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)”
The Kings Of Summer director Jordan Vogt-Roberts transitions to big-budget tent pole with relevant ease; his Kong a mammoth creature discovered during a scouting mission to an unmapped island in the immediate aftermath of the Vietnam War. Roberts wastes no time in introducing the ape, keen to make him the main focus, to the point where both narrative and characters are sorely underdeveloped. Continue reading “Review: Kong: Skull Island (2017)”
Kristen Stewart continues to distance herself from Twilight, reteaming with her Clouds Of Sils Maria director Olivier Assayas for this unusually fascinating drama. Her role here is similar to that film; she plays Maureen, a psychic-cum-celebrity’s assistant who’s haunted by the death of her twin brother, while running errands. Continue reading “Review: Personal Shopper (2017)”
This live-action reimagining of the classic fairytale – directed by Bill Condon – sticks closely to the original story and animated version, bar some extra padding to increase its running time well beyond the two hour mark. Emma Watson delights as Belle, the strong-willed bookworm who falls for the Beast (Dan Stevens), turned so by a witches spell to teach him a lesson. Continue reading “Review: Beauty And The Beast (2017)”
Barry Jenkins’ tender coming-of-age drama explores the anxieties of a black man – Chiron – as he comes to terms with his identity – personal and sexual – in a tough neighbourhood of Miami. The script unfolds over three stages in Chiron’s life – childhood, adolescence and adulthood – and is every bit intimate, beautiful and heartbreaking. Continue reading “Review: Moonlight (2017)”
This entertaining animated comedy from the studio behind mega hit franchise Despicable Me powers along on the back of its talented voice cast and recognisable pop tunes. Buster (Matthew McConaughey), a theatre-owning Koala, is on the cusp of losing his business, so he decides to stage a singing contest that attracts a menagerie of talented animals (an under-appreciated mother, a stage shy elephant), big and small. Continue reading “Review: Sing (2017)”
Empty Screens 