calebjames11313 The minimalist teaser for The Substance danced across our cinema screens then seemingly disappeared with little to no accompanying marketing in the outside world. Not much could be derived from the trailer other than you never want to have to see an extreme close-up of Denis Quaid eating prawns again. And then came the reviews. … Read more
Just when you thought Smile had reached peak nightmare fuel, Smile 2 shoves you deeper into the abyss, kicking off with one of the most intense openers in recent horror. Six days after the first film’s grim ending, we meet a quietly terrified Joel (Kyle Gallner), who’s waking nightmare has clearly driven him to desperation. … Read more
A creaky cabin surrounded by oppressive woodland inhabited by a mysterious presence. Sound familiar? Well, that’s because it is. Though a lesser-seen presence in recent years, Halle Berry delivers a gripping performance in Never Let Go as a mother battling supernatural forces while caring for her twin sons. Her portrayal teeters between madness and truth.Is … Read more
The original Joker (2019) was a lightning rod for controversy, with its gritty, violent portrayal of Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) sparking intense debate among critics and audiences alike. While some hailed it as a bold, thought-provoking character study, others criticized the film for what they saw as a dangerous glorification of incel culture and violent alienation. … Read more
You’d be forgiven for feeling slightly bemused as the opening of Barbie unfurls. Commanding as Helen Mirron’s satirical narration is, it explains little. The scene is abstract, comical and epic in equal measure. Gretta Gerwig promises much within the first minute and it’s safe to say the confidence and competence with which Barbie begins, sustains … Read more
So let’s recap. Back in 1996 Brian De Palma teamed up with the then 34 year-old Tom Cruise to bring us Mission: Impossible. Thought to be a one-off, stand-alone spy thriller, receiving deserved critical and commercial acclaim. 4 Years later the less beloved M:I 2 came along, courtesy of John Woo, and though it had … Read more
The Emmy-nominated sleeper hit returned to our screens this year with more blood, guts and extreme psychosis. All the good stuff. But having such a successful first season comes with its caveats. Follow-up seasons are tricky enough as it is – recapturing the magic, sustaining the mystery, all while driving the narrative forward in new … Read more
It arrived with little-to-no fanfare. Marketing, at least in the UK, was minimal and my screening was as close to empty as I’ve seen in a while. Somehow though, none of that seemed to matter. In an age where bums on seats and box office numbers are seen by studios as the be-all-and-end-all of the … Read more
As the DCEU draws to a close, having never truly lived up to its source material potential or matched Marvel’s hit-rate, the penultimate film in its 10-year run serves as somewhat of a Justice League Light. Featuring relative newcomer Sasha Calle as Supergirl and Michael Keaton donning the iconic cowl 34 years later, it’s this … Read more
It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that 2018’s Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse redefined the meaning of animation forever. Five years ago Columbias Pictures teamed up with Sony Animation to bring us a fresh take on the Superhero formula through the lens of a comic-book-brought-to-life style, woven together by stellar writing and a pitch-perfect voice cast. … Read more