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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 4 out of 5 Kenny Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Fall Guy Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 On My Level Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Changing Tides Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Challengers Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Humane Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Cruel Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy Kills World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Beast Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infested Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bestias Read Review Chris Olson Mar 8 2 min Film Podcast - Dune: Part 2 Chris Olson Mar 1 3 min Film Podcast: George Clooney Rowing Biopic Scoops Film of the Month Jan 20, 2023 3 min TAR FILM REVIEW Taryll Baker Oct 13, 2022 2 min Empire of Light - Film Review Oct 11, 2022 3 min Bones and All LFF Review Oct 7, 2022 3 min White Noise (2022) LFF Review Sep 20, 2022 2 min Sanctuary TIFF Review UK Film Review Sep 13, 2022 5 min FrightFest 2022 Highlights May 25, 2022 3 min Top Gun: Maverick Film Review Apr 23, 2022 3 min The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Film 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.

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Kenny Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: May 3, 2024 Directed by: Stacey Stone Written by: Stacey Stone Starring: Kenny Harris California’s homelessness crisis is an issue that UK audiences may be only passingly familiar with, but the Golden State’s problems with housing, drugs and destitution have been an ongoing concern for some time in the US. Stacey Stone and Diane Mellen’s documentary short Kenny follows a man who does not easily fit into any of the traditional categories of how people end up on the street, and makes for a heartwarming if still concerning look at how people cope in the crisis and find freedom outside of tradition. The film uses a mixture of documentary footage and rotoscope animation to tell the story of Kenny, a 72-year-old man with the beard of a sage who lives on the streets of Santa Barbara. Kenny describes his living circumstances as a freedom, and despite difficulties he takes his life in his stride without need for sympathy. Yet for all his embrace of what life has dealt, the elements take their toll – particularly when flash-floods strike the state. Kenny is a strange and moving short film that balances contradictions and complex issues and questions around homelessness to present a thoughtful picture of its subject. The directors keep the focus on Kenny’s story – how he came to end up ‘living free’ and how he maintains a life on the streets, without explicitly targeting homelessness as a societal issue or crisis. Perhaps it is more self-explanatory to its US target-audience, however to UK viewers some of the political debate may go over heads. Whilst it is lacking from the film – the purpose is made quite clear in the title: the film is about Kenny. Whilst outside issues are significant to his story, the director’s decision to pursue a defined focus on him holds its own power, and a message that for how long the issue has persisted, it forces those who suffer from homelessness to persist as well. The flash-flood storms that strike during filming are an excellent test for how effectively the directors have created a sense of concern for the elderly subject of the documentary. The moment comes as a terrifying twist which sparks concern within the film itself for Kenny’s safety. As devastating as the incident was, it is something of a lucky break for the filmmakers that something so strikingly representative of the dangers homeless people could face at any time happens during filming. The floods act as a symbol of Kenny’s perseverance and strength, whilst indicating vulnerability at the same time. The short shots we have of the man huddling under a bridge for shelter are amongst the most moving in the film. At only ten minutes, Kenny eloquently and emotionally taps into the realities of homelessness. Whilst there are doubtless many Kennys out there – survivors who turn down sympathy out of pride, freedom, anger of more – the reality is that homelessness as an epidemic is something that threatens lives and damages communities. Stone and Mellen’s film is highly recommended for this reason, with an uplifting human story a powerful additional one. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Short Film Reviews Welcome to the UK Film Review page for short film reviews . Here you will find some of the best and brightest sparks in a sea of cinema. Filmmakers from across the globe submit their short films to us to be reviewed, and our Contributors lovingly dissect them. If you would like one of our team to write a film review of your short film, please use the form below or visit our Submit Your Film page Our short film reviews are written by passionate film critics across the UK and aim to highlight and promote terrific filmmaking when we find it. We are always honest with our reviews, so if you are looking to submit your short film for review, please do so knowing that we will not alter what we have said because you don't like it. There is a wealth of amazing talent in the short film industry, and we hope by writing film reviews about this underexposed creativity we can get your movies to a new audience...but we need your help. Please join in the chatter on our social media channels so that we can grow our community and share the joy. Use the buttons in the footer to Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and Subscribe to us on YouTube #supportindiefilm. Get Your Short Film Reviewed ↓ alexjames96 Apr 19 2 min A Happy Ending Short Film Review alexjames96 Apr 19 2 min Shear Disturbance Short Film Review alexjames96 Apr 19 2 min Watch What I Do Short Film Review alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min After Hours Short Movie Review alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review Chris Olson Mar 1 3 min Film Podcast: George Clooney Rowing Biopic Scoops Film of the Month Chris Olson Feb 22 3 min Film Podcast: Anthony Hopkins drama crowned "Film of the Month" alexjames96 Feb 17 2 min Mannequin Short Film Review alexjames96 Feb 17 2 min The Separation Short Film Review alexjames96 Feb 17 2 min Bare Foot Short Film Review William Hemingway Jan 18 8 min Filmmaker Interview with Jiwon Lee alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Dominion Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Sunset Drive Short Film Review Chris Olson Nov 28, 2023 5 min Filmmaker Interview with Alexander Ratter alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min Purely Cosmetic Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min What Remains Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review Chris Olson Nov 13, 2023 3 min Filmmaker Interview with Aimie Willemse alexjames96 Oct 13, 2023 2 min Uncharted Expedition Short Film Review More Film Reviews Kenny Patrick Foley Cast Away Joe Beck The Protégé Chris Buick On My Level William Hemingway Changing Tides Patrick Foley Jane Austen's Period Drama Joe Beck Company Chris Buick Boy.With.Angel.Wings William Hemingway Wait Till It Drops Joe Beck Fugue Jason Knight Circus Swati Verma It Could Be You Jason Knight Bestias Patrick Foley OBA OMO (The King Child) James Learoyd IRAN: A People Forever in Revolution James Learoyd Guilty Swati Verma Devon William Hemingway I am the Wanderer: Director's Cut Jason Knight My Obsession with Death Chris Buick Clodagh Jason Knight Alleviate Joe Beck Whippy Patrick Foley The Other John James Learoyd What I'm Hiding From You Jason Knight Rooftops Swati Verma Load More Reviews What is a short film review? A short film review is often written by a movie critic and it's their opinion on a film that is less than sixty minutes long. Short film reviews still explore every aspect of a movie. How do I write a short film review? Writing a short film review needs to cover multiple aspects of the movie. Including the script, the characters, performances, cinematography, score & sound design, editing and so on. How long should a film review be? A film review should be as long as the house style. Some publications provide lengthier reviews than others. A general minimum word count would be 300. How much money do film critics make? Film critic salaries depend massively on their publication. Many film critics are freelancers, meaning they get paid per review and sometimes this is based on word count. Making money through film reviews can be challenging.

FILM REVIEWS UK 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. Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS Kenny The Fall Guy Cast Away The Protégé On My Level Changing Tides The Storm Challengers Jane Austen's Period Drama Mother Maker Lover Taker Humane Cruel Load More

Latest Film Reviews average rating is 4 out of 5 Kenny Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Fall Guy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Cast Away Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Protégé Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 On My Level Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Changing Tides Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Storm Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Challengers Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Jane Austen's Period Drama Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mother Maker Lover Taker Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Humane Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Cruel Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Company Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy Kills World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Beast Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 No Mercy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infested Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Paddling Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy.With.Angel.Wings Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Wait Till It Drops Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Fugue Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Circus Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 It Could Be You Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bestias Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Back to Black Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The People's Joker Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Alba Rosa Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 OBA OMO (The King Child) Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 IRAN: A People Forever in Revolution Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Hello in Here Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Guilty Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Devon Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 I am the Wanderer: Director's Cut Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 My Obsession with Death Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Death of a Mule Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Clodagh Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Alleviate Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Whippy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Other John Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Straight Through Crew Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Civil War Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 What I'm Hiding From You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sting Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Rooftops Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Siren Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Music to Die For Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Who We Were Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Founder Effect Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Monkey Man Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The First Omen Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Femme Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Disrupted Expectations 2: Becoming the Research Director Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Wicked Little Letters Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Remembering Gene Wilder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Bound Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Rwd Fwd Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 James Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Lochgoilhead Forever Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Waiting for a Train Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dolce Far Niente Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Make a Wish Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Godzilla x Kong: Thew New E,mpire Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Lousy Carter Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 They Shot the Piano Player Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Night Explorers: The Asylum Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Swords of Justice II Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Earlybird Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dustlight Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Shear Disturbance Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Deep It Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Bitter 17 Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Holy Irresistible Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mambo Man Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Immaculate Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Rosetta Stoned Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Trigger Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 A Wild Life Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Riddle of Fire Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 RedSin: Martyrs of Dissent Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Lae Night with the Devil Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 You'll Never Find Me Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 7 Kills, 3 Songs & a Banana Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Seagram Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Coming to You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Concerto for Abigail Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 NADIA Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Drawn Out Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Do We Have A Chance? Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 18 Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 An Anthology of Men Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Frida Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Snack Shack Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Animal Kingdom Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Love Lies Bleeding Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Portal Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Brutal Season Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Club Zero Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Beneath A Mother's Feet Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Bob Marley: One Love Read Review

Music Video Reviews One of the most exciting sub-genres our critics review is music videos. They are often incredible pieces of storytelling, either in their own right or aligned with the song playing over them. On this page you will find a great selection of music video reviews from the team of critics at UK Film Review. ​ If you are a filmmaker or artist who would like us to review your music video, submit your film here . ​ When it comes to reviewing a music video, the process differs slightly from perhaps a narrative short film or documentary. The music has to be explored far more intimately than if it were a soundtrack because that's where the story originates from rather than being added further down the line. Music videos do conform to genres but these are often musical genres rather than film categories, for example pop, folk, rock, rap etc. So this will also influence the music video review our critics write because the target audience is going to be considered. ​ Music videos may take a variety of forms or even combine different aspects to create a different effect on the viewer. For example, it is common for a music video to contain a small narrative, as well as live performance footage. Top filmmakers making music videos will be able to immerse you into the song and story without leaving you feeling like you have just watched a promo piece. ​ Choreography is also a common trait in music videos, with dance sequences and flash mobs recurring - often in pop music videos. Editors of music videos will have their work cut out to ensure the choreography looks tight and engaging without it feeling staged or lifeless. ​ Hopefully the array of music video reviews you see below will include some gems for you to peruse. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the article, as we often include the actual music video so you can watch it for yourself. Rooftop Screamers Joe Beck Hot Chip Eleanor Swati Verma A New Kind of Life Jason Knight Vaarwell - Quarter Life Crisis - EP Campaign Patrick Foley KYTLY - "Neverending" Patrick Foley Rebel Rob Jones Millais Flower Honey - Sugarless Rob Jones Som.1-Ultimatum Jason Knight My Brain Does Not Compute William Hemingway alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review Theo Aug 1, 2022 2 min Service for The King short film review Chris Olson Sep 28, 2021 2 min Stroke Code Music Video Review Alicia Moore Sep 22, 2021 3 min COVID 19 Music Video Review More Film Reviews

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Yellow Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: May 16, 2023 Directed by: Elham Ehsas Written by: Elham Ehsas Starring: Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, Ahmad Jan Mano, Elham Ehsas In August 2021, the Taliban overtook Afghanistan. This short drama explores the aftermath. It is a busy market in Kabul and a young woman (Dehrouyeh) is looking to purchase her first chadari. He enters a clothing shop and requests one from the assistant (Ehsas). He helps her make the right choice, gives her advice and is quite helpful. She does not seem to be fond of the garment and appears to realise that her life is changing. This film is about a turning point in a woman's life, following the Taliban's conquest of Afghanistan. It is obvious that it is the first time she is wearing a chadari, as she does not know how to put it on, which highlights the change that she is going through. Through her eyes, the audience sees a procedure that many women in Afghanistan are going through: getting a chadari for the first time and entering a new stage in their life. The screenplay calmly examines the procedures that the heroine undertakes in order to obtain a chadari and thus (in some ways) go through a transformation and become another person, a person who the Taliban approve of. The film dramatically points out some of the effects of the Taliban takeover. One is the degradation of women, which is explored through Dehrouyeh's character and a television news broadcast about the strict laws applied by the Taliban regarding women wearing a chadari. Another is the banning of music, which is briefly shown through Ehsas' character. One part that stands out is a dance scene that feels almost magical thanks to slow motion and creative editing by Ehsas and Ross Leppard. Director of photography Yiannis Manolopoulos does a great job with the cinematography and commendations go to Jessica Holme for the costumes. An effective point-of-view shot places the viewer in the heroine's position, helping them feel how she feels. This film is a poignant and hard-hitting commentary about the Taliban's seizure of Afghanistan, how it affects the people of that country, particularly women. It provides an insight into the current situation, painting a bleak vision of the future. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Jellyfish and Lobster Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Jan 31, 2024 Directed by: Yasmin Afifi Written by: Yasmin Afifi Starring: Flo Wilson, Sayed Badreya, Sergute Mariam Jellyfish and Lobster (2023) is a heartwarming, hopeful piece of dramatic short filmmaking. Clearly constructed with deep passion, it tells a bittersweet story: set in a care home, a woman (Grace, played by Flo Wilson) has cancer; she befriends a man (Mido, played by Sayed Badreya) who has Alzheimer's disease. Together, they find a swimming pool which holds fantastical qualities, allowing them to live as their younger selves when submerged. It’s a fairytale of sorts – youth rediscovered; romantic passion relived. The pool acts as a fascinating narrative device, used to illuminate our protagonists’ passions for life which, in turn, informs how they are to approach their current situation. These less realistic sequences also serve as a much-needed break between the more upsetting content of the screenplay. Utilising a conceptual story-trait as a way of subtextually complementing ‘real world’ characteristics is not uncommon is short films; however, while fantasy most certainly plays a part in the characters’ journeys, they maintain an emotional realism. One really senses their sadness and then their contrasting excitement. In this respect, it’s an impressively experiential work. Tone, and the ability to gage, balance, and manipulate it, is one of the most significant traits of a movie -- truly a make-or-break when it comes to the success of any work. What’s unique about Jellyfish and Lobster is its approach to combining comedy with deep discussion of real-world issues. Subtly, we often transition from amusing to tragic in the space of a few seconds; but these transitions are always fueled by the narrative trajectory. It must be said, there are a few lines that feel slightly clunky or unnatural; yet the script is incredibly strong overall, harnessing these fluctuating emotions with expert precision. A huge factor, of course, are the central performance(s), and thankfully they deliver. There’s some brave acting on display – never afraid to explore the darkest territory, yet embracing a sense of fun when they see the light. In particular, the portrayal of Grace is the film’s best quality: as playful as she is acidic, Flo Wilson brings a wonderful complexity to the role. Displaying a range of emotions and never appearing detached, we’re always brought along for the ride. When it comes to the more technical aspects, the film is working at an exceptional level. Cinematography-wise, there’s a lot of beautiful lighting and photography to feast your eyes on. The use of widescreen is effective in its suggestion that what we’re viewing is a grander, more epic journey than we might be led to believe; and the film grain is also a pleasant addition – after all, the short is about travelling back through time, in a personal sense. Not too dissimilar from the piece’s content, the look is soft and vibrant, matching the story perfectly. Despite the serious subject matter, the film manages to be joyful and cathartic. In part, this is due to the high-concept, fantasy element... but more so it’s a tale of friendship and finding solace through those around you. With pitch perfect performances and a story that’s always engaging, there’s no doubt that audiences will be moved by Jellyfish and Lobster . About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Community Service Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW Taken from a story by London care-giver Will O'Keeffe, Community Service strips bare the realities of a life not well lived. We struggle along with Hugh as the days unfold and nothing gets better and we look on helplessly as he fumbles around trying to keep the pieces of his life together. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

The Beatles and India Trailer Official Trailer for The Beatles and India Released “The Beatles were tired of the west’s commercialised capitalist culture and looking for spiritual peace, but we looked upon them as exciting symbols of modern culture” Ajoy Bose, director When the world’s most famous band The Beatles made their seminal trip to India in 1968, not only did it inspire a new musical direction for the band, it paved the way for a brand new sound that still resonates across cultural and musical landscapes to this day. Now a new, award-winning feature documentary The Beatles and India from Silva Screen Productions and Renoir Pictures explores the lasting legacy from their ground-breaking visit to Rishikesh. It sheds light on how India shaped the development of the greatest ever rock band and their pioneering role in bringing together two vastly different cultures. The film is set for its UK digital release on 4 October, courtesy of 101 Films and will also screen at select Everyman Cinemas on 31 August as part of their Everyman Music Film Festival. This unique historical film chronicles the enduring love affair between The Beatles and India that began more than half a century ago. The Beatles and India follows a rarely seen, fascinating time in John, Paul, George and Ringo’s career and brings it to life with archive footage, recordings and photographs, alongside eye-witness accounts, expert comments and visually stunning location shots. In 1968 the legendary band brought their Western celebrity circus to a remote Himalayan ashram in Rishikesh in search of spiritual enlightenment. What happened next had a profound effect on the whole band… and the whole world. Inspired by Ajoy Bose’s book, Across The Universe - The Beatles In India, British Indian music entrepreneur Reynold D’Silva has taken the amazing saga further by producing Bose’s directorial debut. Bose and cultural researcher, co-director, Pete Compton, have created an audio-visual presentation that stands apart from the many documentaries on the band, delving deep into the most crucial period of their evolution from the world’s most famous pop stars into multi-faceted pioneering musical artists. The documentary won Best Film Audience Choice and Best Music in Tongues On Fire, the 2021 UK Asian Film Festival, where it premiered earlier this year. An accompanying album, Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India performed by Indian artists and the score album will be released on Silva Screen Records on 29 October, along with a DVD and Blu-ray release of the film from Cherry Red. Released on digital 4 October 2021. The Bezonians Official Trailer Greeks take on geezers in The Bezonians, a satirical Brit gangster thriller that gets its UK debut on DVD and digital this May from 101 Films. Streamline Dive into Streamline, an emotionally rich coming-of-age-film, and a supremely impressive directorial debut from Tyson Wade Johnston, who also penned the piece. This gritty and gripping feature is produced by Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe and stars Hollywood favourite Brit actor Jason Isaacs (The Harry Potter Franchise, Mass) is now set to wow UK audiences with its digital release on 11 April from 101 Films. Spears Watch the trailer for the indie film Spears, by filmmaker Gerard Lough. For more of the latest film trailers visit UK Film Review. First Date Check out the trailer for 101 Films' First Date. Help Official Trailer Help from filmmaker Blake Ridder releases official trailer. Watch the trailer for Help from filmmaker Blake Ridder. The Bad Guys Official Trailer DreamWorks launch official trailer for The Bad Guys. Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys. Across the Spider-Verse Part One Trailer Following the huge success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this trailer for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Part One comes as no surprise but is certainly welcome. A Christmas Number One Official Trailer A Sky Original, A Christmas Number One is produced by Sky, Genesius Pictures, Lupus Films and Space Age Films. It will be available on Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW from 10 December. Spider-Man: No Way Home Official Trailer Currently slated for a UK release of December 15th, Spider-Man fans across the world were rocked with this official trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Eternals Final Trailer Directed by Chloé Zhao, the saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. Moonfall Official Trailer Directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley, Moonfall is currently scheduled for a cinematic release in the UK in February 2022. Uncharted Official Trailer From Sony Pictures UK, check out the official first trailer for the highly-anticipated UNCHARTED, based on the hugely popular video game franchise of the same name. The Real Charlie Chaplin Official Trailer The Real Charlie Chaplin is an Archer’s Mark, Passion Pictures and Smaller Biggie production, in association with Ventureland and Fee Fie Foe. Belfast Official Trailer 2 From lauded director Kenneth Branagh, and starring an acclaimed ensemble cast, Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory, set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. The Batman Main Trailer Currently expected for a March 2022 release, The Batman (2022) starring Robert Pattinson is one of the most anticipated films of next year. Warner Bros dropped The Batman Main Trailer and DC fans have gone crazy with excitement. Resident Evil - Welcome to Raccoon City - Official Trailer The official first trailer and poster for RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY, the much-anticipated action horror based on the iconic videogame franchise, coming to cinemas 3 December. The Turn of the Screw Official Teaser Trailer Danny Arthur attacks in a prison officer in the hope to get moved off the wing, he has just joined Ambrose Cook in his cell, a black inmate who is waiting for his parole in a couple of months. The Beatles and India Trailer Now a new, award-winning feature documentary The Beatles and India from Silva Screen Productions and Renoir Pictures explores the lasting legacy from their ground-breaking visit to Rishikesh. Britney Vs Spears Trailer The world knows Britney Spears: performer, artist, icon. But in the last few years, her name has been publicly tied to another, more mysterious term: conservatorship. Britney vs Spears tells the explosive story of Britney’s life and her public and private search for freedom. A Boy Called Christmas Trailer In A Boy Called Christmas, an ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm.

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Swallow Your Dreams Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Nov 11, 2022 Directed by: Dan Sloan Written by: Dan Sloan Starring: Paul McGann, Amy Bailey There is a long standing debate which has never been fully resolved as to whether, for the artist, the taking of drugs and stimulants is beneficial, even necessary, or if in the end it is always a stifling hindrance. There is a certain level of creative genius which seems to go hand-in-hand with addiction and the image of the tortured artist trying to smoke, drink or snort themselves out of the melancholia of life is still one which exists today. The modern generation, however, may never become familiar with the antics of Oliver Reed, Peter Cook or Alex Higgins and would perhaps only feel anxiety, embarrassment or disgust at behaviour that for those who witnessed it first hand produced joy and delight – the infamous appearance of Ollie on Aspel being a case in point. Van Gogh had his Green Fairy, Thomas De Quincy had opium, Bob Marley had weed and William S. Burroughs had morphine – perhaps the reason that most art, TV, music and film today is sterilised, stale and unimaginatively similar is because those producing it can't risk any backlash for fear of being cancelled and have therefore become constrained into being dull as dishwater. In his new short film, Swallow Your Dreams , writer/director Dan Sloan tackles this debate, somewhat with kid gloves, through the world of Classical music and the idea of reaching for a dream. James, played in a piece of clever casting by Withnail and I's Paul McGann, is a concert pianist who believes he has something more to offer. He's recently taken to popping a couple of undesignated pills at night and he's been dreaming of a symphony which he just can't seem to get a grasp of in his waking life. James has been becoming increasingly distant, keeping his wife in the dark about his drug taking and bunking off work to keep his concentration on the beautiful music in his head. He's been spending lots of time in the recording studio and keeps on returning to put his hands on the keys, but as yet nothing's happening and people are starting to get worried. James' wife, Olivia (Amy Bailey) is angry about the deception and she recognises the beginnings of the vice-like grip of addiction seeping into James' behaviour. She confronts him, hoping to get him to see the irrationality of his actions, as well as how he's hurting those around him, but her intervention falls on deaf ears. The perfect, elusive piece of music is all that matters to James now and the drugs are the only way he sees in being able to access it. Production-wise, Swallow Your Dreams is outstanding. The placement and movement of the camera, the colouring, the lighting, the backdrop of the studio and the concert hall, are all beautiful to watch and perfectly encapsulate the loneliness and yearning of the journey that James is on. Both leads, too, are excellent in their roles, with McGann perfecting his fifty yard stare as he looks right through his wife in their scenes together. Then, of course, the music by Benjamin Woodgates is suitably evocative and urgent, playing us continually through the story as we feel the ups and downs of James' search for himself through his unfinished symphony. It is telling though, that Sloan's film is a product of its time, as he gently encourages us to look in on James' predicament without fully exploring it. The drugs are presented not as illegal narcotics garnered from a criminal underworld but as a prescription based pill of which his dosage is 'only what it says to take'. Similarly, Olivia only responds with anger, judgement and condescension, blaming James for his bad choices rather than offering up any understanding or support, much like the cancel culture of today. It is clear that the issues being raised in the film aren't being dealt with in any depth and therefore it lacks any real punch in getting to the heart of the matter. This is a shame as there is real merit to the basis of the story and the characterisation as well as the quality of the production being so strong. Who knows? Perhaps a trip to the Amazon for a wee ayahuasca holiday might do Sloan's storytelling the power of good; but then again The Verve were most probably right when they said, 'The Drugs Don't Work'. Just Say No, kids. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Rotten Meat Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Sep 15, 2021 Directed by: Rebekah Strauss Written by: Rebekah Strauss Starring: Imani Love, Rick J. Kock Not one to watch on a full stomach, Rotten Meat is a subversive short thriller about consumption, validation, and desperation which is unnervingly unique in presentation but relies a little too much on symbolism to immerse viewers fully. Carmen (Imani Love) reflects on an affair with her boss, plastic surgeon Dr. Adrian Carmichael (Rick J. Koch). Her time spent with the doctor triggered an obsession with self-perfection, which resulted in botched facial surgery - ruining her natural beauty. Carmen plots a reunion with her former lover – but her damaged face mirrors the mental scars he inflicted – and her plan begins to spiral off the rails. Rotten Meat is a short, arthouse-style film which follows a recent trend set by the likes of Raw which use macabre imagery and shocking, consumption-based plots to make powerful statements about modern society. There is a risk, with such a controversial basis, that any statements films like this make will be overshadowed by gory, vomit-inducing horror. But Rotten Meat walks this line carefully, biding its time and slowly building tension throughout before unleashing its hidden gore in a powerful, more meaningful manner. The result is a furious critique of modern beauty culture, obsession and pressure young women face in a society that views them as objects to consume. The contrast between the Carmen that viewers meet in the film’s opening flashback, and the Carmen who has been butchered by surgeons and suffered a mental breakdown is striking. Her vengefulness against Dr. Carmichael is clear to see, and evidently emanates from somewhere deeper than a bad breakup. His dismissiveness towards her when invited over for dinner casts the doctor as an unsympathetic character – and despite Carmen’s horror-villain tendencies, her plan never feels unwarranted – at least until things get really crazy… The plot is straightforward and minimalist, with the film effectively establishing its characters and key moments, whilst trusting in its characterisation enough to allowing audiences to fill in some key gaps in their backstories. There are some moments that fall short however, and feel frustratingly undercooked in important moments. Dr. Carmichael’s choice to stay for dinner in Carmen’s apartment once he figures out there is no emergency feels under-explained, given it is so powerfully evidenced that he cares little for his ex-mistress. When things turn threatening, it is especially strange that he would not leave, and the film could have tried harder to cement a reason for him to stay. Viewers may feel somewhat thrown off by this moment. The film’s production is stylish and artistic, with modernist filming techniques giving the short an inimitable feel. Long shots of direct eye contact with the camera by the cast become surprisingly unnerving, and differentiate the film from the average horror or thriller. The prosthetic effects for the surgery are striking, and add impressive authenticity to a lower-budget film. Rotten Meat is not for everyone, but as an opinionated and provocative piece of art, it accomplishes its goal of making a strong statement about the beautification-consumerism complex. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, Indie Feature Film, LGBTQ+, Film Festival < All Reviews Next Film Review >