As we look toward the 2026 release, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow stands as a testament to the new direction of DC Studios.. Brand new film trailers. Supergirl The arrival of the first trailer for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow marks a pivotal moment for the burgeoning DC Universe under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran. For those accustomed to the sunny, optimistic portrayal of Kara Zor-El in television iterations, this 2026 cinematic outing, directed by Craig Gillespie, promises a starkly different experience. Drawing its DNA from the acclaimed comic run by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, the film appears to be leaning into a more atmospheric, cosmic, and perhaps even nihilistic tone that sets it apart from its Kryptonian cousin. Milly Alcock, perhaps best known to British audiences for her breakout performance in House of the Dragon , takes the lead as Kara. Her casting suggests a departure from the traditional "girl next door" archetype, opting instead for a character hardened by the trauma of surviving a dying world. In this version of the mythos, Kara did not grow up in the comfort of a Kansas farm, but rather on a drifting fragment of Krypton, witnessing the slow death of everyone she knew. This backstory provides the film with a psychological weight that the trailer hints at through vast, lonely vistas and a sense of profound isolation. Supporting Alcock is an intriguing ensemble that highlights the film’s galactic scope. Matthias Schoenaerts joins the cast as the antagonist Krem of the Yellow Hills, a role that suggests a gritty, Western-influenced conflict across the stars. Additionally, the inclusion of Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knolle signals that the film will maintain the core relationship of the source material: a young girl seeking vengeance and the disillusioned superheroine who reluctantly agrees to help her. This dynamic shifts the film away from traditional superhero tropes and moves it toward the territory of a cosmic odyssey. Director Craig Gillespie, who demonstrated a knack for subverting expectations with I, Tonya and Cruella , seems an inspired choice to handle such a complex protagonist. Working from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira, Gillespie looks set to provide a visual palette that is both alien and haunting. The production design, hinted at through the initial footage, moves away from the sterile laboratory aesthetic often associated with science fiction, opting instead for something more rugged and ancient. From a British critical perspective, there is much to be optimistic about. The decision to film partially in the United Kingdom suggests a production that values high-calibre craftsmanship and atmospheric locations. Furthermore, the casting of Alcock brings a specific, sharp-edged energy to the role that feels refreshing in a saturated market. As we look toward the 2026 release, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow stands as a testament to the new direction of DC Studios. It is a film that seems less concerned with building a franchise and more interested in exploring the soul of a woman lost in the stars. If the final product matches the ambition of its pedigree, we may be looking at the most sophisticated entry in the genre for years. Paper Tiger The Paper Tiger trailer suggests a searing, deeply moving examination of ambition, guilt, and the toxic pursuit of the American Dream. Ink The newly dropped trailer for Ink confirms those expectations, delivering a relentless, kinetic glimpse into Fleet Street's most disruptive era. The Social Reckoning Seeing the first teaser trailer drop for its spiritual companion piece, The Social Reckoning, sent an absolute chill down my spine. Focker-in-Law If the film can sustain the frantic, competitive energy displayed in this preview, Focker-In-Law might just be the rarest of cinematic beasts: a comedy sequel that actually manages to justify its own existence. We are officially on high alert. Heart of the Beast Heart of the Beast looks like a gripping, tear-jerking cinematic triumph that will resonate with action fans and animal lovers alike. We will definitely be front and centre with our popcorn when this one hits the big screen! Klara and the Sun Klara and the Sun looks like a heart-wrenching, beautifully acted triumph that will linger in the mind long after the curtains close. Power Ballad What has us incredibly excited about Power Ballad is the dynamic friction between its two leads. Paul Rudd seems perfectly cast as the rugged, everyday musician who just wanted a shot at the big time, acknowledging with a heavy heart that having his name on a song of that magnitude would have completely changed his life. The Debut UK Film Review hasn't yet seen the final curtain rise on this one, but if the film matches the sheer dramatic potency of its trailer, The Debut is set to be a staggering, must-see cinematic triumph. One Night Only One Night Only looks to be a sharp, subversively funny, and emotionally resonant look at how we connect when time is running out. It takes a wild, satirical premise and uses it to explore a timeless question: Who would you choose if you only had one night? Supergirl As we look toward the 2026 release, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow stands as a testament to the new direction of DC Studios. Masters of the Universe With the arrival of the first trailer for the 2026 reboot of Masters of the Universe, the cinematic landscape prepares for a collision of sword, sorcery, and surprisingly, suburban Earth. Wild Foxes Dune: Part Three Picking up roughly seventeen years after the seismic events of Part Two, the trailer immediately signals a shift in tone. While the first film was an act of world-building and the second a visceral war epic, Dune: Part Three—an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah—looks to be a far more claustrophobic and tense affair. In The Grey Scary Movie 6 The horror-comedy world is officially being turned upside down as the first trailer for Scary Movie 6 has finally arrived, marking a monumental return for the franchise that defined a generation of parody cinema. Empire of Lies Empire of Lies arrives in UK cinemas and on digital platforms on 27th March. Undertone Undertone is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on Friday, March 13th, 2025. If the trailer is anything to go by, we suggest you keep the lights on and perhaps think twice before pressing play on your next favourite podcast. The Moment The Land of Sometimes Twins Alfie and Elise find a magical Wish Watch on Christmas Eve and are swept by the Wish Collector into the musical Land of Sometimes, where they learn that wishes have consequences. Avengers: Doomsday Fans are elated at the release of the first teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Set for a theatrical release on 18th December 2026, find out more here.

Lochgoilhead Forever film review by UK film critic Chris Buick. Starring Liam Martin directed by Liam Martin. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Lochgoilhead Forever Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Chris Buick | Posted on: Mar 31, 2024 Directed by: Liam Martin Written by: Liam Martin Starring: Liam Martin Travelling with his father to finally clear out his late grandparent’s home in the Scottish Highlands, documentary filmmaker Liam Martin’s deeply personal and brave decision to document this pilgrimage back to Scotland offers a very brief but intimate window into an engaging and emotional father-son relationship where almost nothing is said but almost everything is felt. Lochgoilhead Forever is no doubt a brave venture from Martin given how open they are with such a personal story, but it’s one that will no doubt speak to many and judging from the well-deserved reaction the film has received, it already has. In part, it’s a brilliant study of how most parents eventually, in the eyes of their children, stop being perceived as almost infallible deities, instead just as flawed and misguided as everyone else. But what Lochgoilhead Forever is, more than anything else, is a story about the acceptance of that fact. Early on, we get to understand that this return to Scotland isn’t one that is going to necessarily bring to the fore a host of fond and happy memories. In the film’s opening moments, the only time when Martin or anyone addresses the viewer directly, we are offered just enough of a baseline as to the history of the relationship at hand, one filled with its share of pain and sadness born out of anger, alcohol and the breakdown of family. But the film doesn’t dwell on the why or what was or could have been, what’s important is the what now, and from there Martin lets the film speak for itself. As they tend to the long-neglected house, leafing through old photos and gathering up chintzy old knick-knacks, it’s then through simple observation of Martin’s father we see that, despite everything, Martin and his father’s relationship is still one filled with love and affection for each other, even if it can never explicitly be said. It’s incredible how, through letting us simply see rather than tell, Martin is able to convey infinitely more about his and his father’s story than a million words ever could. But the film’s stand-out moments are in the father’s quiet reflections being back in this place, where his true emotions and mannerisms constantly belie his stubborn and adamant words. Again, it’s a film about acceptance, not just for Martin as to the man his father is, but for his father’s own pain and grief at the memories such a visit brings back to him, and one of if not the film’s most poignant touching moment that encapsulates it all is his father contemplating not letting the house go at all, his words reasoning that it would be a hassle for everyone, but we can see his eyes unable to hide a deep, wistful sadness and unwillingness to let it all go. Incredibly authentic and deftly made, Lochgoilhead Forever is like watching the final chapter of a long and interesting story that of course, makes you wish you knew more but more importantly, makes you feel simply grateful to Martin for deciding to share his story with us. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Chris Buick Documentary, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Watch Brother Troll at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. Brother Troll Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW There is an indefinable quality to Brother Troll that makes it as interesting as it is entertaining. The film features a typically Scandinavian-style mixture of intense and harrowing dramatics alongside genuinely hilarious dark comedy that intertwine seamlessly and fluently to tell its story. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

Film news - Accessible films at BFI Flare 2021. Find out more at UK Film Review. Accessible films at BFI Flare 2021 Chris Olson Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 11:17:20 AM GMT BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival is for everyone. We’re committed to ensuring it is as inclusive and accessible as possible. The majority of English-language features and shorts are accessible with: Closed caption subtitles, including descriptions of non-dialogue audio, for customers who are D/deaf or hard of hearing Audio description for customers who are blind or partially-sighted For a full list of films with closed captions and audio description, follow the link below. You can watch feature films at any point during the Festival wherever you are in the UK. Once you start the film, you have 4 hours to finish watching. All Screen Talks, pre-recorded introductions, Q&As and events will have subtitles - and will be available to watch for free online. If you have any questions about access or would like to share your feedback with us, please email box.office@bfi.org.uk Closed captioning supported by Mishcon de Reya The King's Man UK Home Release Date Announced The Latest King’s Man Film Will be Available on Digital February 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 21. Read Now BFI Future Film Festival announces 2022 Awards Jury and full programme Find out who the jury is for the 2022 BFI Future Film Festival. Read Now The Wonderful: Stories From The Space Station UK Release Date The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station is a Dog Star Films production in association with Fisheye Films. Directed by Clare Lewins (I Am Ali, Kareem: Minority of One, The Lost Tapes of Memphis.). Read Now Redemption of a Rogue UK Cinema Release Date Read Now Cryptozoo Coming to Mubi This October Having made a splash at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Dash Shaw's upcoming fantasy animation Cryptozoo is a highly anticipated film coming to Mubi later this year. Read Now Another Round UK DVD And Blu-Ray Release Date Announced Following its acclaimed cinema release, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of Thomas Vinterberg’s intoxicating Oscar winner, ANOTHER ROUND, starring Mads Mikkelsen, on early EST 24th September 2021 and DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on 27th September 2021. Read Now Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow DVD and Blu-Ray UK Release Date Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow To Land Early On Digital (August 10th) and 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD September 13th. Read Now My Little Sister Gets October UK Release Date My Little Sister is due for a cinema release in the UK, on Friday 8th October 2021. Read Now Grimmfest Reveals Line-Up for 2021 Film Festival After a year of “home invasions” in the form of virtual screenings and online events, this October sees Grimmfest returning to the cinema at last. Read Now Helen Mirren Narrates Powerful Documentary Escape From Extinction Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents Escape From Extinction, a powerful feature documentary narrated by Academy Award winner Dame Helen Mirren, coming to selected cinemas from 17th September celebrating ‘Great Big Green Week’ (18-26 September). Read Now Supernova UK DVD and Blu-Ray Release Date Following critical acclaim and standout performances, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of the heartbreaking British love story SUPERNOVA, arriving on EST 24th September 2021 and DVD and Blu-ray on 27th September 2021. Read Now The Djinn UK Release Date The story follows a mute twelve-year-old, Dylan Jacobs, as he discovers a mysterious book of spells inside his new apartment. Read Now Come Play UK Digital Release Date Jacob Chase’s directorial debut feature COME PLAY tells the story of Oliver, a solitary autistic boy who comes across a creepy children’s story on his new tablet. Read Now 15m Giant Starfish in Leicester Square Ahead of UK Release of The Suicide Squad British actor Peter Capaldi (BBC’s Doctor Who, World War Z) ‒ who stars in THE SUICIDE SQUAD alongside Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena as genius scientist ‘Thinker’, was bravely photographed with the imposing creature Starro in London’s Leicester Square earlier today in celebration of the film’s UK release this coming Friday. Read Now West Side Story In Cinemas December 2021 From acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, the 2021 remake of West Side Story will be coming to cinemas in December 2021. Read Now The Last Job UK Digital and DVD Release Date Screen icon Richard Dreyfuss takes on The Last Job in a brand new, all-action thriller, that stars Modern Family’s Mira Sorvino as his daughter. This rip-roaring gangster movie hits the UK on DVD and digital this August from 101 Films. Read Now Rise of the Footsoldier Origins UK Cinema Release The eagerly-awaited RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER: ORIGINS, starring legendary leading man Vinnie Jones, is showing exclusively in cinemas from September 3, courtesy of Signature Entertainment. Read Now Random Acts of Violence UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Date Jay Baruchel writes, directs and stars in his horror debut Random Acts of Violence, which makes its UK Blu-ray debut from Acorn Media International in conjunction with Shudder, following its success on the streaming service. Read Now Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Special Edition SPIRITED AWAY COLLECTOR’S BOXSET WITH DVD & BLU-RAY DOUBLEPLAY AVAILABLE 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 Read Now A New World Order Premieres in UK 23 August Black Mirror meets A Quiet Place in gripping sci-fi thriller A New World Order from director Daniel Raboldt in his feature debut, which gets its UK premiere on DVD and digital 23 August 2021 from Reel 2 Reel Films. Read Now

Trouble in Tesco film review by UK film critic Rob Jones. Starring Unknown directed by Unknown. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Trouble in Tesco Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: Rob Jones | Posted on: Mar 15, 2023 Directed by: Unknown Written by: Unknown Starring: Unknown If nothing else, Trouble in Tesco is proof that we’ve reached a point in time where you really don’t need much to be able to make a film. Presumably, this was done on zero budget with illustration software that we all have access to, and if it wasn’t then it certainly could have been. Visually it looks like it might be going for something in the same vein as Don Hertzfeldt’s It’s Such a Beautiful Day, but it's probably aspiring more closely to a collection of low-effort memes that you might find on a “circle jerk” subreddit. There’s clearly a heavy inspiration from Trey Parker and Matt Stone. This is clear not only because a well-known clip of the two of them is played in part during the film, but also because of the low-fi animation style coupled with absurdist humour and the word “guy”. It isn’t entirely clear what the humour is referencing, though, as it seems as if it’s perhaps a continuation of an in-joke that we’re not privy to. It can also be difficult to decipher some of the text that flashes up during certain scenes, and then there’s an added layer of difficulty in deciding whether it’s relevant or not. Ultimately it becomes a bit of a confusing experience with little guidance for what we’re supposed to take from it. The story jumps around with a bit of a disregard for any kind of structure. It’s essentially a robbery in Tescos that’s met with such apathy from a staff member there that it then turns into an existential reflection on the aspiring robber’s connection with Aldi. There’s also a running gag about everything being down by the quay, which is pronounced incorrectly every time it’s said. It just feels like it wasn’t made to be seen by anyone other than the people who would inherently get it by being in on a joke that we have no context for. There are two scenes where the clip of Trey Parker and Matt Stone plays, one at the start and then another at the end. It’s unclear why this choice was made as it doesn’t seem to really relate to anything despite bookending the whole film. You can only assume that this is either a heavy-handed way for the filmmakers to tell us who they’re inspired by or just more evidence of a joke that we’re not in on. Neither is particularly enlightening. Trouble in Tesco has the chance to be endearing for its art style, even inspirational. Unfortunately, there’s just a lot of empty space. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Rob Jones Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Titane film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Vincent Lindon, Agathe Rousselle directed by Julia Ducournau. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Titane Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Oct 1, 2021 Directed by: Julia Ducournau Written by: Julia Ducournau Starring: Vincent Lindon, Agathe Rousselle I’m just going to go with the official synopsis: “Following a string of unexplained murders in France, a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for ten years.” Fine, done, because knowing anything more about Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or-winning Titane could steal some of the mesmerizing, can’t-look-away, what-is-happening spell it inflicts on you. Ducournau’s 2016 feature debut Raw shocked audiences with a brutally in-your-face metaphor mixing primal appetites and familiar bonds. She ups all the antes available with Titane , claiming her film is “its own wild animal” like a mad doctor unleashing her creation on an unsuspecting city of fools. The film is alive with alternating color palettes, pulsating sounds and endless shocks of body horrific visuals. The sudden bursts of violence are downright pedestrian alongside the parade of boldly squirm-inducing clashes of flesh, bone and other. But as she did with Raw , Ducournau finds humanity clawing out from the inhumane. Truly unforgettable performances from Vincent Lindon and Agathe Russell provide intimate examples of the extremes that even the most damaged souls are capable of in the search to care and be cared for. It may not be shy about homages and influences, but Titane is indeed its own ferocious animal. Open the cage look the F out. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release, LGBTQ+, Indie Feature Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Moonage Daydream film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring David Bowie directed by Brett Morgan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Moonage Daydream Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Sep 14, 2022 Directed by: Brett Morgan Written by: Brett Morgan Starring: David Bowie Longtime David Bowie fans know of his early fondness for the “cut up” method to writing songs – literally cutting up lines of written lyrics and then shifting them around in search of more enigmatic creations. Director Brett Morgen takes a similar approach to telling Bowie’s story in Moonage Daydream , a completely intoxicating documentary that immerses you in the legendary artist’s iconic mystique and ambitious creative process. Bowie’s estate gifted Morgen with the key to the archives, and the celebrated documentarian (The Kid Stays in the Picture, Jane, Cobain: Montage of Heck ) pored through the thousands of hours of footage for moments that could stand on their own while serving a greater narrative. The result is a glorious explosion of sound and vision, revealing Morgen’s choice to trust himself as film editor was also a damn good one. Anchored by atmospheric bookends that evoke Bowie’s image as the ethereal “man who fell to Earth,” Morgen unleashes a barrage of concert sequences, still photos and interviews clips, interspersed with bits of old movies, news reports and pop culture references. It’s a luscious and cinematic (especially in IMAX) mashup, and one that slowly unveils a subtle but purposeful roadmap. The music is thrilling and visceral, of course, but the interview footage reveals Bowie to be tremendously inquisitive and philosophical. We see him as a truly gifted artist who felt satisfaction when he “worked well,” but apprehension with new projects (such as painting) that didn’t yet meet his standards. At first, Morgen’s approach may seem scattershot, as he appears more concerned with blowing our minds than chronological purity. But what becomes clear is that Morgen’s commitment leans toward grouping slices of Bowie’s life that speak to who he was (i.e. juxtaposing a “Rock and Roll Suicide” performance from the 70s with comments about his “sellout” 80s period). And by the time Bowie’s looking back fondly on his first meeting with wife Iman, an appropriate and touching timeline has emerged. Though the last years of Bowie’s life are skirted just a bit, Moonage Daydream is like no music biography that you’ve ever seen. It’s a risky, daring and defiant experience, which is exactly the kind of film David Bowie deserves. Expect two hours and fifteen minutes of head-spinning fascination, and a sense that you’ve gotten closer to one Starman than you ever felt possible. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Screams from the Tower film review by UK film critic Brandon Thomas. Starring Richie Fusco, David Bloom directed by Cory Wexler Grant. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Screams from the Tower Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Brandon Thomas | Posted on: Apr 16, 2026 Directed by: Cory Wexler Grant Written by: Cory Wexler Grant Starring: Richie Fusco, David Bloom When was the last time a teen comedy made a sizeable impact? Where’s Gen Z’s The Breakfast Club ? Their American Pie ? Their Superbad ? Is Screams from the Tower the next teen classic? Well, no, but it is a sweet, charming entry into the genre. Best friends Julien (Richie Fusco) and Cary (David Bloom) share a love of radio and a similar dream: to get their own show on the high school radio station. When that dream becomes a reality, the boys bring together friends both new and old and begin to challenge the limits of what two high school seniors can get away with on a high school radio station. As a more character-focused film, Screams from the Tower isn’t interested in gross-out gags to keep the audience invested. There aren’t any larger-than-life set pieces that will have people rolling in the aisles (or on their living room floors). While writer-director Cory Wexler Grant does lean into a few instances of broader comedy, the majority of the laughs come from character interactions and relationships. Despite being sold as a dual lead film, the focus ultimately lands on Fusco’s Julien. At first glance, Julien comes off as a dime-a-dozen smartass slacker. As the film moves along, the layers of Julien’s character are peeled away, we see that this isn’t true at all. Sure, Julien is crass and abrasive, but he’s also sensitive and loyal. Fusco walks a delicate line – never allowing Julien to become the target of the audience’s ire while also not letting him off the hook for his behavior. At the same time, the film really sings when the ensemble – or parts of it anyway – are together, bringing the radio show to life. Grant is clearly inspired by the heyday of radio shockjocks from the ‘80s and ‘90s – most notably Howard Stern and Don Imus. The characters don’t go where Stern and Imus did with their schtick, but they certainly dabble in their own high school-level controversy. It’s also a hoot to see the boys and their show have a foil in the radio station’s overseeing teacher (Sara Sevigny). While a high school teacher might not wield the same power as the FCC, it does give the movie a sizeable jolt of drama Screams from the Tower may not bring the same level of notoriety or impact as a Hughes or Apatow film, but it does operate in its own lane of sweetness and charm. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brandon Thomas Digital / DVD Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Watch Ukraine War, the eyes of refugees at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. Ukraine War, the eyes of refugees Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW This interesting, informative and dramatic documentary provides an insight into how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has turned people into refugees and the generous efforts that are being done to help them. It shows support for the refugees, their children and the people who help them. It contains messages that oppose warfare and suggests that determination, courage, unity, support and generosity can keep people strong even during very harsh times. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

A Manchester Story film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Figen Murray, Clint Boon, Michael Cox, Dr. Cath Hill, Adam Lawler directed by Anton Arenko. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS A Manchester Story Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Mar 31, 2022 Directed by: Anton Arenko Written by: N/A Starring: Figen Murray, Clint Boon, Michael Cox, Dr. Cath Hill, Adam Lawler A powerful, moving and inspiring documentary about the generous and courageous contributions and achievements that people in Manchester completed, following the devastating attack that was carried out by a suicide bomber at the Manchester Arena on the 22 of May 2017, shortly after a concert by American singer Ariana Grande had taken place. Basically, the structure of this documentary consists of several individuals being interviewed. These individuals consist of people who where deeply affected by the terrible event, some of which where present at the arena when the explosion occurred. These people explain how their life was affected by the attack and how they were motivated them to take action and do things that will help their community and these include organising an event involving hundreds of bikers, making sure that traumatised survivors get the support they need, setting up a choir called the 'Manchester Survivors Club' and tatooing images of the Machester Bee on people. These actions were done with the intention of honoring the ones who lost their life because of the incident and to show that the city of Manchester has not been broken by the event and that the people who live there are strong, united and able to overcome destructive events and their aftermath. Some of the interviewees include Eve Senior, a young dancer who was severely injured and was determined to dance again. Michael Cox, a biker who helped organise a massive gathering of bikers for strength and support, Figen Murray, who lost her son Martyn Hett due to the incident and decided to do her part in making security tighter at public events and tattoo artist Sam Barber, who started spreading tattoos of the Manchester worker bee, which is an emblem of the city and represents unity. All the interviewees come across as friendly, caring and intelligent and it is emotional listening to their stories and they also show that they are determined to be strong and help others. Aside from the interviews, there is also footage of crowds attending events, paying tribute to the victims and footage of the interior of the arena during that fateful night. There are photographs of some of the victims, the interviewees and of people participating in events such as the choir and motorcycle event and many photos of the Machester Bee, either as a sticker or a tattoo. Tris Dunn does an amazing contribution with the beautiful and dynamic score, which provides a melancholic atmosphere and a feeling of hope. This documentary reveals the power of the human spirit. It introduces the viewer to some hard-working and warm-hearted individuals, whose refusal to let a terrible tragedy bring them and their community to their knees and whose determination to help, move forward and make a difference proved that love, spirit and unity prevail. This viewing is highly recommended. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Wished film review by UK film critic Michael Brennan. Starring Xia Yu, Yan Ni, Victoria Song, Pan Binlong, David Wu directed by Dayyan Eng. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Wished Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Michael Brennan | Posted on: Feb 24, 2022 Directed by: Dayyan Eng Written by: Justin Malen and Dayyan Eng Starring: Xia Yu, Yan Ni, Victoria Song, Pan Binlong, David Wu What happens when an insurance salesman is offered 19 of his childhood wishes by a mischievous "Earth Goddess"? Carnage, destruction, high jinks and hilariousness. Wished is a 2017 romance/fantasy Chinese film that created a name for itself thanks to its awards triumph, winning accolades at the Chinese American Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Awards and New York Film Awards for editing, acting, and cinematography. From its hilarious premise to its bonkers characters, Wished is a surprisingly charming film that captures romance and fantasy perfectly. The film starts with the Earth Goddess, played by Yan Ni, telling the audience how she playfully tinkers with people's daily lives so they "do good". We quickly learn that her next client/victim is Ma, a thirtysomething salesman whose life isn't going so well. After being invited to speak to a room full of students about his career, Ma Fendou, played by Xia Yu, realises that his career in the family business isn't all it's cracked up to be. After breaking up with his longtime girlfriend, Ren Shanshan, played by K-pop's Victoria Song, a collection of unfortunate events propels Ma to question his life and his choices. From his relationships to his career, Ma thought his life would be "more", which is a profound and relatable statement. He gets wrapped up in the idea of "what should've been", or better yet, "what could have been", which is a sad, relatable and heartbreaking moment to watch. Seeing her moment to cause some mischievous fun, Earth Goddess Shangguan Furong enters Ma's life and tells him that she will grant 19 of his childhood wishes. At first, Ma doesn't believe a word of what she is saying, and he goes on to live his day-to-day life without a care in the world. However, this is when the fantasy elements kick into high gear, and strange things begin to occur. From wacky hairdos, his desire for his childhood teacher, to acquiring the skills of the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, Ma's life is turned completely upside down. From this point on, the film embraces its incredibly camp and comedic fantasy elements, taking us on a wild cinematic experience. However, despite screenplay writers Dayyan Eng and Justin Malen's best efforts, the film lacks a consistent tone and rhythm. Unfortunately, Wished jumps from one scene to the next with no real sense of purpose or intention, hindering the story's overall impact. Each scene feels slightly disjointed from the last, which is a real shame. Aside from those minor issues, the film is exceptional and is undoubtedly worth checking out. It's as romantic, hilarious, and above all, slightly absurd (in the best way). While Wished is somewhat predictable in the story department, its predictability doesn't take anything away from its satisfying (and hilarious) ending. The highlight of this film is Earth Goddess Shangguan Furong, played by Yan Ni. Not only does she introduce herself like a pro, but her sharp quips are what make this film so delightful. Ni injects a degree of comedy into the role that keeps you entertained and connected from start to finish. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Michael Brennan Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Balloon Animal film review by UK film critic Brandon Thomas. Starring Katherine Waddell, Ilia Volok directed by Em Johnson. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Balloon Animal Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Brandon Thomas | Posted on: Apr 6, 2023 Directed by: Em Johnson Written by: Em Johnson Starring: Katherine Waddell, Ilia Volok Movies set in or around circuses often have a darkness to them. If the animal cruelty doesn’t get to you then the limitless tales of alcoholism and depression will. Oh, and one of them has Pee-wee Herman running around. Thankfully Balloon Animal leaves the cruelty and boozing behind in favor of a thoughtful character piece about isolation and expectations. Poppy Valentine (Katherine Waddell) makes the balloon animals at Valentine’s Traveling Circus, owned by her overbearing father Dark Valentine (Ilia Volok). The once bustling circus now plays to sparse, apathetic crowds. Dark’s intense dependence on his daughter is fueled by his wife’s abandonment of him years before. After her father offers her a more significant role in the business, Poppy begins to question her place in the circus, her father’s life, and the world at large. At first glance, the premise of Balloon Animal reads like half of dozen indie dramas released since the mid-90s. That assessment isn’t completely untrue, to be fair. However, the difference is in the execution. Writer-director Em Johnson delivers an honest – but never quite brutal – drama that always feels real to its characters. Poppy’s trajectory through the film is natural and doesn’t end up where you think it will. Setting this story inside a traveling circus is a fascinating choice. Johnson shows little interest in digging into the mechanics of the circus or its day-to-day. The focus is on the people who live and work inside this nomadic community. For them, it’s just a job (for now). For Poppy, though, there’s a cost of isolation and monotony that she’s unable to ignore and eventually begins to reject. The performances are just as notable as the film’s tight storytelling. Waddell’s naturalistic charm makes her a great focal point. She delicately straddles Poppy’s creeping loneliness while allowing the character’s meek pragmatism to shine through. It’s not a showy role, but Waddell does so much with it. Likewise, Volok turns what could be a wholly unlikable character into someone with pathos. His ferocity is equaled only by his ability to elicit empathy from the audience. Balloon Animal doesn’t end with any definitive answers for its characters. What it does, though, is give them a stopping point for this particular story in their lives and a starting point for an entirely new one. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brandon Thomas Digital / DVD Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >