100 years in the future, Todd Hewitt discovers Viola, a mysterious girl who crash lands on his planet. Despite its big budget, Doug Liman’s film mainly reminded me of those 1970s/80s sci fi serials on British TV that involve endless running through Oxfordshire woodland – there is lots of dashing through trees, some visual effects,… Chaos Walking Read More
Coming 2 America 3 stars
30 years on, the newly-crowned Akeem discovers he has a long-lost son living in Queens. Caught between a Queens mother and a King for a father, Lavelle Junson has to learn how to balance both sides of his birthright in the new Coming 2 America, remaining true to himself while learning what it means to… Coming 2 America Read More
Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar 4 stars
Two forty-something women take a vacation to Florida’s Vista Del Mar, where they get mixed up in a plot to kill everyone in the town. Unemployed, underqualified, and over-age, Barb’s hopeful comment to best friend and housemate Star that “This town is full of places looking to hire women in their 40s!” was my first… Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar Read More
The Father 5 stars
An elderly man whose memory is failing struggles to hold on to his life and his memories, while his daughter is torn over how best to help him. In The Father you never know who’s going to walk in the door but you know they’ll probably be carrying a chicken. The chicken is one of… The Father Read More
I Care A Lot 4 stars
A woman uses the legal system to strip elderly people of their assets – until she becomes guardian to one woman with some scary associates. I Care A Lot shows how capitalism is now so venal it’s actually easier to stay within the law than break it when screwing people over to make your fortune,… I Care A Lot Read More
Willy’s Wonderland 3.5 stars
A silent drifter takes on a set of murderous animatronic amusement park mascots in a night of bloody violence. When a haunted building tells you what it is, listen. Family entertainment centre / birthday party venue Willy’s Wonderland – a name likely to send British parents scuttling in the other direction even before it establishes its… Willy’s Wonderland 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