Previews: Oldboy Trailer, Knives Out, More!

A plethora of forthcoming cinematic attractions, including the Oldboy trailer for the 4k re-release, Knives Out, Spies in Disguise and more…

Oldboy Trailer

Here is the new Oldboy trailer. Director Park Chan-wook‘s classic gets a 4k restoration for its upcoming re-release. For those who haven’t seen the 2003 film, it is about an imprisoned businessman who seeks revenge. Oldboy will be released in selected cinemas on 2nd August 2019.

Knives Out Trailer

Here is the trailer for Rian Johnson’s upcoming Knives Out. The murder mystery takes place after a crime novelist is murdered at his estate. The film features an enviable cast that includes Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, and Lakeith Stansfield. Knives Out will hit UK screens soon.

The Art of Dancing in the Rain Poster

Above is the poster for The Art of Dancing in the Rain. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, the film is about a racecar driver and his relationship with his canine best friend. The film stars Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and the voice of Kevin Costner. The Art of Dancing in the Rain will hit UK cinemas on 9th August 2019.

Spies in Disguise Trailer

Spies in Disguise is an adventure comedy about a suave spy who must team up with an awkward scientist. The film features the voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, and Karen Gillan. Spies in Disguise will be coming to UK cinemas soon.

A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Poster

Above is a Stranger Things-inspired poster for the upcoming A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. The film is about an alien who lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, and Shaun’s attempts to shepherd the alien home. A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is set for release in UK cinemas on 18th October 2019.

Previews: Ad Astra Poster, The Current War, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Ad Astra poster, The Current War, Pain And Glory, and more…

Ad Astra Poster

Here is the brand new Ad Astra poster. The film, directed by James Gray, is about an astronaut who travels to the edge of the solar system to find his missing father. Brad Pitt heads the cast, and is joined by Tommy Lee Jones and Ruth Negga. Ad Astra launches onto UK screens on 18th September 2019.

The Current War Trailer

Above is the trailer for the forthcoming The Current War. Set in the late 19th century, the film is about the rivalry between Thomas Edison and entrepreneur George Westinghouse. The enviable cast includes Michael Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Waterston, Nicholas Hoult, and Tom Holland. Counting Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, The Current War hits UK cinemas on 26th July 2019.

Pain And Glory Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Pain And Glory. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (The Skin I Live In, I’m So Excited), the film is about an ageing film director and a series of re-encounters. The film, which stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

21 Bridges Poster

21 Bridges is an upcoming thriller with quite a cast. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is a thriller about a New York detective involved in a city-wide manhunt for a pair of cop killers. The film is set for release in UK cinemas on 27th September 2019.

BFI August Season

There is plenty to look forward to at the BFI Southbank this August, leading with a season of Cary Grant films. Classics such as The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, and Notorious will be screened in August. Other highlights include a preview of Pain And Glory and a Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar, and a preview of Netflix’s upcoming The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance television series. More details of the full programme can be found here.

Previews: The Dead Don’t Die Trailer, MIDSommAR, More!

Plenty of hotly-anticipated movies in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Dead Don’t Die trailer, Midsommar, Rocketman, and more…

The Dead Don’t Die Trailer

Here is the new The Dead Don’t Die trailer. The film, written and directed by Jim Jarmusch (Only Lovers Left Alive), is about a small town that becomes overrun with zombies. The comedy horror stars Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, Danny Glover, and Tilda Swinton. The Dead Don’t Die hits UK screens on 12th July 2019.

Rocketman Featurette

Here is a new featurette on the costumes for the upcoming Rocketman. The film, a biopic of the early career of Elton John, stars Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, and Jamie Bell. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Rocketman is out in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2019.

Spider-Man: Far From Home Trailer

Warning: this trailer contains spoilers for Avengers: Endgame. The sequel to 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home takes place after the events of Endgame. Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, and Zendaya return, and they are joined by Jake Gyllenhaal and Samuel L. Jackson. Spider-Man: Far From Home is set for release on 2nd July 2019.

Midsommar Trailer

Filmmaker Ari Aster follows up last year’s critically acclaimed horror Hereditary with Midsommar. The film is about an American couple who join friends at a festival in a remote Swedish village. Midsommar stars Florence Pugh, Will Poulter, and Jack Reynor. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 5th July 2019.

Crawl Trailer

Above is the trailer for Crawl. The horror thriller is about a young woman who goes looking for her missing father during a massive hurricane. Those with a fear of alligators should look away now. Alexandre Aja directs the film, with Sam Raimi producing. Starring Kaya Scodelario, Crawl is set for release this summer.

Film Review: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Spider-Man: Homecoming is a joyous comic book movie. It is easily superior to the last four Spider-Man films.

After his adventure with the Avengers, Peter Parker must return to his reality as a high school student from Queens. He attempts to balance his regular life with fighting low-level crime as Spider-Man. Things become complicated with a new villain on the scene…

After some false starts, Sony have teamed up with Marvel to deliver a Spider-Man film that ticks all the boxes. Spider-Man: Homecoming is well written, well directed, and captures the essence of the title character. The film is fun, engaging and entertaining.

Perhaps the most pivotal shift in this latest Spider-Man film is the quality of the writing. Spider-man: Homecoming was penned by no less than six writers (including director Jon Watts), and this combination seems to work. Characters are given enough depth, scenes are well constructed, and jokes are plentiful. Plot development is smartly executed. The film keeps an even keel, balancing frequent humour with action and sufficient motivation.

A refreshing aspect of this film is its scale. Whilst there are the necessary big set pieces, the narrative is performed within a smaller scope. In contrast to the grandstanding of the previous Avengers films, the world explored by Watts’ film takes place in a smaller world. Peter’s motivation is stopping the bad guys in his neighbourhood, even if he longs for a more striking fight. Similarly, the antagonist here has more down-to-earth concerns, rather than the world domination that consumes so many others in this genre. Spider-Man: Homecoming is a better film for this.

There are some great sequences in the film, including the montage of the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. Action sequences offer spectacle, whilst the visuals always look great. Tom Holland impresses as Peter Parker; his energy works well in the role. Michael Keaton turns in a great performance, as always. There is good support from Jacob Batalon, Marisa Tomei, and Laura Harrier.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is a very welcome addition to the Marvel world. The film entertains, amuses, and will leave viewers eager for more.

Previews: Flatliners Trailer, Girls Trip, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Flatliners trailer, Girls Trip, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, and more…

Flatliners Trailer

Is it a remake of the 1990 movie, or is it a sequel? This new Flatliners trailer reveals a lot about the plot, but does not answer the question resolutely. The film stars Ellen Page and Diego Luna as medical students who decide to experiment with near-death experiences. Flatliners will hit UK cinemas on 29th September 2017.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard Trailer

This movie looks like a lot of fun. Action comedy The Hitman’s Bodyguard is about a notorious hitman who has to be guarded Trailerby a top protection agent. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Gary Oldman. The Hitman’s Bodyguard is out in UK cinemas on 18th August 2017.

The Mountain Between Us Trailer

Here is the new trailer for The Mountain Between Us. The film is a thriller about two strangers who become stranded on a mountain following a crash. Based on the novel of the same name, the film is directed by Hany Abu-Assad, and stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet. The Mountain Between Us is released on UK screens on 6th October 2017.

Girls Trip Poster

Here is the new poster for Girls Trip. The film is about four long-time friends who head down to New Orleans for the Essence Festival. The film stars Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tiffany Haddish. Girls Trip is out in UK cinemas on 26th July 2017.

Spider-Man: Homecoming Featurette

This Spider-Man: Homecoming featurette focuses on the Spidey Suit. The film stars Tom Holland in the title role. He is joined by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, as well as Michael Keaton, Zendaya, and Marisa Tomei. Spider-Man: Homecoming launches onto UK screens on 5th July 2017.

Scribe Trailer

Here is the trailer for political thriller Scribe. The film is about a middle-aged man who is hired by a mysterious employer to transcribe phone-tapped conversations. François Cluzet, Scribe is released in UK cinemas and on demand from 21st July 2017.

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: Captain America: Civil War

Anthony and Joe Russo’s Captain America: Civil War is an entertaining continuation from the excellent Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The tone of the film is an asset, as is some fantastic action.

After another incident involving the Avengers results in unintended damage, there is pressure on the team to install a system of accountability. This results in a rift between the Avengers, as Steve Rogers’ wish for the Avengers to be free from political administration contrasts with the view of Tony Stark…

After the success of its predecessor, Captain America: Civil War had much hype to contend with. Overall, directors Anthony and Joe and Russo have done well to meet expectations. The film benefits from the built history. Previous instalments of the Marvel franchise have shaped these characters, making their actions and motivations convincing. The development from the previous films appears natural.

The introduction of new characters is not so overwhelming given that they are fairly minor. Most of the numerous superheroes have appeared in previous Marvel films. The appearance of Spider-Man is welcome, and bodes well for any stand-alone film. Black Panther is introduced in a similarly engaging fashion.

The directors build pace in a modest way. There is a lot of setting the scene for the third act, and this is handled ably by Joe and Anthony Russo. Action sequences are well executed, although they lack the fizz of the previous instalment. The theme of accountability and the constraints of power is one that has featured in many comic book films. Captain America: Civil War uses this not as the main theme, but to facilitate the story which unfolds from it.

Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles with energy. Anthony Mackie and Scarlett Johansson are always welcome additions to this franchise. Tom Holland has an appealing spark which suits his character well.

Captain America: Civil War feels like the conclusion of a series, despite the leads for subsequent films. Not quite the revelation of its predecessor, it is nevertheless an enjoyable blockbuster.

Film Review: Fright Night

This new version of Fright Night does not match the 1985 original. Having said that, it is still tremendous fun, and one of better films in the recent spate of horror remakes.

High school student Charlie Brewster is dating the popular and beautiful Amy. He has left behind his geeky ways, much to the annoyance of former best friend Ed. When a new neighbour moves in next door, Charlie becomes suspicious of the things he hears in the night. He suspects that new neighbour Jerry is a vampire, but no one believes him…

Director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Marti Noxon eschewed the option of producing a faithful update of Tom Holland’s 1985 film. Thankfully they chose to alter the screenplay significantly. The changes made offer a sense of unpredictability to those familiar with the 1985 film. Although the film seems a little preoccupied with the social hierarchy of high school, for the most part these alterations work well.

The characters have also been changed for this remake. Perhaps most interesting of the updates in Peter Vincent. Holland wisely chooses not to emulate the Roddy McDowell character in terms of stature and personality. Instead, the character is much younger and more comparable to Criss Angel than McDowell’s Vincent Price-type legend. This makes the film more distinguishable from its predecessor, which is only a good thing.

Fright Night offers the same blend of comedy and horror as the original. There are some jumpy moments in the film, as well as a healthy dose of gore. The comedy, however, keeps the tone of the film light for the duration. There are also some amusing references to Twilight, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and even the original film, as well as a great cameo appearance.

The special effects are sometimes lacking, but even this is in keeping with the overall jovial tone of the movie. The 3D seems to have been employed purely for novelty value. Nonetheless, this doesn’t really matter, as it is fun in a throwback, schlock kind of way.

Colin Farrell is well cast as Jerry. The actor is perfectly suited to the role, bringing the right combination of menace and allure. Anton Yelchin once again offers a solid performance; the actor is quickly becoming one of the brightest young talents in Hollywood. David Tennant is wonderfully outlandish as Peter Vincent; he clearly seems to be having much fun with the role.

Fright Night should satisfy those with a hankering for comedy horror, and shouldn’t offend fans of the original film. An enjoyable watch.