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Kirsty Asher writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Kirsty Asher It took me until third year at Bristol university to fully realise my obsession with film could manifest in film criticism, but better late than never! Writing about film is an absolute joy, especially when there's an online space like UK Film Review to explore ideas and gain writing experience. I've also been lucky enough to be published on MUBI Notebook and the film section of The Quietus, and you can also view my portfolio and my personal ramblings at https://kirstyasher.wordpress.com/. Some of my favourite films include Black Swan (2010), Whiplash (2014) and basically anything by David Fincher. Follow On Twitter Read My Film Reviews

Vamos Carajo film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Bella Kouds, Amit Barnathan, Dhwani Shah, Harsh Gupta directed by Harsh Gupta. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Vamos Carajo Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Jul 29, 2023 Directed by: Harsh Gupta Written by: Bella Kouds, Harsh Gupta, Juan Teisaire, Dhwani Shah, Isa Ebrahim Starring: Bella Kouds, Amit Barnathan, Dhwani Shah, Harsh Gupta A short film about the lives of several different individuals and the things that unite them. Over the course of less than three minutes and operating like a montage, this film introduces the characters one after the other with brief scenes that provide an insight into their lives, reaveling the highs and lows. It begins with a young woman performing an audition, tap-dancing in front of a judge and things do not seem to go well. Then a young couple enter an elevator and have a quarrel. An online celebrity struggles to get his work done. A woman trains hard in a gym, eager to lose weight. Two guys play football in a park. A guy is in an undergound train. Rather different activities involving people who appear to be unrelated to each other. 'Vamos Carajo' translates into 'Come On Damnit' and that appears to be significant towards the end. All the people mentioned above come from various walks of life, yet they all end up in the same bar, watching a football match, socialising, laughing and cheering. All the sequences that deal witheach one's circumstances are rather different from one another, with every person having their own problems and goals. And then, things become similar for all of them, as they find themselves at the same location and experiencing similar uplifting emotions and to make things even better, it is Christmas and there are Christmas trees to cheer everyone up. Hence, the title could suggest that people should be joyful because life is wonderful. Director Gupta also worked on the editing and does a great job, cleverly utilising match cut techniques. Composer Anuraj Bhagat makes a substantial contribution with the score, which includes jazz and uplifting piano melodies. And the addition of a well-known Christmas song is a significant plus. The main message of this short appears to be that no matter how different people's lives are, they can still be united by common things, and in this case, that thing seems to be joy, as (as the end reveals) it is joy that brings them together and helps them forget their troubles. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Jay Kelly film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern directed by Noah Baumbach. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Jay Kelly Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Nov 19, 2025 Directed by: Noah Baumbach Written by: Noah Baumbach, Emily Mortimer Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern Oh, jeez, here we go. Just in time for Awards Season, it’s another group of Hollywood elites making a big Netflix movie about how great movies are, and how great the people making movies are and how hard those people work. Cue the eye-roll. Can the Oscar-baiting get any more shameless? Hang on there, hot-taker. Why can’t veteran movie-makers write what they know? Like any other story, it comes down to how well you’re telling it, and how much we’re invested in what’s happening to the characters. Turns out, it’s pretty easy to care about Jay Kelly , about the people in his orbit, and the commitment required to make cinema feel like “pieces of time.” George Clooney wears the title role like his most broken-in leather jacket. Jay Kelly is a veteran movie star, enjoying the comforts of his status while slowly realizing what he has given up to get it. And it’s not just Jay. From his loyal manager (Adam Sandler) to his publicist (Laura Dern), old roommate (Billy Crudup) to first mentor (Jim Broadbent) and beyond, their is no shortage of people holding a to-do list that starts with making Jay Kelly comfortable. Director Noah Baumbach and co-writer Emily Mortimer (who also takes a small role in a large ensemble) seem very committed to writing what they know and live. The script does get talky, but never preachy, and we do see the daily anxieties and the juggled priorities, plus the fun of often watching someone else get the glory. The film’s pool isn’t deep and its claws aren’t sharp but easygoing humor and poignancy reign. As Jay prepares for his career tribute in Tuscany (where else?), Baumbach’s breezy structure often feels like an adaptation from some unknown Sondheim musical. Characters hustle in and out of the periphery while Jay enters rooms that let him visit scenes from his life, reflecting on past choices and strained relationships with his two daughters (Riley Keough and Grace Edwards). The cast is littered with talent (including Greta Gerwig, Patrick Wilson, Isla Fisher and Stacy Keach), and Sandler may finally earn that Oscar nod he was robbed of in 2019’s Uncut Gems . But in the end, you may as well just pronounce the title as “George Clooney.” His modern-day Cary Grant persona is so effortless (just look at him charming that trainload of fans!), it’s nearly impossible to imagine the film working without him. And by the time Jay is seated for a very recognizable career tribute, the line where Clooney stops and Kelly starts becomes pretty damn thin. Do you appreciate movies? You like Clooney? Say hello to Jay Kelly . About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release, Netflix < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film news - Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Special Edition. Find out more at UK Film Review. Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Special Edition Chris Olson Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 10:51:52 AM UTC 20th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION BOX SET SPIRITED AWAY WITH DVD & BLU-RAY DOUBLEPLAY AVAILABLE 27TH SEPTEMBER 2021 On the 20th anniversary of the original release in Japan – 20th July 2001 – STUDIOCANAL are proud to announce the Anniversary Collector’s Edition Box Set of SPIRITED AWAY, the STUDIO GHIBLI masterpiece (creators of My Neighbour Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle) , in stunning high-definition presented in a 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition Box Set. Chihiro, a headstrong 10-year-old girl, is travelling with her parents to their new home. Chihiro’s father takes a detour to explore a mysterious tunnel in the woods. On the other side they find a deserted and dilapidated theme park with a beautiful bathhouse at the centre. Unwittingly, they have strayed into a spirit world, a land of dreamlike scenery inhabited by ancient gods and supernatural beings, ruled over by the witch, Yubaba. With her parents held captive and Yubaba set on enslaving them forever, Chihiro must use all her energy to survive in this strange new place. With the help of Haku, a mysterious and brave young spirit, she is forced to overcome her fears in order to rescue her parents and escape. The winner of the Best Animated Feature award at the 75th ACADEMY AWARDS® in 2002, SPIRITED AWAY is a visionary work from Hayao Miyazaki which set the benchmark for all animation to come after, and is a remarkable fantasy adventure for both adults and children alike. The Collector’s Boxset includes the DVD & Blu-ray Doubleplay edition of the film, the Art of Spirited Away hardback book, original Japanese poster, oversized art cards plus an exclusive bath token bookmark, bathhouse pouch bag and card holder wallet, all housed within a rigid case box. SPECIAL FEATURES: Introduction by John Lasseter The Making of Spirited Away Meet Hayao Miyazaki Behind the Microphone - Voice Talent Featurette Alternative Angle Storyboards Original Japanese Trailers Feature running time: 124 mins Certificate: PG SPIRITED AWAY COLLECTOR’S BOXSET WITH DVD & BLU-RAY DOUBLEPLAY AVAILABLE 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 EXCLUSIVELY FROM AMAZON UK. 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

Watch The Saint at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. The Saint Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW This is an achievement worthy of great praise and admiration. It introduces the audience to a violent and disturbed individual and listening to his story is chilling, primarily due to Jegathesan's performance. A lot of work and creativity was put into this film and the result is an experience that has the viewer's attention from start to finish. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

Areia film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring N/A directed by Gustavo Ribeiro, Ive Machado. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Areia Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: May 28, 2024 Directed by: Gustavo Ribeiro, Ive Machado Written by: Ive Machado Starring: N/A An animated short film from Brazil filled with adventure and fantasy. Inspired by the diary of Jose Francisco Machado, this story follows a lone adventurer on an incredible journey across vast and desolate locations. The adventurer mentioned above is the only person in the film. Dressed in clothing that looks appropriate for a long trek and with the face covered by cloth, preventing determination of gender, he or she seems mysterious. And the eyes are two bright yellow lights. Is this entity even human? Over the course of six-and-a-half minutes, this strange adventurer will travel across landscapes that include a desert and mountains and they will pass through a storm. Is this the Sahara desert? Is it an imaginative location that the story is taking place in? The traveller appears to be on a mission. During the journey, the character will locate a buried chest and a necklace, both of which appear to have otherworldly powers. The protagonist has a map and appears to be searching for these items. Why? Since there are no spoken words (or written ones for that matter), what is going on in the story is not clear, which is not a bad thing, as leaving things open to interpretation can be satisfying. It is the visuals that primarily tell the story and they do so quite effectively. The animation could be described as a blend of computer animation imagery and traditional animation and the result certainly pays off. From start to finish the film is a pleasure to watch, with wonderful colours throughout. Commendations go to Allan Dantas and Alex Ferreira for their fantastic work. The audio is another factor that enhances the viewing experience. Composer Grace Torres develops a score that is adventurous and dynamic and the chanting builds a dramatic atmosphere. Sound designer Ulisses Galleto also does a great job with the sound effects. This film is a short fantasy adventure that takes the viewer on a magical and dangerous journey with striking visuals. For six-and-a-half minutes, this animated short offers a thrilling adventure that is surrounded by mystery. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, Animation, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

. Brand new film trailers. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie New Trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie UK Film Review here, with an exclusive look at the brand-new trailer for the highly anticipated animated film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie . Set to launch into UK cinemas in April 2026, this cinematic event promises to expand on the beloved universe that captivated audiences worldwide just a few years ago. The film serves as the successor to the phenomenally successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie , which dominated the box office in 2023, earning a staggering $1.3 billion globally. The incredible success of the first film has set the stage for this new instalment, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this animated saga. The partnership between Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Nintendo's legendary Shigeru Miyamoto has proven to be a winning formula, blending Illumination’s signature animation style with the creative genius behind one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. The trailer gives us our first glimpse into the cosmic adventure that awaits. Following the events of the first film, Mario and his friends are thrust into a new challenge that takes them far beyond the familiar landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom. While specifics remain under wraps, the title and visual cues strongly suggest a journey through the stars, hinting at the introduction of fan-favourite characters and locations from the acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy video games. The art style maintains the vibrant, colourful aesthetic of the first film, but with a grander, more expansive feel befitting its galactic scale. Behind the scenes, the creative team from the first film has reunited to bring this new story to life. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are back at the helm, promising to deliver the same blend of action, humour, and heartfelt moments that made the first film a hit. They are joined by returning screenwriter Matthew Fogel, who is tasked with crafting a narrative that honours the source material while also offering something fresh for both long-time fans and new audiences. To complete the immersive experience, composer Brian Tyler returns to score the film, and if his work on the first movie is any indication, we can expect an epic and memorable soundtrack that complements the on-screen action perfectly. The film is being co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, a powerful collaboration that ensures both creative integrity and global reach. Universal Pictures will handle the worldwide release, guaranteeing that this film will be a major event in cinemas around the globe. The level of commitment from all parties involved highlights the high expectations for this project and the potential for a new cinematic franchise. As the release date of April 2026 draws closer, the excitement is only set to build. The trailer offers a tantalising taste of what's to come, and we here at UK Film Review will be following every development closely. Fans of the first film, Nintendo enthusiasts, and animation lovers alike have plenty to look forward to. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and be sure to check out the trailer to get a sneak peek at the cosmic journey that awaits. What are your thoughts on the new trailer? Let us know on our socials. 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. Greenland 2: Migration Now, the first official trailer for the sequel, Greenland 2: Migration, has landed, promising to take that survivalist tension into even more treacherous territory. Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up Official Trailer. Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up will be in UK & Irish cinemas from 13th February 2026. Mother Mary Ultimately, the Mother Mary trailer establishes a compelling promise: a film that uses the theatricality of the music industry to explore something primal about identity and obsession. Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come In the trailer for Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come establishes a new, thrilling chapter. It’s a sequel that dares to go bigger, transforming a single family’s twisted tradition into a full-scale, world-controlling bloodsport. Shelter People We Meet On Vacation People We Meet On Vacation looks set to be a thoroughly British affair in its tone and appeal—a charming, heartfelt escape, promising both belly laughs and a good cry. Doctor Plague Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery This first glimpse of Wake Up Dead Man isn’t just a trailer; it’s a brilliant statement of intent. The film looks primed to be a festive treat for audiences looking for a compelling, cleverly constructed mystery. Michael Michael is set to arrive in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on the 24th of April 2026, and based on this compelling first look, the world will indeed be waiting.

Car Sick film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Jamie Marie Leary, Kathryn Howden, Eoin Sweeney directed by David Hayman Jr.. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Car Sick Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Jul 11, 2023 Directed by: David Hayman Jr. Written by: Marcus McPeake Starring: Jamie Marie Leary, Kathryn Howden, Eoin Sweeney David Hayman Jr.’s ‘Car Sick’ is a neat Scottish drama that examines compulsion and isolation in a real world setting, yet whilst it probes these topics in an interesting manner, it fails, just slightly, to truly stick the landing. 

 Car sickness is common - though some suffer more than others - yet ordinarily such sensation occurs when the vehicle is in motion (although to some people - including a relative of this critic - it’s the smell and stuffiness of the car). The sickness experienced by Hannah McCauley (Jamie Marie Leary, however, is twofold - and neither is caused by the car itself. Hannah has a medical problem, or, at least she believes that she does, although the doctors tell her otherwise, and that she is, in fact, in perfect health. The larger sickness facing Hannah is mental, as, compelled by paranoia, fear, and compulsion, she has taken to living within her car inside hospital grounds, so that she is near to the hospital in case her problems get worse, which she believes them to be. Of course, as a doctor points out, any problems will be compounded by eating junk food and living in a car during the harsh Scottish winter, yet nevertheless Hannah soldiers on, even despite the dissuasion of everyone from the doctors, to her mother, to Vincent (Eoin Sweeney), her partner. They look at her incredulously, with her partner even calling her mad, before manipulatively blaming her for ruining Christmas in a ploy to get her to return home - though his intentions are no doubt correct. Hannah is in an eternal state of flux - avoiding calls from work, brushing her teeth into a coffee cup, being woken in the middle of the night by ambulances - yet she nonetheless continues, almost out of stubbornness as if just trying to prove to the naysayers that she is really sick. What the screenplay, written by Marcus McPeake, does so well, is subtly illustrate the state of turmoil which Hannah’s mind is in. The little actions which seem strange to us - i.e. using loo roll as a stand for her toothbrush - are made to seem perfectly natural to her, whilst the rationale and logic presented to her by Vincent and the doctors only alienate her from them and cause distrust and frustration. Hannah is stuck in this place, and though her mother offers support with the addition of christmasy fairy lights to her car, she is very much alone with herself. Jamie Marie Leary understands this in her performance, which is magnificent in detailing the weariness and confusion, as perhaps even Hannah fails to understand her actions, in just the blank expression which becomes a permanent feature of her face. Aided further by a director in David Hayman Jr. who shows a certain understanding of the complexities of the screenplay, ‘Car Sick’ is a thoughtful character study that only falters in its ending, which feels abrupt and contrived, though doesn’t detract from the strength of the twelve or so minutes that precede it. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Becoming Sidney film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Jadon Shamir, Tyrone Stewart, Regina Williams directed by Ken Gregory. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Becoming Sidney Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Feb 17, 2026 Directed by: Ken Gregory Written by: Ken Gregory Starring: Jadon Shamir, Tyrone Stewart, Regina Williams Becoming Sidney is Ken Gregory’s docudrama that imagines a formative audition from a young man who would go on to become the legendary Sidney Poitier, and the historical impact the Bahamian would have on the acting world. Told using archival footage and performance, the stage is set of a world where black actors suffer discrimination and pigeon-holing in roles that deny them the opportunity to flourish as storytellers. After an establishing montage of historic clips, the young Poitier (Jadon Shamir) is shown being barely given the chance to show what he can do onstage due to his accent, before finding the voice within himself that would go on to break down barriers in the acting world and beyond. Based on the true story of Sidney Poitier, Becoming Sidney is something of a fairy-tale representation of the beginning of the great man’s journey. Ken Gregory interestingly splits his film into halves – the first documentary and the second drama, which contextualises the fictional retelling effectively (using Poitier's own recorded words as part of the dialogue) and adds layers to the significance of the young dishwashers’ dream at greatness – and the unlikeliness of such a pursuit. The background stretching back to the 20s, 30s and 40s where even Oscar-winning black actors were forbidden from attending the same ceremony as whites is a powerful reminder of the world Poitier grew up in. And even given the infuriating barriers he faced, Gregory makes sure to maintain the glamorousness of old Hollywood in such moments to make clear why Poitier so desired a career in performing arts. The jazz soundtrack in these sections, as well as clips of some of the eras finest actors is a quietly powerful addition that formed key parts of the story. In the short’s second half it switches to a dramatic rendition of Sidney Poitier’s life – led by Jadon Shamir who portrays the future great as a shy dreamer. The sensitivity in Shamir’s performance is key in emphasising his naivety and inexperience, yet we also see signs of the inner strength and belief Poitier possessed to stand up to those who were hesitant to accept him. Clifton J Williams’ Johnny Brooks and Regina Williams’ Ruby Dee are key players in the episode of Poitier’s life, and intricacies in their smaller roles shine through to show that race looms large in their assessment of his skill despite experiencing discrimination themselves. Truthfully there are some flaws in the dramatic section of the film – primarily the speed at which Poitier goes from receiving pariah treatment from the acting world to being lauded by the same individuals based on a single audition. Viewers will get whiplash from this transformation, which comes about not as a result of the short running time but due to underdevelopments in the script. However, for what is essentially a fantasy telling of this part of Poitier’s story, it is a forgivable hole in a short that otherwise accomplishes its primary goal – that being the importance of his impact. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Bapteme film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Paul Roux directed by Alessandro Amaduci. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Bapteme Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Dec 4, 2022 Directed by: Alessandro Amaduci Written by: Alessandro Amaducci Starring: Paul Roux The music video for Paul Roux’s Bapteme artistically and imaginatively captures the essence of connection. With a futuristic setting that matches the electronic soundscapes the artist operates with, this video is well-suited to accompanying the new track. The video loosely follows an astronaut as they explore a desolate, abandoned city seemingly made of stacked-up records. The astronaut travels in zero-gravity through this strange, sometimes intimidating world, and eventually meets a partner who they initiate a connection with. This connection brings new life and colour to the world as the pair embrace. Bapteme’s video is interpretive, and as with all music videos, designed to emphasise the song rather than any great plotline. Using impressive visuals, the video is a treat to watch, and matches the song’s tone. Electronic music can be tailored to many emotions – and here it is clear that the importance of contact, forging relationships and communication is what the artist seeks to embolden with his music. The video envisages this without awkwardly inserting a complex or distracting plotline. The visual effects themselves work well and look crisp, slick and convincing. The video is designed to look robotic and otherworldly – with crackling static embroidered into the design of the bizarre city, and a digital space background bringing a definite sense of unease to the astronaut’s adventure – with the danger of floating away into nothingness an ever-present threat. Mostly in black and white, the film intentionally mixes the futuristic and the distant past to place the events in an uncertain timeline – possibly at the creation of a new world or after the destruction of an old one. The actual music is allowed to dictate the video’s events, with the repetitive beats convalescing their own momentum and grabbing directly into the listener’s chest. With electronic music particularly designed to be shared with others, the normally-solitary act of watching and examining a music video tends to run in countenance to this. But Bapteme’s is visually interesting enough to fit-in should it be required at a dance event or anywhere else it may be required. Even brief glimpses of the film are attention grabbing and dynamic enough to supplement its pulsating music. So whilst the Bapteme’s track is interesting enough alone, fans of Paul Roux and the electronic genre in general should check out the interesting music video and appreciate the imaginative work in bringing the crafted beats to life. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, Music Video, Animation < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Watch Queen of Diamonds at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. Queen of Diamonds Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW For a short, lower budget concept film, Queen of Diamonds taps into some unexpectedly deep emotional territory with an incredibly simplistic and minimalist idea. Add in two strong performances and a perfect setting, and you have a very accomplished feature. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

The Lost Mantle of Elijah film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Louis Levi, Andrew McHale, Paul Sugars, Andreia Aguiar, Eaoifa Forward, Tayo Oyekoya directed by Lewis Critchley. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Lost Mantle of Elijah Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Jun 29, 2024 Directed by: Lewis Critchley Written by: Lewis Critchley Starring: Louis Levi, Andrew McHale, Paul Sugars, Andreia Aguiar, Eaoifa Forward, Tayo Oyekoya Elijah’s mantle is an ancient biblical legend similar to the likes of the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail featured in the Indiana Jones franchise. It is a miracle working cloak that Elijah passed on to his servant Elisha when he is told that his time on earth is over and that he shall be taken by chariot to heaven. It is believed that this cloak had powers to grant miracles yet was lost following Elisha, and ‘The Lost Mantle of Elijah’ depicts the fictional struggle to rediscover its mystery. The film opens with a loud dramatic overture, that sounds more like that of a typical sci-fi adventure like Star Trek than it does a swashbuckling faith based epic. We are then given e prologue that attempts to set the scene of the film for us, however, this prologue is so cheesy and overdramatic that combined with far too much of an overland of exposition, the audience has already lost interest and belief in the quality of the film before the adventure it depicts has even begun. It is laughably overdramatic throughout, not helped by its loud overbearing score, which hits all the beats of a classic adventurous biblical epic but feels like cheap imitation, especially when were you to remove the score, the film would lack any of that same sense of grandeur. It’s special and visual effects can only be described as amateur at best, removing any possibility of immersion with how blatantly false they are. Furthermore, the practical sets, when used, feel constructed and lack authenticity, giving the impression of a hollow world not lived in at all. The central character is a young teenage boy called Kai (Louis Levi) who receives the mantle from the spirit of a murdered king that wants him to raise him from the dead. It becomes far too potty and convoluted too quickly, with a whole host of supporting characters played by the likes of Andrew McHale, Paul Sugars, Andreia Aguiar, Eaoifa Forward and Tayo Oyekoya appearing on his quest to restore the mantle’s powers. None of these characters have a remotely endearing personality. This isn’t helped by either the poor writing, which lacks subtext and sounds as though it were generated by artificial intelligence, or the acting, which is stiff and robotic, with hefty pauses sometimes between lines of dialogue in conversation as actors struggle to form any chemistry with one another. 
The film is written and directed by Lewis Critchley, and though the directing is perhaps of a slightly higher quality than the screenplay, it is nonetheless bland and uninteresting. ‘The Lost Mantle of Elijah’ makes for a turgid watch, it is too bogged down in its plot that it forgets that swashbuckling adventures are supposed to be fun. This is anything but that. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >