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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 4 out of 5 Kenny Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Fall Guy 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 4 out of 5 Challengers 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 Boy Kills World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Beast Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infested Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bestias 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.

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

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 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 Bestias Patrick Foley OBA OMO (The King Child) James Learoyd IRAN: A People Forever in Revolution James Learoyd Guilty Swati Verma Devon William Hemingway I am the Wanderer: Director's Cut Jason Knight My Obsession with Death Chris Buick Clodagh Jason Knight Alleviate Joe Beck Whippy Patrick Foley The Other John James Learoyd 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.

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Call Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: May 4, 2024 Directed by: Riffy Ahmed Written by: Vanessa Rose Starring: Jo Martin, Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn On the off chance that you don’t already know this, let me give you a little bit of backstory: The asteroid Apophis – designation 99942 – is a near Earth asteroid with a diameter of 370 metres which was classed as a potentially hazardous object, in astronomical terms, when initial observations in 2004 suggested a 2.7% probability that it would hit the Earth in the Spring of 2029. The asteroid was named after the Greek god of chaos and undoing, who was in turn a representation of the Egyptian god, Apep – The Lord of Chaos, who embodied darkness and disorder. As is the way of these things, the geeky scientists who discovered and named the asteroid were also big fans of the classic sci-fi show Stargate-SG1 , where an alien named Apophis was the main antagonist and the greatest threat to life on Earth. There’s no need to worry though because the asteroid was downgraded fairly quickly and is now known to have no chance of impacting the Earth in the next hundred years. Phew! In the short film The Call , from director Riffy Ahmed and writer Vanessa Rose, one of the main characters, Cora (Martin) has found herself to be completely distracted by what she thinks is the appearance of Apophis in the sky. Cora’s daughter Athena (St. Aubyn), on the other hand, just can’t get on board with such outlandish stories and feels that her mother is entering into a slow, steady mental decline in her twilight years. When we first meet Athena, she is on her way to her mum’s flat in an inner-city tower block. Athena’s mum hasn’t been answering her phone and it seems likely that she has forgotten about the rendezvous they had arranged the week before. As she approaches the door of the flat, Athena sees that the mail hasn’t been collected for some time and is overflowing out of the letterbox. When she is finally let inside things don’t look any better, with clutter everywhere and the curtains drawn, and Athena soon discovers that her mother has taken the double precaution of leaving the phone’s receiver off the hook as well as unplugging it from the wall. In her perceived mania, Cora explains that the phone had been ringing all night and she was not ready to deal with whoever was on the other end of the line. As Athena tries to get out of her mother just what is going on, and subsequently finds an eviction notice, the two women discuss their relationship over the years and a host of cross-matched feelings are brought to the fore. It’s clear that there’s always been a lot of love between the two characters, and despite Cora’s distracted demeanour and Athena’s obvious frustration, the entire scenario within the small flat is completely filled with warmth and tenderness. Everything in The Call is conveyed with a sumptuous attention to light and to colour, with Pep Bosch’s cinematography and Riffy Ahmed’s direction keeping the inside scenes close while allowing the outside shots to appear expansive. The jazzy rhythms from composer Joe Stevenson match up with Cora’s mania perfectly but also know when to calm down and become gentle as the relationship between mother and daughter takes precedence. Similarly, the performances from Jo Martin and Amarah-Jae St Aubyn allude to a history and a certain quiet knowing from the characters while they both try to deal with the current situation from their own perspectives. There’s a lot to recommend The Call to the viewer as it plays out its small family drama with a twist. Unfortunately, the twist is telegraphed all too early on and when it does come along it’s barely any surprise at all, with an underwhelming costume change to boot. The family dynamics, which are really the heart of the film, never get explored fully and it’s hard to understand why Vanessa Rose decided to aim for the denouement that she did. The Call runs like any regular relationship drama with a throughline that’s pretty easy to spot where it’s going, which when the story clearly has elements that should suggest that it’s anything but run-of-the-mill, becomes slightly unsatisfying despite its feelgood factor. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Latest Film Reviews average rating is 3 out of 5 The Call Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 bad lunch. 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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 The Call bad lunch. Kenny The Fall Guy Cast Away The Protégé On My Level Changing Tides The Storm Challengers Jane Austen's Period Drama Mother Maker Lover Taker Load More

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS bad lunch. Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: May 4, 2024 Directed by: Sneha Mendes Written by: Sneha Mendes Starring: Brendan Smoller, Dhwani Shah Most people’s idea of a good lunch involves either peace and quiet while taking a relaxing break away from work or some other exertion in order to set the mind at ease, or, perhaps it involves a hearty meal with friends, family, and loved ones. ‘Bad Lunch.’ demonstrates the opposite, leaning on surrealism, it effectively depicts conflict, though largely fails to amuse as intended. In its short two minutes, we see two people, a man and a woman played by Brendan Smoller and Dhwani Shah, whose we presume are a couple sit down to eat lunch. The conflict between the two is evident even without the cliched use of one of the most famous pieces of classical music out there. Writer and director Sneha Mendes excellently creates tension immediately from the outset, with a sense of aggression even in how both the man and the woman drag their chairs away from the table to sit down in sync. We are left to wonder at the source of the conflict between the two as they almost immediately begin aggressively eating their bowls of spaghetti, guzzling it down at a rate that is sure to cause some discomfort afterwards. They each stare each other down as they devour their food, at one point coming close as though reaching for a kiss - almost like ‘Lady and the Tramp’ - before that is abruptly withdrawn and they resume their constant struggle to consume their meals. It’s no wonder that the man nearly chokes on his food, but as he’s saved we’re left to wonder why. What’s the point in this? Is there any point at all? The commitment to the bit by both actors is admirable, and each of them gives strong performances, conveying their anger at one another believably through both their eyes and the facial contortions of their glitter clad faces. Indeed, throughout, the tension between the pair is strong, due to both the strength of the acting and Sneha Mendes’ directing, which doesn’t take a side in this silent conflict, but nonetheless picks up on every minute flex of anger and frustration. However, as is often the case with surrealist cinema, you are left wondering why. This isn’t so much a problem when dealing with film by the likes of Luis Bunuel or Salvador Dali - i.e. ‘L’Age D’Or’ or ‘Un Chien Andalou’ - as these films amuse us as much as they intrigue us, and so we need not find some higher purpose. Yet ‘bad lunch’ is not funny, and so, in the space of laughs we wonder why is there this conflict, and what is it all a metaphor for. Therefore, whilst ‘bad lunch’ is well directed by Sneha Mendes and contains strong performances, it feels wrong to label it a comedy, as the joke is simply in its surrealist nature rather than what we are actually shown, and so it is more an interesting short drama that highlights the talent involved, than something to be watched for laughs. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Kenny Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: May 3, 2024 Directed by: Stacey Stone Written by: Stacey Stone Starring: Kenny Harris California’s homelessness crisis is an issue that UK audiences may be only passingly familiar with, but the Golden State’s problems with housing, drugs and destitution have been an ongoing concern for some time in the US. Stacey Stone and Diane Mellen’s documentary short Kenny follows a man who does not easily fit into any of the traditional categories of how people end up on the street, and makes for a heartwarming if still concerning look at how people cope in the crisis and find freedom outside of tradition. The film uses a mixture of documentary footage and rotoscope animation to tell the story of Kenny, a 72-year-old man with the beard of a sage who lives on the streets of Santa Barbara. Kenny describes his living circumstances as a freedom, and despite difficulties he takes his life in his stride without need for sympathy. Yet for all his embrace of what life has dealt, the elements take their toll – particularly when flash-floods strike the state. Kenny is a strange and moving short film that balances contradictions and complex issues and questions around homelessness to present a thoughtful picture of its subject. The directors keep the focus on Kenny’s story – how he came to end up ‘living free’ and how he maintains a life on the streets, without explicitly targeting homelessness as a societal issue or crisis. Perhaps it is more self-explanatory to its US target-audience, however to UK viewers some of the political debate may go over heads. Whilst it is lacking from the film – the purpose is made quite clear in the title: the film is about Kenny. Whilst outside issues are significant to his story, the director’s decision to pursue a defined focus on him holds its own power, and a message that for how long the issue has persisted, it forces those who suffer from homelessness to persist as well. The flash-flood storms that strike during filming are an excellent test for how effectively the directors have created a sense of concern for the elderly subject of the documentary. The moment comes as a terrifying twist which sparks concern within the film itself for Kenny’s safety. As devastating as the incident was, it is something of a lucky break for the filmmakers that something so strikingly representative of the dangers homeless people could face at any time happens during filming. The floods act as a symbol of Kenny’s perseverance and strength, whilst indicating vulnerability at the same time. The short shots we have of the man huddling under a bridge for shelter are amongst the most moving in the film. At only ten minutes, Kenny eloquently and emotionally taps into the realities of homelessness. Whilst there are doubtless many Kennys out there – survivors who turn down sympathy out of pride, freedom, anger of more – the reality is that homelessness as an epidemic is something that threatens lives and damages communities. Stone and Mellen’s film is highly recommended for this reason, with an uplifting human story a powerful additional one. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Yellow Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: May 16, 2023 Directed by: Elham Ehsas Written by: Elham Ehsas Starring: Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, Ahmad Jan Mano, Elham Ehsas In August 2021, the Taliban overtook Afghanistan. This short drama explores the aftermath. It is a busy market in Kabul and a young woman (Dehrouyeh) is looking to purchase her first chadari. He enters a clothing shop and requests one from the assistant (Ehsas). He helps her make the right choice, gives her advice and is quite helpful. She does not seem to be fond of the garment and appears to realise that her life is changing. This film is about a turning point in a woman's life, following the Taliban's conquest of Afghanistan. It is obvious that it is the first time she is wearing a chadari, as she does not know how to put it on, which highlights the change that she is going through. Through her eyes, the audience sees a procedure that many women in Afghanistan are going through: getting a chadari for the first time and entering a new stage in their life. The screenplay calmly examines the procedures that the heroine undertakes in order to obtain a chadari and thus (in some ways) go through a transformation and become another person, a person who the Taliban approve of. The film dramatically points out some of the effects of the Taliban takeover. One is the degradation of women, which is explored through Dehrouyeh's character and a television news broadcast about the strict laws applied by the Taliban regarding women wearing a chadari. Another is the banning of music, which is briefly shown through Ehsas' character. One part that stands out is a dance scene that feels almost magical thanks to slow motion and creative editing by Ehsas and Ross Leppard. Director of photography Yiannis Manolopoulos does a great job with the cinematography and commendations go to Jessica Holme for the costumes. An effective point-of-view shot places the viewer in the heroine's position, helping them feel how she feels. This film is a poignant and hard-hitting commentary about the Taliban's seizure of Afghanistan, how it affects the people of that country, particularly women. It provides an insight into the current situation, painting a bleak vision of the future. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Community Service Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW Taken from a story by London care-giver Will O'Keeffe, Community Service strips bare the realities of a life not well lived. We struggle along with Hugh as the days unfold and nothing gets better and we look on helplessly as he fumbles around trying to keep the pieces of his life together. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Rocky Climbed a Mountain Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Mar 9, 2024 Directed by: James Rolfe Written by: James Rolfe Starring: James Rolfe, Derek Wayne Johnson The writer-director and Youtuber James Rolfe (video game and film reviewer) along with Derek Wayne Johnson talk to the audience about the detailed analysis of various film projects Rocky Iv to be specific. This gives film enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to learn from the various videos on his Youtube channel. The plot of the short film revolves around James Rolfe who attempts to find and climb the same mountain that Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) climbed and bravely conquers his quest to become strong enough to defeat the human monster Ivan Drago in Rocky IV in 1985. Rocky Climbed a Mountain begins with Rolfe showcasing the footage from an old video of all the Rocky films the most famous of all being the art museum steps and later talks about Rocky IV in which the protagonist climbs the mountain maintaining the interest of the audience in the narrative from the very start and tries to hold on to the audience engagement all through the running time of the film. The set design, colour palette, lighting, sound, dialogues, costume, hair, makeup, and props have been kept natural to give a sense of realism, relatability, and depth to the storyline to appreciate the amount of detailing James Rolfe wants to work with so that the viewers also share the same emotion with regards to Rocky IV and Sylvester Stallone after watching the documentary. James Rolfe in addition to direction and writing features in the documentary. The dedication and love for what he does is visible as he embarks on a trip which is elusive and dangerous in many ways. The voice modulation, body language, facial expressions, and eyes tell us about the ever-increasing intensity as we move forward with each twist and turn with the unfolding of the storyline. Derek Wayne Johnson is an editor by profession and a close friend of Rolfe who accompanies him in his mission of looking for real-life locations that match the shots taken in the movie Rocky IV. Johnson provides the desired emotional support and motivation to complete the trip successfully and achieve most of the predetermined goals. Rocky Climbed a Mountain talks about the ability to express the passion one has for a certain area of interest and to showcase the same with the work they do providing a certain degree of satisfaction and peace within. The documentary reiterates the importance of loved ones especially when combating a risky life-threatening situation in life. It highlights the emotional responsibility of a parent and a spouse one has to fullfil by coming back home safely every time. The cinematic piece teaches its audience that every human being is allowed to be emotionally vulnerable at times irrespective of gender. The creative piece also restates the value of time well spent with people who are important to us when we consider the temporary nature of life. To conclude I would like to say the documentary aptly works as a tribute to the senior actor Sylvester Stallone from James Rolfe and Derek Wayne Johnson with valuable life lessons incorporated in it. About the Film Critic Swati Verma Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Sticky Situations Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Feb 6, 2024 Directed by: Damien Brewer Written by: Damien Brewer Starring: Damien Brewer, Sophie Chittenden, Lordsika Thoughtful and often moving, Sticky Situations (2022) tells a harrowing story. It’s vicious, unwavering and confrontational in its outlook on criminal life, but manages to be watchable - giving us a brief glimpse into a world of constant threat. Centering around two drug dealers and the high-pressure interactions that arise for them – climaxing with a tragic act of aggression – we see their friendship evolve. The characters also demonstrate how conflict affects moral decision-making; the way bravery can lead to a show of mercy and restraint. Realism is omnipresent when it comes to shorts – our focus being a prime example. Some would argue that the ‘Realist’ and the ‘political’ are inseparable within art; that a Realist work is defined by its offering prescient ideas and narratives. Damien Brewer’s work certainly displays these elements, yet arguably does not appear trite or repetitive: instead, it uses characteristics of the form to present the story in a thought-provoking manner. A lot of this is down to the unique perspective it’s being told from. Set entirely in an urban environment, the surroundings present as simultaneously nuanced and oppressive. The world is so fully lived in that you get a real sense of authenticity both in terms of the characters’ domestic lives as well as the portrayal of their activities. Some of this is due to the natural style of writing and convincing interior setups, but it’s also a result of shooting on location; utilising practical lights in the city to motivate cinematic technique. And when it comes to camerawork, there are some well-considered and dynamic shots on show. Even though handheld is implemented throughout, it feels tonally suitable; of a piece with the story it’s attempting to get across. The only issue comes with the colour grade which would have benefited from further contrast and depth: some will be able to tell that the video -- having been shot in log (presumably) -- is intended for the shadows and highlights to be pushed slightly, thus illuminating richer detail (which the footage clearly possesses). Another brief, technical complaint: one cannot help but feeling that this film would be far superior were the editing more restrained. There are emotionally intense dialogue sequences that consist of frequent, distracting cutting. The script is strong, as are the performances, therefore it does not require rapid editorial pace to compensate. Scenes would hold far more strength and resonance for an audience if the piece simply took a breath and allowed the drama to do the work. Sticky Situations is a well-directed short: there’s a clear understanding of staging, the visual construction of back-and-forth interactions; however, the film would be genuinely impeccable if the editing was as well-considered as the content... That content being as dark and relevant as it is, it’s important to clarify that there is valid reasoning behind the violence in the piece: it’s there to provide commentary, something reflective to contextualise the very real and disturbing scenarios depicted. Overall, Sticky Situations proves to be incredibly engaging. While inconsistent in places, this crime drama is intelligent and certainly has something potent to say to its audience. About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >