FIlm Review
Film Review: Archenemy
Over the past couple of decades, superhero films have become big business. The biggest business in town. This is largely, if not wholly, down to Marvel and the Marvel Comic Universe. Since the release of Iron Man in 2008, and the acquisition of the studio by Disney, it has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Each film …
Film Review: Cocoon
Whilst coming-of-age films are a studio staples, most of what is produced in Hollywood just doesn’t feel authentic; regardless of how good or bad the film actually is. European cinema tends to be much better at it. Céline Sciamma’s Girlhood and Lukas Moodysson’s Show Me Love are both great modern examples of films which are …
Film Review: The Mole Agent
Life expectancy has been steadily rising since the Industrial Revolution in the ‘First World’. This has been largely thanks to improvements in standards of living, healthcare availability and scientific breakthroughs. Along with decades of (relative) peace, this has led to aging populations. Public services and elderly care have failed to keep up, whilst diseases such …
Film Review: A Christmas Carol
Tis the season of goodwill to all men, but it would be interesting to see what Ebenezer Scrooge made of the modern Christmas. By mid-November we’re bombarded with TV adverts, work parties and dreadful ‘Hallmark’ movies. Bah humbug indeed! Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol remains a cherished and pertinent part of the festivities. It …
Film Review: Falling
Men of an older generation were often brought up to believe in certain things. Taught they had to be a ‘real man’. Which usually meant something along the lines of being the breadwinner, never showing emotion and bringing up your children in your own image. As society progressed and increasingly became more liberally minded in …
Film Review: Possessor
The film industry is full of examples of talent being passed down through generations. That and a healthy slab of nepotism which seems to run rife within the bubble of Hollywood. Whilst Brandon Cronenberg is very much a chip off the block, and his style undeniably owes a lot to father David, he is beginning …
Film Review: Concrete Plans
Britain today, as a society, has come a long way in a relatively short time. Whilst the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, the class system is gradually eroding. However, whilst being born into the landed gentry will still afford you privilege, that doesn’t necessarily equate to having money; even if …
Film Review – Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist
Whilst there have been many iconic films over the history of genre cinema, few have had such an impact and lasting appeal as The Exorcist. Whether that’s through the number of scenes which have become entrenched in popular culture or the whole controversy it generated upon release. Whilst Mark Kermode’s favourite film is now almost …
Film Review: Collective
Since the fall of the Ceaușescu regime in 1989, Romania has struggled to mirror the democratic countries to its west. Corruption has been rife and has wheedled its way into most aspects of everyday life. This has caused consternation within the European Commission and led to a number of demonstrations and reforms to tackle the …
Film Review: The Nest
Whilst she might have starred in a number of great TV shows, Carrie Coon remains one of the least recognisable great American actors. Coming late to the industry by way of the stage, the Ohioan has made a huge impression in just a short period of time. Most viewers will recognise her from roles in …