Plucked straight from the headlines, Abel Ferrera’s controversial new film Welcome To New York features a terrific performance – warts and all – from Gérard Depardieu. He plays Mr. Deveraux, a sleazy, power-hungry and sex-obsessed businessman whose hedonistic lifestyle is upturned when he’s convicted of molesting a hotel housekeeper. Continue reading “Review: Welcome To New York (2014)”
Writer and director Hong Khaou makes a lasting impression with his feature debut Lilting, a profound and intimately executed low-budget drama. Mourning the death of his boyfriend (Andrew Leung), Richard (Ben Whishaw) makes attempts to connect with his partner’s mother (Pei-pei Cheng), a Chinese-Cambodian woman who’s completely oblivious to her son’s true sexuality. Continue reading “Review: Lilting (2014)”
After the substantial success of The Inbetweeners Movie, the awkward foursome – Will (Simon Bird), Simon (Joe Thomas), Neil (Blake Harrison) and Jay (James Buckley) – are back for a sequel that’s solidly entertaining, even if it does reek of fatigue. In desperate need of an escape, Will, Simon and Neil splurge their savings and student loans on a trip to visit Jay in Australia – a trip that quickly turns sour. Continue reading “Review: The Inbetweeners 2 (2014)”
With a line of successful franchises already set up, Marvel take a risk with their latest, Guardians Of The Galaxy, a largely unknown comic book property. It’s safe to say their bet has paid off, with director James Gunn delivering a ludicrously entertaining space-set adventure that fizzles with humour, rat-a-tat interplay and marvellous action set pieces. Continue reading “Review: Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)”
Nicolas Cage’s career bears many similarities to a see-saw in that one minutes it’s up (The Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call – New Orleans) and the next it’s down (Trespass). Joe, his latest film that teams him up with director David Gordon Green, is definitely one of the former. Joe (Nicolas Cage), an ex-con whose determined to keep his violent past in the past, crosses paths with Gary (Tye Sheridan), a 15-year-old boy with problems of his own. Continue reading “Review: Joe (2013)”
Earth To Echo, Dave Green’s feature debut, is an admirable attempt to replicate the classic family adventures of the 80s. Instead, what’s delivered is an uneven mishaps that lacks heart, soul and, most importantly, originality. Forced to leave their neighbourhood, friends Tuck (Brian Bradley), Alex (Teo Halm) and Munch (Reece Hartwig) spend one last night together. Continue reading “Review: Earth To Echo (2014)”
With films like Fly Me To The Moon and A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures already under it’s belt, Belgium’s nuWave Pictures makes its best film yet with The House Of Magic, a 3D animated adventure that boasts dazzling visual flourishes and character creations, but not much else. When indoor cat Thunder (Murray Blue) is abandoned, he seeks shelter in a mysterious house owned by an old magician (Doug Stone) and his wacky playmates. Continue reading “Review: The House Of Magic 3D (2013)”
Well known for pushing boundaries across his films, Bong Joon-ho makes a tremendous splash with his English-language debut Snowpiercer. Entrapped within a perpetually moving train thanks to a climate change deterrent-turned-icy, the lower class, led by Curtis (Chris Evans), start an uprising in a bid to overturn a dictatorial system that has left them impoverished. Continue reading “Review: Snowpiercer (2013)”
Ten year’s after soaring to success with his breathtaking low-budget directorial debut Once, writer and director John Carney returns to our screens with Begin Again, a more polished, yet no less triumphant musical drama. When left betrayed by her long-term boyfriend, Gretta (Keira Knightley) finds herself unstuck in New York City – until she meets Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a down-on-his-luck record producer, who hones in on her raw singing talent. Continue reading “Review: Begin Again (2014)”
Empty Screens 