Search Results

Carmen film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Melissa Barrera, Paul Mescal directed by Benjamin Millepied. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Carmen Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: May 17, 2023 Directed by: Benjamin Millepied Written by: Loic Barrere, Alexander Dinelaris, Lisa Loomer Starring: Melissa Barrera, Paul Mescal For this latest reimagining of the classic story, director Benjamin Millepied credits inspiration from Prosper Mérimée’s original novella from 1845, and Alexander Pushkin’s poem “The Gypsies” from 1824. Flashing more modern vibrancy through culturally rich music and dance, this new Carmen arrives as a wonder of visionary composition that struggles to find an equally compelling connection to its characters. The writing team of Loic Barrere, Alexander Dinelaris and Lisa Loomer crafts a surface-level tale of lovers on the run. Aidan (Paul Mescal) is a troubled Marine veteran volunteering on a night patrol along the Mexican border, while Carmen (Melissa Barrera) is trying to cross after the death of her mother. A violent altercation leads to casualties, and the two are soon trying to stay one step ahead of authorities. Millepied (choreographer and co-star of Black Swan ) knows his way around a dance number, getting an assist from flamenco specialist Marina Tamayo for sequences that sport some thrilling fluidity. The acclaimed talents of cinematographer Jörg Widmer (The Tree of Life, V for Vendetta ) and composer Nicholas Britell (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk ) are also on full display, rounding out a veteran stable of technical skill that consistently lifts the film’s imagery and scope. Mescal (Aftersun ) continues to show a gift for quiet nuance, Barrera (In the Heights, Scream , Scream VI ) finally breaks out of her reliance on posing, and the veteran Rossy de Palma (various Almodóvar projects) steals scenes as a savvy nightclub owner, but the script seems content to keep depth at a distance. Pushkin’s centuries-old themes of noble savages and the tragedy of life are too often given a heavy hand, needing a rescue by the visual poetry on display. This Carmen tells us “dancing will you heal you.” Indeed, it’s one of the cures for what ails a less than passionate romance. About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Close film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Marco Fausto Daidone, Gianluca Meotti directed by Lorenzo Sicuranza. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Close Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Dec 15, 2024 Directed by: Lorenzo Sicuranza Written by: Lorenzo Sicuranza, Francesco Teselli Starring: Marco Fausto Daidone, Gianluca Meotti What makes a relationship a close one? Is is the quantity of time spent in another’s company or the quality of that time? How quickly can you form a close relationship? In minutes or does it take hours and days? Those are the questions ‘Close’ raises, though it doesn’t necessarily explore them to a satisfactory level of nuance and depth. ‘Close’ begins with an extract from a poem by Ferdinand Freiligrath - “O love, as long as you can love! O dear, as long as you love! The hour is coming, the hour is coming; Where you stand at graves and lament!” - and the essence of those four lines is felt throughout the rest of the film as well. It’s a poem that expresses the need to love while you can love, because it may not last forever, and whilst that is effectively captured in ‘Close’, the film doesn’t spend enough time exploring the relationship between its characters to truly understand the bond that they share. Franz (played by Marco Fausto Daidone) is all alone in an unfamiliar city as he prepares for a piano competition. Alone in his hotel room he cannot get through to his mother on the phone and is left overwhelmed by his own solitude. All that changes when Andrea (played by Gianluca Meotti) bursts in looking for shelter from the police. Andrea is clearly a dangerous fugitive and angrily remonstrates on the phone to his accomplice but this doesn’t perturb Franz, and very quickly the two strike up something of a friendship. Emphasis must be put on how quickly this happens. One moment Andrea is yelling on the phone, the next he and Franz are sat at the piano playing together with a closeness and sensuality between them. It’s as though a chunk of the film were taken out between the two scenes and we are supposed to just believe that they struck up a friendship just like that. There’s connective tissue between the events and this is a pattern that continues throughout the film. It’s a fault in the screenplay by Lorenzo Sicuranza and Francesco Teselli as they fail to effectively set up any of the events of the film. You sense that had the film been perhaps longer and more able to bridge the gaps between scenes then it would have been a far more moving rumination on loneliness and the human need for closeness and relationships. As it is, Lorenzo Sicuranza’s impeccably beautiful directing is let down by the gaps in the screenplay and the film feels rather unfulfilling. ‘Close’ is a disappointing film. It’s one that is full of unfulfilled potential as it fails to properly explore the depths of its questions and themes, and instead feels rushed and incomplete. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Wicked Little Letters film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall directed by Thea Sharrock. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Wicked Little Letters Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Apr 3, 2024 Directed by: Thea Sharrock Written by: Jonny Sweet Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall Long before you could hide behind a keyboard and avatar, a small English village was scandalized by some expert-level anonymous trolling. Wicked Little Letters tells us that story is “more true than you’d think,” and rolls out a stellar ensemble to elevate the tale at nearly every turn. It is the 1920s in Littlehampton, England, where unmarried Edith Swan (Oscar winner Olivia Colman) still lives with her parents (Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones). Edith is known to be a dutiful daughter and devout Christian, so town tongues are wagging when she begins to receive hateful and profanity-laced “poison pen” letters in the mail. Who could be behind such unwarranted vitriol? Whaddya bet it’s that filthy Irishwoman Rose Gooding (Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley)? Rose is frequently loud, drunk and vulgar. Plus, she’s a war widow (or is she ?) with a young daughter (Alisha Weir from the upcoming Abigail ), a “reputation” and a live-in boyfriend (Malachi Kirby). Throw in the recent falling-out with Edith, and that’s enough for the town Constables (Hugh Skinner, Paul Chahidi), who arrest Rose and quickly schedule a show trial. But “Woman Police Officer” Moss (Anjana Vasan) isn’t convinced, and she risks her position by continuing to investigate the letters on her own. Director Thea Sharrock (Me Before You, The One and Only Ivan ) and first-time screenwriter Jonny Sweet don’t craft a “whodunnit” as much as they do a “whoproveit” and a “whydunnit.” The real culprit is revealed fairly early on, and the film tries to balance some British wit atop heavier themes of repression, equality, and the sanctimonious crowd who are all preach no practice. It’s historically interesting and well-meaning enough, but it reveals Sweet’s TV background through a light and obvious romp that’s rescued by heavyweight talent. Colman, Buckley and Spall are all customarily splendid, each making up for the lack of nuance in their characters with some livid-in conviction and natural chemistry. Plus, Vasan stands out in the winning supporting group as the overlooked and underestimated W.P.O. Moss. So while it’s lacking in the bite needed to leave a lasting impression, think of Wicked Little Letters as an extended cat video, one just amusing enough to take your mind off of all those nasty comments from the keyboard warriors. About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film Feature by Chris Olson If you are looking for the best films coming to UK cinemas for June 2025, you are in the right place. We have fast cars, dragons, and a return to the world of John Wick. Clown in a Cornfield (2025) - UK Release Date June 6th 2025 For those who like their horror films clowned up, Eli Craig's slasher mystery is likely to be an exhilarating trip to the movies. The upcoming film Clown in a Cornfield  centers on Quinn Maybrook and her father, who relocate to the seemingly quiet, fading Midwestern town of Kettle Springs for a fresh start. However, they quickly discover the town is deeply divided. On one side are the adults, desperate to restore Kettle Springs to its former glory after the local Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down. On the other are the town's teenagers, who simply want to have fun, make prank videos, and escape the stagnant community. As the generational tensions reach a boiling point, a sinister, grinning figure emerges from the cornfields: Frendo, the town's former clown mascot. What begins as a series of unsettling pranks quickly escalates into a terrifying onslaught. Frendo and an army of his murderous counterparts begin to brutally "cleanse" the town of its younger inhabitants, forcing Quinn and her new friends to fight for their lives against the homicidal clowns in a desperate struggle for survival. Ballerina (2025) - UK Release Date June 7th 2025 Directed by Len Wiseman, this action-thriller starring Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas is a great choice for fans of the John Wick movies. Set within the intricate, shadowy world of the John Wick franchise, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a deadly assassin trained in the brutal traditions of the Ruska Roma. Orphaned after witnessing the murder of her family, Eve embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against those responsible for her father's death. Chronologically positioned between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the film delves deeper into Eve's past and her rigorous training at the secretive ballet academy run by The Director (Anjelica Huston). As Eve hunts down her targets, she navigates the perilous underworld, encountering familiar faces such as Winston Scott (Ian McShane) and Charon (Lance Reddick, in his final appearance). Her path inevitably crosses with the legendary John Wick (Keanu Reeves) himself, adding another layer to the high-stakes journey of this vengeful ballerina. How to Train Your Dragon (2025) - UK Release Date June 9th 2025 As live-action remakes go, this is one of the most anticipated. Based in the popular book series, Dean DeBlois returns to give us a retelling of the excellent story about a viking called Hiccup (played here by Mason Thames) and his dragon Toothless. Gerard Butler returns as Stoick, Hiccup's dad and legendary Viking Chief. Set on the mythical island of Berk, the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon  introduces Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a scrawny, intellectually curious Viking who doesn't quite fit into his tribe's dragon-slaying culture. Son of the formidable chieftain Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's awkward attempts to prove himself in battle often end in disaster, much to his father's frustration. During a dragon raid, Hiccup manages to bring down a legendary, elusive Night Fury, a dragon never before seen up close. Instead of killing it, he finds himself unable to deliver the fatal blow and instead forms an unlikely bond with the creature, whom he names Toothless. As Hiccup secretly nurses Toothless back to health, he begins to understand dragons not as savage beasts, but as intelligent, misunderstood creatures. This forbidden friendship challenges everything Hiccup and his fellow young Viking recruits have been taught in their dragon training, leading him to question his tribe's long-held beliefs. When a far greater threat to both Vikings and dragons emerges, Hiccup and Toothless must bridge the divide between their worlds, proving that courage comes in many forms and that true strength lies in understanding, not conquest. Tornado (2025) - UK Release Date June 13th 2025 Set in the rugged and unforgiving landscape of 1790s Britain, Tornado  tells the story of a fierce young Japanese woman (Kōki) who finds herself thrust into a brutal fight for survival. She and her father, a travelling puppeteer and former samurai, perform a traditional Japanese puppet show that subtly incorporates his martial arts training. Their nomadic life takes a perilous turn when they cross paths with a ruthless gang of criminals led by the grizzled and cunning Sugarman (Tim Roth) and his ambitious son, Little Sugar (Jack Lowden). After a young boy steals the gang's ill-got gold, Tornado impulsively intervenes, inadvertently drawing the full wrath of Sugarman's crew. When her father is brutally murdered, Tornado, armed with the samurai skills he secretly taught her, embarks on a relentless and bloody quest for vengeance. She must outwit and outfight the relentless gang across the treacherous British countryside, transforming from a reluctant performer into a formidable warrior, determined to avenge her father's death and forge her own destiny. 28 Years Later (2025) - UK Release Date June 20th 2025 Danny Boyle returns with a new film from his popular zombie horror franchise. This time starring Jack O'Connell, Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Decades after the devastating Rage virus transformed Britain into a perilous wasteland, pockets of humanity cling to existence in isolated, heavily fortified communities. 28 Years Later  plunges us back into this terrifying world, focusing on a group of survivors residing on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, guarded causeway. Among them are Isla (Jodie Comer), a woman grappling with memory loss, her husband Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and their young son Spike. When circumstances compel Jamie and Spike to venture into the treacherous, infected mainland on a critical mission, they uncover a landscape far more complex and horrific than they could have imagined. Not only have the infected evolved in disturbing new ways, but the survivors they encounter are equally unpredictable, harbouring their own dark secrets and fractured societies. As the family confronts these mutated threats and unsettling truths, the film explores how time has twisted both the infected and the very fabric of human survival, proving that some wounds never truly heal. F1: The Movie (2025) - UK Release Date June 25th 2025 The upcoming film F1: The Movie , directed by Joseph Kosinski ( Top Gun: Maverick ), plunges audiences into the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing. The story centres on Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 prodigy from the 1990s whose promising career was cut short by a devastating crash. Years later, now a middle-aged, nomadic racer in lower leagues, Sonny is given a surprising lifeline by his old friend and struggling APXGP team owner, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem). Ruben convinces Sonny to return to Formula 1 for one last shot at glory, not just for himself, but to mentor a hotshot rookie sensation, Joshua "Noah" Pearce (Damson Idris). As Sonny grapples with his past demons and the intense demands of the sport, he finds himself in a fierce rivalry with his new teammate, pushing both men to their limits on and off the track. The film promises an authentic and immersive experience, with real F1 cars and tracks used during filming, aiming to put viewers directly in the cockpit of these incredible machines. So there you have it, a gamut of great films for you to watch in UK cinemas in June. Be sure to listen to the UK Film Club Podcast, hosted by me and film critic Brian Penn - the latter of whom will be reviewing some of the above on our next episode.

Film Feature by Chris Olson Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and starring Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Joshua Jackson, a new Karate Kid movie was released in the UK today. Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is rated a 12A by the BBFC, so a perfect end-of-half-term option for families with older children this weekend. Forced to trade the tranquillity of his martial arts training for the concrete jungle of New York, kung fu prodigy Li Fong finds himself an outsider at a demanding new school. His attempts to forge a normal life are shattered when his innate talent sparks a rivalry with an undefeated karate champion. With his newfound friendships hanging in the balance, Li commits to entering the city's premier karate competition. His path forward is illuminated by two legends: his devoted kung fu master, Mr. Han, and the seasoned wisdom of Daniel LaRusso. Together, they help Li forge a unique fighting philosophy, preparing him for an epic clash that will test his limits and honour a martial arts legacy. Fans of The Karate Kid (2010), are likely excited to see Jackie Chan back in action and those of the original 1984 film will be happy to see Ralph Macchio in the lineup. For those who don't remember, here's a synopsis of the original The Karate Kid movie: Uprooted from his familiar New Jersey life, awkward teenager Daniel LaRusso finds himself a fish out of water in sunny Los Angeles. His attempts to make friends and impress a local girl quickly backfire, drawing the relentless ire of Johnny Lawrence, the charismatic leader of the menacing Cobra Kai karate dojo. Constantly targeted and outmatched, Daniel's despair leads him to the unassuming apartment handyman, Mr. Miyagi. What begins as a plea for protection blossoms into an extraordinary mentorship. Miyagi, a quiet and wise Okinawan immigrant, agrees to teach Daniel karate, but not in any way Daniel expects. Through mundane chores like waxing cars and sanding floors, Daniel unknowingly masters fundamental defensive techniques, learning that true martial arts are about balance, discipline, and inner peace, not aggression. As the bullying escalates, Miyagi orchestrates a truce: Daniel will face his tormentors on neutral ground at the upcoming All-Valley Karate Tournament. With Miyagi's unconventional wisdom and unwavering support, Daniel transforms from a victim into a determined contender, ready to confront Johnny and the "strike first, strike hard, no mercy" philosophy of Cobra Kai in a climactic showdown that will test his newfound skills and spirit. About the Director Jonathan Entwistle is a highly regarded British director celebrated for his distinctive visual style and ability to craft compelling narratives, particularly those with a blend of dark humour and poignant character development. He first gained widespread critical acclaim as a director and executive producer for the BAFTA-winning Netflix series The End of the F*ing World, which cemented his reputation for unique storytelling. Following this success, Entwistle continued to make his mark in television with the similarly acclaimed series I Am Not Okay with This and the retro-futuristic Hello Tomorrow!. His talent for bringing fresh perspectives to established properties has also extended to feature films. He helmed the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends and is attached to other high-profile projects like Power Rangers and The Lost Boys, showcasing his versatility across genres. From his earlier short films like Human Beings to his current slate of major studio productions, Entwistle has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for evocative atmosphere and an innate understanding of his characters' journeys.

Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson Hi Ranw, great to be interviewing you. Please tell us a little bit about you and your filmmaking? Great to be here—thanks for having me! My name is Ranw Aso-Rashid. My journey into filmmaking has been anything but traditional. I originally studied Biomedicine at the University of Westminster before becoming a qualified science teacher and later Head of Department at a secondary school. But storytelling has always been a passion of mine. At 19, I made my first micro-short film on an iPhone. Later, while teaching, I started making films with my students, which eventually led me to establish AR Studios. Since then, I’ve written, produced, and directed 10 films, including Whispers of Redemption, The Silent Choice (a KINO Original currently on the international festival circuit), and Our Little Act of Rebellion, an international co-production. At AR Studios, I’m fortunate to work with incredible industry mentors, including development consultant Deborah Sheppard, script consultant Pete Daly, and Executive Producer Marcus Liversedge. Our ambitious documentary slate is now entering production, with support from Oscar-nominated producer Hanna Polak and BAFTA-nominated executive producer Clare Richards (Founder of We Are Doc Women). Beyond my work as a filmmaker, I also serve as a judge for the BIFA-qualifying KINO Film Festival and the British Short Film Awards. Filmmaking, for me, is about telling stories that challenge perspectives and leave a lasting impact. I’m always looking for bold, meaningful narratives that push boundaries. Tell us about your new film, Our Little Act of Rebellion. How would you describe the plot of the movie? At 75, Konstantine spends his birthday reminiscing over old photographs with his caregiver, Eleni. But when he stumbles upon a picture of Aysha—a woman he met in a private music club in 1974—memories he thought were long buried begin to resurface. What starts as nostalgia soon unravels into something deeper, revealing a past intertwined with political turmoil, forbidden love, and the secrets hidden within music. As the echoes of that fleeting yet powerful connection grow stronger, Konstantine is drawn back to the club that once changed everything. But some stories aren’t finished yet. Why did you want to make this film? I was drawn to this story because it weaves together themes of forbidden love, political tension, and personal memory—elements that resonate across cultures and generations. At its heart, it’s a deeply human story about connection, loss, and the way the past lingers in unexpected ways, especially regarding experiences that have remained hidden until this film came along. Unlike many filmmakers, especially producers, I am risk-focused rather than risk-averse. I actively seek out bold, challenging projects rather than shying away from them. Knowing how complex this film would be—both as a story and as an international co-production—only fueled my determination to make it happen. I also saw it as an opportunity to push myself, working with a reasonably sized professional crew while ensuring underrepresented stories reach a wider audience in mainstream indie cinema. It sounds great! What were the challenges getting it made? Every film comes with its challenges, and this one was no exception. Time always seemed to be slipping away—long shoots, tight schedules, and the constant race against the clock. There were moments when shots needed to be changed, and I had to ensure the crew stayed on track to keep to our schedule. But, honestly, I thrive in high-stress situations, and I approached these challenges with humor and a calm mindset, which helped keep the momentum going. I made sure to personally know the crew by name, thank everyone for their efforts, and keep the camaraderie with the cast strong. They were absolutely superb, and maintaining that positive energy throughout the process was key. The live music scenes were particularly time-consuming to set up, but I leaned on my teaching background to break down clear instructions for the crew, ensuring everyone knew exactly what we were doing. Seeing the crew and cast working in harmony was incredibly rewarding. Despite the long hours, I found it all fun—there's something exhilarating about being in the thick of it. I remember when we wrapped at nearly 2am on July 31st, I still had the energy to shoot! But, of course, we had to wrap eventually. What stage is the film currently in? The film finished post-production in February 2025, and is about to begin its festival journey, courtesy of KINO London. Our world premiere will take place in Athens this summer, followed by a special screening in London later this year. For those eager to get a first look, we’ll also be releasing the official trailer on our social media channels soon. We’re currently in talks with ERTFLIX for a Greece-territory acquisition, as well as discussions with distributors for global distribution. After completing its festival run, the film will be available on demand via Vimeo and other key distribution platforms before eventually being fully publicly available online. Why do you make movies? I make films because stories are the most powerful way to connect us—to our emotions, to each other, and to the truths we sometimes struggle to face. At the heart of my work is human fragility—the raw, unfiltered moments that shape us. My stories often come from the many students and young people I have taught, coached, and mentored. Their struggles, dreams, and resilience have profoundly influenced my storytelling. I want to give voices to experiences that might otherwise go unheard, to explore sensitive topics with honesty, and to challenge genre conventions in ways that feel fresh and daring. I am heavily inspired by Frank Darabont’s screenwriting, the visceral, unapologetic storytelling of Quentin Tarantino, and the way Christopher Nolan elevates narrative through music—how a single note can change everything. There is always a part of me in the stories I write, produce, and direct. Each film is, in some way, a reflection of something deeply personal. And ultimately, telling these stories isn’t just thrilling—it’s cathartic. It’s therapeutic. My journey into filmmaking began in the classroom, at Friern Barnet School, with the support of my headteacher, Simon Horne. I started making films with my students, and that experience changed everything for me. Watching young people gain confidence, discover their creative voices, and see new career possibilities because of filmmaking—that was the moment I knew this was what I had to do. To this day, I’ve had over 130 students involved in my productions, gaining work experience, volunteering, receiving mentorship, and even landing their first paid jobs. That impact, that ability to shape lives through film, is what drives me. I make movies because I believe in the power of storytelling—not just to entertain, but to inspire, challenge, and transform. What advice would you give to someone just starting a career in filmmaking? The best advice I can give is simple: just start. Film school can help, but not essential. I did biomedicine at university and have learnt my way into the industry. Only do it if you're passionate though. Don’t wait for permission, don’t wait for the perfect camera—use your iPhone, your Android, whatever you have. Make films with your friends. Experiment. Learn by doing. The more you create, the more you’ll grow. Go to networking events. Find people who are passionate about what you love. Surround yourself with those who push you to be better. And if you’re serious about getting into the industry, reach out to AR Studios. We’re highly connected in the independent film scene, not just in the UK but increasingly in Europe and the USA. We’ve provided countless opportunities for young filmmakers to connect with experienced Heads of Department and industry professionals—people who can help you take that next step. But beyond that, understand this: filmmaking is an incredible but tough industry. Don’t enter it expecting to make friends in the personal sense—protect your boundaries, know your worth, and be mindful of who you let into your creative space. Educate yourself on the challenges and issues within the industry, and always stay informed. Read up on what’s happening in film every week using online outlets. Knowledge is power. Above all—keep making work. No one’s going to hand you a career. You build it, one film at a time. Who would you love to work with and why? I would absolutely love to work with Colman Domingo. As an actor, he brings an incredible depth to every role he plays, and his performances are always layered with so much truth and intensity. What really draws me to him is not just his talent, but his dedication to storytelling—how he fully commits to his characters and elevates every project he’s part of. I also deeply admire the way he helped bring Sing Sing to life. His involvement went beyond acting—he was part of the creative process, working to ensure the film was made with authenticity and heart. That kind of passion for storytelling and commitment to meaningful projects is something I resonate with. Working with someone like him, who not only delivers powerhouse performances but also understands the bigger picture of filmmaking, would be an incredible experience. What's next for you? Next, I’m diving deeper into TV development. I’m currently working on three TV series, one of which is an adaptation of Our Little Act of Rebellion. It’s a project I’m incredibly excited about, and I’m in talks with a potential co-producer to bring it to life. On top of that, a major streamer has officially solicited the submission of the project, which is a thrilling next step.