Reviews in a nutshell
War makes for a powerful cinematic theme. It’s the backdrop for many a personal struggle. End of Watch (2012) writer-director David Ayer’s Fury is no exception. While about the physical horrors of combat, it’s also a sobering coming-of-age drama, told through the eyes of a new tank recruit. It also addresses the psychological effect on …
This is Northern Ireland Troubles behind ‘enemy lines’ (from a British military perspective), a powerful cat-and-mouse game that makes ’71 an exhilarating watch from the start. There needed to be a fresh angle, which writer Gregory Burke evokes, making sure that there is enough Belfast streets-located violence to establish and drum home the effects of …
Imagine the person you thought you knew best was not that person at all. It’s the perfect screenplay twist to what is essentially wrapped up in a standard missing person’s crime drama. Added to which, this mystery, Gone Girl, is directed by none other than Se7en director David Fincher, a master of the downbeat, edgy …
Approach this film version of the iconic 1980s TV series as a reboot – not a 2014 remake, and you won’t be disappointed. The fact that popular US actor Denzel Washington is in the lead role formerly brought to life by Brit Edward Woodward should pre-empt this too. There are still similarities in concept for …
It’s Liam Neeson in his vigilante element again – for those who like him that way, tasked with saving the day and bringing rough justice to those who deserve it. Only this time, the lines of good and bad are very hazy indeed, designed to question our moral high ground. It’s a twisty, turny plot …
Beneath Clouds (2002) writer-director Ivan Sen has found a pitch-perfect niche in the crime-thriller genre with his new film Mystery Road, set in the Australian outback. This marvellously atmospheric and sumptuous-looking film has all the mellow attitude of a western, pausing to take in panoramic, burnt-orange sunrises and sunsets, while punctuated by bursts of action …
By describing If I Stay as ‘bland’ (as some critics have) falls into the same category as lazily dismissing the Twilight saga films – they serve a purpose for the hormonal young. Sure, watching loved-up teens looking and acting awkward can be a little on the dreary, lagging side for us older and ‘wiser’ (ahem) …
We’ve become blasé about our sci-fi stories – anything goes that initially seems crackers but gets persuasive as things progress. Luc Besson has combined a sci-fi passion with that of one of his strong, kick-ass women in Lucy, starring Scarlett Johansson. You would be forgiven for thinking it was another Malick The Tree Of Life …
Daniel Radcliffe is trying all kinds of film projects in an attempt to shake off the boy wizard label once and for all – and understandably so. This time, it’s rom-com territory, but not just any old rom-com, one of those quirky indie ones that seem to embrace oddball characters and allow them to find …
