2021 brought us one of the whackiest, knowing and, at times, downright hilarious horrors of the last few years in the form of James Wan’s Malignant. The writer/director playfully utilised long-tired tropes in a subversive and self-aware way that made Malignant feel fresh, different and fun. This year, from the same writing team, produced by … Read more
With credits like Game of Thrones, Succession and The Affair under his belt, TV Director Mark Mylod turns to feature film-making in the form of genre-defying hit, The Menu. Led by a career-best Ralph Fienes, the cast is stacked. Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult bear the brunt of the dramatic weight but do so with … Read more
Rian Johnson knows how to thread together a who-dunnit with a stack of A-Listers at his disposal, as proven by 2019’s Knives Out. But does the Daniel Craig-led murder-mystery premise have the legs for a follow-up? The opening sequence is arguably the highlight of the film. Kathryn Hahn’s Claire, Leslie Odom Jr. ‘s Lionel, Kate … Read more
In 2018 A Quiet Place crept into our cinemas with little more than a wisper. The modestly budgeted project from writer/director/actor John Krasinski had limited marketing flexibility so it really was a sleeper hit. And a hit it was. A masterful and creative take on the popular post-apocalyptic, near-future genre. Using audio and visuals in … Read more
Fern (Francis McDormand), in the wake of the death of her husband as well as the economic collapse of her long-time hometown, sets out in pursuit of a new way of life. Settling into a tight-knit community of modern-day Nomads, she transitions into their world as they show her the dangers, and wonders, of the … Read more
It’s the 1980’s and the Yi family have re-located from California to Arkansas in search of the ever-elusive American dream. Damned if he’ll spend his life as a chicken sexer, Jacob (Steven Yeun) is determined to start his own Korean vegetable farm despite the turbulent times and financial peril he must face to do so. … Read more
We open on Black Gammon, a heavy metal duo, as they deliver a wall-of-sound to an appreciative, raucous crowd. Another day in the life of Ruben (Riz Ahmed) and Lou (Olivia Cooke) as they tour the country, promoting their music and nurturing an ever-growing fanbase. But the life of semi-pro, touring musicians isn’t all bright … Read more
2017 gave us what we thought could be the turning point for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Wonder Woman. Patty Jenkins’ vision of the most iconic female superhero ever conceived. It had it’s flaws yes, but at long last Warner Bros. had moved away from their desperate attempts to catch up with Marvel’s triumphant ensemble … Read more
It’s no secret that the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has struggled to get off the blocks with it’s various attempts at cross-over films. First there was Batman Vs Superman, heavily criticised for its dour and sullen portrayal of the two flagship DC characters. Then came Suicide Squad, ambitious and fun at times but dives off … Read more
Pixar know how the wrap their fingers around your heart-strings and yank on them till you buckle. ‘UP’ being the go-to example, but in more recent years the likes of ‘Coco’ and ‘Inside Out’ have also proven themselves among Pixar’s most emotionally affecting fables. So when they announced Soul, the story of an ageing Jazz … Read more