Review: Scream VI (2023)

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With the resounding success of the fifth installment that captivated both fans and critics, co-directors Matt Bettinelli and Olpin-Tyler Gillet, known as Radio Silence, make their triumphant return to the Scream franchise with Scream VI. Departing from the familiar setting, the story unfolds in the sprawling urban landscape of New York City, where the core quartet of survivors from the previous chapter – Tara (Jenny Ortega), Sam (Melissa Barrera), Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown), and Chad (Mason Gooding) – have taken refuge.
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Review: Scream (2022)

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Since the brutal killing of Drew Barrymore’s character in the opening sequence of the original film, the Scream franchise has shocked and delighted horror fans for the past 25 years. With the unfortunate passing of Wes Craven, the reigns for this sharp, fun and clever fifth entry have been handed to Ready or Not co-directors Matt Bettinelli and Olpin-Tyler Gillet (aka Radio Silence). Continue reading “Review: Scream (2022)” →

Review: It’s A Sin (2021)

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Following his near-future BBC drama Years & Years, Russell T. Davies returns to Channel 4 with It’s A Sin, a stunning and evocative series that spotlights the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. This is chiefly done through the changing perspectives of three young gay men – Ritchie (Olly Alexander, returning to his acting roots), Roscoe (Omari Douglas) and Colin (Callum Scott Howells) – who come to occupy a sprawling flat (christened the “Pink Palace”) in the heart of the city. Continue reading “Review: It’s A Sin (2021)” →

Film Diary: March 2018

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Ah, the month of the Beast from the East.

It started with a bang.

I travelled down to London with my brother at the very end of February. I’d bought tickets for us to attend the Warner Bros Studio Tour on the 1st as a 30th birthday present.

The trip down was fine, and the first afternoon was spent pottering around London during tourist things (I don’t get down much).

And then the snow came. Continue reading “Film Diary: March 2018” →

Film Diary: February 2018

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What a month. Not only did I, Tonya prove The Skeleton Twins’ Craig Gillespie to be more than a one hit wonder, but Black Panther delivered – and then went on to make a billion for Disney and set tongues wagging about a potential Best Picture nomination come February next year. But first, let’s rewind to the start.

The fourth entry in the Insidious franchise, The Last Key, rested solely on Lin Shaye’s shoulders, while attempting to tie the backstory of her life with the sinister events that impacted the Lambert family from the first two films. I love Shaye and her role as parapsychologist Elise, but this series has run its course by a long mile. Continue reading “Film Diary: February 2018” →

Film Diary: January 2018

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The month kicked off as any year usually does, with a handful of potential Oscar nominees finally hitting UK cinemas after their festival debuts the year before. Darkest Hour featured a blistering performance from Gary Oldman, though little else. Joe Wright’s drama about Churchill in the lead up to Dunkirk rested on the talents of its lead, who mostly kept things afloat even when the script faltered. As someone who disliked Pan, but loved Atonement, I’m also searching for a Wright film to match up to that. This isn’t it, though it can still be admired for what it is. Continue reading “Film Diary: January 2018” →

Review: Justice League (2017)

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Superman (Henry Cavill) is dead. The world’s crime rate is rising and a supernatural threat could mean global destruction (a worn-out staple of most modern superhero films). Batman (Ben Affleck), with the help of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), assembles a team to fight back and preserve the Kryptonian’s pursuit of peace. DC’s latest attempt to spur their cinematic universe to life has been plagued by post-production troubles and an absurd budget. Continue reading “Review: Justice League (2017)” →

Review: The Florida Project (2017)

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The Florida Project, director Sean Baker’s follow-up to the iPhone-shot Tangerine, is set a stone’s throw from Disney World, in and around budget purple-painted motel The Magic Castle. It’s here that brash six year-old Moone (a breathtaking Brooklynn Prince) lives with her young, rebellious mother Halley (Bria Vinaite). Continue reading “Review: The Florida Project (2017)” →

Review: Paddington 2 (2017)

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It’s been three years since this Peruvian bear’s first big screen adventure chalked up a storm at the box office. In a sequel that more than matches up to its predecessor, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) has his eye on a pop-up book as a present for Aunt Lucy’s birthday. But when it’s stolen by a mysterious figure, Paddington – along with the Brown family and some new friends – must catch the thief before it’s too late. Continue reading “Review: Paddington 2 (2017)” →

Review: Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

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Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery receives a star-studded if dreary update, directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also takes on the lead role of Hercule Poirot. The detective, on his way to London to solve another case, finds himself embroiled in an unexpected murder – one that takes place on the very train he’s travelling on. Each and every passenger is a suspect, most of whom are played by A-list talent dressed up but without the dialogue, including Judi Dench, Penélope Cruz and Josh Gad. Continue reading “Review: Murder On The Orient Express (2017)” →