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.
Category: Uncategorized
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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 – 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
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.
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.
P.S. Burn This Letter Please – ★★★★ 1/2 BFI Flare
Jennifer Tiexiera and Michael Seligman’s P.S. Burn This Letter Please is an astounding documentary that captures its audience early and never let’s go. Full of important stories and experiences, this is an essential watch.
Sweetheart ★★★ 1/2 – BFI Flare
Marley Morrison’s feature debut, Sweetheart, takes ahold of you with its striking charm and sharp dialogue. Coupled with strong performances, this is as entertaining as it is relatable.
Dramarama ★★★★ – BFI Flare
Dramarama gets everything right and becomes the coming of age story that others strive to be. A film that surprises with how strongly it connects causing you to reminisce to your younger days when you were on the cusp of university. A terrific film.
Firebird ★★★ – BFI Flare
While Firebird is a very earnest film, it never allows itself to go through the gears of creating something as emotional as it thinks it should be. By doing this, Peeter Rebane’s film comes across as underwritten and fails to have us fall for the characters on the screen.
Cured ★★★★ – BFI Flare
Cured is a film that celebrates the struggle for LGBTQ rights in an era where a simple line in a book stole their freedom for decades. This film has a direct motive in highlighting and educating its audience, to which it does so tremendously.
My First Summer – ★★★★ 1/2 BFI Flare
My First Summer is such a delicate film full of tenderness and love that you can’t help but fall head over heels with it. From the absorbing script to the beautiful cinematography and the standout performances from its leads. Katie Found’s debut feature is one to cherish.
Sacrifice – ★★★
Sacrifice is a horror that forgets that it is trying to tell its audience a story and instead focuses on giving us beautiful shots and imagery. With an able cast who do their best, they are hindered by an underwritten script.
Jump, Darling – ★★★★ BFI Flare
Phil Connell unfurls a wonderful picture with Jump, Darling, showing a great deal of poetic beauty throughout, thanks to two fantastic performances from Thomas Duplessie and the late Cloris Leachman.
Slaxx – ★★★★ (Shudder)
Elza Kephart’s pointed sharp horror satire Slaxx gives the audience everything they never knew they wanted. A pair of possessed jeans that have the want to murder everyone near them. We have a film here that is an utter joy to watch.
Lava (2019) – ★★★
Lava finds Buenos Aires in a state of chaos as giant snakes, cats and witches start taking out people one by one. This entertaining, albeit all too short feature, is a lighthearted adult animation that will bring the chuckles and you asking for more. Débora, a lonely tattoo artist, endeavours to
Silk Road (2021) – ★★★
Silk Road sees documentarian Tiller Russell venture into dramatic fare with a story that should be right up his alley. Yet by altering this true story, some of the emphasis is lost, hindering itself from the get-go.
ARROW Blooms Into Spring with March Lineup, Jill Gevargizian’s THE STYLIST
Arrow Video is excited to announce the March 2021 lineup of their new subscription-based ARROW platform, now also available to UK subscribers, joining the US and Canada.
35th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTIQ+ FILM FESTIVAL 2021 FULL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
35th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTIQ+ FILM FESTIVAL 2021 FULL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
17th – 28th March available digitally UK-wide on BFI Player
The Nightingale – ★★★★ Blu Ray
Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale is an extraordinary bold film that is never afraid to go where others dare not. Coupled with performances that will live long in the memory, this is a film that needs to be seen.
Ashes in the Snow ★★★ – Digital Release
A heartbreaking tale of losing one’s innocence during Soviet occupation, by a regime that cares as little for you or its soldiers. It struggles to remain compelling despite some particularly strong performances.
Anti-Life (aka Breach) ★★
A film that has its moments, but is seriously held back by some of the disinterested cast and CGI effects that time forgot. Anti-Life could be so much better than it ends up being. A real shame.
In Search of Darkness II – ★★★★★
In Search of Darkness II – ★★★★★
A perfect, 260-minute sequel doc that enhances & expands on its original. An utter joy for not only a fan of the genre but a fan of cinema.
Available now from February 5 to February 14th 2021 at http://www.80sHorrorDoc.com.
Rams (2020) ★★★ 1/2 – Digital Release
Jeremy Sims’ brings us a warm-hearted jaunt in rural Western Australia that keeps the humour while never being afraid to bring the drama and a few tears.
Jan ARROW Shorts Review: Part 1
In January ARROW presents an exclusive selection of the outstanding entries from its HORROR LOCKDOWN SHORTS contest, short films delivering slick, sharp scares, delving into oft-uncharted and bizarre worlds,
The Call ★★ 1/2 – DVD and Digital Release
Timothy Woodward Jr’s 80s centric horror jaunt The Call gives audiences a solid premise that is seemingly tossed away for no apparent reason by the time we reach the third act.
Alone ★★★★ – Digital Release
Alone, is a rare survival thriller that rises above the well-deserved hype and allows it’s cast to shine in a minimalist film that packs one hell of a punch.
Let’s Scare Julie ★★★ 1/2 – Digital release
Let’s Scare Julie is a bold one-take horror that is rife with tension thanks to its excellent young cast, it just doesn’t provide us with enough scares.
McLintock! (1963) ★★★ 1/2 – John Wayne series
In memory of my dad who passed away in December, we take a look at some films of his favourite actor. John Wayne. First up is 1963’s McLintock!
The Ringmaster ★★ 1/2
Saw meets The Greatest Showman while also meeting My Little Eye. In Søren Juul Petersen’s feature debut horror The Ringmaster starts off so promisingly before petering out by the films end.
The Night Porter(1974) ★★★★- Blu-Ray Review
Liliana Cavani’s The Night Porter is a harrowing piece of cinema. Charlotte Ramping’s exquisite turn is unforgettable in this sadomasochistic nightmare.
If Anything Happens I Love You ★★★★1/2
Written and directed by Will McCormack and Michael Govier, If Anything Happens I Love You is a wordless short that transcends its purpose. A film that is an emotional gut punch to those who suffer from loss and simply put is unforgettable.
Hillbilly Elegy ★★★ – Review
By playing it too safe and staying in the middle lane Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy is a forgettable misfire that needed a braver hand at the wheel.
Top End Wedding ★★★★ – Digital Review
Top End Wedding is another breath of fresh air into the romantic comedy genre. Wayne Blair integrates the theme of cultural identity with this love story.
Endless ★★1/2 – Digital Review
Alexandra Shipp and Famke Janssen are the shining lights in an otherwise bland YA Ghost remake. “Endless” and its stars performance deserved better.
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.
Children of Dune – ★★★1/2 DVD/Blu-Ray release
A faithful as possible of an adaptation highlighted by performances of its two leads, Children of Dune is the mini-series Dune fans have been clamoring for.
Akira (1988) ★★★★★ – 50 Mondays of Sci-Fi
We return to our 50 Mondays of Sci-Fi series with the anime of the 80s Katsuhiro Otomo’s astounding and influential Akira (1988)
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
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: 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
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
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
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.
Possessor: Uncut ★★★★★ – LFF 2020
Possessor: Uncut is the perfect epitome of a film you should go to see with knowing as little about it as possible. I will be as careful as possible not to give anything away as you are rewarded as an audience member for knowing the basics of the film and
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.
Wildfire ★★★ – LFF 2020
Wildfire conflicts, there are moments that work tremendously, with great performances from Nora-Jane Noone and the late Danika McGuigan. Yet a disconnect arises and the emotionally connection there at the start of the film loses itself by the end. Kelly (Danika McGuigan) was missing, believed dead. But now she’s back
Supernova ★★★★★ – LFF 2020
Supernova is a restrained, gentle, heart wrenching tragedy. Carried by two pitch perfect performances, this is without a doubt one of the best films of the year. After twenty years together, Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker’s (Stanley Tucci) blissful life has been shattered following Tusker’s diagnosis with early-onset dementia. Intent
Never Gonna Snow Again ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Malgorzara Szuniwska and creative partner and co-director Michal Englert provide a magically offbeat film in Never Gonna Snow Again that hypnotically reels you into a world where being wealthy isn’t the be-all and end-all of life. A Ukrainian immigrant, Zhenia (Alec Utgoff) was born several years after Chernobyl works as a masseur in Poland and
Undine ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Undine is an understated, beautifully weaved story. It takes turns that I didn’t expect, and it treads water a tad in the middle which stops it from being better than it deserves. Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski are excellent. A fantastical dream of a film. Undine is at once a
Honeymood ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Talya Lavie’s Honeymood, is an infectiously charming jaunt that grows in confidence. Coupled with a smart script and a funny and relatable cast, this is a sure-fire winner. A bride and groom arrive at their lavish honeymoon suite on their wedding night. When the bride, Eleanor (Avigail Harari) discovers her
Mangrove ★★★★★ – LFF 2020
The first instalment in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series, Mangrove is powerful, eerie and depressingly still relevant today. An important film that excels most during its quietest and intimate sequences.
I Am Samuel ★★★1/2 – LFF 2020
Pete Murimi’s brave debut feature documentary I Am Samuel provides an intimate look at sacrifice in the name of love. Samuel was born and raised on a farm in rural Kenya. Moving to its capital, Nairobi, he meets and falls in love with Alex. Samuel’s father, a preacher at his
Relic ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Natalie Erika James’s impressive debut feature Relic is an uncomfortable tension-filled horror drama that will play at your emotions more than you would want it to. An elderly woman named Enda (Robyn Nevin) has gone missing from her secluded home in the countryside. Her daughter Kay (Emily Mortimer) and granddaughter
Stray ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Filmed throughout 2017 and 2019 Elizabeth Lo’s first feature Stray is an intimate and thought provoking study of a dog’s view of the streets of Istanbul. Synopsis Elizabeth Lo’s unobstructed camera follows our three leads Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal as they roam through the streets of Istanbul. Their freedom is
The Painter and the Thief ★★★★ – LFF 2020
Can you ever forgive someone who has stolen from you and if so what can that be like? Benjamin Rees explores this in his intimately beautiful The Painter and the Thief. Synopsis Barbora Kysilkova paints hyper-realistic work, two of which are on show in a gallery in Oslo. One day,
Grand Prix: The Killer Years (2011) ★★★★★
Grand Prix: The Killer Years is a poignant look at an era that Formula 1 would mostly likely rather want to forget. This is due to the sheer quantity of death that surrounded it. A viewing experience that will remain with you. Director: Richard Heap Stars: Jackie Stewart, Tony Brooks,
The Broken Hearts Gallery – ★★★★
The Broken Hearts Gallery is a rom–com that endears you from the start with a cast that you can root for. It is the perfect film for right now. Directed: Natalie Krinsky Written: Natalie Krinsky Starring: Geraldine Viswanathan, Darce Montgomery, Phillipe Soo, Molly Gordon Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan) is a mid-20s
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
The Cameraman’s Revenge – 1912 ★★★★★
Mest Kinematograficheskogo Operatora (The Revenge Of A Kinematograph Cameraman or The Cameraman’s Revenge). Today we go back a mere 108 years to Wladyslaw Starewicz’s The Cameraman’s Revenge, a terrific 13-minute piece of stop-motion. Synopsis Mr Beetle seeks companionship from a statuesque dragonfly dancer. Unaware that her ex-boyfriend, a slender grasshopper
Horror films to watch – Letter K
Welcome back to another edition of Horror films to watch. This time we truck along to the letter K and we have a right little mix of horror films ready for you. Shall we? Kwaidan (1964) One of the best, if not the best anthology horror films ever made. Rarely
The Beach House (2020) – ★★★
Shudders new release ‘The Beach House’ is a slow-burning atmospheric film that really tries very hard not to pigeonhole itself into any one box in the horror genre. This works for is and against in equal measures and leaves the audience in quite the conundrum over what they have just
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!
Highest grossing film of each year: The Covered Wagon (1923) ★★★
This time out in our series of reviewing the highest-grossing film of every year since 1915 to present-day we reach 1923 and it’s top grosser the long-forgotten The Covered Wagon. Let’s get into it, shall we? Synopsis Multiple wagon caravans join together in the desert heartland of American to push
Horror films to watch starting with I – Part 2
We return for our sequel to Horror movies to watch beginning with I. Is this a better sequel? Who knows, It depends on your horror flavour! We have some classics in store for you though, so let’s get into our second part! Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) What type
Horror films to watch starting with I – Part 1
Last time out we had a trilogy of posts with the letter H, this time we venture into horror films beginning with I, and again it is a bumper letter with us going for a double bill with the later coming out next week. The horror genre loves sequels so
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 ★★★★★
Sundays are for silent cinema and we have encountered some classics as of late such as Lillian Gish’s The Mothering Heart and Buster Keaton’s The General, this time out we go to F.W. Murnau’s 1927 classic Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Synopsis A cheating husband (George O’Brien) is persuaded
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. Synopsis After multiple decades a Cape Verdean woman finally makes
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
Horror films to watch starting with H: Part 2
Last time out it was decided that H was just too much of a monster of a letter in horror to have one post. So we split it into three! This week we present part two of this bumper letter. Let’s have a look at what we have today. Hellraiser
Horror films to watch starting with H: Part 1
This week we could have had a mammoth post, but I have decided to split H, not into 2, but 3 posts! Yes, H is filled! I could have added more, but these were my favourites. This week’s post will be from Ha to He just to simplify and make
50 Mondays of Sci-Fi – Sunshine (2007) ★★★ 1/2
We have now reached week 3 of our 50 Mondays of Science Fiction films and we return to space with Danny Boyles bold Sunshine. Shall we? Synopsis A spaceship named Icarus II has been sent to reignite the Sun that is dying at a faster rate than expected using the
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). Synopsis When teenagers Steve Andrews (Steve McQueen) and Jane Martin (Aneta Corsaut) witness what they
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
Silent Sundays: The General (1927) review
Sundays are the perfect time to sit relax and watch something from back in the day. I am used to watching older films every Sunday with my dad and although they weren’t silent films (more Westerns, WW2 films or Roger Corman films). So, I thought it was best to look
Saturday Night B-Movie Review: Rubber (2010)
A perfectly surreal experience that doesn’t feel the need to spoon-feed a story to you. Welcome back to another Saturday Night B-Movie review. Last time out we reviewed Umberto Lenzi’s cannibal film Eaten Alive! This time out we review Quentin Dupieux’s Rubber. A film about a homicidal car tire. Yep,
World Cinema Friday – Utøya: 22 July review
Last time out we looked back at Shoplifters. This week for we go to Norway and to the controversial film, Utøya: 22 July that asks the moral question, should a film show the events of a massacre? There will be a very select few films more difficult or harrowing to
Reviewing the highest-grossing film of the year (1918): Mickey
We move onto 1918 in our series of reviewing the highest-grossing film of each year. Last week we looked at Cecil B DeMille’s and Mary Pickford’s A Romance of the Redwoods. This week we move onto Mickey starring Mabel Normand. Due to only just watching more silent films this is
Horror films to watch starting with F
Welcome back to my series of effectively a massive list of horror films to watch. Last time out we got to the E’s in our ABC’s and now we move on to F! Fun times. Without further ado, here are 13 horror films to watch beginning with the letter F.
Soundtrack Tuesday – Godzilla: King of Monsters (2019) review
Last week on Soundtrack Tuesday we looked back at the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. And Kaiju believe it we have gone bigger this week (sorry for the terrible pun). This week we look back at Bear McCreary’s soundtrack for Godzilla:
Silent Sundays – The Circus (1928) Review
Sundays are the perfect time to sit relax and watch something from back in the day. I am used to watching older films every Sunday with my dad and although they weren’t silent films (more Westerns, WW2 films or Roger Corman films). So, I thought it was best to look
Saturday Night B-Movie – Eaten Alive! (1980)
Every Saturday we are going to look back at classic or not so classic B-Movies, because let’s face it, what night is better to watch a B-Movie than a Saturday right? To start us off we are going to look at Umberto Lenzi’s Eaten Alive! (or Mangiati Vivi! Doomed to
World Cinema Friday – Shoplifters (2018)
Every Friday we will aim to show you some of our top choices in world cinema. This week we review Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters. For those who are still on a high from Parasite, then Shoplifters is the perfect film for you.A stunning Japanese drama that will captivate and ask the
Reviewing the highest-grossing film of the year (1917): A Romance of the Redwoods
Welcome back to our new series, where we take a look back at the highest-grossing films of each year. The last time out we reviewed the 1916 classic, Stuart Paton’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. This time we return to our old friend Mary Pickford and in one of only
Horror films to watch starting with E
Welcome back to my series of effectively a massive list of horror films to watch. Last time out we got to the D’s in our ABC’s and now we move on to E! Fun times. Without further ado, here are 10 horror films to watch beginning with the letter E.
Soundtrack Tuesdays: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford review
Welcome to Soundtrack Tuesdays here at Upcoming on Screen. Every Tuesday we will review a soundtrack of a film in the past (hopefully we will get to review future soundtracks when films start coming out in cinemas again). But for now, we are going back in time. This week we
Oscars 2021 predictions if no new films were released…
I saw a tweet by the awesome Amy Smith that gave her congratulations to Elizabeth Moss for winning the 2021 Best Actress award at the Oscars for The Invisible Man. It was a downright funny tweet. But it made me think, three months into the year, what would win the
Fast and Furious 9 postponed until April 2nd 2021
ARTICLE UPDATED An hour or so after John Krasinki postponed the release of A Quiet Place: Part 2. It has been announced that Fast and Furious 9 has been postponed until April 2nd 2021. Read the statement below: In our last post, we thought that films that F9 would be
A Quiet Place: Part 2 postponed – COVID19 takes hold of cinema.
With the Coronavirus causing havoc around the world, it has now become inevitable that films would be postponed from their original release date. After No Time To Die and Peter Rabbit 2 took measures to reschedule their release it is now John Krasinki’s A Quiet Place: Part 2 to take
No Time To Die’s postponement and what other films are at risk.
It has been announced last week that the latest James Bond film No Time To Die has been postponed from the 2nd April until the 12th of November due to fears over how it will perform at the box office due to fears with the coronavirus. Today we look at
Mary Pickford, Stella Maris (1918) – Retrospective Review
This month we are looking at female pioneers of the silent era. Last time out we started off with Lillian Gish and her masterpiece The Wind. Today we go to one of her best friends and the second winner of the Best Actress Academy Award Mary Pickford. Pickford was one
Lillian Gish, The Wind (1928) – Retrospective Review
This month we will be looking at performances of pioneering actresses. Starting us off will be Lillian Gish who is known as being one of the pioneering actresses in the silent era of film. Instead of having a retrospective of her many films. We have chosen one specific film that
Reviewing the highest-grossing film of the year (1916): 20000 Leagues Under the Sea
Welcome back to our new series, where we take a look back at the highest-grossing films of each year. Sadly for us last time out we had to talk about A Birth of a Nation, which was 1915’s highest-grossing film. Today we turn to Stuart Paton’s 20000 Leagues Under The
Horror films to watch starting with D
Welcome back to my series of effectively a massive list of horror films to watch. Last time out I did my A B C’s and now we move on to D! Fun times. Without further ado, here are 13 horror films to watch beginning with the letter D. Dark Water
Tales from a former cinema employee: The Joys of being a manager
Welcome to another edition of tales from a former cinema employee, today is a few tales about what it is like to be a manager or supervisor in a cinema. Sure you don’t have to do as much of the donkey work, but there are things you would trade down
What has gone wrong for Birds of Prey?
With the opening weekend box office published, it has not been a kind weekend for Birds of Prey. Domestically it has grossed $33 million and internationally $48 million for a combined $81 million. No matter how you put it, this is poor and worrisome. I had mentioned in a previous
Reviewing the highest-grossing film of every year: 1915 – The Birth of a Nation
When I had the intention of writing a review of the highest-grossing films of a year, I thought that it would be a fun exercise into looking films of over 100 years ago and also, a pretty lengthy feature. It all seemed grand and then I followed through with the
Oscars 2020 results breakdown
Hello there! Apologies if this is all over the place, but I am running on two and a bit hours sleep and I had to get this all out of my head now! The Oscars threw up some wonderful surprises, but for the most part, it was what everyone expected.