The Substance – Review

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

Smile 2 – Review

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

Never Let Go – Review

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

Joker: Folie a Deux – Review

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

Barbie – Review

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

SISU – Review

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

The Flash – Review

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

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse – Review

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

Avatar – The Way Of Water – Review

Who can deny that James Cameron knows his way around a blockbuster? In fact, ‘knows his way around’ is an unforgivable understatement. His track record is unlike anyone’s when it comes to sheer scale and spectacle (and that’s before we even talk box office figures). You could say the likes of Villenauve’s Dune or The … Read more