Few films in the past five years have divided critical and audience opinion to the extent of ‘Joker’. Comments on the film have ranged from “It laughs at disability” through to “It is a dangerous exploration of mental health”. However, the truth is ‘Joker’ opens an uncomfortable door into societies views on criminality, isolation and …
Stephen King published his 22nd novel ‘IT’ back in 1986 to a mixed reception from critics. The novels coming of age themes sitting alongside a supernatural presence who fed on fear, captivated some and bemused others. Its 1300+ pages demanded attention and commitment from the reader. While its core themes dug deep into childhood and …
Creature movies have had a rough time over the past few years. Offering nothing more than simple or bland stories that deliver nothing of substance. From Rampage to The Meg, natural predators have been treated as mere action fodder for pumped up muscle clad heroes. However with Crawl, director Alexandre Aja (Maniac) brings us a …
Quick Read Review In 2013 we were given Olympus Has Fallen, followed in 2016 by London Has Fallen. Each blowing up favourite holiday destinations and landmarks. While killing as many people as possible on screen in a shower of bullets, explosions and rocket launchers. Now ‘Die Hard’ wannabe Mike Banning is back, bringing yet more …
Released in 1993, The Good Son had a turbulent journey to cinema screens, beset with re-writes, production changes and Hollywood politics in casting. However, despite its tumultuous journey, The Good Son remains a fascinating insight into child criminality on screen. A mainstream film that tentatively dared to imagine that children can and do hurt others. …
Spoiler Free Four years on from The Hateful Eight, a film that garnered very mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Tarantino’s ninth feature is mature, visually stunning and nuanced filmmaking. Holding your attention, despite its slower pace with cinematography, performances and script writing that sings. While submerging you in a hypnotic mix of fantasy …
Greta is not Neil Jordans finest hour. With the promise of the first half, ultimately let down by the lack of creative vision inherent in the second half. However, Moretz and Huppert save Greta from obscurity. Huppert stealing the limelight with a delicious, often bonkers and psychotic character study that keeps you glued to the …
Let’s start by going back to 1988 and the origins of the Child’s Play film franchise. Tom Holland’s film based on a story by Don Mancini, set the template for a whole series of low budget possessed doll tales. Mixing childhood toys with American slasher film themes. In the process giving birth to the horror …
Claire Denis takes us on an interstellar journey exploring creation and completion and the dark corners of the human experience. In an unspecified future, young criminals on death row are sent on a journey of no return. Their mission to gather scientific data on the energy of a black hole in order to further the …
Ted Bundy was one of the most notorious serial killers of modern American history, viciously murdering and raping over 30 women in the 1970’s. During much of that time Bundy had a female partner, who has often been sidelined as a victim of his manipulation, multiple personalities and deadly charm. Loosely based on the book …