On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky is fine as a documentary that looks into the UFO phenomenon occurring in West Virginia, with personable subjects it should be a home run. Yet, towards the back end of the piece, it sadly loses itself. Dark Sky explores decades of reports of
Author: scotthgilliland
Just a guy from Northern Ireland over sharing my life details as I continue my weight loss journey, lover of films and sports and music (like everyone on Earth) and exercise of all forms, so expect a lot of nonsense, apologies beforehand.
Settlers – ★★★
This quiet & bleak chamber piece works very well during its engaging opening act, & tension racked finale. However, #Settlers middle act frustrates due to the lack of answers to the questions posed, regardless, this is an impressive debut.
Fantasia International Film Festival 2021 Preview
Fantasia International Film Festival is almost upon us and as we here at Upcoming On Screen are getting the opportunity to cover it this year, I felt it was a good idea to let you have an idea of what is on offer. Roaring into its 25th year, the Montreal
Out of Death – ★★
A muddling action film that doesn’t quite know what it is trying to be. There are glimpses of a good film living underneath Out of Death, but with such a terrible script, the only saving grace the film has is the strong turn by Jamie King,
The Offering – ★★★ 1/2
Distant direction choices almost overshadow the Offerings dense narrative and strong cast performances. This cynical but intriguing film takes its time at fully getting to its point but remains effective in its execution.
The Most Beautiful Boy In The World – ★★★★ 1/2
The Most Beautiful Boy In The World is at times an uncomfortable but remains a fascinating piece that shows how the scars of the earliest years of one life carry with you to adulthood. A finely crafted documentary that haunts you.
The B-Movie VHS Vault – Die Sister Die (1978)
Some films never make it to DVD, Blu-Ray or digital or if they did, their prints are long gone. This series wants to look back at those films, that almost slipped through our B-Movie grubby little fingers.
Cinema Rediscovered 2021 launching 28th July 1st August
In and around Bristol, UNESCO City of Film (28 Jul – 1 Aug) and launching festival highlights touring across the UK (Aug – Oct). Cinema Rediscovered, Bristol’s annual festival showcasing the best in digital restorations, contemporary classics and film print rarities starts this week. From 28 July to 1 August the festival also includes Reframing Film, a series of in-person and online discussions between leading
The Babadook – Second Sight LE Blu Ray ★★★★
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is a masterful horror film, that takes advantage of its human story to scare the life out of you. An unmissable film in an unmissable package and out from Monday 26th
Kandisha – ★★★ 1/2
An impressive horror from Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury utilises many well-used horror tropes and can bring something fresh to the table. Rife with tension and some gruesome scares, Kandisha demands your time.
25th Edition of Fantasia 2021 to close with Takashi Miike’s The Great Yokai War – Guardians
25th Edition of Fantasia 2021 to close with Takashi Miike’s The Great Yokai War – Guardians
Joy Womack: The White Swan – ★★★1/2
An interesting glimpse into the life of a person endeavoring to achieve an improbable dream. Joy Womack: The White Swan pulls you in with a fascinating & determined subject.
The Boy Behind The Door – ★★★★
Rife with nail-biting tension, Lonnie Chavis & Ezra Dewey are phenomenal in The Boy Behind The Door. With a simple story done exceptionally well, directors David Charbonier and Justin Powell have created a wonderful thriller.
Fear Street Trilogy Reviews – ★★ 1/2
The Fear Street trilogy misses the opportunity to be something special, instead, bogged down with too much worldbuilding, overbearing scores and mere moments of nostalgia. Disappointing with how forgettable it becomes.
Two of Us – ★★★★
Flippo Meneghetti’s feature debut Two of Us is a heartbreaking look at the battle to keep love together during the most trying of times. A drama that tenderly and carefully carries you along, and like Nina, makes sure never to let you go.
Piccolo Corpo ★★★★ 1/2
Laura Samani’s hauntingly beautiful Piccolo Corpo is a triumph. This is a voyage of uncompromising love and sacrifice, utterly unmissable with enduring and memorable performances from Celeste Cescutti and Ondina Quadri.
The Stylist Short Cuts
Jill Gebargizian’s The Stylist began as a short film and last month to honour that, the good folks at Arrow decided to run a contest of for female filmmakers working on both sides of the camera to make and send their films in.
Top films of 2021 so far
A little list of films that I feel are the best of 2021 thus far. Admittedly some are festival watches, but there are still some crackers in there.
Son – ★★★ 3/4 (Shudder)
Andi Matichak shines in Ivan Kavanagh’s effective and surprising chiller Son. Filled with confidence, this is a film that makes sure to get the little things right and, by its finale, has you gripped.
The Green Sea – ★★★ 3/4
Randal Plunkett’s The Green Sea takes us on a very human exploration into a troubled woman’s life portrayed brilliantly by Katharine Isabelle – an intimate film that stays with you.
A Perfect Enemy – ★★ 3/4
A psychological drama that never connects in the way that it thinks it does. A Perfect Enemy misses more than it hits, but when those hits flash before us, they do work well though the lead up to the finale is what costs the film. Successful architect Jeremiasz Angust is approached on
Basenji – ★★★★ Queen’s World Film Festival
Basenji is a film that challenges its audience, and with some fearless direction choices from Ian Scott Clement, we have an experimental film that you easily gravitate towards.
Love Happens – ★★ 3/4 – Queen’s World Film Festival
Love Happens, the debut from Liza Rafael is a solid little comedy about the romantic and career pressures put on someone. Yet, by needlessly pushing the narrative during a perplexing final act, we are left frustrated.
Mosley: It’s Complicated – ★★★ 1/2
At times Mosley: It’s Complicated is an engaging look at a man trying to form a legacy of safety when shrouded in a complex history. We have a film with such a significant story to tell that it can never provide us with enough time to do so Chronicling the life and
Shadows of the Valley ★★★ Queen’s World Film Festival
presents its audience with as bleak a picture as you can imagine for the children & families of Juárez. Yet hope and determined optimism shine in this thought provoking and emotional documentary
My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To – ★★★
Rife with atmosphere & doom, this is a film that sticks to its deliberate pacing to show us the struggles of sacrificing everything for family. But it keeps its cards far too close to its chest narratively.
Lust Life Love ★★★★ Queen’s World Film Festival
Lust Life Love is an open & honest look at the sex-positive community. An immersive & intimate film that takes us on a journey less travelled, and thank goodness it does. Not a film to be missed.
Carver ★★★ – Queen’s World Film Festival
An engaging debut from Evgeny Yablokov, has a vigilante get too caught up in his nightly excursions and struggle to keep it all together. A film that satisfies and stays true to itself.
Dr Bird’s Advice For Sad Poets – ★★★ 1/2
Yaniv Raz’s adaption of Dr Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets shows how it was a book made for the big screen. This offbeat look at mental health in teenagers occasionally stumbles but is able to stay on its feet to be an entertaining film. Enter the whimsical world of James
All In My Power ★★★★ 1/2 – Queen’s World Film Festival
A magnificent yet harrowing time capsule of a documentary, All In My Power takes us on a journey through COVID in the opening nine weeks of the pandemic in New York.
Mouse – ★★★★ Queen’s World Film Festival
Adam Engel’s film grips you with a tale of the damage a guilty conscience can do to a person. A film that showcases a filmmaker who you need to keep an eye on.
Senior Moment – ★★ 3/4
A film that knows exactly what it is and never tries to overstretch itself. Senior Moment is an easy watch with a splattering of laughs yet full of harmless charm.
Fractured Visions presents Luz: The Flower of Evil on digital 26 July and limited edition Blu-ray 23 August
‘A GORGEOUS ACT OF PROVOCATION’ Screen Anarchy‘AN EXTRAORDINARILY BOLD PIECE OF FILMMAKING’ Eye for Film Brace yourself for Juan Diego Escobar Alzate’s harrowing yet beautiful take on the horrors of religious fanaticism in Luz: The Flower of Evil. Far into the Colombian mountains, a small farming community is rocked by the arrival of
Shudder to Produce Next Installment of V/H/S Horror Anthology, V/H/S/94
Jennifer Reeder and Ryan Prows Join Previously Announced Writer/Directors Simon Barrett, Timo Tjahjanto and Chloe Okuno for the Shudder original film. NEW YORK – June 16, 2021 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired worldwide rights to V/H/S/94, the fourth installment in the
Don’t Look Back – ★★ 1/2
Imagine a plot along the lines of Final Destination without getting to see the deaths and played out by a cast who forgot to emote. Don’t Look Back is a woefully sloppy film that has few bright sparks to speak of.
Uncle Vanya – ★★★★★
The filmed performance of Ian Rickson’s production of Uncle Vanya astounds. A beautiful yet utterly heartbreaking piece with faultless performances. It will live long in the memory. An unmissable experience
Brabham – ★★★
As you go further into Akos Armont’s Brabham, the more confused the film appears to get what it wanted to be. While it can be a solid introduction to the life of multi-time Formula 1 champion Jack Brabham
Parallel ★★★1/2 + DVD Competition
Isaac Ezban’s Parallel has strong central themes that coupled with four strong performances makes Parallel an excellent high concept science fiction film.
Splinters ★★★1/2 Sheff Doc Fest
Natalia Garayalde’s intimate documentary is as much a love letter to family members as about
what befell her community of Río Tercero in 1995. Deftly crafted, we are left with an enthralling yet painstakingly honest film
Nuhu Yãg Mu Yõg Hãm: This Land Is Our Land! – ★★★ Sheff Doc Fest
While the doc stalls at times due to its slightly repetitive nature, it remains an important film highlighting an urgent issue for indigenous communities like this throughout the world.
Factory to the Workers ★★★ 1/2 – Sheff Doc Fest
A fascinating documentary of determination, Srđan Kovačević keeps a neutral gaze on his subjects as they battle through thick and thin to make an impossible task succeed. In Croatia in 2005, a machine tools factory was occupied by its workers. Since then, they have operated collectively, becoming the only successful
From the Wild Sea ★★★★- Sheff Doc Fest
Robin Petré’s From the Wild Sea is a glorious showcase of cinematic imagery and impeccable sound design. A documentary that presents the ever-increasing devastation that humans and climate change have on marine life.
Minamata Mandala – ★★★★★ Sheff Doc Fest
A sprawling and engrossing documentary that leaves no stone unturned in the victim’s crusade for justice. This documentary leaves you angry at the bureaucratic system yet in awe of those who kept going.
Lift Like A Girl – ★★★★ 1/2 Sheff Doc Fest
Mayye Zayed’s fantastic observational doc may focus on challenging gender stereotypes in sport. Yet it becomes so much more by being a film that wears its heart on its sleeve with two wonderful subjects.
Sheff Doc Fest: Sing, Freetown – ★★★★
Sing, Freetown is a captivating look at two men trying to reclaim the identity of their country and show generations, young and old, the importance of their culture. A very personal documentary that racks up the tension to the hopeful opening night. Raised in Sierra Leone and now a Londoner, Sorious
Sheff Doc Fest: Charm Circle – ★★★★
A thought-provoking and intimate look at the damages of insufficient mental health support. Nira Burstein’s feature documentary debut manages to find joy and hope deep within the chaos up a tumultuous upbringing.
Sheff Doc Fest: Delphine’s Prayers – ★★★★ 1/4
Rosine Mbakam’s intimate yet challenging Delphine’s Prayers is the most intense therapy session you can imagine. An emotional whirlwind of a documentary that has you riveted with its subject’s life.
Sheff Doc Fest 2021 – Summer of Soul (…Or When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) – ★★★★★
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has delivered a seamlessly entertaining yet thoughtful time capsule of a documentary with Summer of Soul.
Lake Mungo -LE Blu Ray ★★★★★
Lake Mungo is a wonderfully weaved story that draws you in and utilises atmosphere and fantastic casting to be that cult film that everyone should watch at least once. A perfectly crafted film that astounds you with how authentic it is.
COMPETITION – Lake Mungo Limited Edition Blu Ray
For our first giveaway competition we have an absolute gem of a release. In celebration of Second Sights Films Limited Edition Blu-Ray release of the fantastic Lake Mungo, we have a region free copy to give away! We have a review coming out on the 3rd of this box set,
Exhibition On Screen – Sunflowers ★★★★★
Wonderfully revisiting Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflower series. A very enjoyable piece that paces itself perfectly while we admire the work of the great Dutch artist. Well worth 90 minutes of your time.
Caveat – ★★★ 3/4
Damian McCarthy’s feature debut Caveat is a claustrophobic success that knows precisely what to do to creep you out. A smartly written and directed film that provides the audience with an exciting new voice.
Cruella – ★★★ 3/4
Cruella has it’s faults, but in the end it is a rather enjoyable film with two great performances wrapped around some dazzling production design. An entertaining film that shouldn’t be as good as it is considering it’s stretched runtime.
Externo – ★★★★
Jonathan and Leandro Taub’s take their audience on a grim journey of realisation of how wanting power and uncountable wealth can lead to devastating consequences, not for the person seeking it, but for everyone else on the planet. Externo is a stark wake-up call of a film that has to be seen.
Skull: The Mask – ★★ 1/2
Come & stay for the gore & the B-movie tropes as there isn’t much else going on with Skull: The Mask. A film that falls short of being great due to it forgetting that there needed to be a solid story to hold it all together.
The Philosophers – ★★★ 1/2
John Huddle’s drama has its thinking cap on, and while it falters occasionally. It succeeds in being a refreshing story that allows ideas and thoughts to shine. The Philosophers surprises with just how good it is.
Mandy – ★★★★
A film that goes for the big swings somehow keeps itself together, thanks to terrific performances and a visual style to dream for. Couple that with its hymnal score, then Mandy is a sure-fire winner of a film.
Etheria Film Festival Announces Official 2021 Lineup to Stream Exclusively on Shudder
The Walking Dead Showrunner Angela Kang to Receive the 2021 Inspiration Award Etheria Film Night (www.etheriafilmnight.com) announced today the 2021 Official Short Films Showcase Lineup, which will stream exclusively on Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, beginning Friday, June 25 through July 25. This year’s Festival, the world’s
Ten Minutes to Midnight – ★★★
Caroline Williams gives the best performance of her career in Ten Minutes to Midnight. This film has a wonderful underlying story that has you come in for the horror but stay for the on point and insightful commentary.
Homewrecker – ★★
A film with good intentions, Homewrecker just doesn’t click due to some amateur work behind the camera. A genuinely disappointing film despite the efforts of its two leads to make it something more.
Army of the Dead – ★★★
#ArmyoftheDead flatters to deceive with a premise that should make it stand out. but is severely lacking in its script by being just too predictable. Neither disappointing nor great, this is a film that settles with being just okay.
New Voices from Hong Kong Students reviews
And I, And I. Dir Lam Yan Yue Judy, a single mother and Peter, her intellectually disabled son, have been through 45 years with each other. As minorities, lives were half spent with forgotten dreams and helpless love. Yet, they found a temporary exit through music. A genuinely wonderful short
Stalker – ★★★
Stalker is hampered by a laboured & predictable middle half but is saved with a cracker of a final act. A solid thriller that visually paints a great picture, but falls just when you want it to leap. However, it is still worth your time.
Sound of Violence – ★★★★
Alex Noyer’s film utilises its horror graphically well. Yet it shines most when it explores what is under the pools blood left behind with a story full of tragedy, desperation wrapped around PTSD and addiction – A must-see film.
Tyler Savage’s Stalker gets a UK digital and cable release 21st May
Tyler Savage’s Stalker gets a UK digital and cable release 21st May
Fantasia’s 25th Edition Announces First Wave of Programming For Upcoming Virtual Film Festival
Richard Bates Jr.’s KING KNIGHT, Tsutomu Hanabusa’s KAKEGURUI 2: ULTIMATE RUSSIAN ROULETTE, Mark O’Brien’s THE RIGHTEOUS, Daigo Matsui’s REMAIN IN TWILIGHT, Edoardo Vitaletti’s THE LAST THING MARY SAW, and Shunji Iwai’s THE 12 DAY TALE OF THE MONSTER THAT DIED IN 8 among the first titles announced for the festival’s
Psycho Goreman – ★★★★
A practical effects-laden joy. Psycho Goreman is everything a genre fan would love but can also go beyond a niche B-movie to be a schlocky film that will entertain everyone. Siblings Mimi and Luke unwittingly resurrect an ancient alien overlord who was interred on Earth millions of years ago after a failed
Shock Wave 2 – ★★★★
A relentlessly compelling action packed thriller, your are invested right from that unbelievable opening sequence. Any minor faults are so readily forgiven, a joy of an action film made for the big screen.
Shock Wave – ★★★ 3/4
Shock Wave is a terrific spectacle of a film that harkens back to the classic 90’s action thrillers. With an awful lot to love about this entertaining film, it becomes a wonderful surprise of a movie.
The 12th Man – ★★★★
Thomas Gullestad is a revelation here in the WW II drama The 12th Man. It is a harrowing and grueling film that never lets up or lets you out of its grip until the final scene—an underseen gem of a movie that fully deserves a chance.
Initiation – ★★★★
John Berardo’s Initiation is a welcome addition to the genre, an excellent slasher has something to say, working best when it centres itself in the world of realism. A film that has its cake & eats it. Watch this great horror immediately.
The Swordsman – ★★★★
With brutal action, The Swordsman becomes a film that capably mixes itself as an entertaining martial arts action film inside a compelling historical drama. A confident and well-executed film that does everything right.
#MeToo Horror Ten Minutes To Midnight Gets UK and Australasia Release
DANSE MACABRE is pleased to announce the UK and Ireland release of Erik Bloomquist’s award winning #MeToo horror TEN MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT which will be available on DVD and VOD from May 24th 2021.
Undergods – ★★★ 1/2
Chino Moya’s hauntingly bleak debut feature Undergods is an ambitious trio of tales expertly interwoven film. A vision that makes him a filmmaker to look out for. A very impressive movie. A collection of darkly humorous, fantasy tales about ill-fated characters and doomed fortune: in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic Europe, K
Betrayed – ★★★ 1/2
Eirik Svensson’s has created a compelling and moving humanist tale here with Betrayed. A film that is a haunting reminder of the pain of your own community and friends deserting you and at times condemning you to a horrible fate. Based on True Events. The Nazi agenda knew no borders. As the
Goodbye Honey – ★★★
Max Strands feature debut is a thriller that does an awful lot right with its minimal style and two great performances. However, it stretches itself too thin just when you are fully compelled. However this is still one to catch.
The Blitz: 80th Anniversary – ★★★
A fascinating but all too short look into one of the darkest periods for Britain during WWII. A great introduction documentary.
Robin Hood: The Rebellion – ★
An abysmally dull affair, Robin Hood: The Rebellion never does anything of note other than frustrating its audience with some terrible action & meaningless dialogue. A shambolic film that should be avoided for your own sanity.
Shudder Summer Slate Released, Headlined by George A. Romero’s “Lost” Film The Amusement Park
Shudder Summer Slate Released, Headlined by George A. Romero’s “Lost” Film The Amusement Park
Upcoming On Screen Podcast 1st Episode!
After delaying and delaying, I finally decided to pull the trigger and post up Upcoming On Screen’s first podcast, this went through multiple weeks of trying to decide what to talk about, (the first incarnation had Oscar night predictions) It was decided just to keep it simple and talk about
Undergods coming to cinemas and digital May 17th
Lightbulb Film Distribution is delighted to share the poster and trailer for new dystopian fantasy-thriller, Undergods, which will be coming to cinemas and digital download on May 17. Following its world premiere at Fantasia last year, the film went on to celebrate its UK premiere at Glasgow Film Festival in
Peaks and Valleys – ★★★★
Michael Burn’s Peaks and Valleys is a wonderful character study of two people who find each other at the right time. With memorable performances in a gorgeous setting, this is a drama that captivates you from beginning to end.
Threshold – ★★★
Powell Robinson & Robert-Patrick Young’s Threshold works best when it focuses on its two siblings simply trying to reconnect. Despite the painfully rushed ending, it shows moments of beauty and allows the viewer to enjoy the overall journey
We Still Say Grace – ★★★★
Brad Helmink and John Rauschelbach’s film is a tremendously effective thriller that does everything possibly right. A slow-burner that reels you in, this is a must-watch film that deserves to find as wide an audience as possible.
The Darkness – ★★
With an overbearing score and a script that simply cannot get to grips with what supernatural influence it wants to take from, The Darkness never gets going. Resulting in a flawed, disjointed film that fails its audience in almost every way possible.
Fried Barry – ★★★
There will be very little between Fried Barry; you will either love this film or hate it. A non-stop ride that takes no prisoners and does even less to explain itself. Jarring and intelligible, this is one for those who love chaos in their sci-fi.
Keep Rolling – ★★★★ 1/2
A wonderful documentary about the auteur Ann Hui. Keep Rolling is an exploration into her storied career that links in perfectly with her personal life. For those unfamiliar with Hui, this remains an open & appealing introduction to the filmmaker.
Truman and Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation – ★★★
An interesting & satisfying documentary that doesn’t quite delve into our subjects as much as you would want it to. Yet, you are invested to the piece thanks to some wonderful visual choices from Vreeland.
Documentary about Ann Hui, Keep Rolling premiering in the UK and Ireland
Documentary about Ann Hui, Keep Rolling premiering in the UK and Ireland
The Virtuoso – ★★ 1/2
The Virtuoso is held back by an uninspiring script that hampers itself from the start; a premise that could have had legs is wasted to become a standard assassin thriller. Given only a time, a location, and a cryptic clue, the methodical hitman (Anson Mount) must identify his mysterious foe
Clapboard Jungle ★★★★ 1/2, Arrow Player
Justin McConnell’s engrossing documentary is a treasure trove of valuable information that anyone wanting to break into the film industry must watch.
Nicolas Cage’s Mandy coming to Blu-Ray 24th May
Dazzler Media proudly presents the psychedelic, cult horror masterpiece, Mandy starring Nicolas Cage, coming to Limited Edition Blu-ray from 24th May. “An exhilarating ride through the fiery gates of hell” Sight and Sound ★★★★★ The Daily Telegraph ★★★★★ Total Film ★★★★★ The Upcoming ★★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ Synopsis:Pacific Northwest. 1983 AD. Outsiders Red Miller (Nicolas Cage) and Mandy
Beast Beast – ★★★★
Danny Madden’s fantastic feature debut Beast Beast is bold with its perfectly built tension and a final act that hits you like a train, becoming an unmissable and urgent film for young adults in a modern world.
Raw- Second Sight Blu-Ray – ★★★★
Second Sight has made a package that shows the true joy of physical media with their new release of Julia Ducournau’s 2016 film Raw. A special edition release that is worthy of the film that it accompanies.
Oscar 2021 Breakdown
It’s over, it is finally over, thank goodness! Awards season is over for another few days, There were a few surprises for me this year in the winners, but generally everything went as it should. Let’s have a gander to see who won what.
Oscar 2021 predictions
With the Academy Awards hours away, it seemed best to get my predictions out! Anything that you agree or disagree with?
Here Are The Young Men – ★★★
Eoin C. Macken’s solid picture Here Are The Young Men shines a light on toxic masculinity without ever giving itself the chance to go fully in-depth as its characters deserve.
Lucky Grandma – ★★★ 1/2
With two fabulous performances from Tsai Chin and Hsiao-Yuan Ha, Lucky Grandma weaves a delightful tale that delivers the laughs and knows when to pull at your emotions to bring us a charming film that showcases the value of family.
ARROW Offers Classic and Cutting Edge Cult Cinema Supernatural Thriller Threshold Streaming May 3 Festival Favorite Shot Entirely on Two iPhones
ARROW Offers Classic and Cutting Edge Cult Cinema Supernatural Thriller Threshold Streaming May 3 Festival Favorite Shot Entirely on Two iPhones
Peccadillo Pictures Announces The Home Entertainment Release for Sequin In A Blue Room
PECCADILLO PICTURES ANNOUNCES THE HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE DATE FOR SEQUIN IN A BLUE ROOM On DVD, Blu-ray & On-Demand 17th May 2021 A FILM BYSAMUEL VAN GRINSVEN StarringCONOR LEACH, SAMUEL BARRIE, JEREMY LINDSAY TAYLOR, SIMON CROKER, DAMIAN DE MONTEMAS ‘An auspicious feature debut…Sequin in a Blue Room is very much of
Tokyo Ghoul S – ★★★
An enjoyable romp that knows not to take itself overly seriously, though it wouldn’t hurt itself to do so to make it a stronger film. A very watchable live-action sequel that keeps true to its anime roots.
Sheep Without A Shepherd – ★★★ 1/2
An intricately written film, Sam Quah’s Sheep Without A Shepherd is a rewarding movie that expertly ramps up the emotional tension in a memorable cat and mouse thriller.
Black Bear – ★★★★
Writer-Director Lawrence Michael Levine’s Black Bear mesmerises with its three devastatingly good leads. This film is full of ambiguity that keeps you engrossed and unable to look away as these characters destroy themselves.
Laddie: The Man Behind The Movies – ★★★ 1/2
A touching tribute to an outstanding producer, Laddie: The Man Behind The Movies is a documentary that should be appreciated by all film fans. While it is far too short, it remains an enjoyable journey. Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies is the story of Alan Ladd Jr., the Oscar-winning producer and
Forget Everything And Run – ★★ 3/4
While being a solid flick, Forget Everything And Run loses itself as it it unveils itself as a standard post-apocalyptic jaunt. A film that takes all too familiar footsteps & regretfully never tries to make its own path.
Dogwoof Announces 30th April UK & Irish On Demand Release For Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation
Directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland (Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict & Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel) Voice of Truman Capote: Jim Parsons Voice of Tennessee Williams: Zachary Quinto ‘A fascinating account of a loving but troubled relationship’ THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER ‘It is a story told in their own words
What’s Streaming This May On Shudder: A New Movie Premiere Every Week Including ‘Fried Barry,’ Neil Marshall’s ‘The Reckoning’ & ‘Psycho Goreman’
What’s Streaming This May On Shudder: A New Movie Premiere Every Week Including ‘Fried Barry,’ Neil Marshall’s ‘The Reckoning’ & ‘Psycho Goreman’
The Evening Redness in the South – ★★★★1/2
An astounding piece of cinema, Colin Hickey’s The Evening Redness in the South carefully carries you on a journey you never expected to take, a cinematic painting that stays with you. An entirely dialogue-free dramatic feature film. A visual tone poem following several workers on a building site in County Cork as their
THE UNITED WAY presented by Eric Cantona, coming to Blu-ray, DVD & DTO 10th May and Sky Documentaries & NOW 24th May
THE UNITED WAY presented by Eric Cantona, coming to Blu-ray, DVD & DTO 10th May and Sky Documentaries & NOW 24th May
The Oak Room – ★★★
As The Oak Room begins, you never expect it to be as thoroughly engaging as it eventually becomes. Cody Calahan’s film is assumedly effective in a lo-fi movie that strikes you with its simple premise and striking visuals.
The Banishing – ★★★
The Banishing – ★★★
A solid ghost story, with some great performances, Christopher Smith’s The Banishing gets so close to being a tremendous, however it fizzles out all too soon before the end credits.
ARROW Offers Classic and Cutting Edge Cult Cinema Filmmaking Doc Clapboard Jungle Streaming April 19
ARROW Offers Classic and Cutting Edge Cult Cinema Filmmaking Doc Clapboard Jungle Streaming April 19
I Blame Society – ★★★ 3/4
Gillian Wallace Horvat’s wonderfully uncomfortable yet sharp debut feature I Blame Society, is a film that gets under your skin and once it gets going takes zero prisoners. We have a film that is as fantastic as it is creative.
The Head Hunter – ★★★★
Jordan Downey’s atmospheric The Head Hunter is a beautifully shot piece that does so much right with so little that you are left begging for more. A thriller that knows what its intentions are and executes them perfectly.
The Reckoning – ★★
The high hopes of Neil Marshalls The Reckoning is quickly dissipated by a run of the mill story with woeful dialogue and one of the most overpowering scores in recent times. This is one that sadly needs to be avoided. Set against the Great Plague’s backdrop and subsequent witch-hunts against women, Grace
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape – ★★★★
With a powerful and relatable storyline, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a look at small-town America that gives it all the respect it deserves, allowing the film to keep its heart. Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) feels trapped – with no father present and an eccentric family to care for, he
Siberia – ★★ 1/2
Siberia is a film that will disappoint those wanting an intriguing thriller, but if you stick around for a doomed romance plot, then there is something worthwhile here. Sadly there isn’t much else to grasp onto.
Fantasia’s unveils new 25th anniversary poster and announces plans for virtual 2021 event.
FANTASIA’S 25th EDITION TO OPEN WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF THE ASTOUNDING QUÉBÉCOIS ZOMCOM BRAIN FREEZE FESTIVAL UNVEILS NEW 25th ANNIVERSARY POSTER AND ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR VIRTUAL 2021 EVENT, RUNNING FROM AUGUST 5 – 25 Thursday, April 8, 2021 // Montreal, Quebec — The Fantasia International Film Festival will be celebrating
Sequin in a Blue Room – ★★★★
Samuel Van Grinsven’s debut feature is a superb cautionary tale for young gay men, Sequin in a Blue Room is film at its best. This is an essential watch. Sequin (Conor Leach) explores his burgeoning sexuality through an obsession with anonymous, no-strings sexual encounters. That is until he finds his way into The
’80s SCI-FI SUPERDOC IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW ADDS IVAN REITMAN, GALE ANNE HURD, AND PETER WELLER TO ROSTER
UPCOMING ’80s SCI-FI SUPERDOC IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW ADDS IVAN REITMAN, GALE ANNE HURD, AND PETER WELLER TO ROSTER OF IN-DEPTH CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS FILMMAKING TEAM BEHIND THE CELEBRATED IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS ‘80s HORROR DOCUMENTARY SERIES BOASTS NEW PROJECT WITH OVER 75+ INTERVIEWS WITH SCIENCE-FICTION ICONS Los Angeles, CA – April 8th,
Sam and Mattie Make A Zombie Movie – ★★★★
You will be hard-pressed to find a documentary about the production of a horror film that will leave you with as much warmth in your heart as you do here.
A reminder that filmmaking can be a dream come true.
Anthony Hopkins The Virtuoso to be released on Digital Download 30 April and DVD 10 May
Lionsgate presents Anthony Hopkins, Anson Mount and Abbie Cornish in The Virtuoso on Digital Download 30 April and DVD 10 May EVERY BETRAYAL BEGINS WITH TRUST Anson Mount (Star Trek: Discovery) is a deadly assassin sent on a mission by his cold-blooded boss, 2021 Oscar®-nominee Anthony Hopkins (The Father), in slick neo-noir thriller The
Second Sight to release Lake Mungo on Limited Edition Blu-Ray May 31st
‘One of the greatest films ever made, horror or otherwise’ Rob Savage ‘A classic supernatural enigma, once seen never forgotten’ Projected Figures ‘It’s devastating, it’s terrifying, and I think every single person with a pulse should watch it at least once and then immediately call their loved ones’ Collider ‘Read between
Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie available now
Inspiring Documentary Chronicles Two Teens with Down Syndrome Who Rallied their Friends and Neighbors to Make a Hollywood Dream Come True. Available Nationwide on Cable VOD and Digital HD Providence, RI — What happens when two best friends with Down syndrome rally their hometown of Providence to help realize their
Portal (AKA Doors) – ★★★
Portal has high aspirations, and for that, it should be commended and ably brings the audience in with it. Sadly it never keeps up its end of the bargain, and those expectations that the audience had are never met.
Hellraiser: Evolutions – ★★★
A short, yet interesting look at the long running series that is perfect as a starter introduction to the 30 year plus franchise.
Available on Arrow Player now as part of their stories section.
For the Sake of Vicious – ★★★★
Welcome to your new favourite cult midnight movie. For the Sake of Vicious is a film that wears its bloody heart on its sleeve and, after a tense opening half, let’s loose in ways that will have you clapping away in glee.
Willy’s Wonderland – ★ 1/2
Willy’s Wonderland is a stupid film, not a fun horror. It is a pointless film trying to piggyback on a tired videogame. Utterly terrible and devoid of anything worthwhile. Toss into the forget immediately pile. I wish I could.
Red Rage – ★★
Red Rage throws everything at the wall, and in some cases, parts stick, but far too often, it slides down said wall as slowly as possible, and never bothers trying to clean up its own mess.
Mercenary For Justice – ★★
If you want to know the quality deep within Steven Seagals Mercenary For Justice, there is a line in the film that goes, “Yeah, that’s it for you poophole”, and in a weird sort of way, that sums up the film perfectly.
Torpedo: U-235 – ★★★ 1/2
Sven Huynrecht’s Torpedo U-235 is a contemporary submarine film that ticks all of the boxes you need. This is a film that will surprise you with just how good it is. This is a highly rewatchable flick.
Final Days – ★★★ 1/2
Johnny Martin’s Final Days take its time with its story but wisely uses that time to build up a great sense of desolation for the survivors as the action becomes more and more intense. While not reinventing the wheel, this is a surprisingly solid film.
The Black Windmill – ★★★ 1/2
Don Seigel and Michael Caines underseen film The Black Windmill was Taken before Taken could be a thing. This new release from 101 Films brings us a solid film that brings together great actors in an entertainingly gritty crime thriller.
ARROW Goes Behind The Scenes In April
In April, ARROW premieres an exclusive new documentary, exploitation classics, and essential film noirs! Key highlights this APRIL on the essential, alternative streaming service ARROW include the exclusive premiere of Justin McConnell’s revealing filmmaking documentary CLAPBOARD JUNGLE, a spotlight on the works of Takeshi “Beat” Kitano, Season 3 of the acclaimed Italian crime series GOMORRAH, unmissable noir,
Second Sight Announces Standard Edition Bly-Rays of Cult Classics This April
Second Sight Announces Standard Edition Bly-Rays of Cult Classics This April
Shortcut – ★ 1/2
We have a film that totally misreads what audience it should be targeting and by trying to go more mature, Shortcut never convinces its audience enough. This is a film that needs to be aimed at younger audiences to be more effective.
He Dreams Of Giants – ★★★★
An intimate, compelling documentary about Terry Gilliam’s battle to make his white whale. This fascinating glimpse is as sincere as a documentary about filmmaking can get.
BFI Flare Shorts – Into the Unknown
As we reach the end of BFI Flare, we highlight the absolutely fantastic shorts that the festival had on offer. Blurred lines of love & friendship between women are explored in these poignant and beautiful films.
BFI Flare Shorts – For The Record
As we reach the end of BFI Flare, we look at the shorts section. Second up is For the Record, traversing a wide range of subjects, this inspiring selection of short-form documentaries is guaranteed to provoke & inspire.
BFI Flare Shorts – Beginnings and Endings
As we reach the end of BFI Flare, it is time to highlight the absolutely fantastic shorts that the festival had on offer. Throughout today we will be breaking down the seven categories and all of their films. First up is the Beginnings and Endings section. If you miss out
The Night – ★★★★
Kourosh Ahari’s The Night is a throwback of a horror that allows for its ample tension to build, coupled with a great script and two fantastic performances, this is a film that never lets you settle.
Charlie Says (2019) – ★★ 1/2
Charlie Says lacks the substance to keep itself moving and when the script has so little depth to it, the whole movie struggles and becomes a laboured piece. A disappointment that missed its chance to say something of note.
Escape Plan 3 (2019) ★★ 1/2
Sylvester Stallone returns for Escape Plan 3, which is far better than the sequel but still languishes from the original. This serviceable action jaunt isn’t the best film, but it never tries to pretend to be.
An Impossible Project – ★★★★
A heartwarming love letter to a more physical world, An Impossible Project is a wonderful documentary by Jens Meurer. A film that both digital and analogue lovers can enjoy and one that they will find hard not to smile throughout. For some, digital is all they know and has totally
The Eight Hundred – ★★★★
Hu Guan’s The Eight Hundred is a tour de force of a war film that showcases heroism at its finest. This brutal film, likes the soldiers in the Shang warehouse, gives no quarters. An awe-inspiring film.
Demon ★ 1/2
Demon is a film that, if given a 30-minute runtime, would be an exceptional look at racial bias and male mental health. Sadly it goes on for too long with too many terrible performances worsened by a plot that doesn’t do enough—a true shame.
Josie and Jack (2019) ★★ 1/2
Sarah Lancaster’s debut feature has promising glimpses of a bright future; sadly, her film is held down. Not by two horrible men, but by a misfiring script that doesn’t go far enough with its story, leaving its audience unfortunately cold.
