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.

Previews: Pitch Perfect 3 Poster, Detroit, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions includes the latest Pitch Perfect 3 poster, Battle of the Sexes, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Detroit, and more…

Pitch Perfect 3 Poster

 

The Bellas are back in this latest Pitch Perfect 3 poster. The film sees the return of Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and the rest of the gang for one last hurrah. Expect more a cappella tunes as made popular by the first film. The trailer for Pitch Perfect 3 will launch on 25th June, and the film is due for release at Christmas this year.

Battle of the Sexes Trailer

Here is the new Battle of the Sexes trailer. The film is based on the real-life match between women’s number one Billie Jean King (played by Emma Stone) and former men’s champion Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) in 1973. The film also stars Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, and Bill Pullman. Battle of the Sexes is set for release in UK cinemas on 20th October 2017.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Poster

Here is the first poster for sequel Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Not much is know about the film yet, but the film sees the return of Jeff Goldblum as Dr Ian Malcolm from the first series (hence his famous quote being appropriated for the tagline). This sequel to Jurassic World also sees Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprising their roles. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is scheduled for release in June 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Trailer

One of cinema’s creepiest dolls is back for another instalment. Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to 2014’s Annabelle, and tells the origins story of the doll. The film is produced by James Wan and directed by David F. Sandberg, who helmed last year’s Lights Out. Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on 11th August 2017.

Daddy’s Home 2 Trailer

The sequel to 2015’s Daddy’s Home features even more dads. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg reunite for Daddy’s Home 2, and are joined by John Lithgow and Mel Gibson playing their respective dads. This film is set at Christmas, when the two families decide to spend the holidays together. Daddy’s Home 2 is set for release later this year.

Home Again Trailer

Home Again is a new romantic comedy from producer Nancy Meyers. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as a separated mother of two, who decides to take in three young filmmakers. The film also stars Nat Wolff, Michael Sheen, and Candice Bergen. Home Again will be released in UK cinemas on 29th September 2017.

Detroit Trailer

Detroit is about the civil unrest that rocked the city in the summer of 1967. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, and Jack Reynor. Detroit will hit UK screens on 25th August 2017.

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: 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: The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is an entertaining action thriller which only suffers with being too reminiscent of other recent films in this genre.

When Thomas wakes up in a cage with no memory of who he is and how he got there, he quickly learns that he and many other young boys are trapped in a maze. The only hope to escape is through the mapping of the ‘runners’. Thomas hopes to join them and escape the maze…

Based on James Dashner’s novel, The Maze Runner is a dystopian action film aimed at a teenage audience. The premise of the film offers viewers enough of a hook. The central question of why these boys have been sent to such an environment sustains the audience’s attention for a good portion of the film.

Protagonist Thomas is strong enough to carry the film in that it is immediately clear that there is more to him. The Maze Runner offers an ensemble of young characters. Many of these are archetypes. Thomas and Gally are suitably developed to make them appear authentic, although Gally’s transformation does seem accelerated at the very end of the film. The Maze Runner is well paced for the most part, even if the ending feels a bit melodramatic in contrast to what has preceded it.

Themes in The Maze Runner are redolent of other recent dystopian blockbusters such as The Hunger Games. There is a preoccupation with teenagers being made to suffer unduly, which underlines both this film and recent others. Moreover, that the film will continue on to something else seems almost mandatory. Art direction in the film is good, particularly the industrial look of the maze. Dylan O’Brien, Ki Hong Lee and Will Poulter offer decent performances.

Ultimately, any lack of success endured by The Maze Runner will be likely down to the fact that it feels unoriginal in the scope of its sub-genre. Really, the film misfires only in its release so soon after similar pictures.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic delights, including the last Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer, the latest X-Men: Days of Future Past trailer, Maleficent, Noah and more!

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Above is the final The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer. Spider-Man is basically fighting everyone. Everyone. He really needs his Amazing Friends. Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane De Haan and Jamie Foxx, The Amazing Spider-man 2 hits UK screens on 18th April 2014.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Here is the latest trailer for sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past. The film features characters from the original X-Men series as well as the younger versions from X-Men: First Class, taking place over two time periods. X-Men: Days of Future Past is released in the UK on 22nd May 2014.

Maleficent

The latest trailer for Maleficent suggests the film will be much more action packed than the standard fairy tale. Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent looks deliciously wicked, yet the trailer indicates that the film will show another side to the iconic character. Maleficent is released in UK cinemas on 30th May 2014.

Noah

I’m sure there are more than two of some of these animals in the latest clip from Noah. Just how big is this ark going to be to fit them all in, with sufficient provisions so they don’t start eating each other? I guess we will find out when Noah hits UK screens on 4th April 2014.

Pioneer

Well this looks tense and interesting. Based on true events, Pioneer is the story of a team of divers going to lay a pipeline in the North Sea. Reportedly due for a Hollywood remake, Pioneer is released in UK cinemas on 11th April 2014.

Snoopy and Charlie Bown: A Peanuts Movie

With Postman Pat and Paddington Bear getting big-screen features, it is not really a surprise that Snoopy is following suit. This teaser does not reveal too, much other than Snoopy is as cheeky as ever. Snoopy and Charlie Brown: A Peanuts Movie is due for release in 2015.

The Maze Runner

THe latest film to be based on a best-selling young adult movel that I haven’t read, The Maze Runner is an action thriller set in a dystopian world. I like the look of the maze in this film, but with my sense of direction I wouldn’t last too long. Starring Dylan O’Brien and Will Poulter, The Maze Runner is out in UK cinemas on 24th October 2014.

Rio 2

‘It’s a Jungle Out Here’ is one of the songs from the upcoming Rio 2. The animated sequel sees the return of Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Mann and Jamie Foxx. Rio 2 hits UK screens on 4th April 2014.

Film Review: We’re The Millers

We’re The Millers is an entertaining comedy with endearing characters. Overall, the film satisfies.

Dave Clark is a drug dealer. When he is in debt to his boss, he is offered a way out which involves smuggling drugs across the border. In order to fly under the radar, Dave persuades a stripper and two teens to act as his family…

Often a comedy which tries to inject a more emotional aspect to the narrative stumbles. Rawson Marshall Thurber’s film succeeds where others have failed thanks to its solid script and direction.

We’re The Millers is amusing throughout. The jokes hit far more often than they miss. The humour is frequently crass, but generates laughs nevertheless. The film gets the tone right, with the ability to switch effortlessly from humorous to serious to absurd.

The characters in the film are crafted so that they charm viewers. On the surface, none of the members of the fake family are particularly appealing. As We’re The Millers progresses, however, the protagonists become less one-dimensional and more endearing. It is this that makes the developing relationships and increase in emotion a welcome shift.

The plot offers a healthy dose of bemusement. It is a silly premise, but works because the jokes garner laughs and the emotional moments can be touching. There is an element of predictability to the narrative, but the film is sufficiently charming that this is not really an issue.

The sequence in which Jennifer Aniston’s Rose strips was heavily featured in the trailer. The scene itself would be entirely gratuitous if it wasn’t for Jason Sudeikis’ character breaking the fourth wall. This signals to the audience that everyone is in on the joke.

Sudeikis and Aniston exhibit their veteran comedy chops. It is Will Poulter as Kenny who often steals the show however. The young actor shows real talent in this genre. The soundtrack is also used to good effect.

It is worth staying for the blooper reel at the end of We’re The Millers. A fun and occasionally warming comedy.

Stuff To Look At

Posters galore this week! Disney’s animated short Get a Horse gets a screening, a trailer for Meet The Millers, a clip from The Heat and more…

Get a Horse

Mickey Mouse is back! Well, kind of. On Tuesday 11th June 2013 Disney unveil the never-before seen animated short Get a Horse. The hand-drawn short features Mickey Mouse and the voice of Walt Disney. It is being screened at Annecy Animation Festival in France, no word yet on if Get a Horse will become available widely.

The Heat

Sandra Bullock’s character has some uncomfortable questions to answer in this clip from upcoming buddy cop movie The Heat. Also starring Melissa McCarthy, the film is director Paul Feig’s follow up to Bridesmaids. The Heat is released in UK cinemas on 31st July 2013.

Planes

Here is the latest poster for Planes, the upcoming animated feature from Disney. The trailer for the film can be viewed here. Planes is being advertised as from ‘above the world of Cars‘, and the parallels between the films are clear. Planes hits UK cinemas on 16th August 2013.

We’re The Millers

We’re The Millers reunites Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston in a new comedy. Jennifer Aniston is certainly ageing well. We’re The Millers, which also stars Emma Roberts and Will Poulter, is released in the UK on 23rd August 2013.

The World’s End

Here is one of the newly-released character poster for The World’s End. The film reunites director Edgar Wright with stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The film also stars Martin Freeman and Rosamund Pike. The World’s End hits UK screens on 19th July 2013.

Film Review: Wild Bill

Wild Bill is a competent British drama, which boasts good performances and writing.

After a lengthy spell in prison, Bill returns home to find his two sons have been abandoned by their mother. Fifteen-year-old Dean wants nothing to do with their father, while younger brother Jimmy cannot remember him. When social worker Helen starts investigating the family’s living arrangements, Bill insists he will be looking after his sons, much to the displeasure of Dean…

Wild Bill stands out from many other British films of the same ilk because it appears more realistic. The film centres on a domestic drama; crime elements are secondary to this. Dexter Fletcher’s directorial debut is gritty without being overly violent or bleak. The film has a preoccupation with consequences. It is not a matter of violence for the sake of it.

Characters in the film appear realistic, for the most part. Wild Bill features a caricature-esque villain, but the main characters seem more authentic. The screenplay works well; the relationship between father and sons appears to develop naturally. The ending of the film is suitably bittersweet. It is not fairy tale, but neither is it grim.

Wild Bill uses music effectively, and features some good camera work. Charlie Creed-Miles is well cast as Bill. Will Poulter delivers an authentic performance as Dean, while Liz White brings warmth to the character of Roxy.

Wild Bill is a decent film, sufficiently entertaining and difficult to really fault.

Wild Bill is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2011.