Linoleum film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon directed by Colin West. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Linoleum Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Apr 23, 2022 Directed by: Colin West Written by: Colin West Starring: Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon If you haven’t gotten to know filmmaker Colin West, it’s high time you correct that. The writer/director follows up last year’s surreal Christmas haunting Double Walker with a beautiful look at living a fantastic life. The effortlessly affable Jim Gaffigan plays Cameron, an astronomer in suburban Dayton, Ohio hitting a very rocky path in his middle age. The kiddie show about science that he hosts is failing. Maybe his marriage is, too. New neighbors, a mysterious woman, and increasingly bizarre events have got him wondering. What does it all mean? West, expanding his award-winning 2018 short Here & Beyond , writes a meticulous script that folds in on itself in fascinating ways, keeping you guessing and engaged. Gaffigan is a far more nuanced actor than you might realize. While his dual roles appear at first to provide comedic opportunities, both Gaffigan and West have more up their sleeves than that. Gaffigan’s performances and West’s approach are primarily earnest, and it’s that simple grounding that allows the absurd flourishes in the film to take flight without cynicism or irony. The supporting cast, including a wonderful Katelyn Nacon, and Rhea Seehorn, Amy Hargreaves, Tony Shalhoub and Gabriel Rush, surrounds Gaffigan’s turn with sincere, often tender but simultaneously comical performances. West and cinematographer Ed Wu give the environment a nostalgic, lovely, tactile quality that allows it to feel lost in time. All of these elements — the performances, nostalgia, absurd moments and kitchy aesthetic — blend with the story being told in ways that become clear and powerful by Act 3. Linoleum ’s conclusion is a savvy surprise, one that capitalizes on the investment the audience is sure to make in Cam, his family and his happiness. Thanks not only to those performances but to West’s masterful storytelling, a movie that feels like a light-hearted jaunt becomes an emotional powerhouse that leaves you reeling. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

From Here to There! film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Timothy Blore, Fiona Lynn, Andromeda Davidson, Carlon Ferguson, Mike Altmann directed by George M. Atkinson, Alan Ciechalski. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS From Here to There! Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Nov 22, 2022 Directed by: George M. Atkinson, Alan Ciechalski Written by: George M. Atkinson Starring: Timothy Blore, Fiona Lynn, Andromeda Davidson, Carlon Ferguson, Mike Altmann A young scientist invents a teleportation device and is quite keen on finding romance. Casper (Blore) is an enthusiastic and intelligent young man. He has invented a teleporter and has invited Ellen (Lynn) to the countryside so that he can show her how it works. The invention works fine, however, it becomes clear that Casper likes Ellen and wants to be in a relationship with her. Unfortunately, Ellen does not have similar feelings for him and she requests that he uses his device to take them to Edinburgh, to meet her boyfriend Jason (Ferguson). Once there, Casper meets Faye (Davidson), a friendly young woman who works in a pub. Could she be the one for him? This short is a science fiction romantic comedy that is quite entertaining and light-hearted. It is mostly a romance than a science fiction story. The plot is mainly about an individual looking for love. The teleportation scenes are limited, but look rather impressive nonetheless. The teleportations are not the main subject, rather, they are used to move the narrative forward and they do so effectively. Obviously, the idea of teleportation is one of the story's main themes, however, the film primarily focuses on romance and points out that sometimes the person someone wants to be with may not be the right one for them and that the right person can be found when they least expect it. Blore delivers an entertaining and sometimes dramatic performance as an intelligent, likeable character, who is also a bit childish and naive. The rest of the cast also do a great job, particularly Lynn, who is also amusing in her role. A lot of praise goes to the special effects and sound effects during teleportation scenes and commendations also go to the creativity during the opening credits. The teleportation machines also look very cool. Composers Tommaso Ermolli and Jakub Wolfe make a big contribution with the music, that is sometimes dynamic and sometimes light-hearted and the song From Here to There by priyana was a great choice. In a nutshell, this is a story that combines science fiction with romance and the result is an adventure that contains humour, drama, romance and deals with themes that involve self-esteem and finding romance. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Phantom of the Open film review by UK film critic Brian Penn. Starring Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans directed by Craig Roberts. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Phantom of the Open Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Brian Penn | Posted on: Mar 19, 2022 Directed by: Craig Roberts Written by: Simon Farnaby, Scott Murray Starring: Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans Mark Twain once called it a good walk spoilt; Roger Daltrey thought it was an old boy's game. An unknown wag once explained the rules 'You hit the ball as far as you can, and if you find it the same day you've won'. However you define that dark world inhabited by loud trousers and scary jumpers, golf has a never ending fascination for those who see it as much more than a game. True stories about British eccentrics are arriving by the shed load on the big screen; but where Phantom of the Open fits on the quality scale is open to debate. It tells the true story of Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a soon to be unemployed crane driver who decides not only to take up golf but enter for the British Open. His enthusiastic wife Jean (Sally Hawkins) completes the entry form and inadvertently ticks 'professional'. Through a series administrative errors he ends up in the qualifying rounds of the Open in 1976. Course official Keith Mackenzie (Rhys Ifans) is far from convinced and keeps a close eye on him. It was the year golf found its first rock star in Severiano Ballesteros who would finish 2nd that year. But it was a different story for Flitcroft who shot the worst round in Open history. He quickly attained cult status and would inveigle his way into subsequent championships. For a film badged as a comedy drama it has few laugh out loud moments. It feels like an extended sketch from Little Britain as a befuddled Flitcroft explains his philosophy of life. This often backfires as he looks like a simpleton and Flitcroft in real life was anything but. The closing titles feature real clips and show him as more assertive than the character portrayed in the film. The pseudo Forrest Gump routine comes undone far too easily as he slips into caricature. With balls and clubs flying in multiple directions there is a level of slapstick that defeats the narrative. However, the film is saved by the charming performances of Rylance and Hawkins. A banging 70s soundtrack pins down the era and brings back a flood of happy memories. The portrayal of Maurice Flitcroft invites the audience to laugh at him too frequently for my liking, but this remains a highly likeable and watchable film. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brian Penn Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Lost in Time film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Alexa Morden, Holly Stevens directed by Henry Colin. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Lost in Time Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 29, 2025 Directed by: Henry Colin Written by: Henry Colin, Paul Kimball Starring: Alexa Morden, Holly Stevens A psychological drama feature directed by Henry Colin, written by Colin and Paul Kimball and starring Alexa Morden and Holly Stevens. This film is based on the play Doing Time by Kimball and Mac Tonnies. What is the plot? Well, that might be tricky to explain without spoilers, however one way to do it would be by saying that the story concentrates on a young woman, Leda (Morden), who invites her friend (Stevens) to her home during Christmas. Following some strange occurrences relating to time travel, Leda is shown inside a large room, in which she has apparently been living in for centuries. The screenplay begins as a light-hearted story about two friends getting together for the festivities and things take a sinister turn when Leda is inside an unknown, darkened room, from she cannot leave and her friend (the unnamed character played by Stevens) frequently visits her, although the situation between them is very different, with Leda not knowing what is going on, while her friend seems to be aware of the situation. The plot is quite a mystery, with Leda being inside a room that she has not left for what is suggested to be centuries and things are further complicated by a radio with static noise, other-worldly bright lights and a painting decpicting a beach. The action moves between Leda's home, covered in Christmas decorations, a beach and the bizarre room, where the vast majority of the story takes place. The script focuses on the verbal interactions between Leda and her friend, primarily Leda trying to figure out what is going on. Is the situation real or is it all in her head? The explanation is mind-blowing and moves things towards sci-fi territory. Colin utilises multiple long takes throughout and the creative use of lighting creates a mysterious and unsettling atmosphere and so does the music by Nick Piovesan. The pace is slow, however that is not a negative quality, as this film is not story-driven, but rather prioritises the themes that will be analysed below and Leda's efforts to comprehend what is happening. Leda and her friend are the only characters in this feature and both Morden and Stevens deliver strong performances. Leda appears to be lost in numerous ways. She does not know where she is or even who she is. She does not have any memories and she struggles to find out what is taking place or even if what she is experiencing (being trapped in a strange room with her friend) is actually real or just a dream. She does not know herself and desperately tries to change that. Stevens basically plays two characters: one being a friendly young woman during the Christmas holidays and the other being rather different, a calm and pretty much emotionless person who primarily serves as a listener to Leda's thoughts. The subjects in this strange story have a lot to do with things surrounding existence in general, such as what reality is and what truth is. Furthermore, self-awareness plays a key part and the screenplay also looks into humanity's flaws. While some find a story that moves slowly unappealing, this film offers a dramatic and thought-provoking experience. Beautifully shot and fantastically acted, this feature is worthy of praise. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Cure film review by UK film critic Rob Jones. Starring Gordon Hickey, Sally Elsbury, Conor Clear, Anthony Hickey, Shane Casey, Brian Moore, SJ Mrad, Simon Mombrun, Joel Vivas directed by Gordon Hickey. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Cure Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Rob Jones | Posted on: Mar 8, 2023 Directed by: Gordon Hickey Written by: Gordon Hickey Starring: Gordon Hickey, Sally Elsbury, Conor Clear, Anthony Hickey, Shane Casey, Brian Moore, SJ Mrad, Simon Mombrun, Joel Vivas The Cure explores a fascinating subject, something which is an unfortunately real paranoia of modern western life. The old saying that money is the root of all evil is one that tends to ring quite true, and perhaps the ultimate evil would be that pharmaceutical companies are actively working against curing illnesses for their own financial gain. In the case of this film, we meet a scientist who's been working, quite successfully, on finding a cure for HIV. Understandably he’s excited at the prospect of getting to work one morning to check his latest trial results, with the expectation that they should’ve gone very well. Except they’ve actually gone horrifically badly. What we then fall into is a story that introduces a number of compounding elements to suggest something isn’t quite right, and before we know it we have a Tom Clancy-esque action-thriller playing out. There are parts that can feel disjointed from one another. It isn’t that anything happens without reason or purpose, it’s just that the scenes required to progress the narrative can feel as if they’re coming together in a way that isn’t natural. It’s almost like a James Bond film where the central character has to be astute at everything to even stand a chance of survival against a diverse cast of villains, but without the backstory to justify it or the opposition to necessitate it. Our protagonist in The Cure is a great martial artist who’s so intelligent that he’s a threat to organisations that are powerful enough to arrange a hit on him, and he has a loving partner with the intuition to tell him exactly what he needs to do to trigger a confrontation to show off those martial arts skills. It wouldn’t be unfair to say it all comes across as quite convenient, but crucially without the humour to suggest that it might be deliberate. Where The Cure shines however is in its production value. There are beautifully framed camera shots from beginning to end, and some innovative uses of what appears to be a drone camera to capture an extended chase sequence. The task of making a short action film almost seems like a contradiction in terms given the usual excesses of the genre, but this really does achieve the feeling of something a lot bigger than it actually is. Equally, its soundtrack does a fantastic job of helping us to navigate the tonal shifts, of which there are a few. It almost feels like two different films, competing with and pushing against one another as much as they’re trying to stick together. There’s a fascinating concept at the heart of the story which is wholly relevant to modern fears and concerns, but it’s just to facilitate a sort of wish-fulfilment experience. Despite the intriguing subject matter that the story is built upon, it doesn’t really matter very much. Aside from the statement that poor public health is essential for a number of profitable businesses, and that that’s bad obviously, there doesn’t seem to be much interest in digging below that surface stance very much. Instead, it’s all an engine to get us to a point where we have a character that’s easy to root for fighting for his life. There’s no doubt that this is a fun watch, but it’s hard to ignore that it could’ve been an insightful one as well. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Rob Jones Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Walnuts film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Jonas Ball, Kyle Shevrin, Obren Milanovic, Nathan G. Johnson, Mark Duke Dalton, Sarah Jo Dillon directed by Jonas Ball. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Walnuts Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Nov 30, 2024 Directed by: Jonas Ball Written by: Jonas Ball Starring: Jonas Ball, Kyle Shevrin, Obren Milanovic, Nathan G. Johnson, Mark Duke Dalton, Sarah Jo Dillon Watching ‘Walnuts’ feels a lot like watching somebody else’s dream. It’s got all the craziness and insanity of a dream. Very little of ‘Walnuts’ makes any sense, as one might expect from a film with such a title, but whereas in your own dream this is fine, because you have a base level of understanding and are tied intrinsically to the dream, with ‘Walnuts’ this is far from the case. Like watching another’s dream, you are left only with the weirdness, and with none of the emotion - be it fear, joy, sadness - that comes with it. The film opens with the age old adage ‘we all have attics in our closets’. That establishes early on the deep level of confusion and madness that will follow. At least at first there is a degree of sanity, as the actor Jerry Stax (played by Jonas Ball) crashes out of his performance, refusing to take to the stage in a drunken rage. This is no mere drunken rage, however, there’s something deeply wrong with Jerry, who has lost his lust for his acting career and even life itself. To try and revitalise his spirits and solve his crisis, his friend, Terry Ruggles (played by Kyle Shevrin), takes him to rehab at a remote locale in deep Americana, where madness truly reigns. It’s a kind of creative rehab clinic, ran by an enigmatic doctor called Buck (played by Obren Milanovic ), who follows only the doctrine of “pure imagination” - think Gene Wilder - and hosts many participants - all of them wacky in their own way. These include Lloyd (played by Nathan G. Johnson) - a former pornstar obsessed with Jerry and naked far too often; a woman masquerading as a gunslinger and a man in a perpetual state of fighting in war. At times it is difficult to tell when this wide array of characters are acting and when they are simply being themselves. That in itself makes it a lot harder to engage in the film - never certain when you are watching a charade or reality. Perhaps in some ways that is done in order to empathise more with Jerry - the straight man in a world of weirdness - though for much of the film there is a total disconnect with Jerry too, as he fails to stand out in the gallery of nuts. Each day there seems to be another immersive creative experience, with varying degrees of success, but outside hillbilly forces loom, and eventually they come to threaten the sanctity of Doctor Buck’s operation and the madness becomes homicidal and violent. ‘Walnuts’ is technically marvellous, and Jonas Ball directs the film with plenty of confidence and visual gusto that makes it interesting even when you’ve no idea what’s going on. Ball, and the other actors, all play their roles well and bounce off each other with a natural chemistry that makes the madness a hell of a lot more easy to go with. However, the script, for all its wonderful innovation and creativity - which should be praised - is ultimately a let down. It’s as though we’re being let in on Jonas Ball’s own private joke, and as much as we want to understand and laugh along, he never quite tells the story in a way that allows us to. Whilst there is strength in the weirdness of ‘Walnuts’, it is far from welcoming, and never reaches the potential that is clearly there. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Joe Beck Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Concerto for Abigail film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Monica Young, Andrea Bogart, Christine Grantz Sheppard, Jetta Martin directed by Jan Miller Corran. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Concerto for Abigail Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Mar 18, 2024 Directed by: Jan Miller Corran Written by: Jan Miller Corran Starring: Monica Young, Andrea Bogart, Christine Grantz Sheppard, Jetta Martin A musician struggles to keep her life in order as she gradually loses her hearing and starts a romantic relationship with a fan. Samantha (Young) is a successful and famous musician. However, she has recently found out that her hearing is deteriorating and in the near future she will lose it completely. Nevertheless, she is determined to remain strong and carry on with her life. She meets Abigail (Bogart), who is a big fan of hers and the two of them begin dating and become romantically involved. Samantha does not disclose her condition to Abigail, creating problems in their relationship and simultaneously, she has to deal with her manager, Katherine (Sheppard), who wants to expand Abigail's career, regardless of being aware of her issue. The plot of this feature drama bears similarities to the 2019 film Sound of Metal , about a drummer who loses his ability to hear. Unlike that film though, Concerto for Abigail is less heavy on drama, with the experience of slowly becoming deaf being less vivid and has a protagonist who has accepted her misfortune. The two main conflicts consist of Samantha keeping her problem a secret from her new partner and Katherine making things harder for her with her naive behaviour. Plenty of romance goes on and plenty of confrontations, along with moving moments. The film explores the challenges of losing one's hearing, such as Samantha being unaware that people are talking to her and the emotional impact her condition is having on her. More attention appears to be given to the significance of honesty and understanding in relationships and the importance of support to help someone get through hard times and to achieve their goals. Samantha makes a heroine that the viewer will most likely sympathise with. An accomplished musician who is facing never listening to music again, her passion, but faces it with bravery and dignity, continuing to enjoy life. Abigail, is a nurse and her fan, who also becomes her lover but is unable to understand what is troubling her. Katherine is a well-meaning person, who occasionally seems to unwillingly think selfishly. As this is a story about a musician, unsurprisingly music is often present and is a joy to listen to, whether when Samantha performs on stage with her two colleagues or when the non-diegetic score by Kanoa Wolfe-Doblin arrives with some beautiful and dramatic piano melodies. Visually, the film looks great thanks to Cameron Schmucker's cinematography and director Corran adds value with some wonderful aerial shots. This is a feature about a woman who is going through very challenging times. It is a heart-warming and inspiring story about romance, personal struggles, self-reflection and about being optimistic and strong in order to face life's challenges. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film, LGBTQ+ < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Orphan film review by UK film critic Chris Olson. Starring Bojtorján Barabas, Andrea Waskovics, Grégory Gadebois directed by László Nemes. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Orphan Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Chris Olson | Posted on: May 13, 2026 Directed by: László Nemes Written by: László Nemes, Clara Royer Starring: Bojtorján Barabas, Andrea Waskovics, Grégory Gadebois Set in post-war Hungary, a boy named Andor (Bojtorján Barabas) struggles to reconcile his identity when his long-held belief in a father figure called Hirsch is thrown into question by the arrival of a brutish man known as The Butcher (Grégory Gadebois), who claims to be his real father. Orphan, directed by László Nemes, who co-writes here with Clara Royer, is a largely bleak tale, and Andor’s rage dominates the atmosphere throughout, making the piece a slow-burning drama that can feel exhausting at times. We journey with Andor through his rudderless childhood, often entering into situations far more dangerous than someone his age should have to endure, as he attempts to stay connected with his father figure (often talking to a boiler) and rid him and his long-suffering mother (Andrea Waskovics) of The Butcher, whose mysterious involvement becomes more pronounced as the film goes on. The period recreation is seamless, and Nemes transports us back into this turbulent period in Hungary’s history. The Soviet presence in the streets and the antisemitic rhetoric make for a threatening landscape for the events to play out in. There is a mystery surrounding the past, which Nemes is playing on brilliantly, keeping the audience entranced in the dark secrets that seem to go unspoken yet fill the air around these characters, not least The Butcher, whose formidable presence (even on a motorcycle with a sidecar) creates a ghoulish entity on screen. In an effort to capture the stark realism of the era, the film overstays its welcome at many points. Drawn-out scenes of Andor’s tearaway antics could certainly have been shortened, and the desire to depict the harsh climate the people were living in sacrifices some of the momentum for the viewer. It is Andor’s desperation to know his real father, and the excellent performance by Bojtorján Barabas, however, that will give audiences the most memorable experience from watching the movie. The enduring themes of identity, lineage, and family are explored with devastating effect in this powerful, if long, Hungarian feature film. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Chris Olson Digital Release, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Tony film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Dominic Sessa, Antonio Banderas, Emilia Jones directed by Matt Johnson. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Tony Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Aug 18, 2026 Directed by: Matt Johnson Written by: Todd Bartels, Lou Howe, Matt Johnson Starring: Dominic Sessa, Antonio Banderas, Emilia Jones Among other things, Tony is another reminder that we’d all be better off if everyone’s first job was in a restaurant. It certainly altered the course of Anthony Bourdain’s life, and director/co-writer Matt Johnson makes the most of focusing his biopic squarely in that one eventful summer of 1975. “Tony” was 19 then, and by his own admission decades later in the Kitchen Confidential memoir, a narcissistic lout in need of a “good ass kicking.” The story of that BTA wakeup call makes for an entertaining coming-of-age tale full of humor, humanity and one righteous clambake. Dominic Sessa is exceptional as the young Bourdain, who is so caught up in his future writing genius that he lies to everyone about the huge Vassar fellowship that he didn’t get. Following his crush Nancy (Emila Jones) to Provincetown, Mass., Tony is forced to earn his keep by washing dishes at The Flagship restaurant and sleeping in Chef’s (Antonio Banderas) hammock out back. And so the education begins. While co-worker Sal (Tuner ‘s Leo Woodall) schools him on the local women and party life, Chef’s gentle and patient influence nudges Tony to stop pretending and follow his passions. Sessa, with his frantic hair and brooding intensity, makes the gradual transition frustrating, relatable and heartfelt. His chemistry with Banderas (in a performance perfectly suited for an Oscar nod) is warm and real, providing the film a reliable anchor that does not disappoint. Johnson (Blackberry, Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie ) has been clear that he came to the project with little knowledge of the Bourdain brand. That helps the film avoid undue reverence, and lets Tony’s future accomplishments hang bittersweetly in the air, an unspoken but understood step in this character arc from lout to legend. Because in the summer of 1975, Bourdain’s future could have taken many different paths. Though the end was tragic, Tony finds a messy, inspiration joy in the beginning, and in the subtle twists of fate that can change lives forever. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Out of Darkness film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Chuku Modu, Safia Oakley-Green, Kit Young directed by Andrew Cumming. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Out of Darkness Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Feb 9, 2024 Directed by: Andrew Cumming Written by: Ruth Greenberg Starring: Chuku Modu, Safia Oakley-Green, Kit Young Some 45,000 years ago, Adem (Chuku Modu) and his mate Ave (Iola Evans), his heir (Luna Mwezi), his brother (Kit Young), the elder (Arno Lüning), and a stray (Safia Oakley-Green) left their hunter-gatherer community and crossed the water, looking for the paradise Adem had heard tell of in the old lands. We know this because the little group spins yarns around a campfire to stave off starvation, and wise Odal (Lüning) is entertaining. He’s also owning the narrative, a concept writer Ruth Greenberg and director Andrew Cumming returns to often as he contemplates early human history with his stone age thriller, Out of Darkness. Adem, confident of his godlike abilities and his entitlement, believes he will establish his own paradise in this land. But there is no food in sight, and pregnant Ave may die or lose another baby if he does not find food soon. And yet, starvation may be the least of the little band’s worries. Gathered around the fire at night, they feel movement in the shadows, hear unearthly shrieking. Have they angered demons? Will they become prey? An imposing Scottish landscape lends the film immeasurable production value, and the invented language adds authenticity. Each performance is solid. Modu, as the steely alpha, is pitiless and selfish. Lüning delivers a conniving turn, and Oakley-Green, as the underdog hero, mines a primitive spirit for complexity. The film itself treads somewhat familiar ground–a little bit Prey , a touch Quest for Fire , maybe a little Bone Tomahawk . The film expertly plays with audience expectations. A “brains trump brute force” evolution tale, a la One Million B.C.? A feminist reimagining of prehistory? A pioneering story, or one of invasion? Is it a man versus nature ordeal, or is it a horror movie? Out of Darkness asks more questions than it answers. That’s not to say there are plot holes–the script is airtight. But what Cumming is out to communicate about our humble beginnings or what that has to say about humanity is a little tougher to decipher. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Where the noise ends film review by UK film critic Swati Verma. Starring Daniel J Mullan directed by Lee D Barnes . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Where the noise ends Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Mar 23, 2022 Directed by: Lee D Barnes Written by: Lee D Barnes Starring: Daniel J Mullan The title of the short film "Where the noise ends" has connotations of continuously trying to find peace within, battling the fears of coping with the outside world. The use of elements like water, music to establish the subject matter of the cinematic piece. The white font used for the name of the film symbolizes innocence, hope, and peace. The writer-director Lee D Barnes has kept the script uncomplicated yet emotionally appealing to the audience. He ensures that the viewers are engaged with the film throughout the run time of the creative piece. The camera work is also handled by Lee D Barnes. The combination of mid shots and close-up shots helps the audience to interact with the two central characters and relate to the storyline and the protagonists. The set design, lighting, costume makeup all the elements are kept simple so that the message of the short film is loud and clear to the viewers. The premise of the short film revolves around two strangers who are determined to make changes in their lives. What effect will these modifications have on their individual lives as well as the other person is something to watch out for? Both the actors Daniel J Mullan and Jessica Kewley have played their parts beautifully complementing each other assisting the flow of the screenplay as desired by the director. For me, Daniel J Mullan gives an emotionally gripping performance. The facial expressions, the body language of the actor communicates the mental hardships the character is facing. The struggle of finding one's self-worth is visible. The makers of the film have shown a shadow on one side of the face of the woman and sunlight on the other. This can have connotations that she is giving a tough fight to beat all the darkness and slowly trying to move towards the light. The editor has cleverly used hands to signify the society or internal demons who want these two people to give in to the pressures of life. The clearing of mist from the glass by the male lead to see his face could indicate that he is exhibiting his identity to the outside world without being fearful about the consequences of the same. The sound of the loud heart-beat, tears, and scribbling on the paper is used to symbolize the fear and pain which elevates the intensity of the subject matter of the film. The short film highlights the topic of mental health. It motivates the audience to go ahead and talk about it and not treat it as taboo. It also tells the viewers how important basic things like love and support from friends and family become to combat mental illness. It teaches us the valuable lesson of cherishing life and how essential selflessness can be in life. The conclusion of the film is in open ended format. The interpretation of the film has been left on the individual understanding of the movie as it covers such a sensitive topic. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Swati Verma Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Chasers of Tornado Alley: Touching the Sky film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Robert Prentice, Martin Lisius, Chuck Doswell, Carson Eads directed by Martin Lisius. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Chasers of Tornado Alley: Touching the Sky Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Aug 7, 2024 Directed by: Martin Lisius Written by: Martin Lisius Starring: Robert Prentice, Martin Lisius, Chuck Doswell, Carson Eads A documentary about tornadoes in the United States and the people who study them. Through the experiences and knowledge of storm spotters, this gripping film reveals the dangerous and fascinating world of tornadoes in the U.S., concentrating particularly on the Tornado Alley, an area that affects several states at the centre of the country, including Nebraska, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma and is the area where tornadoes are most likely to occur. Storm spotters are volunteers who were trained by the National Weather Service in order to understand where and when massive storms are about to take place and take the necessary steps to help worn the public. Separated into chapters and narrated by Rich Summers, the documentary contains interviews from a variety of individuals who have a great deal of knowledge and experience regarding this weather phenomenons. Some of the interviewees include Meteorologist Robert Prentice, Severe Storm Researcher Chuck Doswell, Veteran Storm Chaser and Spotter Carson Eads and Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jennifer Dunn. Having these experts share their experiences and knowledge and having all the information in one documentary makes quite a fascinating experience. Since this is a film about tornadoes, it should come as no surprise that there is plenty of footage of these vortexes moving across fields or causing destruction in inhabited areas. Martin Lisius (who is also one of the interviewees) creates many terrific shots of landscapes and the sky, which are edited by himself with great expertise and occasionally include fast motion. It should be mentioned that Lisius is also a storm chaser (a person who studies storms for a number of reasons including amusement or research) and it is quite evident that this documentary was made by someone who has a great deal of enthusiasm for tornadoes, due to the immense filmmaking creativity that is clear throughout. What is learned by viewing this film? First of all, a lot about tornadoes, how they form, what types of tornadoes exist, how they move and more dramatically, what they are capable of. Another lesson are the vital actions that must be followed if one is unfortunate enough to find themself in the middle of a vortex. Speaking of safety, the Above Ground Shelters manufactured by the Debris Impact Facility are rather intriguing. Arguably, what stands out the most is seeing the tornadoes themselves, how big they are and how destructive they can be and the documentary reveals three significant tornado occurrences that took place over the course of three consecutive days. And of course, the viewer will also gain an insight regarding how storm chasers operate and the equipment that they utilise. Visually the film has plenty to look at and the soundtrack is rich, containing several wonderful pieces including Wondrous Love by Arr. B. Bertaux, Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, Enchanted Kingdoms by Joel S and Rise of a Hero by David Harold Steiner. This is an informative, shocking and fascinating short documentary about tornadoes. Viewers will gain an understanding regarding what tornadoes are and how to be safe from them and they will learn about the individuals who are dedicated to the study of them. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >