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- Citroen Review | Film Reviews
Citroen film review by UK film critic Finn O'Toole. Starring Rick Vosse, Tom Hofman & Esmee de Groot directed by Bastiaan Rook. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Citroen Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Finn O'Toole | Posted on: Nov 7, 2026 Directed by: Bastiaan Rook Written by: Rick Vosse Starring: Rick Vosse, Tom Hofman & Esmee de Groot Citroen , written by Rick Vosse and directed by Bastiaan Rook, is a humorous mockumentary short-film following a charismatic cult leader. The twist? He doesn’t want to be a cult leader. But, with his disciples dead set on following him no matter what, he finds himself in a desperate position. Rook and Vosse employ a documentary style to great effect, utilising quick zoom ins/ outs and dirtying the frame with bushes and other obstacles to give the impression that there is a camera operator improvising every movement behind the scenes. Which, of course, there is. But the ability to make something meticulously planned feel improvised is a feat that director of photography Stijn Jonkhart rises to with (what looks like) ease. Jonkhart also utilises natural light in exterior scenes to great effect, elevating this piece beyond the visuals you would expect from a “documentary”. The interior scenes are also lit beautifully by Kenny Nagelkerke to emulate natural light to the point where one cannot be sure how much is real and how much is artificial. Spectacular work from the cinematography and lighting team! The first character the audience is introduced to is Danny, who produces a bottle of poisonous fluid from his bag. Immediately viewers will clock on to this as an example of "Chekhov's gun” (Anton Chekhov’s principle that “one must never place a loaded rifle on the stage if it isn't going to go off” .) This creates a humorous tension, giving the story a ticking clock feeling – a bomb under the table that could go off at any moment. The central concept of the piece is a brilliant idea, depicting something as absurd as a cult and flipping it on its head. We follow Jonah who, to little success, continually attempts to convince his followers to abandon him in increasingly obvious and comical ways. The story drags in the middle somewhat as the structure becomes glaringly obvious: Jonah tries something in an attempt to scare the cultists off, it doesn’t work, then he heads back to the drawing board. However, the conclusion of all this hooks the viewer right back in as the aforementioned Chekhov's bottle comes back into play, in an ironic twist of fate that is equally funny as it is deeply tragic. Overall Citroen is an amusing short that, while predictable, is sure to entertain its audience and anyone else who comes across it. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Finn O'Toole Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >
- Film Reviews | UK Film Review
Film reviews from some of the biggest movies in UK cinemas. We also review short films, indie films, and documentaries. Find a movie review now. Film Reviews Here at UK Film Review we like to tackle all kinds film reviews. Our writers come from all walks of life, and feel passionate about critiquing the movies they watch. From the latest Theatrical Releases to Short Films, Indie Films, Documentaries and even Animation, the contributors of UK Film Review are as eager to please as Dev Patel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). If you are a filmmaker, or are working in film PR and want to promote one of your clients, please get in touch using the Submit Your Film button under the drop-down menu for Home. Take a look at our list of film reviews below from some of the hottest releases in UK cinemas. Simply click the image of the review you would like, or the title of the movie. Or use the search button to find the movie you are looking for. We have given any feature length film a star rating (out of 5) in order to help viewers sort the Citizen Kanes from the Waterworlds, the Inceptions from the Transformers. Michael Bay will be given a fair film review from our writers, but that probably will not go in his favour. Speaking of Filmmakers, head over to our Filmmaker Features page for awesome articles about some of the best filmmaking geniuses who ever lived. Movie Trailers are also available, either underneath the film reviews, or on the Movie Trailers page. And lastly, if you like your film reviews verbalised. Simply because reading is boring and listening is marvellous, then make sure you Subscribe to the UK Film Review Podcast. Our critics offer up some banterous opinions on the best and worst movies across all genres. Head over to the Podcast page, or click this link to go straight to iTunes. If you would like to read or view any of the following, simply use the navigation. Alternatively, you can click on one of the images to read the film reviews here, or simply have a ganders at the lovely movie artwork on display. Remember to listen to film reviews on our regular film podcast. GET REVIEWED average rating is 3 out of 5 Dead On The Vine Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Pleased to Kill You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 New Group Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Temptation of Becky Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Silver Screamers Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Echoes Of Dread Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Manipulation Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Breeder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Weird Kidz Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Clayface Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bigfoot, I Love You Read Review Spoilers in our film reviews As with all digital forms of expression sometimes people may find something that upsets them online. Spoilers can often be one of these things! Whilst we do our best to ensure that major plot points, twists, character deaths and celebrity cameos are not found in our reviews, it can sometimes be difficult to judge what each and every film lover on the planet would to be a spoiler. If you feel that one of our film reviews contains one too many details then please do let us (politely) know using our social media platforms. We may then take serious action, such as expelling the critic responsible from this and every other movie publication past and present, declaring war against the studio for leading our writer into temptation, or we may do nothing at all. To be honest, it is most likely going to be the latter unless some serious rules have been broken. You may also see some movie trailers in our reviews that could also contain potential spoilers. In which case anyone who is hoping to avoid these should probably not click the play button on them. Or click the play button, turn the sound down on your device, then leave the room for a least 28 minutes whilst the trailer finishes and leaves your life naturally. You may be wondering what you could do with all 28 of those minutes! Why not read some more film reviews on another device? Or make a short film of your cat playing with a piece of string? Spend it wisely guys and gals.
- Film Reviews and Movie Trailers | UK Film Review
Film reviews and movie trailers for new movies, indie cinema and short films.Read a film review or watch a trailer on our website. LATEST MOVIE REVIEWS UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. We even review short and independent films on the podcast. Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Get Reviewed On Our Podcast Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS Citroen average rating is 4 out of 5 Sheep average rating is 3 out of 5 Let it Flow average rating is 3 out of 5 Alchemy of the Word average rating is 4 out of 5 Quinn average rating is 4 out of 5 Postcards average rating is 5 out of 5 Monster average rating is 4 out of 5 Dead On The Vine average rating is 3 out of 5 Magan's Fare average rating is 3 out of 5 Infection average rating is 4 out of 5 Pleased to Kill You average rating is 3 out of 5 New Group average rating is 3 out of 5 Featured Film News FILM NEWS The Latest Film Trailers MOVIE TRAILERS The Beekeeper 2 Werwulf Jumanji: Open World Paper Tiger Ink The Social Reckoning Filmmaker Interviews INTERVIEWS
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- The Best and Worst Films of the 2026 London Film Festival
Film Festival Feature by Callum Ewing and James Learoyd Best Film I felt fortunate to see so many good and excellent films at LFF 2026, making it difficult to choose a favourite. My pick, however, was the 2nd film I watched: Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine. Wild Horse Nine Official Film Trailer McDonagh is one of my favourite writer-directors for his sharp comic dialogue and ability to reveal his characters’ vulnerability. Here, Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich play CIA agents transferred to Easter Island against the backdrop of the 1973 Chilean coup. The film features McDonagh’s trademark quotable one-liners and carefully crafted comic payoffs, but a deep melancholy underpins the humour as the characters reflect on their pasts and contemplate death. Malkovich is particularly impressive, delivering a performance that surely deserves a Best Actor nomination. His often subtle acting provides an emotional anchor amid the film’s pace and chaos, balancing effortless comic delivery with vulnerability. Filmed on Easter Island, it is also one of McDonagh’s most beautifully shot works. Despite a few minor flaws, I highly recommend seeing it when it opens in cinemas on 6th November. Honourable mentions go to Godzilla Minus Zero, Artificial and Primetime. All of a Sudden is James’ pick for best film at LFF. The latest from Japanese auteur Ryusuke Hamaguchi is one of the most moving cinema experiences you’ll have all year. Tragic and life-affirming in equal measure, the piece’s unique outlook on relationships and modern society is one to examine and treasure. It places, at its centre, two characters whose philosophies are certainly different, and yet whose values and loves are perfectly aligned. Clocking in at over three hours, you would suspect this a slow or challenging watch. Far from it: it’s a perfectly paced, elegantly structured work from Hamaguchi – and for my money, his best film to date. You can read my review on the website to know more about what I loved about the movie! Other honourable mentions for best film should go to The Devils, Paper Tiger and The History of Concrete. Most Disappointing Fortunately, I saw no bad films at LFF, but Danny Boyle’s Ink was my most disappointing. Although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I would not rank it among his best: some unusual creative choices undermine the film. It follows the creation of The Sun newspaper, with Boyle’s characteristic kinetic direction and fast-paced editing. Ink Official Film Trailer Jack O’Connell is brilliant as its new editor, Larry Lamb, as is Guy Pearce as Rupert Murdoch. However, the film struggles to slow down and explore the story’s moral questions, particularly The Sun’s damaging impact on journalism and society. Its use of generative AI is also distractingly poor and entirely unnecessary. For James’ worst or most disappointing of the London Film Festival, my comments are of a more general nature. There’s no one film to pinpoint as being disastrously bad – and I’d like to think that some of this is due to my choice in viewing (prioritising directors I care about, or small, independent movies whose descriptions pique my interest). I’ll mention that Artificial and I Love Boosters are the two most popular films that, whilst I enjoyed them for the most part, fail in certain areas for me; two examples of well-crafted movies with intelligent ideas that leave something to be desired in terms of overall structure or precision of tone. There were one or two low-budget, independent works that I saw, films that were far worse than the two I’ve mentioned – yet there’s little-to-no point in negatively highlighting things more modest in scale. And either way, I’ve found something to admire in everything I’ve seen at this year’s festival, without exception. Most Overlooked James Gray’s Paper Tiger is a fantastic film that deserves more attention. Featuring strong performances from Miles Teller, Scarlett Johansson, and especially Adam Driver, it follows a suburban middle-class family whose involvement with the Russian mafia spirals out of control. Driver plays Gary, an ex-cop and brother to Teller’s character, while Johansson plays Teller’s wife. Driver is magnetic, balancing strength with vulnerability, and Teller delivers one of the most mature performances I have seen from him. Beautifully shot, the film’s textured grain, costumes, and production design vividly evoke its 1980s setting. Action is sparse, but its two action scenes are magnificently filmed. Weaknesses in the script and Johansson’s character keep it from being one of my favourites of the year, but it deserves more appreciation when it opens in February. An honourable mention goes to Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth!, which might divide audiences when it comes out in December. For me, I admired and liked it but did not love it. James’ pick for most overlooked film is a draw between Iron Boy and Mouse. My morning screening of Iron Boy felt quite transformative and was, to my shock and delight, the film with the most enthusiastic applause I heard all festival. Part of the reason, I’m sure, was because nobody knew anything about this movie going into it, and yet were blessed with a stunning, carefully crafted work of art. This French animation is a true gem and not one to miss. Mouse – recommended to me by Isabel Moir who also conducted the in-person Q&A at the screening I attended – tells a deeply tragic coming-of-age story, anchored by some achingly vulnerable performances from Sophie Okonedo and Katherine Mallen Kupferer. Both are the exact kinds of films you yearn to discover when heading to a festival. Films that are personal and hand-crafted. Both brought me to tears multiple times.
- 1 in 2 (2026) Documentary Film Review
Directed by: David Nicholas Wilkinson Written by: David Nicholas Wilkinson, Emily’s Price Starring: James Van Der Beek, Chadwick Boseman, Miriam Margolyes Film Review by: Holly Baker 1 in 2 (2026) is a feature-length documentary written and directed by David Nicholas Wilkinson. The film follows Wilkinson’s, along with several other subjects’, journey of living through bowel cancer treatment, particularly undergoing chemotherapy. Made up of several interview clips along with segments of Wilkinson speaking to the camera, both whilst receiving treatment and during his alone time, the film laments the severe difficulties that patients with bowel cancer face. There is no shying away from the details of the disease, such as the disastrous impact on mental health that treatments such as stomas can have, as well as the physical impacts of having bowel troubles and how this gets in the way of daily life. Viewers will feel engagingly informed about the realities of cancer, which will likely affect either them or a loved one, as more and more people continue to be diagnosed. As with any disease, bowel cancer begins with diagnosis. Wilkinson, along with the other interviewees featured in the documentary, takes extra care to highlight how difficult a bowel cancer diagnosis is to obtain. Patients’ tumours often go unnoticed for a long period of time, due to the NHS guidelines which are followed by GPs. Through portraying patients’ experiences of misdiagnosis and late diagnosis which severely impacted their chances of having a longer lifespan, the documentary does a neat job of not blaming any individual or organisation, keeping the focus on the work that is being done to make diagnoses more accurate. By including such an intimate perspective, the documentary has its difficult moments. Viewers are given an insight into some graphic descriptions and images of people suffering from bowel cancer. These are very important representations for such a personal and visceral disease, and are incredibly interesting for those wanting to learn more. The harsh aspects of dealing with the illness are the main topic of the documentary, particularly in relation to patients' mortality. However, there is light shown in the wholesome, community aspects of the disease. The documentary informs viewers of the groups of people who have found each other through their common factor of having bowel cancer. These people express the way that getting to share the graphic aspects of their treatment made them feel a lot less alone when dealing with it. As well as this, the documentary shows the way that community projects can change individuals ' perspectives on aspects of treatment, such as a stoma. Stomas are often seen as disgusting and as a burden to deal with; however, the documentary poses the idea that the stoma is a signifier of life, as they often extend that of those who have one. 1 in 2 official film trailer There is an interesting incorporation of lightheartedness and comedy in the documentary which Wilkinson navigates well. Wilkinson’s interactions with nurses and doctors are shown authentically and lovingly, we witness him making jokes with them and speaking to the staff on a friendly level which is lovely to see. As well as this, viewers are given such a close-up view of his everyday life, we witness what is happening in his body as he explains it in real time to the camera. Wilkinson finds himself in various uncomfortable scenarios which can be nightmarish to imagine, however, he seems to find humour in the bizarreness of these situations. This importantly highlights the humanity in those not only suffering from the illness, but also the treatment system, placing cancer and the world of cancer treatment within the normal, relatable world as viewers see recognisable kinds of people who are involved in treatments every day. The subjects in the documentary are from all walks of life, older, younger, famous, etc. There is also a big focus on the way that the illness not only affects the patient, but also their family, such as the children of a mother who is unable to properly take care of them due to the excessive fatigue she deals with. This importantly brings attention to the way that cancer can affect anyone, and conveys the film’s strong message of encouraging viewers to take tests so that tumours are found sooner rather than later. 1 In 2 will be in UK Cinemas from 13th November 2026.
- Filmmaker Interview with Alex Devlin
Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson Thanks for speaking with UK Film Review. For those who don't know you, please can you let our readers know a bit more about you and your filmmaking background? My name is Alex Devlin, I'm 25 years old, and I'm the founder and CEO of Devine Animation Studios, a small independent animation studio based in Oban, Scotland. I founded the studio in January 2023, at the age of just 22, with the ambition of bringing back the charm of traditional 2D animation and the classic cartoon humour that so many of us grew up loving. Since then, the studio has grown to a team of 19 talented individuals, consisting of both volunteers and paid staff, all working towards bringing our creative visions to life. We're currently in production on our very first animated short film, Waldo VS The Polar King, which we're aiming to release in late 2027. My long-term ambition is to establish Devine Animation Studios as a recognised name in independent animation, creating original stories, memorable characters, and entertaining films that audiences of all ages can enjoy. We are big fans of animation! How would you describe Waldo VS The Polar King to a new audience? Waldo VS The Polar King is an upcoming traditionally animated comedy-adventure featuring our studio's mascot, Waldo, a flying mouse, alongside his best friend and trusty sidekick, Nick Nash, a bandicoot. The story follows Waldo as he's unexpectedly sucked into his television and transported into the world of a 1950s TV series. What initially seems like an extraordinary adventure quickly takes a dangerous turn when Waldo encounters Willow, a weasel who finds herself threatened by the villainous Polar King, a powerful ruler capable of wielding lightning. Trapped in this strange television world, Waldo must find a way to save Willow, survive the Polar King's wrath and, ultimately, make it back home. The short is our love letter to classic cartoons, combining traditional 2D animation, colourful characters, slapstick humour and an imaginative adventure that we hope audiences of all ages will enjoy. Why did you want to make this film? I've always been a sucker for old-school cartoons, particularly the classic Looney Tunes shorts and the works of legendary animators such as Tex Avery and Ub Iwerks, as well as characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Felix the Cat. There's something incredibly special about those early cartoons. They were imaginative, unpredictable, wonderfully chaotic, and, most importantly, they weren't afraid to be completely ridiculous. That's something I feel we don't see nearly enough of in mainstream animation today. I wanted to make Waldo VS The Polar King because I genuinely believe there's still an audience for that kind of traditional cartoon humour. I miss the exaggerated expressions, the slapstick comedy, the larger-than-life personalities and the sheer zaniness that made those classic shorts so memorable. I also feel that the animation industry has become increasingly dominated by major corporations, with acquisitions, familiar franchises and commercial expectations sometimes making it harder for smaller, independent voices to be heard. Waldo & Nick Nash clip from Devine Animation Studios That's one of the reasons I founded Devine Animation Studios. I want to help create a space where originality, artistic freedom and creativity are encouraged rather than restricted. At Devine, we've already mapped out five waves of potential projects, including original films, television series and animated shorts, each with their own characters, stories and worlds. I don't want our studio to become known for producing the same kind of animation over and over again. I want us to experiment, take creative risks and give audiences something different. Ultimately, Waldo VS The Polar King is our way of celebrating the cartoons that inspired us while introducing that style of humour and storytelling to a new generation. We're not trying to replace modern animation. We simply want to bring back something we feel has been missing from it. Sounds great! Were there any challenges making the film? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them? Well, believe it or not, one of our biggest challenges was actually finding animators! (Laughs). When I founded Devine Animation Studios in 2023, I quickly discovered just how difficult it can be to produce an animated film independently, particularly when you're working with a limited budget. The studio has been entirely self-funded by me, which naturally comes with its own challenges, especially when you're trying to assemble a talented team and produce something you're genuinely proud of. Waldo & Oswald's Grand Adventure | Kickstarter Campaign Another challenge was deciding what our first production would actually be. Over the years, we explored several different projects and ideas, but for various reasons, we kept changing direction. Eventually, we settled on Waldo VS The Polar King, which I believe was the right decision for our first short film. Fortunately, after a lot of searching and perseverance, we managed to assemble a small team of animators who will help bring Waldo and his world to life. We've now completed the script, concept artwork, storyboards and voice recordings, and we're preparing to begin the animation process. It's incredibly exciting to finally see everything coming together after years of planning and development. As for overcoming challenges, I've always believed that communication is one of the most important aspects of running a successful studio. Whenever we encounter a problem, I try to be open with my team about it. Rather than making every decision behind closed doors, I prefer to arrange meetings where everyone has an opportunity to share their thoughts, suggest solutions and contribute their ideas. I think one of the biggest mistakes a company can make is failing to listen, whether that's to its employees or its audience. It's something I feel larger corporations can sometimes struggle with, and it's something I'm determined to avoid at Devine Animation Studios. I don't want our studio to feel like a workplace where everyone simply follows orders. I want us to feel like one big family, where every individual knows their voice matters and their creativity is valued. Ultimately, I believe that when you surround yourself with passionate, talented people and genuinely listen to them, even the biggest challenges become much easier to overcome. That sounds like a great ethos. What stage is the film currently in? And how can people get to see it? Waldo VS The Polar King is currently transitioning from pre-production into the animation stage, which is incredibly exciting for us! We've completed the script, character designs, storyboards and voice recordings, and we're now preparing to bring everything to life through animation. It's been a long journey getting to this point, so we're really looking forward to seeing our characters finally moving on screen. We're currently aiming for a release around November 2027, although, as an independent animation studio, we understand that production schedules can sometimes change. Our priority is to make sure the finished film meets our creative vision, rather than rushing it to meet a particular deadline. As for where people can watch it, we're planning to make the short available to watch for free on YouTube, and we're also hoping to release it through Amazon Prime Video, subject to distribution availability. At the moment, we don't have any plans to enter the film into festivals, although that's certainly something we could consider in the future. Ultimately, we want Waldo VS The Polar King to be accessible to as many people as possible, and we can't wait to share it with audiences! Why do you make movies? Well, for me, that's like asking why I breathe! (Laughs). I've always had an incredibly active imagination. Every day, I find myself coming up with new stories, characters and worlds, and thankfully, it's something that has always come quite naturally to me. I genuinely couldn't imagine my life without storytelling. I'm also a massive film enthusiast. I've currently rated over 1,400 films on Letterboxd, ranging from the earliest days of cinema to modern releases. I've always been fascinated by the power of film and how a story can make someone laugh, cry, think, or even change the way they look at the world. Ever since I was 12 years old, I've dreamed of running my own animation studio, creating animated films and bringing my own stories and characters to life. It's something I've wanted for as long as I can remember, and founding Devine Animation Studios was my first real step towards making that childhood dream a reality. One of my biggest ambitions is to create entertainment that doesn't talk down to children but instead treats them as equals. I think children are often underestimated when it comes to their intelligence and emotional understanding. Too many productions aimed at younger audiences rely on the same predictable jokes, but children are capable of appreciating so much more than that. I want our films to entertain audiences while also exploring meaningful subjects. Whether that's grief, loneliness, feeling different, anxiety, abandonment or simply finding your place in the world, I believe animation is an incredibly powerful medium for telling those stories. For example, I'd love to tell stories about learning to live with the loss of someone you love. Not forgetting that person, but understanding that moving forward doesn't mean leaving their memory behind. I think those are important messages for children and adults alike. Another thing that inspired me to pursue filmmaking was a simple saying: "If you can't find what you're looking for, why not make it yourself?" I've always loved original storytelling, and one of my frustrations with the modern film industry is its increasing reliance on sequels, remakes, reboots, and spin-offs. It sometimes feels as though every successful original film immediately becomes the beginning of another franchise. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against sequels or remakes when there's a genuinely worthwhile story to tell. Some of my favourite films have sequels! But I don't believe a film should receive a sequel simply because the original was financially successful. At Devine Animation Studios, our priority is creating original stories, characters and worlds. We're not completely opposed to revisiting an existing story, but we'd only want to do so if we believed there was something meaningful left to explore. I've always admired Walt Disney and the pioneering spirit of the early animation industry. Those filmmakers weren't afraid to experiment, take risks or attempt something audiences had never seen before. That's the kind of creative ambition I want to encourage at Devine. Ultimately, I make films because I love telling stories. I love the idea that something which began as a simple thought in my imagination could one day make somebody laugh, bring them comfort during a difficult time or stay with them for the rest of their life. And if even one of our films manages to do that for somebody, then I'll consider that a success. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the film career you have pursued? Well, I think the biggest lesson I've learned, and one I'm still trying to grasp myself, is patience! Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not always the most patient person when it comes to filmmaking. I get incredibly excited about my ideas, and when I have a story in my head, I want to see it brought to life as quickly as possible. But filmmaking doesn't work like that, especially animation. When I first started out, I'd hold auditions for writers, voice actors, animators, and artists, without fully appreciating just how much each stage of production depended on the one before it. For example, a writer might need to complete four drafts of a screenplay before it's ready. Then the artists need time to develop the characters and produce the concept artwork and storyboards. Voice actors need to understand their characters, and animators need the necessary artwork, dialogue, and other production materials before they can properly begin their work. It's a bit like building a snowman, really. You start with all these separate pieces, and individually they might not look like much, but once you bring everything together, you've created something special. That's one of the biggest things I've learned about filmmaking. You can't rush creativity, and you certainly can't expect everyone to work at the same pace. Sometimes you simply have to trust the process and the people you've brought on board. Strangely enough, patience is something I had already learned quite a lot about in my personal life, although under very different circumstances. When I was around nine years old, my dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). As I grew older, I gradually took on more responsibilities helping to care for him. At first, it was little things, helping him with the television, fetching his tea or bringing him dinner. But as his condition worsened, he began losing the ability to walk, and there were times when I had to help lift him after he'd fallen, sometimes entirely by myself. Eventually, he became bedridden, and he passed away when I was 18. And believe me, looking after that man certainly taught me a thing or two about patience! (Laughs) But there's something else from that experience that has stayed with me, and I think it's probably one of the most important lessons I could share with anyone pursuing a creative career. Before I founded Devine Animation Studios, I actually ran a small software business that I'd started when I was just 13 years old. I developed mobile applications, and at the time of my dad's passing, I was trying to balance that business with college and everything happening at home. For years, I'd never told my dad about the business. I suppose I was worried he'd react the same way some other people had, asking whether I was making any money and losing interest if the answer was no. But a few weeks before he died, I finally told him. And his reaction was something I'll never forget. His face absolutely lit up. He started asking me all sorts of questions about the business, what I was doing and what I hoped to achieve. By that point, his health had deteriorated considerably. He'd suffered numerous infections that had affected his memory and his ability to think clearly, but despite all that, he remembered my business. He kept taking an interest in it. I think, in his own way, he was relieved to know that I had ambitions for my future and that perhaps one day I'd be in a position to help support the family. After he passed away, I pushed myself incredibly hard to keep developing applications and pursuing my ambitions. I think part of me wanted to prove that his belief in me hadn't been misplaced. And that's something I'd say to anyone who's just starting out in filmmaking, or any creative industry for that matter. Don't measure your success entirely by how much money you're making, how quickly you're progressing, or whether other people understand what you're trying to achieve. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with the people you work with. Listen to them, learn from your mistakes, and understand that creating something worthwhile takes time. And most importantly, don't give up on something you genuinely believe in simply because somebody else can't see its potential. You might spend years working towards a dream that other people don't understand, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth pursuing. I'm still learning myself. Devine Animation Studios is a young company, and we've got a very long way to go before we achieve everything I've envisioned. But I think that's part of the excitement. Every challenge teaches you something, every setback gives you an opportunity to improve, and every little achievement brings you one step closer to where you want to be. So, if I had to sum up my advice, it would be this: be patient, believe in what you're creating and surround yourself with people who believe in it too. Because sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you to make you believe in yourself a little more. Who would you love to work with and why? Wow! That's a great question, and there are so many people I'd absolutely love to work with! If we're talking about actors from any period in cinema history, my number one choice would have to be Robin Williams. I've always considered him one of the greatest actors to ever live, simply because of how incredibly versatile he was. He could have you crying with laughter one minute and absolutely heartbroken the next. Whether it was his hilarious performance as the Genie in Aladdin, his emotional performance in Good Will Hunting, or his incredible work in Awakenings, he had this extraordinary ability to make you feel something. I think that's what made him so special. He wasn't just a comedian or a dramatic actor; he was a storyteller who could do practically anything. I would have absolutely loved the opportunity to work with him. As for filmmakers who are still with us, Steven Spielberg would definitely be near the top of my list. He's been involved in so many films that I absolutely adore, including The Goonies, Back to the Future, Gremlins, Empire of the Sun, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. I admire his ability to balance spectacle, adventure, and genuine human emotion. He can make you feel like a child discovering the magic of cinema for the first time, and then turn around and absolutely break your heart! There are plenty of actors I'd love to work with too, including Adam Sandler, Tom Holland and Brendan Fraser. They're all incredibly talented performers who can bring something special to a character. But here's the interesting thing: as much as I'd love to work with those big names, I'm actually far more interested in discovering new talent. I'd love Devine Animation Studios to become a place where undiscovered actors, independent performers and professional voice actors are given opportunities they might otherwise struggle to find. Everyone has to start somewhere, after all. Even the biggest names in Hollywood were once unknown performers hoping somebody would give them a chance. One thing I've noticed about modern animated films is how heavily some productions rely on celebrity casting. Robin Williams' unforgettable performance as the Genie in Aladdin helped change the way Hollywood approached celebrity voice casting, and since then, having recognisable names attached to animated films has become an increasingly common marketing strategy. Now, don't get me wrong, there are some absolutely phenomenal performances from Hollywood actors in animation, and I certainly wouldn't turn down a talented celebrity simply because they're famous! (Laughs) But I don't believe a recognisable name automatically makes someone the right choice for a character. Sometimes, the perfect voice belongs to somebody you've never heard of. That's why I believe casting should always come down to talent, suitability and the ability to bring a character to life, rather than how many millions of followers somebody has or how recognisable their name is. I'd much rather discover an incredibly talented unknown voice actor and give them their first major opportunity than hire a famous actor simply for the publicity. And who knows? Maybe one day somebody will look back at a Devine Animation Studios production and say, "That's where that actor got their big break!" I think that would be something pretty special. What's next for you in your career after this film? Well, Waldo VS The Polar King is really just the beginning of what we have planned for Devine Animation Studios! We've already got several other animated shorts in development, some of which we're hoping to release throughout 2027. We're constantly developing new stories, characters, and worlds, so there's certainly no shortage of ideas keeping us busy! (Laughs) We're also developing an original fantasy television series, which I'm particularly excited about. Unfortunately, I can't reveal too much about it just yet, but we're currently envisioning a first season consisting of approximately eight episodes, each running for around 20 minutes. The series will follow a princess living in a magical world filled with mysterious creatures and monsters. We're currently aiming for a 12 age rating, although that could change as the project develops. That's about all I can reveal for now, but I'm really looking forward to sharing more about it when the time is right! Looking further ahead, we also have several feature-length animated films planned. However, one of the realities of running a small, entirely self-funded independent studio is that our ambitions can sometimes be bigger than our current budget. Producing a feature film requires a significant financial investment, and at this stage, it's simply not something we can afford to undertake without additional funding or outside investors. But that's certainly not going to stop us from working towards it! My goal is to continue building Devine Animation Studios through our short films and television projects, gradually expanding our audience, developing our team, and hopefully attracting the investment needed to bring our larger productions to life. Ultimately, I don't want Waldo VS The Polar King to be the film people remember us for and nothing else. I want it to be the film people look back on years from now and say, "That's where it all began." We've got plenty of stories left to tell, and we're only just getting started! Find out more about Devine Animation Studios on their website - https://www.devineanimation.co.uk/
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- “YOUR MOVE” - REVIEW: Over the Edge, Into the DarknessIn Film Reviews·January 27, 2018There is an apocryphal saying - variously attributed to Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Mark Twain and a host of others - that there are only two stories we tell each other in our literature, our movies, our narrative arts. In the first, a person goes on a journey; in the second, a stranger comes to town. What matters is not which of these stories an artist chooses, but how it’s told, and how it illuminates another corner of the human soul, be it dark or light. With “Your Move” actor/director/writer Luke Goss effectively combines the two in the person of his protagonist, who must go on a journey to save what he loves most in the world, becoming a stranger in the dark underworld of a Mexican town where clues and danger are virtually indistinguishable. Goss - up to now known as an actor’s actor and platinum-selling musician - proves highly adept at this newest iteration of his abilities, guiding what in other hands might be a standard genre story forward with skill and subtlety. By keeping the focus on the inner workings of his characters Goss creates as much nerve-wracking tension with a quiet tableau between two people as he does with an all-out chase scene. Goss plays New York businessman David Miller, a man with a good life and a family he adores. While on a video call with his wife Isabel (Patricia De Leon) and young daughter Savannah (Laura Martin), who are in Mexico visiting Isabel’s parents, David - back home in New York - witnesses a brutal attack on them that ends in an apparent kidnapping. Stuck thousands of miles away and not knowing where to turn, David calls the local NYPD, whose skeptical response only makes him realize how dire his family’s situation actually is. As an actor Goss is deeply likable, exceptionally effective at translating what his characters are feeling, and the terror David experiences at not knowing what has happened to his loved ones is brutal and palpable. In Mexico he meets the cop in charge of the case, Detective Romero (the superb Robert Davi, in a richly nuanced performance). David wants answers, action, anything to make him feel that progress is being made. Romero, a good detective, understands the need to build his case on facts, and while Romero feels for David’s plight, the man is also his worst nightmare - an uncontrolled wild card who could blow the case at a moment’s notice by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Romero’s careful, low-key approach to the investigation seems like dangerous and deadly plodding from David’s point of view, sure to get his wife and daughter killed. On the other side of the coin is Isabel’s father, Señor Barrabas, a wealthy patrón of weight and gravity. Luis Gatica plays Barrabas with a quiet intensity that is at once civilized and menacing. Though he treats David and the detective as equals, he appears to engender fear and respect everywhere else. Accompanied at all times by a suited, hulking - and likely armed - bodyguard, who Goss subtley keeps just at the edge of the frame, Barrabas’ business dealings can only be guessed at. When it appears that he agrees with Romero’s method of handling the case, David panicks and takes matters into his own hands. Though fit and athletic, David has no “special set of skills” with which to make the bad guy’s life hell a’la the uber-hero in “Taken”, relying instead on instinct and sheer persistence, driven by the certain terror that if he doesn’t use every means at his disposal to track his family down, he will never see them again. Agonizing every step of the way over what he must become to get the job done, he isolates himself from both family and the authorities and relies instead on his gut. Goss’s abilities as a visual stylist and storyteller are well-matched to his subject matter and the camerawork is assured, but he doesn’t sacrifice character development for the sake of style. Goss - who also wrote the script - keeps the dialogue spare and measured, making wonderful use of the players’ inner lives to push the narrative and generate emotion. The acting is uniformly superb and the casting and directing are spot-on, with a touching and almost Fellini-esque sensibility, making scenes with even the most secondary characters satisfying and rewarding. The landscape of the human face as a map of the psyche clearly fascinates Goss at the deepest levels, and his painterly use of color, light and shadow add to the suspense and the unfolding story, while allowing the audience their own visual and emotional journey. And though the church is never explicitly mentioned there is a strain of lush religious iconography running through the film, implying religion as a particularly horrifying form of self-justification for the antagonist, played by Alain Mora in a performance that is a revelatory and disturbing portrayal of a man with a terrifying split in his psyche. The film may be billed as a psychological thriller, but the execution and performances defy simple genre categorization. It would appear that “Your Move” marks the auspicious start of yet another successful branch of Goss’s multi-hyphenate career. “Your Move” has its UK premiere on January 27, 2017. Watch the trailer, here: Writer: Kely Lyons - Los Angeles - January 27, 2018361967
- "Crazy Right" movie trailerIn Movie Trailers·March 5, 201824186
- Beauty and the Beast (2017) ReviewIn Film Reviews·November 1, 2017Disney is back with another live-action adaptation of one of their animated films. This time it was up to Beauty and the Beast to be remade and please the audience. But if we look at the final product that the film is, it seems to be that Disney did it more for the money than for the audience. Will the audience end up roaring for the new film or will it just be Disney happily roaring their victory over their audience? I think we all know the answer to that question. Beauty and the Beast is directed by Bill Condon and tells the tale of Belle. Belle (Emma Watson) is a young adult, who loves to read books and dreaming of playing a part in the adventures that are depicted on those pages. But when she leaves her small village to find her missing father (Kevin Kline), she encounters a large castle in which lives a horrifying Beast (Dan Stevens). As Belle stays with the Beast, she learns that true beauty is found within. Right from the beginning, the film wants to make very clear what kind of a jerk the Beast was before he came a Beast. Just like in the original animated film, where they spend a short monologue on the case. However, in this live-action adaptation they take more then a few minutes to make it clear that the Beast is a jerk. The problem is not that it is not well done, because making the Beast look arrogant is something the movie does is quite well, but the problem is that right from the beginning one of our main characters is an unlikeable prick, which creates a situation wherein you cannot root for the Beast to become normal again. You want him to stay a Beast, because that’s what he honestly deserves to be. He acts like a Beast for the first two acts of the movie. Then the filmmakers remembered that the Beast also must become a human at the end, so they quickly shoved moments in the movie trying to make the Beast look less like a prick and more like an misunderstood young adult. In the original animated film, the Beast had a compelling arc. In this film he does have an arc, but it’s not compelling because the Beast is arrogant throughout most of the film and acts like a prick to everyone around him. The arc is also rushed to the point that it makes you care even less for the Beast. Do you want examples of how much of a prick the Beast is? Well, the Beast doesn’t even give Belle a minute to say goodbye to her father, the Beast keeps correcting and interrupting Belle, the Beast wouldn’t give Belle a room, the Beast forces Belle to eat with him and lets her starve when she says she won’t eat with him etc. The thing with this movie is that they like to exaggerate everything the original did, to the point that this movie feels more like a dark cartoon then the original did.The scriptwriters Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos also try to add new story elements to the script. There is a new back-story how both Belle and the Beast lost their mothers and it adds nothing new to the story. The scriptwriters probably did this trying to make the Beast, after first writing him as such an unlikable character, look more sympathetic and to give Belle an arc. Only thing is that the new back-story doesn’t make Beast look more sympathetic, he still comes across, as a bitter young adult and Belle never gets a conclusion to her arc. Her mother died when she was just a baby. Belle never knew her mother and this has had a great impact on her. However when she finally finds out, what happened to her mother, the subplot is quickly moved aside to continue the main story. Her arc is never resolved or even started to be honest. It just a waste of time. The script also tries to give Belle more personality. They did this by making her amazing in everything. She is good in reading, good with children, good in teaching, good in inventing, good in drawing, good in taming wild beasts (get it?). However, as expected, being good in everything doesn’t count as a trademark for a character. She isn’t Leonardo Da Vinci. Belle is a dreamer, who gets inspired by the books she reads. Belle is intellectual. Indeed. But in this movie they exaggerated her intelligence to the point that this Belle feels more like a cartoon character then her animated counterpart. There are also some continuity errors. Belle on Phillipe, the horse, move like the Flash when needed. Belle just arrives shortly after the villagers arrive at the castle, while the villagers had a big head start. The sound effects are also sometimes off in the final battle. Oh right, forgot. To please the immature and the children, the movie also includes butt and poop jokes. Yeah! There is also a mystery subplot for the character Agathe, which turns out to be the witch that cursed the Beast. This is so poorly done and unnecessary. She just comes and goes when the story needs her to come an go. And her importance to the story is never explained. Which leaves another unsolved subplot.The CGI in this film is, in contrary to the beautiful The Jungle Book, more creepy than fantasy provoking. Nobody wants to see a CGI teapot smiling. They created some nice nightmare related visuals for the younger kids. Can’t wait to see this on a childhood trauma list.Not everything is bad though. The acting is on point. Especially Gaston is likeable, which feels weird because he’s supposed to be villain of the film. Well don’t worry, because for this first half of the film Gaston comes across as a normal, somewhat dimwitted, individual, but in the second half, he leaves Maurice for the wolves stuck at a tree. Something the animated Gaston would probably also be able to do. The Gaston song is also very amusing. Their is actually an illiterate joke in their that works. The song also contains one exciting, maybe little expectable, but still amusing shot. In the end, Beauty and the Beast, is another Disney remake that is poorly executed and is solely done for the money. This movie in particular felt more like a cash grab than the other Disney movies. That is probably because the effect of the original is still untouched by other Disney movies. It is the only animated movie to be nominated for best picture. It is one of the most well known Disney movies. These were the reasons for which Disney thought that their live-action version could earn some big money. Sadly, it did. Overall, it’s not a complete failure. There are some genuine emotional moments. Some new interesting ideas, that all don’t workout however. And sometimes a joke works. But in the end, the movie is still pretty bad, mostly thanks to the poor script.15182
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