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.

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.

Film Review: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Thomas Alfredson’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a successfully constructed film which boasts a fantastic combination of intrigue and tension. The film should satisfy audiences beyond just espionage-thriller aficionados.

In the early 1970s, veteran British spy George Smiley is assigned with the task of finding a mole on the British Secret Service. Following his former boss’ hunch, Smiley must investigate his colleagues to uncover which one of them is leaking information to Soviet intelligence agencies…

Based on the novel by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a gripping film. The narrative is carefully woven by screenwriters Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan. There is a steady trickle of exposition, some of which occurs in flashback sequences. This works to keep the viewers guessing whilst retaining the big mystery. The premise of the film is fairly simple, but it is made intriguing by the different strands that operate and the increasing sense of mystery.

Pacing in Tinker Tailor is impeccable. The different strands come together effectively, building tension as the film progresses. The more dramatic scenes are executed perfectly, and work well to compel viewers. The story builds to a climax which is incredibly tense. Given the various options the film could have taken, it is unlikely that too many will guess the reveal with any certainty.

The central mystery of Tinker Tailor is very successful is absorbing the audience’s attention. At first it may seem as if there are an awful lot of players, for those unfamiliar with the novel or 1979 TV mini-series. Nonetheless, every aspect of the film is relevant to the overarching narrative. Moreover, the main players become clear as the film progresses.

Alfredson’s direction is controlled, guiding the film superbly. Shots that pull focus are a bit overused, but the film is visually gratifying otherwise. The art direction and design of Tinker Tailor is excellent. There is excellent attention to detail with regards to the early-1970s setting, with locations, props and costumes all appearing authentic for this period.

Alfredson’s film boasts a stellar British cast with does itself justice. Gary Oldman is fantastic as ever as the straight-faced George Smiley. Benedict Cumberbatch is also superb as Peter Guillam. There is not a single sub-par performance, with Colin Firth, Mark Strong and others delivering the goods.

A far cry from the glamour of James Bond films, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is an intriguing mystery thriller which is difficult to fault.