An author with writer’s block is visited by the ghost of his dead wife Elvira, who is soon making second wife Ruth jealous. I know I usually rail against the “pre-dead wife” trope, but with Noel Coward’s play I’ll allow it. Sadly though, even with the reappearance of the gorgeous, ghostly Elvira (Leslie Mann) this… Blithe Spirit (2020) Read More
Locked Down 3 stars
Just as they decide to separate, Linda and Paxton find life has other plans when they are stuck at home in a mandatory lockdown. It may have more holes than my bubbling sourdough starter, but I enjoyed Locked Down a lot more than I enjoyed lockdown, the claustrophobia-induced frenzy of Doug Liman’s film all too… Locked Down Read More
The Midnight Sky 3.5 stars
A scientist in the Arctic trying to contact a spaceship to warn them of a disaster back on Earth must travel to another base with the small girl he’s looking after. This is another apocalyptic film that doesn’t really explain what is happening to the world, something I find very frustrating. I always want to… The Midnight Sky Read More
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart 4 stars
The first feature-length documentary about the legendary band who wrote more than 1,000 songs, created twenty number one hits and sold more than 220 million records to date. Just because you’re famous, doesn’t mean you’re immune from petty sibling arguments. One of my favourite moments in the illuminating, entertaining and musically joyous documentary The Bee… The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart Read More
Songbird 3 stars
In 2024 a pandemic ravages the world and its cities. Centering on a handful of people as they navigate the obstacles currently hindering society: disease, martial law, quarantine, and vigilantes. Songbird is at its most interesting when holding a mirror up to us now, but magnified – a new, new, new normal, 2020 but even… Songbird Read More
Mini reviews: Mank, Billie & Sound of Metal 4 stars
Here’s a quick overview of some fabulous four-star films I’ve seen in the last few days. Consider these mini reviews of maximum impact movies. Mank I would have posted earlier about Mank, but I was googling everyone. An excellent Gary Oldman plays screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, laid up with a broken leg while writing Citizen… Mini reviews: Mank, Billie & Sound of Metal Read More
The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2 3 stars
Kate Pierce, now a cynical teen, is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus when a mysterious troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas – forever. If you want to read the full, spoiler-filled film recap, it’s here. Or see below for my review. Santa Kurt is BACK and with him Mrs Claus, played with warmth and backbone by… The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2 Read More
A Christmas Gift From Bob 2.5 stars
James looks back at the last Christmas he and Bob spent scraping a living on the streets and how Bob helped him through one of his toughest times – providing strength, friendship and inspiration – and ultimately teaching each other about the true meaning of Christmas spirit along the way. A typical Christmas gift from… A Christmas Gift From Bob Read More
Relic (London Film Festival) 4 stars
A daughter, mother and grandmother are haunted by a manifestation of dementia that consumes their family’s home. There are post-it notes stuck all around Edna’s elegant and airy house, little reminders of basic living: turn off taps says one. As they get more frightening, warnings in an increasingly spidery hand, there’s one that says Don’t… Relic (London Film Festival) Read More
The Devil All The Time 3.5 stars
In Knockemstiff, Ohio and its neighbouring backwoods, sinister characters – an unholy preacher, twisted couple, and crooked sheriff – converge around young Arvin Russell as he fights the evil forces that threaten him and his family. An orphan boy, two romantically involved serial killers, a corrupt sheriff, several guileless young women, one preacher who believes… The Devil All The Time Read More
Baby Driver 4.5 stars
Baby Driver isn’t simply a funky soundtrack-driven heist movie – it’s as much about movement as music. There’s a choreographer listed in the credits, and you can see why – as Baby, the driver of the title, makes his naturalistic if slightly gawky way through the world. In fact the film galvanises so many senses it’s like watching a 4D film in 2D…. Baby Driver Read More
The Mummy 3 stars
I enjoyed this film and not just because it’s proof that ancient mummies might have a chance with Tom Cruise. It’s cliche-ridden nonsense of course, with cheesy dialogue and so many swarms of rats and spiders it frequently ends up looking like a challenge from “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here”, only this time with proper celebrities. But while The Mummy… The Mummy Read More