Film Review: Knives Out

Writer-director Rian Johnson’s murder mystery Knives Out is tremendous fun. The star cast are on great form in this very entertaining film.

When Harlan Thrombey, a successful author and head of the Thrombey family, is found dead, the police begin an investigation. The detectives wish to interview each family member, to see what they know about his death…

Knives Out combines the old and the new in its rendition of the murder mystery. The film has the hallmarks of classic murder mystery. After all there is the secluded period mansion, the wealthy patriarch and the squabbling family, and the detective with a stellar reputation. Johnson plays with these tropes, sometimes referring to them explicitly, in his version of a murder mystery. He also brings a contemporary edge to proceedings. The film does not feel like a parody of the genre; Knives Out rather comes across as a film from someone who has admiration of what has come before. 

Johnson offers a fresh and engaging story. To begin with, it seems as if the film will follow the formula of several suspects and a detective attempting to ascertain the murderer. Yet in the first third of Knives Out, Johnson throws a curveball. The narrative veers off in a different direction, with a particular witness the focus of much of the film. This twist works well; viewers will not know exactly how much to trust, and indeed who else may be in on it. 

One of the highlights of Knives Out is the way in combines mystery with humour. The film is frequently funny, and there are some great lines. Humour is present throughout, and this does not diminish the mystery. It is a difficult tightrope to walk, yet Johnson manages it exceptionally well.

Set design in the film is wonderful. Nathan Johnson’s score is also great. Ana de Armas delivers a solid performance as Marta. The stellar ensemble cast are well cast, with Daniel Craig appearing to have a lot of fun with his role. Don Johnson, Toni Collette and Chris Evans are also great fun.

With Knives Out, Rian Johnson plants several red herrings, offers up twists, and delivers a hugely enjoyable film. 

Knives Out is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2019.

Previews: Halloween Poster, The Happy Prince, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, which include the brand new Halloween poster, Hereditary, The Happy Prince, and more…

Halloween Poster

Here is the new poster for the upcoming Halloween. Forty years since the original Halloween film, and twenty since Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her famous role in Halloween H20, Michael Myers is back once more. Curtis is joined by Judy Greer and Will Patton, and the film is directed by David Gordon Green (Your Highness, Stronger). With John Carpenter among the Executive Producer, Halloween hits the big screen on 19th October 2018.

Hereditary Trailer

Above is the new trailer for Hereditary. The upcoming horror is about a family who reveal something sinister about their ancestry when the matriarch of the clan passes away. Hereditary stars Toni Collette and Gabriel Byrne, and is the feature debut from writer-director Ari Aster. The film is set for release on 15th June 2018.

The Happy Prince Trailer

The Happy Prince is written, directed, and stars Rupert Everett. The film is his directorial debut. Everett stars as Oscar Wilde, portraying the writer in his final years. The film also stars Colin Firth and Emily Watson. The Happy Prince will be released in UK cinemas on 15th June 2018.

Life of the Party Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Life of the Party. The comedy stars Melissa McCarthy as a newly divorced mum who decides to go back to college. The film is directed by McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone, and penned by the couple. Also starring Gillian Jacobs and Maya Rudolph, Life of the Party will be released in UK cinemas on 11th May 2018.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Trailer

Above is the last trailer for the upcoming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The sequel sees Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprise their roles from 2015’s Jurassic World. Jeff Goldblum also reprises his role from the franchise. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom launches onto UK screens on 6th June 2018.

Film Review: Fun Mom Dinner

Alethea Jones’ Fun Mom Dinner is the latest in a series of female ensemble adult comedies. Despite the premise, the film is not quite as wild and humorous as expected.

The mother of four children, Kate has little in common with other mums. When she is dragged along to a mothers’ dinner by her friend Emily, Kate is less than enthused. However, the evening takes an unexpected turn…

Directed by Alethea Jones and written by Julie Rudd, Fun Mom Dinner aims for the bawdy, one-wild-night style of comedy which has had varying degrees of success over the years. The film throws together four distinct characters, linking them by virtue of motherhood. The film reaches for a mothers gone wild theme, with the vast majority of the duration focussed on this one evening.

One of the most striking things about Fun Mom Dinner is that the action is not that wild at all. There are not the outrageous moments that viewers may expect from a film such as this. Instead, the four main characters have a late night out, perhaps reminiscent of the days with fewer responsibilities. The screenplay has a few humorous gags, but this is not a laugh-a-minute film. There is some gross-out comedy at the beginning and some crude jokes scattered throughout, but the film is funniest when it is at its most natural. Some of the cultural reference seem a little dated, and indeed the film charms when it harks back to the John Hughes’ teen films of the 1980s. The nostalgia factor works well, yet the film seems to crave contemporary resonance.

The four protagonists are developed in so far as they fit particular archetypes. Performances are decent throughout, yet it feels like the talents of Toni Collette, Molly Shannon, and Bridget Everett are wasted. Meanwhile, Adam Scott gets to mope in a minor role. The 1980s-heavy soundtrack is great.

The overriding message of Fun Mom Dinner is that mothers are people too, outside their roles as caretakers. Yet the film makes motherhood look rather unappealing, despite its intention of showing mothers who are letting loose. Too few jokes are ultimately what make the film rather forgettable.

Fun Mom Dinner is available to watch on Digital Download from Monday 7th August 2017, and can be downloaded here: http://apple.co/2uMUSTu

Film Review: Unlocked

Director Michael Apted’s Unlocked is a by the numbers spy thriller that will entertain but not enthral.

Alice Racine is working undercover in London. The CIA agent is asked to step in to interrogate a terror suspect. Time is not on her side, however, as London is at risk of a biological attack…

Directed by Michael Apted and written by Peter O’Brien, Unlocked boasts an enviable cast and a suitable enough premise. Nevertheless, the film fails to engage fully because of an increasingly implausible narrative and a lack of character development.

The premise of Unlocked sounds pretty typical of the genre. And the movie very much matches this. The film offers plenty of twists as the narrative progresses. Some of these are more predictable than others. In a sense, the countdown to the terrorist attack becomes secondary to the mystery of who is really trying to stop Alice. When the film returns to this attack strand, the excitement is missing. The film suffers from a lacklustre ending.

Character development in the film is barely existent. As the protagonist, Alice is given a small backstory but this does not give her much depth. Her colleagues are given even less development. Elsewhere, the London-based helpers are disposable. Action sequences are decent overall, as are the production values.

Unlocked features a stellar cast. Noomi Rapace makes a good action hero, but is limited by the script. Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich are underused in their supporting roles. Orlando Bloom has more to do, but is not entirely convincing.

The film attempts to turn pre-conceived ideas on their head with its twisting plot. Yet the script is a letdown, as is the narrative progression. Added to this is the minimal plot development. Unlocked is unlikely to bore viewers, but will not satisfy either.

Previews: Detroit Trailer, 6 Days, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Detroit trailer, Transformers: The Last Knight, 6 Days, and more…

Detroit Trailer

Here is the Detroit trailer. Kathryn Bigelow’s latest film is about the civil unrest that rocked the city in 1967. The film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, and Jack Reynor. Detroit will be released in UK cinemas later this year.

Transformers: The Last Knight Trailer

Here is the latest Transformers: The Last Knight trailer. The film sees Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel return from the last instalment. They are joined by Anthony Hopkins this time around. From the above trailer, it seems that the world this film is set in is rather different to previous incarnations. Transformers: The Last Knight will hit UK screens on 23rd June 2017.

Atomic Blonde Trailer

So far, all the Atomic Blonde promotion seems to be delivering style in spades. The film stars Charlize Theron as an MI6 agent sent to deliver a priceless dossier. Theron is joined by James McAvoy, John Goodman, and Eddie Marsan. Atomic Blonde will be released in UK cinemas on 11th August 2017.

The Mummy Poster

The Mummy is intended as a reboot of the Universal Monsters series of films which were successful in the 1930s. This film is meant to kick off the series, which will also see the return of famed creatures in a shared universe. This new version of The Mummy certainly has star power; Tom Cruise heads up a cast which includes Sofia Boutella, Courtney B. Vance, and Russell Crowe. The Mummy hits UK screens on 9th June 2017.

6 Days Trailer

6 Days is a new action thriller based on true events. The film focuses on the Iranian Embassy siege that took place in London in 1980. The film stars Jamie Bell, Mark Strong, and Abbie Cornish. 6 Days is out at UK cinemas on 4th August 2017.

My Cousin Rachel Trailer

My Cousin Rachel is an adaption of the Daphne du Maurier novel. The film is about a young man who plots revenge against his mysterious cousin, who he believes murdered his guardian. Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, and Holliday Grainger, My Cousin Rachel will be released on UK screens on 9th June 2017.

Unlocked Clip

Here is a clip from upcoming thriller Unlocked. The film is about a CIA agent who must stop a biological attack in London. Noomi Rapace heads up the cast, and is joined by Orlando Bloom, Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich. Unlocked hits UK cinemas on 5th May 2017.

Previews: Unlocked Trailer, Power Rangers, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Unlocked trailer, The Beguiled, Power Rangers and more…

Unlocked Trailer

Here is the first Unlocked trailer. Noomi Rapace heads a stellar cast that includes Orlando Bloom, Toni Collette, Michael Douglas and John Malkovich. The action-thriller is about a CIA agent who must prevent a biological attack on London. It’s always London. Unlocked hits UK screens on 5th May 2017.

The Beguiled Trailer

Sofia Coppola’s latest film looks thrilling. The Beguiled is set during the Civil War, with a girls’ school in Virginia taking in a wounded Union soldier. The film Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, and Kirsten Dunst. The Beguiled is set for release in UK cinemas on 23rd June 2017.

Headshot Trailer

Headshot is revenge thriller which is all about the action sequences. Starring The Raid‘s Iko Uwais, it’s clear that these scenes are going to be good. Uwais plays an amnesiac struggling to recall his identity before a crime lord murders the only person he trusts. Headshot will be released in UK cinemas and VOD on 3rd March 2017.

Power Rangers Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming movie Power Rangers. Based on the television franchise of the same name, the film stars Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks. From this poster, it is clear the film is hoping to tap into nostalgia. Power Rangers will be out on UK screens on 24th March 2017.

Personal Shopper Trailer

Kristen Stewart plays the lead in Personal Shopper. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film is about a personal shopper to the stars, who is hoping for a message from her deceased twin brother. Personal Shopper is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Trailer

Those watching The LEGO Batman Movie this weekend will see a short for this upcoming The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Based on the toy line, the film features the voices of Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux and Dave Franco. The LEGO Ninjago Movie is set for release on 13th October 2017.

Finding Fatimah Trailer

Finding Fatimah is a new comedy about Shahid, a young Muslim who longs to find a partner.  The only problem is that he is divorced, a big no-no for all the young women he encounters. The film stars Danny Ashok, Asmara Gabrielle, and Nina Wadia. Finding Fatimah is out in UK cinemas on 21st April 2017.

Previews: Captain America: Civil War Trailer, Krampus and More!

Plenty to see this week, with the Captain America: Civil War trailer, a Krampus featurette, the latest Pride and Prejudice and Zombies poster and more…

Captain America: Civil War Trailer

Yesterday the Captain America: Civil War trailer dropped. From the looks of it, the film will continue with the tone of the excellent Captain America: The Winter Soldier. With a host of Avengers making an appearance in the new film, it looks continue on from events introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron. No sign of Spider-Man yet, so roll on 29th April 2015.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Poster

Here is the latest poster for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Based on the 2009 parody novel, the film stars Lily James, Sam Riley and Jack Huston. Featuring the characters from Jane Austen’s celebrated novel, the film is a period zombie flick. Pride and Prejudice and Zombie is out in UK cinemas on 12th February 2016.

Krampus Featurette

Krampus looks a bit insane, but a lot of fun. The above featurette explores the legend of Krampus, giving viewers a background to the creature featured in the upcoming film. Starring Adam Scott and Toni Collette, Krampus hits UK screens on 4th December 2015.

The Secret Life of Pets Teaser

Here is a little Christmas teaser for next year’s animated feature The Secret Life of Pets. The film concentrates on the lives of pets when their humans are away. With the voices of Louis C.K. and Kevin Hart, The Secret Life of Pets is set for release on 14th June 2016.

The Big Short Poster

Ooh, look at this cast. The Big Short is based on a true story about four outsiders in the finance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the late 2000s. Starring Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell, The Big Short is out in cinemas on 22nd January 2016.

The Other Side of the Door Trailer

Well this looks alarming. The Other Side of the Door is about a family who are able to use an ancient ritual to contact their young son who was killed in a tragic accident. The mother’s failure to adhere to the rules has horrifying consequences, as the above trailer demonstrates. The Other Side of the Door hits UK screens on 18th March 2016.

Central Intelligence Trailer

Central Intelligence is a new action comedy about a CIA agent who enlists the help of his high school best friend on a mission. The film certainly plays to the strengths of Dwayne Johnson in a larger-than-life role. Partnered by Kevin Hart, Central Intelligence is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on 1st July 2016.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic treasure this week, with the new A Million Ways to Die in the West trailer, Noah, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and more…

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Warning: this A Million Ways to Die in the West trailer is red band. A Million Ways to Die in the West is the latest film from Seth MacFarlane, who also leads a cast that includes Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson. A Million Ways to Die in the West is set for release on 6th June 2014 in the UK.

Noah

This is the Superbowl TV spot for Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. It is an intriguing prospect; a director like Aronofsky doing a large-scale biblical epic. The story of Noah does not seem meaty enough for a feature film, so it plot must be fleshed out somehow. The mystery of the unicorns perhaps. Noah is released in UK cinemas on 4th April 2014.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

This new character poster for Captain America: The Winter Soldier suggests Scarlet Johansson’s Black Widow has a prominent role to play in this Marvel sequel. Given her somewhat ambiguous nature in previous appearances, it will be interesting to see what director’s Anthony and Joe Russo do with her here. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is hits UK screens on 26th March 2014.

The LEGO Movie

I used to love Lego so I find The LEGO Movie appealing. From the above featurette, the film smartly does not seem to take itself seriously. With a host of star names and featuring Batman, I am hoping the film will be an amusing adventure. The LEGO Movie is released in cinemas on 14th February 2014.

A Long Way Down

An adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel, A Long Way Down offers a rather macabre premise made humorous. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette and Aaron Paul, A Long Way Down is out in UK cinemas on 21st March 2014.

Starred Up

Starred Up is a new British drama starring Jack O’Connell and Rupert Friend. The film is about Eric, a troubled teenager transitioning from young offenders’ institute to prison. You can watch the trailer here. Starred Up is released on 21st March 2014.

Maleficent

This new trailer for Maleficent was released earlier this week, with Lana Del Ray’s rendition of ‘Once Upon a Dream’. Angelina Jolie was looks like she was made for the title role, in physical appearance at least. Maleficent looks like it will be quite dark, going back to its fairy tale roots. Maleficent hits UK cinemas on 30 May 2014.

The Invisible Woman

Here is a TV spot for the upcoming film The Invisible Woman. The story of Charles Dickens and his young lover Nelly, the film stars Ralph Fiennes (who also directs) and Felicity Jones. You can read my review here. The Invisible Woman is released nationwide in the UK on 21st February 2014.

Film Review: Enough Said

Nicole Holofcener’s romantic comedy drama is funny, poignant and entertaining. Enough Said is a brilliant movie.

Divorced masseuse Eva worries about her daughter impending departure for college. At a party, Eva meets Albert, a man in the same position as her. As their romance blossoms, Eva finds herself being influenced by the words of a particular client…

The story of Enough Said is straightforward enough. It is how the characters are built and how the narrative is crafted which makes Holofcener’s film so great.

The narrative unfolds at a good pace. It never drags, or feels rushed. The story is crafted so that the relationships develop in a natural manner, and feel more authentic as a result.

Both the two protagonists and the supporting characters are rendered three dimensional thanks to solid writing in Enough Said. The script is on point; the film offers frequent laughs. Nonetheless, the tone can easily shift into drama. The film features some poignant scenes which may cause a few tears.

The themes that Holofcener’s film engages in work in a universal fashion. Viewers do not need to identify with the exact situation that Enough Said presents in order to empathise with the characters. Although the main focus is on the relationship between Eva and Albert, the relationship between Eva and her daughter, and indeed her daughter’s friend, is given as much care and attention.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is absolutely fantastic as Eva. She excels at humour, but is just as convincing in the more emotional scenes. Her expressions give the character a sense of quirkiness. The late James Gandolfini is well cast as Albert, while Toni Collette provides good support as Sarah.

Enough Said is one of the better romance films of recent years. A satisfying watch.

Enough Said is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival, and is on general release from 18th October 2013.

Film Review: The Way Way Back

Comedy drama The Way Way Back is entertaining and occasionally touching. Viewers are unlikely to feel short changed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s film.

14-year-old Duncan goes on a summer holiday with his mum, her boyfriend Trent, and Trent’s daughter. Duncan is painfully shy, and an easy target for the overbearing Trent. Finding it difficult to fit in, Duncan finds solace at the local water park…

The Way Way Back is a coming of age story which gradually endears itself to viewers. The film is not astoundingly inventive, but the characters and narrative is well crafted enough to keep the audience watching.

The central character Duncan is an underdog. It is easy for viewers to sympathise with the shy and awkward protagonist. Duncan is at times cringe-inducing in his awkwardness, but this makes him more likeable as an underdog. He is a well-written protagonist; it is this which makes viewers root for him.

Other characters in The Way Way Back are given enough flesh for the audience to buy into them. Pam is elicits both frustration and sympathy, while Owen is loveable. The secondary narrative strands have been given enough thought as to appear authentic complements to the main story.

The tone of The Way Way Back easily switches from humorous situations to moments that are sad or genuinely touching. The skill of Faxon and Rash’s writing and directing is that they keep the focus on the characters.

Toni Collette is believable as Pam, while Liam James is fantastically cast as Duncan. It is refreshing to see Steve Carell in a more nefarious role, and Allison Janney is superb. Sam Rockwell is incredibly charismatic as Owen.

The Way Way Back is a story of identity and confidence. The beauty of the film is that it makes it impossible not to smile.