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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

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 Maiken Denmark Doesn't Exist The Last Stop in Yuma County The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something has Passed Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes The Thin Black Line Tomorrow Never Comes Imperfect The Call bad lunch. Kenny Load More

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Maiken Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: May 10, 2024 Directed by: Howard Perry Written by: Howard Perry Starring: Michelle J. Wright, Daniella Michieli, Johanna K. Lumi, Nicholas Pople, Tristan Pretty In Old Norse mythology the Hulder were a race of seductive forest spirits, usually female, who lured unsuspecting travellers into the trees to have their way with them. Anyone found not living up to the standards expected by a single Huldra were usually killed and never heard from again, and often the Hulder were also blamed for stealing infant children, replacing them with their own ugly little changelings. In the old texts, Huldra tended to be beautiful and naked with long hair, but also with a hollow back like that of an old dead tree, and a tail which could either look like that of a fox’s or a cow’s. In the short film Maiken , from writer and director Howard Perry, the Huldra take on a slightly different aspect, this time being able to take the form of a female human (without tail) and with the abilities of being able to switch bodies and drain a person’s lifeforce to rejuvenate her own. Maiken (Wright) herself is the eldest of three sisters who are the last of their kind and are right now being hunted by none other than the All-Father, Odin. Odin (Pretty) has a seemingly irrational hatred of Huldra and wants them eradicated from the forests. There’s never really any explanation given as to why Odin wants to go to the trouble of hunting down every last one of these forest elves, but to be fair the old texts are apparently a little bit sketchy on the detail of this, too. It does, however, rob the film of a decent amount of motivation for the entire scenario and we’re just left to accept it as one of those things that Odin does. So, as is his wont, Odin directs the champion of his hunt, Elvind (Pople) to take his men and root out the scourge of the three remaining Huldra. Maiken won’t just take this lying down, though. So she rallies her sisters, Thyra (Michieli) and Lisbet (Lumi) to action, asking them to follow a sketch of a plan to make an alliance with some trolls. The fact that Maiken’s new form is that of Astrid, who just so happens to be Elvind’s betrothed, also throws a spanner in the works of just how the sisters are going to escape. For a twenty-four minute short there’s an awful lot of set-up to help get the viewer into the story; so much in fact that the whole of Maiken merely feels like Act I of a much bigger play. For around twenty of those minutes there’s a lot of ‘sistering’ around in the woods, as this is almost exclusively how they refer to one another in nearly every line of dialogue. There’s plenty of ‘sister this’ and ‘sister that’ and a whole bunch of other grammatical turns which are supposed to suggest that we are in ‘Ye Olde’ times, but when it comes down to it, other than an untidy brawl from a bunch of LARPers and a quick kidnapping, there’s not too much going on. It’s not until the final shots of the film that any sort of real progression takes place but by then it’s too late and it’s all over. It’s obvious that Howard Perry is trying to give us an expansive fantasy tale, in a long established fantasy realm, all on a tight budget. His characters are all archetypes who don’t need an awful lot of subtlety, yet somehow they still manage to come across as bargain basement versions, with the simple costuming to match. The special effects are also pretty basic but are at least used sparingly enough for it not to really matter, although the vocoder that is used on Odin’s voice is terribly distracting. In fairness to Perry there are plenty of fantasy realm films out there, whether aping an established canon like Lord Of The Rings or otherwise, that look, feel and run a lot worse than what he has managed to produce in Maiken . There’s a lot to be said for the cinematography from Frank Hammond, who manages to keep everything crisp and clean, especially around so much green, and Perry is no slouch in the director’s chair either. Some of the sets and locations offer up a genuine Old Norse feel to provide some authenticity and while Perry doesn’t quite manage to pull off a cinematic feel to the production he seems to be doing a lot of things right. With a tightening up of the dialogue and scenario, along with a proper soundtrack and a few acting lessons, Maiken could easily entice the casual viewer to enter another land for a short half-hour. However, as it is, it may only be the hardcore fantasy dwellers, along with LARPing enthusiasts, who will get anything meaningful out of it. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

★★★★ Directed by: #ChristopherDeakin Starring: #GemmaWhiteley, #AdamMercuryBrown, #JoyceBranagh, #AshleyGregory, #EleanorJessicaRoberts Short Film Review by: Alexandra James A Happy Ending is a spoof reality television show that pokes fun at some of the court room dramas we see today. The show focuses on a young married couple and displays their inner conflicts with one another. For wife Lizzie, she is prepared to divorce her husband for not ever being able to satisfy her in all areas…but specifically in the bedroom! This dark comedy is a combination of Judge Judy, Love Island dramas and absurdity all wrapped up in a show called ‘Out of Order.’  For main character Lizzie, regrettably, this was unforgiveable, and she was ready to take her life into her own hands, her husband’s money and then leave him! However, as the drama progresses, certain secrets come to light and the audience discover that Lizzie is not as squeaky clean as she presents herself to be. As like many of these shows, the audience feed off this scandal and the juicier the scandals become, the better! The short film begins in a court room, its all lights, camera action as the jury take their seats and listen to Ms Who’s tales of woes and the lack of satisfaction she has had to endure for a good few years. Their marriage is in turmoil and there’s no coming back from this, especially when we find out husband David Ducksoup has been going to certain places alone to get his kicks elsewhere…For our Judge this appeared to be a clear-cut case, however, certain witnesses began to shed light on the couple’s marriage which left the judge having to make some tough decisions. A Happy Ending is a witty and outrageous film that keeps you hooked until the very end. It was great to see some of those ‘behind the scenes’ moments where the director instructs some of the reality stars to add more tears at this point or show your angry side when you say this line. Many people believe each scene is authentic and completely unfabricated. However, nothing we see on TV is ever how it truly is, which made for a hilarious premise and managed to break down that wall between fact and fiction and showed us exactly what was behind the curtain. The characters themselves were very funny and combined with the comical storyline and dialogue, it makes for an entertaining show that I would certainly be investing in if it came into fruition!

★★★ Starring: #DevonGrevious, #NateReynolds, #TylerMcCray Directed by: #NateReynolds Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Shear Disturbance focuses on the theme of anxiety and how much it can affect day to day activities such as the simple act of getting a haircut. For protagonist Tyronne, this typical action becomes far more than that and is such a trigger that he becomes completely consumed by even the thought of it. This can be a very real experience for many people that suffer with anxiety, it can become debilitating and stop you from going about your daily life. Director Nate Reynolds portrays these struggles and highlights the importance of patience and understanding when interacting with a person struggling to keep their anxiety under control. The narrative itself is very simple and I think although this is a short film, it would have been great to truly expose the pain within the anxiety. It would have helped the storyline further to pull back the covers of Tyronne’s mind and provide the audience a sense of what it feels like to have this fear. The physical signs were apparent with the trembling and shyness when speaking to the barbers. However, a cutaway of Tyronne’s mental state would convey the severity and seriousness of his condition. It was interesting to see the negativity towards Tyronne as well, the barber seemed to have little to no patience and believed that Tyronne was wasting his time and essentially fooling around. Nate was able to suggest that we need to be more perceptive and recognise the signs of anxiety to help that person and bring them into a calmer and more relaxed environment to support and keep their anxiety under control. Unfortunately, for Tyronne, the experience became all too much, and he was unable to control his emotions and left the shop disappointed in himself. However, another barber came out after him and reassures him that he is not alone. In fact, he has also experienced these feelings and encourages Tyronne to speak with someone to overcome his struggles. Shear Disturbance has a message within, and director Nate Reynolds uses this short film to tear down the stigma and shame of living with anxiety and instead, Reynolds concentrates on the importance of speaking about this subject and sharing these struggles as this will ultimately educate others to understand more about the experience as well as learn how to help and manage them.

★★★★★ Starring: #IsidoraFairhurst, #MiaMckennaBruge, #RitaBernardShaw, #DaniDyer, #MalachiPullarLatchman Directed by: #TeddyNygh Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Watch What I Do is an all-female cast and short drama. It focuses on 3 teenage girls in secondary school attempting to navigate their way through friendship, social status, and their love for basketball. Being a teenager today can be a difficult transition, emotions and arguments become heightened and at this point in life. Conflicts at this age are all consuming and it becomes difficult to break away and see the light, as well as ignore the negativity. This becomes the case for protagonist Layla, as she struggles to become friends with the new girl joining the group. Layla often feels excluded and is unable to connect with Nikki, who chooses to disregard or shame Layla as a form of one-upmanship making her appear to be the ‘popular’ friend out of the group. Layla must find a way to channel her anger and focus on what is most important to her, true friendship, and her passion for sport. Layla’s skills in basketball become clear when she walks past a court and jumps at the chance to make a shot, she is encouraged by the other players to join and be a part of the team. However, through fear of ridicule she shy’s away from this opportunity and ignores their praise. Instead, she is left feeling embarrassed and even more of an outcast by showing an interest in the sport. It became evident that Layla has some form of anger issues which she needs to work on. Layla often represses these thoughts of violence and aggression; the viewer is given snippets of Layla’s frustrated mind with use of cutaway shots. Her anger becomes fuelled when faced with conflict, and unfortunately for Layla she becomes tested to her limit as Nikki starts to put a wedge between her and her friendship with Kezia. Layla has managed to control this anger for a long period of time, however, like a bubbling pot, it does not take long for this anger to spill. The characters are extremely relatable, especially to teenagers growing up and learning to adapt and change throughout their school years and rise above the hate. Director Teddy Nygh breaks down some of the barriers that stop kids from being their true selves. Nygh highlights that for Layla, basketball gives her the chance to channel her energy, focus and discover some new friends who follow a similar passion. This was a great story, and the characters were able to really convey that emotion of betrayal, fear, hurt but also happiness and the importance of friendship. It was an enjoyable watch and the interactions between each character were engaging throughout, you really feel for Layla’s character and want her to overcome her fears and see the true bond between her and Kezia.