year.

What to Watch on Shudder: The Dead Zone and More!

Here is what to watch on Shudder this Bank Holiday weekend, featuring The Dead Zone, Let The Right One In, and In The Night…

What to Watch on Shudder: The Dead Zone

The combination of David Cronenberg and Stephen King will surely delight horror fans. Whilst The Dead Zone fits more succinctly into the thriller category than the horror, the film nevertheless has enough to offer those looking for the supernatural. After waking up from a coma, accident victim Johnny discovers he has a psychic ability. Starring Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, and Martin Sheen, the 1983 film still feels resonant today. Cronenberg mixes supernatural activity with a tense drama. As the film builds to its conclusion, the themes feel both universal (asking viewers would they do the same if given Johnny’s ability) and politically contemporary. The Dead Zone does not trade on jump scares. Instead, it opts for an unsettling tone that lingers.

What to Watch on Shudder: Let The Right One In

2008 Swedish vampire film Let The Right One In has become part of the vampire movie canon for good reason. The horror-drama is about a young boy who befriends his neighbour Eli, although she cannot come out to play during the day. The film is about an endearing friendship, albeit one played out through the instrument of vampirism. Director Thomas Alfredson’s film was given an American remake in the form of Let Me In. Those who have not seen the original should rectify this, however, as it is the superior film.

What to Watch on Shudder: In The Night

This 2015 short is a tense little number. Directed by Joshua Erkman, In The Night is about a new mortuary worker asking his more veteran colleague about his strangest experience on the job. The short film is expertly paced, with tension building steadily to its climax. In The Night almost feels like a prelude to a feature-length film, and it a great showcase for writer-director Erkman.

To find out more and to sign up to Shudder, visit https://www.shudder.com.

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: Blade Runner 2049 Poster, Wonder Woman, More!

This week preview of coming attractions features a new Blade Runner 2049 poster, The Dark Tower, Wonder Woman, and more…

Blade Runner 2049 Poster

Here is Harrison Ford in the latest Blade Runner 2049 poster. Ford reprises his role as Deckard from the 1982 sci-fi classic. He is joined by Ryan Gosling, who plays a LAPD officer who unearths a long-buried secret. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 is released in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

The Dark Tower Trailer

Here is the first trailer for The Dark Tower. The film is based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel. Idris Elba plays the last gunslinger, in a battle with the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). The Dark Tower will be released in UK cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Wonder Woman Poster

It is less than a month until the release of Wonder Woman, so here’s a new poster. Despite being far behind Marvel in terms of establishing a cinematic universe for their comic book characters, DC have beaten Marvel to the punch in having the first stand-alone film headlined by a female character. Gal Gadot stars as the popular hero, and is joined by Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. Wonder Woman hits UK screens on 1st June 2017.

Valerian Poster

Here is a new poster for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. I don’t know who Melo is, but it looks interesting. Valerian is a new sci-fi adventure from Luc Besson. The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, and Rihanna. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hits UK screens on 4th August 2017.

Summer 2017 Summer Montage

Every year, the esteemed Amon Warmann creates a montage of all the Summer’s biggest blockbusters. This year’s edition features a variety of hotly anticipated movies, including Wonder Woman, War for the Planet of the Apes (a sequel to 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Check out the supercut above.

Film Review: The Shining

One of the most complete horror movies gets a re-release in time for Halloween. It is a chance for UK audiences to see the original American version for the first time on the big screen.

Jack Torrance and his family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter. Jack sees it as an ideal time to do some writing whilst acting as caretaker of the hotel. A presence in the hotel appears to be effecting Jack, whilst his son Danny sees frightening visions…

Stanley Kubrick’s adaption of Stephen King’s novel is still as effective as ever. The director excels in generating mood. Kubrick manages to complete immerse the audience in the location. This is what makes The Shining work so well. Isolation is portrayed in the most convincing manner.

The narrative of Kubrick’s film is not overly complex. There are a few different elements at play which generate mystery. Jack’s descent is well paced, taking its time in order to make incidents believable. The Shining functions as a psychological horror, although there are other elements of horror present. Jack’s descent is both compelling and disturbing. The film mixes some tense and jumpy moments with the brooding horror of Jack’s state of mind.

The Shining uses music and sound to great effect. The film features some of the most memorable imagery of 20th century cinema. Graphic depictions are employed sparingly, which heightens the shock value. The long shots of Jack’s car driving towards the hotel work well to convey the isolation of the location.

In a career of numerous highs, Jack Nicholson delivers a stand out performance as Jack Torrance. Nicholson comes across as authentic at all times, even in psychotic moments. Shelley Duvall is also strong as wife Wendy, while Danny Lloyd is at times haunting as his namesake.

An undoubted gem of the horror genre, the re-release of The Shining should attract long time admirers and newcomers alike.

The Shining is screening at the BFI Southbank and venues throughout the country from 2nd November 2012, with special previews on 31st October 2012.