Film
Film Review: Werewolf
There are very few sane people who would argue that the Holocaust wasn’t the worst moment in modern European history. Whilst so many died, the impact on those who remained is almost impossible to quantify. Whilst many films have been made about the events surrounding the lowest period in human history, much less focus has …
Film Review: To Tokyo
Abuse is a difficult thing to deal with, let alone talk about. Victims often internalise their pain and suffering which can lead to self-destructive or dangerous behaviour. When that abuse is perpetrated by a family member or someone in a position of trust, the reaction can be so strong that it’s almost paralysing. In Caspar …
Film Review: Strange But True
The death of a loved one can place and almost intolerable burden on families and relationships. Issues which may have been simmering quietly below the surface can suddenly explode; causing huge ruptures. However, it’s impossible to tell how an individual will react to something like that. How they will deal with their grief. In Strange …
Film Review: Sea of Shadows
Human beings seem hell-bent on decimating and destroying our seas and oceans. Not to mention the creatures who reside within them or use them as their feeding grounds. If we’re not overfishing, we’re dumping tonnes of plastic. Or contaminating it with toxins and pollutants. Or merely damaging the environment in a way which erodes its …
Film Review: Best Before Death
Throughout his career Bill Drummond has been something of a shapeshifter. He’s formed a number of bands (Big in Japan, The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu, The Timelords and The KLF) experimented as a solo artist, made an unusual choirmaster, had a stint as an A&R man and was also a record producer. That’s not …
DVD Review: Never Grow Old
Emile Hirsch is one of those actors who seems to have starred in more films than you remember. He’s also got a fairly chequered personal history, and all this at just 34 years of age. After featuring in The Girl Next Door and Lords of Dogtown Hirsch made his big break in Into the Wild, …
DVD Review: Kaleidoscope
When it comes to leading men, it’s fair to say that Toby Jones doesn’t really fit in with the norm. The British actor doesn’t have the dashing good looks or muscular physique you’d normally expect. Then again, unlike most he’s a damn fine actor. Roles in Tinker Taylor, Soldier Spy, Berberian Sound Studio and Detectorists …
Grimmfest 2019 Preview
Now in its eleventh year, Grimmfest has quickly cemented its place on the UK horror film festival map. This year’s festival takes place at Odeon Manchester Great Northern between 3rd and 6th October. There’s an impressive combination of features and shorts on show with 2019’s line-up being unquestionably the strongest yet. We’ve scrutinised the digital …
Blu-Ray Review: The Go-Between
I think it’s fair to say that some actors, especially female ones, find their talent is sometimes overshadowed by (a press obsession with) their looks. Julie Christie was an icon of the swinging sixties. Whilst her ability was recognised with a number of awards, including an Oscar for Darling, she never really shook-off her status …
Blu-Ray Review: High Noon
In 1925, one of America’s most popular film stars first started out in the movies. Whilst Gary Cooper may have been a face which dominated cinema screens for decades, he came from humble beginnings. After a number of bit parts, his horsemanship and naturalistic acting style soon won him better roles. He starred in a …