Mafia film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Lottie Tolhurst, Martin Ball, Fabrizio Tullio directed by James Cleave. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Mafia Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Jul 9, 2024 Directed by: James Cleave Written by: Tom Ward-Thomas Starring: Lottie Tolhurst, Martin Ball, Fabrizio Tullio Family game nights usually consist of 3 things: awkwardness, multiple and increasingly frustrated explanations of rules, and of course the inevitable blazing row when old frustrations are unearthed by game-related controversies. Mafia is a short comedy drama that brilliantly uses the premise to show a family with some serious secrets falling apart over itself – as part of a game that puts deception at its heart. A family’s game night turns to the game of Mafia, a game wherein players draw cards to determine if they are ‘Mafia’ members – and then can eliminate other players during rounds in the game where their eyes are closed. The other players must uncover the killers to win. It’s not long until clashes between the older generation such as mother Cynthia (Rosalind Adler) and the younger such as Ralph (Tom Ward-Thomas), Patch (Samuel Lawrence) and Emily (Cheska Hill-Wood) start to intermingle with the games’ deceptive ethos, as family trauma, relationship revelations and more overtake the evening. Mafia is an amusing and engaging ensemble short that keeps audiences on their toes with its insight into modern relationships and family dynamics, exploring a multitude of unusual situations around its dinner table. It jovially examines how younger and older generations take views on relationships and sexuality, tradition and modernity and generational trauma to draw lines between different members of its cast – whilst maintaining a light humour and a belief that bridges can be built despite differences. At the heart of the film is the titular card game, which serves as the driving force of the story. It works as a great send-up of the game, and the relatable scenario where something designed to entertain results in World War 3. There are certain moments which stretch credibility, such as a characters’ referencing to a picture on a website that threatens to reveal their own secret – and feels a little too convenient and designed to advance the plot. But the dialogue itself is authentic, and each character’s voice feels defined and unique. The cast themselves do a great job as well in delivering convincing performances that differentiate each member of the family. Rosalind Adler gives a fine turn as mother Cynthia – the long-suffering matriarch whose relationship with the children’s father is referenced numerous times, clearly explaining why many of the kids carry the weight they do. Her conservative values clearly clash with the lifestyles of her children, who are determinedly finding their own path in their own relationships. Cheska Hill-Wood’s Emily is seemingly the most cognisant of their fact, and her growing impatience impressively comes through the performance. Mafia is more likely to convince you to seek family therapy that play the card game – but James Cleave’s short is definitely a film any member of the family will enjoy. Maybe just don’t watch it all at the same time… Watch our indie film review of Mafia on our YouTube Channel - Click Here . Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film news - Another Round UK DVD And Blu-Ray Release Date Announced. Find out more at UK Film Review. Another Round UK DVD And Blu-Ray Release Date Announced Chris Olson Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 4:41:10 PM GMT+1 ANOTHER ROUND ON EST FROM 24 SEPTEMBER 2021 & DVD, BLU-RAY and DIGITAL FROM 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 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. ANOTHER ROUND is a darkly funny drama which unfolds from a group of weary middle-aged teachers, led by Mads Mikkelsen, who embark on an experiment to see if being in a state of slight and constant intoxication will improve their outlook on life. While results initially seem positive, the experiment quickly begins to spiral out of control with dire consequences. There’s a theory that we should be born with a small amount of alcohol in our blood, and that modest inebriation opens our minds to the world around us, diminishing our problems and increasing our creativity. Heartened by that theory, Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) and three of his friends, all weary high school teachers, embark on an experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication throughout the workday. If Churchill won WW2 in a heavy daze of alcohol, who knows what a few drops might do for them and their students? Initial results are positive, and the teachers’ little project turns into a genuine academic study. Both their classes and their results continue to improve, and the group feels alive again! As the units are knocked back, some of the participants see further improvement and others start to go off the rails. It becomes increasingly clear that while alcohol may have fuelled great results in world history, some bold acts carry consequences. With a BAFTA nominated performance from Mads Mikkelsen at its centre, Thomas Vinterberg’s ANOTHER ROUND is a must-see dramatic comedy for all film fans everywhere. Extras Interview with Mads Mikkelsen & Thomas Vinterberg at the Festival de Cannes 2020 ANOTHER ROUND is released on early EST 24th September 2021 and DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on 27th September 2021. Read our Another Round film review . 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

Kruste film review by UK film critic Chris Olson. Starring Philip Kapell, Luise Landau, Sven Hönig, Heinz Wanitschek directed by Jens Kevin Georg. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Kruste Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Chris Olson | Posted on: Nov 20, 2024 Directed by: Jens Kevin Georg Written by: Jens Kevin Georg Starring: Philip Kapell, Luise Landau, Sven Hönig, Heinz Wanitschek Generational trauma is given a familial quirkiness in the short film Kruste (Crust) from new writer and director Jens Kevin Georg. Philip Kapell stars as Fabi, a 12-year-old boy who, with his sister Bea (Luise Landau) and father Otis (Heinz Wanitschek), are on vacation at their grandfather Winnie’s (Sven Hönig). This family has an unorthodox tradition of passionately celebrating scars (yes, literal cuts to their body), there is even a family tree upon a wall which has all of the members painted with a scene where they got their first scar - such as Otis who cut his hand chopping onions and has since been known cruelly as “Onion-boy”, a nickname which haunts him. The family set to work building a rollercoaster in the woods, which Winnie bought for Fabi when he was born. This makeshift theme park attraction could be just the opportunity Fabi needs to enter the wall of the scars. Fabulously zany and full of thematic depth, Kruste “cuts deep” into the scars we bear from the generations that came before us. Fabi is torn between wanting to belong and making his family proud (all of whom have no reservations about the glorification of serious injury to each other) with wanting to stay safe. In a beautifully telling scene with his father, Fabi is lectured on how everyone “has” to go through this and there is no other way. This utter abandonment of parental responsibility in favour of keeping with tradition and not upsetting his own parent shows how Otis too is a victim of this archaic belief system. The filmmaking feels fresh and has plenty of variety to keep viewers on their toes. A brilliant and anarchic slow-mo scene in the latter sections of the movie is particularly engaging, as is the wonderful sound design which elevates the film to feel akin to a Wes Anderson flick. The atmosphere created in Kruste has a marvellous dark comedy that allows the heavier emotional undercurrents to flow unseen but very much felt. Audiences will honestly love spending time with this family - it’s much more light-hearted than it may appear in a synopsis or indeed this short film review - and this is largely down to the four fantastic performances elicited from the masterful direction of Jens Kevin George. Kapell provides an impressive turn as the coming-of-age protagonist and has some brilliant scenes with other characters and by himself (that poor car’s steering wheel). Luise Landau shines in every scene she’s in as the reckless younger sister who wants Fabi to be happy and also wants to get her own scars quickly. The two more senior actors play their roles brilliantly, with Hönig excellent as the brutish authority and Wanitschek sublime as the wimp desperate to escape his mousy reputation. As the directorial debut from this filmmaker, Jens Kevin George makes his own mark as a storyteller to watch out for, just maybe bring some plasters. Watch our Video Film Review of Kruste . Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Chris Olson Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Mr. Blake at Your Service!, the charming French comedy-drama, is set to grace UK and Irish cinemas from October 3rd. This film is the cinematic adaptation of the popular novel Complètement cramé ! by acclaimed French author Gilles Legardinier, who also wrote and directed the movie.. Brand new film trailers. Mr Blake at Your Service Mr. Blake at Your Service! , the charming French comedy-drama, is set to grace UK and Irish cinemas from October 3rd. This film is the cinematic adaptation of the popular novel Complètement cramé ! by acclaimed French author Gilles Legardinier, who also wrote and directed the movie. The film boasts a stellar cast, led by the incomparable John Malkovich and the elegant Fanny Ardant. Malkovich, a two-time Academy Award nominee, is a chameleon of an actor with a career spanning over four decades. He is renowned for his captivating performances in films like the seductive period drama Dangerous Liaisons (1988), the action-packed Red (2010), and the tense political thriller In the Line of Fire (1993). His ability to portray both charming heroes and chilling villains has made him one of Hollywood's most respected actors. Starring opposite Malkovich is the legendary French actress Fanny Ardant. A muse of director François Truffaut, Ardant has starred in over 80 films and is celebrated for her powerful and nuanced performances. Her notable works include François Ozon’s musical comedy 8 Women (2002), where she sang alongside an all-female cast, the nostalgic and clever La Belle Époque (2019), and the poignant drama Lola Pater (2017). Ardant’s on-screen presence is defined by her unique blend of intensity and grace. The film's plot centers on Andrew Blake (Malkovich), a weary English businessman who feels increasingly out of place in a world that no longer seems to have a place for him. In a drastic change of scenery, he leaves his business behind in England and takes a new job as a butler at the majestic Beauvillier estate in France. This isn't just a career change; it's a pilgrimage to a place deeply tied to his past, the country where he first met his beloved late wife. Blake's new life is a quiet search for solace, a way to reconnect with his memories and his past self, all while keeping his true identity a secret. But his plan for a peaceful existence is soon upended. The grand estate is a microcosm of eccentric characters and unexpected chaos. Instead of a tranquil retreat, Blake finds himself in a series of increasingly unpredictable and humorous situations, forced to navigate the quirks of the estate's staff and residents. His encounters with the formidable Madame Beauvillier (Ardant) and others will challenge his resolve and push him toward a different path than the one he had envisioned. The film promises a delightful journey of self-discovery, humor, and heart, as Andrew Blake learns that sometimes the best way to move forward is to embrace the unexpected detours of life. 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.

Amber Jackson writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Amber Jackson I first got into writing film reviews as a part of my university’s student newspaper. From this, I was made arts editor, reviewing and editing content about film, television, theatre and anything else creative that I could get my hands on - whilst still writing regularly. Since graduation, I have realised that I want to turn this passion I have for writing about creative minds and projects into a career. Becoming a critic is something that I am incredibly passionate about and seek to find writing and editorial experience wherever I can. I currently write for two review magazines - UK Film Review being one of them - and enjoy it immensely. My writing style is passionate, but not over-the-top. I am going to be completely honest about every film I see, whilst maintaining an optimistic attitude. I enjoy promoting and working with individuals who seek to make an impact with their work; particularly those whose work inspires and seeks to change hearts and minds. It is hard to pick just one favourite film, but you will always know if I love something because I won’t be able to stop talking about it! You can find me on Twitter and LinkedIn for any updates, or my blog site ‘ambwriting’ is frequently updated with reviews and creative commentaries. Read Latest Film Reviews 7 Kills, 3 Songs & a Banana Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Scaring Women At Night - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Drifter - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Tabanca - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Thriving: A Dissociated Reverie - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson XX+XY - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Where do all the old gays go? - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Why Did You Tell Me Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Micky Hardaway Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson An Inertial Frame of Reference (three poems) Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Tell Me About It Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Shirin Ebadi: Until We Are Free Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Letter Men Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Suppression Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Rebel Dykes Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Anonymous Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Swimming with You Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson For I Am Dead Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Lost and Spaced Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson It Lives Somewhere Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Finellis Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Optics Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Memoria Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Ballad of Tita and the Machines Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Repair - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Jess Plus None - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Chambermaid - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Love, Barbara Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Egghead and Twinkie - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Two's A Crowd Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Nativity Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Qubool Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson I Miei Occhi (My Eyes) Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Remembering Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson BEIGE Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson A Bunny Girl’s Tale Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Always Amber Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson A Free Bird Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Attachment Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Painting By Numbers Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Bluff Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Six Feet of Separation Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson L. U. N. A. Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson How I've Met God Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Rabbits Under the Shed Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson My Nights Glow Yellow Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson POLARIZED - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Leila - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Lie With Me - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Who I Am Not - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Write Here - BFI Flare Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Stroll - BFI Flare Film Review Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Birthday Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Double Zero Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson So I Erased His Face Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Audition Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Ivalu Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Found Footage Dracula Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Celeste Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Not a Funny Thing Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Satellites Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Grey Sea Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson A Balanced Breakfast Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Funeral for Furmanski Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson Tales From the Murder Room Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Game Just Got Real Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson The Night Out Read Film Reviews Amber Jackson

Cruel to be Kind film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Amanda Sellaras Nath, Lulu Deng, Julien Short directed by Rashdan Radha. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Cruel to be Kind Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Aug 27, 2023 Directed by: Rashdan Radha Written by: Kevin Rainey Starring: Amanda Sellaras Nath, Lulu Deng, Julien Short Everybody knows the old saying ‘you’ve got to be cruel to be kind’. Whether or not there is much truth in the idea is debatable - often there are far easier ways to be kind than through cruelty. Nevertheless, on occasion, cruelty is preferable for the greater good, think Snape’s treatment of Harry in the Harry Potter franchise. The phrase lends itself to simmering tensions and numerous plot twists, both of which are lacking in ‘Cruel to be Kind’, ultimately making the film a rather flat affair. We’re first introduced to a woman, Francis (Amanda Selleras Nath) washing some potatoes under a sink before being rudely interrupted the ringing of the doorbell. She greets a young couple - her brother, Tom (Julien Short) and Xiulan (Lulu Deng). The most interesting thing about Tom and Xiulan is Tom’s sideburns, which are well on the way to hillbilly or rural English farmer. They are simply uninteresting characters - even when angry, Tom remains a thoroughly bland presence, and even when put upon, Xiulan is uninteresting, with a one-note, monotonous reaction. This is partially the fault of the actors, none of whom give performances that offer any real engagement. Amanda Sellaras Nath distractingly comes across as too stereotypically stuck up, and lacks variation in her delivery, whilst neither Lulu Deng nor Julien Short have the chemistry or charisma to hold a scene. However, the writing does the actors no favours, with the twist far too obvious from the outset - given away by the title in all honesty - and the dialogue, which is mainly between Francis and Xiulan, feeling forced and trite. The script, written by Kevin Rainey, lacks nuance, feeling at times like a less fresh, less tight ‘Get Out’. At other moments it is too plain - not just in its characterisation, but also in the lack of intelligence with which characters speak, with a certain robotic energy to their dialogue that makes the actors feel stiffer than their already weak performances actually are. This makes Francis’s racism towards Xiulan, who is Asian, all the more blatant, and frustrating to watch. It lacks the vitriol which you feel is necessary to spew such hatred, and though Francis is convincingly judgemental, you never get the impression that she truly despises Xiulan, which is what we should be led to believe. The blandness is further reciprocated by Rashdan Radha’s directing, which lacks inspiration or invention throughout, and is in keeping with the flatness of the performances and the writing. ‘Cruel to be Kind’ is a dull film, which, though not outright dreadful, fails to do what all films should do to some capacity - entertain. This failure is the result of thoroughly uninspired, flat performances, directing, and writing, which all lead to an underwhelming film that fails to supply either the thrills or tension you’d expect given the plot. There isn’t much kindness towards the film in this review, but perhaps this is one of those occasions where the apparent cruelty of these words are in fact a kind way of spurring the filmmakers to improve their talents and return with a more inspired film. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Sebastian film review by UK film critic Rachel Willis. Starring Ruaridh Mollica directed by Mikko Mäkelä. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Sebastian Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Rachel Willis | Posted on: Aug 28, 2024 Directed by: Mikko Mäkelä Written by: Mikko Mäkelä Starring: Ruaridh Mollica Sebastian is the alter-ego for Max (Ruaridh Mollica), an up-and-coming young writer in writer/director Mikko Mäkelä’s film, Sebastian. A journalist and short story writer by day, Max spends his nights as “Sebastian,” working as an escort and researching for a novel in progress. Though writing about sex workers is apparently tired, the aspect of hustling in the digital age perks up the ears of a publisher. The film does a good job of examining the question of how deeply writers live their own stories. Interviews with writers peppered throughout the film contradict Max’s lived experience: most of the writers insist their fiction is completely separate from their lives. This makes it interesting when Max receives criticism for his work, especially when he’s told it’s not realistic enough or that the emotions of the character negate what others have heard. To be told his work is repetitive or unbelievable makes the criticism harder for Max to bear. The film doesn’t always follow its own advice. Some of the scenes become repetitive. This mirrors the progress of Max’s novel, but that doesn’t make it any more interesting to watch. However, this is minor, and the film quickly shifts to widen Max’s experiences. As he delves deeper into sex work, his ability to maintain two lives–that of Max and that of Sebastian–starts to break down. As interesting as it is to examine the realism and lived experiences of writers and their work, the film leaves several ethical dilemmas unexamined. Since Max is writing about Sebastian’s experiences, he runs the real risk of “outing” his clients, something untouched in the film. While the film has its own story to tell, it would have been interesting to show more of what’s at stake for Max’s “characters.” On the whole, Sebastian is a well-written and well-acted look at how far a writer will go in pursuit of a good story. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Rachel Willis Theatrical Release, LGBTQ+ < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Civil Dead film review by UK film critic Christie Robb. Starring Clay Tatum, Whitmer Thomas directed by Clay Tatum. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Civil Dead Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Christie Robb | Posted on: Feb 9, 2023 Directed by: Clay Tatum Written by: Clay Tatum, Whitmer Thomas Starring: Clay Tatum, Whitmer Thomas Emotional honesty is hard. But it’s even harder when you are someone’s entire social world. In The Civil Dead , deadbeat photographer Clay finds himself alone for the weekend when his wife goes out of town. He’d promised her he’d do something productive instead of sitting around drinking beer, so he goes out to snap some photos. While taking a photo of a graffitied mattress abandoned on the side of the road, he runs into an old acquaintance from back home, Whit, whom he’s been ghosting since the dude moved out to Los Angeles. They chit-chat a bit, each clearly lying about their successes in the art and film industries. After an awkward night together in which Clay gets hammered and Whit spends the night, Clay tries to get the guy to leave. But Whit won’t. [Spoiler Ahead. Read At Your Own Risk.] See, Whit is dead and Clay is the only person who is able to see him. Unlike other movie ghosts, Whitt can’t move physical objects or float through walls so he’s mostly just wandering around the streets of LA, and he hates walking. He’s stoked to find that Clay has “the shining” and is totally psyched to spend the rest of Clay’s life together and then pal around once Clay shuffles off his mortal coil. The Civil Dead is a unique entry in the spooky dark comedy genre. The horror comes not from the paranormal, but from the very mundane social awkwardness of someone trying to disentangle themselves from a relationship they never wanted in the first place while the other desperately clings on. Directed by Clay Tatum, written and starring Tatum and Whitmer Thomas, the two get a lot of mileage out of a simple concept. But it’s a chill kind of milage. There’s no solving the mystery of Whit’s death or helping him step into the light. Instead, they explore the possible advantages of having an invisible friend, the boredom inherent in a life after death, and just how hard it is to communicate honestly with another grown-up. Tatum’s misanthropic loser is charming, but Thomas really shines, giving a pretty subtle performance as he cycles between submissive affability, existential despair, fear and rage. I, for one, will never feel quite as comfortable in a vacation rental again. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Christie Robb Theatrical Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

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

Universal Pictures, Miramax, Blumhouse Productions and Trancas International Films present Halloween Kills, co-starring Will Patton as Officer Frank Hawkins, Thomas Mann (Kong: Skull Island) and Anthony Michael Hall (The Dark Knight).. Brand new film trailers. Halloween Kills Official Trailer Universal Pictures is pleased to make available the official trailer for Halloween Kills, coming to UK cinemas October 15. In 2018, David Gordon Green’s Halloween, starring icon Jamie Lee Curtis, killed at the box office, earning more than $250 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing chapter in the four-decade franchise and setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend in history for a horror film starring a woman. And the Halloween night when Michael Myers returned isn’t over yet. Minutes after Laurie Strode (Curtis), her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) left masked monster Michael Myers caged and burning in Laurie’s basement, Laurie is rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, believing she finally killed her lifelong tormentor. But when Michael manages to free himself from Laurie’s trap, his ritual bloodbath resumes. As Laurie fights her pain and prepares to defend herself against him, she inspires all of Haddonfield to rise up against their unstoppable monster. The Strode women join a group of other survivors of Michael’s first rampage who decide to take matters into their own hands, forming a vigilante mob that sets out to hunt Michael down, once and for all. Evil dies tonight. Universal Pictures, Miramax, Blumhouse Productions and Trancas International Films present Halloween Kills, co-starring Will Patton as Officer Frank Hawkins, Thomas Mann (Kong: Skull Island) and Anthony Michael Hall (The Dark Knight). From the returning filmmaking team responsible for the 2018 global phenomenon, Halloween Kills is written by Scott Teems (SundanceTV’s Rectify) and Danny McBride and David Gordon Green based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill. The film is directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block. The executive producers are John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Ryan Freimann. 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.

Ram Needs 75 film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Ashish Ramnani, Sumeet R Borana, Ashline K Shaju, Mohit Maheshwari directed by Rameez Poyil . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Ram Needs 75 Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Mar 23, 2022 Directed by: Rameez Poyil Written by: Rameez Poyil Starring: Ashish Ramnani, Sumeet R Borana, Ashline K Shaju, Mohit Maheshwari In India there’s a stringent rule where 75% attendance is compulsory for all students in order to appear in final exams in all engineering colleges all across India. Whilst the rule may appear fair and helpful to students by encouraging them to attend their academics, in recent times it has become more of a burden than a benevolence. It restrains students and prevents them from exploring more online, or out of college studying, furthermore, it doesn’t take illness into account. It’s this idea that gives ‘Ram Needs 75’ its title and largely it’s story. From the first acoustic strums of The Beatles iconic song ‘Let It Be’ the film establishes itself firmly in the perspective of a teenager, or a group of teenagers, who are fed up with the system and just want to live their life. It isn’t just the 75 rule which is stopping them either, the teachers are cruel, especially the mean-mannered Professor Britas, whose reign of terror includes tearing a girl away from a boy for hugging him goodbye. This is very much a teenagers world, the stench of adolescence is so overwhelming you can smell the mesh of cheap deodorant and sweat as the students navigate their way through the corridors. As with any story of adolescence, the adults are the biggest enemies, the barriers to a better, more free way of life. The problem with having a film so firmly set in this perspective is that it fails to take into account a broader narrative view, with adults presented as one-dimensional monsters simply because they enjoy tormenting those beneath them. Whilst this rebellious spirit can certainly work to great effect, just look at ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ or ‘The Breakfast Club’, very rarely does ‘Ram Needs 75’ pull it off. That’s not to say it doesn’t - there’s an excellent sequence of Ram and his friends running to get into the school after he lost his ID - but for the most part the younger characters are rebellious for the sake of being rebellious, whilst the adults are cruel for the sake of being cruel. The other, substantially larger, issue which stems from this is that it is extremely hard to empathise with Ram. There doesn’t seem to be anything barring him from attending his classes other than sheer laziness and oversleeping. Everyone is capable of attending something which they don’t particularly want to, everyday millions of kids reluctantly trot off to school, so why should we care that Ram doesn’t want to go. There’s a very funny gag involving a desperately ill student attending class so that he gets past the rule, surely he has more of a reason not to attend than Ram. Had the film centred around that boy’s struggles to get to college then the film has more of a base to connect with the audience, as it is, Ram comes off as lazy. The failure to connect with the audience cannot be placed at the feet of any of the actors, who all do fine jobs with their roles, believably portraying young students in various stages of stress. Nor can it be placed at the feet of director Rameez Poyil, who shows a remarkable aptitude for shot design. Each shot is well orchestrated and Poyil can hold his head high knowing that opportunities will no doubt come his way. Similarly on the script Poyil has done an impressive job, wasting no time on exposition and making each character other than Ram engaging. The closing shot also demonstrates a level of maturity mixed with the flair of youth from Poyil, ending just as the story was reaching a lull with an ambiguous conclusion which will leave you thinking afterwards. Had that same level of maturity been more evident in the overall mood of the film, then the film itself would be outstanding. That being said, the incessant music is also irritable, often failing to build any tension and chiming in at the wrong time. There’s a lot of potential with ‘Ram Needs 75’ and there’s definitely a strong story hiding somewhere in there. It has all the right ingredients just in disproportionate amounts. The unabashed teen spirit should definitely have it’s place but it needs to be reigned in. The direction, script and acting is good but leaves you wanting more. More than anything ‘Ram Needs 75’ is frustrating, because director Rameez Poyil clearly has all the talent in the world, it just feels as though he chose the wrong story to channel it into. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Welcome To The Show film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Jack McGarry, Lucy Marshall, Emily Rose Holt, Ian Ray-White directed by Matthew Sawyer. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Welcome To The Show Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Oct 20, 2022 Directed by: Matthew Sawyer Written by: Matthew Sawyer Starring: Jack McGarry, Lucy Marshall, Emily Rose Holt, Ian Ray-White “Welcome, my son. Welcome to the machine.” Pink Floyd When Roger Waters wrote those lyrics he was talking about the ferocious meat-grinder that is the music industry. He knew first hand how hard it is to keep your artistic integrity and your feet on the ground when business execs and industry moguls are slipping pleasantries into your ear trying to get you to twist your principles into selling out to the mainstream and making people like them pots and pots of money. The song was also a reaction to how the industry had contributed to the mental breakdown of Syd Barrett, one of the band's founding members. In his new short film, writer/director Matthew Sawyer takes this to heart as he presents us with Welcome To The Show , a story about a young man, Jamie (McGarry) and his bid to rise to the top in the music business. Jamie is backstage at the gig which is going to break him into the big time. He's got about fifteen minutes before he has to go on but he's caught himself having second thoughts. He's been reminiscing about all the things he used to have in his life, his relationship with Ellie (Holt) most of all, and how he has given up everything he held dear just to have this one shot at his life-long dream. Alongside him is his tenacious agent, Lisa (Marshall) who has really manipulated this whole scenario to get Jamie to where he is. She's taken charge not just of his professional life but his personal life too, and she's been all too willing for Jamie to make sacrifices that have been needed to get him his big break. So we watch in flashback just how Jamie got to where he is now, while the dreary ballad he penned for his long lost love plays in the background and he gets lost in the lights of the mirror in his dressing room. There's really nothing new in Welcome To The Show as it retreads ground covered by a wealth of films, songs and TV shows that have exposed the greed, demise of innocence and deathly toll exacted by the music industry, from Pink Floyd's song released in 1975, to A Star Is Born – three times (1937, 1976, 2018) to 24 Hour Party People (2002) and a host of others in-between. This lack of originality might have been able to be overlooked if the production had something exceptional to offer, but sadly here that is not the case. The acting from the three main leads is sufficient but never anything other than that and the direction remains basic with simple, static backdrops that show time and place and nothing more. In a film that focuses fully on songs and music, you would hope that particular attention would be paid to the sound and audio recording, but several scratching sounds throughout, including the main song recital, and some short, sharp cuts in the editing show that this wasn't the case. McGarry unfortunately doesn't have the voice of a singer either, calling the validity of the whole project into question. For what could have been an insightful short film from an up and coming production company, Welcome To The Show misses most of the beats that it needed to hit and sadly never reaches any of the high notes that it was aiming for. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >