New British Sci-Fi feature UNDERGODS coming to cinemas and digital 17th May. Brand new film trailers. Undergods Trailer Lightbulb Film Distribution is delighted to share the poster and trailer for new dystopian fantasy-thriller, Undergods, which will be coming to cinemas and digital download on May 17. Following its world premiere at Fantasia last year, the film went on to celebrate its UK premiere at Glasgow Film Festival in February. Since then, Undergods has gone on to receive two British Independent Film Award (BIFA) nominations. From May 17, Undergods will be released day-and-date; in select cinemas nationwide and On-Demand simultaneously. A limited-edition Blu-ray and vinyl soundtrack are also planned for later in the year. Undergods stars Kate Dickie (The Witch, Game of Thrones), Ned Dennehy (Mandy, Peaky Blinders), Geza Rohrig (Resistance, Son of Saul), Burn Gorman (Pacific Rim, Enola Holmes) and Tanya Reynolds (Emma., Sex Education). In a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world, K and Z roam the streets on the lookout for corpses and something even more valuable - fresh meat. 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.

Redemption of a Rogue will be released in cinemas by Wildcard Distribution on Friday 27th August. . Brand new film trailers. Redemption of a Rogue Trailer REDEMPTION OF A ROGUE, the first feature film from the award-winning playwright Philip Doherty (Pilgrim) follows Jimmy, played by Cavan native Aaron Monaghan (MAZE, Assassin’s Creed), on his road to salvation after returning to his hometown. Stuck in a Groundhog Day-like purgatory, Jimmy embarks on a sacrificial and outlandish journey to rid himself of his guilt and shame from the past, ultimately redeeming himself through love. The eclectic cast from Irish stage and screen includes Aisling O’Mara and Kieran Roche along with comedian Kevin McGahern (Republic of Telly), the Oscar-nominated screenwriter Shane Connaughton (My Left Foot), and author Pat McCabe (The Butcher Boy, Breakfast on Pluto). Since premiering at the Galway Film Fleadh last year where it picked up two major awards - Best Irish Film and Best Irish First Feature, it has garnered international critical acclaim and recently scooped the Best Director award (Philip Doherty) at the Kimolos International Film Festival in Greece. Redemption of a Rogue will be released in cinemas by Wildcard Distribution on Friday 27th August. 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.

Dolce Far Niente film review by UK film critic James Learoyd. Starring Michael Antonio Keane, Cristina Filippone, Susy Serra directed by Michael Antonio Keane. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Dolce Far Niente Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Mar 29, 2024 Directed by: Michael Antonio Keane Written by: Michael Antonio Keane Starring: Michael Antonio Keane, Cristina Filippone, Susy Serra The rather enigmatically titled Dolce Far Niente (Sweet Doing Nothing) poses some thoughtful questions, yet it’s the way in which they’re presented that makes this short feel unique in many ways. It depicts an incredibly personal, romantic tale of a young Irish writer staying in Italy. He narrates his activities as he wanders the streets, enjoys nature, and interacts with the various people around him, but narratively this is represented through recollective fragments. I was reminded of the reflective narration often used in the beautiful works of Éric Rohmer. The film presents us with a great many visual idiosyncrasies to enjoy. Perhaps, most notably, there is frequent use of a filter which distorts and blurs a lot of the image. Being a practical, lens-based effect as opposed to something added in post-production really gives it a vintage look which also suites the Italian streets and landscapes we’re being shown. Its purpose is also to fragment the image, like the structure of the narrative, as if being viewed through a very specific perspective – one whose thoughts are always playing a part. There are also some wonderful compositions, particularly when it comes to the opening few shots, which hold a patience and softness to them, using the buildings to frame the lovely blue of the sky (it all feels very Call Me by Your Name ). These novelties certainly elevate the piece to a level that it otherwise would not reach. The only issues, aesthetically, come in moments wherein, for whatever reason, the shutter-speed is randomly a lot faster than a previous shot (as to compensate for an excess of light): it’s slightly too digital a look that doesn’t match the whole romantic, wistful atmosphere. The editing has an alluring, stream of consciousness style, a fluidity that feels quite like a modernist novel. This style of sporadic cutting also provides a dynamic style for the viewer to enjoy – in fact, a lot of the film’s substance can be found in the form more than the story and themes themselves. With such ambitious editing and creatively stimulating cinematography, it’s easy to overlook certain story flaws, but they exist nevertheless... Message and story-wise, the short elicits some mixed feelings. On the one hand, there’s a pleasing (if slightly easy) message about self-love and acceptance, although one could argue that the narration doesn’t probe any deeper than that nice surface level. It all works very smoothly; very neatly. It simply could have been more thought-provoking with some more self-reflective, emotionally complex messaging. In addition to this, having Italy be the location for our story, you would think this may offer an explicit purpose or maybe even political commentary or allegory, yet it’s all quite clean and apolitical. But to conclude, there’s a beautiful atmosphere on display in Dolce Far Niente . Not every short possesses this degree of editorial and visual creativity, thus, for that reason alone, it’s more than worth a watch. The film’s a wonderful effort and, most importantly, demonstrates a love for using the cinematic form to discuss the internal. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti film review by UK film critic William Curzon. Starring Yveline Alexis, Patrick Bellegarde-Smith, Max Chauvet directed by Alain Martin. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: William Curzon | Posted on: Jan 7, 2026 Directed by: Alain Martin Written by: Alain Martin Starring: Yveline Alexis, Patrick Bellegarde-Smith, Max Chauvet The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti is a documentary that explores a Haitian filmmaker revisiting the U.S. occupation of Haiti and his grandparents’ legacy. The film unravels the paradox of a man who longed for American rule and a nation scarred by the power the United States had wielded. The filmmakers waste no time, instantly compelling the viewer into the narrative with its relentless pacing, which is a significant positive, although it acts as a detriment to certain aspects of the piece. Despite how overwhelming the experience can be at times, the filmmakers interview a wide range of individuals, including journalists and historians with extensive knowledge surrounding the Haitian revolution. These individuals shed a harsh light on the shocking discoveries of the past and on the atrocities committed by American politicians, keeping the narrative consistently enthralling. Many of the themes the filmmakers tackle, such as the sickening ideologies of the men in power, may really get under the viewer's skin due to how disturbing and inhumane their actions are. Another pivotal aspect is the social commentary regarding the Jim Crow South era, which had a profound impact on the Haitian community and people of colour around the 1890s up until the 1960s. The documentary does not shy away from the themes of generational trauma, giving it a compelling and engaging feel whilst highlighting important social issues. One of the most captivating aspects of the documentary is the plethora of striking archival footage intertwined with the current-day interviews. It's an incredibly visceral way to sink its teeth into the viewer by presenting historical figures or pivotal moments in Haitian culture. A uniquely comedic aspect the filmmakers employ is presenting integral people of power or importance in the narrative, such as Donald Trump, with text under them poking fun at their absurd actions or ideologies. The musical score is haunting and propulsive, accompanying the shocking imagery and discoveries made around the military’s actions. Unfortunately, there is a minor lack of footage during the Jim Crow South era due to the horrific actions happening in remote areas; however, the filmmakers did an incredible job providing enough context on how the Haitian community was impacted. While it may be too bloated with the amount of material covered, it's an insightful and thought-provoking piece of filmmaking that evokes discussion about Haitian culture. The Haitian revolution has rarely been depicted within cinema, and the documentary filmmakers showcase their distinct passion and knowledge for the material to be as raw and uncompromising as it is. While the conclusion to the piece feels somewhat rushed and anticlimactic, it's an emotionally cathartic way to wrap things up that explores regret and never leaving your family's legacy behind. It's a deeply educational piece that leaves the viewer with crucial material to chew on after the credits roll. The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti is a daring piece of documentary filmmaking that exposes the disturbing U.S. occupation of Haiti. Anchored by its pulse-pounding pacing that never lets up until the very end, and the wide variety of historical context that is provided in its brisk runtime, The Forgotten Occupation is a powerful body of work that sheds light on an underrepresented culture. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic William Curzon Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Dispute film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Stefano Guerriero, Christien Bart-Gittens directed by Christien Bart-Gittens. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Dispute Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Dec 23, 2023 Directed by: Christien Bart-Gittens Written by: N/A Starring: Stefano Guerriero, Christien Bart-Gittens *sigh* Okay, so I suppose we’d better get this out of the way right at the beginning – Dispute is not a film. It is at best a fight-scene, and at worst a pointless fight-scene that isn’t even any good. Clocking in at just one minute and eighteen seconds, including credits, Dispute is described by its film-makers as a ‘micro short fight film’, but it’s not, it’s just a fight scene, one scene in which two guys fight, and that’s it. So, without any introduction we immediately find that two guys, Stefano Guerriero and Christien Bart-Gittens who aren’t even worthy enough to have been given any character names, are out in the dark of the woods in the middle of the night having a go at one another. There’s no time or forethought to provide any sort of story, meaning that there’s no explanation as to why these two anonymous combatants might be trying to knock lumps out of each other, so we’ve just got to get on with it and try to be happy in the fact that there’s a fight going on. The fighting itself is fairly decent as both guys have a bit of back and forth trying to get the best of each other. There’s a few decent flurries and flourishes from the fight choreography to mix it up a little and for a fight-scene as part of a bigger film it could probably pass, as long as the audience didn’t pay too close attention to what’s going on. On its own though, and with nothing else on which to focus, the fight begins to look incredibly staged and the moves all take on the feel of being heavily choreographed. It doesn’t help when the violence begins to look comical, especially at a point where one combatant takes a knee to his jaw to be put on the ground, then gets kicked full force right across the face, and in the next shot is back up on his feet ready to get some more blows in. All the way through Dispute the whole thing seems to be lit by a lone spotlight. There’s a bunch of fast editing and quick cuts to try and keep things interesting but in the end the sparseness of the production becomes very evident, showing the project for what it really is – two blokes in the woods at night pretending to hit and hurt each other whilst their mate points a camera at them for a little while. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Heel film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Stephen Graham, Anson Boon, Andrea Riseborough directed by Jan Komasa. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Heel Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Mar 5, 2026 Directed by: Jan Komasa Written by: Bartek Bartosik, Naqqash Khalid Starring: Stephen Graham, Anson Boon, Andrea Riseborough Few people who watched the Netflix series Adolescence would describe it as darkly comical. And yet, Adolescence co-creator and co-star Stephen Graham lends his considerable talent to another look at the troubling behavior of young white men in Jan Komasa’s Heel. Graham plays Chris, a well-intentioned family man. Anson Boon is Tommy. One morning, after a night of hard debauchery, Tommy wakes up in chains in Chris’s basement. From there, Komasa’s film, written by Bartek Bartosik and Naqqash Khalid, could become something truly horrifying. Instead, it reimagines The Clockwork Orange by way of My Fair Lady . There’s obviously something terribly wrong with Chris, his wife Kathryn (Andrea Riseborough), and probably their young son Jonathan (Kit Rakusen). But they don’t think so. Indeed, they’re so convinced of their benign purposes that the family hires a part time maid (Monika Frajczyk), even though there’s a human being chained up just off the laundry room. Of course, during the interview, Chris does ask if Katrina has any distinguishing marks. That could be a red flag. The performances across the board are marvelous. Certainly, we’ve come to expect nuanced, even surprising turns from both Grahan and Riseborough. But it’s Boon who really impresses. His Eliza Doolittle arc is fantastic and frustratingly believable. Komasa plays with your expectations and manipulates your emotions. It’s really hard to root for the kid in the cellar, and it’s often a little tough to dislike this broken family, although there is clearly something very cracked and likely dangerous about them. The sharp script never overplays its themes. Heel keeps you guessing, keeps you fascinated, and sometimes has you almost breathless. It’s also quite funny and touching. The longer you watch, the more provocative Heel becomes. Even if you’re furious by film’s end, it’s hard to deny its power. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Essentially Amy film review by UK film critic Lawrence Bennie. Starring Stacy Chu, Ping Liu, Brenda Valencia directed by Ari Groobman. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Essentially Amy Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Lawrence Bennie | Posted on: Dec 8, 2025 Directed by: Ari Groobman Written by: Ari Groobman Starring: Stacy Chu, Ping Liu, Brenda Valencia Colorado-born director Ari Groobman's short comedy-drama Essentially Amy takes the viewer back to a time that feels both sureally distant yet also significantly recent: the pandemic. Amy (Stacy Chu) is a competent supermarket supervisor who almost single-handedly runs the show, along with her pleasant but somewhat preoccupied colleauges Norm (Seyi Ayorinde) and Mia (Brenda Valencia). Elsewhere, the aloof manager Mr Park (Hidekun Hun) is even more of an absence, whilst there is little solace for Amy at home. Amy lives with her parents; her biogted Mum (Ping Liu) is weary of the African-American community, her father is crucially ill and hooked up to a ventilator whilst Amy herself has completely stalled on her application to study medicine. Back in the store, tensions mount when an angry customer (Jim Todd) launches a foul-mouthed, racist tirade over the Covid catastrophe with Amy as the target. Groobman's opening scene immediately jolts the viewer back into the sudden reality of post-lockdown. On the one hand, the regime of enforced mask wearing and rigid social distancing feels like it just didn't happen (five years on). On the other, the scene feels only too recognizable as we recall how the everyday suddenly became tainted with the alien. Another contrast is served up directly by Groobman in the jarring contrast between Amy's work and home-life. At work, she faces frustrating but familiar challenges - serious staff shortage, the looming threat of reduced hours and, worst of all, ignorant customers. Yet, she is no-nonsense, self-assured and in control. But she's not where she should be. It's all simply a stop-gap before her medicine programme. And, unlike at the store, she hits a wall at home. Her father is sick (perhaps as a result of Covid), is unseen and unresponsive, her mother is frustrated at her academic ambitions taking a plunge and her motivation to break away and get where she needs to be just isn't there. Clocking in at exactly 15 minutes, Groobman’s script doesn’t take any particularly surprising turns. Her brush with brutality is the catalyst for self-realisation and reconnection. For all the troubles, Amy learns to put aside the problems and focus on what’s important. It’s a familiar resolution yes, but it’s a story told with skilful restraint and wonderfully authentic performances that we really do believe in the drama that we're watching. Essentially Amy may not be essentially memorable, but its warmth and intimacy are a welcome reminder of a time when the human touch was missed and sorely needed. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Lawrence Bennie Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Bad Hombres film review by UK film critic Brandon Thomas. Starring Diego Tinoco, Hemky Madera, Luke Hemsworth directed by John Stalberg Jr.. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Bad Hombres Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Brandon Thomas | Posted on: Jan 26, 2024 Directed by: John Stalberg Jr. Written by: Rex New, John Stalberg Jr., Nick Turner Starring: Diego Tinoco, Hemky Madera, Luke Hemsworth Darkly funny neo-noirs hit my cinematic sweet spot more often than not. The satisfaction of laughing at outrageous bursts of violence or complex plans that go awry is second to none. And throughout these entertaining narratives are classic aesthetic tropes that give filmmakers the opportunity to lean into equally satisfying visuals. While the plot of Bad Hombres never enters complex territory, the characters and genre beats are more than enough to make up for it. Felix (Diego Tinoco) has just arrived in the U.S. from Ecuador. Looking to send money home to his impoverished family, Felix and his cousin go to the local hardware store in the hopes that they can pick up work as day laborers. After his cousin is picked for a job but he isn’t, Felix is approached by a twitchy Australian (Luke Hemsworth, TV’s Westworld , Next Goal Wins ) with an offer for an easy day’s work. Also on the job is gruff handyman Alfonso (Hemky Madera, Satanic Hispanics , Spider-Man: Homecoming ). Felix and Alfonso quickly realize the gig is more than basic labor after arriving to the job site to find several bodies and the Australian’s wounded partner (Paul Johansson, TV’s One Tree Hill ). Early on, Bad Hombres feels like it’s going to be your standard direct-to-streaming action thriller. The title alone doesn’t do much to dispel that initial gut reaction, either. However, once Hemsworth’s borderline lunatic character appears on screen, the dynamic shifts ever so slightly in favor of something a bit more interesting – and dare I say, chaotic. Director John Stahlberg Jr. wisely paces himself and lets the crazy of Bad Hombres blossom naturally. While it’s fair to say that Bad Hombres is a lower budget film, that never really comes across on screen. Stahlberg’s direction is methodical and focused with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling. Despite having moments of explosive action, the film mostly consists of scenes of people having conversations. Even in these more “mundane” moments, the film’s energy never drops. Along with Stahlberg’s direction, the other secret ingredient in Bad Hombres is the cast. Madera is especially notable as the unapproachable Alfonso. As the film progresses and the layers of Alfonso’s backstory is revealed, Madera’s performance becomes so much more nuanced and exciting. Hemsworth is having a blast playing a murderous madman who likes to portray himself as more politically progressive than he probably is. Even the always reliable Thomas Jane (The Punisher , The Mist ), Tyrese Gibson (Fast & the Furious series), and Nick Cassavettes (best known for directing The Notebook ) pop up in supporting roles. Bad Hombres is a lean and mean bit of modern day neo-noir that manages to deliver well past its budget and defy expectations all at the same time. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brandon Thomas Digital / DVD Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Brighton 4th film review by UK film critic Bandon Thomas. Starring Levan Tedaishvili, Giorgi Tabidze, Nedezhda Mikhalkova directed by Levan Koguashvili. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Brighton 4th Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Brandon Thomas | Posted on: Apr 1, 2022 Directed by: Levan Koguashvili Written by: Boris Frumin Starring: Levan Tedaishvili, Giorgi Tabidze, Nedezhda Mikhalkova Georgian filmmaker Levan Koguashvili’s Brighton 4th is a charming drama that surprises with some subtle comedic flourishes. It’s a film that never gets lost in a self-serious tale of immigrants “roughing it” – instead staying firmly grounded in interesting and likable characters. Kakhi (Levan Tedaishvili), a former Olympic wrestler, travels from the central Asian country of Georgia to the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn to visit his son. He finds him living in a shabby boarding house and learns that his son owes serious debts to a local mob boss. Hoping to get his son out of this jam, Kakhi begins looking for ways to raise the money to pay off his son’s debt and return home to Georgia. Tedaishvili wows with a beautifully stoic performance. Kakhi is a character that happily takes on the burdens of those he loves. From committing a “minor” case of kidnapping to help two women get the pay they’re owed, to letting that same man free out of a sense of respect, Kakhi is a man with a strong – but quiet – moral code. Tedaishvili’s performance is all the more amazing as this is only his second film. His debut was all the way back in 1987’s Khareba da Gogia . Brighton 4th wonderfully blends drama and comedy. There’s a grounded absurdity to the comedy that makes it entirely relatable. Whether it’s the chaos from the kidnapping plot, or Kakhi’s family members continually losing money over minor annoyances, the laughs are good-natured and always centered in character. The most striking part of Brighton 4th is the spotlight it puts on basic decency. It would be easy to focus on the ugly parts of life when depicting the struggles of immigrants. That part is apparent in the film for sure, but Koguashvili’s interest is in how people treat one another when times get hard. Kakhi continually puts the hardships of his friends and family on his own shoulders and does so without complaint. One scene in particular – when the newly kidnapped man helps soothe a woman with epilepsy while she’s having a seizure – showcases the film’s core belief: that when things are hard, people will rise up to lend a helping hand. While not being an overly complicated tale about the strife of new immigrants, Brighton 4th does offer a sweet, uplifting tale of a family doing what they can with what they have to help each other. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brandon Thomas Digital / DVD Release, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Truth to Power film review by UK film critic Brandon Thomas. Starring Barbara Lee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bory Booker directed by Abby Ginzberg. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Truth to Power Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Brandon Thomas | Posted on: Aug 18, 2021 Directed by: Abby Ginzberg Written by: Abby Ginzberg Starring: Barbara Lee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bory Booker Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power is a rapturous celebration of the long-time Congresswoman from Oakland, California. Instead of being an issues-driven fluff piece, Speaking Truth to Power is a movie that seeks to understand how Lee’s history and circumstances led her to becoming the woman she is today. Barbara Lee hasn’t become a household name like Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Despite her minor anonymity on the national political stage, the film puts a spotlight on how Lee has managed to get meaningful legislation passed while holding onto her core beliefs. It’s part of what has made Lee so endearing to her constituents, other House members and senators, and to her own family. So much of the early portion of Speaking Truth to Power focuses on Lee’s solitary post-9/11 vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists. By being the lone member of the House of Representatives to vote against the Act, Lee put a target on her back during a fraught time in American politics. Through leaning into this part of Lee’s life so early in the film, Director Abby Ginzberg sets the stage to show how the Congresswoman has always been that principled in her morals and convictions. Of course, the film is chock full of glowing testimonials from the creme de la creme of American political and activist life: John Lewis, Van Jones, Cory Booker and Danny Glover, just to name a few. These vignettes never threaten to overtake the film, but add flavorful bits to Lee’s ongoing story from childhood through her career in Washington. The real meat and potatoes of the film comes from Lee herself. So much of her story is told from her point of view as the filmmakers follow her from Washington, D.C., to her district in California, and even back to El Paso, Texas, where she grew up in the shadow of Jim Crow. The personal side of Lee’s story isn’t given the same attention that her professional side is, and that feels almost by design. Lee isn’t shy about her struggles as a single mother, or the failings of past relationships. But she isn’t looking to let those past hardships define her either. By the end of Speaking Truth to Power, it’s apparent that Barbara Lee deserves to be included in the pantheon of those aforementioned household names. Not for her political shrewdness though. No, Barbara Lee should be remembered for her convictions. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brandon Thomas Theatrical Release, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Red Wine and Rain film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Ell Lee, Nina Gosiengfiao, Koji Niiya, Vincent Eclavea Jr. directed by Jennifer Marie Morgan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Red Wine and Rain Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Jun 9, 2022 Directed by: Jennifer Marie Morgan Written by: Alexis Camins Starring: Ell Lee, Nina Gosiengfiao, Koji Niiya, Vincent Eclavea Jr. A short film that focuses on an altercation between four people about adultery. Four young individuals are meeting at a car park. These people are Sophia (Lee), Kathy (Gosiengfiao), Danny (Niiya) and James (Eclavea). Sophia used to be James's girlfriend until he cheated on her with Kathy, who was with Danny at the time and she was also Sophia's long-term best friend. The meeting is taking place so that James can give Sophia the remaining of her belongings back. What was planned to be a brief gathering turns into a nasty confrontation with a lot of arguing and high tensions, but also with emotional and tender moments. The narrative is basically a long dramatic scene that reveals the consequences of infidelity. Beginning with the four protagonists meeting at the car park, the screenplay quickly moves to the pain and anger that an act of adultery has caused. Most of the shouting and swearing is done by Sophia as she angrily denounces James and Kathy's actions. Danny is also hurt, however he appears to control his anger. The atmosphere is quite tense and unpleasant throughout and the film also mourns the wonderful things that have been destroyed due to cheating thanks to emotional conversations between each former couple, as they recall happy times between them. Although on the surface Sophia and Danny are the victims, it becomes apparent that unfaithfulness has damaged all four of them. All the protagonists deliver great performances, however special mention goes to Lee, as she is very convincing as a person whose life has been turned upside down by James' deeds. Eclavea's character seems more or less unremorseful for his actions, while Gosiengfiao's openly expresses regret. The soundtrack contains songs from a variety of artists and although they are pleasant to the ear, some of them are utilised unnecessarily as they make the scenes feel awkward. This drama is an emotional roller-coaster that deals with themes involving adultery, reconciliation, forgetting about the past, remorse and self-expression. From start to finish it grabs the viewer's attention due to its subject matter and dramatic dialogue and provides a moving experience. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Chad Faust’s directorial debut feature GIRL tells the story of a young woman who returns to her small hometown intent on killing her abusive father only to discover someone murdered him the day before. . Brand new film trailers. Girl Trailer ON DIGITAL DOWNLOAD 31 MAY 2021 Written and Directed by CHAD FAUST Produced by THOMAS MICHAEL , SARA SHAAK and SHAYNE PUTZLOCHER Starring BELLA THORNE (ASSASSINATION NATION , MIDNIGHT SUN ), MICKEY ROURKE (THE WRESTLER, IRON MAN 2 ) & CHAD FAUST (BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB ) Chad Faust’s directorial debut feature GIRL tells the story of a young woman who returns to her small hometown intent on killing her abusive father only to discover someone murdered him the day before. As she searches for answers, she uncovers a family legacy more dangerous than she ever imagined. Starring Bella Thorne, Mickey Rourke and Chad Faust , GIRL will be released in the UK and Ireland on digital download from 31 May 2021 . ‘GIRL’ IS AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL DOWNLOAD FROM 31 MAY 2021 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.