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Aaron Gillingham Since secondary school I’ve always had a passion for filmmaking. How a film goes from idea to a fully realised experience is something I wanted to thoroughly analyse and study so I could later make films of my own. Every aspect of filmmaking is one that fascinates me, from cinematography and sound design to directing and editing. Whilst studying media at college and university I was able to gain new skills and hobbies, one of those being film criticism. To make good films you need to watch a lot of them, that is how you develop your own taste and style. I created a short-lived review page on Facebook to express my interest in film. I very quickly transitioned my film reviews from Facebook to YouTube in 2015 on the channel ‘Aaron at the Movies’, which I still upload to frequently, but the idea of going back to written reviews is something that has never left me. As I have some experience in filmmaking and understand the many struggles that come with it, I never look to directly hate a film when reviewing it. I look at the film from all aspects and try my best to judge it fairly taking any limitations it may have into account. I know a film is good when I can’t stop thinking about it and feel the need to get as many people as possible to see it. The worst kind of movies for me are ones that are simply meh, they’re not good or bad and there genuinely isn’t much to say about it. You can find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or (as previously mentioned) YouTube for my film related opinions and general updates. Follow On Twitter Read My Film Reviews

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Tech to the Future Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 20, 2022 Directed by: Sandro Monetti Written by: Sandro Monetti Starring: Francis Hellyer, Patrick Hessel, Michael Atar, Donelle Dadigan A fascinating short documentary about remarkable ways in which technology is utilised in order to shape the future. Within fifteen minutes, the audience is introduced to five technological breakthroughs in travelling, medicine and entertainment and some of the amazing individuals that have contributed to making them a reality. The presenter is Francis Hellyer, a business leader and investor, who enthusiastically introduces the viewer to these magnificent accomplishments one at a time. So what are these achievements then? The documentary is separated into chapters, each of which focuses on a specific product or service. First, there is Aeromobil, a company that manufactures cars that are designed to convert into aircrafts withing three minutes and can fly. Then, there is Deepcake, a talent agency that creates digital copies of celebrities and through terrific creativity, makes it look like it is actually them who are acting in a scene and not a replica. Trioscope is a company that creates a multiverse platform for storytelling that allows users to develop a cinematic and spectacular content through the use of 3D CGI painted environments, 2D animation and live-action footage. Cytovale is an organisation that utilises cell mechanics and machinery in order to discover rapid ways to diagnose diseases that develop quickly and finally there is the Hollywood Museum, which (as the name suggests) has a massive collection of movie props and film sets and the staff are hoping that in the near future, they will also have holograms of movie characters. The innovations mentioned above are shown in action, yet it could be hard to believe that they actually exist, as they are so fascinating. Some of the individuals who are part of them include Patrick Hessel, the CEO and chairman of Aeromobil, Professor Michael Atar who works with Cytovale and Donelle Dadigan, the founder and president of Hollywood Museum. As they are interviewed, they proudly talk about their accomplishments. Oz Koca and Skye Wallin do a great job with the editing and Elizabeth Rossi makes a significant contribution with the music. This exciting documentary introduces and promotes products and services that will most likely change lives for the better and by doing so it also shows the fantastic things that people are capable of. Viewers will almost centaily be fascinated by what they will learn and will probably want to find out more about these outstanding innovations. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Consecration Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Feb 9, 2023 Directed by: Christopher Smith Written by: Christopher Smith, Laurie Cook Starring: Jena Malone, Danny Huston Consecration is another Catholic horror movie full of potentially vengeful nuns. Yawn. It stars Jena Malone and Danny Huston and was directed by Christopher Smith, whose Severance is one of the best horror comedies ever. Go on. Malone plays Grace, a woman called to Scotland to identify the body of her brother, a priest who killed himself after murdering another priest in front of a gaggle of nuns. But the Mother Superior (an effectively chilly Janet Suzman) tells the story a bit differently than handsome local detective Harris (Thoren Ferguson). She knows Grace’s brother was possessed by a demon and had the strength to end his life to protect the convent. Grace is having none of it. What she is having are hallucinations and blackouts, which should probably concern her more than they seem to. But that’s just the beginning of Consecration ’s problems. Malone – a generally welcome sight in any film – is as unconvincing. Her amateur atheist sleuth is as believable as her Scottish accent. The gritty charm and sly intelligence she’s used to mischievous and mysterious effect in so many films evaporate in the face of this super serious if frequently lightheaded character. Much of the ensemble fares better. Huston’s spot-on as the priest determined to find a solution to this convent problem. Meanwhile, Eilidh Fisher blends warmth and weirdness, creating the film’s sole memorably tragic figure. But Smith’s script, co-written with longtime collaborator/first-time writer Laurie Cook, leaves too many gaps in logic for its tale to take hold. Most of these holes concern Grace, which is no doubt among the reasons Malone struggles to create a believable character. The scenery is gorgeous and there is an interesting time/space twist that’s a bit of good fun. But it’s not quite enough to salvage a tired idea told with pretty images and little enthusiasm. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < 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.