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Film Reviews Here at UK Film Review we like to tackle all kinds film reviews. Our writers come from all walks of life, and feel passionate about critiquing the movies they watch. From the latest Theatrical Releases to Short Films, Indie Films, Documentaries and even Animation, the contributors of UK Film Review are as eager to please as Dev Patel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). If you are a filmmaker, or are working in film PR and want to promote one of your clients, please get in touch using the Submit Your Film button under the drop-down menu for Home. Take a look at our list of film reviews below from some of the hottest releases in UK cinemas. Simply click the image of the review you would like, or the title of the movie. Or use the search button to find the movie you are looking for. We have given any feature length film a star rating (out of 5) in order to help viewers sort the Citizen Kanes from the Waterworlds, the Inceptions from the Transformers. Michael Bay will be given a fair film review from our writers, but that probably will not go in his favour. Speaking of Filmmakers, head over to our Filmmaker Features page for awesome articles about some of the best filmmaking geniuses who ever lived. Movie Trailers are also available, either underneath the film reviews, or on the Movie Trailers page. And lastly, if you like your film reviews verbalised. Simply because reading is boring and listening is marvellous, then make sure you Subscribe to the UK Film Review Podcast. Our critics offer up some banterous opinions on the best and worst movies across all genres. Head over to the Podcast page, or click this link to go straight to iTunes. If you would like to read or view any of the following, simply use the navigation. Alternatively, you can click on one of the images to read the film reviews here, or simply have a ganders at the lovely movie artwork on display. Remember to listen to film reviews on our regular film podcast. GET REVIEWED average rating is 3 out of 5 The Roommate Contract Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 I Saw the TV Glow Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Strangers: Chapter 1 Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Faceless After Dark Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Another Mother's Day Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Back to Black Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Evil Does Not Exist Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Gunslingers Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Adam the First Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Denmark Doesn't Exist Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Stop in Yuma County Read Review Chris Olson Mar 8 2 min Film Podcast - Dune: Part 2 Chris Olson Mar 1 3 min Film Podcast: George Clooney Rowing Biopic Scoops Film of the Month Jan 20, 2023 3 min TAR FILM REVIEW Taryll Baker Oct 13, 2022 2 min Empire of Light - Film Review Oct 11, 2022 3 min Bones and All LFF Review Oct 7, 2022 3 min White Noise (2022) LFF Review Sep 20, 2022 2 min Sanctuary TIFF Review UK Film Review Sep 13, 2022 5 min FrightFest 2022 Highlights May 25, 2022 3 min Top Gun: Maverick Film Review Apr 23, 2022 3 min The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Film Review Spoilers in our film reviews As with all digital forms of expression sometimes people may find something that upsets them online. Spoilers can often be one of these things! Whilst we do our best to ensure that major plot points, twists, character deaths and celebrity cameos are not found in our reviews, it can sometimes be difficult to judge what each and every film lover on the planet would to be a spoiler. If you feel that one of our film reviews contains one too many details then please do let us (politely) know using our social media platforms. We may then take serious action, such as expelling the critic responsible from this and every other movie publication past and present, declaring war against the studio for leading our writer into temptation, or we may do nothing at all. To be honest, it is most likely going to be the latter unless some serious rules have been broken. You may also see some movie trailers in our reviews that could also contain potential spoilers. In which case anyone who is hoping to avoid these should probably not click the play button on them. Or click the play button, turn the sound down on your device, then leave the room for a least 28 minutes whilst the trailer finishes and leaves your life naturally. You may be wondering what you could do with all 28 of those minutes! Why not read some more film reviews on another device? Or make a short film of your cat playing with a piece of string? Spend it wisely guys and gals.

Latest Film Reviews average rating is 4 out of 5 Ramgog! Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Roommate Contract Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Botching Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 I Saw the TV Glow Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Strangers: Chapter 1 Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Megalopolis Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Adze The African Vampire Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Faceless After Dark Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Another Mother's Day Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Back to Black Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Evil Does Not Exist Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Original Skin Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Second Act Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Voyager Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Depression Is A Beast Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Gunslingers Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Adam the First Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Pandæmonium Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Red Lantern Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Tomorrow Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Maiken Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Denmark Doesn't Exist Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Stop in Yuma County Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something has Passed Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Thin Black Line Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Tomorrow Never Comes Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Imperfect Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Call Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 bad lunch. Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Kenny Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Fall Guy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Cast Away Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Protégé Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 On My Level Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Changing Tides Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Storm Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Challengers Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Jane Austen's Period Drama Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mother Maker Lover Taker Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Humane Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Cruel Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Company Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy Kills World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Beast Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 No Mercy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infested Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Paddling Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy.With.Angel.Wings Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Wait Till It Drops Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Fugue Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Circus Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 It Could Be You Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bestias Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Back to Black Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The People's Joker Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Alba Rosa Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 OBA OMO (The King Child) Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 IRAN: A People Forever in Revolution Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Hello in Here Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Guilty Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Devon Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 I am the Wanderer: Director's Cut Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 My Obsession with Death Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Death of a Mule Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Clodagh Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Alleviate Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Whippy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Other John Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Straight Through Crew Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Civil War Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 What I'm Hiding From You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sting Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Rooftops Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Siren Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Music to Die For Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Who We Were Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Founder Effect Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Monkey Man Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The First Omen Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Femme Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Disrupted Expectations 2: Becoming the Research Director Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Wicked Little Letters Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Remembering Gene Wilder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Bound Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Rwd Fwd Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 James Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Lochgoilhead Forever Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Waiting for a Train Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dolce Far Niente Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Make a Wish Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Godzilla x Kong: Thew New E,mpire Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Lousy Carter Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 They Shot the Piano Player Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Night Explorers: The Asylum Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Swords of Justice II Read Review

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

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Ramgog! Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: May 18, 2024 Directed by: James Ristas Written by: James Ristas Starring: Kris Salvi, Emma Geller The story of the genesis of man, as told in the Bible, has been reiterated and mirrored countless times over the years, in films from ‘Pinocchio’ to ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ to the various forms of ‘Planet of the Apes’, but perhaps none have more so taken inspiration from the storied tale in such a strange and peculiar way as ‘Ramgog!’. “Ramgog!’ is a remarkably strange film, one of a kind in every sense of the word, yet whilst it is no doubt curious, it is perhaps not the most engaging of films. Written and directed by James Ristas, we are immediately thrust into a surreal landscape of total darkness as a man, played by Kris Salvi, and a woman, played by Emma Geller, step into the void. We are told that they are the last two remaining people on earth, a clever inversion of the story of Adam and Eve. Earth has turned completely into darkness, and our two protagonists are wailing over their abandonment by God. Then ramgog, the creature that gives the film its title, appears, and things go from slightly strange to utterly off the walls crazy. The easiest way to describe Ramgog is as a philosophical, and apparently all-knowing, space monkey. In this story of genesis he is the Mephistopheles, offering information to the Adam and Eve of the film as to why this has happened. He is armed with a book on the teachings of sixteenth century German philosopher Jakob Boehme, which are second only to God’s own words in terms of importance. I guess they couldn’t find any holy scriptures in the dark. From utterly off the walls crazy, things only become weirder and completely batshit insane, with further biblical inspirations, including a nod to the birth of Jesus, as well as ideas credited to Boehme himself. This is a religious film like never before, in that it’s both all about religion at all, should you choose to exercise your brain and make those connotations, but equally has nothing to do with anything at all should you choose instead to watch it without thinking. The latter is probably preferable, as the more you think about ‘Ramgog!’, the less you can enjoy it. It is fun surrealism, but unlike films by the likes of famed surrealist Luis Buñuel, the more one spends dwelling on and trying to decipher the hidden meanings behind ‘Ramgog!’, the more it becomes frustrating and ultimately less engaging. This isn’t helped by the flat performances, as each line is delivered in a robotic, forced manner, and the two leads display a desperate lack of chemistry with one another. Screenplays in surrealist films generally allow for award reading of lines, but in ‘Ramgog!’ It’s past awkward, it’s straight bad. Furthermore, though James Ristas’ directing is magnificently bold and visually striking both in terms of the range of shots on display and what those shots are depicting, there is one moment - where the fourth wall is shattered - that completely takes the viewer out of the picture, and that silkiness that is present behind the camera throughout, disappears briefly. ‘Ramgog!’ is a strange film. It’s one that wants you to think, but is best enjoyed if you don’t. It’s surrealism is both it’s strength and it’s weakness, as you sense that perhaps Ristas is shooting too far with his attempt. Then again, such audacity should never be discouraged, and it is ultimately this boldness which makes ‘Ramgog!’ such a creative and, perhaps, an essential film. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

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

FILM REVIEWS UK UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! ​ Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. ​ We even review short and independent films on the podcast. ​ Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. ​ Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS Ramgog! The Roommate Contract Botching I Saw the TV Glow The Strangers: Chapter 1 Megalopolis Adze The African Vampire Faceless After Dark Another Mother's Day Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Back to Black Evil Does Not Exist Load More

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Roommate Contract Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: May 18, 2024 Directed by: Lydia Muir Written by: Lydia Muir Starring: Korina Deming, Daniel Kim, Regan Hicks, Samekh Resh Living in New York City is not an easy thing to do. Property is at a premium, rents are sky high and finding someone to flatshare with who isn’t a total nutbar is an almost impossibility. It is for reasons such as these that young twenty-something writer, Aiysha (Deming) has been crashing on her best friend Kara’s (Hicks) couch for the past wee while, preferring that to the cockroach infested glorified cupboard that she is currently paying rent for. Like it or not though, Aiysha’s lease is up in about a week’s time and so she really needs to get on it to try and find somewhere new to live. Unfortunately for her, this is not the only thing Aiysha needs to sort out in her life, as she really needs to start pulling herself together in actually finding a paid job as well as maybe, perhaps finding a boyfriend for herself, too. Thankfully, dating apps are the one thing in NYC which never fail to deliver, with millions of thirsty loners out there just chomping at the bit to get some actual human interaction, no matter that most of them barely have the minimum requirement of social skills and aren’t all that comfortable about stepping out of their front door in the first place. It is a miracle then that on her first attempt at meeting for a date, Aiysha lands up with Nathan (Kim), a twenty-something lawyer who was being messed around by his previous girlfriend and who, just by complete happenstance, is unbelievably on the lookout for a new flatmate, as his best pal Sebastian (Resh) moves onto pastures new by moving in with his own girlfriend. And so, the set-up for The Roommate Contract is in place, the fuse is lit, and we are ready for the romcom shenanigans to begin. With the first episode in this new web-series from writer/director Lydia Muir taking us through the introductions of our will they/won’t they lovebirds and ending with the signing of The Roommate Contract itself, the way is laid clear for the rest of the series to engineer as many difficult, uncomfortable situations as possible for the not-quite-a-couple to find themselves in. As yet there are three completed episodes, of between ten and fifteen minutes each, but with there being eight rules on The Roommate Contract , and each episode taking on a theme from one of the rules, there’s plenty of scope for Muir to take the series forward and expand on what she has already built. Being shot on a tight budget, this little web-series has a feel of being just a little bit basic, or, dare I say it, far more realistic than anything like Friends or How I Met Your Mother ever was. The apartments are of an appropriate size and style, with plenty of bare walls and affordable furniture, while the outdoor locations do their best to show us some of the sights of the city, just from a distance far enough away to let us know we’re in the cheap seats. The dialogue, too, can be pretty basic at times, with certain scenes merely being there for a short set-up before they fade to black and the next scene is cued in. On the plus side though, both Korina Deming as Aiysha and Daniel Kim as Nathan are very likeable in their roles and they do their best with what they’ve been given. They are very cute together and play off each other well, with each of them giving off ‘normal person’ vibes the whole way through, something which is obviously very difficult to tie down in NYC 2024. Throughout the three episodes, Aiysha and Nathan are run through the gamut of established romcom conventions, with the solidity of The Roommate Contract being tested at every turn. Right from the off it seems obvious that their relationship is less of a Ross and Rachel will they/won’t they and more of a [insert any Meg Ryan 90’s romcom] where everyone knows it’s going to happen, it’s just a matter of when. There’s a lot to recommend The Roommate Contract , despite its limitations, and at under quarter an hour per episode it’s perfect for dipping into when you’re feeling under the weather, you need a little wholesome pick-me-up, or the endless Friends reruns just aren’t hitting like they used to. There’s enough in the three completed episodes to suggest to an audience that The Roommate Contract is a diversion worthy of their time and it would be a real shame if Lydia Muir were not able to complete at least the first series and get another five episodes made. Don’t come for me though, if I spoil it for you now, and say that it’s highly likely that Aiysha and Nathan will be getting it on by the end. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Digital / DVD Release, Web Series < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Botching Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Chris Buick | Posted on: May 18, 2024 Directed by: Brian Williams AKA Super 68 Written by: Brian Williams AKA Super 68 Starring: - Botching , the brainchild of super-ingenious filmmaker Brian Williams aka Super 68, is a fictional story about a perhaps not-so-fictional and not-so-distant future. Set in a technologically much more advanced London, where robots and machines have been built and deployed to serve and protect us, Botching’s thrilling heist narrative entertains while highlighting the vulnerabilities we as a civilisation can and probably will face when and if we put so much faith into these systems. Williams, creator extraordinaire, takes on most of the roles here, responsible for pretty much everything apart from the music (we’ll get onto Denis Kilty’s own impressive contributions shortly) and that singular voice means Botching is a clear and concise execution of vision from start to finish. Firstly, the most obvious and definitely most impressive are the accomplishments in how the film looks and feels, Williams’ skills in CGI based story-telling are nothing short of awesome. It never quite veers into any uncanny valley territory, feeling more akin to cinematics from a high-end video game or animation series perhaps so it does always have that computer-modelled, proof-of-concept sense to it. But that said, it’s an incredibly striking film and genuinely never once feels cold or soulless as some wholly computer generated short films can, and the way it uses its greyscale aesthetic occasionally popped with just the right colours in just the right places really sells that dystopian vibe it’s aiming for, effortlessly evoking feelings of clearly inspired by classics such as Blade Runner and others while always managing to do the genre justice in its own right. And what really helps hammer all that home is Kilty’s colossal score, one that is so fitting that it not only creates the right level of excitement and tension for us to be enthralled by, but completely rounds off this world-building that Williams has worked so hard at. Botching is a world that you feel you step into completely, filling you both with exhiliration but also unease as you realise the themes of what its saying behind all it's heist theatrics, a film that subtly outlays the very real fragility of our society when our dependence on AI-based technology reaches the point of no return. It wouldn’t be a surprise if we got more from the Botching universe, with such fertile ground laid here by a clearly talented filmmaker and storyteller, the sky is the limit going forward. About the Film Critic Chris Buick Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS I Saw the TV Glow Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: May 17, 2024 Directed by: Jane Schoenbrun Written by: Jane Schoenbrun Starring: Justice Smith, Bridget Lundy-Paine Fulfilling the promise of 2021’s We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, writer/director Jane Schoenbrun’s follow-up, I Saw the TV Glow , is a hypnotically abstract and dreamily immersive nightmare of longing. Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) meet as very introverted teens, drawn together by their love of “The Pink Opaque,” a Saturday night series on the Young Adult Network. Maddy’s basement offers shelter from her violent stepdad, while Owen has to join her there in secret, away from the sheltering grasp of his mother (always great to see Danielle Deadwyler) and father (Fred Durst!). Together, the teens escape into the weekly adventures of two young women (Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan) who connect across the psychic realm to battle monsters sent by the evil Mr. Melancholy. But then the show is cancelled, the basement TV is left in flames on the front lawn, and Maddy vanishes without a trace. As the film wanders through the advancing years and Owen sometimes comments through the fourth wall, Schoenbrun layers Eric Yue’s cinematography and a captivating soundtrack to craft a completely transfixing pastiche of color, light, sound and shadow. Smith (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor A mong Theives) is heartbreakingly endearing, while Lundy-Paine (Bill & Ted Face the Music ) provides a revelatory turn of alienation and mystery. It’s hard to take your eyes of either one of them, with Schoenbrun often framing their stares through close-ups that become as challenging as they are inviting. And that feels organically right. Because Schoenbrun is channelling characters who imagine life as someone else, to again emerge as a challenging and inviting filmmaker with a thrillingly original voice. Worlds’ Fair got our attention – and A24’s. Now I Saw the TV Glow is here to get in our heads. About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release, LGBTQ+, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Strangers: Chapter 1 Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: May 17, 2024 Directed by: Reny Harlin Written by: Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland Starring: Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutieerrez Reny Harlin’s best film is The Long Kiss Goodnight , though some would argue Die Hard 2 . Niether one of these is great. Good, yes. Definitely. Not great. He’s made 42 other features—42!—not one of which is good. A couple are decent. A lot of people think he disappeared, talk about his work with The Strangers origin story trilogy as some kind of grand reemergence, but he’s never gone away. It’s just that the movies he’s made for the last thirtyish years have been entirely forgettable. So anyway, The Strangers: Chapter 1. Chapter 1 is actually the third installment in the tale of masked marauders randomly hunting anybody who’s home when they come calling. Bryan Bertino’s 2008 original is among the scariest horror films of the new millennium. It took ten years for somebody to decide it needed a sequel . It didn’t. But that’s the problem with a franchise, isn’t it? You can’t replicate the genuine terror of a truly original horror film, you can only hope to replicate it. This is what Harlin, with writing partners Alan R. Coen and Alan Freedland—both comedy writers known for King of the Hill and other sitcoms—attempts. Chapter 1 hits all the same beats—all of them—as Bertino’s original. The only real difference is that he abandons every move that made the original original. Gone is the complicated relationship, emotional gut punches, chilling lines and good music. The vinyl collection in this backwoods Airbnb is terrible. Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez) stop at an off-the-grid diner on their road trip from NYC to Portland, Oregon. Unexpected car trouble lands them in a rustic cabin overnight, which seems ideal until someone comes knocking looking for Tamara. There’s a Richard Brake sighting, which is never a bad thing, but blink and you’ll miss him. Gutierrez and Petsch are fine. They’re asked more to pose and look nice than anything, but they do emit a lovable chemistry that makes you sorry for what you know is in store. And though you certainly know where things are heading (partly because Harlin mimics Bertino’s original so early and often), individual set pieces ratchet up a certain amount of tension. It looks nice. Is it the gorgeous vintage horror aesthetic of Bertino’s original? It is not. But it’s a good looking movie. So, if you have not seen the 2008 treasure that grounds this franchise, then Harlin’s Chapter 1 is sure to please. It’s an extremely conventional, competent horror movie. As if that’s enough. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Jack Salvadori | Posted on: May 16, 2024 Directed by: George Miller Written by: George Miller, Nico Lathouris Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth George Miller takes us back to his iconic dystopian, post-apocalyptic Australian Wasteland in a reverse journey to discover the origins of Furiosa, played by a roaring Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road in 2013. Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the titular, fearless, character in her younger version. But you better “fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride”… This time, however, the film’s engine is flooded. There was little doubt that this prequel would not manage to replicate the epic success of Fury Road, also presented at Cannes and swiping six Academy Awards, but Furiosa changes gear and takes a drastically dangerous U-turn. Miller is invested in expanding his world rather than focusing on the action, which is the fuel for the predecessor’s achievement. And so not only we go back to the familiar Citadel, but we get to see the Bullet Farm and Gas Town too. But if Fury Road works it's because of its incessant rhythm, covering three hellish days for the gutsy Mad Max with very little narrative and relentless set pieces. Instead, Furiosa spans over fifteen years, divided into an idle chapter structure, filled with cringe exposition by two-dimensional characters who beg not to be taken seriously. The car chases are still mesmerising, and they definitely carry Miller’s uniquely entertaining touch, but they are massively reduced for exposition and backstories. Chris Hemsworth has fun playing the unhinged villain and warlord Dementus, while Taylor-Joy brings a very physical performance, having only about twenty lines of dialogues. And so we see her kidnapping from the female-led oasis that she dreams about in Fury Road, her eventual loss or childhood and rise to power among the ranks of the Citadel- basically what is already explained in the previous film. Thus the question, did we need a visual version of it? Overall, removing the expectations, the A-list cast, and inevitable glow from the previous film, Furiosa is but a very expensive B-movie that targets spectacle over substance. But for such purpose, two and a half hours is way too long. It feels like George Miller attempted to build on his universe and its mythology, aiming to craft an Australian Star Wars in the desert. But alas, the result is more an erratic, long, car ride when you’re not at the wheel. About the Film Critic Jack Salvadori Film Festival < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Megalopolis Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: Jack Salvadori | Posted on: May 17, 2024 Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola Written by: Francis Ford Coppola Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel I believed in America. And I believed in New Hollywood, helmed by Francis Ford Coppola. Thus, it particularly saddens me that Megalopolis , the legendary director’s long-awaited epic dream, is not the late masterpiece I anticipated. Forty-five years after the triumph of Apocalypse Now on the Croisette, Coppola competes for the Palm d’Or once again. Expectations were insurmountable, especially after the hyped reactions from an industry screening last month, classifying the project as extremely unconventional. Well, that’s a very kind way to put it… You would assume that studios have been ungrateful to Coppola, who, after crafting some of the greatest masterpieces in film history not only had to self-finance his latest project, but he is also struggling to score distribution deals. For once, however, the studios may have a point. The idea at the core is promising and fascinating: an alternative universe where New York is instead New Rome, and its society is shaped around the customs and style of a hypothetical modern Roman empire. Patrician families pull the strings of the city, with Mayor Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito) on one side, and genius Nobel Prize winning architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) as his vocal opponent. The latter desires to rebuild the metropolis from scratch into a utopian society, structured around principles and technological advancements. Just like the film, Cesar’s dreamland is theoretically promising, but once it shines on the silver screen, it’s an embarrassing cluster of bad CGI, resembling a Windows 2000 screensaver. What is not computer generated is blandly shot like a perfume ad, which goes hand in hand with the flat music, soapy dialogues and over the top performances a-la-Dick Tracey. The colourful characters plot against each other in dollar-store Machiavellian schemes, and a very talented ensemble of actors feels highly underused, most notably Dustin Hoffman relegated to an unflattering side role. The plot-holes increase exponentially, and despite its 138 minutes a lot seems to be missing, perhaps due to the infinite rewrites of the script (rumours claim that there have been over 300 versions). Coppola’s eye is cast on concepts rather than characters. However, these ideas such as living in a better world for the future generations, sound preachy and shallowly kitsch. By the end of the film, one has more questions than answers, with the main one being: how is this possible? Comparing a director’s heights with his latest works is never a fair assessment, but how can He be the same master who delivered those perfect scenes from The Godfather and The Conversation , where no detail was left unnoticed? The egomaniac and delusional architect who wants to build an idealistic empire in his own way inevitably mirrors the octogenarian filmmaker, who challenged all conventional production standards and the studio system, making the movie entirely through his own means. It is therefore impossible to discern the artistic qualities of Megalopolis with this audacious personal bet, and it should be appreciated under this light rather than as a picture per se. Coppola’s spot in film history is secured, and yet he gambles everything on what, at $120 million, can be considered the most expensive “experimental” movie ever made. He is determined to redefine how a movie can be told, including an unprecedented theatrical interaction midway through the screening, with the lights going up to show a journalist in the cinema interviewing Cesar on the screen. Unexpected, but eventually this is but a gimmick that does not matter in the film. If history is cyclical, Francis Ford Coppola wants to be Marcus Aurelius, but turns into Nero. About the Film Critic Jack Salvadori Film Festival < All Reviews Next Film Review >