See all the films officially selected for the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. The 2022 UK Film Review Festival Supporting Toby Jones in A Moral Man Enjoy... Here are all of the officially selections films being showcased at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. A Manchester Story Best Documentary A Moral Man Best Short Film Anonymous Best Feature Film Another Day Best Drama Baroness Best Short Film Boomslang 2: The Dinner Best Comedy Brother Troll Best Short Film Cha Best Short Film Chapel of Rest Best Short Film Clout Best Feature Film Coast Road Best Crime/Thriller Community Service Best Short Film / Best Drama, Best Drama, Best Short Film Doll Best Horror Film Fat Boy Best Short Film File Not Found Best Horror Film Finding Wilson Best Short Film For I Am Dead Best Short Film, Best LGBTQ+ Film, Best Drama Garage Best Short Film Green Lanes Best Drama Film, Best Drama Holestepper (Pisahueco) Best Short Film Hollow Best Short Film HoneyDough Best Short Film Jumpers for Goalposts Best Short Film Kowalsky Best Short Film Lactown Best Short Film

Critically Acclaimed film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Thomas Loone, Mia Mills directed by Thomas Loone. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Critically Acclaimed Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Sep 5, 2022 Directed by: Thomas Loone Written by: Thomas Loone Starring: Thomas Loone, Mia Mills Imagine a gritty British drama, set in the dark, urban environment of Scotland - a far cry from the picturesque view many have of the area. It sounds a lot like ‘Trainspotting’, but imagine ‘Trainspotting’ through the veins of Ken Loach, Mike Leigh or Jim Sheridan. That’s the film which ‘Critically Acclaimed’ tantalisingly taunts you with in the beginning, and although you know that it must end, you don’t want it to. The good thing is that ‘Critically Acclaimed’ doesn’t dramatically nosedive after an exhilarating opening, instead gently plateauing over the remainder of its runtime into an effective commentary on the other side of fame. The star at the forefront of the piece is Jim (played by Thomas Loone, who also directed and wrote the short), who has just delivered an impressive performance in an upcoming film, and has been heralded as the ‘next Fassbender’ in overwhelmingly positive early critic reviews. Life seems to be on the up for Jim, he’s been paid a lot for the film, and is garnering the attention of the press - doing interviews for all your daytime TV shows. There’s another side to fame, however, and it’s a side that many fail to adapt to. The false niceties of the interviewee, Cassandra Higgins (played by Mia Mills), who hasn’t even seen the film, and the onslaught of inane questions turn out to be the straw which breaks the camel’s back and brings out Jim’s anxieties. Jim’s already become alienated from his friends due to his newfound fame, and is struggling to adapt to the spotlight. With a pressing agent, who clearly doesn’t have Jim’s best interests at heart, he’s slowly finding himself falling in on himself, and seeing the rough side of his new career. Perhaps the best thing about ‘Critically Acclaimed’ is the fact that were this short to do well, and Thomas Loone’s fabulous performance to be recognised, it wouldn’t be too difficult to imagine him in the same situation a couple of years from now. It certainly deserves to do well, and Loone certainly deserves the recognition his performance is controlled and measured, showing us the panic in his mind as he’s scared of how people will judge him for the interview answers, with the tell-tell sign being in his eyes, which are scared and constantly flickering upwards. In the film-within-a-film he’s a more engaging character - confident and decisive - but he easily switches mannerisms to the quiet, toned-down Jim. Loone’s direction is strong and steady, though is the weakest of his three roles as the writing far excels it - delivering a clear, concise, to-the-point screenplay, the kind Jim’s PR would be very fond of. The only stumbling block for the film is in some disappointing supporting performances and a slight tail-off towards its conclusion, which feels out of character with the rest of the film, and doesn’t quite deliver the sharp message which the rest of ‘Critically Acclaimed’ so wonderfully sets up. Nevertheless, it is a film which, like the film it features, should have critics gushing, especially over its central performance, and should propel Thomas Loone onto a path similar to his character. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Pearls - Rosscoe Frantz film review by UK film critic Finn O'Toole. Starring Rosscoe Frantz directed by Mark Wong. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Pearls - Rosscoe Frantz Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Finn O'Toole | Posted on: Sep 14, 2026 Directed by: Mark Wong Written by: Rosscoe Frantz Starring: Rosscoe Frantz Pearls is an original single released by Rosscoe Frantz, an up and coming folk artist from Perth. Produced by Tim Hart, this moody and heartfelt tune is accompanied with an equally sincere music video directed and shot by Mark Wong. As Frantz sings about a hard but beautiful life, we are treated to the gorgeous setting of an overcast seaside as the singer attempts to remain standing amid shallow water, despite the tide’s powerful efforts. In a restrained but effective creative choice, the entire video consists of two main visuals, the one previously described and an astounding birds eye view as the suited and booted musician floats on the water's surface. The contrast between the natural force of the formidable ocean and something as man-made and fragile as a suit and tie elicits a gentle sombre tone that can be felt through the entire piece. This striking image is a testament to the work of production designer and camera assistant Portia Gebauer, and the controlled artistic temperament of Wong’s direction. The verses themselves further pull the listener in, with what can only be described as a plea to a higher power concerning the hardships and joys that life throws at us. Lyrics such as ‘These waves that break, and crash over us – they too will pass in time’ serve as a simple yet earnest reminder that life is worth living. These words, albeit elementary, drive an emotion that is likely to evoke relatability for the majority of listeners. All this mixed in with the smooth vocals of Rosscoe Frantz makes for a deeply cathartic audio visual experience that will stick with its audience long after the final note fades away. A force to be reckoned with, film and music lovers should keenly await what pearls these artists create next. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Finn O'Toole Music Video < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Read the film podcast transcript from the episode titled UK Film Club - 003: John Wick 4 + Fight Club on UK Film Club part of the UK Film Review Podcast. < Back UK Film Club - 003: John Wick 4 + Fight Club Listen to This Episode UK Film Club 00:00.70 ukfilmreview Ah hold. Ah yeah I was I thought I'll run and grab a kind of Coke just before we start and then because I thought you're you're not going to be on here and then you rock you rocked up here when it's early. So. 00:05.52 Brian Penn Yeah, so. 00:11.70 Brian Penn And I keep showing your ties doesn't it I you know I'm I'm obviously too predictable and I will never totally completely join on time but I did this time. So yeah, you got have you been? You're right? Yeah yeah out. 00:22.78 ukfilmreview Or yeah, not too bad or too bad. Can't complain. Um, weather's on the turn isn't there. We getting some sun now. 00:29.92 Brian Penn yeah yeah I mean it's a bit miserable where I am but I mean it's raining a little bit but at least the rain's getting warmer. You know I always look upon that as a positive thing warm. We're british um, we are british you know, warm rain. That's all right? You know it's Monday but the longest day of week's done so you know I'm satisfied. You know. 00:35.26 ukfilmreview Warm rain as the best we can hope for in England Warm rain. 00:48.71 Brian Penn I've got I've got through a Monday relatively on sky. But you know so yeah, yeah, it's all good. It's all good. You know summer is kind of some is coming isn't it. It's officially summertime but kind of not like you know. 00:52.77 ukfilmreview Fantastic. 01:01.00 ukfilmreview Yeah, and I mean it doesn't ever really feel like it until um I until I get the shorts on I've got my shorts on yet. So once I rock those. 01:05.93 Brian Penn Right? Okay, yeah, yeah, it's like but you know you still see people walking around with schzon you know, even in April and I don't think it's quite warm enough for that yet to be honest. 01:15.36 ukfilmreview no no yeah we've had a couple of days where it's been. Yeah, you could, but you can't keep them out. You got to put them away. It's not. It's not done yet. 01:24.60 Brian Penn And I sees people thinking. They're really tough I'll show people how tough I am I don't feel the cold I'm gonna work. Yeah, ah um, I'm gonna wear my shorts in December and January and February and March and april. 01:28.89 ukfilmreview This is how tough my shins are my shins are so tough. 01:38.71 Brian Penn I'm going to wear them the whole year round I'm gonna show people I don't feel the cold If only I If only you know I know I know I total respects not I'm not worthy I'm not worthy. No no, not. 01:44.60 ukfilmreview That's ah, that's how brave they are you know. 01:52.80 ukfilmreview You're not worthy for the short crowd Brian we have always said that about you. 01:56.59 Brian Penn Ah know and I'm not um I'm not a shorts kind of person really? but um, yeah, you know? ah I should get some more muscle my legs to space but that involves exercise. Yeah, you know I've I've got to start again for all kinds of reasons but I need to start. But you know it's like say it's like it's Mananaana isn't it someone. It never comes but it has to come because I've got I've got to get a bit more active I do a lot of walking and all that but you know it's it's not doing much for my ah leg muscles at all really generally. It doesn't I need to sort of do a bit across training and a bit of rowing. You know that sort of thing. 02:29.57 ukfilmreview Have you ever watched a film that's made you want to like get fit has ever been like a film that's done that to you. 02:35.66 Brian Penn Oh that' that's a good question I don't think there is really no honest, No no, no, that's I'm sure the time will come I'm sure there will be a film that makes me want to do that. What about you is that? no. 02:40.22 ukfilmreview And the opposite. Maybe you want to be a slob. 02:50.54 ukfilmreview Ah, well weirdly enough the so the film we're reviewing is nostalgia pick this week. Oh this month is fight club now I don't I'm not a vain person particularly I don't particularly think I'm a vain person. However. 02:55.13 Brian Penn Yeah, oh right? Yeah yeah, yeah. 03:05.23 Brian Penn So and I. 03:08.11 ukfilmreview Brad Pitt's stomach is something that if I could I don't know I trade a bit for that I wouldn't mind having his stomach. He does seem to be able to kind of rock something pretty impressive. 03:12.32 Brian Penn And it yeah and um, it makes you want to cry sometimes though it doesn't it because you think I'd like to have a stomach like that. But I know what it entails. 03:23.55 ukfilmreview I Think the worst thing would be as well if you could do it. You know if it was like yeah you can have that but you've got to keep it. You got to maintain it that I would lose it and that would just be even worse to have it and then to have it taken away. 03:32.12 Brian Penn Um, yeah, know Andt take it away but your thing is though Brad picks what 58 or 59 now and he's still kind of got that shape. You know you know, no and I just saying I'm just saying I'm just pointing out a ah a. 03:41.76 ukfilmreview Yeah, all right Bri I know my thirty s and and I said. 03:49.67 Brian Penn Basic facts you know and again it just makes you think how on Earth does he do. But then again though you can afford to have a personal trainer you can work it out every day you know he's got his eye. He's probably got his own Dietician you know his own body movement coach. You know we haven't got that sort of thing have we we're just moving alls. No. 04:04.42 ukfilmreview I only of that well tell I do have funny enough. Probably the reason why I'll never have a stomach like that. Um we were contacted by a lovely company called forest feast who I mean bless you Brian you haven't had any of these but they did send them to me. 04:09.56 Brian Penn Nay, okay. 04:15.20 Brian Penn Um, alright. 04:21.50 ukfilmreview They've sent me some snacks for me to try which are meant to be kind of alternatives to yeah, running the mail popcorn because I don't know about you I'm not a big fan of popcorn if I'm honest, no and I think it's probably the worst kind of ah snack for a film anyway. So they've done kind of these. 04:21.47 Brian Penn Oh. Oh right? No not huge, not huge, really you know. 04:39.18 ukfilmreview But well first off, they're vegan and they're all vegan but ones they've sent me a vegan which I'm very happy with because my daughters are ah egg and milk free anyway, um I've got chocolate covered raisins. We've got chocolate covered corn and we've got chocolate covered peanuts so they are. 04:40.58 Brian Penn You know I see. Okay. 04:51.95 Brian Penn It notice. Yeah that sounds nice the way you're describing it actually? Yeah yeah. 04:57.84 ukfilmreview Delicious I must say they are quite crunchy. Still so it's a noisy snack. So I'm not going to eat them on the pod I was eating them while we ah while we tested our mics. Um, but they are really really nice I particularly like the raisins I've always like chocolate chocolate to covered raisins because they are not a noisy snack So you're not going to noy someone in the cinema. 05:12.48 Brian Penn And I know and I quite a quiet snack is what we need in in Cinemas you know I think okay sounds good art I shall make a note at that I'll make a commence and a physical note with it. Yeah. 05:15.62 ukfilmreview Um, but they are really yummy. Um, yeah so yeah, Forest Feast I recommend them if you can seek them out. 05:27.20 ukfilmreview But that's the reason why I don't have a 6 pack is that I am too drawn to chocolate covered raisins and not so much to the personal trainers. You know. 05:30.74 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, well yeah, it's so it's understandable isn't it I mean we're nice's the same. We're only human at the end of the day but it's it's nice to sort of reach for it though. Chris how close you get to. It's another matter entirely. 05:43.47 ukfilmreview Well as we've mentioned chocolate. Okay, let's do another one. Best scene or best film involving chocolate go for it. 05:52.67 Brian Penn God But oh God Um, oh God Now you now you put me on the spot. Um, yeah, okay. 05:57.32 ukfilmreview So I'll give you mine why you think of yours because what? well first it would either be the augustus gloop in Willy Wonka you know when he falls in the river the river of chocolate because that is pretty pretty cool. Um or it would be the bit from Matilda. 06:06.24 Brian Penn Ah, okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, okay. 06:12.93 ukfilmreview Ah, the Bruce Bogg trot a bit where he has to eat the cake and I think that is iconic because it's like every charge dream to be told you have to eat cake. But then when he's doing it. It's like oh it's like horrific. But then he gets the spirit of all the kids and they help him do it and ah so yeah, be 1 of those two here. 06:16.36 Brian Penn You're right? yeah. Um, yeah, and I and I yeah, it's great saying I I reckon the one that read my shredly springs to mind is Monty Python's meaning a life is Mr. Kreos. So. 06:35.25 ukfilmreview Oh yeah, and. 06:39.32 Brian Penn Yeah, know, yeah, you know this thing I'm talking about. Don't you with with ah with Srey Jones and John Clees is the is the wayr and he says our waff a thin mintce ah waff. It's no I can't eat anymore i' stuff and that to me. Maybe for all the wrong reasons. It's kind of different for the ones you describe. But. It's just that kind of that sense of excess and gluttony that you know you know he's kind of ah know it's inside of me because you know I shall we say a healthy appetite. But so I have a huge mon in python fan anyway. But it's just classic python and it's it's kind of triggering a. Ah scene and a reaction with just a wffer thin mint not a wafer thin or waffer thin mint waffer thin and I'm presuming. That's a chalk actually to be fair, it might not be a cholk yeah could be min. Yeah yeah, well yeah, that's what I was thinking? yeah thin mint. Yeah yeah. 07:18.36 ukfilmreview If. 07:25.95 ukfilmreview Could be event I mean I think of like ah like an after 8 or something they there. That's sort thin thin mins. Yeah, but could not be well there we go. 07:36.65 Brian Penn So yeah, yeah, you, you've really you really give me a lot to think about here Chris on I yeah wow all right? Okay, fair enough. 07:40.33 ukfilmreview Now I'm putting you on the spot today because um I think I'm all hopped up on chocolate if I'm on it I've been I've even 2 bras so far already. Um, right? onto the films brian come on. We can't dealie daally. Um, so as always listeners. Um welcome to Uk Film Club this is where we review all sorts of films from the cinema releases to the streaming picks. We got a couple of indie short films on there and as you've already heard. We're going to review a Nostalgia pick which this week will be fight club. Um I have asked for people's responses to fight club but no one sent them. 08:06.25 Brian Penn Me e. 08:14.26 ukfilmreview And I think that might be an internal joke as to the first 2 rules of fight club. You know, maybe people are saying we don't talk about it. So maybe everyone's playing a trick on me. Um, so without further ado. Let's start with the cinema releases. 08:16.82 Brian Penn It You never took it? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, it could well be actually? yeah yeah. 08:27.95 Brian Penn Okay, what any particular order you want Miss going or shall I just take it as it comes. 08:33.98 ukfilmreview I'd like you to go in the order in which they appear in your mind when you think when you think of them in terms of how lovely they are. 08:41.20 Brian Penn Okay. Oh okay, how lovely they are do I start with the loveliest first or the least lovely all right. The loveliest first then that all right, okay, then let's go with air now this is a film directed by Ben Affleck starring Matt Damon 08:52.27 ukfilmreview Loveliest loveliest first and to the least loveliest. 09:05.16 Brian Penn And benefa Affleck Jason Bateman Vionna Davis this is the story of how Nike cornered the market for baseball shoots using an up and coming Michael Jordan we're talking about the birth of the legendary air Jordan Boots a great film. The the film with the month as far as I'm concerned. It's now is it's it's a it's a great piece of storytelling. It's true and it and it pins down something very clear in my own memory about when it all happened when it started and it also portrays the significance of branding. 09:23.91 ukfilmreview Wow. 09:43.28 Brian Penn Of image rights. That's where it all started with Michael Jordan and the ah the air Jordan at the time I mean that I have familiar listeners are with the story behind Nike and a Jordan but converse were leading the market in basketball shoes aed ass were kind of in there. But. Ah, Nike were lagging behind now. Um Matt Damon plays the the marketing man Sonny Vokara who's responsible for promoting baseball shoes and it all hinges on what baseball players they can get to promote the boot and they were struggling and it's all about the. Time and chance and the opportunities they take and of course Michael Jordan for ah bootmakers back then was the hot ticket everybody wanted Michael Jordan straight out of college. He was the hot shot. He was the whiz kid for you know, of course he proved that but they were all fighting for his signature. And it's all about Sonny Vacarro played by Matt Damon ah winning the day talking him round but the interesting thing about this film though is that you hardly see Michael Jordan and so you see the back of him you hear them on the phone occasionally and it's more about the negotiations that take place between the carro. And ah, Michael Jordan's mom dolores played by Vioa Davis but cracking film great film and you get to see Matt doing damon with a ah beer gut which is which is kind of tying with what we was talking about earlier on. But. 11:14.47 Brian Penn And um, it might be prosthetic I don't know I say that here and now I'm not absolutely certain, but it looks pretty authentic to me and I can see that he's worked hard on it as well. 11:22.36 ukfilmreview That is thing people don't always appreciate how hard it is to gain weight you know to put that on. Um I mean I make it look effortless. But there's people out there that that really really struggle. Um, ah sounds like a very cool film I haven't really heard of this one if I'm honest but I do love. 11:24.97 Brian Penn I Think a lot of us going. Yeah and. 11:39.30 ukfilmreview Affle and we reviewed um Google hunting not long ago and um, yeah, always always out for any kind of combo with him and Matt Damon and sounds right out my street. 11:41.41 Brian Penn We it? Yeah, so. 11:50.21 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, now it's it's ah it's a good film and it worked it works but 1 thing that I think is interesting though is that to begin with when it first came out when on general release it was getting almost 100% on Rotten some allas so it was getting a fivestar review almost every time. Ah, found that slightly difficult to believe because it is whilst it is a very good film I don't think it's quite that good and the review that we did on the website by George Wolff I think George scored it about right? He gave it 4 stars but you know I'm not saying that it's totally up. You know, unreasonable to give it fire but it's not quite a fire lifestylele film but it's the film of the month for me is very very good and of course you've got a great cast. You're all very watchable, totally convincing. Oh yeah, that' lovely. 12:34.00 ukfilmreview Wow That is lovely. You've gone with your loveliest. So let's have let's have your next loveliest. 12:41.74 Brian Penn My second loveliest I would go for on a wing and a prayer now this is ah a film that was originally intended for general release. But for sort of legal and licensing reasons. It's gone straight to stream via Amazon prime. But a very solid film directed by Seaul Mcnamara starring Dennis Quade as dog white and Heather Graham playing his wife Terry now this is a true story. It actually happened basically totill the story down a charter of a private plane after attending his brother's funeral. And the pilot has a heart attack. So Doug has to land the plane he has to take over. He's only had a few flying lessons so he has to be talked down by a traffic control now this is ah a story. We've heard endlessly. But what gives it an edge is that it is true and what I'd liked about it particularly was the. Basic human quality that he wasn't being a a hero. He didn't want to be a hero you just wanted to get out of your life and I like that I like that approach because let's face it this. This story's been done so many Slos before but this isn't ah, kind of like a professional pilot like in a sully or flight you know the. Big budget films that have been made dealing with the similar situation where someone has to land a plane in distress. You know you know sully with Tom Hanks and flight with dens and washington they were professional pilots true stories but professional pilots. They knew what they were doing right? dub white didn't have a clue right? and it was obviously didn't have a clue. 14:18.57 Brian Penn And I think some reviews of the film were a bit a bit snippy and a bit unfair because it is a good film and it works and I like Dennis Quaid and I like Heather Graham who've kind of faded slightly from the scene. All actors have stars that fade. But it's nice to see them back. 14:42.68 Brian Penn Yeah I'm here. Yep na no I'm still here I'm still here I I had silence on it at the other end for a second then I thought something had broken down and we were doing so well weren't we. 14:43.74 ukfilmreview Brian is still there. Oh sorry if I disappeared out. 14:53.52 ukfilmreview Oh we so hold on where are we at 14 minutes for minute minutes that you all, right? no right? Okay, yeah, what you did you to come back in oh strike, come back and introduce the next film. Yeah. 15:00.54 Brian Penn Okay, do do any lever gap so you can edit or. Yeah, yeah. 15:14.17 ukfilmreview Okay, Brian sounds like a a real real treat. Um, Willy you mentioned Tom Hanks because I had a dream the other night and I was in some kind of corporate building Tom Hanks was there and you know you can trust Tom Hanks right Tom Hanks feels like he's the trustworthy person. 15:20.24 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, oh yeah, of course Absolutely absolutely. Yeah yeah. 15:31.90 ukfilmreview And I made my way over to him. He's wearing glasses and he's holding some champagne and he tried to get me to invest in this kind of venture that he was on and I first I was kind of okay well of course it's Tom Hanks but after a while I started to get these really weird vibes from him and ever since that dream I felt a bit weird towards Tom Hanks nothing to do with him. It's not his fault. But. Dream Tom Hanks has really unsettled me I feel like um, you know when I watch toy story with my kids I'm just like he's a liar kids don't listen to him. 15:50.20 Brian Penn Ah, yeah, as it as it changed your view of him slightly. 16:01.70 Brian Penn Yeah, and I you see it's funny. What? what he can do though I mean did you kind of wake up when the dream wasn't complete or did it did it have a kind of ah an end and end game story. No ah but. 16:05.37 ukfilmreview Yeah, no no I was going down some stairs and then that's the last thing I remember but I remember being not happy with Tom for sure. 16:17.52 Brian Penn Oh yeah, you know I mean if it's anyone you trusted to be Tom Hanks because he's Mr. Dependable isn't he really in so many ways that's what he what he represents good? Oh that's a tough one. Ah Philadelphia. 16:25.40 ukfilmreview Best best top best Tom Hanksville I love doing this to you so fun. Oh good choice. Very good choice. But yeah. 16:36.55 Brian Penn Yeah Philadelphia followed by by saving private Ryan and. 16:41.95 ukfilmreview Both up there for me i' I still have such a soft spot for Forrest Gump I think Forst comes a great film I really enjoy that. 16:44.94 Brian Penn I I really need to watch it again because like can I remember but some films that I watch. Yeah you know I kind of react to films that are heights films that get a big introduction I tend to shy away from it a little bit and forest companies that kind of film. Because I kind of mentally shut off and think right I'll leave that to one side because I can't I can't deal with all the attention. All the all the fasts that it's getting I want to see for what it is. But yeah, of course it's one of those type of films for his come isn't it but there was someone who happened to be present at every significant event in America in the. Twentieth century um wouldn't you just start to be able to do that and say yeah I was there? Yeah, but but a good good film. Yeah. 17:23.96 ukfilmreview Now as a good one though? Um, so on a wing and a prayer second loveliest. What's what's the next lovely film. We're gonna pick out. 17:32.98 Brian Penn Third well third love list is a good person now this is directed by Zach Brath starring Florence Pugh as Allison and Morgan Freeman as Daniel now the story here basically is that Allison seemingly has a perfect wife. Good job. Engaged to the man of her dreams then disaster strikes as Alison is involved in a fatal accident her life spirals out of control her relationship ends and resorts to drugs and alcohol. She goes to rehab and by coincidence she bumps into Daniel. Who would have been our future father-in-law and they bond and they slowly begin to rebuild their lives. So this is the kind of film really? That's not going to win any plaudit. It's not going to be on the radar for a lot of people but the the acting the standard of acting is top notch. Really really. Excellentizing and it's it's dealing with a traumatic event that has a ripple effects a traumatic event event affectsing people's lives not just for a day a month the year but literally for 101520 years and it's how they cope with it and how they they reach. Peace and a resolution in their their own minds. But ah, a good film. A good sorted film and the way events overtake us is still in general release and if you can catch it at the cinema please go and see it and tell us what you think but it is actually going on to stream this friday. 19:07.69 Brian Penn Ah, it seems to go pass so quickly you think the film's on release and you have to be fairly quick with some films to see them at the cinema. But as we know Films have a much bigger impact on a big screen. They always will but like I say this film terrific actings. You know acting so. 19:28.20 Brian Penn Perfect is superb Morgan Freeman always does ah puts in a good shift. So I think I think it's ah, a very very good film. 19:36.32 ukfilmreview Fantastic and I must say I really like Florence Pew I've seen her in quite a few things now and every time I see I'm just impressed I don't think I've seen her put in a bad turn. Um, so yeah I'll be oh if he's going to streaming I'll probably have a chance to watch that so that sounds good. 19:44.44 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, now and know this right? I Um the ah yeah, as to say it's it's it's a film that that presents characters as aren' you don't feel pity for them Necessarily you don't feel sorry for them. They've got a kind of an edge to them the human right? It's this human quality that I really like it's like on a wing and and a prayer right? It just shows right? We're all flawed right? and it means you won't necessarily root for anyone in this film in terms of the narrative but you gain something from it because it's just an engrossing Watch. It shows how people deal with with events in their lives. 20:24.42 ukfilmreview Fantastic and great review Brian Well done. Thank you? Okay, so lovely, not as lovely but Lovely What's next. 20:27.31 Brian Penn Thank you. 20:35.65 Brian Penn What's next. Okay, that's so I'm laughing is John Wick chapter 4 now you you know I have an issue with kill on reeves you know I like him and I like his films I'll say that here and now. But I don't think he's technically a very good answer I want to say that before we go any further gone after you. 20:53.64 ukfilmreview Yeah, know is every time you break up this. This is I just feel the listener I feel on behalf of the listener you that the rage bubbling of no, it's fine. No you carry on and create a stir and then then then. 21:02.61 Brian Penn But what nice far enough you got represent in their views. Yeah yeah. 21:11.30 ukfilmreview Then waddle off as if you've not done anything. 21:13.77 Brian Penn Ah, yeah, yeah, that sounds like a plan right? You ready for that link Chris yeah, um now I think it could be that you choose you chooses films that don't require a lot of acting and this I think for me again is is the issue. Okay look this look at this film. Um Keanu res and in the title role. Of course. Shane repries his roles Winston and directed by Chad Sthowski and so story storyline the Narrative John Wick has been condemned by the tyrannical high table. He has a plan for defeating them but before he wins his freedom. Must face off against the new enemy with powerful alliances that pretty much is the story I don't think you really know need to know much more about this It's really a bit as with the 3 3 previous John Wick films it's about the the combat sequences the set pieces the stunts. You know there's a fair amount of cgi thrown in there but visually, it's absolutely stunning. It really is but that's all you can really say about it. It's very competent and it's very well done but it kind of leaves me cold slightly because we're still not seeing. Kio and roofs acts. We're seeing him kill people. Basically you know he? um he is an assassin who's killing before he gets killed. She is what all assassin films are about really I think in some ways but hugely entertaining. But. 22:48.24 Brian Penn To me I think you you can get to a limit when you when you deal with an Assassin storyline but very good. Good good compant. Well-made and doing good business at the box office still. So. 23:01.31 ukfilmreview Yeah, got good rating as well. Overall um I'm i' a fan of the John Wick films I particular like 3 actually thought 3 was really good. Um, but they are very much of a muchness like you're watching and you know that you're in 1 and then you're then you're not in 1 Um and I couldn't really. 23:09.86 Brian Penn So yeah there the yeah there room. 23:17.52 Brian Penn Yeah, well yeah, and. 23:20.88 ukfilmreview Other than the yeah sorry spoilers everyone but that is dog dies like I can't really remember anything tangible about the plot. Um, so yeah, and and that's absolutely fine and I do think these films absolutely have a place in Cinema which is yeah you can leave your brain at the door. You don't need to. 23:26.80 Brian Penn I know but doesn't that tell you everything though in some ways. 23:37.62 Brian Penn Yeah I yeah yeah yeah I mean that's to say the visuals are stunning I want why side didn't enjoy it very thoroughly enjoyable film. The visuals are stunning I mean there is 1 scene. 23:39.70 ukfilmreview Really think about the plot and that's absolutely fine. They are also very good Cinema films because often it's the spectacle that you're there for. 23:55.27 ukfilmreview The 4 known answer for. 23:55.86 Brian Penn You seen it right? Well when you see it. There's an incredible scene outside the arc de trium and what the stunts are just unbelievable. You just yeah, your mouth crushes to the floor I think all on earth did they do that and as I say I think maybe some of it Cgi. 24:07.90 ukfilmreview Sufficient. 24:15.90 Brian Penn Ah, but I think a lot of it is real stunts and you know you're in the hands of of very skillful stunt men and Stump women who are very good at what they do I mean of course he does a lot of his own stunts himself key on race and um, of course yeah, but all right? Well well. 24:26.63 ukfilmreview Well, he's got to do something any Brian if he can't act and he's got to do something gosh. 24:34.40 Brian Penn We'll have to do that podcast one day. Ah, and when we'll analyze the films of keonous as to say ah E he has presence and he has charisma. There's no doubt about that. But I think I'd like to see him in a film where he does acting take away the the cars and the guns let's see him do some relaxing. 24:38.44 ukfilmreview Ep. 24:53.82 Brian Penn You know that is all all I would say but I like that's to say I like him and I like his films and he's the same age as me virtually. So yeah. 24:59.74 ukfilmreview There you go but how many ah how many podcast is he done with me none but you've you've done loads with me so he is but kiano if you are listen you can take Brian's place at any time. Okay, just let me know. 25:05.10 Brian Penn And no, he's yeah, all right? He's missing out isn't he Chris he's really missing out. Yeah, fair enough I will step aside for him for 1 episode 1 episode I'll step aside from. 25:18.17 ukfilmreview Ah, when weird they comes on but doesn't say anything. He just kind of comes on just so sits there like anybody that I've heard what you've said about me on the podcast before I heard what Brian said I'm not I'm not the he'll not contribute. Um, so that was John Wick for um. 25:21.98 Brian Penn Yeah, we yeah you could see sit there in a pair of sunglasses couldn't he really and. 25:31.70 Brian Penn Yeah, one more yeah assassin club directed by Camille Duma now I've got this nothing wrong I'm all with Demar Camille Demar 25:35.97 ukfilmreview Okay, ah we got 1 more one more on the cinema releases. 25:50.57 Brian Penn Ah, starring Henry Golding Morgan and Sam Niil as Caldwell. So very briefly. The storyline here is an assassin another assassin and I've left these 2 to last for a good reason. Um, so another assassin is given a contract to kill 7 people around the world. Only he discovers. The targets are also assassins hired to kill him oh my gosh? well well again thoroughly competent very well made I like Henry Golding actually I mean he's being talented as a future bond and I think they could do a lot worse than cast him as bond. 26:12.77 ukfilmreview Fifth. 26:27.50 Brian Penn But you know and he was also he was also in a last Christmas with Amelia Fox yeah so you know I think yeah, you can act and you you can do the action stuff you know? are you watching? Are you listening Keiani you can you can act anyway, just ah sorry sorry um. 26:27.64 ukfilmreview I'm trying to think of what oh he was from crazy Rich Asians wasn't he Yeah yeah of course he was Yeah yeah, yep. 26:47.36 Brian Penn But look. It's it's it's again like John Wick chapter 4 it's been very well done. It's you know what? you? what you see is what you get right? That's fair enough. It's good entertainment but you compare it to the reception that it's that John Wick chapter 4 has got now the reviews for Assassin Club are ah kind of mixed and not great. You know, fair enough people have their views but isn't it strange though that John Wick 4 chapter 4 is treated with so much reverence because it is kon a reeks but assassin club which is a very similar film doesn't get the same. 27:24.65 ukfilmreview Does it operate on the same kind of technical level though with when it comes to the stunts because that's why I think John Wick does excel out and it's in the fourth one. But for me, that's what's really good about it. 27:25.00 Brian Penn Appreciation level of appreciation when. 27:31.88 Brian Penn I um, yeah yeah I I think probably it's not quite on par with John John Wick for for its effects and its stunts but it's it's getting there. You know you could say John John Wick is in the premier league. And you could say that assassining club is at the top of the championship pushing promo. You know, um, it's kind of that sort of thing but I just think it's interesting where you've got two films that in essence are very similar very similar. You've you got Sam Neil we play cadwell who's the the mentor the battle hardened veteran. And you've got a mcchee playing a similar role in John Workforll so the template is very similar of course Assassin Club came after John Wickforre so you could say it's it's based on John Wick's sort of kind of sort. But then again, we've had so many assassin movies that what is what was the original template. But It's all very well done. You know and enjoyable but purely virtual doesn't challenge the the senses in any other way but you know some people might be listening and saying well that's fine. That's what I'm looking for when I go goes to the movies and I will will warm viewers I say warm viewers. Ah, particularly fanser John Wick and Keon Reef Assassin Club I think it's probably not given too much a away to say they'll probably be a sequel and that won't be a huge surprise really? but again, yeah, you know so but. 28:52.93 ukfilmreview Oh oh, no, no no if you got big big star in it as well like often? Yeah, okay. 29:05.16 Brian Penn You know, good side fair but probably not as good as John Wick but you appreciate the point I'm making though about 2 films that are essentially very similar again completely different reaction or a significantly different reaction from the public because you know car Kean re sells the film doesn't he. 29:12.69 ukfilmreview Um. 29:21.79 ukfilmreview Well I think it's like um, the fast and furious franchise like you look at that film and what they've done with it is absolutely balmy and it gets you know front pegging for so many cinemas and magazines and all that stuff. But. 29:27.51 Brian Penn Yeah, okay. 29:37.87 ukfilmreview If you actually boil those films down to their core ingredients. They're pretty terrible like they're quite terrible that the acting is awful. The storylines ridiculous but largely I think it's the spectacle I think which people are just so drawn to um and and fair enough fair enough. Yeah, it's each to their own. Um, it's like. 29:44.97 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, thanks. 29:57.00 ukfilmreview Pop music if that's what's popular then that's fine. But what I think is it's good when we do get to shine a light on these other films, especially ones that have a kinship with those types of films because they could very much just go under the radar and you wouldn't even hear of them. 29:58.73 Brian Penn Yeah. 30:05.56 Brian Penn And 5 30:12.60 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, this is it I mean I think Assassin Club has as its merits I would even say it's got a slightly stronger storyline than John Wick that won't be difficult and I think but um, you know it's got things in its favour. It's got things going for it. But again we. Often come back to the same ah conundrum Chris like with the same mystery about how can am times can you remake the same film which is what they're essentially doing but you know there you go. It's it's an age-old argument that I think we could have but you see the thing is if people. Give people what they want. That's good. Give them what they want. It's good enough. Yeah, we try. So yeah. 30:46.52 ukfilmreview Give them what they want and that's what we do. That's what we do. That's what we try and do um and but that's your cinema releases wrapped up. Thank you Brian for? um, yeah, going out and about and watching all those so I can live vicariously through you which is terrific. Um. 30:56.49 Brian Penn So that's met pleasure. Yeah, of course. 31:06.35 ukfilmreview We're moving on now to the streaming pick for the month and bear in mind a lot of what um Brian has reviewed will end up on streaming if not even by the time you're listening to this? Um, but this was something that just went straight to streaming the last kingdom seven kings must die. 31:15.83 Brian Penn Yes. 31:26.19 ukfilmreview And I just want to ask you quickly Brian after you've seen this? yeah you watch it but had you seen the tv show beforehand ah so this is gonna be interesting because I have so between the 2 of us we can encapsulate the entire viewership because often when these things happen. 31:27.25 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, yes, ahha No I hadn't to be honest and. 31:45.23 ukfilmreview It's interesting to find out if anyone who comes at it completely cold can still enjoy it. So I'll let you but join a some uphi summer up because if you haven't seen the original you jump in but you jump into all the things I miss. Um, so. 31:55.58 Brian Penn Oh well when why don' you sum up and oh I'll jump in off that. Okay, fair enough. Okay. 32:04.51 ukfilmreview The main character in the last kingdom is utred and he is a character of both saxon and viking heritage. So if you've seen the show. You'll see how he sort of is involved in the history of England and and Britain and. Becomes involved in all the different politics and but also the viking invaders as well where there was a quite a few series and if I'm honest, it's quite a while ago I watch them so the details are not exactly fresh to me but um, on Netflix there's a new film called 7 kings must die and it. 32:24.80 Brian Penn And. 32:43.13 ukfilmreview Anyone opened their Netflix in April you probably saw it because it was quite a popular one on their dashboard as it were and in this film we're seeing utrid kind of later on um, in his life. But ah. 32:47.12 Brian Penn E. 33:00.72 ukfilmreview Ah, situation comes whereby a new king um has come to ah the throne or is about to because of King Edwardd's death and it's his son who u should has a very sort of soft spot for and he needs to protect him because whenever there's a change of a king. There's always. 33:07.54 Brian Penn So. 33:17.40 Brian Penn And. 33:19.90 ukfilmreview This sort of instability and there's a chance that it could be Civil War could be people vying for the throne so they need to get him um, crowned as soon as possible. However, um, there are lots and lots of different things going on which mean there's a lot of. 33:32.41 Brian Penn Yeah, and. 33:36.51 ukfilmreview Unrest in the country including some vikings that have come over and are spreading kind of the idea of war and the idea of rising up against um, the new King to be and the new King to be himself is also being shall. We say influenced. 33:54.80 Brian Penn And yeah, and. 33:55.86 ukfilmreview By these sort of religious sects that he has fallen in with and causes problems for himself and drama ensues that was a very long winded way of saying the plot. But if I missed anything from. 34:03.61 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, no, that's pretty much the size of it I think I think this is a great choice Chris you know I did see it on I did see you know when you scroll through Netflix you see oh that looks good I'll see that I'll see that. And it kind of shuffles it into a kind of a mental cue in my own mind as it does with a lot of people sure. But if you hat has suggested it I probably wouldn't to watch it as quickly as I did I think this is great. This is a great pick Chris I really really enjoyed this I love history I adore history and this film really. Focuses on the birth of England as a sovereign nation. You know this starts at the death of Edward the elder who was the son of Alfred the great so his' natural air was aethelston now Athel Ahelston had ambitions really to be the king of a united england and of course as you've already described that there all kinds of forces were at play here particularly between the the vikings and the anglo-saxons but here was an opportunity to truly unite, not just england and wessex but the whole of England and of course you trade. Was a key player because he was essentially the king of Northumbria I loved it. I thought it was great this this period of history is so poorly documented on film for all kinds of reasons when I watch a film about the medieval period I can't get game of thrones out of my head. 35:34.92 Brian Penn That's the only problem we'll have with it. You think like I wish you could stop thinking about the lansters and denir's tigerian because it is kind. We know that George R Marson Drew on british history somewhere whether it was the tudors or whether it's whether it was alfred or great or whatever. 35:38.46 ukfilmreview So. 35:53.43 Brian Penn Ah, the principles are the Same. You've got these warring tribes making alliances and settling scores. But it's a great piece of filmmaking I Think the battle sequences were amazing. Absolutely incredible. But it's a good film. Highly Watchable. And if you're a history fan as Well. You'll enjoy it more. Okay. 36:13.78 ukfilmreview Yeah I think like you say it's not a period that's been massively covered and not in any kind of modern sense. Anyway, the the Tv show also covers a lot of stuff that happens beforehand and what I would say is someone that has seen the show. 36:26.60 Brian Penn So. 36:32.44 ukfilmreview As well as the film is that the film does suffer from trying to do too much in the space of but a sub 2 hour film this could have easily been 4 hours I think and yeah I saw a review from someone saying it should have been a miniseries and I think I agree I think that or like a set of films. You could have had like. 36:40.69 Brian Penn In. 36:46.31 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, yeah. 36:52.10 ukfilmreview A few films because they did move on to different places very quickly. There was a lot of jumping around a lot of yeah and I say the battle sequences were really good but they actually fit quite a few of those in that I thought they they could have maybe stretched those out as well. 36:57.43 Brian Penn And and ah yeah, I yeah, it's it's impressive. But I think you're right though I think they're trying to distill too much. Too much information into what was what 2 hours 20 minutes I think I and I think it would have been better as as a series or as as you say a series of films I think the potential is there but it it sheds light on ah an an exciting period of history. But. You know I was constantly stopping as I was watching it I was posing it and I was going online to think right? wait a minute. It made me brush up on my history a bit to try and work out what the dynamics were but you know like I say it's it's ah it's hugely entertaining. But. It might not be for everyone but like I say the games the the kind of the the juxtaposition with game of thrones is always there for me personally. But I really must watch the series now. You've mentioned that. 38:03.33 ukfilmreview Yeah, was yeah I think it was a Bbc thing I think but yeah it was I think so I might be wrong, but it was um, it was good. Yeah, we enjoyed it and but it was it was at the same time as vikings was on and vikings I thought was a more powerful show. 38:07.26 Brian Penn I was there? yeah. 38:17.82 Brian Penn Install this thunder bit then. 38:21.13 ukfilmreview Yeah, it really did and it kind of was they were running simultaneously and I think it didn't quite live up to that but still good and I'm glad they did this film because actually it tied it up quite nicely and if only it could have just maybe been maybe even just two films just just just to give it. It's like that. Um, that lord of the rings like when you watch it. You think. 38:26.81 Brian Penn Yeah. 38:39.77 Brian Penn Yeah, no, that's right? yeah. 38:40.17 ukfilmreview You need the space you need the time you can't fit all that into one film like it just would never work. So I think it needed a bit more of that. But um I really enjoyed it I felt I thought it was good I was I watched it in 2 parts because I as I do um and I was really really excited to come back for that second part I was really into it. So um. 38:55.63 Brian Penn Yeah, nice's it's It's good filmmaking. Very good filmmaking was I was impressed with it. But. 38:59.75 ukfilmreview Yeah. 39:04.18 ukfilmreview Fantastic last kingdom seven kings must die. Um, okay next on we're going to the indie films and we actually have a trailer to listen to. So we're not going to review the film Brian hasn't seen this film and I haven't either. But um I said to the filmmaker will play a trailer. 39:18.59 Brian Penn So. 39:20.65 ukfilmreview On the show so written and directed by Richie booth. Um, this is out Lastst and it's available on Vimeo apologies for the swearing in the trailer. Um, ah we're now just going with expletive episode. So. 39:32.66 Brian Penn Ah, oops. 39:37.51 ukfilmreview If you don't like swearing maybe skip forward a bit but um, this is out lastt and I'm going to put the trailer in afterwards Brian said don't worry. Um I can't do that on there. Let me just make a note of that 39 trader 39:38.49 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 39:50.80 Brian Penn Iki take. 39:55.76 ukfilmreview Zip but do da okay and that was out last on next to the short films and we have two so have you seen both these Brian you have and and thank you to the filmmakers who replied to my Twitter thread this is where I got. 40:02.80 Brian Penn I have yes. 40:14.50 ukfilmreview Ah, some great recommendations and um, a few people commented a few people dmed me and it was just nice to have a bit of a collection so we'll start with the shorter of the shorts which is a glimpse directed by Tom Turner and Brian. 40:27.10 Brian Penn Oh god I like this this is such a such a good. It is damn good if I'd have been writing review about this I would have given it 5 stars easily? Yeah absolutely I really really enjoyed this. 40:30.94 ukfilmreview Gone with the synopsis. It's good and it. 40:39.67 ukfilmreview Oh. 40:45.20 Brian Penn So this is the story of a couple that meet in a bar. No, it's ah it's a restaurant cafe type thing isn't it so you got Jess and Alex and Alex is sitting there typing away on his laptop and Jess struggles up and says can I can I just charge my phone at this table. And they start chatting now what we get in the next ten minutes is a glimpse here. It comes but a glimpse of their future relationship if it gets that far and it couldn't so it it kind of overlaps it goes back and forth it. It actually incorporates now some of the techies out there might correct me on this but I think it includes elements of analysis flashback and prolepses flash forward which is very difficult to incorporate into any film into a feature like film but they do it in a short they do it because. Story is going back and forth and you see the relationship developing and then you see the relationship here hitting the rocks and then it goes back again and it all it comes back to the beginning again and it's it's him having to decide whether he calls her or not and she walks away but all the while. It's kind of it's going forward. It's going back. It's giving you some idea of what the highs and lows in that relationship would be if they really hooked up and I think it's a terrific piece of filmmaking and the the director is 1 to keep an eye on if this is what he's capable of because I think that is damn good. 42:20.80 Brian Penn And technically what he's done is very difficult to pull off in a 10 minute short 42:24.44 ukfilmreview Is and are these other types of shorts. So I love Um, first off, it's a self-contained thing. You don't need any longer for this, you wouldn't This couldn't be. It's not like a proof of concept for a longer film which actually the one we're goingnna review in a minute kind of fills more than is um and. 42:31.31 Brian Penn No, not 9 Nice note. Yeah. 42:41.67 ukfilmreview It has a very strong central idea and it it executes it very very well and what I loved about it was the way the conversation. Their dialogue plays out in real time. So it's just their conversation doesn't it. There's no audio from these? yeah like you say that. 42:52.20 Brian Penn So. 43:00.22 Brian Penn I. 43:00.34 ukfilmreview The visions of the future of what their relation is going to be. That's all just done as Imagery Um, but their conversations Happening. So as you're listening, You're having this very dramatic ah and quite cute and situation of them meeting and getting over that initial. Awkwardness but flirting slightly whilst being presented with a whole relationship blossoming and unfolding and going a direction in the background and I think what that is is really smart. It's asking the viewer to do 2 things at the same time. 43:28.90 Brian Penn And. 43:39.24 ukfilmreview And which I always like I like if yeah filmmakers are treating their audience as intelligent. Um, and it's also this idea of that This is what we do if we're in a conversation. We're actually often playing these sort of things out in our heads we're going. Okay, well if that was to happen This was to happen This was to happen. 43:49.48 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. 43:58.19 ukfilmreview And I I love the way they've captured that and done it with a relationship because obviously it's emotional. It's moving and it's the also this idea that maybe within this short space of them having this quick chat you know less than 10 minutes that someone's going to make a decision whether or not to you act on this. Ah. 44:08.30 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. 44:17.50 ukfilmreview Based on what they think might happen a glimpse into the future should I engage and carry on with this person or should I not and your whole life could be completely different based on what you decide to do. 44:27.11 Brian Penn Exactly Yeah and I think it's absolutely brilliant I Really do you know the I think the script is Excellent. You know the you know it it gets a lot of dialogue in you know the dialogue in a short feature is normally very sparse but it's Amazing. The dialogue they get in and the pace they maintain. It's not brushed in any way. And the the script isn't overly Clever. It's bright and it's articulate but you you know you warm to the characters you like them you like the way they so you know that both very photogenic actors. They're easy to watch easy to listen to got good diction. Brilliant. You know it all kind of works. It works so well, it really does and you know I can't commend it enough. It's that type of film you know and very rarely does does a short feature have that kind of impact for me. 45:21.15 ukfilmreview Um, and I also just quick shout to the cast because um Chris Overton there's the man and then Rachel Shenton as the as a woman both fabulous chemistry. Fabulous performances. 45:23.59 Brian Penn Button. 45:29.16 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, yeah, second. 45:34.28 ukfilmreview I First saw Rachel Shenton in the silent child which won the Oscar it was the short film on the Oscar a few years back british film really good if you can if you can find that. 45:38.10 Brian Penn No, right? Okay, yeah I was yeah yeah, definitely you know there? 2 actors you think god they should be going play seriously going places but they're just acts as you vaguely recognize, but you don't i. 45:53.40 ukfilmreview I'm not sure if I recognize the Chris Overson oh who's a producer it was in pride. Um, but yeah it was. It was great to to see um, shentoning out of which she's really good. 45:56.28 Brian Penn Yeah, they they look familiar. She looked more familiar than he did you know all right. So yeah, yeah. 46:07.41 ukfilmreview Um, but yeah big. Thank you to Rebecca Harris Turner she's the producer. Um and she she got in touch on Twitter with me and yeah so honored to have seen the film and really great to review on here, especially um, being a uk film review place. 46:15.72 Brian Penn Ah, it's yeah no. 46:23.97 Brian Penn Yes, absolutely thumbs up. Thumbs up. 46:25.78 ukfilmreview And watching a uk film. So yeah, let me just check see if that is because we I got a Youtube link but I don't know if it was public hartland if it was public I think it is yeah I think it is public. It's on um, mit short. So yeah, you can check that out. It's called a glimpse. 46:36.76 Brian Penn Yeah that's what it must do. Yeah, absolutely yeah, 100 % 100% 46:45.35 ukfilmreview And I strongly recommend that you do and what you doing listening to us, go watch that it's much better. Um, so that was a glimpse and the next short film. We're going to review is the end is 9 46:56.62 Brian Penn You know this one I found quite disturbing and quite ah, upsetting in some ways. It was very good very well put together. But you you just feel for this vulnerable blond girl trying to trying to. Survive in what appears to be some kind of wipeout. She appears to be the only person left and she wanders around with ah with a ah bow a bow and Arrow. It's like an electric bow type thing isn't it. 47:29.44 ukfilmreview Like like a crossbows or him. 47:32.73 Brian Penn Crossbow that's the that's the phrase I was looking for Thank you Chris and um, she's surviving off the land and she comes across a man who's taken her kill for the day and he convinced to come back to his cabin where he can he can cook for and. Straight away you feel a sense of foreboding you you fear for you really you think to yourself. Don't go there and don't don't but there's ah, an essential dilemma though for anyone in that position is that you don't want to be alone against the world but you want to be with someone but can you be with someone that you don't know. And someone that you not sure you can trust and it as to say it. It winds the plot winds quite nicely up up to a ah conclusion but very and engrossing and you you care about the. You care about the girl you you care about the girl who's defenseless and on or on her own. But yeah, very very very sort of affecting you know, quite uncomfortable and disturbing because you you feel you feel for her. 48:44.32 ukfilmreview Yeah, um I I'm the father of 2 daughters and watching a film like this is quite troubling for me. Ah, the idea that because I think she says she gets separated from her mom and her sister. Um, and so that obviously plays into it and yeah she is. 48:48.52 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, Oh yeah, oh. 48:59.61 Brian Penn There. 49:00.37 ukfilmreview She's 10 I think and she's just um, she's actually offending for herself. She's trying to ah she tries to fish at 1 point and she can't really do it and yeah, she's trying she manages to capture a Fox as you say that the guy comes and he's got it. 49:10.20 Brian Penn The the. 49:16.16 ukfilmreview And you're just like immediately going. Okay well stranger danger obviously but also you're in this Post-apocalyptic world. So maybe you need to some help and it's a really weird ah kind of conundrum to be watching and yeah I'll see they they go back and more things happen over there. But. 49:17.71 Brian Penn A yeah. 49:30.24 Brian Penn There. 49:32.73 ukfilmreview Ah, what I liked about it was first off, it's a film that feels like it's been made very simple ingredients. Yeah they're not trying to do way too much with very little budget and um, they capture this sense quite authentically um, you know the idea that you don't really see anything else. It's filmed. Largely in these kind of isolated woods and aesthetically it worked for me as I feel like okay yeah I believe yeah, that's what we're watching I found the storyline maybe a little bit kind of as this as I hinted out earlier that this was more of a proof of concept of a bigger film that it was like this should actually be an hour and a half. 49:53.95 Brian Penn I. 50:08.16 Brian Penn It could yeah it could yeah it could well be I mean I think as we said previously on podcasts that you know a short film can sometimes work like a kind of ah a testing ground. It's kind of like you say proof of Concepts and it. 50:10.31 ukfilmreview Feature. 50:24.76 Brian Penn Does feel but a bit like that it does feel like a tryout for a series of some sort and on that basis. It's it's certainly got potential. You know you, you're on board with the story straight away you you kind of instinctively know what's going on. So it's got that going for it as well. It's got that sense of immediacy there. But yeah, it does seems to have you know legs potentially but you know very solid engrossing you get involved you you? um, you're on her side. You know there's just way describing it. You're on her side. not you know not necessarily he's but they they for all we know they could be 2 people that are desperate. Someone to to care for someone to look after someone to support them. You know so it's kind of opening up some fairly sort basic human needs in a yeah. 51:14.65 ukfilmreview And I've just got over watching um the last of us which was a series with a very similar kind of well not not that similarly in terms of this dynamic but the idea of yeah, Post-apocalyptic a girl trying to survive and yeah, is it. 51:20.00 Brian Penn Ah, yeah. 51:25.91 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 51:31.27 ukfilmreview It does obviously give you plenty to chew on. There's so much there like dramatically um and I think that so the writer is Nathan sewer who who actually was the person who got in touch and asked me to add it to our list. He writes and he stars he's the the guy. Um. 51:33.85 Brian Penn Yeah. 51:43.79 Brian Penn All right I. 51:50.39 ukfilmreview And here the the the younger lady is Chloe Sue I'm guessing is his daughter I don't know maybe might be a niece but I'm guessing is his daughter and that obviously I think helps in the film because there's certain bits where it is quite. Ah. 51:54.66 Brian Penn Yeah, no. 52:07.00 ukfilmreview Intimate and maybe a bit traumatic and stuff those things that happen. Not. It's not like horrific or anything but there's just things that you could be a little bit disturbing. Um that I think that that explains that but it's not directed by sue it's directed by someone called Jamie Lyn beley and I think that's actually key I've said this before on the podcast, especially with short films. 52:09.46 Brian Penn So now yeah, possibly. 52:26.13 ukfilmreview When you are yeah you have someone move. They want to make a film. They do everything because it's just cheap and easier to do it. But I think if you're going to be in the film I don't think you and you wrote it I don't think you should be directing or at least you need to have someone else. Yeah assistant director or whatever because. 52:29.99 Brian Penn Man. Yeah yeah, ah. 52:39.58 Brian Penn Yeah, so. 52:41.83 ukfilmreview No, one's going to give you you You can't give yourself that feedback. Yeah, and I think that's important. 52:42.74 Brian Penn You know? Yeah I think you're right out, you can't give yourself directions. Can you really and you could you know? however, good. Someone might be you can spread your talents a bit too thinly now it might work with a big budget. And you're directing and starring but with a so very tiny budget or a shoestring. Yeah, it is tempting to sort of to sort of be the the bottle washer and the the gopher and the the star and you know you could do it all. But I think it works if someone else gives you direction and that you feedback. 52:58.60 ukfilmreview Um. 53:17.83 Brian Penn s that kind of wrap all between direct to and a that that you need to capture and I think it works better that way Definitely So I think you're right about that. 53:25.56 ukfilmreview Go and that was the end is Nih it is I believe on Youtube and it's let me just check. It's not unlisted yet. No I think it's visible. So yeah, if you search the end is now you'll probably find it. But if not Nathan Suha 53:31.72 Brian Penn Okay. 53:42.35 ukfilmreview Um, which is s su h e r hopefully I'm saying that right? Nathan pologies and um, yeah, check out on Youtube because I think it's worth a watch I think it it's and especially if you're into the kind of indie film then you you know? Maybe you're a filmmakerking you make short films is this interesting to see what someone's done with a. 53:44.89 Brian Penn Now. 53:52.64 Brian Penn Um, it very much gone. Okay. 53:55.50 Brian Penn Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah. 54:00.19 ukfilmreview Post apocalyptic world on I I would say must be a fairly humble budget I don't think that's a high budget for. 54:04.10 Brian Penn No I wouldn't have thought so but then again though it kind of adds to the to its value in some ways. It's aesthetic value that you know you could you? You know you could throw loads of money at a film couldn't you I mean that sometimes it won't amount to much or it won't have much substance but I think. But this one you it shows that you can make ah a credible film without a huge budget. 54:29.14 ukfilmreview There we go and that was our short film. The indie films that we've ah shone a light on so that only leaves us with the nostalgia pick and as we've already said it is the Ninety Ninety nine 54:32.13 Brian Penn Yeah. 54:43.71 ukfilmreview Cult classic although to be honest is more of a mainstream classic these days. Um David Fincher's fight club based on the chuck paulinick book that was a lot to say in 1 go um now when this came out I was only eleven. So. 54:45.42 Brian Penn Yeah, yes. 54:51.48 Brian Penn Yeah, they was. It was a mouthful I'm glad you said that? not me. 55:02.29 Brian Penn A. 55:02.96 ukfilmreview I Watched it as a young teen probably a bit earlier than I should have done at my father's um, kind of recommendation. My dad was big on films and he has sort of said he'd watch this film fight club and it really stuck with him and I should watch it. 55:10.10 Brian Penn Yeah, and yeah. 55:18.70 ukfilmreview And I think that was quite telling of what my dad thought my kind of mentaltor Maturity was at that point that he thought I could handle this film. Um, but I did and it became my favorite film I Absolutely love Fight Club I wouldn't say it's necessarily my favorite film now because I think maybe my taste of change and I think. 55:27.64 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 55:34.97 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 55:37.44 ukfilmreview This came at a time when obviously it's dealing with a lot of themes of anarchy and yeah, all that sort of stuff that as a teenager that really reverberates quite well with you that you as a 30 something father of 2 with a mortgage I'm I'm not as I'm as Ana of the word. 55:41.72 Brian Penn Yeah, okay is yeah, yeah since yeah, yeah, yeah, well I mean I I'm. 55:55.60 ukfilmreview Anarchy driven as I was you know. 56:01.53 Brian Penn I wasn't 11 Chris when the filml came out. Let's say no no I wasn't yeah yeah, that's right, yeah, that's right? But yeah, yeah, exactly um, but with fight cloud now when you you suggested it. 56:01.82 ukfilmreview You weren't we you? You were the same age as Kiano Reeves was was weren't that's that's what you were yeah I think he was 12 56:18.47 Brian Penn My memory of it because I haven't seen the film since it I mean I went to see it at the cinema when it came out but I've not seen it since. Yeah, absolutely yeah I've not seen it since and my memory of it was that it felt more like a star vehicle for Brad Pitt and Edward Norton but having seen it now I realize what. 56:23.43 ukfilmreview Um, really. 56:37.70 Brian Penn Very very good film. It is. It's it's brilliant. You know it's It's alarming, but it's also very funny in places you know there are yeah there are laugh out loud moments in that film that I'd totally forgotten about I Think what what makes it work that. 56:43.34 ukfilmreview Oh yeah, yeah, so dark Darkly Funny yeah. 56:55.72 Brian Penn What gives it cult stasis is the fact that the the characters are played by Edward Norton oh yeah I think it's just called the narrator isn't he right? that character is is driven quietly insane by the routine of life. You know he's standing there in front of a photocopier. 57:04.11 ukfilmreview Yep. 57:15.30 Brian Penn And he's he's somewhere else. You know the the routine of life is driving him to distraction and I think we can all relate to that because our lives are dictated by routines but most of us we just get on with it. Don't we but there are some people that can't some people need the safety valve and outlet and he starts looking for an outlet doesn't he. And he becomes a grief tourist and that first part of the film I think is just hilarious, really particularly when he when he meets Marla Singer played by Hanna Bon and Carter the exchanges between those 2 are are really really funny. You know where he says you know. Spot sir she's a faker. He's a faker and he said I can't cry if there's another faker present and they start dividing up all these groups support groups and I just think that is just so funny. 58:01.12 ukfilmreview My favorite bit of that is when he goes oh like the test it could cancer that should be me and she goes well actually you've still got your balls. It should be me. 58:07.33 Brian Penn the the yeah it's a great like the thing is whilst we can't shize what is a very serious subject but you know the the way it's projected the way it's put across is funny. You can't help laughing at it. But you keep my thinking to yourself I shouldn't be laughing at this but I am and that's the the way it goes and I think meatlife does like does a great cameo as well. Ah, rest him. But I think really, we don't realize what a very good act of meat life was. We didn't see the best of them as Nasa but I think he did a really nice cameo. 58:32.39 ukfilmreview Oh yeah, he's great Robert Paulson 58:44.73 Brian Penn But of course the story moves on and the narrator meets Tyler Durden played by Brad Pitt on a flight and again quite funny. The way it all starts though isn't it that without giving too much of the plot away the narrator ends up um, ends up being. Ah, the lodger sir Tyler Durden and this is when the fight club starts that they just decide to start a fight. They come out of the bar one night they start a fight and they realize they quite enjoy it if that's the right word and you think how could this possibly grow. But. You know I think we would have to accept that it is is based on fact, these things do go on. But again it it just kind of goes into comedy mode as well when he starts giving them homework and it's to go out start a fight with somebody. You don't know I think that I think that's funny as well. 59:37.55 ukfilmreview He love up it. 59:43.22 Brian Penn You know? Well you know the guys got a hose and he's he's spraying the the the vicar the reverend and he's surely yeah, get angry about about it I just think it's great. Of course then it um it kind of switches into project mayhem which is kind of like. Fight club going outside and that's when true anarchy kicks in I guess really, but a very very good film. You know you you can't really knock it for entertainment like and is thought provoking as well because of where. Where the naator starts because he he starts off with ah a good job. He's ah he's ah, a recall coordinator for a car company isn't he so he's got a good job. He's got a nice condo that he's filling up with furniture from Ikea or wherever it is. 01:00:28.78 ukfilmreview Yeah. 01:00:37.84 Brian Penn But he's completely bored by by the mundanosy of it all you know? Yeah there's one great. There's so many great lines in this film. You know I was writing them down I was I was watching it. You know he's looking at his boss and he's saying ah it must be Tuesday he's one. He's wearing his caulflower blue tying and you think. This is just someone who's driven so driven mad really by by life being so regimented that as to say it is something we can all relate to but it's something thankfully the vast majority of us don't fall into but you can see his perspective in some ways. But. You know because I think there's probably ah, an anarchist in in most of us insofar that we one we do wonder we think what would it be like to do that you can have wondering pena. 01:01:26.16 ukfilmreview I think it's it's also that like sense of ah being unhappy with the state is quo or you go you go along with stuff because that's what's expected of you like he's expected to correct create an Ikea living room and he's expected to go to that. Actually. 01:01:36.11 Brian Penn Yeah. 01:01:43.93 ukfilmreview You get swept up in that tide and it's only when a character like Tyler dudon comes along and it goes do you know? Actually there's another way and it seems so unreal at for us like what it couldn't be another way and that other way involves punching each other in a car park and then it becomes more clear that actually. 01:01:53.42 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 01:02:02.40 ukfilmreview Yes, whilst that seems extreme and seems very odd when you start to look at the I don't know the the normalities of life. They seem quite odd. The the fact that what we do and what we do every day and what we've what we subscribe to does start to feel very alien when you watch it in this kind of setting and actually. 01:02:11.82 Brian Penn Mm Yeah yeah. 01:02:17.17 Brian Penn So. 01:02:21.54 ukfilmreview When you compare it to those grief groups at the beginning. That's really interesting because you got this idea of like people being so powerfully overwhelmed by what's going on in their lives healthwise that they're all coming together and sharing stories and crying with each other whilst. 01:02:30.90 Brian Penn Even math. 01:02:39.54 ukfilmreview Everyone else is just living their day today lives as normal as if none this is going on and I think it taps into that the book itself is really good I read the book after the film and and the book is really really powerful too. It's not that dissimilar to the film. Um, but there's it's worth a read because um Chuck Paulenni's a very interesting writer. But. 01:02:39.72 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 01:02:49.24 Brian Penn Roy right. 01:02:58.80 ukfilmreview I Think with with them fight club. What I really loved about as well was the way the filmmaking still feels very impressive like with all of the cut scenes and the little nods of the head The very smart obviously. Also. 01:03:06.16 Brian Penn You. 01:03:15.54 ukfilmreview We're we're trying to not spoil this but this film did come out over twenty years ago so you probably know the the ah the twist. Um, but when you then rewatch the film knowing the twist. It's like a completely different film. You're watching a oh wait a minute this actually is even more clever than I thought and. 01:03:15.54 Brian Penn Yeah, with also yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, and well. 01:03:34.94 ukfilmreview I Think Fight Club is one of the very few films that can do that and I'm very surprised you've only seen it twice right? That's incredible. 01:03:42.59 Brian Penn Well, yeah, but you see that's the funny thing though I don't know why because it is. It's a film film that I I like you know I watched it I thought yeah this is great. You know this is this is um, my kind of film because you know because of the story. It was daring as well for the late 90 s you know. To come out with with a film like that that was so alarming and so disturbing but also hugely entertaining at the same time. Um I don't know why I've not why it's been 24 years since I've last seen it I don't know why that is but I'm glad you suggested it Chris yeah. 01:04:14.49 ukfilmreview Well there we go I mean I'm Goingnna do this to you now though? What's your favorite David finer film. He has directed 94 things so this could be quite hard. A. 01:04:19.99 Brian Penn Oh right? I'm done Oh God No um yeah, but he he won he directs a lot of videos so didn't he as well. Um, oh God that's tough. Yeah. 01:04:33.67 ukfilmreview Because you got 7 you've got fight club panic room zodiac. 01:04:40.43 Brian Penn Yeah I mean they're all great I mean um zodiette was brilliant panic room with Jodie Foster that was great as well. I think really if if you're pinning me down if you're asking me for the best day of venture film I think it would have to be 7 so I mean. 01:04:54.90 ukfilmreview 7 is very good unless is 7 Yep. 01:04:58.95 Brian Penn Brad Pitt again as Net is Morgan Freeman again who we spoke about earlier on you know, very ah quite ah I thought I'm scary to start with. You know you know everyone look on screen right? you. You know as a writer as a director you can you can kill as many people on screen. It's not real right? It's just imaginary but a film like 7 really had an effect on me. First of all, you think god that's frightening that's scary be shows how good the film is but it's that. Film. It's that's gonna gonna stay with you right? I mean 7 even's have filmed out of watch more than once and it's not like fight club which surprises me now when I think of fight club I think right I've seen 7 3 or 4 signs probably and they were made around the same time weren't they, but. 01:05:47.68 ukfilmreview Yeah, new near not night five yeah 01:05:50.82 Brian Penn I think set I think 7 came before fightclub didn'tnet yeah but I've seen 7 of it a few times but not fight club I don't know why that is. But yeah. 01:06:02.30 ukfilmreview So I'm the other way around I've only seen 7 a couple of times like and not not a tool recently whereas fight club is one of those films I'll often see it's on and I'll kind of watch bits of it here and there and I'll watch it a lot as a kid buck it teenager. Um, but both absolutely. 01:06:15.10 Brian Penn Up. Ah, and. 01:06:19.60 ukfilmreview Brilliant I Think they're also very much in the same kind of ballpark like for audiences you know you're you're talking dark kind of thriller esque films. 01:06:21.66 Brian Penn Yeah, it's yeah, definitely and that's to say quite quite scary quite challenging but totally gripping at the same time you can't help but watch those films they they hold your attention and with a lot of films. You know that you think oh, that's good, but. You can pause it. You can stop it. You're watching at home slightly said before you're watching a film at home if you pause it you stop it. You know some films you can't do that some films you got to stay with fight clubs the film I stayed with and didn't leave it same thing with some you know it's a film that that holds your attention you stay with it. You keep with it. If you're watching at home because that's the real testers now I mean if you're at the cinema. Well, youve got to haven't you really you done't you can't sort of you can't sort of nip to the ah the kitchen to get a lar out of fridgegal or whatever. Um, so that's slightly different but I mean that's always a test of a great film if it. Holds your attention and demands your attention which is what David venture films invariably. Do. 01:07:24.63 ukfilmreview There you go couldn't send it better myself. Um, we're gonna pick the um nostalgia pick for next month now because I only giveryan time to think about also be nice to let you listeners know what we want your thoughts on for next month 01:07:36.12 Brian Penn 8 so. 01:07:44.22 ukfilmreview So do send them to us in whichever format. You find easiest you can send us a voice clip on our website or you can tweet us or Instagram us whatever it is that you like doing um and that ah so fight club is available on Amazon prime. So if you've got prime. You can go watch it obviously is. It's also available generally like. 01:08:02.31 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah. 01:08:04.17 ukfilmreview Quite easily? Um, but I thought this time we'll pick something that's on eyeplayer because I know a lot of people like Iplayer and I'd be like I like it too and this is a film I've only seen this once and I had very underwhelming feelings about it. However I have since been lectured numerous times. 01:08:06.76 Brian Penn So cool. Yeah. 01:08:23.31 Brian Penn There Oh wow. Yes. 01:08:23.98 ukfilmreview By many people and also someone even went as far as to buy me a blu ray of it and I still haven't unwrapped it. Um, which is children of men have you seen this Brian. 01:08:32.74 Brian Penn I I know you know I don't think I that's Michael Kaine isn't it children of men. 01:08:38.83 ukfilmreview Children men now it's is it there. It's Sam what's his name. The tool guy. What's the tool guy's name come on that talk guy. You don't know the tool guy come on the guy. Oh what's his name hold on oh got to look it up now I play doesn't actually have the information. 01:08:45.79 Brian Penn That's all guy. You're not narrow in the field down very much I done. Ah. 01:08:56.39 Brian Penn Yeah, no I mean oh right? Okay yeah I like clovining. It's good. 01:08:58.16 ukfilmreview It's going to re annoy me because Clive Clive Owen Clive it's an alfphonso cuon film. So um, I've got jud amel so look it's on I player children of men. Um, not really a nostalgia pick as I've really seen it once and didn't like it and Brian hasn't seen it. 01:09:17.66 Brian Penn I've been seeing. 01:09:17.84 ukfilmreview So but for other people they might feel nostalgic about this film and it came out 2006 so that's plenty of time for it to be considered nostalgic and I wanted ah an excuse to watch it anyway. So we're going to do children and men and everyone can tell me why I'm wrong and why it's the best film ever. 01:09:30.33 Brian Penn Yeah, yeah, absolutely good. Well yeah, this will be a challenge for us werent Michael Kaine isn't the film Julia Moore Clive owe in chew it so Aja 4 and Charlie Hoham 01:09:36.14 ukfilmreview Hopefully I've changed my mind by the time I watch this. But. I Was he. 01:09:46.20 ukfilmreview Oh so you were right is Mark. Okay, so have you seen it then. 01:09:48.50 Brian Penn So it's a good. Yeah no no I I knew Michael Kaine was in it I'm very good at naming cast cast members but not necessarily the films. It's strange, but it's we seem now. Obviously I failed that test didn't I obviously yeah. 01:09:57.37 ukfilmreview Yeah, but are you as good at saying whether they're tall or not because that's what I did it did. 01:10:06.87 Brian Penn It looks good, but no I've not I've not seen it so it'll be um, it'll be a new a new one for me. So yeah, more good. 01:10:13.26 ukfilmreview There we go? Well, you've been listening to these children of men talk film for an hour so um we're gonna love you and leave you our listeners and thank you again to everyone who shares and likes all the episodes. Um, we have some really lovely. Ah followers. She's great. Thank you Brian for watching all the films and your lovely um thoughts on all of them too and to everyone else. We'll see you again next time. 01:10:32.83 Brian Penn Pleasure pleasure. 01:10:40.23 Brian Penn Glass for now. Previous Next

Armageddon Time film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong directed by James Gray. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Armageddon Time Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Nov 3, 2022 Directed by: James Gray Written by: James Gray Starring: Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong One of the reasons Greta Gerwig’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age film Lady Bird was such a refreshing treasure was the forgiveness that followed every stupid decision made by every single character. Gerwig’s film embraces the necessity of terrible choices in adolescence and it never caves to the easy desire to blame others for teenage misery. But Gerwig didn’t grow up a Jew in Queens in 1980, which is why James Gray’s Armageddon Time tells quite a different story. To his credit, Gray still reaches toward forgiveness. And both films are mercifully unsentimental. Young Banks Repeta is terrific as Paul Graff, Gray’s very cute, bratty, privileged stand-in. Like every 12-year-old, Paul is oblivious to his privilege. He may even enjoy becoming the class outcast since the other student spurned by Mr. Turtletaub is fast becoming Paul’s best friend. But Johnny’s fate and Paul’s will never really gel because Paul is being trained with love to disappear when trouble arises, which means that all eyes fall on Johnny (Jaylin Webb). Paul’s relationship with his parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong, both excellent) can be funny, sassy, and heartbreaking, while his grandfather (Anthony Hopkins) can always be counted on for encouragement, well-earned advice, and a present. The stellar ensemble infuses the film with warmth, humor and sadness. And aside from a line or two that’s a shade too obvious, there’s a feeling of authenticity here that Gray is able to nurture beyond personal memoir to a grander comment on race and class. The filmmaker may be copping to his own bargains with guilt and privilege, but he’s also highlighting the daily turns of the American wheel that push so many of us toward our dreams, and so many others further away from theirs. Forgiveness doesn’t come easily, nor should it. Gray tosses aside the rose-colored glasses that usually tint a director’s look back. Armageddon Time doesn’t deliver any easy answers, just more opportunities to question. That’s why it works. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Normal film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey directed by Ben Wheatley. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Normal Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Apr 16, 2026 Directed by: Ben Wheatley Written by: Derek Kolstad, Bob Odenkirk Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey Do you know what’s especially fun about watching Normal ? It’s not seeing Bob Odenkirk crack heads and blow stuff up. I mean, that’s always fun, but it’s nothing new. Nor is it new to see what fresh fisticuffs and cutlery mayhem writer Derek Kolstad (John Wick [all four], Nobody [both], Ballerina ) can dream up. We’ve seen his dreams. They’re somewhat similar. What is especially fun about watching the star of Nobody and its writer team up again to drop a middle aged schmo into a sudden and unexpected explosion of violence is that Ben Wheatley is directing. We haven’t seen Ben Wheatley get really nuts in a bit. Odenkirk, who co-writes the script with Kolstad, is Ulysses. He used to be a real sheriff, but now he takes interim sheriff gigs around the country and leaves rambling accounts of his days on his estranged wife Penny’s voicemail. His latest assignment: Normal, Minnesota. The town of about 1500 people and one moose looks…strangely prosperous. Not like the small towns shuttering due to a poor economy. When two good hearted, down-on-their-luck bank robbers roll into town, Ulysses gets a glimpse of the what’s really going on. That leaves us with about 45 minutes of handguns, rifles, Tommy Guns, knives, fists, rocket launchers, chains, dynamite, and knitting needles. Plenty of time for Wheatley to help us remember what a blast he had directing 2016’s Freefire . Odenkirk’s ideal as the begrudgingly heroic schlub, and Normal surrounds him with eclectic characters and solid comic performances. But there’s no question the relish Wheatley takes in wry, witty bursts of extreme violence, each gag its own punchline, is what delivers the film’s fun. There’s a touch of Fargo , a smidge of Hot Fuzz , a bit of the filmmaker’s own Freefire, and maybe a hint of his Sightseers . These borrowed flavors blend favorably with the inescapable familiarity of the concept—Bob Odenkirk, badass—as well as Kolstad’s routine action beats. Normal is a ton of bloody fun that you’ll kind of remember later but you’ll laugh and enjoy yourself now. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Silent Choice film review by UK film critic James Learoyd. Starring Elliot Cable, Rosie Lou, Maddy Collings, Matt Beveridge directed by Ranw Aso-Rashid. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Silent Choice Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Apr 27, 2025 Directed by: Ranw Aso-Rashid Written by: Ranw Aso-Rashid, Elliot Cable Starring: Elliot Cable, Rosie Lou, Maddy Collings, Matt Beveridge The latest in the filmography of prolific writer-director Ranw Aso-Rashid, The Silent Choice is a gritty, close-up look at estrangement, abuse and redemption. The word redemption will certainly ring bells for some readers. Aso-Rashid's previous short reviewed for the website, Whispers of Redemption , dealt with similar territory in some ways. But this new drama offers a much darker examination of the broken individual, and the invasive forces preventing his salvation. Based in the single location of a pub, John (Elliot Cable) – having seemingly struggled with alcoholism and legal issues – meets with his ex-partner Maria (Rosie Lou) and their daughter Lily (Maddy Collings). They’re later joined by Callum (Matt Beveridge), Maria’s abusive partner who’s a police officer. This film carries quite the heavy load in terms of its subject matter. It’s about a great many things: becoming a stranger to your loved ones, attempting to make amends, different forms of abuse – both self-inflicted and not. The script is also very much concerned with different forms of the destructive persona. We have someone self-hating and socially failing on one side of the coin (John), compared to someone domineering, evil, yet socially succeeding on the other (Callum). Audiences are sure to admire the complexity of the writing in this regard. The dialogue feels most genuine and lived-in throughout, and despite the grand collage of serious dramatic themes, it somehow manages not to feel too didactic – except for one element... As a matter of taste, one can imagine a complaint being that the film does not need to be so explicit with the idea that Callum is domestically abusing Maria. The reason is not that this topic should not be in the film (quite the contrary), but the fact is that the character of Callum is already so unbearably, outrageously unpleasant – veering on the unwatchable –that it slightly overwhelms the film to immediately reveal all facets of his monstrous person. For instance, we do not know the ins and outs of our protagonists' “sins” as Callum states – although we’re certainly compelled to admire his attitude towards trying to reconnect with his family – and it’s effective to leave a couple questions in the air. Another example of a strength in this respect is the picture’s ending being rather ambiguous; the titular “silent choice” itself, if that’s how you choose to interpret it. The plot is driven effectively by the characters and their conversation, illuminating what is a fantastically naturalistic, confrontational screenplay, also co-written by the star Elliot Cable. But on the technical side of things, the substance is delivered in an astoundingly virtuosic manner. One elevation of the craft which is apparent comparing this to Aso-Rashid's previous work is the addition of stunning anamorphic lenses to tell the story. For this particular style of self-contained drama, the cinematography fits flawlessly with the overall tone – the focus is soft, as is the lighting. Once again, there’s a truly beautiful, high-level grade on display here; its subtly rich teel-and-orange colour palette adheres to what we’d label the contemporary cinematic look. The sound recording and design are also perfectly crystal clear in that kind of modern way which industry people all enjoy. All of this takes years of practice. Everyone in the technical departments should be proud of making this movie what it is, in addition to the superb direction, engaging writing, and fantastic performances to boot. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Highland Home film review by UK film critic Swati Verma. Starring Karen Johnson Miller, Grant Gosch directed by Dan Schaefer . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Highland Home Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Apr 27, 2022 Directed by: Dan Schaefer Written by: Dan Schaefer Starring: Karen Johnson Miller, Grant Gosch The title of the music video-Highland Home has connotations of hills, mountains, and valleys. The Scottish heather symbolizes good luck, admiration, and protection. The writer-director Dan Schaefer builds the narrative around a fairy tale love story between the Scottish couple (Karen Johnson Miller and Grant Gosch) and manages to entice the audience with the content of the song. This elegant flower showcases the admiration towards each other in the video and it becomes an essential element to get their admiration to transform into love. This musical piece is an adaptation of the original song by Kurt Rosenberg. The plot of this music video revolves around a poignant tale of longing and loss revealed when a time-worn journal transports a young girl to a place of enchanting wonders. The cinematographers John Waller and Ben Canales capture the beautiful landscape as well as the culture of Scotland in the video. The delightful yet graceful countryside is also covered to bring out the beauty of the tune. The elements like set design, special effects, props, costume, hair, makeup, and the dance choreographer help in enhancing the look and feel of the romantic song along with the chemistry between the lead couple. The melodious voice of the singer KJ Miller highlights the journey of a young woman having a certain set of dreams and aspirations about love and her prince charming. A simple storyline and the choice of a beautiful location increase the degree of engagement of the audience with the creative piece making it relatable for the viewers. The soft background music in the opening sequence of the song is well suited to showcase the tenderness of the moment when a youngster is trying to discover about herself. The black and brown colour palette is used by the filmmaker initially at the start of the Highland Home and later various colours burst when the little girl delves into the dreamy land. In the performance department, Taylor Hennelly plays the teenage Heather. Hennelly's eyes and body language exude excitement and happiness and inspire children to maintain a diary and write about their dreams hoping for them to come true one day. Heather forces the parents to relive their young days once again through this music video. Karen Johnson Miller plays the grownup Heather who wants to find the love of her life. She uses music and dance to attract a suitor for her. Miller can portray the range of emotions a love- struck lady goes through and elevates it with the brilliant singing to accompany the same. Grant Gosch plays the love interest of Heather (Karen Johnson Miller). He ticks all the boxes of a suitable life partner every girl desires for. Gosch gives a sense of how being loved feels like every time he comes onscreen. The theme of the Highland Home is all about dreams and unconditional love. One should not give up on dreaming or falling in love because it did not go as planned in the past. It teaches the audience to be hopeful and happy in life always. The music video also tells the viewers about the importance of self-love. The only flaw I could find in this musical piece is that the makers should include the subtitles so that the audience can follow the lyrics and enjoy the song in its entirety. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Swati Verma Music Video < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Repent film review by UK film critic Lucy Clarke. Starring Anthony Tullo, Laura Denmar, Keren Ray directed by Anthony Tullo. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Repent Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Lucy Clarke | Posted on: Sep 18, 2021 Directed by: Anthony Tullo Written by: Stephanie Herrera, Anthony Tullo Starring: Anthony Tullo, Laura Denmar, Keren Ray A cherry-red crucifix dangles between Cassandra and Santiago Morales (Keren Ray and Anthony Tullo) as they drive through the night. Even their last name suggests that they are on the side of the light. Their course is a straight road in the middle of a forest blanketed in darkness. They are searching for their devil. Mrs. Stonefield (Laura Denmar) has unceremoniously fired a large number of her employees – including Santiago’s father. She crunches smouldering cigarettes under her Christian Louboutins, she only cares about money and profit, and of course, she speaks in a crystal-cut British accent. The moral code here is far too obvious. There is the good and the light, and the evil and the dark. For Mrs. Stonefield, she only has this one chance to repent until she is cast downward to hell. It’s a sensationalist story, yet Mrs. Stonefield feels far too one-note to fully invest in. She is relentlessly greedy, and where people stand, she only sees profit. Anthony Tullo’s film makes the black and white distinction between the valour of community and the evilness of greed. While truth certainly lies that way, it’s a story that we know off by heart. Santiago, on the other hand, gushes about the teachings of his father and how he used his work to lift his own community out of poverty and suffering. Cassandra, who accompanies him in the car, is seemingly only really there for Santiago to talk to, rather than to a fully fleshed-out character of her own. Her purpose seems to be to introduce the viewer to Santiago and ask him about his relationship with his father. Surely, it would be more effectual to have either the father accompany Santiago or a worker whose livelihood is about to be thrown away? Although the title is Repent , the entire film is almost a gentle biblical retelling of love and forgiveness. It’s an exploration of how your life can change if you live with kindness rather than following one of the seven deadly sins. However, the film lacks the horror and tension that’s necessary for any haunting story straight out of the Old Testament, and yet, it shifts into a full-throttle horror in the end. Repent is a little too tonally inconsistent, and its religious allegories are too simple to make a big impression. Still, the mantra of repent or die that is hinted at throughout this short film is enough to be bone-chilling. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Lucy Clarke Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Trouble in Tesco film review by UK film critic Rob Jones. Starring Unknown directed by Unknown. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Trouble in Tesco Film Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Critic: Rob Jones | Posted on: Mar 15, 2023 Directed by: Unknown Written by: Unknown Starring: Unknown If nothing else, Trouble in Tesco is proof that we’ve reached a point in time where you really don’t need much to be able to make a film. Presumably, this was done on zero budget with illustration software that we all have access to, and if it wasn’t then it certainly could have been. Visually it looks like it might be going for something in the same vein as Don Hertzfeldt’s It’s Such a Beautiful Day, but it's probably aspiring more closely to a collection of low-effort memes that you might find on a “circle jerk” subreddit. There’s clearly a heavy inspiration from Trey Parker and Matt Stone. This is clear not only because a well-known clip of the two of them is played in part during the film, but also because of the low-fi animation style coupled with absurdist humour and the word “guy”. It isn’t entirely clear what the humour is referencing, though, as it seems as if it’s perhaps a continuation of an in-joke that we’re not privy to. It can also be difficult to decipher some of the text that flashes up during certain scenes, and then there’s an added layer of difficulty in deciding whether it’s relevant or not. Ultimately it becomes a bit of a confusing experience with little guidance for what we’re supposed to take from it. The story jumps around with a bit of a disregard for any kind of structure. It’s essentially a robbery in Tescos that’s met with such apathy from a staff member there that it then turns into an existential reflection on the aspiring robber’s connection with Aldi. There’s also a running gag about everything being down by the quay, which is pronounced incorrectly every time it’s said. It just feels like it wasn’t made to be seen by anyone other than the people who would inherently get it by being in on a joke that we have no context for. There are two scenes where the clip of Trey Parker and Matt Stone plays, one at the start and then another at the end. It’s unclear why this choice was made as it doesn’t seem to really relate to anything despite bookending the whole film. You can only assume that this is either a heavy-handed way for the filmmakers to tell us who they’re inspired by or just more evidence of a joke that we’re not in on. Neither is particularly enlightening. Trouble in Tesco has the chance to be endearing for its art style, even inspirational. Unfortunately, there’s just a lot of empty space. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Rob Jones Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Underground film review by UK film critic Alex Crisp. Starring Joakim Robillard, Théodore Pellerin, James Hyndman directed by Sophie Dupuis. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Underground Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Alex Crisp | Posted on: Aug 14, 2021 Directed by: Sophie Dupuis Written by: Sophie Dupuis Starring: Joakim Robillard, Théodore Pellerin, James Hyndman It’s the plotting that shines most in this social drama about a Quebec mining community. Written and directed by Sophie Dupuis, Underground ( French: Souterrain) unravels a complex web of inter-connected relationships among the miners, a web we know will lead to a cataclysmic end. Dupuis leads the film off with a flash-forward to a pit disaster, pulling us out before we see how it resolves. Cutting back to two months prior, we’re introduced to an ensemble of characters with more to their stories than meets the eye, and steadily, we learn about their lives, about their pasts, and about their shared traumas. There’s Maxine, who is preparing for the birth of his first child. However, his wife suffers a miscarriage, something that transpires has happened multiple times before. He angrily reacts against his wife’s wish to adopt a child, and derides a colleague who has done so for what he perceives to have been wilful emasculation. Julian, a former worker at the mine, has suffered a serious brain injury in a car-crash that was caused by Maxine’s drunk driving. He struggles to find an outlet to function with his new, circumscribed reality. And finally, Julian’s father Mario, who is deeply depressed at the state his son has been reduced to, and deeply resentful toward Maxine for causing it. With so much upheaval eating away at the men, and with the knowledge of the coming disaster in the viewer’s mind, a question looms over proceedings. Which pressure point will trigger the fatal human error that causes it? Underground is above all about the different ways people react to life’s caprice. Maxine eventually accepts that his parenthood desires are beyond his control and reconciles with his wife. But it’s Mario who proves to be the narrative’s stick of dynamite. The heavy plot load is maintained by consistent, naturalistic dialogue, and by performances that capture the camaraderie of a tight-knit community. Every actor holds up their end, and Dupuis, having shown her capability for handling the quiet stuff, is proficient when it comes to the set-piece finale too. She makes use of close-ups and balances drawn-out, tension building shots with high-tempo cuts to capture the intensity of a subterranean crisis. On a low-budget there are no theatrics, but theatrics aren’t what Underground needs to tell a sad, self-contained story. A parting image of the surviving miners wandering off into the dark once more, their lights gradually fading from view, is an apt crystallisation of the burdens it reminds us we’re all carrying forward. Underground will be released in Cinemas, Virtual Cinemas and VOD on 20th August. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Alex Crisp Theatrical Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Pay Day film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Kyla Frye, Sam Benjamin, Simon Callow, Vincent Jerome directed by Sam Bradford. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Pay Day Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Apr 6, 2023 Directed by: Sam Bradford Written by: Sam Benjamin, Kyla Frye Starring: Kyla Frye, Sam Benjamin, Simon Callow, Vincent Jerome A computer programmer infiltrates a building in order to obtain vital information for a crook. Jennifer (Frye) is an IT expert who loses her job and finds herself in a difficult financial situation. She is approached by Gates (Callow), a crime boss who convinces her (and blackmails her) to secretly enter an office building, acquire secret data from a computer using a USB stick and bring it back to him. In return, she will be generously rewarded. As she sets of to complete this risky task, she encounters all sorts of obstacles and meets George (Benjamin), who is there for the similar reasons. This is an entertaining crime comedy with plenty of clever dialogue and humour. The majority of the narrative takes place inside the building mentioned above, with Jennifer attempting to succeed in her mission, starting a rivalry with George and eventually teaming up with him in order to find a way to escape the building together after the police arrive. The rapport that develops between Jennifer and George is key to the script, as it significantly moves the plot forward and it is amusing watching those two as they argue between them and try to avoid the police. The feature contains interesting characters and entertaining performances are provided by Frye, Benjamin and Callow. Jennifer is a good and intelligent person who finds herself being forced to commit a crime. George is a charming and cheeky experienced criminal, who can still come across as likeable. Gates is basically the antagonist, a cunning crime lord with charisma. The soundtrack is rich, with a great deal of jazz music. Michael Lesley deserves commendations for the creative editing that includes effective use of split screen and wipe techniques. Praise also goes to Phil Thomas for the amazing work on the cinematography. This is a heist comedy film with an intriguing plot, interesting characters and well-written dialogue. It loses its grip during the final act, with an epilogue that feels overlong, nevertheless, that does not prevent it from being an enjoyable viewing with plot twists, clever humour, great character development, romance and good on-screen chemistry between Frye and Benjamin. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >