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.
Category: Uncategorized
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.
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.
The Retaliators ★★★ – Arrow Video Frightfest 2021
What should be a standard revenge thriller takes a hard turn into the schlock, and it is all the better for it. While not perfect, The Retaliators blunt approach, coupled with Michael Lombardi’s performance, makes it an entertaining horror An upstanding pastor John Bishop (Michael Lombardi), uncovers a dark and
The Last Thing Mary Saw – ★★★ 1/2
A bleak tale of a family keeping too close to Christian doctrine. While The Last Thing Mary Saw doesn’t bring any new ideas to the table, it has an effective atmosphere that grows darker by the minute.
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.
International Science-Fiction Short Film Showcase – Fantasia Fest 2021
Shorts that world build to perfection, these nine films from six countries actively have you wanting more. A fantastic look at the possibilities of science fiction.
Small Gauge Trauma Shorts – Fantasia Fest 2021
Ten fantastic films from seven countries, we are spoilt for choice in a collection that allows each film to bring something different to the audience. All of these filmmakers have a very bright future.
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
Scare Me – ★★★
An entertaining film that feels like a love letter to all the writers out there, struggling or best selling. Scare Me takes some bold decisions with its confined setting; taking advantage of a smart script & two great performances.
Mad God ★★★★ 1/2 – Edinburgh Film Fest 2021
Phil Tippett has created a nightmare, a wonderful, gloriously gruesome and relentlessly horrifying nightmare that leaves you with your jaw firmly on the ground. Simply put, you will have never seen anything like Mad God.
The Gig is Up ★★★★ – Edinburgh International Film Festival
Shannon Walsh takes a straight aim at the businesses benefiting from using lowly paid gig workers. The Gig is Up holds no punches as it paints a rather bleak picture of exploitation that many will have not realised existed.
Bosco ★★★★ – Edinburgh International Film Festival
A documentary about connection to the past and the sad truth of what it means to lose your community. “Bosco” is a special documentary that reminds us all of the importance of not only where we came from, but also our families heritage, who knows what communities, stories and history
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.
Strawberry Mansion ★★★3/4 – Fantasia Fest 2021
Wearing its influences on its sleeves, Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s lo-fi fantasy film Strawberry Mansion is a gloriously offbeat but sweet film that unexpectedly touches you, full of whimsy originality.
King Knight ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
Richard Bates Jr’s film King Knight is full of ridiculousness, from the characters to the situations, yet it never forgets the message of finding acceptance in ones past – a comedy that hits all of the right notes.
Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
A wondrous deep dive into all things folk horror, Kier-La Janisse’s film takes us on a marathon three hour plus journey, yet you are never bored in this absolute much watch.
April Story ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
A joyous & dreamy look at a young person taking that big step into independence & finding oneself, April Story is as relatable now as it was in 1998. Engaging as it is poignant, its simple story gracefully guides you along.
Wonderful Paradise ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
An absurdist comedy for the ages, Masashi Yamamoto’s Wonderful Paradise escalates almost to the point of being overstuffed. Yet it is wildly entertaining as it has a blast, and why not, we need films like this.
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.
Antebellum – ★★ 3/4
A flawed film with a twist that you will either love or hate. Monáe is the obvious standout in Antebellum that swings big, but ends up stumping itself.
On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky – ★★ 1/2
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
