The evacuation of Dunkirk – a miracle in its own right – is the focus of this striking, nerve-shredding survival epic from director Christopher Nolan. Split into three sections, the narrative cross-cuts between perspectives: land, sea and air, each one spanning a different period of time. The tension mounts at an unbelievable rate. Nolan’s camera traps the audience in the moment so as to experience every inch of horror from eye level. Continue reading “Review: Dunkirk (2017)”
This third iteration of everyone’s favourite web-slinger Spider-Man, which sees Tom Holland back in the role after his brief but memorable stint in Captain America: Civil War, is an incredibly charming teen comedy, with some superhero heroics sprinkled into the mix. It’s stripped back, fresh and fun, with Peter Parker (Holland) back in high school, dealing with everyday dramas by day and crimefighting by night, hoping to prove himself as a fully-fledged member of the Avengers. Continue reading “Review: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)”
Korean director Bong Joon-ho directs this soul-satisfying fantasy adventure that’s as entertaining as it is relevant. Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun, a marvellous discovery) lives in the countryside with her grandfather (Byun Heebong), where she’s been raising Okja, the biggest and most developed of the many superpigs engineered by the Mirando Corporation. Continue reading “Review: Okja (2017)”
God’s Own Country – chosen to open this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival – depicts a harsh existence for young Johnny (Josh O’Connor), whose life taking care of his family’s farm on the Yorkshire moors has taken its toll both physically and emotionally. He’s battered, bruised, detached, wiling the lonely nights away with heavy drinking and casual sex. Continue reading “Review: God’s Own Country (2017)”
Wonder Woman, brought to the screen by Monster director Patty Jenkins after years in development hell, is far and away the best entry into DC’s Extended Universe yet. It stars Gal Gadot as the titular superheroine, otherwise known as Diana, Princess of Themyscira. Her life is one of peace and quiet until she rescues American pilot Steve Trevor (a winning Chris Pine) after he crashes his plane off the shore of Amazonia. Continue reading “Review: Wonder Woman (2017)”
This erotic thriller from director Park Chan-wook weaves an intoxicating web of love, lust and secrets in Korea, at a time when it was under Japanese control. Sook-hee (Tae-ri Kim), a minor criminal, is recruited as a handmaiden to wealthy heiress Lady Hideko (Min-hee Kim), who is the focus of an intricate deception. Continue reading “Review: The Handmaiden (2017)”
Jordan Peele, best known as one half of Key & Peele, unnerves with his feature debut, skilfully adopting a horror framework to poke and prod at existing racial tensions. In it, Daniel Kaluuya delivers a breakout performance as Chris, a young black man travelling to the suburbs to meet his significant others’ family. The innocence of an otherwise normal situation is undercut by a sense of unease that’s extended – and built upon – to brilliant effect. Continue reading “Review: Get Out (2017)”
This moderately successful reboot of the 90s TV show pulls the multi-coloured heroes into the 21st century, all shiny and expensive like. It’s in no way intricately plotted – five misfit teens become saviours of their quiet town when a villainous alien threatens destruction – and the melodramatic angst feels at odds with the tongue in cheek nature of the characters. Continue reading “Review: Power Rangers (2017)”
Ben Wheatley blends dark comedy and thriller to deliver a wickedly fun 1970s inspired shootout set within the confines of a dilapidated warehouse in Boston. The bullet bonanza is a result of an arms deal turned sour, with the likes of Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Copley and Armie Hammer along for the ride, each one determined to walk away with their lives and a briefcase full of money. Continue reading “Review: Free Fire (2017)”
British explorer Perry Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) and his search for an ancient civilisation deep within the Amazonian forest is the focus of James Gray’s existential, slow-burning adventure. It’s sumptuously shot by cinematographer Darius Khondji, the expanse brimming not only with dangers, but also with endless possibilites for both discovery and enlightenment. Continue reading “Review: The Lost City Of Z (2017)”
Empty Screens 