Film news - Encounters Presents Female Filmmaker Showcase with Maisie Williams. Find out more at UK Film Review. Encounters Presents Female Filmmaker Showcase with Maisie Williams Chris Olson Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 8:32:38 AM GMT+1 Encounters present She/Her A short film showcase from emerging female filmmakers in association with Maisie Williams & Frank Film Club Encounters Film Festival, the leading international short film festival and the UK’s only ACADEMY AWARD®, BAFTA and European Film Academy qualifying festival has partnered with celebrated actor and producer Maisie Williams, and her podcast Frank Film Club. Together, they present a programme of short films by emerging female directors available to UK cinemas from Friday July 23rd, titled “She/Her”. Cracking open the vault from their 26-year history, Encounters will curate monthly programmes of short films from around the world, bringing them to new audiences in cinemas around the UK. Each month’s programme will be introduced by talent from either in front of or behind the lens. The first, screening from July 23, is a showcase of emerging female filmmakers. These films explore what it means to be She/Her in the 21st century, with an introduction from Maisie Williams and the Frank Film Club podcast. Maisie is joined by her fellow podcast members, filmmaker Lowri Roberts (whose credits include the BAFTA Cymru winning Girl, screening in this programme), producer Chloe Culpin, and casting director Hannah Marie Williams. The hosts’ introduction to this programme of films explains why short film, as a medium, is so important to filmmakers and their careers, helping them gain wider industry recognition. This programme aims to celebrate emerging female talent with related narratives on screen. Smear comes from director Kate Herron, whose notable career has seen her direct Loki on Disney+ from Marvel Studios, starring Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson, as well as the hit Netflix series Sex Education. Kate’s shorts have played at festivals around the world. Smear is a lube-tastic horror-comedy inspired by Gremlins, Tremors and Little Shop of Horrors, about a woman going in for her first pap-smear test. “My friend told me my first pap-smear would be the worst thing that ever happened to me... it wasn’t.” The remaining films come from a host of award-winning female directors from around the world. This includes Frank Film Club member Lowri Roberts, director of BAFTA Cymru Award-winning Girl. Isabel Lamberti, the multi-award-winning director of Amor who scooped the coveted best new director award at the San Sabastian film festival and now directs TV Drama. Audrey Lam, director of Faraways, attended the festival as part of Future Encounters. Her films have screened at internationally acclaimed festivals around the world, including BFI London Film Festival, Centre Pompidou and Melbourne International Film Festival. Rosie Westhoff, director of Crush, is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker. Her latest film ‘Our Sister’ premiered at LFF. She was recently nominated for a BAFTA for the BBC iPlayer Sparks New Voices episode The Main Part, which she directed. This programme presents a valuable opportunity for UK cinemagoers to explore the exciting world of short film on the big screen, and for aspiring filmmakers around the country to discover new inspirations. A vital step to continue driving change within the industry and inspire the next generation of filmmakers, particularly those who identify as women. Maisie Williams of Frank Film Club, said: “We love short films. They’re a massive part of a filmmaker’s training because it allows them the space to experiment and be playful. You can make short films with next to no budget, they can be really accessible to make. When festivals like Encounters screen a short film they become instrumental in furthering that filmmaker's career. It acts as a calling card. That’s why Encounters is such an important festival - it gives new voices a platform for their work to be shown to the industry.” Dave Taylor-Matthews, Head of Audience at Encounters Film Festival, said: “We’re excited to be able to launch this programme as part of our sector’s return. Our festival is built around the concept of community building and, like so many over the last year, it’s been difficult for us to not be able to connect in the ways we are used to. We wanted to kick off with the “She/Her” programme to celebrate female filmmaker talent and storytelling. Encounters is where the story of film begins and we really want this programme to help cinemas welcome their audiences and creative communities back into their spaces.” Encounters will launch this programme in cinemas around the UK from July 23rd. To find out more please visit https://www.encounters.film/theatrical-encounters . 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

Alasdair MacRae writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Alasdair MacRae Alasdair is an open-minded critic, currently based in Edinburgh. He has a particular fondness for the films of Agnès Varda, Robert Bresson, and David Cronenberg. Read Latest Film Reviews Rindido Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Apocryphal Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Soul Graffiti Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Oil Machine Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Bones and All Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Avatar Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Chuck Steel: Night of the Trampires Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Solitary Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Manager Position Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae On Our Doorstep Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Dance Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Escape from Reality Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Getgoes Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae 118 Fest Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Influenced Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Powdered Dandelions Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The 400 Blows Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Pink Purple and Blue Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae ZAPPER! Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Date Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Right Words Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Triangle of Sadness Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Corsage Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Enys Men Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Razing Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Small Talks Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Genocidium Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Morris Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Devil's Hollow Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Solus Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae As A Prelude to Fear Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae We're All Going to the World's Fair Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Burning of the Custom House Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Show Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Profiler Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Pandemic Spy Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Blood of the Dinosaurs Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Countryman Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Lone Wolf Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae No Bears Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Summer Issues Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae One Fine Morning Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Weekend Healer Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Glorious Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Fractured Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Long Way Back Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae A Moral Man Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Tree Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Halfpace Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae The Scourge Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Brother Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Uncharted Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae Another Day Read Film Reviews Alasdair MacRae

Joy Uncensored film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Joy France, Damani Dennisure, Lee Dunn directed by Natasha Hawthornthwaite. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Joy Uncensored Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Dec 21, 2021 Directed by: Natasha Hawthornthwaite Written by: N/A Starring: Joy France, Damani Dennisure, Lee Dunn A late-middle-aged woman decides to take part in a rap battle event. This fifteen-minute long documentary follows Joy France, who is in her early sixties, as she challenges herself by doing some rap battling. Having had experience as a performance poet and a festival performer, France does something rather unusual, which is entering an activity that is almost entirely occupied by young individuals. The documentary begins with France talking about herself, about who she is, about her past and why she does what she does. Her experiences as a poet inspire her to try a bit of rapping and she begins her preparations for the rap battle, along with the help of others. When the big day comes, she is ready and holds nothing back. Arguably, the highlight is the rap battle itself. Joy finds herself in front of a crowd and opposite her rival, who is a young man. The rapper goes first and proceeds to sing heavy insults to her, however she is undeterred and when her turn comes, she unleashes her own verbal abuse. Unsurprisingly, since a rap battle involves rappers singing lyrics that insult the opponents, there is a great deal of profanity involved during the rapping. Of course, neither Joy nor the guy mean any of it, but it is likely that some viewers will find the vocabulary offensive. The main focus here is a fish-out-of-water situation, that being a woman who is getting old appearing in a rap battle and doing a good job at it. Depending on a person's sense of humour, it is amusing watching her as she comically raps insults, while a crowd of youths cheers her on. Generally, the mood is light-hearted throughout, although there are also moving moments. As for Joy herself, she comes across as a likeable and friendly person. She is an everyday individual who decided to try something new, challenge herself and gain a memorable experience. Due to the strong language, this documentary is not for everyone, however it provides an interesting and thoughtful viewing. It is about self-discovery and it promotes the idea of exploring new ventures and the opinion that when people believe in themselves, they can achieve their goals. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

James Learoyd writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. James Learoyd Films have always been the most exciting thing in the world to me: I love making them and I love talking about them. For me, discussion and analysis of any movie illuminates a special kind of push and pull between artist and spectator that's essential in fulfilling the viewing experience. I will always have a lot to say and can't wait to say it. Read Latest Film Reviews Ahead (Music Video) Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Swiped Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Boss of the Ballet Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Concerto for Humanity Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Manuscript Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Michael Solace Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Gospel of Dating Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Nostalgie Read Film Reviews James Learoyd It Must be Done Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Supply Teacher Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Armstrong: Dark Secrets Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Major Tom Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Reveal Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Sands of Purgatory Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Pillion Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Tape Read Film Reviews James Learoyd What Tomorrow Brings Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Healer Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Bulls' Night Out Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Guava Express Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Stuck on the Corner of Hope Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Q&A Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Souls Divided Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Choco Lava Memories Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Inventors Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Whisper Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Wrists Tied Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Vigilant Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Baked Beans Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Guide to Country Roads: The Holiday Special Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Peace Process Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Buscando Alma Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Pocket Princess Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Signs of Allegiance Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Demon Detective Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Chekhov's Bun Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Surfing Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Hog Heaven: The Pigz Brotherz Story Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Dead Guy Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Faith and The Christmas Star Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Gloria’s Cut Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Cutaways Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Dope Queens Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Whisper 2: Natural Connection Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Just the Usual Read Film Reviews James Learoyd In Absence Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Delivery Run Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Ice Tower Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Wavelength Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Don't Look Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Lovin' You Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Holo Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Waiting For The Drop: Rise of the Superstar DJs Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Up/Down Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Witness Read Film Reviews James Learoyd VIVA Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Jinbo Moon Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Spar Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Homeless Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Inappropriate Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Whispers of Redemption Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Guide To Country Roads II New Crossings Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Give Me Your Hand Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Numbered Lives Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Farewell Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Meal Ticket Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Into the Unknown Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Peekaboo Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Woken Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Pickleball Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Breaking and Entering and Humping Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Being Ola Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Pops Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Sky's Forest Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Menus-Plaisirs, les Troisgros Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Death of the Centurion Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Helloween Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Good Boy Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Man In The White Van Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Derelict Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Cut Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Toxic Avenger Read Film Reviews James Learoyd As Easy as Closing Your Eyes Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Kreaster Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Tether Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Tiny Little Voices Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Untranslatable Forest Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Bonnie and Orville Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Silent Choice Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Pause (Music Video) Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Parasocial Read Film Reviews James Learoyd A Party for Karl Marx Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The Revolt of the Bovine Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Rainsford University Read Film Reviews James Learoyd The 21 Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Mouse Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Picture Day Read Film Reviews James Learoyd Miss or Misses Read Film Reviews James Learoyd

Mouse film review by UK film critic James Learoyd. Starring Vikash Bhai, Rakhee Thakrar, Sanish Shah directed by Max Fisher. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Mouse Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Nov 24, 2024 Directed by: Max Fisher Written by: Max Fisher Starring: Vikash Bhai, Rakhee Thakrar, Sanish Shah Covid-19 and lockdown-living brought with it a trend of artists, often filmmakers, wishing to lend their personal perspective on the hardships they’ve had to face. Mouse! is a prime example of a dramatic piece managing to maintain a sense of genuine sincerity while grappling with the contentious issue. The worst Covid films have tended to be icky, big-budget productions which exploit global mourning as a way of attaining an audience – with the absolute best recent films addressing Covid being ones which simply incorporate it into the background realism of the narrative (such as Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths ). The short in discussion, however, is certainly ‘about’ Covid, yet on a personal level. It’s political – as it should be – and provides authentic critical commentary on the pandemic. Operating on multiple levels of perspective and social implications, writer-director Max Fisher is concerned with how we deal with death in all forms; from the perspective of a hopeful child, to that of his jaded father feeling alienated by the flawed systems he’s forced to confront. We follow two separate stories belonging to the same family. The dad is having to deal with irksome bureaucratic pains following his father’s tragic death, in addition to processing the resentment he felt towards the man; his young son, on the other hand, spends his time playing with an adorable mouse, whose presence in the house the dad is less than pleased about. This is an effective storytelling device, for it allows the filmmakers to explore national implications, as well its microcosm - to portray the internalised poetry of a boy and his pet. Audiences are bound to enjoy the film’s parallel narrative, and the profound emotions that then reveal themselves when juxtaposing a child’s perspective of mortality with that of an adult. You could argue that the screenplay is too simplistic for a film about the pandemic; however, one could very well argue that it has enough of a perspective, and a tone which reflects upon the challenges we face in life through different ages - even if it simply scratches the surface - that the viewer is able to empathise fully with both viewpoints. There’s some great lens work in Mouse! As the majority of contemporary short films do, the visual style consists of a wide-aperture, shallow focus look. This is pleasant to the eye and definitely lends the film a sense of production value. With an anamorphic, widescreen format, and an image with plenty of fall-off and constant shimmering flares, the cinematography draws our attention to the quality of the filming equipment. Although, if there’s one problem with the mise-en-scène, it’s that it occasionally misses a trick by not holding on wide shots. It’s very much a story being told through closeups, which is apt for the emotional and grounded nature of the content; but sometimes you wish that the director and cinematographer had allowed further opportunity for complex compositions. Then again, it’s still a handsome looking piece, and made with a competence which shouldn’t go unnoticed. A genuine, well-considered and heartfelt work, it successfully moves the audience and leaves us on a sentimental note. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

V/H/S/94 film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Anna Hopkins, Steven McCarthy, Thiago Dos Santos directed by Jennifer Reeder, Simon Barrett, Chloe Okuno, Timo Tjahjanto, Ryan Prows, . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS V/H/S/94 Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Oct 5, 2021 Directed by: Jennifer Reeder, Simon Barrett, Chloe Okuno, Timo Tjahjanto, Ryan Prows, Written by: Jennifer Reeder, Timo Tjahjanto, Ryan Prows, Chloe Okuno, David Bruckner, Simon Barrett Starring: Anna Hopkins, Steven McCarthy, Thiago Dos Santos You ready for scary? 1994 was almost thirty years ago. Three zero. So the fourth film in the V/H/S series places the found footage premise in a decidedly nostalgic vibe, with plenty of videotape filter effects, “taped over” moments and no worries about smartphones crashing the internal logic. Five filmmakers deliver separate short film visions, as four segments are bookended by an anchor meant to tie them all together as a narrative whole. Jennifer Reeder handles the wraparound, entitled “Holy Hell,” which follows a SWAT team invading a compound while members shout about drugs and search warrants. They find much more than drugs in a frantic, satisfactory opening that suffers from some uneven production values and pedestrian acting. Chloe Okuno’s “Storm Drain” finds an Ohio TV reporter and her cameraman investigating the local legend of the Rat Man. Venturing a little too deep in the sewers, what they find sheds a nicely subtle light on the plight of the homeless before the creature effects come calling. Okuno’s camerawork and dark tunnel framing is effective, and Anna Hopkins delivers a fine performance as the reporter, but like all the segments here, “Storm Drain” feels like a great idea that’s never fully realized. That is the most true with Simon Barret’s “Empty Wake.” Barrett, writer of You’re Next, The Guest and Blair Witch , gives us a funeral home employee waiting out a wake that no one is attending. As a storm escalates outside, noises from inside the casket suggest a soul may not be ready to move on. Barrett lays out some nicely simplistic stakes, and plays a fine game of peek-a-boo with the inside lights going off and on, but the payoff ultimately lands as a bit familiar and anti-climactic. The opening shot of Timo Tjahjanto’s “The Subject” grabs your attention immediately, bringing you into the horrific laboratory of a mad scientist conducting human experiments. What starts as a fun and gore-filled homage to both Frankenstein and Tetsuo descends into an overlong, first-person shooter game that squanders much of its early potential. “Terror,” the final segment from Ryan Prows, brings horror comedy to the party with a look at good ‘ol boy militia members aiming to overthrow the government. They’re more than well-armed, they’re fostering a supernatural entity. And you can guess how well that goes. Prows never completely sets the tone, as the few truly comedic moments crash into an overall atmosphere that plays it too straight for satire. Reeder closes it all out with the conclusion of “Holy Hell,” bringing a surprise to one of the SWAT teamers and an overly tidy reinforcement of the videotape theme. V/H/S/94 presents a host of promising ideas and several solid moments. A step up from Viral for sure, but with too many false starts for a rewind-able experience. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Digital / DVD Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Julian Gaskell writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Julian Gaskell Who'd have thought I'd end up on here as a writer? Certainly not my nan but I feel hugely honoured and privileged to be here passing judgement on far better creative and talented people than I, mostly;) Like a lot of people born post-70s I grew up watching TV, which meant watching whatever films were on terrestrial. This meant I grew up with an addiction to John Ford films although I never knew who he was until my late 20s. Then with the advent of VHS videotapes, I got the opportunity to watch my favourite films over and over again without having to wait for the repeats. Haven't times changed? You'll be glad to know my tastes have moved on since then and I now have pretensions towards more cerebral indie international films just with less chance of enjoying them, but you never know when you might stumble across a classic... Read Latest Film Reviews Travel Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell Little to Lose Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell Behind Closed Doors Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell Sonata For A Calendar Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell My Open Heart Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell Mémoires d’un Mime Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell Round Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell No More Inner Voice Read Film Reviews Julian Gaskell

Sam Quarton writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Sam Quarton Writer for UK Film Review Read Latest Film Reviews Cursed Memory Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton Inherited Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton The Beast Within Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton Target Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton Bridge Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton The Revolt of the Suit Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton I Wish Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton In the Shadows Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton R for R Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton City Pop Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton A Heart's Calling Read Film Reviews Sam Quarton

Rabbit-T film review by UK film critic Lawrence Bennie. Starring Farshad Ershadi, Bozorgmehr Jomehri, Pooyan Mokri, Masoud Ramezani directed by Hesam Rahmani. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Rabbit-T Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Lawrence Bennie | Posted on: Aug 9, 2021 Directed by: Hesam Rahmani Written by: Shiva Hosseini, Hesam Rahmani Starring: Farshad Ershadi, Bozorgmehr Jomehri, Pooyan Mokri, Masoud Ramezani The intriguingly titled Rabbit T whisks the viewer into a 24-minute cruise through the mind of producer-director Hesam Rahmani, where things may not always be as they seem but, at other times, very much are! Pizza delivery man and stage magician Sasan’s night isn’t looking too great when he delivers a wrong order to a hungry customer. Later on, he falls foul of irate boss Mr Ganj who suspects there is a thief on the premises. On top of that, Sasan needs an extra pair of hands for his evening act which he looks set to miss when Mr Ganj refuses to allow him to leave. Fate soon intervenes, however, when Sasan and his co-workers later find Mr Ganj inexplicably unconscious at his desk… “A fantastical world, wacky characters and a humorous story are the reasons are I made Rabbit-T ”, explains the multi-talented Iranian filmmaker who co-wrote the film together with Shiva Hosseini. “My main challenge, however, was shooting the film, as I tried my best to reflect the world inside my head through the lens of the camera”. If there’s one word that jumps out of this magician's box, it’s certainly 'unpredictable'. Just like a good magician, Rahmani keeps his tricks in the realm of the unexpected. The narrative pans out in a way one would not have guessed from the film’s beginning and, indeed, the difference between Rahmani’s quotidian opening (pizza being delivered to a suburban home) and macabre ending (a chef preparing to slice up a living rabbit) is a world apart. A somewhat sinister 2-minute advertisement for Rabbit Pizza (presumably Sasan’s company) jarringly leaps into the half-way segment of the piece. Rahmani has his camera either behind the characters in the film or facing them square-on; we’re always looking at character and action in landscape, the surreal dream world of Rahmani brought quirkily to life it would appear. The “wacky characters” Rahmani promises never quite surface though. In fact, whilst the performances are fine throughout, they’re all rather indistinguishable; the only larger-than-life personality is the ominous Mr Ganj and even he ends up comatose for a lot of the film! Rahmani’s emphasis ends up being less on character though and more on a world where the line between fantasy and reality is indeed blurred; where magic can and does happen both on Sasan’s stage and away from it. The end result itself may not be exactly magical, but we certainly don’t see a lot of the tricks coming. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Lawrence Bennie Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film news - Cruella UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Date 2021. Find out more at UK Film Review. Cruella UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Date 2021 Chris Olson Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 5:00:18 PM GMT+1 Meet Disney’s Most Notorious – and Notoriously Fashionable – Villain When Cruella Arrives Early on Digital June 25 and Blu-ray™ and DVD August 17 Cruella which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. Read our Cruella Film Review . Disney’s Cruella arrives early on all major digital platforms on June 25 and on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 17. 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

Him film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox directed by Justin Tipping. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Him Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Sep 18, 2025 Directed by: Justin Tipping Written by: Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, Justin Tipping Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox The goat is an apt image to anchor a sports film. The Greatest Of All Time. Every athlete’s dream. If you’ve ever watched horror, goats are also excellent avatars for evil. In the case of Him , co-writer/director Justin Tipping’s feature from Jordan Peele’s Monkey Paw Productions, it’s a bit of both. Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) lives deliciously. Is Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) ready for that? Cade is the up-and-comer, the college QB who may be the one man to dethrone legendary Saviors quarterback, White. The 8-time champion came back even after the bone-protruding leg injury Cam’s late father made him watch again and again as a child. Why would a father make a child watch something like that? To learn what it means to be a man, naturally. Him is dense with themes and imagery, beginning with the very real frights of traumatic brain injury and its effect on football players. But the larger horror is rooted in performative masculinity, of proving your physical superiority by overpowering an opponent, drawing first blood, drawing last blood, and calling it power when it’s simply entertainment for puny white men with money. Tipping equates the mechanics of sizing up an athlete with preparation for an auction block in one of the film’s most quietly unnerving sequences. Later references to gladiators obediently entering the pit at the behest of their trainers serve as additional, hardly subtle, illustrations of the power dynamic afoot. Withers’s overwhelmed acolyte feels more dopey than wide-eyed, but Wayans is slippery, diabolical fun as the primary antagonist. Naomie Grossman steals scenes as White’s biggest fan, and Tim Heidecker’s disingenuous smarm fits perfectly as Cade’s agent. There’s an intriguing half to this film. It’s the half making points about the way those with a financial stake in the game proselytize brutal sacrifice in search of greatness. The delicious living half, though, feels like a cheat. The supernatural elements in Him give way to a foggy mythology full of fever dream smash cuts and jump scares. At times—as on a shooting range—details are left delightfully, grotesquely vague. Elsewhere the ambiguity feels like narrative weakness. Worse still, the supernatural side of the film, to a degree, lets capitalism and white supremacy off the hook, no matter how satisfying the final bloodletting may feel. The set design is evocative and cinematography impresses, but the film can’t quite live up to expectations. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film news - Supernova UK DVD and Blu-Ray Release Date. Find out more at UK Film Review. Supernova UK DVD and Blu-Ray Release Date Chris Olson Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 3:48:52 PM GMT+1 UK RELEASE DATES FOR SUPERNOVA ON EST FROM 24 SEPTEMBER 2021 & DVD and BLU-RAY FROM 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 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. SUPERNOVA is available to pre-order now from Amazon. Written and directed by Harry Macqueen (Hinterland), SUPERNOVA features deeply moving performances from Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci as they navigate the emotional toll that can come with the harsh realities of life. It is deep Autumn and Sam and Tusker, partners of twenty years, are on holiday. They are travelling across England in their old campervan visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with young-onset dementia two years ago their lives have had to change. Jobs have been given up and plans put on hold. Their time together is now the most important thing they have. As the trip progresses however, their individual ideas for their future begin to collide. Secrets are uncovered, private plans unravel and their love for each other is tested like never before. Ultimately, they must confront the question of what it means to love one another in the face of Tusker’s irreparable illness. Read our Supernova 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