We continue on with the short films from the Odyssey Chinese Film Festival running from now until June 10th via https://www.odysseychinesecinema.uk/. Here are three of the An Exploration strand, expect many more from this strand over the coming days as we have been treated by the festival with some tremendous
Tag: cinema
Neo Horizon Strand: Odyssey Chinese Cinema Film Festival
Sarira 舍利 Director: Mingyang Li – 28 minutes When an excavator attempts to destroy a temple, a monk’s ancient faith is finally confronted by modern society: it is from then that he must begin his interrogation of the world. Sarira is the type of drama that takes you by surprise
We’re All Going To The World’s Fair – ★★★★
You will be hard-pressed to find a film that portrays isolation effectively and unsettlingly as We’re All Going To The World’s Fair does. Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror hits harder than you ever expect it to, thanks to a terrific turn from Anna Cobb. A fantastic debut feature. Alone in her
The Swimmer – ★★★★ (BFI Flare)
Adam Kalderon subverts expectations with his film The Swimmer. Full of subtlety and care an outstanding performance from Omer Perelman Striks, you are left with a tension inducing drama that compels.
Jimmy In Saigon – ★★★ 3/4 (BFI Flare)
A delicate and emotional look at grief, Jimmy In Saigon is a film full of love that shines a light on the scars of death and keeping your sexuality secret. Peter McDowell has made a wonderfully touching piece.
The Novice – ★★★★★ (BFI Flare)
An extraordinary debut feature from writer-editor-director Lauren Hadaway, The Novice is as compelling and physically tense inducing film as you will see this year – a stunning film. Alex (Isabelle Fuhrman), a college freshman, joins her university’s rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it
Just In Case – ★★★★★ (Short Film)
There is a brutal, beautiful honesty to Just In Case that takes your breath away. Approaching mental health in a far more authentic way in 14 minutes that many features ever could. An important and unmissable film.
Treacle ★★★★ (Short Film)
A sharp and refreshing film, Treacle shows us how misunderstood bisexuals can be, to even those who are closest to them. Rosie Westhoff’s short gives us plenty to ponder in this layered film.
Walk With Me – ★★★ (BFI Flare 2022)
When Isabel del Rosal’s feature debut Walk With Me works, it really works. Sadly though, when the film needs to be more direct, it, like its protagonist, hesitates. Nevertheless, there is a solid to great film here, if only it had been bolder. As she braves life after divorce, young
Do This For Me (Short BFI Flare 2022)
There is a seamlessness to Do This For Me that betrays you. You fall for these characters, slot in comfortably beside them, laugh with them, that when the screw and pain begin to turn, it devastates you.
Ultraviolette and the Blood-Spitters Gang – ★★★★ 1/2 (BFI Flare 2022)
Every once in a while, a film will come along and just leave you speechless; Ultraviolette and the Blood-Spitters Gang is that film. Showcasing both the beauty and pain of your first love, this is a remarkable piece of cinema. After the death of his grandmother Emma, Robin Hunzinger and
Tacheles – The Heart of the Matter – ★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
A film of two halves, Tacheles – The Heart of the Matter takes a little while to get going, but when it does, it becomes a strong documentary that asks how the Holocaust affects young people today and how should they let it affect them. Yaar is a young Jewish
Bangla Surf Girls – ★★★★ 1/2 (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
Elizabeth D. Costa’s Bangla Surf Girls shows us the struggle with being pressured into conforming to tradition despite your aspirations and the resilience in young women to push against the social tide. At times brutal with its honesty, this beautifully compelling documentary is fantastic. Shobe, Aisha and Suma break away
In Search of Tomorrow – ★★★★★
An absolute triumph from beginning to end, David A. Weiner continues his love letters to 80s cinema with In Search of Tomorrow. A tremendous glance back to a genre and a decade that we will never forget. Just a fantastic documentary.
Boycott – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
Julia Bacha’s impressive documentary Boycott takes you down a rabbit hole that is truly disconcerting as it reveals how those in the US have unknowingly lost some of their civil liberties. A consuming and essential watch. Within the United States, thirty-three states have introduced anti-boycott laws, which require individuals and
Judges Under Pressure – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
With engaging subjects, Kacper Lisowski can focus his rightfully angry documentary Judges Under Pressure on the fight for Poland’s independent judicial system. A vital documentary. Democracy in Poland is hanging by a fragile thread. Facing arrest and fines if they issue rulings that are not to the government’s liking, judges
Blue Moon – ★★★ 1/2 (Glasgow Film Festival)
Raw and continually on edge, Alina Grigore’s Blue Moon is a chaotic family portrait that purposely overwhelms poor Irina and its audience. Throwing everything at our senses, her restless camera never gives you a moment to breathe—a strong debut. 22-year-old Irina (Iona Chitu) lives in the mountains, where her family
Silent Land – ★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
Aga Woszczyńska brings us a fantastic tale in Silent Land through themes of guilt and denial. This is a confident and compelling debut, filled with perfect stillness and two knockout performances from Agnieszka Żulewska and Dobromir Dymecki. The cracks of a ‘perfect’ couple begin to show as their holiday in
The Vault – ★★ 1/2
While The Vault is an enjoyable enough heist film, it never quite steps itself out from being a paint by numbers endeavour. Its predictability hurts it, but there is still plenty here to have fun with. When an engineer (Freddie Highmore) learns of a mysterious, impenetrable fortress hidden under The
Asteroid – ★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
Contemplative throughout, Mehdi Hoseinvand Aalipours’s film Asteroid is a warm-hearted look at the efforts a young boy will make to endeavour his family to live the life they deserve. Make no mistake; this is a wonderful gem of a film.
The Quiet Girl – ★★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
Colm Bairéad’s utterly fantastic The Quiet Girl is a beautiful piece of cinema that, before you know it, has grabbed your heart and run off with it. An exceptional film tinged with sadness while keeping hope and love alive.
Adventures of Success – ★★★
Filled with charm, Adventures of Success at times works wonderfully, but even with fleshed out and interesting characters, led by Lexie Mountain, there are some issues as the film stutters in the middle. Regardless there is a lot to enjoy with Jay Buim’s movie. Led by a mystical female founder
Hive – ★★★★ Glasgow Film Festival
A powerhouse performance from Yllka Gashi in Blerta Basholli’s enthralling film Hive, giving us an insight into how grieving women dealt with a patriarchal society that limits them at every turn – a marvellous drama In March 1999, the Kosovan village of Krusha e Madhe was the site of a
Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic – ★★★ 1/2
Maria Demeshina Peek’s documentary, Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic offers a disturbing glance at what goes on online when parents cannot see. A difficult, yet important watch for everyone. “Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic” tackles extremely disturbing yet timely subject matter and is an investigation into the world of online grooming and
Ashgrove – ★★★★★ Glasgow Film Festival
Ashgrove is a film that reels you in effortlessly and by the end has you entirely emotionally invested in Amanda Brugel and Jonas Chernick’s troubled couple. Jeremy Lalonde has delivered a subtle yet powerful move – a marvellous film. A pandemic has affected the world’s water supply; Jennifer (Amanda Brugel)
Bird Atlas ★★★ 1/2 – Glasgow Film Festival
Olmo Omerzu latest film Bird Atlas, is filled with bitter sweetness that showcases that greed and self-reliance are not the be-all and end-all of life. With a cast on top form, Bird Atlas Hits all the right notes. Ivo Rona (Donutil) may have serious health issues, but he believes that
The Gravedigger’s Wife – ★★★★ Glasgow Film Festival
Wonderfully directed, Khadar Ayderus Ahmed’s The Gravedigger’s Wife tackles societal issues in Djibouti City, giving a voice to those who need it. A touching and thoughtful film that fills you with hope despite the hardship around those involved. Guled (Omar Abdi) works hard to support his wife and son. The
Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It – ★★★
Slapstick aplenty is served to us by Yernar Nurgaliyev’s horror-comedy, Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It. With an added generous helping of gore to keep us going, we are left with a film that struggles to break the one-dimensional stereotypes. After accidentally witnessing a murder by a group of thugs, the
2022 Academy Awards Nomination Breakdown
Well the Academy Award Nominations have been and gone, did you try and predict any? How did you do? We are going to have a breakdown of what has been nominated with the added bonus of seeing how well I did in having a guess! My Best Picture Predictions Belfast, Don’t
Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn – ★★★
Radu Jude has made a messy, at times incomprehensible film in Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn, yet it is also a film that you cannot stop watching as it is endlessly entertaining and does, in fact, leave you thinking.
Free Fall (Short Film) – ★★★ 1/2
A biting look at how capitalism takes advantage of any tragedy and how sometimes there are shattering consequences to such vulture attitudes. Emmanuel Tenenbaums Free Fall goes as you would expect, but the emotional punch still works.
Edicius (Short Film) – ★★★1/2
Uzo Oleh’s stylish short film Edicius is a gorgeous look at the trappings of money over all else. Aided by the marvellous Michael Socha, Oleh gives us a visual treat. Jason (Michael Socha), an ambitious lawyer in his 30s, should be on top of the world, but his love for
Ganef (Short Film) – ★★★★
Mark Rosenblatt’s short Ganef takes on difficulties of inherited trauma in a thought-provoking and very effective way. It is a careful piece that packs a lot more than you would expect in its brief runtime.
Mass
Fran Kranz has made an uneasy yet riveting debut feature in Mass. All four actors blow you away with how raw their interactions are; aided by a superb script, this raw, devastating, and in truth, vital piece drains you emotionally. Two pairs of parents meet up in a church hall
Best films of 2021
No top 10 lists here, just a gathering of films that I think are top of the pile that I have seen, either at festivals, streaming, or if lucky in an actual cinema.
Beans – ★★★
Tracey Deer’s semi-autobiographical piece Beans is an emotional message regarding the racial violence that indigenous communities have gone through. There is a lot to enjoy and appreciate within her first feature, but we are left with a film that has just too much going on. Twelve-year-old Beans or Tekehentahkwa (Kiawentiio)
The Power of the Dog – London Film Festival
Apart from Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance, The Power of the Dog never rises above serviceable. Unable to delve deeper into its own story and rather unforgivably keeping its audience at arm’s length throughout.
The French Dispatch
An ambitious film that struggles under its own weight. The French Dispatch becomes unwieldy and, as such, loses the energy that it had opened with. Yet it remains a wonderful love letter t o print journalism.
Titane – London Film Festival
Titane is bold and visceral, but actually works best when it focuses itself on the main themes of the story. Instead Ducournau’s film gets too wrapped up in the lure of shocking it’s audience that it leaves behind the story.
Language Lessons – London Film Festival 2021
Natalie Morales’ Language Lessons is an assured film that is unafraid to play with your heart. Aided by the fantastic Mark Duplass we are left with a relatable and emotional film that is simply faultless.
The Wolf Suit – London Film Festival 2021
The Wolf Suit is a cathartic film by Sam Firth. Not only is it that for her, but also audiences who have experienced something similar. A deeply personal and utterly fascinating documentary.
Sediments – London Film Festival
Adrián Silvestre’s Sediment is an empathetic and, at times, a joyful film that allows a group of six transexual women to be themselves in a most welcoming environment. An important film that should have as wide an audience as possible.
Clara Sola – London Film Festival
A staggering piece of cinema that on all fronts takes your breath away. Wendy Chincilla Araya steals the show in Nathalie Álvarez Mesén sensational feature debut Clara Sola
Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest – London Film Festival 2021
Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest is a documentary that showcases the importance of finding kindred spirits. While it takes detours along the way, it is still a wonderfully heartwarming film.
Mothers of the Revolution – London Film Festival 2021
Mothers of the Revolution is a moving and riveting documentary that showcases the power of dedication and how no matter the cause, it is worth fighting for. Briar March’s film is an important documentary to watch.
Money Has Four Legs ★★★- London Film Festival 2021
A pointed satire that does the small things very well, yet when it reaches beyond itself it begins to plod. However, there is still an awful lot to enjoy here in Money Has Four Legs. Due to money-stricken producers, strict censorship, and an unreliable crew, Wai Bhone’s first feature is
The Taking – London Film Festival 2021
A video essay style documentary that looks at the importance of the stunning Monument Valley on not only cinema and beyond. An interesting documentary that allows the visuals to do the talking.
Brother’s Keeper ★★★★- London Film Festival 2021
Brother’s Keeper has you in a state of ever-increasing frustration as you watch the obstacles young Yusef goes through as he tries to help his friend. A film that does its best to crush your spirit. Make no mistake; this is an assured and effective film from Ferit Karahan. In
Memory Box – London Film Festival 2021
Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige’s Memory Box is far more complex and layered than you would expect and hits all the right emotional notes as it asks its audience how they view their own memories and past. A wonderfully satisfying film.
Gaia – ★★★ 1/2
A slow burn narrative allows for eco-horror Gaia to come into its own by taking advantage of stunning visual storytelling. Jaco Bouwer’s film entrances you and does so much right and makes you pay attention to it.
Behemoth – ★★ 1/2
Somewhere deep within Behemoth, there lives a great thriller. It is just a shame it never realises it and tries to become something it shouldn’t. As a result, this film made for literal pennies overstretches itself. A true shame.
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 ★★★ 1/2 Fantasia Fest 2021
A film that may seem slow & repetitive, but that is exactly the point; this is a film about the frustrations of staying at home during the pandemic & finding connections any way possible
Shorts: Bridging the Gap, Edinburgh International Film Festival
From a year in which everything felt at a standstill, get transported by these brand new shorts on the theme of Mobile from the brightest Scottish and Northern Irish talent.
Pig ★★★★ – Edinburgh International Film Festival
A genuine surprise of a picture, Michael Sarnoski’s feature debut “Pig” is a slow but careful gaze at the devastation of loss. Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance startles with its effectiveness, as he portrays a deeply broken man just trying to get by.
Hellbender ★★★ 3/4 Fantasia Fest 2021
A confident coming of age horror that focuses more on the ever-changing dynamic between parent and child. The Adams family has made a very surprisingly effective film in Hellbender. One that does so much right and very little wrong – a fantastically refreshing film. Teenager Izzy (Zelda Adams) lives a
Mosquito State – ★★ 3/4 Shudder
Despite having interesting ideas, Mosquito State is never able to grab its audience’s attention fully. Its unsubtle story hinders this flawed body horror from being something as memorable as it really should be.
Jakob’s Wife – ★★★ Shudder
A horror that very much keeps with an entertaining 80s vibe #JakobsWife has its bloody cake and eats it. Successfully toeing the line of keeping true to its core story while having a blast. As entertaining as you can imagine.
Junk Head ★★★★ Fantasia Fest 2021
Takahide Hori’s painstaking stop motion film has take over a decade to get to this point and despite a wayward narrative, this is an awe-inspiring piece of work that should be celebrated as widely as possible. Unforgettable.
Agnes ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
Carrying on from the excellent Climate of the Hunter, filmmaker Mickey Reece brings us a film full of mood and isolation. Reece is ambitious here with Agnes, and he manages to pull it off with a great film that is a must-watch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Reunion – ★★★ 1/2
Jake Mahaffy’s Reunion utilises its slow-burn storytelling to compel its audience. This complex tale occasionally trips itself up, but with a killer finale, it makes it a film that is worth the build.
Lost Girls and Love Hotels – ★★★
Director William Olssen’s Lost Girls and Love Hotels presents a bleak character study of a person trying to numb their senses to forget their past. A film about loneliness and yearning to forget.
January ARROW Shorts Review: Part 2
Arrow Films Video presents an exclusive selection of the entries from its HORROR LOCKDOWN SHORTS contest. Little horror gems that show no matter the confines, creativity is endless.
Top films of 2020
There are no top 10s or top 15s from me this year, it has been that kind of year hasn’t it? For films at least it has been actually quite the banner year, yes a lot of films have been pushed to online viewing so we have missed the joy
Lost at Christmas – ★★1/2
Ryan Hendrick’s Lost at Christmas is a charming Christmas rom-com that allows Natalie Clark to shine with a wonderful performance set in the beautiful Highlands.
A Christmas Carol – ★★★ 1/2
Despite seeing so many versions of A Christmas Carol on our screens, there will be as few as charming as this one that fully sweeps you away. A joy of a film.
Chronicle: 2067 ★★ 1/2
Chronicle: 2067 is a visually appealing sci-fi jaunt that world builds tremendously before becoming all too generic and cookie-cutter for its good.
Valhalla: Legend of Thor ★★★ 1/2 – Digital Review
Jump straight into Valhalla: Legend of Thor as blind as possible. this is an absolute treat of a film that grounds our Nordic Gods in ways that we have not seen in quite some time. This is a film that is very much worth your time.
Skyfire (天·火) ★★★ – DVD/Blu-Ray review
Skyfire (天·火) harks back to a simpler time when disaster movies ran the summer market. This flawed but entertaining Chinese film has a lot of charm with some great action set pieces. Skyfire (天·火) is the epitome of a summer popcorn flick.
The Cleansing Hour ★★★1/2
The Cleansing Hour is as entertaining as any horror you will see this year, with great performances and tremendous special effects, this is one to watch.
Ropes ★★★★ – Digital Release
José Luis Montesinos presents a claustrophobic feature debut in Ropes with Paula del Río giving a tremendous performance. Ropes is a brilliantly executed film.
Death of a Gunfighter ★★★- The Films of Alan Smithee
We look at the films of “director” Alan Smithee, the renowned pseudonym when a director has left the project mid film. His first was Death of a Gunfighter.
Nuclear (2019) ★★★ – Digital Review
Despite Catherine Linstrum’s feature debut Nuclear struggles with a frustrating story despite an excellent performance from Emilia Jones.
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) – ★★★★ 1/2 Silent Sundays
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari is a visually astounding picture that was as influential as they come to the future of the horror genre and cinema itself.
Hellraiser: Revelations – ★★1/2
We are in the end game now gang. We are in the penultimate film of our series and I can almost guess that if you asked people how many Hellraiser films there are, they would not get close to 10. Anyway, Here we go Hellraiser: Revelations! Two friends Steven Craven
The Last Video Store ★★★★– Raindance
The Last Video Store is a wonderful look at persistence and love of a format that appears to be on its way out. If there were more places like this little store on a side street in Bristol, we would be the richer for it. This was meant to be
FOMO: Fear of Missing Out ★★★1/2 – Raindance
Attila Hartungs debut feature FOMO is a scathing look at over the top masculinity and the lasting effects of abusive use of social media. Teenage friends Gergö (Yorgosz Goletsas), Patrik, Bandi and Ábris are into three things: partying, sex and their online following. One night, at a drunken house party,
Hellraiser: Hellworld – ★★1/2
We reach the tail end of our Hellraiser series with number 8 in the franchise Hellraiser: Hellworld. Released an unthinkable and almost impressive 92 DAYS after Hellraiser: Deader was released. Honestly, I can imagine people renting out Deader and then three months later going back to Blockbuster (we had an
Force of Habit ★★★★1/2 – Raindance
Nothing will quite prepare you for the awkwardness and pain you will have for these characters and for women overall after viewing Force of Habit. Filmed by seven directors (Kirsikka Saari, Mila Tervo, Elli Toivoniemi, Jenni Toivoniemi, Reetta Aalto, Anna Paavilainen and Alli Haapasalo. We follow a multitude of characters
In Search of Darkness (2019) – ★★★★★
As In Search of Darkness states, the 80s was a booming time in the horror genre. There is a very good reason why the last 20 years has been rife with remakes from that period. Due to political frustrations at the time and a myriad of other fears of things
Hellraiser: Deader (2005) ★★
We are in the back end of our Hellraiser series and it sure as hell isn’t getting better. This time out we effectively return to the plot of Hellraiser: Hell on Earth. Being creative isn’t for everyone it seems. Welcome to Hellraiser: Deader Remember how we are left with Kirsty
A Dim Valley – Raindance 2020 ★★★★
A Dim Valley is a wonderfully dreamy exploration in what can only be described as a slow mythic folk drama. A film with many more layers than you would imagine. That’s boosted by the final two acts wasting no time in its intentions. Professor Clarence (Robert Longstreet) and his two
Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002) ★
A criminally stupid film, Hellraiser: Hellseeker is the first truly unforgiveable addition to the franchise that should be forgotten from your mind as soon as you finish watching it. Spoiler, there will be a lot of the film given away here, but it might be better to know this stuff
I Am Not A Hero ★★★★1/2 – Raindance 2020
I Am Not A Hero is essential viewing for audiences to fully grasp the events of what happened during the first wave of COVID-19 inside our hospitals. Focusing on the Belgian Erasmus Hospital in Brussels, three filmmakers stayed from the early beginnings of the pandemic until the last day the
Hellraiser: Inferno ★★★
Four years after the utterly wasteful Hellraiser: Bloodline, Dimension Films decided to have another crack at the Hellraiser franchise with Hellraiser Inferno. Detective Joseph Thorne (Craig Sheffer) is investigating the gruesome deaths of the serial killer The Engineer. Who leaves behind what looks to be the finger of a child
The Trial of The Chicago 7 – ★★★★
Alan Sorkin has conjured up a bonafide crowd-pleaser with The Trial of The Chicago 7. While it skirts around with the facts at times has its heart firmly in the right place. A must watch a film. Peaceful anti-Vietnam War protests during the Democratic Parties National Convention in 1968 had
Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996) ★★
This will always be a hard film to review because it was not the version that was originally intended. There is a script out there for what Clive Barker and Peter Atkins envisioned for Hellraiser: Bloodline that seemed quite interesting. Though studio executive has got to meddle and we get
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm ★★★★
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, may have not had the same level of surprise as the first film. But it is still nonetheless wholly effective in its message and enhanced greatly with the inclusion of Maria Bakalova. In Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once
Hellraiser III : Hell on Earth (1992) ★★ 1/2
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, spelt the end of the franchise as we knew it. Away from its compelling origin and into the standard slasher fare that studios knew how to market. Trying to continue from where we left off, Pinhead is still in his sexy torture pillar. Or known
New Order ★★★ – LFF 2020
Michel Franco’s New Order is punishing film. Unflinching and unforgiving this is a cautionary tale for societies. Marianne’s (Naian Gonzaléz Norvind) wedding at the spectacular family home is besieged by several unexpected incidents: the registrar is late; social disturbances delay guests en route, and former employee Rolando turns up seeking
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) ★★★
Oh, what could have been, Hellbound: Hellraiser II had everything going for it, except a coherent story. The ultimate in missed opportunities to truly kick on an intriguing franchise. Following up straight after the events of the first Hellraiser, Hellbound finds Kirsty (Ashley Laurence) trying to explain to doctors what
Hellraiser (1987) ★★★★1/2
We start our Hellraiser series with the first of the franchise, the rest of the reviews will be split into two or so films at a time. But the first (and best) Hellraiser deserves its own singular review. Clive Barker created an unrelentingly dark film in Hellraiser and one that
One Man and His Shoes ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Yemi Bamiro explores the rise of Nikes Air Jordan’s and the effects of having a chokehold on supply vs demand in the fascinatingly balanced One Man and His Shoes. A sportsman with once-in-a-generation talent, Michael Jordan was held up as a symbol of Black progress; he had his own phenomenally
Academy Awards 2021 Nomination Predictions
The Academy Awards are coming hell or high water in April and with the majority of the releases out or at least seen, we have now got a pretty good guesstimate on who will be nominated for what. So without further ado (as this is going to be a long
Siberia ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Abel Ferrara and frequent collaborator Willem Dafoe join forces in Siberia, a film that explores experimental cinema to its fullest. Clint (Willem Dafoe) lives in a snowed-in wooded area of Siberia. Tending to his small desolate bar. Isolated from the rest of mankind until they visit him he gets by
Every Time I Die (2019) ★★★★
Robi Mitchell delivers a wonderful feature debut with Every Time I Die that demands your attention throughout. An understated film that rewards the audience by the final act. Sam (Drew Fonteiro) takes up an offer from his friends to stay at a remote lake house when he is tragically murdered,
Lovers Rock ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Lovers Rock is the second part of Steve McQueen’s Small Axes series following on from Mangrove. Boy do we have a completely different film this time out. It’s a Saturday sometime in the 80s. Samson preps his sound system for Blues dance while Martha (Amarah-Jae St.Aubyn) shimmies down her drainpipe.
Ammonite ★★★ – LFF 2020
Ammonite succeeds solely by the sheer force of its leads performances and brilliant cinematography, despite an underwhelming script and direction from director Francis Lee. Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) is a self-taught paleontologist who also runs a shop selling what she finds on the nearby beach in Lyme Regis. Her work
After Love ★★★★ – LFF 2020
After Love takes us on a touching journey of loss, with a career turning performance from Joanna Scanlan. A feature debut from Aleem Khan that shows us a talented filmmaker who will be one to watch. When Ahmed Hussain passes away suddenly in his Dover home, his loyal wife Mary
The Human Voice ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Pedro Almodóvar’s English language debut allows for Tilda Swinton to own the screen in the gorgeous The Human Voice. Madness and melancholy intersect to thrilling effect as Almodóvar reimagines Jean Cocteau’s short play The Human Voice for an era in which isolation has become a way of life. Laws of
David Byrne’s American Utopia ★★★★1/2 – LFF 2020
Despite its monochromatic look, this is as colourful and exuberant a show as you will find in 2020. David Byrne’s American Utopia will rank highly on a lot of peoples end of year lists. We are going a tad shorted with this review than usual. This is because this is
Rose: A Love Story ★★★★★ – LFF 2020
Sophie Rundle and Matt Stokoe are wonderful in Jennifer Sheridan’s atmospheric feature debut Rose: A Love Story. Making her a filmmaker to watch out for.
Another Round (Druk) ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Another Round is a comedy with tragic undertones. Our four leads guide us to the perils of not knowing or accepting your limits in Thomas Vinteberg’s brilliant film. Four friends, all teachers at various stages of middle age, are stuck in a rut. Unable to share their passions either at
Herself ★★★1/2 – LFF 2020
Co-writer and star Clare Dunne shines in this pure story of a mother trying to do what is best for her children. In the most difficult of circumstances in Phyllida Lloyd’s empowering Herself. Sandra (Clare Dunne) is a mother of two girls (Molly McCann and Ruby Rose O’Hara) who has
Cicada ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Cicada is a tender and vulnerable piece of cinema. A powerful, yet graceful debut feature for Matthew Fifer and Kieran Mulcare. Introspective bisexual Ben (Matthew Fifer) drifts from one casual encounter to the next. While his recent relationships barely last past morning, things change when he meets Sam (Sheldon D.
Horror films to watch: Letter M – Part 2
Last time out we left you with the first part of our trilogy for horror films beginning with the letter M. We continue on with our middle installment that has some modern classics, a wonderful 30s film and some under appreciated flicks. Lets get into it shall we? The Midnight
Ginger Snaps – 2000 ★★★★
Somehow Ginger Snaps is 20 years old and that has shocked me right down to my little horror fan core as I very much remember getting the DVD for this in 2003 and loving the ever loving hell out of it. We even have it in our horror movies to
Wonder Woman 1984 move & what it means for 2020
Tenet did not pull in enough money to appease the film studio Gods in it’s opening week. Thus it has caused the start of a very busy period of reshuffling of theatrical dates. Starting with Wonder Woman 1984 moving all the way to Christmas Day. But, what does that mean
Academy’s inclusion and representation standards thoughts
Today the Academy announced that new Oscar representation and inclusion standards for eligibility for Best Picture from the 96th Oscars (2024). However, films will have to complete a confidentiality form for consideration for the 94th (2022) and 95th (2023) Oscars. Films that want to be considered for the category will
First Thoughts and breakdown: The Batman trailer
Overall a very good trailer and in fact one that was so good that there doesn’t actually need to be another trailer. We know there will be of course, but how much more do they need to show to bring audiences to theatres? We, of course, go down the dark
Highest Grossing Film of the year: 1924 – The Sea Hawk – ★★★★
1924 was an odd year with not too many memorable films and the box office was also a tad quieter. The two biggest films of the year were Douglas Fairbanks expensive epic The Thief of Baghdad and then our largest grosser Frank Lloyds adaption of Rafael Sabatini’s novel The Sea
Filmography lookback: Lillian Gish
For Tuesdays, we thought it would be interesting to select a few films from specific actors or directors’ filmography and suggest which ones you should watch. For those of you who have been following the blog for a while, you will know that we recently started watching silent films, but
Tokyo Story (1953) ★★★★★
What makes cinema such a special medium is that no matter the language we can relate to a story. This week on our World Cinema journey we look back to Japan and to a masterpiece of a film and one that everyone who loves cinema needs to watch Yasujiro Ozu’s
Horror films to watch – Letter J
Another week, another letter filled with horror films. This time out we move onto J and we are getting close to halfway through our list! This week we have an awful lot of under-appreciated or just plain forgotten horrors from years gone by, so let’s just get right into it!
50 Mondays of Sci-Fi: Moon (2009) ★★★★★
On Mondays, we look back at 50 great science fiction films. So far we have looked back at Alien, The Thing and Sunshine. This time out we look at Duncan Jones 2009 debut feature, Moon. Synopsis Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the end of a three-year contract in solitude
Silent Sunday: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) review ★★★★★
Sunrise is a simple story, but it is exceptional on every level possible. It is a warm-hearted film that would still connect with audiences today.
B-Movie Saturday – Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) ★★★
On Saturdays, we pick the best (or worst) films to watch for that night. We do not go for some classic thoughtful film, oh no, no no, we go for the B-movie! So far we have come across The Blob, an Italian cannibal film and Rubber a sentient tyre that
Vitalina Varela (2019) review ★★★★★
On Fridays we look at films from elsewhere in the world and usually, we go for a film that is a tad older. This week however we are going very current, so we go to Pedro Costa unforgettable Vitalina Varela. After multiple decades a Cape Verdean woman finally makes her
Highest-grossing Film of the Year: 1922 – Robin Hood ★★★
This time out in our series of reviewing the highest-grossing film of every year since 1915 to present-day we reach 1922 and it’s top grosser Douglas Fairbanks classic, Robin Hood or in its full title Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood (well he did produce, write and star in it, so
Horror films to watch starting with H: Part 3
We finally come to the end of our trilogy through horror films that you should watch that begin with H, what a ride… With that said we have some classic horror films in the list today. Let’s get into it! Hush (2016) One of the standout reasons to love Hush
Highest Grossing Films of each year: 1921 – The Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse ★★★
Last time out we had to skip 1919 as The Miracle Man is now a lost film so we moved onto 1920’s Way Down East. This time we head to an anti-war WWI film in 1921s highest-grossing film The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Synopsis An Argentinian landowner Madariaga’s two
Silent Film Sundays: The Mothering Heart (1913) ★★★★★
A true tour de force performance from Lillian Gish in one of DW Griffiths best two-reel films. Welcome to Silent Film Sunday! This week we are in for a short two-reel (under 25-minute film) as I was on a bit of a deep dive of trying to watch all of
B-Movie Saturday: The Blob (1958) review
Welcome back to another Saturday Night B-Movie review. Last time out we reviewed Rubber, a film about a sentient car tyre… Yep. This time out we lock at Irvin S Yeaworth Jr’s The Blob (1958). When teenagers Steve Andrews (Steve McQueen) and Jane Martin (Aneta Corsaut) witness what they think
World Cinema Friday: Let The Right One In (2008)
Every Friday we venture into world cinema and this week we are heading back to Scandinavia and specifically to Sweden for Let the Right One In, a modern classic adaption of the book from the same name. Shall we? Synopsis Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) is a lonely boy dealing with the
Highest Grossing Films: 1920 Way Down East
This week should have been 1919. But alas the highest-grossing film of 1919 The Miracle Man has been lost to us and only 2 minutes of footage remains. It is a bit difficult to review that. So we have had to move on to 1920 and we are now officially
Horror films to watch starting with G
Welcome back to my series of effectively a massive list of horror films to watch. Last time out we got to the F’s in our ABC’s and now we move on to G! Fun times. Without further ado, here are 14 horror films to watch beginning with the letter G.
50 Mondays of Sci-Fi: The Thing (1982) review
Every Monday we look back at a classic science fiction film. Last week we looked back at Ridley Scott’s influential Alien. Our second Monday of sci-fi films brings us to John Carpenters The Thing (1982). The Thing has resonated with me from an early age. I would have been around
