Red, a sort of adaptation to DC Comics’ limited comic book series of the same name, was released two years ago to modest box office success and lukewarm critical reception. You’d think, then, that the sequel, which sees Dean Parisot assume the directorial reigns, would iron out the issues that plagued its predecessor. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case, and Red 2 ends up being as nonsensical, irritating and lacking in credible narrative as Red was. Continue reading “Review: Red 2 (2013)”
Corruption-based political thriller Broken City hails from director Allen Hughes – one half of the directorial team behind The Book Of Eli and From Hell – and screenwriter Brian Tucker and offers a murky and coarse, yet deeply scatterbrained and prosaic insight into the underbelly of untrustworthy figures in New York City, complete with all the typical neo-noir tropes, including heavy doses of sex, murder, adultery and deception. Continue reading “Review: Broken City (2013)”
Steven Soderbergh’s swan song (his Liberace biopic Behind The Candelabra will air on HBO later this year) sees the esteemed director re-team with Contagion screenwriter Scott Z. Burns for a taut, artistic and unsettling psychological thriller set against the world of mental health. It is a place where abhorrent pharmaceutical industries are benefitting from modern societies increasing reliance on anti-depressants, regardless of their destructive and addictive side effects. Continue reading “GFF 2013 Review: Side Effects (2013)”
Sherrie (Julianne Hough) arrives in Los Angeles as an incautious dreamer. However, when she’s mugged and left with only $17 to her name, she’s left dishearted by the place she’s dreamt of since her tender years. Thankfully, she’s saved by the equally ambitious Drew (Diego Boneta) and lead to steady work at the famous Bourbon Rooms. However, when the Mayor’s wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) starts scheming to shut down the rock ‘n roll venue for good, her idol – Continue reading “Review: Rock Of Ages (2012)”
Empty Screens 