Previews: Darkest Hour Trailer, Dunkirk, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Darkest Hour trailer, Dunkirk, American Assassin, and more…

Darkest Hour Trailer

Gary Oldman once again proves his chameleon credentials in this new Darkest Hour trailer. Oldman stars as Winston Churchill as he becomes prime minister days before Britain enters World War II. The film also stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, and is directed by Joe Wright (Pan, Hanna). Darkest Hour is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 12th January 2018.

Dunkirk World Premiere Highlights

Here are the highlights from last night’s world premiere of Dunkirk in London’s Leicester Square. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film stars Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, and Cillian Murphy. Dunkirk will be released in both 70mm and standard presentation on 21st July 2017.

American Assassin Trailer

Here is the second trailer for American Assassin. The presence of Michael Keaton just makes everything better. The film is about a CIA black ops recruit under the training of a Cold War veteran. Keaton is joined by Dylan O’Brien, Taylor Kitsch, and Sanaa Lathan. American Assassin hits UK screens on 15th September 2017.

Atomic Blonde Featurette

This featurette focuses on Atomic Blonde‘s stunt coordination, and Charlize Theron considerable skill in this department. Theron stars as a lethal assassin sent to deliver a priceless dossier in 1980s Berlin. Also starring James McAvoy and John Goodman, Atomic Blonde is out in UK cinemas on 9th August 2017.

Maudie Poster

Here is the poster for Maudie. Based on a true story, the film is about an unlikely romance between a folk artist and a reclusive fish peddler. The film stars Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke, and is directed by Aisling Walsh. Maudie will be released in UK cinemas on 4th August 2017.

Valerian Trailer

Above is the latest look at Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. If nothing else, the film will be a visual feast. Directed by Luc Besson, the film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. Valerian will hit UK screens on 2nd August 2017.

Previews: Dunkirk Poster, Baby Driver, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Dunkirk poster, plus Baby Driver, American Made, and more…

Dunkirk Poster

Here is the latest Dunkirk poster. Writer-director Christopher Nolan turns his attention to the war movie, after excelling in a number of other genres. The film stars Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy, and Kenneth Branagh. Dunkirk hits cinema and IMAX screens on 21st July 2017.

Baby Driver Clip

This clip sheds light on the central character in Edgar Wright’s upcoming Baby Driver. Starring Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx, and Lily James, the film is about a getaway driver who wishes to leave his criminal life behind. Baby Driver is out in UK cinemas on 28th June 2017.

American Made Trailer

Tom Cruise reunites with Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman for American Made. The film is based on the real-life exploits of pilot Barry Seal, who is recruited by the CIA to run a covert operation. Also starring Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, and Caleb Landry Jones, American Made is due for release on 25th August 2017.

Goodbye Christopher Robin Poster

Here is the new poster for Goodbye Christopher Robin. The film is based on the family who created one of the world’s most beloved bear, Winnie the Pooh. It revolves around the relationship between writer A.A. Milne and his son Christopher. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, and Kelly Macdonald, Goodbye Christopher Robin will be out in cinemas on 29th September 2017.

Murder on the Orient Express Trailer

This trailer for Murder on the Orient Express looks sumptuous. The film looks to have one of the most star-studded casts of the year, with Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Judi Dench among some of the passengers on the fateful train. Director Kenneth Branagh stars as famous detective Hercule Poirot; comparisons to David Suchet will be inevitable. Based on one of Agatha Christie’s most famous novels, Murder on the Orient Express is set for release on 3rd November 2017.

Previews: Blade Runner 2049 trailer, Dunkirk, More!

Previews of upcoming attractions include the new Blade Runner 2049 trailer, John Wick: Chapter Two, The White King, and more…

Blade Runner 2049 Trailer

Here is the first Blade Runner 2049 trailer. The film sees the return of Harrison Ford as Dekard. He is joined by Ryan Gosling, who plays a new blade runner. Set thirty years after the events of the original film, Blade Runner 2049 is set for release on 6th October 2017.

John Wick: Chapter Two Trailer

Following the success of 2014’s John Wick, sequel John Wick: Chapter Two is coming next year. Keanu Reeves returns as the title character, and is joined by Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, and Common. John Wick: Chapter Two will be released in UK cinemas on 17th February 2017.

Personal Shopper Trailer

After screening at a number of film festivals this year, Oliver Assayas’ Personal Shopper gets a UK cinema release next year. The film stars Kirsten Stewart as a personal shopper and a spiritual medium who tries to make contact with a deceased relative. Personal Shopper will be released in cinemas on 17th March 2017.

Jackie Poster

Here is the poster for Jackie. The film stars Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, and focuses on the assassination and aftermath as seen through her eyes. With awards buzz around the central performance, Jackie will be released in UK cinemas on 20th January 2017.

The White King Clip

Based on the novel of the same name, The White King is a dystopian drama set during a fictitious dictatorship. The film stars Jonathan Pryce, Agyness Deyn, and Olivia Williams as this creepy robot. The White King will be released in UK cinemas on 27th January 2017, and on DVD on 30th January.

Dunkirk Trailer

Here is the first proper look at Dunkirk. Director Christopher Nolan has fared well with science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and comic book movies, and now turns his hand to the war film. The film stars Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, and Cillian Murphy. Dunkirk will be released in 2017.

Previews: Alice Through The Looking Glass and more!

A visual feast in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including Alice Through The Looking Glass, Sisters, and By The Sea…

Alice Through The Looking Glass Trailer

Here is the first at upcoming sequel Alice Through The Looking Glass. Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp and the rest of the cast return for the follow-up to 2010’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice Through The Looking Glass is directed by James Bobin, whose work on the last two Muppet films is certainly a good sign. Alice Through The Looking Glass is set for release in the UK on 27th May 2016.

Sisters Poster

Sisters is the latest venture to reunite Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The film is about two disconnected sisters who return to their family home to clear out their childhood bedroom. Directed by Pitch Perfect‘s Jason Moore, Sisters will hit UK screens on 18th December, with previews from 12th December 2015.

The Good Dinosaur Clip

This just looks magical. The Good Dinosaur poses the question of what if the dinosaurs never became extinct. The notion looks rather wonderful in the film, although I do wonder if in reality in would be some horrible Jurassic Park type situation. The Good Dinosaur is out in UK cinemas on 27th November 2015.

By The Sea Featurette

Angelina Jolie speaks about her ideas behind By The Sea. The film is written, directed and stars Jolie, alongside husband Brad Pitt. She states that she has been influenced by European cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, and audiences will be able to see for themselves when By The Sea is released on 11th December 2015.

The Dressmaker Trailer

The Dressmaker stars Kate Winslet as a designer who returns to her childhood small town in Australia. Also starring Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth, the comedy drama is based on Rosalie Ham’s bestselling novel. The Dressmaker is out in UK cinemas on 20th November 2015.

The Revenant Poster

Is this the film that will get Leonardo DiCaprio his coveted Oscar? The Revenant tells the story of Hugo Glass, a man left for dead in uncharted territory. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film also stars Tom Hardy, Will Poulter and Lucas Haas. The Revenant hits UK screens in January 2016.

Dirty Grandpa

Zac Efron stars as the straight-laced groom to be on a road trip with his recently windowed grandfather in comedy Dirty Grandpa. Robert De Niro’s grandfather is not quite the kindly old gentleman however. Also starring Aubrey Plaza, Dirty Grandpa is set for release on 22nd January 2016.

Previews: Spectre Trailer, The Revenant and more

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the final Spectre trailer, The Revenant, The Good Dinosaur and more…

Spectre Trailer

Here is the final Spectre trailer. Daniel Craig returns as James Bond, alongside Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Whishaw. The film, which also stars Christoph Waltz and Monica Belluci, sees Bond on a rogue mission where he finds out the existence of a sinister organisation. Spectre is released in the UK on 26th October 2015.

The Revenant Trailer

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu returns from his Oscar-winning success with Birdman with The Revenant. Starring Leondardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and Will Poulter, the film is inspired by true events. The Revenant is set for release on 15th January 2016.

The Good Dinosaur Poster

Here is the poster for Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur. The film poses the question of what if the dinosaurs never went extinct. Arlo the dinosaur makes an unlikely young human friend in the film. The Good Dinosaur will hit the big screens in the UK on 27th November 2015.

Victor Frankestein Video

In the above video, James McAvoy speaks about tackling the role of Victor Frankenstein, and working with Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Igor). The film is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, with a focus on the psyche of the scientist. Victor Frankenstein is put in cinemas on 4th December 2015.

Creed Trailer

Ryan Coogler directs Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in Rocky spin-off Creed. Michael B. Jordan plays the son of boxer Apollo Creed, who tracks down Rocky Ballboa in Philadelphia. Creed is set for release in 2016.

Film Review: Legend

 

Featuring an exemplary performance by Tom Hardy in a dual role, Brian Helgeland’s Legend is compelling viewing.

In East London of the 1960s, the Kray twins are building a reputation as notorious gangsters. Ronnie and Reggie are relentless in the aim of building an empire across the city…

Based on John Pearson’s book, Legend functions as a good introduction to the history of the Kray twins, as well as a decent film in its own right. The strongest elements of the film are a great central performance and good writing. The main characters are well drawn in Legend. The narration from the point of view of Frances is a nice touch; the character guides the audience as an outsider who gets to know the protagonists better as the film progresses.

The story charts the rise of the Kray twins to the most pivotal part of their lives. Legend concentrates on a particular, significant period, rather than functioning as a biopic. Writer-director Helgeland successfully informs viewers of the background with succinct exposition. Many viewers will know how the story goes, but the film is more about the characters than offering a history lesson.

Crime, drama and action are genres expected to be featured in a film such as Legend, yet the film also features a good deal of humour. Helgeland has a flare for depicting the absurdity of certain situations in a way that will no doubt generate laughs. Violence in the film is sparse; heightening the effect when depicting in graphic detail. Art direction and styling are great, with the film film feeling very much of the era it is set.

Tom Hardy offers a fantastic performance playing both Ronnie and Reggie Kray. His performance is always convincing. Emily Browning also gives a decent performance as Frances.

Legend does not glamourise the crime it depicts, and is adept at showing the ugly side to such a lifestyle. Moreover, and more importantly, the film delivers flawed but interesting characters in a very watchable way.

Film Review: Mad Max: Fury Road

George Miller’s reboot of his post-apocalyptic film series is a force to be reckoned with. Mad Max: Fury Road is exhilarating viewing; and perhaps the best example of how to produce a superlative belated sequel.

In a post-apocalyptic desert, Max lives life as a scavenger. An encounter with the ruling tribe throws Max together with Furiosa, a woman on a mission…

With so many reboots, remakes and belated sequel, Mad Max: Fury Road could have easily been another franchise film lost in the mix. Viewers who experience the ferocity of writer-director George Miller’s latest instalment quickly realise that this does not apply here. Mad Max: Fury Road is a handsome addition to the Mad Max universe.

Revisiting his film franchise after thirty years, George Miller brings plenty of the old and new to Mad Max: Fury Road. Action sequences meet the best of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. This latest instalment is visually evocative of the earlier trilogy, yet is fresh and powerful.

Like the earlier instalment, precedence is given to action over narrative. Nevertheless, the story is effective in giving meaning to the action, and giving the characters a sense of purpose. Miller wisely eschews lengthy moments of reflection which would have slowed momentum. The main characters are given enough backstory to give their mission a purpose, yet the film forgoes melodrama to play to its strengths. Miller creates parity between his two protagonists, offering audiences a strong female character missing from many films of this genre.

Just like the earlier films, Mad Max: Fury Road is aesthetically striking. The film continues in the same industrial-primitive post-apocalyptic vein as its predecessors, but ventures further in its extreme depictions. There are plenty of wonderful touches that intensify this memorable setting. Cinematography is excellent, as is art direction, with a restricted palette being utilised to great effect. Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy offer good performances, whilst Hugh Keays-Byrne returns to the Mad Max fold with a memorable and intimidating portrayal.

Action is Mad Max: Fury Road‘s benefaction, and the film provides a tremendous ride. Miller’s film is almost relentless in its energy, providing viewers with little respite from the tour de force sequences. These are executed with a finesse missing from a lot of recent action movies. More than gratuity, Mad Max: Fury Road offers a pace that is pulls viewers along on the most nerve-wracking of rides.

Mad Max: Fury Road is the blockbuster to beat this year. Two hours of heart-pounding, engrossing, visceral and above all enjoyable entertainment.

Previews: Spectre Vlog, Legend Trailer and more

Plenty to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Spectre vlog, the Legend trailer, plus a first look at Macbeth…

Spectre Vlog

In this latest Spectre vlog, director Sam Mendes and members of the crew discuss a car chase sequence from the upcoming James Bond movie. You can check out the Spectre trailer here, and more Spectre vlogs are available on the James Bond channel. Spectre hits the big screen 6th November 2015.

Legend Trailer 

Legend is not a remake of the 1985 fantasy classic of the same name. This version of Legend is about the notorious Kray twins. Written and directed by Brian Hegeland, the film stars Tom Hardy as both Kray twins. Legend is set for release in the UK on 11th September 2015.

Aloha Clip

Wedding Crashers‘ stars Rachel McAdams and Bradley Cooper reunite in this clip from Aloha. Cameron Crowe directs an all-star cast, which also includes Bill Murray, Emma Stone and Jay Baruchel. Aloha will hit UK screens on 4th September 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer

The final trailer for Mad Max: Fury Road arrives two weeks before the film’s release. A combination of new and already-released footage, the trailer suggests that the film will be a crazy ride. Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult, Mad Max: Fury Road will be released in cinemas on 14th May 2015.

Macbeth First Look

Here is one of the first images released from the new film adaptation of Macbeth. Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, Macbeth is due to make its world premiere at next month’s Cannes Film Festival. The film is scheduled to open in the UK in October 2015.

Poltergeist Featurette

Sam Raimi discusses his horror remake of Poltergeist in the above featurette. Remakes have been a prominent feature of the horror genre for several years now, so this new version of Poltergeist is no surprise. Starring Sam Rockwell and Jared Harris, Poltergeist will hit UK screens on 22nd May 2015.

Moomins on the Riviera Trailer

The Moomins holiday in style in this film adaptation of the comic strips. The English-language version of Moomins on the Riviera features the voices of Russell Tovey and Tracy Ann Oberman. The animated film will be released in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2015.

Magic Mike XXL Poster

The latest series of posters for Magic Mike sequel Magic Mike XXL makes no secret of how viewers are being enticed. Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello are among those who have returned for the second instalment, alongside newcomers Elizabeth Banks and Amber Heard. Magic Mike XXL will thrust its way on to UK screens on 3rd July 2015.

What Happened, Miss Simone? Trailer

New documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? focuses on legendary singer Nina Simone. The film features previously unheard audio tapes, plus interviews with family members and friends. What Happened, Miss Simone? will make its debut on Netflix on 26th June 2015.

Previews: Jurassic World Trailer, Inside Out Clip and more

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Jurassic World trailer, a clip from Inside Out, plus Black Mass, Danny Collins and more…

Jurassic World Trailer

Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the next instalment of his dinosaur franchise. This Jurassic World trailer reveals a little more about the plot of the film and its new dinosaurs. Although genetically-modified dinosaurs may raise eyebrows, the casting of Chris Pratt certainly does appeal following his turn in Guardians of the Galaxy. Jurassic World  will hit UK screens on 11th June 2015.

Black Mass

My, doesn’t Johnny Depp look different? Black Mass focuses on Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger and his unlikely alliance with the FBI in the 1970s. The film also stars Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kevin Bacon. Back Mass is set for release on 25th September 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road Legacy Trailer

This retro Mad Max: Fury Road trailer is smart marketing. It differentiates the film from other remakes, a key factor in this is the return of director George Miller. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road steams into UK cinemas on 14th May 2015.

Inside Out Clip

The more I see of Inside Out, the more I am looking forward to it. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, the film focuses on Riley and her fluctuating emotions growing up. Inside Out is screening at Cannes Film Festival this May, and will be released in 24th July 2015.

Danny Collins Trailer

Danny Collins stars Al Pacino as an ageing rock star who goes on a journey to rediscover his family and himself. Based on a true story, the film also stars Annette Bening, Christopher Plummer and Jennifer Garner. Danny Collins will be released on UK screens on 29th May 2015.

Mr Holmes Trailer

Mr Holmes features an older version of the infamous detective than is usually portrayed on screen. Ian McKellan plays Sherlock Holmes as a returned detective, living in his farmhouse, who turns his attention to an unsolved case. Also starring Laura Linney, Mr Holmes is set for release on 19th June 2015.

Man Up Clip

Man Up is a new romantic comedy starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell. The film is premised on a case of mistaken identity; Pegg’s Jack thinks Bell’s Nancy is his blind date. Also starring Olivia Williams and Rory Kinear, Man Up reaches UK cinemas on 29th May 2015.

Suffragette Trailer

This first trailer for Suffragette offers us a peak at Sarah Gavron’s historical drama. Suffragette is the first feature film to tell the story of British women’s fight for the right to vote at the turn of last century. With an enviable cast that includes Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan, Suffragette is set for release on 30th October 2015.

Summer Blockbuster Montage

Every year, film journalist Amon Warmann creates a montage of the Summer movie blockbusters. This year’s video features Mad Max: Road Fury, Ant-Man, Tomorrowland – A World Beyond and more. Check out his blog here.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of film previews this week, with Mad Max: Fury Road, Spy, Poltergeist and more…

Amy

Above is the teaser trailer for documentary Amy. Filmmaker Asif Kapadia looks at the life of late singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. From the footage here, she is depicted as quiet personality, perhaps debunking tabloid representations. Amy is set for release in UK cinemas on 3rd July 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Here is the latest trailer for Mad Max: Fury Road, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. It was announced this morning that six minutes of footage from Mad Max: Road Fury will be shown before screenings of Fast & Furious 7 exclusively at Odeon cinemas from 3rd April. Mad Max: Fury Road will hit the big screen on 14th May 2015.

Spy

Director Paul Feig teams up again with Melissa McCarthy for Spy. Also starring Jason Statham and Jude Law, McCarthy plays a desk-bound CIA agent who goes undercover on a dangerous case. Spy will be released in UK cinemas on 5th June 2015.

Poltergeist

I have chosen to feature this terrifying-looking poster as I want everyone to experience the same discomfort I felt when first glancing upon it. The Poltergeist remake, which stars Sam Rockwell, is set for release in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2015.

Terminator: Genisys

What this latest TV spot for Terminator: Genisys shows us is that robots age. This latest Terminator film stars Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney and, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger. It will be interesting to see whether Schwarzenegger can bring back the magic of the first two films. Terminator: Genisys hits the big screen on 3rd July 2015.

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation

Speaking of ageing action heroes… No! The trailer for the latest Mission: Impossible movie is here, and looks as action-packed as ever. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation sees the return of Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner, alongside newcomers Rebecca Ferguson and Alec Baldwin. The film is released in UK cinemas on 30th July 2015.

The Falling

Carol Morley’s The Falling is about a fainting epidemic at a girls’ school in the 1960s. Starring Game of Thrones‘ Maisie Williams and newcomer Florence Pugh, The Falling is out in cinemas on 24th April in the UK.