I love zombie movies set in the UK, as there’s something warm and safe about seeing the undead standing round aimlessly in shopping centres that I know really well. Maybe because allegories about the over-commercialisation of society are more easily understood if they’re trying to eat a Greggs pasty before their decaying arm falls off. It’s no exaggeration… Girl With All The Gifts Read More
The Girl On The Train 3.5 stars
According to friends of mine who attend book clubs, I’m the only woman left not to have not read Paula Hawkins’ novel on which this film is based, which means you will be spared all that tutting when it veers away slightly from the novel and, for example, poor Rachel is wearing a grey frumpy… The Girl On The Train Read More
BFG, The 3.5 stars
This film made a big impression on my 7 year old, although not without the odd misunderstanding – as I realised when he insisted to me that at the end the Queen had actually adopted the little heroine Sophie, as “Sophie called her Mam”. (It helps to have some northern DNA to truly appreciate that joke.) The best jokes… BFG, The Read More
Hell or High Water 4.5 stars
Hell or High Water is a film about a criminal (Ben Foster) who commits the ultimate offence of putting his gorgeous and much nicer brother (Chris Pine – we know he’s nice as he’s so handsome) in a ski mask for several minutes of this film. Okay actually it’s about a career criminal brother and his… Hell or High Water Read More
Zombeavers 3 stars
When I tire of big screen blockbusters, shark films, or Brit romcoms starring Colin Firth looking awkward, I yearn for something a little more highbrow, something intellectual -something, dare I say, art house? Maybe in French, with subtitles, and smoking. These times are not when I watch Zombeavers. But sometimes, only “Zombeavers” will do. What’s not to love? It’s got cute furry critters,… Zombeavers Read More
Martian, The 4 stars
This movie has something for everyone. Matt Damon all alone on Mars. Naked Matt Damon. Matt Damon disco dancing. Learning how to science the shit out of stuff, with Matt Damon. Matt Damon’s video diary. 1,000 Potato Recipes by Matt Damon. And of course, growing your own food in poo (Matt Damon’s poo). Okay, it has… Martian, The Read More
Human (Short Film) Short Film 4 stars
Human won best science fi at the LA Film Awards and I can see why – like the best sci fi there’s a very human story nestling in this tale of lost robots. A young woman called Anna comes across a functioning human-sized android in a junk-filled warehouse and befriends him. She reads to him,… Human (Short Film) Read More
Touch (Short Film) Short Film 4 stars
This film is only about 15 minutes long but in that short time frame it certainly packs an emotional punch. Actually, make that a wallop. I did cry, in fact I ugly-cried, but it’s really worth the resulting puffy red face and soggy tissues. Touch is set in a snowy Canadian town, where Paul working in an appliances store is menaced… Touch (Short Film) Read More
Dragon (Short Film) Short Film 3 stars
At last, the Holy Grail of Sarah films – as it’s about a DRAGON and it’s SHORT. Really short! Like about 5 minutes. It’s the shortest short film I’ve ever seen. (God I was in HEAVEN – only for a very short time, but in a good way). A man has a delivery to his home… Dragon (Short Film) Read More
Deirdre (Short Film) Short Film 4 stars
A beautifully staged story set in rural Ireland, but examining universal themes about growing up and breaking free. The teenage Deirdre is just starting to find out about life and first love. Meanwhile her single mother is obsessed with the Church and her daughter’s perceived sin. When a group of travellers arrives in the village it’s clear… Deirdre (Short Film) Read More
To The Grave (Short Film) Short Film 3.5 stars
To The Grave is a short but moving film from director Esther Hegarty about a woman whose mother dies and who then finds the tiny skeleton of a baby when clearing out the house. The daughter – an only child – has always been convinced she had a sibling, but all is not what it seems…. To The Grave (Short Film) Read More
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – 2D 3.5 stars
When I first heard about this film it all sounded strangely like my own rather odd upbringing: – Big gothic Victorian house, check – Several strange children wandering around, check – Living each day like it’s 1943, check But no, my large family, weird bunch of oddballs that they are (to give you an idea, I’m seen as the normal… Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – 2D Read More