Search Results

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Boundless Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Nov 25, 2021 Directed by: Julie D. Dunn, Sean Higgs, Victor Lockhart Written by: Katy Jordan Starring: Katy Jordan, Kirsty Peacock, John Paul McGilvary Boundless is a plucky and ambitious series self-penned by star Katy Jordan which has gone on an impressive journey from a 7-minute stage performance, to a sprawling multi-series crime drama. It outperforms its limits impressively with committed performances from its cast, but still suffers from clunky dialogue and a story which begins to become convoluted as it progresses. The series follows a pair of best friends, Danielle (Jordan) and Julie (Kirsty Peacock) who are victims of a break-in. When Julie kills the thief, the pair are thrust into the middle of a shocking conspiracy which delves deep into the past. Assisted by police detective Greg Millar (John Paul McGilvary), Danielle realises there is far more to the story – and that the pair’s involvement is no coincidence. Boundless is very clearly a freshman project. The series’ rough edges are there to see, and imperfections do stand out. However, the series does have moments where it shines, and nails down some of the basics better than far more expensively-financed counterparts. The premise of the show is engaging, and the central mystery one which will keep viewers intrigued for the most part. The questions surrounding the break-in are explored consistently and are paced well throughout episodes. These do begin to wilt a little as the series goes on however, and the lack of production value cheapens some of the bigger revelations, which lack some of the impact a curated score could provide for instance. As the plot becomes more complex, audiences will have to keep track of many moving pieces in order to feel the real significance of the plot twists, which fail to really stick the landing too often. Performances are generally of good quality – particularly from Katy Jordan and Kirsty Peacock. Their chemistry as best friends Danielle and Julie is derived from their real-life bond, which translates effectively into their roles. Jordan’s chemistry with John Paul McGilvary also drives a growing love angle between the pair as they go about uncovering the truth of Danielle’s life. It’s a shame however that these performances don’t always match up with characterisation. Moments in which the lead pair do not share key information with one another comes across as strange given their supposed trust. Other characters appearing later in the series are lazy classic Scottish gangster stereotypes, pulled from the blandest ITV dramas you can imagine. It feels like the series ran out of steam with some of these personalities. There are some other notable flaws such as poor lighting in certain scenes, and the camerawork never really tells the story in any imaginative way. However, for all of these, the series does impressively stay focused on its premise and the directors choose to allow interactions between the cast to drive the plot – a wise choice given that the acting is one of the series’ stronger elements. Given that the series ends with a cliff-hanger, it also is difficult to judge the plot without knowing its ending. Hints in the finale suggest some major developments – which leaves the series we are presented with as something of an enigma. Boundless is flawed, and clearly suffers in parts due to its lower budget. However, with what she has accomplished with such restricted terms, promising creator Katy Jordan deserves the chance to continue this story – and with some crucial experience under her best – to iron out the kinks. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Glacial Ways Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 17, 2023 Directed by: Max Millstein Written by: Max Millstein Starring: Edlyn Gonzalez, Teresa Patel, Elle Nizzardo, Steven Gregory An environmental scientist goes through a mental health crisis while at a restaurant's outdoor dining area. It is a hot, sunny day and Noa (Gonzalez) is sitting at a table at the exterior part of an eatery, trying to work on some notes, surrounded by other diners. She is a famous environmental scientist and her knowledge regarding how humans are destroying themselves and the world with pollution and unhealthy lifestyles has led her to become anxious and apprehensive. She interacts awkwardly with those around her and struggles to control her actions. Eventually, she appears to let go and indulge in the pleasure of smoking and drinking alcohol, before a dramatic revelation. The beginning of this short drama is worth exploring. It begins with a title card containing a quote by American artist John Lurie, before the camera enters the outdoor dining area, moving around characters that Noa will interact with, before approaching her, as she nervously struggles to write. While this is happening, there is a voice-over conversation between two people discussing global warming and people's simple everyday actions that unknowingly harm them. This conversation is actually a recording that Noa is listening to on her device. All this is a rather effective way to introduce the heroine, revealing her interests and troubled state of mind. The story is told through Noa's perspective, which reveals the unique and maybe frightening way that she looks at the world, with animation, sound effects and camerawork playing a key role in this. She is knowledgable about what her body consumes, with animation sequences showing bacteria from alcohol or smoking damaging her system. She is rather observant, with close-ups showing what caught her eye and montages, along with her voice-over disclosing her dramatic thoughts. She interacts awkwardly with others, telling her eating habits to a waiter (Gregory) and being concerned about a little girls's (Nizzardo) well-being in the presence of her mother (Patel). Generally, her profession has ended up making her very worried and she seems to be near the point where she cannot take all the stress anymore and feels that she should let go. Gonzalez's performance is convincing, which is vital in order for the film to work. This short is a character study that utilises the filmmaking techniques mentioned above and also slow motion, fast motion, split screen and fast cutting in order to place the viewer inside the mind of an individual who is troubled by her environmental knowledge, which seems to be doing her more bad than good. With this in mind, the film also works as a commentary on self-reflection and mental health and raises awareness of unhealthy living and the damage that people do to the planet. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Goons Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Mar 22, 2023 Directed by: Alexis White Written by: Jose Duran Starring: Chad Anderson, Roberto Arrizon, Severen Cole, Chad Meisenheimer Funny films make us laugh for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes it’s because they’re so utterly insane that it’s impossible not to laugh, other times it may because it makes a fart joke, and at that moment we feel as though we’re ten years old. More often than not, however, we laugh because the characters offered to us in comedies are endearing, perhaps sometimes when they shouldn’t be, and because the humour, however bonkers, has a level of grounding in the human experience. ‘Goons’ has neither compelling characters nor a solid level of grounding in the human experience, and as a result most of its jokes fall flat, leaving a dull, if harmless, film. Leaning heavily into the mockumentary sty a slight 23 minutes ‘Goons’ sometimes feels like a knocked-down version of ‘The Office’, no doubt an influence on it’s creators Alexis White and Jose Duran, who sometimes use the offbeat interviews to the camera popularised by the iconic show. Naturally, of course, you also have the character prone to the ‘Jim-stare’ directly at the camera, in this case Johnny (Chad Anderson), who plays the part of group leader. He introduces himself as the CEO of the sanitation department at a well-known, mouse-related, company, in the film’s first, and possibly funniest bit. Johnny is joined by his ‘goons’, Andy (Roberto Arrizon) - the gym buff with dubious gang ties, Drew (Severen Cole) - the ‘looks of the group’ and a male stripper, and Sal (Chad Meisenheimer), the tech-savvy kid (grown man) loitering in parents basement’s across America. The introduction segment is as good as ‘Goons’ gets - a solid, and quite funny introduction to a seemingly interesting, if a little broad, collection of characters. From here the film could have explored the dynamic between the group, but the most we learn is that they’ve known each other for fifteen years. Alternatively, they could have been taken down a zany path, enriching their characters and endearing themselves as we see them confront a set of strange events, but instead the plot is relatively safe and uninventive. This means that we’re left with a set of stagnant characters trapped inside a tame plot, and so we become bored. Even the addition of a couple of side characters fails to add to spice up the group dynamic, they’re all beset with money woes in the face of their eviction notice but that’s pretty much all the insight we’re offered into them. This stagnancy isn’t helped by the the forced nature of Duran’s dialogue, which becomes loquacious and tiresome, giving a bad reflection of the actors, who come across as irritating more often than endearing. Though it doesn’t reflect tremendously in quality, it is evidently clear the passion which both cast and crew put into ‘Goons’, with Alexis White’s directing competent, and the actors always appearing just moments away from bursting into laughter themselves. The chemistry between the quartet feels natural, and is genuinely warming to see, making a not-so-good film at least put a small smile on this critic’s face. That’s all very nice, but it doesn’t take away from the simple fact that ‘Goons’ is lacking a great deal in actual quality, and most importantly it’s lacking in laughs. It’s as though they filmed a bunch of guys having fun together, without ever actually letting us in on the joke - funny to themselves perhaps, but everyone else is clueless as to why they’re laughing. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Dead Silence Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Dec 9, 2021 Directed by: Duane D'Souza Written by: Duane D'Souza Starring: Duane D'Souza, Michael Jerome, Roby George Roy Opaqueness in filmmaking is an important tool for telling an effective story – and some of the best films of all time refuse to bare their inner meanings and themes just for clarities sake. However, it is vital that the film remains legible enough for viewers to actually WANT to ponder wider truths. Dead Silence fails to keep this in mind, and ends up confusing and difficult to understand. A young man (Duane D’Souza) begins to have dreams about a mysterious graveyard, and an imposing figure raking leaves within it. The next day, a local newspaper covers a similar story, and hints that the burial ground could be linked to multiple disappearances. He sets out to investigate, and uncovers unnerving truths about his own connection to the area. Dead Silence is a short centred around a disturbing mystery. However, its plot fails to adequately explore the questions it raises, or energise audience intrigue around these to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as its protagonist sets out to uncover the truth. It is not scary enough to be a horror, and not coherent enough to be a thriller – and ends up floundering between the two. The film fails to adequately explain key character elements, such as dynamics, backgrounds and relationships left entirely absent – and therefore leaving important plot developments meaningless and empty to viewers. A level of exposition would have been welcome, even at the cost of awkward dialogue, just to ensure the audience had enough information to come on board with the story. Director (and star) Duane D’Souza seeps the film in sepia, with a flickering camera effect imposed throughout. This is a particularly unwanted distraction during the opening credits, but thankfully eases off during the story. The effect conjures thoughts of traditional horror techniques, and does add a level of unease and fear to the film (though little would have been lost in toning it down somewhat). As a lower-budget production however, some imperfections may have been ironed out with the addition. Beyond the above there is little about the film that truly stands out. Performances are ‘meh’, and there is little in the way of innovative camera work or visual storytelling to write home about. Editing is slightly shoddy, with some awkward and amateurish cuts at moments which unfortunately stand out. It should be kept in mind that this is a small-scale production when pointing out these flaws, but when they are going to apparent, it is vital that the basics are in place. Unfortunately, it cannot be said to be the case. It is unlikely that Dead Silence will make much of an impression with audiences. The film does not take enough care when setting up or exploring its plot, and fails to develop characters anywhere near the level required. As a smaller production, its flaws can be forgiven to an extent – however many other similar scale films have accomplished much more with less. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Night Explorers: The Asylum Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Mar 28, 2024 Directed by: John K. Webster Written by: John K. Webster Starring: Craig Edwards, Charlie Rich, Hannah Al Rashid ‘Night Explorer’ sounds like an entry-level job for a Springwatch presenter – and not the ominous pursuit of the online thrill-seeker. ‘The asylum’ part of Night Explorers: The Asylum ’s title is your clue that this is a grizzly horror – one that looks great and has an intriguing twist, but lacks in the character or originality department. Ghost hunters Ozi (Craig Edwards) and Jimboy (Charlie Rich) are looking for their next video location. Having faked footage for their previous work, the pair want something authentic – and an abandoned asylum seems like the perfect place. Too perfect. As they arrive with their crew, remnants of the asylum’s barbarity are everywhere. And as they delve deeper into the site, they discover that remnants are not the only thing that reside. The most striking takeaway from Night Explorers: The Asylum is how visually impressive it is. For a lower budget B-movie with big ambitions, the costume designs and set look great – with the titular asylum exuding threat and brutality that means intensity levels are already sky-high before the slashing starts. The film is dark, but thankfully doesn’t follow the recent trend of oversaturation or blacking out the screen to a degree that events are imperceptible. Director John Webster has a real knack for ramping up the tension – placing the audience in a stalker-esque vantage point over the crew before getting up close and personal when the hunters strike. Despite great visuals, the film is ultimately another story about wannabe YouTube stars biting off more than they can chew, which has charged at superspeed from vogue to tiresome in the horror sphere. There are differentials in the film, such as the identity of the sinister force hunting the crew, that do at least make it stand out a little from its contemporaries. But the same pitfalls are present – what is the film actually trying to say with its massacring? The notion that pursuing fame is a folly is surface level and played out at best. Ozi and Jimboy’s arrogance leading to a horrific collective punishment similarly lacks much punch. It’s premise over purpose – fine if you’re just looking for some gore but a hindrance for a deeper emotional connection. Craig Edwards gives a solid enough performance as Ozi. His hard-headed stubbornness makes him intentionally unsympathetic as a protagonist which adds layers of complexity as he does what he can to escape the asylum. Charlie Rich’s Jimboy comes closer to playing the emotional heart, and the softer performance makes him the more relatable of the leads. Much of the remaining cast bring little else beyond half-hearted bellowing – which given that we spend plenty of time with the crew as an ensemble, results in a glaring weakness as it is hard to truly become invested in their fates. Impressive visuals and staging prevent Night Explorers: The Asylum from being a totally generic slasher hunt. The story and characters fail to resonate emotionally and there’s little depth to be considered amidst the mayhem. The sound you heard just then is plenty of horror enthusiasts shrugging their shoulders – as well-shot slaughter is more than sufficient. But anyone after something really memorable will need to explore further than this. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A song Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Aug 2, 2022 Directed by: Daniel Geller, Dayna Goldfine Written by: Daniel Geller, Dayna Goldfine Starring: Leonard Cohen, Nancy Bacal, Steve Berkowitz For longtime fans of Leonard Cohen, the continued pop culture embrace of “Hallelujah” can sometimes feel bittersweet. Other times it just makes you want to scream. Jeff Buckley didn’t write it! It’s not a Christmas song! And for God’s sake, stop messing with the lyrics! And even though that’s satisfying to yell when another TV talent show contestant attacks Cohen’s masterpiece with more bluster than feeling, you can’t deny you’re guilty of an equally false claim of ownership. As singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile rightly points out, by now the song “Is its own person. It has a life of its own.” So, how’d that happen? Back in the early 80s, “Hallelujah” was DOA, buried on a Cohen album that Columbia Records dismissed outright as unworthy to release. Alan Light first tracked the song’s ascent in his 2012 bestseller “The Holy or the Broken,” and Light serves as a consultant to co-directors Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine for their documentary examination. Straddling the line between biopic and expose, the film gives the uninitiated an overview of Cohen’s background while indulging veteran admirers with a deeper dive into his most acclaimed composition. Geller and Goldfine interview fans, friends and journalists, tracking Cohen’s unique troubadour life alongside the gradual wave of “Hallelujah” cover versions. It seems only right that Bob Dylan was one of the first to recognize the song’s genius, and it’s a treat to hear his interpretation set the stage for the mainstream breakthrough that came via Jeff Buckley and Shrek (John Cale in the film, Rufus Wainwright on the soundtrack). But the film’s strongest moments come through the intimacy of hearing from Cohen himself, and getting closer to his often tortured songwriting process (“If I knew where songs came from, I would go there more often”). We see notebook after notebook full of lyrics, while handwritten lines appear and disappear as guesses are made as to just how many verses (100? 180?) Cohen wrote for “Hallelujah” alone. At times Geller and Goldfine lean back on biography just when the musical detective work is cooking, but A Journey, A Song ultimately connects the two with a resonant thread. Leonard Cohen was a seeker, always striving to reconcile the primal with the spiritual. The process may have taken several years, but he wrote a song that lays that search bare with unparalleled eloquence. And though Cohen himself admitted before his death that “too many people sing it,” Geller and Goldfine are smart enough to include plenty of footage of Cohen performing the song himself, and to close with k.d. lang’s goosebump-time version that Cohen hinted was his favorite. About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Forever Purge Trailer This summer, there are no more rules as a sect of lawless marauders decides that the annual Purge does not end at daybreak and instead should go on and on in The Forever Purge. Vaulting from the record-shattering success of 2018’s The First Purge, Blumhouse’s infamous terror franchise hurtles into innovative new territory as an underground movement, no longer satisfied with one annual night of anarchy and murder, decide to “purify” the country once and for all and launch a class and race massacre along America’s southern border. Mexican refugees Adela (Ana de la Reguera, Cowboys & Aliens) and her husband Juan (Tenoch Huerta, Days of Grace) have fled the drug cartels in their country and now live in Texas. Working as a ranch hand for the wealthy Tucker family, Juan impresses the Tucker patriarch, Caleb (Will Patton, Halloween). Unfortunately, that only fuels the jealous anger of Caleb’s son, Dylan (Josh Lucas, Ford v Ferrari). On the morning after The Purge, a masked gang of killers attacks the Tucker family—including Dylan’s pregnant wife, Cassie (Cassidy Freeman, HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones), and his sister, Harper (Leven Rambin, The Hunger Games), forcing both families to band together and fight back as the country spirals into chaos and the United States begins to disintegrate around them. From a screenplay by franchise creator and narrative mastermind James DeMonaco, The Forever Purge is directed by Everardo Gout, writer-director of the award-winning thriller Days of Grace. The film is produced by the series’ founding producers: Jason Blum for his Blumhouse Productions; Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller; and Man in a Tree duo James DeMonaco and his longtime producing partner Sébastien K. Lemercier. The film’s executive producers are Marcei A. Brown, Couper Samuelson and Jeanette Volturno. Genre : Action-Thriller Cast : Ana de la Reguera, Tenoch Huerta, Josh Lucas, Cassidy Freeman, Leven Rambin, Alejandro Edda and Will Patton Director : Everardo Gout Writer : James DeMonaco Producers : Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, James DeMonaco, Sébastien K. Lemercier Executive Producers : Marcei A. Brown, Couper Samuelson, Jeanette Volturno IN CINEMAS 16th JULY 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 The Silent Echo Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 10, 2022 Directed by: Suman Sen Written by: Suman Sen, Bijon Starring: Kunsang, Tashi Wangdue, Pema Wangyal, Tsering Dhundup A small group of Nepalese children head to the city in order to take part in a band contest. Four children spend their days in the mountains of Mustang, where there is an abandoned bus. They play inside the bus and sing. They appear to have quite a passion for singing and having found out that a band contest is taking place in a nearby city, they decide to participate. With limited dialogue and plenty of singing, this beautiful short drama tells an emotional story that is shown through the eyes of four children. The film could be categorised as a road movie and partly, maybe even as a musical. The narrative begins by showing how the children like to hang around the abandoned bus, then they travel by bus to the city and reach the place where the competition is taking place. The screenplay indicates that the four children are living lives without a great deal of money and yet, they appear happy, constantly laughing and singing. Their song's lyrics are about hardship, which could mean that they live challenging lives. Although their effort at the contest fails to impress the people present, that does not seem to break their spirit. Singing appears to be their strength, it appears to be the thing that keeps the four of them together. Sen's spectacular directing is one of the strongest aspects of the film. Filming took place in Mustang, Nepal and Sen perfectly captures the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, particularly the mountains. There is no non-diegetic music and the film's soundtrack consists mainly of the children's singing, who sing the same song three times throughout. The fact that their performance does not have an impact on the crowd might mean that their singing is something that should stay between the four of them, as it is only them that undestand what it means to them. The script appears to suggest that these children belong where they are, in the mountains. As they leave the peacefulness of the countryside for the noisy city, they seem like outsiders in a place where they are not welcomed. This is an impressive achievement that is very well made and explores themes that involve inner strength and how significant singing can be to a person. The story has its sad moments, ultimately though, it is a story that offers hope. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Alpinist Official Trailer The thrilling, emotionally-charged climbing documentary, THE ALPINIST, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 24th September 2021. An intimate portrait of Marc-André Leclerc, a visionary solo climber driven by a simple love of the mountains, THE ALPINIST is produced by Red Bull Media House in association with Sender Films (THE DAWN WALL) and was an official selection of 2020 Telluride and SXSW Film Festivals. Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. On remote alpine faces, the free-spirited 23-year-old Canadian makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet, he draws scant attention. With no cameras, no rope, and no margin for error, Leclerc's approach is the essence of solo adventure. Nomadic and publicity shy, he doesn’t own a phone or car, and is reluctant to let a film crew in on his pure vision of climbing. Veteran filmmaker, Peter Mortimer (THE DAWN WALL) sets out to make a film about Leclerc but struggles to keep up with his elusive subject. Then, Leclerc embarks on a historic adventure in Patagonia that will redefine what is possible in solo climbing. Featuring Marc-André Leclerc, Brette Harrington, Alex Honnold, Reinhold Messner, Barry Blanchard. Cinematography by Jonathan Griffith, Austin Siadak, Brett Lowell. Edited by Joshua Steel Minor, Peter Mortimer, Josh Lowell, Fernando Villena. Original Composition by Turtle. Executive Producers Peter Mortimer, Josh Lowell, Nick Rosen, Scott Bradfield, Philipp Manderla. Producers Mike Negri, Clark Fyans. Produced by Ben Bryan. Directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen. THE ALPINIST IS AVAILABLE TO WATCH NOW ! 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 How I've Met God Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Amber Jackson | Posted on: Dec 18, 2021 Directed by: German Kuzyura Written by: German Kuzyura Starring: Georgia Waehler, Caleb Zuttc, Polina Ustinova An intriguing and slightly bizarre take on gonzo journalism befits German Kuzyura’s student film How I’ve Met God, featuring a young journalist seeking to uncover an unsolved murder case. Set in a remote small town with minimal leads on the criminal, the journalist tries desperately to understand her attitude to the value of human life and existence. The protagonist herself commands the film with her performance as a hostile woman who interrogates those she believes may know something about the murder. Her bold and seemingly unfeeling manner creates an immediate hook to the story as the viewer seeks to discover with her. This pairs well with each investigated character, the townspeople, who appear on edge at the surface as if they are trying not to be caught out. However, the plot reveals itself to be more thought-provoking than what you would find in the typical murder mystery genre. Limited to nearly no score is a deliberate directorial decision on Kuzyura’s behalf and is handled very well. It is effective as the film flits through some scenes and ponders on others, building an unsettling and unpredictable atmosphere in the small town that is secluding a murderous secret. Alongside ominous lighting in the second half of the piece, we feel like we are hanging in the balance between a big reveal and a cliff hanger – and it succeeds when suddenly the tone shifts in intensity. Ultimately, the most enjoyable part of this short is discovering more about the journalist’s concept of the world. This is matched with how the camera views her quest, as it is very observant with its following shots as if trying to help make sense of her reality unfurling. With copious amounts of confusion and existentialism over life and death, motive comes into question as the journalist is haunted by what she is trying to uncover. Whilst How I’ve Met God merely scratches the surface, it succeeds in drawing the viewer in. This is a fascinating introspective look into the mind of one woman seeking justice for something that she believes has value. About the Film Critic Amber Jackson Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

< Back Top Tips for Film Critics Listen to This Episode UK Film Review Podcast 00:00.24 Chris Olson Hello and welcome to this special one off episode of the ukfilm review podcast today I am talking directly to those of you who want to be a film critic now. How do you be a film critic. You just be one. That's the way it is um, there's no reason not to be a film critic if you want to be 1 and this can start very humbly and simply by writing a review or or speaking a review depending on which kind of medium you want to go for um, don't get too tied up. In the labor of am I a film critic because do I meet these criteria x y ed um, we are all lovers of film and if you're listening to this. You are a film critic There's probably no no doubt about it. Um, what I would say is when it comes to. Journey that I've been on so I'm the editor of Uk film review and I've been a film critic now for 14 years The main objective really is to always be honing your craft um I look up to some of the top. Of critics in the world and I see that they're always trying to hone their craft. They're always trying to improve and why want this episode to do is to give you a few um signposts really I call them shortcuts really? but. 01:31.94 Chris Olson Mainly tips just to give you an idea of what's going to be the best way to always be developing yourself and also are the fundamentals of what you're doing so that you always have that to rely on because often when you're looking up. A piece you know film a piece of art that you've you've watched your review may vary because of that film. Maybe the film is made in a certain way that makes you want to review it in a certain way whereas. Actually your job is to be consistent as well. That you review one film is should be the way that you review really all films. Um, so without much further ado and it's going to get into my kind of first basic top tips for film critics. Firstly, if you're writing a review. Don't just summarize the plot. It seems very very basic but often I see reviews and even from critics that do have a lot of experience that they're maybe so overwhelmed by a film's plot that they just want to retell it. They just want to go in and tell everyone what happened and go through all the different story plots. The fact is that's not your job. As a film critic that the the viewer doesn't want that the viewer what I or the reader wants to go and experience the film for themselves your review if you're doing a structured review. The plot should only be really one paragraph of that review and fairly succinct and getting. 03:04.65 Chris Olson Good at writing um plot synopsis is in 1 paragraph that is where I see the best film critics people that are able to just really rattle it down to basic a tagline and still make you feel that it's a film that you want to see. Um. Because actually when you start reviewing other aspects of the film then the plot can sometimes be explored there. But what you don't want to do is just spoil the film for everyone and that's my my second tip spoilers I wouldn't bother with them. Some people will they'll write a review and I will spoiler alert. And what you'll do is you'll turn off at least half the people that were going to read your review and when it comes to becoming a film critic numbers matter. You want to get as many people reading your reviews and enjoying your reviews as possible so giving them a reason to to leave is not good. So I wouldn't put um spoilers into reviews unless. Absolutely necessary. Sometimes what can work if you do really want to go into lots of detail about that stuff is you do a you know double review I've I've seen this before but they do a review of the film and then they do a a spoilerific kind of review as well. But you're then yeah working in tandem then that can work quite well because. Your readers will review your first review. They'll go watch the film and then they'll read your other review and probably engage with it quite well so yeah, try and avoid spoilers where possible especially in written reviews. Um my next top tip is again fundamentals spelling. Um. 04:35.76 Chris Olson And I know that that seems like okay I'm going to skip past this point please don't skip past this point because we all do it. We all misspell things and when it comes to film reviews the most common one I see is the misspelling of actors names or crew names and that shouldn't happen. Those you should be getting from official sources either in the film in the credits or on their official pages like Imdb or if they have a website. Um, and even then sometimes those can be wrong. So yeah, it it never um, fails to impress me when I see someone. Takes that attention to detail and really says you know Joe I've I've really researched that and I've made sure that I've got all of those details correct because if you don't if you misspell, especially a yeah famous a is named readers are going to then start questioning. Okay, well if they can't get that right? What else can't they get right? You know should I trust this reviewer so really really pay attention to detail. Look at your grammar. Um, if you are you know, not sure. There's so many tools now to use. Yeah, obviously most document builders online have a spell checking built if you don't I'd recommend something like grammarly grammarly is an extension that you can put into. Google Chrome and that is really really valuable I use it all the time. Um, and yeah, especially I know what can happen I used to do this a lot so I used to go up to screenings in London be on my way home on the train and I'm sort of maybe putting together a first draft on my phone. 06:10.93 Chris Olson And you're quite yeah, used to doing like text speak and text spellings then those end up somehow in the review because you've used that text somewhere else when you've then put together the review. So the next kind of tip would be to do several. Drafts and revisions of that review don't just write your review and post it even if it is just your blog or on a social media post again. It matters if you don't put the the correct spellings if you're making typos then people are going to be turned off. They're going to think well, you're not an authority on this. You know if you can't even spell that right. Um, also one thing I see a lot of is lower case eyes. So like I've done as I've done this which is I'll go into this point in a minute a bit more but just generally make sure it's a capital letter where it should be a ga letter make sure the name of the film has capital letters where it should have them. Um, that is crucial. So a appearing professional you you want to appear a professional as a film critic. Um, so just also on the point of eye now when you're reviewing a film and I used to when my first reviews I've still got them on a blog and I go back to them sometime and just think oh my god what was I doing um you want to appear. Ah. As I said an authority you don't want to write it as if you're just a friend down the pub which is like oh yeah I thought this I thought that and there's a very easy way to change this which is so where you say I thought this you can say viewers may think this. 07:41.17 Chris Olson So what that does is immediately. Third parties is it and it puts it in the the idea of ah of an audience and that's where your role is you're thinking this is what audiences might think and this is what viewers might find and rather than saying I avoid at all saying I thought the score was really good. Yeah. It just makes it sound really amateur very childish. Yeah elevate it up to saying viewers will think this yeah and and feel confident to say that because you thought that you that's that was your thought but then the chances are that a lot of audiences will find that. Um, and don't be afraid to do that. Yeah, make sure you've come across as confident and authoritative. Um some other top tips in terms of writing film reviews would be ah, look at other films to reference that shows that you have and like a broad extensive knowledge. Rather than just talking about the one film you talk about the other films that the filmmaker has made before this because often that's a really good journey to explore anyway. And if people are reading your review. The chances are that they have an interest in the film and the filmmaker. So yeah, you talking about their other films is going to connect. But those readers um, you can obviously talk about the films that the actors have made as well or the cast or the crew. Everyone really? um or if it's got a thematic connection to another film. You know if it's something talking about the apocalypse. Then yeah, there's loads of films about the apocalypse. Um, so just Google that and yeah, you can. 09:11.95 Chris Olson Find ones that you've seen or if you haven't and do some more watching. Um, and yeah, go into detail about that and also if you can about your technological development not too much. You know? don't go into like how they do all the ai and how they do all the Cgi and all that stuff. Maybe more about yeah okay, well, there's this acting technique that they're using or or something that's going to yeah, be at least relatable to the audience and why they might care. That's really really important. Um, it's very important to be unique as well with your reviews. Um, you want to when i. Ah, tend to review a film I'll write my review I'll try not to read other reviews before I write it because I find that can skew what I'm writing because I'll kind of go. Oh they thought this and maybe that's really what I should have thought write your review kind of from your perspective your have your voice. But before you publish it I would recommend going and reading some other reviews because what can happen is sometimes another critic has been able to communicate something that you did feel but they've just mentioned it in a way that you go. Oh yeah, yeah, that was how and then you go off on your own tangent then you go off and and talk about that aspect in your way. But I would recommend reading other reviews or watching other reviews of those films. Um, another thing I would also really like to point out I'm yeah I'm very adamant about this is be be kind and be respectful. 10:38.90 Chris Olson These reviews I see pop up, especially from newer film critictix that just absolutely slate a film and they slate a person and they just really tear everything Apart. It? No one really cares about that and you know it it often undermines yourself and just makes you look silly. But also it is really cruel. Yeah, even a film you absolutely loathed. You absolutely hated. It find a way to explore that in a way that is constructive and that is useful for people to Read. Um and don't just attack people I think it's just pointless. Um and especially. Never talk about someone's looks I don't see why anyone needs to talk about someone's looks. There's There's no place for that at all. Um I think it's important as well to write reviews from a place of you loving film and people will fill that passion because if someone's reading reviews. They probably also love films. Unlikely that they're going to be into film reviews unless they really do so just going to town. Yeah, annihilating the the latest blockbuster film is Fine. You know I'm sure there be people there that will do it as well and there will be people that read that. But if you want longevity as a film critic. You need to love film and you need to find a way to. Even enjoy reviewing films that you didn't like because you're exploring why you didn't like them and it can be that they were badly made. It's absolutely fine, but find a way to review that and right in a way that puts you as the authority as to why? it's a bad film. Not oh it just was rubbish no waste of money. Arise It's not not helpful. 12:13.50 Chris Olson Um, I think that's a lot of top tips obviously to be going with um ah so outside of that you know once you're you're happy with your reviews and things like that in terms of exploring your career as a film critic I'll give you some sort of ways in which you you can look at that. So if you're ever. Um, applying to write for a publisher such as yeah Uk home review or anyone else. Yeah,, there's other other publications out there. But I don't like to talk about them. Um, you can always do well by exploring their reviews read their reviews find their. Tone. Um, they call it the house style you know, look at that. What is their house style like why have they set up their yeah perspective. What's that about it can be sometimes harder to to work that out. But just by reading enough of their reviews. You'll find a way that okay well this is how they structure their reviews. This is the tone This is do they swear? do they not swear. Do they you? How much do they go into the plot. How much do they spend talking about the themes. How do they lay them out. That is really important if you want to be a film critic. You need to learn that, especially if you are pitching pieces to publications if they see them in a style.. That's not their own. They're just immediately move On. Um I'd Also recommend going to events So Whether that's screenings or film festivals. The networking side of film is huge. Um. 13:42.82 Chris Olson It's something that is so paramount to the success of film and that yeah also goes towards film critics as well. So yeah, find your tribes find people that you yeah you can connect with and then obviously be introduced to other people and also show that you're willing to. Um, go the extra mile for films that you're reviewing but also for publications that you want to be part of share their post comment on their posts. You listen to their you listen to my podcast like you're doing right now but obviously not just us your other other publications that you're interested in because all that can do. First of it just broadens your experience anyway. Secondly it just shows you that you're you're passionate. You're interested. It's not just about a self-serving thing. Okay oh I want to be paid to do this. It's more okay Joe ashha I just loved this I love doing this? Um so many of the critics that started at Uk from review. They just did it because they loved it and they helped grow it and helped make it. Become successful and we're still doing that we're still relying on the Goodwill of everyone and making sure that we grow together. Um, so if you can be that person be positive proactive. Um, yeah, that makes a huge huge difference. Um, and yeah, hopefully this has been useful. So there's my top tips for film critics and yeah, there's a section on our website currently when I'm airing this yeah where you can apply to be a film cro for our site. We do get a lot of applications. Don't take it personally if we don't get back to you. There's a lot of people out there that want to be film critics. 15:16.58 Chris Olson Ah, but if you can bear in mind the the tips I've given especially the latter ones then you puts you in a good place. Um, and yeah, good luck. It's a fabulous journey and yeah, do it for the love of film. Previous Next

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Remembering Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Amber Jackson | Posted on: Nov 1, 2022 Directed by: Elijah Allan-Blitz Written by: Elijah Allan-Blitz Starring: Brie Larson, Dusty Peak Remembering is a short film that situates a woman and the power of the imagination at its centre. Written and directed by Elijah Allan-Blitz and produced by Academy Award winner Brie Larson, this delightful short film situates a woman with an idea amongst a vast and unprecedented land of ideas. An exciting twist with this short film is that it is accompanied by a companion augmented reality (AR) app that allows users to scan their TV with a handheld device to watch an extension of the film. Innovative and imaginative of equal measure, this enchanted land uses technology to advance its story and leads to a cleverly fun experience. Larson stars as a woman within a fairytale-esque cottage writing down her ideas as if she is creating a story. It is peaceful and tranquil as she sits pondering what to write next – and then she forgets. Suddenly, the story begins to follow the forgotten idea who is found by the writer’s inner child and the two embark upon a journey through The World of Imagination. The young child, performed by the brilliant Dusty Peak, seeks to help ‘the lost idea’ be recovered by its creator. As the two embark upon their journey, they encounter visions and a world that dreams are made of. Viewers can envisage to their hearts content how to involve themselves within this plot which will definitely make the AR app compelling. The beautiful CGI effects within each scene used to create a fantastical landscape make this a very sweet and heartfelt short film. Not typical for a CGI film, the actors were able to see this image projected around them as they performed the scene, thereby creating a deeper performance – as though they too exist within the world. As the protagonist is shown an unbelievable natural world, only accessible through human thought, questions of time, reality and imagination are confronted and left to the viewer to interpret themselves. Allan-Blitz successfully conceptualises the intense forces of individual imagination and how ideas are unique to an individual. In observing the wonders in front of her, the ‘idea’ character learns more about the imaginative world where every idea and imagined thought comes when it has been forgotten. Despite being short, story is open to vast interpretations. Brie Larson commands the screen even in her ‘idea’ character form. It is obvious that this is a short film concept that both she and Allan-Blitz feel passionately about. The process of remembering and the protagonist getting back in touch with her younger self demonstrates how much the short has been considered from the perspective of a child. It feels real – totally immersive, allowing viewers and consumers to positively consider interacting more with this type of film. The watch-along feature that accompanies Remembering is relatively new for Disney+ customers who can simultaneously watch the film and interact with it on their smart phone. Whilst it is an intriguing development to ‘second-screen’ culture, it does not take away from the impact of short film itself. Standalone, this short film is still a positive and warming watch that families and dreamers alike can enjoy. With the added bonus of AR, Allan-Blitz and Larson have contributed to finding new ways to experience film, watching it evolve, and allowing for immersive viewing to become more of a family friendly viewing experience. Remembering is available to stream on Disney+ now. About the Film Critic Amber Jackson Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >