Film news - Sunflowers in UK cinemas from 8th June. Find out more at UK Film Review. Sunflowers in UK cinemas from 8th June Chris Olson Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 10:09:38 AM GMT+1 *In UK Cinemas from 8th June* SUNFLOWERS DIRECTED BY DAVID BICKERSTAFF IN UK CINEMAS FROM 8TH JUNE A unique opportunity to see, as never before, this series of spectacular paintings. Features five of the famous Arles Sunflowers from collections in London, Philadelphia, Tokyo, Munich and Amsterdam. Exhibition on Screen is delighted to announce the release of their latest film, Sunflowers , which will be in UK cinemas from 8th June. Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers are some of the most iconic paintings in the world. What many mistake for one masterpiece, are actually five paintings of sunflowers in vases scattered across galleries in Amsterdam, London, Munich, Philadelphia and Tokyo. This extraordinary feature-length documentary film brings the spectacular series together on screen as never seen before. Working closely with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Sunflowers goes beyond a ‘virtual exhibition’, delving into the rich and complex stories behind each of the paintings to unveil the mysteries of the sunflowers. What did the flowers mean to Van Gogh, and why do they resonate so much with audiences today? With a striking portrayal of the artist by actor Jamie de Courcey and fascinating insights from art historians, botanists and everything in between, the film offers a unique insight into Van Gogh’s life and artwork. Award-winning director David Bickerstaff, who has made two previous films on the artist, Vincent van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing (2015) and Van Gogh & Japan (2019), says: “It was such a joy to witness how unique each version of the Sunflowers really was, evidence of Van Gogh’s exuberance for experimentation. This cinematic journey brought the sunflowers series into sharper focus for me and revealed a new insight to the tragic circumstances that followed. Drama, struggle and a passion for life can be seen in every dash of paint in the Sunflower paintings. In my opinion, each one shows an honesty and a virtuosity that speaks to the enduring power of an extraordinary artist, who lived an extraordinary life.” Thrilled to see Event Cinema returning to the UK, Grainne Peat, Managing Director of the Event Cinema Association added, “As UK cinemas prepare to re-open their doors to the public on 17th May, pre-bookings are already encouraging. Exhibition on Screen’s Sunflowers is a stunning masterpiece to add to the list of must-see titles on the big screen and a chance for the public to enjoy the full cinematic-journey of one of the world’s most iconic artists, that has been so beautifully captured. ” Sunflowers is released in cinemas across the UK from 8 June, including Curzon, Everyman, Odeon, Picturehouse, Showcase, Vue and independent cinemas. Find your nearest cinema at exhibitiononscreen.com 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. 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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

Paradox film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Panagiotis Bougiouris, Stella Fiskatori, Aristotelis Zaxarakis, Konstantinos Blioumis directed by Vasilis Billy Blioumis. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Paradox Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Dec 4, 2021 Directed by: Vasilis Billy Blioumis Written by: Lefteris Paraskevas Starring: Panagiotis Bougiouris, Stella Fiskatori, Aristotelis Zaxarakis, Konstantinos Blioumis Something sinister is taking place and it is causing the disappearance of children. Kostas (Bougiouris) is a single father who works at the Hellenic Rescue Team. His only child Dingos (Blioumis) means the world to him and when he finds out that children have been vanishing under mysterious circumstances, he is deeply concerned. He spends a great deal of time with his son and has a friendly relationship with his neighbour Persefoni (Fiskatori). Then he realises that whatever is responsible for the disappearances might be after Dingo next. This sci-fi drama is the thirty-minute long pilot episode of the TV series Paradox and it does a great job in introducing the audience to the characters, plot and atmosphere. The story is rather intriguing and apart from children going missing, there are also bizarre occurrences happening that involve the malfunctioning of electronic devices and it is indicated at the beginning that the source of all this might have originated from space. There are emotional scenes that explore the lives and struggles of Kostas and Persefoni and there are scenes that are filled with dread and tension. Withing half an hour, this pilot episode does a great deal to indicate that this is going to be an emotional and suspenseful series. Blioumis directs well and particular praise should go to a very well executed tracking shot. This shot lasts for several minutes and the camera follows a character running through the streets, then the camera enters a car and the driver takes the viewer for a short ride, then the camera exits the vehicle and proceeds to follow another character, before elevating and filming beautiful landscapes. The creativity that was put into this long take is very admirable. Filming took place in Thessaloniki, Greece and Blioumis directs in a way that shows many areas of the city, including terrific establishing shots. The opening credits deserve recognition as they are quite mesmerising. They contain superimposed images that involve time and space, accompanied by a dynamic score and it is a sequence that notifies the viewer that they are about to experience an extraordinary adventure. Christos Antoniou provides the wonderful music which is sometimes tense and sometimes sentimental. The acting is strong and Bougiouris is emotional as a single father who is worried about his son and will do anything to protect him. Fiskatori also plays a sympathetic character who cares about others and is willing to help. This pilot episode introduces the audience to a narrative that they will most likely want to follow. There is plenty of drama and suspense and in all likelihood the heart-stopping final will make the audience look forward to the continuation. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, World Cinema, Web Series < All Reviews Next Film Review >

DIG film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Susan Sims, Sophie Clifton directed by Gary J Hewitt. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS DIG Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Dec 1, 2022 Directed by: Gary J Hewitt Written by: Gary J Hewitt Starring: Susan Sims, Sophie Clifton A woman is digging at a beach, searching for something very special. A woman (Sims) arrives by car at a desserted seashore and proceeds to walk towards the sea. She has brought a spade with her, with which she begins digging in the sand. She is obviously looking for something, as she ends up digging multiple holes because she cannot remember where exactly what she wants is buried. Eventually, it becomes apparent that she is there due to a devastating event. This short drama begins with the protagonist arriving at the beach, without providing explanations ragarding what she is up to. As the story progresses, more and more clues come to light through a series of flashbacks that alternate with the present scenes of the woman digging. These flashbacks show the woman happily spending time on the same beach with her daughter (Clifton) and burying a metal box, before filling it with belongings of sentimental value. The woman has decided to retrieve that box and her reasons are heartbreaking. This is a very sad story that is basically the aftermath of a tragedy. It centers on a person whose life has been deeply affected by a terrible event and wants to do something in order to make things better. From the beginning, it is indicated that something is not right, as she parks illegally then a few drink cans fall out of her car and she does not seem to care. She is focused on finding the box and she appears to be upset. The ending, where all questions are answered, will most likely touch the viewer's heart. Hewitt directs superbly and creates some fantastic establishing shots and the addition of David Donaldson's terrific cinematography makes them look even better. Liam MacLean makes a great contribution with the dramatic score that develops a melancholic atmosphere. With limited dialogue and a strong performance by Sims, this film tells an emotional story about loss and grief and raises awareness of hate crimes. It is a memorable viewing due to the plot and the messages that it carries and it ends up having quite a sentimental effect on the audience. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, offers a poignant and intimate look at the man behind the memorable characters. Eschewing the typical celebratory retrospective, the film embarks on a journey to humanise an icon, exploring his personal struggles, deep-seated anxieties, and the profound impact he had on those who knew him best. . Brand new film trailers. John Candy: I Like Me A beloved comedic actor whose larger-than-life presence defined a generation of films, John Candy’s legacy extends far beyond the laughs he provided. The new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me , directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, offers a poignant and intimate look at the man behind the memorable characters. Eschewing the typical celebratory retrospective, the film embarks on a journey to humanise an icon, exploring his personal struggles, deep-seated anxieties, and the profound impact he had on those who knew him best. By weaving together archival footage, candid interviews, and private home videos, the documentary crafts a sensitive and moving portrait of a man whose heart was even bigger than his public persona. The documentary's structure is built on a foundation of genuine admiration and respect, featuring heartfelt testimonials from a star-studded cast of collaborators and friends, including Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, and Tom Hanks. Their shared anecdotes paint a picture of a man universally adored for his kindness and generosity. The film avoids a strict chronological narrative, instead organising its segments thematically to explore key facets of Candy's life. It revisits his roots in Toronto’s legendary Second City improv scene, showcasing his mastery of improvisation and a comedic genius that was both effortless and masterfully controlled. Archival clips from his work on SCTV serve as a powerful reminder of his versatility, proving that his comedic brilliance was a force long before he became a Hollywood star. However, the documentary's true strength lies in its willingness to delve into the more complex, melancholy aspects of Candy’s life. It unflinchingly addresses his lifelong battle with weight and the hurtful, fatphobic questions he faced from journalists. The film uses these moments to reveal the pain and insecurity that often simmered beneath his jolly exterior. It also traces his struggles to the trauma of losing his father at a young age, suggesting a deep-seated fear of an early death that haunted him throughout his career. This emotional honesty is what elevates the film from a simple tribute to a meaningful and insightful biography. The title itself, a direct quote from his iconic character Del Griffith in Planes, Trains and Automobiles , serves as a powerful leitmotif, challenging the audience to reconsider the meaning of self-acceptance in the face of immense pressure and personal demons. By focusing on the man rather than just the entertainer, John Candy: I Like Me achieves a rare feat for a celebrity documentary. It doesn't just celebrate his cinematic triumphs but also honours his vulnerability, kindness, and complex humanity. The film is a loving testament to a man who, despite his inner turmoil, dedicated his life to making the world a happier place. His legacy, as the documentary so beautifully illustrates, is not just one of laughter but of a heart of gold that touched everyone it encountered and continues to do so three decades after his passing. 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. 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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.

Sideworld: Terrors of the Sea film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring George Popov directed by George Popov. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Sideworld: Terrors of the Sea Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Aug 1, 2022 Directed by: George Popov Written by: Jonathan Russell Starring: George Popov Inspired by the British folklore they’ve explored in two features, Hex and The Droving , director George Popov and writer Jonathan Russell turn away from fiction, delivering spectral dread in truer tales. Their second documentary in less than a year, Sideworld: Terrors of the Sea swims dark waters alongside ghost ships and sea monsters. Popov’s voiceover establishes a Twilight Zone quality: Truth and lies do not relate in such a simple equation when the line between fact and fiction is enshrouded in mist and shadow. Beyond that threshold is a place that can change our perspective on everything we think we know. I call this place the Sideworld. Earlier this year, Popov and Russell led us into this mist and shadow with the first installment of their doc series, Haunted Forests of England . Their second effort opens with more of their characteristically haunting cinematography. The film breaks into four chapters: Ghost Ships, Sea Monsters, Spectral Sailors and Mermaids. Each chapter consists of a number of tails, always highlighting one in particular with some primary or secondary source material to mine. Though the Flying Dutchman has its fame, the majority of the stories spilled on these shores are little known legends with historical documents for basis. The Wildman of Orford and other tales offer fascinating historical curiosities, while outright ghost stories delight in their sad, scary way. Popov’s voiceover remains somber throughout, avoiding the campfire fright style of storytelling and instead rendering his tales with reverence. In fact, Popov and Russell’s sympathetic point of view continually asks whether the monsters in these tales are not actually the humans. Brisk, informative, creepy fun, Sideworld: Terrors of the Sea uncovers welcome treasures of haunted folklore. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Amazon Prime < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Raunch and Roll film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Penelope Alex, Michael Pare, Lance Barber directed by Phil Wurtzel. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Raunch and Roll Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Mar 14, 2022 Directed by: Phil Wurtzel Written by: Brendan Ragotzy Starring: Penelope Alex, Michael Pare, Lance Barber It feels like the 80s revival we collectively decided to make fashionable in the mid-2010s has, itself now faded away like the last remnants of Hulk Hogan’s credibility. That means 80s staples like glam rock, leather pants and entire cans’ worth of hairspray are once again found only with those who never gave up the rock’n’roll vibe that Kurt Cobain killed. Raunch and Roll is for those die-hards, but an endearing character-driven story at its centre will reach out to other fans. Rock legend Roxy Starr (Penelope Alex) has recently received life-changing news, and alongside her manager Carl (Michael Pare) decides to head to the town she grew up in to in an effort to recruit her old band members who have long since left the rock’n’roll lifestyle behind, in order to pull off one last gig. On the way, she retraces her former life and the steps she took to get her where she is today. Raunch and Roll hardly breaks any new ground with a by-the-numbers story that is predictable to the beat. But an affirming heart, and an effective portrayal of an original and engaging protagonist make this a more worthy film. Roxy’s awakening has already taken place prior to the film’s beginning, and her determined story of redemption and freedom is an enjoyable one. Where the film’s plot may be a tired skeleton seen many times before, there is a level of charm and comfort to the thematic relevance of a star stuck in the past undertaking the kind of story that has been told many a time. And whilst the story is hardly refreshing, seeing it told with a woman in the leading role is. The story does a fine job of integrating flashback scenes from Roxy’s past in a way that adds real value to the story rather than bloating the plot. There is consistency between the performances of Penelope Alex and Melina Shiloh who both shine as Roxy at two ends of her life. The film takes inspiration from other glam rock-era pieces such as The Dirt and Rock of Ages which harken back to an idealised version of the 80s sunset-strip – when rock reigned supreme. The contrast of Roxy in the present day, where she stands out amongst the residents of her sleepy hometown, and the past scenes when smoke, sex and spandex is immersed everywhere you look, shows that Roxy is not ready to let the past go just yet. The film does an admirable job of setting the scene on its smaller budget – and we’ll just assume that the wigs are intentionally that terrible… The film suffers from poor technical production which cheapens it as an experience. The voice mixing compared to the sound of the music is wildly out of proportion, and viewers will be straining their ears to hear the dialogue – which at least effectively demonstrates what spending a life spent in front of amps turned to 11 would be like. Some scenes are awkwardly staged and framed like a soap opera, and a noticeable hue filtered over the screen throughout detracts much more than it adds. The film’s climactic gig is also laden with baffling split-screen edits and morphing audio, which looks tacky and downright ridiculous. Even Spinal Tap would have thought it a little over-the-top. Raunch and Roll’s heart is in the right place, and its story of an aging rocker after one last high is timeless for a reason – that being that there is always a willing audience for the quest to recapture lost youth. But much more refinement is needed to take this one from mid-afternoon slot to festival headliner. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Indie Feature Film, Amazon Prime, Music Video < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Wilde Girls film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Lydia Pearl Pentz, Cali Scolari, Teddy Smith, Matt Silver directed by Timothy Hines. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Wilde Girls Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: May 4, 2025 Directed by: Timothy Hines Written by: Timothy Hines Starring: Lydia Pearl Pentz, Cali Scolari, Teddy Smith, Matt Silver A period comedy adventure feature written and directed by Timothy Hines and starring Lydia Pearl Pentz, Cali Scolari, Teddy Smith and Matt Silver. The year is 1932 and the Great Depression has damaged the economy. In New York City, a wealthy family is being deeply affected by this economic downturn as the father of young sisters Tinsley (Pentz) and Mattie (Scolari) takes his own life. Due to complications regarding the inheritance, his vast fortune goes to the siblings' two aunts, Florence (Heidi Kravitz) and Beatrice (Susan Goforth), who send their nieces at a remote location in the Pacific Northwest, with the apparent intention of finding some solace until things calm down. There, following dramatic complications, the sisters will end up alone in the wilderness, fighting for their lives and meeting Silas (Smith), a mountaineer who will end up teaching them valuable lessons about life. This slapstick comedy has a fish out of water plot: two women who are used to riches and not doing any chores suddenly find themselves losing their priviledges provided to them by wealth and having to live by themselves. It is an intriguing story that focuses primarily on the character development that the sisters go through as they become accustomed to living in nature. The humour comes in the form of the siblings' attitude towards their new situation and experiences. They constantly disagree with what to do next and do not fully understand the severity of their position (mostly Tinsley), whether it involves being hunted by a wolf or a bear, or even a hitman (Button). Approximately the first half is like a road movie with the siblings traveling through forests and mountains and the rest focuses on the rapport they build with Silas. The mise-en-scene is pretty impressive, with the clothing, vehicles and buildings being convincing that they belong in that era and there are many shots that capture the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the wildlife. Commendations also go to the creativity involving the montages that contain atmosphere that bring the viewer to the time of the Great Depression. Goforth and Hines also contributed towards the soundtrack that consists of some feel-good songs. This film is obviously meant to be regarded as a light-hearted comedy so it could be forgiven that overall, the acting is not superb. A more solid issue might be the length. With a duration of nearly two hours, the feature feels overlong. One thing that was probably unnecessary was the addition of two characters: Helena and Larry, who are played by Lydia Scheuermann and Roman Dubrovskiy. Their presence does not really support the narrative and just adds in making the story overlong. As mentioned, the performances are not very convincing, however, they are entertaining. Pentz and Mattie are used to wealth, yet have different personalities and perceptions. Tinsley is naive and quite stubborn when it comes to changing her habits and she panics easily. Mattie is more sensible and has more (way more it seems) common sense than her sibling. Silas is a kind-hearted person who changes their lives: he shows them how to live off nature, how to hunt animals and generally teaches them that money does not matter. As for Silver's character, he is a British assassin who is rather clumsy. From one perspective, this feature can be perceived as a commentary about the Great Depression. From another point of view, it acknowledges that wealth is not everything and is not essential for a good life. Yet another opinion would be that this is a story about survival, self-reflection, self-discovery, sisterhood and friendship. An interesting period comedy. Viewers will most likely enjoy the humour and comical action scenes and also contemplate the messages that it carries. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film, Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Bridge film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Christopher Wallace, Susan Sims, Scott McMillan directed by Scott McMillan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Bridge Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 24, 2023 Directed by: Scott McMillan Written by: Scott McMillan Starring: Christopher Wallace, Susan Sims, Scott McMillan A youth has a terrifying experience while crossing a bridge that has a sinister history. Jack (Wallace), a college student, is walking home through a park and chatting with his his friend David (McMillan) over the phone. The area is deserted and when Jack reaches an old bridge, his mate informs him about the structure's dark past that theorises that a woman named Marrion Brown (Sims) threw her baby of that bridge, before jumping of it herself. Now it is said that her spirit haunts the bridge and approaches people who come near it and if they upset her, they die. Jack refuses to beleive any of this and after he hangs up, a woman suddenly appears and asks him where her child is. Could she be Brown? Filmed on location in Dumbarton, Scotland, this short horror film begins with a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche's book Beyond Good and Evil , with the apparent intention of setting up a spooky mood and it was a good idea, as this is a spooky story about a ghost encounter. Over its four-minute duration, this short effectively reveals the bridge's sinister background, thus preparing the viewer for the encounter with the supernatural entity. Arguably, it is when Jack discovers the phantom (or maybe it discovers him) that the film reaches its high point, thanks to the ominous score by Taha Khan, the work of make-up artist Sammi Rausch, the sound of demonic laughter and Sims's performance. Sims is the one who steals the show as the spectre and there are close-ups to show her character's monstrous face in detail. The concept is simple and contains elements that are common in horror: a character is alone and they go to a place with a bad history, where they encounter a threatening being. Nothing original, however it is an intriguing viewing with significant creativity and decent acting. Speaking of creativity, apart from the aspects mentioned above, praise also goes Lara Sluyter's contribution regarding sounds of screaming and to the animation that involves text messaged appearing in a bubble and the stylised letters during the closing credits. Also, the inclusion of the song The Backrooms by Myuu works very well. One might think twice about crossing a bridge after watching this. Overall, this a good horror film and a spooky one, however one might argue that it might had been spookier if the story took place during night-time. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Drums film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Simona Rose, Rudy Ledbetter, Kate Ray directed by Miroslav Petkov. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Drums Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Aug 22, 2024 Directed by: Miroslav Petkov Written by: Miroslav Petkov Starring: Simona Rose, Rudy Ledbetter, Kate Ray Living next door to someone who plays drums is a horror movie in of itself, but finding a kit in your new flat is an unusual set-up for a film full of frights. This is the premise of horror short Drums , but marching to its own beat doesn’t mean this catches the right tempo. Casey (Simona Rose) is desperate to move into her new place, and when she is told it won’t be ready for another night, the one thing she needs is sleep. But her current accommodation houses a bizarre houseguest – a drumkit belonging to a former occupant. When it randomly starts playing in the middle of the night, Casey tries to get her landlord (Rudy Ledbetter) to remove it. But a startling revelation in the meantime casts a new light on the supernatural self-playing – one that puts Casey’s life in danger… Low-budget horror shorts live and die by ingenuity and the ability of the filmmakers to form immediate connections between their characters and the audience, and the originality of the circumstances in which they are inevitably threatened with brutality. And until Slipknot start replacing band members with AI, then an evil drumkit is certainly original. But the film’s execution of its meagre plot is poor, and there’s little substance behind the haunting of Casey. The story behind the drum’s evil nature is classic slasher fodder, but there is little context or reason given to how this relates to the character of the protagonist. Simona Rose’s Casey is world-weary, irritable and has a tense relationship with her landlord (AKA 2024’s everyman). But we don’t get much sense of her beyond this, such as her history or past, and the character’s distant personality means they don’t quite bring the classic vulnerability of a horror protagonist. Placing her into a random environment in which she is in danger therefore feels a little empty, as there is no emotional connection between her and the audience. Random, inexplicable scary events are really just that without proper synergy between the character and story, and this ultimately blights the film. There a couple of flourishes that help develop the story in interesting ways, such as a brief but telling look at Casey’s name in the landlord’s phone or the ramshackle appearance of the flat being a hint towards the neglect with which tenants are treated. But there is also the presence of unintentional moments of shaky cameras, and the pivotal sequence in which the evil behind the drums reveals itself is uninspired and derivative – a copy/paste sequence of countless horrors past. Drums is an original premise, but there’s not really enough underneath this horror short to get a rhythm going. A disconnected story, undercooked protagonist and the lack of visceral or standout direction makes the film flat. Whereas some of the shortcomings can be pinned on the low budget, some basic refinements would have allowed it to succeed much more as an obtuse short. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film news - The Offering Film Release In Cinema and On Virtual Cinemas and VOD. Find out more at UK Film Review. The Offering Film Release In Cinema and On Virtual Cinemas and VOD Chris Olson Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 10:44:06 AM GMT+1 THE OFFERING , RELEASED 30th JULY 2021 Jan, mysterious and marked by a profound sense of guilt, tries to win back the love of his ex Violeta, who is now a psychiatrist, with a family of her own. Jan’s complex and perverse plan to reunite him with Violeta, 20 years after the events that led to their separation, will have severe consequences. An erotic, intense and revealing adult thriller, with powerful central performances from Alex Brendemühl (Transit ), Anna Alarcón (A Thief’s Daughter ) and Verónica Echegui (Fortitude ), winner of Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Gaudi Awards, THE OFFERING is a remarkable, gripping excursion into the human psyche and the true nature of love and obsession. Filled with searing love scenes and unsettling mind-games, it’s a sensual, evocative and multi-layered experience, exploring forgiveness and guilt, and the consequences of a destructive love triangle, recalling the work of provocative Spanish directors Bigas Luna (The Ages of Lulu ) and Julio Medem (Sex and Lucia ). Ventura Durall, writer and director of THE OFFERING , set up the production company Nanouk Films in 2000, to promote Catalan cinema. His feature film The Two Lives of Andrés Rabadán was recognized as the Best European Independent Film at the 2009 ECU Festival in Paris, and also received three Gaudi Awards for Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Actress. His 2014 documentary drama Bugarach won the FIPRESCI Award at the St. Petersburg Message to Man Film Festival. THE OFFERING IS RELEASED ON 30TH JULY, IN CINEMA AND ON VIRTUAL CINEMAS AND VOD. 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Jack Salvadori writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Jack Salvadori Over the past decade, Jack Salvadori has worked across film and documentary, specialising in writing, directing, producing, and film criticism. A regular reviewer and festival correspondent, he has attended major international festivals including Cannes and Venice for over ten years. His own work has been recognised at more than 75 international film festivals, and his latest film, Blondi, was longlisted for the BAFTA Award for Best British Short Film. Read Latest Film Reviews Look Back Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Primetime Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori La Bola Negra Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Club Kid Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Father Mother Sister Brother Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Honey Don't! Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Eddington Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Joker: Folie à Deux Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori The Brutalist Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Il Cinema Ritrovato Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori The Shrouds Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Megalopolis Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Perfect Days Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori DAU Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Wild Horse Nine Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Fjord Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori The Voice of Hind Rajab Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Frankenstein Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Splitsville Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Peacock Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Queer Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Maria Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Grand Tour Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Emilia Perez Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori El Conde Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Possible Love Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Che Guevara: The Last Companions Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Fatherland Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori The Smashing Machine Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Bugonia Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Die My Love Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori April Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori The Room Next Door Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Anora Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Kinds of Kindness Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori The Second Act Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori Coup de Chance Read Film Reviews Jack Salvadori

Flawsome: Sex, Drugs & Recipes film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Rachel Giddens, Christina Sankari, Kym Jackson, Shaun Martindale directed by Claudia Dzienny. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Flawsome: Sex, Drugs & Recipes Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 7, 2023 Directed by: Claudia Dzienny Written by: Rachel Giddens Starring: Rachel Giddens, Christina Sankari, Kym Jackson, Shaun Martindale A young woman is assigned to work with a celebrity chef, following a scandalous incident that threatens to ruin her reputation. Created and written by Giddens, this Australian web series consists of six episodes, each of which has an approximately ten-minute duration. The story is set in Sydney and follows Katy (Sankari), a young film graduate who now works in the television industry and Monica Flawsom (Giddens), a British celebrity cook, who sexualises her cooking shows. After her former assistant was fired for causing an embarrassing scene involving Monica that was captured on film, the footage went viral and her image is now in trouble. Now, with Katy as her new assistant, and with the help of Kym (Cook), the head of the cooking show in which Monica stars and Mike (Martindale), the show's feminist director, Monica will attempt to rebuild her image and prepare for the Celebrity Chef Cook Off competition. This mini series is a comedy drama with plenty of cheeky dialogue, sexual content and awkward situations, most notably one that involves a courgette. The main focus is the relationship that develops between Katy and Monica, which has its ups and downs and they get to know each other and help one another. The interesting characters are one of the show's greatest strengths and Monica is arguably the one who steals the show. She is a famous chef who is a bit of a diva, swears a lot, takes drugs, removes her clothing when she gets upset and takes her image very seriously and presents her cooking whith sexual remarks and also has a big sexual appetite (so to speak). Yet, she appears to be crumbling now and struggling to understand what she needs in order to get back on track. Katy's life is effectively explored. She is a Greek Australian, who lives with her caring mother (Barbara Goustos) and she is an ambitious person who does her best to support Monica. The supporting characters include Terry the Sound Guy (Adrian Twigg), Monica's lover Serge (Hafedh Dakhlaoui) and celebrity vegan chef Saskia. Regarding the soundtrack, the series benefits from a selection of enjoyable songs that include pop music and R&B. Big commendations go to Calum Riddell for the impressive cinematography. This web series is a satirical commentary about reality TV, social media, friendship, self-esteem and explores the darker side of fame. People who enjoy adult humour and are looking for a good laugh should look into this one. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Web Series < All Reviews Next Film Review >