Rebecca31

Brng Her Back is the kind of nightmare fuel that Pet Sematary should have achieved in either onscreen adaptation. It’s dark, twisted and evil. Brought to you by Danny and Michael Philippou, the creators of Talk To Me, another great horror well worth checking out for the fans. Andy (Billy Barratt) and his sister Piper (Sora Wong) are trying to make the adjustment to a foster home after a traumatic incident. Their new foster mother played by Sally Hawkins initially comes across as a tad unhinged. But it very quickly emerges that she isn’t the nice and friendly Sally Hawkins that Paddington Bear got. No, she’s straight out of a nightmare and nothing could be worse than realising you’re trapped with her in a super secluded and totally not creepy at all house. Bring Her Back is a supernatural horror movie that expertly weaves real life horrors into the story to create a dark and brutal movie that’ll shock and grip audiences. This film starts from a very dark place of loss and grief and descends into pure chaotic evil. And just when you think it can’t possibly get any more twisted, it does. You could hear a pin drop in the screening I attended and when the audience did react it was with sounds of horror and distress because this film does not shy away from the gore. The sheer level of terror captured in this film is the kind of thing many horrors can’t reach. It tackles some really tough issues like trauma, abuse, and manipulation. It’s pure horror, and the type of film that stays with you afterwards.Horror movies are always better when they can add extra layers of realistic evil together with the supernatural elements. That way it’s not only relying on the possession and rituals to scare you. It’s a smart and sophisticated horror that will really get under your skin. Although a bit of a slow burner, the payoff is absolutely worth the wait. It has a constant impending sense of dread that builds for the entire runtime. Bring Her Back is terrifying, emotionally distressing and brutal. Sure what would you want in a new horror? Danny and Michael Philippou are clear ones to watch because Bring Her Back is an impressive movie for only their second outing. All us horror fanatics will be excited to see what messed up story they bring us next. Bring Her Back is Don’t Look Now, meets Pet Sematary meets Martyrs. So if you enjoy your horror movies at all then under no circumstance should you miss this. Not for the faint hearted or easily squeamish, for everyone else it’s highly recommended.

Superman struggles to balance his Kryptonian heritage vs his human upbringing as Clark Kent. He finds himself in a world where the ideas of truth, justice & kindness are seen as old fashioned. The right tone was there the cast were great but the new Superman movie left me feeling like I just watched a hour trailer for about 10 different movies. It’s very frustrating to watch another great Superman actor appear in a movie that doesn’t do him any justice. Look we all loved Cavill but the dude deserved better movies than he got & it was reboot time so a recast was inevitable. David Corenswet acts & looks the part, him & Rachel Brosnahan have terrific chemistry together which was another element seriously lacking in the previous adaptations. Nicholas Hoult did a great job as Lex Luthor. The tone & feel of this made you feel like you were about to see a good old fashioned Superman movie but the result was a chaotic mess. I love superhero movies & I really did get my hopes up for this. I’d rewatch the first two Christopher Reeve movies again & again, I’d even look at the Brandon Routh one again because I enjoyed it. Then Man of Steel came along & **** all the joy and colour from the Superman franchise. But this adaptation has thrown it all back in with a brand new cast but they also threw in a whole bunch of other stuff, turning it into an overblown mess. There’s so many chaotic things going on constantly from aliens, space dinosaurs, floating orbs, too many characters, a seemingly “smart” villain making idiotic decisions, a pocket universe & a superdog purely there for distraction reasons. It’s also got quite a few things that you’ve seen before, mainly in Gunn’s other movies. They clearly took plenty of inspiration from the Superman comics but the script is a dumbed down mess filled with cheap lines, little to no character development & a story that didn’t have a clear focus. There’s also lots of pop songs for some reason. It’s not like Superman has one of the greatest movie scores of all time you could use, no let’s overstuff it with cheap pop songs at every opportunity instead that’s much better. Look I enjoy some of Gunn’s movies but the guy can only really do one thing, which is fun wacky space movies with so much going on you can barely see what’s on screen. And that can be fun & enjoyable at times but as the new head of DC he should have really recognised that he was not the right fit for a new Superman adaptation & should have found a director who adores Superman & would do it justice. Because this ends up feeling like a mishmash of too many ideas, too many characters & a story that’s all over the place. It should have worked, there’s clearly lots of inspirations from real world events. But I think their focus was more on potential set ups for about 6–10 other movies & Tv shows in this one thing alone. Like they lost focus on making a Superman film & went straight for setting up new franchises. Large segments feel like the little promos you get shown at Comic Con. It doesn’t feel like a director had a vision for this but rather a studio head laying out the conditions & asking it all to be shoved in together to test crowd reactions & greenlight any of the many many characters that get the best reactions. Superman ends up being a launch party for the upcoming DC Universe done in the exact same style as the MCU. It’s not like we haven’t been seeing that for the last 10+ years to the point where most of us are now completely fatigued by superhero movies. We’re hearing that more & more now and this right here is part of the reason why. Way to combat that guys, job well done. Superman is barely the star of his own movie, I really wanted this movie to be great & it pains me to say it was a huge disappointment with more flaws than heart. I can see the message they were trying to convey but the film itself is nothing near the standard it should have been. I miss a time where Superhero movies came when the technology did not exist to destroy a whole city with CGI. Or break it in half & stitch it back together again. We’ve seen so much of this overblown destruction now, if it’s not a giant blue laser it’s a whole city getting blown to pieces. With almost every new superhero movie it’s becoming more & more apparent that Scorsese was right when he called them “theme park movies.” That’s exactly what this feels like, not a movie in it’s own right but a set up for a new Universe of movies filled with cameos. But I’m still going to keep some hope because after what Matt Reeves was able to accomplish with The Batman there’s hope for a better class of superhero movies with the right creator at the helm. I went into Superman wanting to like it so much, I’ve never tried so hard to enjoy a movie but it did not come anywhere near expectations. All it did was make me appreciate the Christopher Reeve movies even more. Recommended if you’re an eight year old because that really feels like the target audience.

You're not you when you're hungry.....have a snickers. Here we go again, yet another instalment in the Jurassic Park/World franchise that completely misses why we all loved the original one so much. With rehashed ideas pieced together from other movies, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to hear that Jurassic World: Rebirth was the product of feeding all the previous Jurassic Park/World movies into an AI software and asking it to regurgitate a new movie. The result being this absolute soulless mess filled with nothing but badly reworked ideas. Five years after Jurassic World: Dominion and it turns out letting the dinosaurs loose to roam across the world hasn’t worked out so well. The planet isn’t all too hospitable to the dinosaurs and many of them have died as a result. Except of course for those who exist in “isolated equatorial environments” where the climate is closest to the one they once thrived in. So a shifty looking corporate suit puts together a team to go where “no one’s dumb enough to go” and get a blood sample from the three biggest dinosaurs to cure heart disease because science. And they go to the most dangerous place on earth because obviously that’s the only place left to find these colossal dinosaurs but of course where there’s a lab, there’s experiments gone wrong and sure enough something else is also waiting for them on that Island. I mean you think there’d be an easier way to cure heart disease. But if you find yourself arguing with any of the logic in this movie you’re going to lose. You can see immediately that this movie ain’t going to impress you with the story, you can only hope that it’s scary enough with all the dinosaur stuff to make up for that. Sorry to say for me this just ain’t it. Some people seem to have really loved Jurassic World: Rebirth, I think we may have seen different movies. Jonathan Bailey is the only one trying to have some fun with this and bring that sense of awe and wonder that the first movie had. But this film isn’t nearly good enough for that. I guess the one thing this movie actually brought back was the sense that the dinosaurs would actually eat some of the characters, as we all remember in most recent movies all Chris Pratt had to do was hold up his hand and it would stop a dinosaur in it’s tracks for some reason. The last three movies have been particularly focused on the fact that “people are no longer impressed by a dinosaur” so the obvious way to combat this it to create new mutated abominations to thrill people. Well we the cinema audience are being treated in the same way in that they keep making these movies with new weird looking dinosaurs in order to get people to go see a new movie in the franchise. And speaking of weird looking dinosaurs, the D-Rex as it’s called, a mutated creation deemed “too scary” for the original park is the monster that this whole movie builds up to. A monster that’s shown in the trailer by the way so there goes that surprise, it also looks like a T-Rex had a baby with the xenomorph from Alien in a desperate attempt to create something really scary. Somewhere along the line they got into their head that we’re bored by a “normal dinosaur.” Well that was never true, we’re bored by bad movies with terrible scripts. Each new movie in the Jurassic franchise has dumbed it down and thrown any logic overboard. And if you think I’m joking, the latest instalment is a glorified snickers ad because in the opening scene I think I’ve seen the most stupidest thing I’ve ever seen in one of these movies. They’re not even trying anymore, it’s all spectacle, no substance and it’ll never stop because no matter how bad these movies get or who’s in them they get people into the cinema regardless. So this mess is likely not the last Jurassic Park movie we’re gonna get. Even I went to see it despite the last one being an absolute shambles. There’s two kinds of people watching this movie, those who will roll their eyes so much they’ll go into the back of their head and stay there or those having an absolute blast of a time. Director Gareth Edwards has made better movies, the cast have been in better movies and don’t let Spielberg’s name as executive producer fool you. It means nothing. The story is lifeless, there’s no connection to the characters there’s no fear and tension leaving you feeling like what was the actual point. The main characters were definitely giving the vibe of Michael Caine in Jaws 4: The Revenge with a “just give me the pay cheque so I can go” mentality. Recommended for anyone who actually enjoyed Jurassic World: Dominion, if you liked that then chances are you’ll like this. Though don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Decades after the rage virus outbreak escaped a biological weapons laboratory, the survivors have found a way to exist amidst the infected. One group live on a small island connected to the mainland by a defended causeway. But with any virus, it does tend to mutate, making survival for those left even more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. When it first came out in 2002, it was probably hard to believe a low budget horror like 28 Days Later could have had the lasting effect that it had. Yet many horror fans were well used to the usual slow moving zombie movies that had come before it. But with this, you had these fast moving infected running straight at you with blood pouring out of every orifice. Infected with a virus that highjacked the mind in seconds, you were either infected too or torn to pieces. Terrifying for audiences when it first came out. One of the reasons it was so scary to me was probably because I was only about 14 when I first watched it. And I’ve been a Cillian Murphy/Danny Boyle fan ever since. Just ask anyone who knows me, sure I’ve been defending Sunshine for years now. An under appreciated sci-fi that I hope will gain new fans now with the release of the much anticipated 28 Years Later. The point of that rant was to highlight just how high my expectations were. So it is a little disappointing to admit this sequel didn’t live up to my expectations, that’s not to say it won’t live up to yours. From the moment the review embargo lifted, it’s clear this film is dividing people with some absolutely adoring it and others calling it a disaster. The only way to take that is you need to see it for yourself, anything that divisive is worth seeing. You can read as many reviews as you’d like but it’s something you need to experience for yourself. The less you know the better and the trailer did a wonderful job of showing you what the film is about without giving anything away. For me, it wasn’t nearly as good as the original 28 Days Later though I liked it more than 28 Weeks Later, a film with a terrific opening scene but that’s about it.Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have returned. Joining the cast are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes. Sorry to anyone expecting to see Cillian Murphy among the cast but they strategically didn’t confirm whether he was in this particular film until the last minute. But lucky for us this isn’t the end of the franchise. I think that might be my main issue with this, as it felt like they got about half way through making this sequel before realising there was more to tell and more movies to come from it so there’s unresolved ideas and as a result doesn’t work as a whole movie. There’s some set up here which I’ll admit makes me want to see another one. I ended up liking it, being disappointed and want to see more all at the same time. No spoilers but that ending particularly seems to be getting very mixed reactions. It certainly came right out of the blue and no one was expecting anything like that. All I can say is I want to see where the hell they’re going with it no matter how messed up it’s going to be.28 Years Later has some of the best cinematography you’ve seen in a horror movie in years. They shot most of this using iPhones which really puts you right in the middle of the heart pounding violence. While it’s got grotesque gore and horror it also has heartfelt performances, particularly from Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes. But the real standout is Alfie Williams as Spike. A 12-year-old boy making his first trip to the mainland, having been shielded from much of the horrors the virus has caused, he is now witnessing it with his own eyes. He really is the heart of the film and has a great acting future ahead of him. Aaron Taylor Johnson is also great in this and Jack O’Connell certainly leaves an impression. Between this and Sinners, the dude will make your skin crawl. “There are many kinds of death” and the way in which this film talks about death and loss is also getting strong emotional reactions from some cinemagoers. Perhaps the unexpected depth among the horror is what’s getting at people. This is a highly ambitious horror movie, not afraid to take risks and is clearly trying to do something different with a worn out genre. It seems all the horror movie franchises these days are getting legacy sequels, many of which don’t justify their existence. But despite how I felt about 28 Years Later I’m delighted they finally got another sequel made and I want to see the conclusion of this trilogy. 28 Years Later is recommended for all the horror fans out there, you need to see it to believe it.

For all you movie fans who loved Ana de Armas’s 12 minute scene in the last Bond movie and wanted more. Well now you have it. From the world of John Wick comes one of likely many spinoffs, Ballerina. Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) trains in the ancient traditions of the Ruska Roma and is hellbent on seeking out revenge on those who murdered her father. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina is a movie that’s still very much living in the shadow of the Baby Yaga (aka John Wick aka Keanu Reeves for anyone who is still new to the franchise). I’d argue that Keanu Reeves doesn’t actually need to be in this but he did get a cheer when he appeared onscreen so I guess you gotta give the fans what they want. Directed by Len Wiseman though considering this film went through a considerable amount of reshoots by Chad Stahelski I’m honestly not even sure who to credit this movie to so let’s just heap all the praise onto the star, Ana de Armas shall we. When you’ve got people crying out for a female Bond just direct them to Ballerina or Atomic Blonde. Because you can have a female led action movie without it feeling like a box ticking exercise and still have it deliver on the most important aspect, the stunts. Because let’s face it we’re not really here for the plot. It’s as generic as they come, overly long and story wise there isn’t an original idea in there. But what it does have is the typical “John Wick-esque” creative fight scenes, clear and expertly choreographed stunts and an action star kicking all kinds of ass. If you’re still not sold, the cast also contains Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, Gabriel Byrne and the late great Lance ****. What’s that? You’re still not convinced? Wait there’s more, I bet you’ve never seen someone get killed with an ice-skate before? Or how about a grenade fight? There’s also flamethrowers. And lots of Tchaikovsky just incase you forgot the movie was called Ballerina. But there is a surprising lack of actual ballet. Sure what more do you want? Now in typical John Wick fashion you do have to throw logic out the window because the sheer amount of cartoonish looney tunes violence going on in this is ramped up to the max. You’ll never see so many people get thrown through so many windows and jump back up again as if it was nothing. Everyone is practically knife proof and bullet proof until they’re no longer needed. At the same time for a world filled with supposedly the most highly trained assassins they all seem to have terrible aim. There’s nothing realistic about it but if you came for realism you really are in the wrong movie. Ballerina further expands on the assassin world to the point where almost every person on the planet is part of this underground syndicate of deadly assassins. I mean I know their hotels are nice but how many paid hitmen does a society really need? It can’t really deliver when it tries to delve deep into the emotional revenge thriller. I don’t know where it thinks it’s going with this serious tone because we’re talking about an entire franchise that was spawned from someone killing John Wick’s dog. It’s a tad late for these movies to start taking themselves too seriously. When it goes headfirst into the action that’s when it becomes a fun bloody mess, kudos to the entire stunt team, they really make these movies a fun thrill ride and worth the ticket price. Ana de Armas manages to be her own hero in her own movie without copying Keanu Reeves (honestly I don’t think she could pull off his line delivery and his little run even if she tried). Recommended for fans of the John Wick movies.

Set in 1932 Mississippi, twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) roll back into their hometown to open a juke joint. Only something far more sinister is waiting for them. “If you keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.” Director Ryan Coogler has entered the horror arena and I hope he’s here to stay because Sinners is an absolute masterpiece from start to finish. It’s part horror, part musical, and part historical drama. But I think one of the reasons Sinners stands out so much is how it uses music to tell the story. There’s no understating the importance of music to a horror movie. Thinking of all the best ones out there, they all have a stellar score to compliment it. From The Exorcist, Halloween, Jaws, The Shining to name a few. Ludwig Göransson created a spectacular and heart pounding movie soundtrack that elevates the entire film. Every single scene uses music effectively to create the tension and progress the narrative. Expertly combining blues, metal and Irish folk music in perhaps the most original movie soundtrack I’ve heard in decades. Give the man all the awards because it’s the best movie score you’ll hear all year. It spends a good amount of time in the opening scenes to build up the different characters, a step that many modern horrors tend to skip but in order for the audience to actually care about the characters and what happens to them, the necessary development is required first. The casting was absolutely on point here, every single one chosen perfectly. Michael B. Jordan effortlessly playing two different brothers with different vibes. Debutant, Miles Caton as “Preacher Boy” with a blues voice to die for. And you also have terrific performances from Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo that add extra depth and emotion to the story before the chaos begins. For obvious reasons, Jack O’Connell is a clear standout performance. He is having the time of his life in this role and his onscreen presence takes over from the moment he jumps onto the screen. There’s more than one type of monster in Sinners. I would say the less you know about it the better but sure all the marketing around it made it very clear what type of horror movie it is. But on the off chance you’ve been living under a rock this past year, I won’t spoil the details. Just know that you’re in for a wild ride and a horror movie that has definitely earned it’s place among the greatest. The film captures generational trauma without turning it into an endurance test. It’s blood-drenched, adrenaline-fuelled mayhem, that’s creepy, haunting and entertaining all at the same time. In a time where movie fans are crying out for some originality well you’ve got it in buckets here. So if you haven’t seen it already you better go out and change that. It’s already hugely successful and will continue to grow a fanbase. Due to it’s immense popularity combined with the financial success, the movie studios are now begging for a sequel, in the typical attitude of “franchise the damn thing.” Well rather than spawn another franchise, it would be far better to give Coogler the time and money to make his own original films because after seeing this, it’s clear the man knows how to direct and tell stories in captivating and unique ways. Sinners is highly recommended, I cannot say any more about it other than I loved it and it’s an easy five star rating.

Australia, home to some of the world’s most dangerous animals, but none is more dangerous than man. *Cue the loud and bombastic music.* There’s endless life lessons you can take from a movie, and let’s just say if you’re about to go cage diving with sharks organised by an unhinged captain who proceeds to sing “Baby Shark” before dunking you in the water then that’s your cue to run (or swim) as far as you can in the other direction. But if you’re already in the water then it’s already too late. A free-spirited surfer called Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) ends up in a nightmare situation when she is abducted by Tucker (Jai Courtney) a shark-obsessed serial killer. She must figure out a way to escape his clutches before feeding time for the great whites. Dangerous Animals is the thrilling serial killer/shark movie mashup you never knew you needed. Featuring some rather scary looking sharks. Because let’s be honest, sharks are scary. There’s a whole movie franchise that made people petrified to go near the water. But if there’s one thing more scary a deadly predator swimming straight for you with no escape it’s Jai Courtney. Make no mistake, the sharks aren’t the star of Dangerous Animals, no it’s Jai Courtney. A man who absolutely understood the assignment and ends up doing far more scenery chewing than any of the sharks that appear in this gory slasher flick. I wouldn’t exactly be a fan of any of his other movies, but the man might have found his niche. He’s having an absolute blast in this role and it makes for some entertaining viewing. If there’s one thing cinema audiences frequently crave is a monster movie, shark films particularly peak our interests and this is certainly one with a twist. Not the type of thing you’ll see every day that’s for sure. It’s a solid horror/survival movie that will play out almost how you’d expect. Dangerous Animals is far better than it had any right to be. On paper the plot sounds mental but it’s pure bloody entertainment and will satisfy both thriller fans and shark movie enthusiasts. I know you’re out there, we didn’t get four Jaws movies and six Sharknado movies for nothing. So chomp on a piece of this and enjoy. Recommended for all the twisted movie fans out there.

The Substance is one of the most shocking horror movies I’ve seen in years. It’s like someone used the telepods from The Fly and mixed David Cronenberg’s movies with Sunset Boulevard and John Carpenter’s The Thing to create the resulting monster, The Substance. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) has had her day in the sun as one of Hollywood’s most dazzling stars. Now as a fading celebrity who’s diminishing career is about to be extinguished forever, she decides to use a black market drug in a desperate attempt to be a star again. This drug known as the substance promises so much by using cell-replicating technology to create a “younger, better version of yourself.” Hollywood can be unforgiving to an aging actress, and with every glance in the mirror, Elisabeth is reminded that she is not the young woman with the same opportunities. And with her producer Harvey (Dennis Quaid) getting ready to replace her, she is apparently left with no other options to rejoin the world she craves and loves. A world ruthless enough to replace her in a heartbeat with someone younger, prettier and more perfect. Now Sue (Margaret Qualley) enters the scene to allow her to reclaim the life she desires. The Substance is very appropriate for todays climate of unrealistic beauty standards, dangerous surgeries and drugs to keep people looking like an AI generated person. The unattainable perfection that people are driven to try an achieve at whatever the cost is ramped up to crazy levels with this black market drug that Elisabeth takes and refuses to stop despite the rather alarming side effects. I don’t want to explain too much about the plot because the less you know the better. The trailer does an excellent job at telling you what this film is about but showing very little. Nothing is spoiled and it makes all the difference when you see it onscreen for the first time. The Substance is a truly ghastly, gnarly and grotesque horror movie. It holds a mirror up against the extreme lengths people go to in order to stay looking young and perfect. It’s an absolute must-see and an unforgettable experience. It’s a hard one to recommend because for most you’ll either adore it or it will turn your stomach so much that you’ll have to leave. I expect every screening of The Substance will have at least one walk-out. You also might want to skip the food for this one. I don’t think I can look at prawns or eggs again without being reminded of this film. The sound in this film is actually wonderfully done, that scene with Dennis Quaid munching endlessly on prawns is embedded in my brain forever and despite all the mental stuff that happens throughout this movie, I think it’s that scene that had me thinking if this goes on much longer I won’t be able to stick it. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge 2014), this is only her second feature length film and if this is just the beginning then I can’t wait to see what she makes next. Demi Moore is giving a brilliant performance and does so much with not a lot of dialogue. She portrays immense levels of self-loathing and hatred, this might be one of her best performances. Margaret Qualley was another great casting choice and together they make the perfect duo, expertly portraying the vulnerability and rage required to pull this off. I thought it got a bit over the top towards the end and although I did like the ending, how it got there felt like a bit much. But it’s an instant cult classic. Almost like it came straight out of the 80s video nasties era. It’s revolting, groundbreaking and satirical all at the same time. Every small attention to detail will make you as uncomfortable as possible, from the sound mentioned earlier to the camera work and cinematography. It’s particularly voyeuristic and with all the insane closeups making you feel like you want these horrible people out of your face. You will squirm in your seat and the images will stay with you forever. A bold and outrageous story made by a filmmaker with a lot to say. And wow does she say it all with this spectacle of a film. What more could you possibly want from a horror movie? It’s horrifying and insane. Highly recommended.

Special Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is close on the tail of a prolific serial killer who’s been active for over 20 years. With a trail of murders and coded letters the case was previously dead with no leads, but Harker’s unique perspective and fresh eyes is just what the case needs to put an end to the killing spree. Longlegs is a film that grabbed headlines by declaring itself as “the scariest film of the decade.” A high bar indeed, and in the months before its release the hype has been building which has clearly paid off judging by the amount of packed cinema screens on it’s opening weekend. It seems film buffs were all too delighted to rush to the cinemas in the hope of seeing something truly terrifying. We could spend all deciding what actually deserves the title of “scariest film of the decade” but like comedies, horror is subjective. So yes, there are some who will find this to be the most horrifying thing they’ve ever seen while others might not be so freaked out by it but I’m confident that everyone will no doubt be creeped out by a high-pitched Nicholas Cage. The dude’s scary enough without makeup. At the end of the day, director Osgood “Oz” Perkins has created an original, scary horror movie that creates a sense of dread and will stay with many of you after the credits have ended. From the very opening scene, the creepy and ominous tone is purely set. Every frame afterwards sets out to make you as uncomfortable as possible, everything from the music, visuals and cinematography is carefully crafted to force you into a state of unease as the tension builds and builds. Maika Monroe is giving a performance reminiscent of Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs and Nicolas Cage gives a frightening performance even for him. Just when you think you’ve seen him at his most manic, he apparently had another level that none of us was aware of. He’s also kept out of sight from the trailers and you only see what you need to when you need to. Longlegs is a masterclass in pacing, revealing elements gradually whilst increasing the ever-growing sense of foreboding. It’s a movie that feels evil, like if Silence of the Lambs, Zodiac and The Omen had a baby it would be this. Successfully managing to feel like something from another time while also being something new. It’s not one to rely on cheap jump scares, instead focusing on a darkly disturbing psychological tale that horror fans will not want to miss. If Oz Perkins makes more horror movies like this then I’m definitely on board. Because it’s not easy to bring some originality to the horror genre while also getting people to see it. The marketing department have done a terrific job promoting Longlegs and the amount of near sold out screens is a further reminder that cinema is far from dead. Audiences will show up for new and original ideas, so if you really want to know if it’s as scary as you’ve heard then there’s only one way to find out. If you haven’t seen it yet, get yourselves to the cinema to see Longlegs, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended and essential viewing for both the horror and crime fans.

And the Oscar for best performance from a cat in a motion picture goes to Frodo the cat in A Quiet Place: Day One. The “death angels” (yes that’s what they’re really called, I didn’t make it up) are back. Only this time we’re seeing the invasion from where it all began. Day one in New York City which according to the movie, reaches noise levels of around 90 decibels which is the equivalent to a constant scream. While other alien invasion movies have the aliens inevitably arriving straight to New York for some reason, as if there’s a giant tourist office in space that lets all the aliens travelling to earth know that yes New York is the place to be. But in A Quiet Place: Day One the aliens that hunt purely by sound are of course going to be attracted to the noisy city. Instant panic sets in and as the population realises how the monsters hunt, an eerie silence descends upon the city as the fight for survival begins. Sam (Lupita Nyong’O) finds herself on a rare trip to New York City during the initial invasion by the aliens. Talk about bad timing. But also in the wrong place at the wrong time is Eric (Joseph Quinn) and together they must stay as quiet as possible in order to survive the monsters that hunt by ultra-sensitive hearing. Day One may not be quiet as terrifying as A Quiet Place or A Quiet Place Part II but it’s another sequel to a franchise that will delight horror fans. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath. Director Michael Sarnoski has taken over from John Krasinski and he definitely brings an emotional depth that I really wasn’t expecting. He’s probably most well-known for directing Pig in 2021, definitely recommended for anyone that missed it. The story has much more to it than what could have been a simple alien invasion movie. The trailer rightly held back some of these details and it’s interesting to see the characters motivations throughout the story. The standout feature of A Quiet Place: Day One is without a doubt Lupita Nyong’O. She expresses so much without saying a word. Her performance along with the emotional storyline is what elevates the entire film and puts it above the majority of other monster/alien movies. Cinema fans may have some difficulty with certain movie goers for this film, let’s just say if you’re ordering nachos for A Quiet Place: Day One it would be better for everyone if you stay at home and wait for the DVD. Highly recommended for horror fans and essential viewing for fans of the first two A Quiet Place movies.

Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) is hellbent on becoming “a f***ing movie star” by making the jump from pornstar to real movie star. When the opportunity to audition for a sequel to The Puritan presents itself she will do whatever it takes to get the part. But when a serial killer is spending their nights stalking Hollywood starlets, a trail of blood is threatening to reveal Maxine’s sinister past. But Maxine is a woman who can certainly take care of herself and she is absolutely determined not to let anything get in the way of her big break. The conclusion to the X trilogy, following X and Pearl in 2022. If you’re a fan of either of those movies then MaXXXine is a must-see. But if you haven’t seen the previous films, don’t be deterred because MaXXXine also works very effectively as a standalone film. A hyperviolent slasher movie that perfectly captures the feel of 1980s Hollywood. From the sleazy producers, iconic movie shots, glamourous costumes, MaXXXine is packed full of throwbacks to old Hollywood movies. Adding the backdrop of the infamous satanic panic that gripped Hollywood along with the Night Stalker serial killer and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a grimy, gory horror movie. Mia Goth is further cementing herself as the queen of horror, giving another great performance. There’s also a strong supporting cast made up of Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon. MaXXXine is dark and twisted with the perfect combination between crime and horror. An 80s slasher flick that will transport you back in time because every single attention to detail will make you feel like you’re watching a real 80s movie and not something that was made in 2024. The filmmakers apparently went “old-school” for this one and it definitely shows. Too many modern films have a crisp and polished look to them which works for some but if you’re trying to create a certain vibe then you really do want to make it look like you’ve shot on film rather than digital. It might be a little all over the place towards the end, as it felt like they filmed a few too many end sequences and decided to use them all but it’s a gritty, seedy horror flick that I’d highly recommend.2024 is turning out to be a great year for horror movie fans, so far some of the standouts have been Late Night with the Devil, Abigail, A Quiet Place: Day One, and upcoming films with a lot of buzz include Longlegs, Trap, Speak No Evil, and of course Nosferatu. Us horror fans are truly spoilt for choice but be sure to add MaXXXine to your list. If you’re looking for something to entertain this weekend then you’ve found your choice, not for the faint hearted.

Well George Miller “do you have it in you to make it epic?” The answer is yes he does. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is an action packed revenge thriller and a cinematic spectacle that needs to be seen on the biggest screen to be fully appreciated. Another Summer blockbuster, another Mad Max movie. Everyone’s favourite renegade warrior Furiosa (sorry lads it’s not Charlize Theron, the younger role is now played by Anya Taylor-Joy) has returned to the big screen in an origin movie that tells the tale of how she was snatched from the idyllic Green Place and landed straight in the hands of the Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) and his biker Horde. As they travel through the vast wasteland they come across the Citadel which is currently under the rulership of the Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). While the two Warlords fight for dominance, Furiosa must survive as she tries to find her way home. I was never much of a fan of the original Mad Max movies, and I didn’t get into the franchise until Mad Max: Fury Road. That was pure mayhem and probably one of the best action movies made in recent years. Yet despite being called Mad Max, it was Furiosa played by Charlize Theron who really stood out. She upstaged every single character in Fury Road so it’s no surprise we’ve gotten a prequel. A deep dive into her backstory promises so much and wow does it deliver. I not only thoroughly enjoyed Furiosa but I’d go so far in saying it’s the best Mad Max movie to date. Yes I am saying it’s better than Fury Road, and I know that won’t be the case for everyone but if you like any of the Mad Max movies then be sure not to miss the latest instalment. It’s pure pulsating adrenaline fuelled madness. I loved it and cannot wait to see it again. While Fury Road was pure action from start to finish, Furiosa has more story to it than any of the other Mad Max movies. Don’t worry the action is still there but it’s got more savagery, more rage, and a revenge driven story generally goes down well with everyone. Though I am surprised to see how empty the cinemas are for Furiosa, like honestly everything about this film is made for a giant screen with an epic sound system. It’s a movie so clearly made for cinemas I don’t understand why so few people are seeing this. Film fans get out there and see Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, you are in for a treat. And sure it might have the absence of Mad Max but Furiosa is an absolutely brilliant character and Anya Taylor-Joy exceeded expectations to take on the ferocious Furiosa. Her backstory is fully fleshed out and we all saw the same headlines, with Taylor-Joy only having about 30 lines of dialogue. She made such an impact with a mostly non-verbal role, she delivers so much emotion with her facial expressions and intense stares. Her eyes practically bore into your soul, and as the story progresses she sounds more and more like Charlize Theron it’s eerie. It’s also worth mentioning that we really don’t see Anya Taylor-Joy until about an hour into the movie. For the first couple of chapters, she is played by Alyla Browne. Who with a little help from CGI looks more like Anya Taylor-Joy than she would normally. She also plays the character to perfection and the transition between the two actors is seamless. And of course I have to mention Chris Hemsworth’s manic performance as the deranged Dementus. He is chewing every bit of scenery for every second he’s onscreen. Channelling his inner villain that would almost remind you of Heath Ledger’s Joker. Hemsworth is giving arguably one of his best ever performances, a character completely demented and unhinged he’s unpredictable in every scene which makes for great entertainment. It’s fabulous to witness and this is clearly a man who understood the assignment. In fact all the characters are unique and demented in their own way. There is so much going on within all the scenes, you’re left feeling like you want more in this post apocalyptic wasteland. The attention to detail and world-building is all expertly crafted by George Miller and he has raised the bar for the Mad Max movies. However, considering this latest instalment’s dwindling box office performance, we may not get to see another Mad Max movie despite plans already in place for another one. And wouldn’t that be a shame, because the level of creativity that goes into these movies and the sheer level of action and stunts is what cinema was made for. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you to see this film, it’s one of the best films of the year. The sound, cinematography, stunts, costumes, characters are all spectacular. Your weekly cinema trip awaits. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is highly recommended and a must-see for all the Mad Max fans or for anyone who wants to stare at Chris Hemsworth for two and a half hours.

While the longevity of the Planet of the Apes franchise is impressive, this latest instalment doesn’t quite live up to the very high bar of the recent Apes trilogy. Decades after the reign of Caesar, apes are now the dominant species with the humans forced to live in the shadows. While a new tyrannical ape called Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand) is building his massive empire, a young ape called Noa (Owen Teague) embarks on a journey which leads him to question everything he has known about the past. The motion capture is terrific, I’d expect nothing less at this point. This is particularly impressive when compared to another heavily CGI film that came out this year, Godzilla x Kong. There really is no comparison in the visual effects between the two, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is far superior. The main cast especially were great choices to continue the franchise, Owen Teague and Kevin Durand did a great job. Following the king of motion capture, Andy Serkis is no easy task but they really went all in with the characters. They’re the engaging part of the story, while the humans don’t really do much. Director Wes Ball pitched this movie as Apocalypto with Apes which honestly is a brilliant idea to continue this franchise. And yes that theme is definitely there, but it didn’t quite delve fully into that premise. The whole thing with Proximus Caesar enslaving the apes and his obsession with humanity’s history are the intriguing elements, but you spend over an hour getting to that. Before that we meet Noa, a young ape in the Eagle Clan. And while the cinematography is very impressive all this set up is very very slow to kickstart the story, a few people even left during this. But once it does get going the wait pays off and things finally get entertaining. But even then the ideas feel rushed and not fully explored. The villain just doesn’t get enough screen time, especially compared with Koba in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and when it’s time for the final showdown the audience is fully engaged, but for this it all feel a little flat. You can clearly see this is now a Disney production and although the ideas are there, there’s missed potential in this new movie. There’s lots of references to the original Planet of the Apes which die-hard fans of the franchise will be happy with. But ultimately the film overall doesn’t feel as revolutionary as it should have been. Rise, Dawn and War for the Planet of the Apes were each a film in their own right with a solid storyline that continued on and grew with each movie. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes feels a lot like filler and set ups for future movies. The franchise is as popular as ever with a total of at least five more movies in the pipeline. I’m usually one for giving out about Hollywood’s lack of originality and the need for new ideas but honestly there’s lots of potential with the Apes movies if given to the right storytellers. With the huge amount of varied storylines and politics that can be delved into they’ve probably enough material to expand into an entire universe. But just because they can, doesn’t mean they should. Each and every new movie needs to be a film in it’s own right and not just a teaser for future movies. The bar from the previous trilogy was very high, they were revolutionary sci-fi adventure movies with a brilliant lead character. I’d rewatch any of them in a heartbeat whereas I’m unlikely to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes any time soon. Recommended for Planet of the Apes fans, and for anyone new to these movies, this is definitely not the one to start with.

The Fall Guy is pure cheesy entertainment and the perfect way to pay tribute to the stunt teams that make so many amazing films. Stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is dragged back into the dangerous world of stunts to find actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the missing star of a huge movie blockbuster which just so happens to be directed by his ex-girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt). Finding the missing actor not only proves to be more difficult than anticipated but a conspiracy slowly begins to unravel as Colt is desperate to win back the love of his life. But he’s a stuntman whose middle name is danger so what could possibly go wrong? Filmmaking throughout history owe a huge debt to stuntpeople. They don’t always get the credit they deserve particularly at awards season and one can only hope that this soon changes. In the last few years particularly there’s been more and more discussion around the lack of recognition at awards, particularly the Academy. Well listen up lads because it’s a category that 100% deserves some recognition. Whether it’s getting blown up, set on fire, thrown through windows or dropped from the highest of heights, each and every one of them are risking their lives to do the jobs no one else would dare do. The Fall Guy is a very cheesy romantic action comedy that will no doubt entertain audiences. So get out there this bank holiday weekend and see The Fall Guy. It’s packed full of jokes, many of which were featured in the trailers and not all of which land but enough of them will. Ryan Gosling was a great casting choice for stuntman Colt Seavers, he once again plays a comedic performance to perfection, and paired with Emily Blunt they really do make a terrific onscreen duo. But it’s also worth mentioning Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s performance as the ridiculous numbskull actor Tom Ryder. Although a little slow to start and drags on a bit it does manage to pull itself together to deliver on a great third act. Just when you think the stunts can’t get any more outrageous, they raise the stakes again and again. And yes, at times it feels like an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger but I still enjoyed it. And beneath all the romantic comedy stuff, The Fall Guy is a love letter to the undervalued stunt performers. With some new and exciting action sequences that push the boundaries while also paying homage to movies of the past, it’s a movie that everyone will enjoy and if you’re a film buff at all then it’s a must see. I don’t understand the people in my screen who left during the credits, it’s clearly worth sticking around for. Because I was looking at the stunts throughout The Fall Guy thinking some of this can’t be real but sure enough they’re all real stunts and absolutely fair play to the stunt designer Chris O’Hara and each and every stunt performer who made this movie. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended for all you action movie fans and of course the Ryan Gosling fans won’t want to miss this.

A group of “professional” criminals each with their own special skillset kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful and rich man. What originally seemed like an easy job and a quick way to collect a $50 million ransom goes horrendously wrong when they realise the seemingly ordinary little girl is in fact a vampire. Now these strangers are forced to work together if they are to have any chance of surviving the night locked in a mansion with a monster. Cue the dramatic music. Abigail is yet another example of a horror movie that would have greatly benefited from omitting a few key details from the trailers. Considering all the marketing for the movie was heavily promoting it as a vampire movie this was impossible and I imagine they wanted to make sure Abigail found its target audience. But hiding the fact that it is a vampire movie and revealing it as a surprise would have been a great opportunity. This also isn’t the first time a horror movie has done this before, another example being Jordan Peele’s Us, which also had a trailer that revealed too much. And if I’ve just spoiled the fact that Abigail is a vampire movie I apologise. Getting past that, Abigail is your typical kind of movie that starts as one thing and then transforms into another. Absolutely blood drenched mayhem and lots of fun. Sure it doesn’t really bring anything new to the vampire genre but it’s very entertaining, funny and absolutely delivers on the gore. You won’t be disappointed I promise. As the story progresses, things escalate from crazy to manic to what the hell is happening. It does lose itself eventually and feels a little like the filmmakers had about three different endings in mind and said **** it we’ll do all three. So yes it gets a bit ridiculous towards the end but I enjoyed it. The film succeeds at making you laugh and having a bit of fun with some old vampire movie tropes. But it’s also got a sharp set of teeth, the tone is on point, with a gothic setting and the continuous use of “Swan Lake” is a nice throwback to the Bela Lugosi era. Of course Abigail (Alisha Weir) also being a ballerina plays into this quite well. She’s perfect for this part, because you definitely believe that Abigail the ballerina vampire will absolutely tear your throat out. I’d love to know what the fake blood budget was for this movie because it is a bloodbath. The use of practical effects also goes down well and doesn’t have an over-reliance on CGI. The cast were the perfect combination of characters but it really seems like it’s Dan Stevens who’s having a blast with this part, he’s chewing the scenery but for this kind of film it works very well. If you’re looking for a horror to see in the cinema, Abigail is a great choice. Whether you’re a diehard fan of vampire movies or it’s your first one there’s something for everyone. It’s clear everyone involved in making Abigail had fun filming it and it feels like it was made by people who genuinely enjoy horror movies. And lads they filmed it in Dublin so I know you won’t want to miss that. Recommended for vampire fans.

Set in a dystopian future America, a team of journalists race against time to reach DC before the rebel factions descend upon the White House. Seasoned war journalists Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) end up with a couple of tag-alongs on their perilous journey to DC, aspiring journalist Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) and distinguished political writer Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Each and every encounter the closer they get to the capital is fraught with danger. Civil War promised a lot and although it didn’t quite deliver, it’s disturbing and heart-pounding where it counts. It might have been my own expectation or the picture that the trailer painted but whatever the reason, Civil War felt like it didn’t live up to it’s full potential. For anyone who has yet to see it, be warned it’s not what the trailer makes it seem. It’s a character driven story about journalism as we witness the horrors of war through their camera lens. There are scenes that will no doubt have viewers on the edge of their seats. The stand out scene for many is probably the Jesse Plemons scene. And rightly so because it’s terrifying, he’s a great actor for making the best use of a small yet impactful role. The acting from everyone is honestly great but the clear standout performance is Kirsten Dunst. She is absolutely brilliant at portraying the war photographer clearly at a point where she has become desensitized to the ongoing violence. Compare that to the inexperienced journalist, Jessie, who becomes a representation of the viewer as we see these horrifying scenes for the first time. With piercing gunshots that are quite deafening, the sound in Civil War is very effective in throwing you right in the middle of the conflict. I didn’t quite get the random music choices throughout but maybe that’s just me. Overall I was left feeling like the idea for this film was there but not as well executed as it could have been. It’s generated lots of discourse and will continue to be perhaps 2024’s most talked about film and does seem to have divided lots of people. But if there’s one thing I think most people can agree on is it’s clear with its anti-war message. It may leave a lot unsaid and open to interpretation and it’s clearly drawn on some real life recent events in its depiction of a dystopian America. But even as I write this, the threat of WWIII is looming and I wish that was an over exaggeration but with the world the way it is today, the importance of honest journalism during times of conflict cannot be understated. Civil War reminds us just how important real journalists are and how dangerous it can be. Civil War isn’t as good as Garland’s Ex Machina but it’s a lot better than Men. And even though all of Garland’s films may not land for everyone, he’s a great director and it’s sad to see he doesn’t want to direct anymore. Hopefully he stays involved in the writing side of filmmaking because I really do love 28 Days Later and Sunshine. Civil War is recommended for everyone, it’s a provocative and thought-provoking film that everyone should see at least once.

Fuelled by an all consuming quest for revenge, a young man (Dev Patel) spends his time getting beaten bloody in an underground fight club. He infiltrates a high end establishment in order to get close to the city’s corrupt and elite. When the opportunity presents itself he unleashes years of rage and trauma to seek vengeance against the men who took everything from him. Bone-crunching, violent and exhilarating from start to finish. Monkey Man is like John Wick meets Kill Bill meets The Raid. Full of fights, full of rage and full of energy. Set in a city where the little guy is continually getting crushed by the powerful and corrupt. It’s a real underdog story, and sure to find lots of fans in the cinema because if there’s one thing audiences will always enjoy, it’s a revenge thriller. As these stories go it’s not reinventing anything, it’s a crime movie similar to many you’ve seen before but it’s stylish, brutal and gritty. It does have too much shaky camera work and at times is difficult to see through the chaos. This settles down eventually as the film progresses and while it’s full of energy there are moments when the pacing suffers. But overall it will definitely deliver on the action and the ferocious fight scenes. But what makes it unique is it’s decision to tackle issues like class, social conflict, and police brutality which makes it stand out from some other more generic action movies. It definitely had more depth to it than I was expecting. Dev Patel is showing us all that he has a particular set of skills that he’s not afraid to use. And no it’s not just pummelling half of Mumbai to death but his skill as a director. Monkey Man is a very impressive directorial debut and has rightly earned its place among some of the best action/revenge stories. I hope Hollywood allows Patel to make more movies because it’s clear he has a real love of cinema. He’s an action movie star now even if he did have to go and create the role for himself. And it shouldn’t have needed to be saved from streaming by Jordan Peele but for a while there it did look like Monkey Man wouldn’t appear in cinemas at all. Well it’s here now so get out there this weekend and check it out. Highly recommended and a must see for action movie fans.

Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) a late night talk show host for “Night Owls” on the cusp of falling down the rankings and desperate to revive his dwindling career puts on a unique, albeit unorthodox Halloween Special that no one will ever forget. Jack Delroy’s guests consist of psychic Christou (Fayssal Bazzi), skeptic and former magician Carmichael the Conjurer (Ian Bliss), parapsychologist author June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) and June’s subject, Lilly (Ingrid Torelli). June’s book “Conversations with the Devil” and a live demonic demonstration with Lilly promises to be the highlight of the show and hopefully provide the ratings that Delroy so desperately craves. So now on Halloween night, the platform is perfectly planned for Delroy to play on people’s fears and have a night full of scares. Soon after the programme begins, a couple of events in the show appear to go awry but with the viewers increasing the show must definitely go on. Anything for the much needed ratings. Things eventually escalate, despite the crew becoming more uncomfortable with the strange occurrences as the night progresses. By the time we reach the highly anticipated live conversation with the demon, things take a very dark turn and will leave the studio audience and viewers at home traumatised. It’s an original take on the possession movies that let’s be honest, has been done to death and Late Night with the Devil is a breath of fresh air. Here’s a horror that will effortlessly transport you straight back to the 1970s as we witness the broadcast along with behind the scenes footage from the commercial breaks. The production design was on point for absolutely everything. It captures the public hysteria around satanic cults and demonic activity that took hold in the 70s, this along with the sets, costumes, script and tone will make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all. Dastmalchian brilliantly emulates a 1970s talk show host, slick, charming and sleazy. With some genuine scares, great pacing and lots of tension, Late Night with the Devil is sure to delight many horror fans. All the attention to detail is perfect in immersing you into this time period and speaking of attention to detail, eagle eyed viewers have spotted the AI generated art that appears in the backdrop and various cutaways. I’m aware it’s created some boycotting, and while I don’t agree with boycotting an indie movie over three images, this is a dangerous stepping stone for what is to come. It starts with something small like this and progresses to much more. Creativity should be left in the more than capable hands of humans and AI can keep well away from the arts where it belongs. So look I understand why people are angry about this and rightly so but it’s an independent movie with a lot of work that went into it and deserves to be seen despite the clearly poorly judged inclusion of some artwork that could have easily gone to a person instead. Horror fans, Late Night with the Devil was made for us, it’s witty, dark, weird, and spooky with great performances and a chance to see David Dastmalchian in a leading role. All those quirky parts have led up to this moment and he knocked it out of the park. I loved it, highly recommended for horror movie fans. Not every cinema is showing this so be sure to see it before it’s gone.

Denis Villeneuve’s epic take on the Frank Herbert novels continues in perhaps the most anticipated movie of 2024. Dune: Part Two has finally graced our screens after months of delays and with this much hype and anticipation has it lived up to expectations? Not only is it better than Dune Part One it’s probably one of the greatest sci-fi movies I have ever seen. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while he seeks revenge against the conspirators who massacred his family. Faced with a difficult choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he is determined to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.With every new movie added to his repertoire, Denis Villeneuve is further cemented as one of this generations greatest directors. Particularly sci-fi movies because Dune: Part Two is an actual masterpiece and so obviously made by a director who loves the source material. You can really feel when a filmmaker believes in and more importantly is allowed to make the movie they were hired to make. Every scene and every shot is carefully crafted and will leave the audience feeling exhilarated. It’s a sci-fi/fantasy movie that is still very much grounded in reality and keeps the focus on the characters, the politics and of course the good vs evil/oppressed vs oppressor theme. All the groundwork laid in Dune 2021 comes to fruition now and it’s kicked up a gear. The roaring soundtrack, the spectacular visuals, production design and expertly choreographed fight scenes are absolutely enthralling. With so many moments where you know you’re watching a truly brilliant movie, stunning sequences and scenes that grip the audience. A sci-fi epic for the ages that absolutely needs to be seen on the biggest and loudest screen possible. With the amount of work Hans Zimmer has put into the score for Dune it’s worth it, I mean you might be a bit deaf for a while after it but it’s worth it I promise. Dune: Part Two is packed full of terrific actors each giving it their all, maybe not you Christopher Walken who looks like he wandered off the set of another movie and no one told him to leave. The transformation in Timothée Chalamet from the beginning of the film to the end is a masterclass in character development. Also added to the cast in this sequel is Florence Pugh, with a small but impactful role. Yet it’s Austin Butler as Feyd, the psychotic nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) that really steals every scene he’s in. And yes if you remove anyone’s eyebrows they’re going to look a little unhinged but he really played a psycho killer to perfection. It’s not only a brilliant fantasy/adventure movie, it’s also got the deeply moving performances from all the cast that elevates the entire movie and will no doubt ensure it will always be ranked as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made. While for me, Dune: Part One felt a little like half of a film, but Part Two has much more bite to it. It’s bigger, louder and angrier. This is pure cinema, a thrilling experience for every minute and for film fans it’s essential viewing. It’s already made more than it’s predecessor but considering the circumstances that’s not surprising. Dune: Part Two is the type of film that after you’ve seen it, you immediately want to see it again, so I expect after it’s cinematic run it will have done very well. Highly recommended for everyone and now we’re all eagerly awaiting Part Three.

I'll be hearing this film for the rest of my life. The Zone of Interest is one of the most haunting films ever made, and will stay with each and every one of you forever. Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) strive to build an idyllic life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp. That was probably the most unsettling and monstrous movies I have ever seen. The banality of evil put on display for the world to see and feel. Because you really do feel every second of The Zone of Interest. Director Jonathan Glazer has tackled this subject by showing without showing and forces the viewer to fill in the blanks. With a filmmaking process that seems a little experimental but effective nonetheless and it’s overwhelmingly disturbing. The cinematography and sound particularly work together at creating a chilling and very immersive experience. The Zone of Interest shows so little of the horrors but what it does capture is the sound. As the Höss family are literally right next to Auschwitz, they hear everything as they go about their merry lives as if they’re not committing some of the most evil atrocities to ever happen. It’s enraging, maddening and horrendous to witness but you’re practically pulled right into the movie with it. Which is why it’s so unbelievably unnerving. Everything about The Zone of Interest portrays inhumane evil that’s devoid of empathy. The sounds you hear and the music score particularly work so effectively in making you as uncomfortable as possible. The contrast between the mundane household and the picturesque garden while just over the wall is unimaginable horrors will make your skin crawl. I absolutely never want to see The Zone of Interest again because it’s an endurance test for sure but it’s probably a movie everyone should see at least once in their lives. Just know what you’re in for beforehand. If you’re looking for a movie to distract from everything going on in the world right now then you’re best avoiding The Zone of Interest.

Get the tissues out because you’re sure gonna need them. Heartbreaking, melancholic and devastating are just some of the words you’ll hear to describe All of Us Strangers and they’re all true because this film will hit you right in the feels. Adam (Andrew Scott) is a screenwriter living in London and begins a relationship with his mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal). Adam finds himself dwelling on memories of the past and is drawn back to his childhood home only to discover that his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. Director Andrew Haigh has admitted this is his most personal film yet and wow does it show. Although an adaptation of the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada, Haigh has definitely put his own stamp on this story. A beautifully told tale that tackles loneliness, grief, heartbreak and of course the power of love. It reaches a hand deep into your heart and will tear out a part of you that you may not have even known was there. No matter what stage of life you’re in All of Us Strangers will have a sincere impact because in some shape or form we’ve all dealt with loss and this film makes you reflect on what it means to lose someone and think back to all the things we might have said. Few films can really capture the human fear of loneliness that lies within each of us and All of Us Strangers puts it on display for all to see. Between Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell, this film is a masterclass in acting and they will all break your heart. Andrew Scott particularly plays this part beautifully. Just give the man all the awards already because he certainly deserves them. All of Us Strangers is also a great example of how to use music to elevate your movie because the song choices were on point. The entire film has an eerily haunting and magical dreamlike quality, resulting in a completely enthralling story which will make you forget you’re watching a movie. Films that feel real and affect so many people will stand the test of time and All of Us Strangers is a powerful and emotional movie that will stay with you long afterwards, it’s a cinematic masterpiece. Look there’s only so many ways I can tell you how incredible this film is so what are you waiting for? The cinema awaits. You all know by now I don’t give 10/10 ratings easily, highly recommended for everyone.

The Beekeeper is a mindless action movie that on paper sounds like complete rubbish and on the big screen it’s even worse rubbish. Sorry Statham fans, The Beekeeper is nothing more than a bland, boring mess. The “Beekeepers” are a powerful organisation of highly skilled operatives that work completely under the radar to protect the hive. One former operative, Adam Clay (Jason Statham), spends his days as an actual beekeeper. It doesn’t seem like the other “Beekeepers” are actual beekeepers in their spare time so I guess that’s not officially part of the job description. Clay comes out of retirement and sets out on a brutal campaign for vengeance when his elderly neighbour gets scammed. I mean come on Jason it’s not like they killed your dog or anything. While Jason the beekeeper begins his vicious campaign the criminals at the top of the food chain are none too pleased that one man is disrupting their lucrative operations. But they don’t know the beekeeper is a former “Beekeeper” so when they try to fix the problem they inevitably anger the beekeeper even more and the bodies start piling up. But wait there’s more, also hot on his tail are two FBI agents who are probably two of the most idiotic FBI agents I’ve seen depicted in a motion picture This inevitably gives the beekeeper a free pass to dispose of all the criminals and restore order to the hive. This is a short and quickly to the point action movie with a mediocre plot twist and lots and lots of references to bees. Jason Statham does his usual one dimensional act while punching absolutely everyone to a bloody pulp along the way. One by one he disposes of the generic bad guys until he finally reaches the centre of the hive. It’s completely ridiculous from start to finish and brings absolutely nothing new to the genre. You’ll honestly feel like you’ve seen this movie before and it only barely keeps you engaged. Yes The Beekeeper is the type of mindless action flick where one must leave their brain at the door before entry because it most definitely is not required. But if there’s one thing the last few years has done to the action movie genre is raised the bar. Sorry Statham this “give me the pay-cheque” performance just ain’t gonna cut it anymore. Because when an action movie can look like John Wick, these types of bland “one man on a vengeance mission” movies aren’t good enough. The script is laughable, the plot is stupid but these can be overlooked if the action is entertaining. And I’m sorry to inform you, it really isn’t so if anyone was considering seeing The Beekeeper in cinemas then please see reason and find time for something else. We’re in the middle of awards season so don’t tell me there aren’t better options out there because I know there are. The Beekeeper is recommended for any die-hard Jason Statham fans, for everyone else skip it.

At last The Holdovers has been released in Irish cinemas. Set in the prestigious Barton Academy boarding school. A strict and unpopular history teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) gets the unfortunate job of minding the students who remain on campus over the Christmas holidays. Troubled student Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) finds himself in the company of Mr. Hunham and the cafeteria manager, Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Between the insufferable history teacher and a grieving mother it’s not exactly the Christmas vacation he was imagining. The Holdovers reunites Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti after their previous drama/comedy, Sideways, which is definitely worth checking out for anyone who hasn’t seen it. Giamatti is playing a character that he was clearly born to play as his performance is absolutely effortless. He is such an underrated actor and this has to be one of his greatest movies yet. We’re also introduced to newcomer, Dominic Sessa and what a way to make a film debut. The character growth between the two over the course of the movie feels completely authentic and it’s wonderful to see an original story like this resonate with so many people. There are some great performances in The Holdovers that is sure to attract some award attention but if I’m confident of anyone winning it has to be Da’Vine Joy Randolph for Best Supporting Actress. She gives a heartbreaking performance and fully deserves all the awards coming to her. In one way The Holdovers is a perfect holiday movie to watch over Christmas (though not if you live in Ireland due to the nonsensical release dates). But it's also so much more as it touches on so many issues, like entitlement, seizing on the opportunities presented to you in life and of course grief. Some films find a way to get a strong emotional reaction for you and The Holdovers will have this effect on many people due to the nature of it’s subject matter. It hit a bit close to home for me and I know it’s a film I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It’ll make you reflect on your own life whether you’re relating to the grumpy teacher, the mischievous student or a grieving mother. Grief any time of the year is hard but at Christmas it’s especially difficult and The Holdovers captures this feeling to perfection. I absolutely loved the attention to detail to make The Holdovers feel like it was made in the 70s, everything from the camera work, the sound and the locations gives the entire film a true nostalgic feel to it. If you’re the type to cry at the movies then get the tissues ready because you’ll be sobbing one minute and crying with laughter the next. The Holdovers is a wonderful comedy drama with an expertly crafted and witty story that will warm all the cold hearts out there. A story of broken people forced together in unlikely circumstances leads to a truly beautiful story that’s highly recommended for everyone. Believe the hype, everything you’ve heard about The Holdovers is true. It’s a brilliant movie and no doubt has many awards coming to it.

I've seen a lot of weird movies over the years but I’ve never seen anything quite like that. Poor Things is a spellbinding and enthralling gothic tale with a brilliant performance from Emma Stone. The curious case of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life by a highly unorthodox scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Join Bella as she embarks upon a journey of self discovery and view the world through her bizarre eyes as she sets about to free herself from the shackles of her life. The idea for Poor Things is instantly engaging and from the trailer I was completely sold, I just had to see this movie. Although it’s not what I expected it’s probably the strangest film I’ve seen in years. Described as a drama, comedy, romance. Yes it’s dramatic, yes it’s got comedy though it’s very on the dark and morbid side and yes it’s also got the romance but it’s very much the perverse and twisted kind. Poor Things is a coming of age story, but it’s also a little bit Frankenstein as well as being very quirky and completely **** crazy. So to describe it isn’t exactly easy and to recommend it is even harder. What I can say is it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before and certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Because it’s not an ordinary cup of tea, it’s filled with deranged, shocking and outlandish ideas. The packed screen I attended only had two walk outs. It’s very much a Yorgos Lanthimos film even though it’s an adaptation of the book “Poor Things” by Alasdair Gray. So if you’re a fan of his movies then Poor Things is an absolute must see. For anyone unsure about what you’re about to witness, I strongly suggest you look at the trailer before going anywhere near it as it’s very full on and didn’t get an 18 rating for nothing. I really do love seeing something different and you can’t get more different than Poor Things. Every single frame is packed full of wonderful madness, beautifully designed sets, costumes and bizarre creatures. Once Bella begins her exploration of the world, she leaves her dark and dreary life behind and steps into the bright and colourful world. Almost like Dorothy stepping into Oz, Bella experiences life and the world for the first time. Only she’s not exactly meeting friendly scarecrows and tinmen. More like slimy lawyers and creeps. Enter Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn. I knew Emma Stone would be fabulous in this but I wasn’t expecting Ruffalo to be this hilarious. He overacts to the point of lunacy and he’s chewing the beautiful scenery but he was perfect for this part. If you’re a fan of Emma Stone, this is probably her best performance to date. The growth and transformation that her character undergoes is spectacular and she is absolutely phenomenal. The entire cast brought their very best to Poor Things and they really went all in. It’s crazy, grotesque, funny, monstrous and tackles ideas that are ludicrous and horrific. At times it’s uncomfortable to watch but you’ll find yourself unable to look away. It’s highly provocative and will likely have people talking about it for a long time. Yorgos Lanthimos is a filmmaker who creates truly unique and unnerving movies. The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Favourite, and now Poor Things is another mental and intriguing story to add to the list. It won’t appeal to everyone but it’s recommended for film fanatics and Lanthimos fans.

Studio Ghibli movies are a unique and mesmerising experience in the cinema. Hayao Miyazaki has done it again with a captivating tale of grief that’s magical, imaginative and fantastical. Also I don’t think I’ll ever look at parakeets the same again A young boy named Mahito (Soma Santoki) loses his mother in a firebombing during WWII. His father moves them out to the countryside to live with his new wife. After exploring the grounds, he ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. As far as the plot goes the less said the **** Boy and the Heron feels like a dream and is soothing for the soul. It doesn’t follow a traditional story format giving the entire film a nostalgic fairy-tale feel to it as you delve into the imaginative mind of Hayao Miyazaki. The animation is absolutely stunning down to every single detail. A world packed full of beautiful locations, adorable creatures and some terrifying birds. I’m not even talking about the weird looking Heron, the budgies could give anyone nightmares. The film deals with a lot of complex issues and not everything in it makes sense all of the time but life itself is often complex and confusing. At its core it’s a heart-breaking story that tackles loss and grief through the eyes of a young boy. The story gives each of us enough puzzle pieces to pull together our own meanings from it. It will hit everyone differently, particularly depending on what stage of life you’re in. It’s beautiful to look at, incredibly moving and exactly what cinema should be. Artistic and made by a filmmaker with clear heart and vision. The Boy and the Heron probably benefits from multiple viewings. But if this is your first ever Studio Ghibli film you might consider Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro or Howl’s Moving Castle first, especially if you’re bringing a young child to see it. Leaving the cinema I overheard a child say “that was very dragged out and it definitely didn’t make any sense.” Sure The Boy and the Heron might not be to everyone’s tastes but you’ll have to see it to know for sure. It’s a truly enchanting story that will stay with you long afterwards. Film buffs and animation fans, get yourselves to the cinema this weekend to see The Boy and the Heron.

Now that’s how you make a damn Godzilla movie. Although I haven’t seen every Godzilla movie out there (give me a break there’s 38 of them), Godzilla Minus One has quickly become my favourite and for die-hard fans of the franchise it’s up there with the best. Set in a post war Japan that is only beginning to rebuild from the devastating aftermath of WWII, a new terror arises from the depths of the sea. Godzilla Minus One is everything a monster movie should be and as blockbusters go, this is far more emotional than I expected. It gives enough time to introduce and develop the characters so you’re actually invested in what happens and it’s far more than a movie about a giant atomic lizard destroying a city. It delves into complex issues with a traumatised nation ravaged by war, PTSD, survivor’s guilt and it doesn’t hold back on its anti-war message. Not only is it the best Godzilla movie I’ve ever seen, it’s also one of the best monster movies in recent years. A brilliantly told story that packs an unexpected emotional punch and takes the character back to it’s roots. Very much reminiscent of the older Godzilla movies from the 50s and 60s. Director and writer Takashi Yamazaki understands the importance of the build-up and reveal in a monster movie because there’s countless terrible monster movies, you only have to turn on the horror channel to see just how low the bar is. But a good monster movie needs human characters at the forefront in order to create an emotional impact and Godzilla Minus One delivers on the horror in more ways than one. You can see the inspiration from others movies, particularly Jaws. And if you’re using elements of Jaws, arguably the best monster movie ever made then you’re certainly on the right track. The presence of Godzilla is felt even when not onscreen, the terror and dread builds and when he does show up, the destruction is rage infused and relentless. It’s entertaining, humorous with more than enough carnage, it’s everything you want to it be and doesn’t disappoint. Godzilla has been put on the big screen nearly 40 times and I’m sure a lot of us haven’t seen every single one of them. If you’re looking for a version to start with then be sure to choose wisely, because Hollywood has a lot to learn when it comes to putting the king of monsters onto the big screen. Godzilla Minus One is an adaptation that certainly puts the American remakes to shame. I know it’s Christmas but if you’re looking for your weekly cinema fix then look no further, what better movie to pick than Godzilla. Highly recommended for everyone and an absolute must-see for monster movie fans.

Saltburn very much feels like The Talented Mr. Ripley on steroids. Emerald Fennell has gifted us with another thrilling cinematic experience that for right or wrong reasons will stay with you long after it’s over. Put it this way, you’re never going to be able to listen to Murder on the Dancefloor again without thinking of Saltburn. Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) finds himself drawn to the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) while studying at Oxford. Oliver is the black sheep, a scholarship boy among the world’s elites and he is determined to make it clear he belongs. Oliver and Felix could not come from more different worlds. As Oliver becomes more and more enchanted by Felix he is determined to embed himself in the lavish lifestyle and an invitation to his family’s castle, Saltburn changes his life forever. I’d heard some contrasting reactions to Saltburn after it’s previews at the film festivals, but with Emerald Fennell directing and a cast made up of Barry Keoghan, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant and Carey Mulligan I was sold no matter what the reactions. And well now having seen it, I get why it wouldn’t work for some people but I was absolutely enthralled. It’s shocking in more ways than one and the story itself will captivate the audience. It’s one of those movies that unfolds in such a way that you really can’t look away no matter how you feel about it. Saltburn is a spectacularly crafted story that emulates The Talented Mr. Ripley and Alfred Hitchcock. Very dark, and very twisted, the perfect film for those with a weird sense of humour. Murder on the Dancefloor is right because Barry Keoghan absolutely killed it. He continues to cement himself as one of this generations greatest actors. Giving a performance that again pushes the boundaries and yes I’ve The Killing of a Sacred Deer but honestly he gets better in every new movie. He was perfect casting for this role in Saltburn, and alongside Jacob Elordi together they have incredible chemistry and a great onscreen presence. All the characters are fascinating in their own way, particularly the completely out of touch elites and the contrast between the classes. This becomes progressively heightened as Oliver feels more and more like he doesn’t belong to this lifestyle. I loved the gothic vibes running throughout the movie, everything from the dramatic score, the gorgeous cinematography and the stunning location. A satirical comedy on class with a sinister tone and packed full of black humour, Saltburn is sharp, outlandish and hilarious. I’d strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Promising Young Woman or Triangle of Sadness. It certainly got a reaction from the crowd I saw it with and sure it’s a messed up movie but by the time it ends you won’t forget it any time soon.

A world where Nicolas Cage haunts people’s dreams is about as weird and original as you’d expect. Dream Scenario is dark, funny, bizarre and worth a watch if you’re looking for something a little different. Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life upended when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. The unexplained phenomenon starts as him just appearing and doing nothing while people are having very random dreams. All of a sudden Paul finds himself the centre of attention and a viral sensation. Just when he’s beginning to enjoy his newfound **** things take a dark turn when the dreams turn into graphic nightmares, which he is violently involved. But what does one do when they’re becoming a social pariah all because of things they’ve done in people’s subconscious?This unexplained occurrence could not have happened to a more ordinary and boring guy. Paul’s life hasn’t exactly turned out the way he expected. With everyone around him seeming to flourish in their careers and publishing their work only makes his own failures seem worse especially when he can’t get his own book published, or even written. So when the chance at fame arises, albeit for the most bizarre of reasons he jumps at the opportunity with little thought into what going viral can bring. The good, the bad and the crazy. By the time he realises this, the effects on his work life and family life have already taken hold. Dream Scenario is not exactly the laugh out loud comedy the trailer made it appear to be. Yes it’s funny enough and contains quite a lot of toe curling cringe humour. Mostly due to Cage’s mortifying reaction to the sudden fame and all the good and bad that comes with that. It’s loosely based on a real life internet hoax, but instead Dream Scenario takes the idea and runs with it as if it really could happen. It really does delve into dark themes when the dreams for these millions of people turn nightmarish. Paul is now seen as a dangerous threat to his students, strangers on the street and even his own family. As a result the film drifts away from comedy and more into the horror theme, before bouncing back to comedic moments. It’s also satirical at times, with particular focus on social media fame, and cancel culture. The plot definitely went down paths I wasn’t expecting and it’s a bit of a mishmash of genres but it was entertaining nonetheless. The constant tonal shifts gives the entire film a dream like quality and when it ends you’re left feeling like you just woke up from a strange dream. You’ll go along with it as it’s happening but afterwards, the whole experience feels very peculiar. Dream Scenario is an original and interesting idea that feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s probably not going to last too long in the cinemas and a certain cinema chain that has 10+ screens isn’t showing it (surprise, surprise). So if you do want to see it, better make it quick. Recommended for anyone looking for something very different and weird. And as always it’s a must see for all the die-hard Nicolas Cage fans.

It’s no surprise Anatomy of a Fall won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. It’s an expertly crafted courtroom drama, and a gripping emotional story. Film buffs, be sure to add this to your watchlist, it’s a 2023 film not to be missed. Sandra (Sandra Hüller), her husband Samuel (Samuel Theis) and their son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner) live in a remote town in the French Alps. Their house is in a picturesque but very secluded location. When Samuel is found dead in the snow the police start their investigation and they quickly begin to question whether he was murdered or if he committed suicide. Sandra becomes the main suspect and a court case that initially appears as “did she really kill her husband?” goes much, much deeper. Delving headfirst into their complicated marriage, scrutinising every detail under the legal system and putting it on display for everyone to see. Anatomy of a Fall is part murder mystery, part courtroom drama and all tense crime thriller. It’s a brilliantly written story that gradually reels you in and will keep you guessing until the very end. It brings you on a psychological journey from start to finish and deals with complex relationships and how events and conversations can be interpreted. It’s so realistic and engrossing and at times feels like a true crime story. The details of the case are revealed piece by piece like a jigsaw puzzle while very effectively making you feel like you’re right there sitting in the courtroom watching the events unfold. Courtroom dramas are generally crowd pleasers, although many go way beyond reality. Anatomy of a Fall feels so genuine and chilling. Not going for the shouty outbursts or shock value, it moves along at a slow pace while also packed full of emotion from Sandra Hüller every second she’s on screen. As the viewer you’re right there in the middle of it, unsure whether she did or didn’t do it. A film that relies mainly on conversations needs a great script and the right people for the roles. Sandra Hüller as the widow standing trial and Milo Machado Graner as her son are two of the best performances I’ve seen all year. It’s all tied together with a captivating script and the whole film is a lesson on how to make a courtroom drama. Anatomy of a Fall is a gripping and engaging film by Justine Triet. A modern legal drama that’s highly recommended for everyone, and particularly those who enjoy crime thrillers and/or courtroom dramas.

"Stick to your plan. Anticipate, don’t improvise. Trust no one. Never yield an advantage. Fight only the battle you’re paid to fight.” The Killer is a hitman movie unlike anything you’ve seen before. Michael Fassbender plays a highly meticulous and very effective assassin, that is until he misses. After a job doesn’t go according to plan, the assassin battles his employers and himself while an international manhunt escalates. Although adapted from comic book series, it still very much feels like a David Fincher movie throughout. It puts you inside the head of a serial killer for the entire film with an internal monologue from Michael Fassbender that reminded me of Michael C. Hall in Dexter only with much less humour. Fassbender is cold, calculating and devoid of empathy. His character is honestly chilling and this is the best performance we’ve seen him give for quite a while now. I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up seeing more of Fincher and Fassbender in the future. In recent years we’ve seen lots of hitman movies with an older charismatic and likable actor whose generic job is really a cover for something darker. And when they get pulled back into the lifestyle they tried to leave, their special set of skills are revealed and they inevitably end up picking off all the bad guys in various locations around the world, etc. etc. David Fincher’s The Killer ain’t that kind of movie. It’s a slick, smart and stylish movie that paints a very accurate picture of life as an assassin. This is absolutely not your typical Hollywood version of hitmen, which means don’t expect it to be packed full of car chases and endless fight scenes. If you go into this expecting John Wick, James Bond or The Equalizer you may find yourself disappointed. It moves at a slow pace and doesn’t leave out the careful planning and waiting around that comes with the job of an assassin. The slow pace might bother some people but I thoroughly enjoyed The Killer, it’s tense, thrilling with a brilliant soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The Killer is recommended for anyone looking for a good crime thriller this weekend. Also if there’s any fans of The Smiths out there, you’ll love this soundtrack.

Scorsese is back with another cinematic masterpiece in one of 2023’s most anticipated movies, Killers of the Flower Moon. Based on the real life events in the Osage Nation during the 1920s. A heinous moment in American history is difficult to fit into one movie but here it is. All 3 hours and 26 minutes of it. So maybe not the movie to buy a bucket of coke for, that’s all I’m saying. Killers of the Flower Moon will have you captivated throughout. Some of you, myself included may not have been aware of some of the crimes committed during this point in history and it’s a truly shocking movie that will stay with you long after the credits have ended. When the Osage Nation discovered their land was full of oil they immediately became the richest people in the world. This sudden wealth attracted the worst kind of people whose greed led to the murder of these Native Americans over the course of years. It’s impossible for one movie to capture the horrendous nature of these murders and the sheer amount of people involved and Killers of the Flower Moon focuses on Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone) and Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio). Ernest returns home from the war to live with his uncle William “King” Hale (Robert De Niro) who assures him there’s real money to be made in Osage country. He soon realises how many white men have married Osage women for their wealth, all while the Osage people continue to be murdered one by one. Eventually the FBI step in to “see about these murders,” enter Jesse Plemons as Tom White. As if it wasn’t bad enough that the FBI took far too long to start investigating endless murders but the very sinister way these men integrated themselves into the Native American’s lives and picked them off one by one in horrific ways will turn your stomach. Although based on real events and the book of the same name, Killers of the Flower Moon condenses some of the events for the sake of storytelling. And there are certain facts that are omitted from this film. If you’re really interested it’s definitely worth reading up on the Osage murders after seeing the film. They’re even more horrific than you can imagine. You’re instantly plunged into this story after countless murders with no investigation and then forewarned to “find the wolves in this picture.” It’s a slow burner that builds the tension gradually with a soundtrack that feels like a heartbeat running throughout the whole film. As the relationship between Mollie and Ernest develops, the true nature of what’s happening in Osage country is revealed and the sense of dread and doom builds. Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterclass in storytelling and I’d expect nothing less from Martin Scorsese. A true crime epic Western that film fanatics need to see on the big screen. Leonardo DiCaprio puts in another great performance and De Niro plays William Hale to perfection. There are some divisive opinions forming on Killers of the Flower Moon, but if there’s one thing I think most of us can agree on is Lily Gladstone’s performance as Mollie Kyle. She is simply exceptional and the true heart of the film. Scorsese has also gathered an impressive supporting cast, Jesse Plemons being another standout performance. Scorsese is still making amazing movies, and Killers of the Flower Moon is another terrific film to add to the collection. For anyone wondering about the runtime, which has dominated most of the headlines, the reality is yes it will be too long for some people. You could definitely hear a pin drop at the screening I went to, but upon leaving the cinema I overheard some guy say “it had too many scenes.” Right fair enough we’re all entitled to our opinions but sure who am I to argue against Martin Scorsese. Yes it’s a long film but honestly I wouldn’t have taken out a single minute. So if you can’t sit still for nearly four hours then you can wait for the streaming date. For everyone else and particularly Scorsese fans, you all need to see this one. Killers of the Flower Moon is highly recommended. It’s one of the standout movies of the year and is clearly going to generate lots of awards buzz and if Lily Gladstone doesn’t win Best Actress I’ll be shocked. She is without a doubt one of the best performances I’ve seen all year.

Well here we are again, Halloween season in full swing and depending on your point of view, we’ve been gifted/cursed with yet another Exorcist movie. What’s scarier than one possessed girl? Two possessed girls! Cue the dramatic music. Two friends Angela (Lidya Jewett) and Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) go for a little stroll in the so totally not creepy woods. They disappear for three days, scaring the living daylights out of their families but while their return should have been a relief, it turns out the horrors are only beginning. Not only do the girls have no memory of what happened to them but they also appear to be showing the tell-tale signs of possession. Growly voices, check. Creepy eyes, check. Lewd comments and unexplained scars, check and check. This is more than enough to call in the expert and who better to call than someone who’s experienced these horrors before, 50 years ago. The one and only Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn). Cue the Tubular Bells music. The Exorcist: Believer is so shamelessly playing on nostalgia and pretty much remakes the original only without the atmosphere. The only main difference is instead of one possession you’ve got two. And for the price of one, what a bargain. It initially looked like this was going to be a decent exorcism movie but soon enough it descends into chaos and the third act is a complete mess. If it was scary or entertaining I could get over that but unfortunately horror fans will be neither scared nor entertained. There are a couple of things that happen in this movie that I can’t mention for spoiler reasons, but I felt the disrespect to the original and the characters so I can’t see that going down well, especially with all The Exorcist fans. Most cinemas re-released the original Exorcist for the 50th anniversary so for anyone in the mood for this kind of horror movie you’d be better off with that instead. You’re in safe hands with William Friedkin, I can’t say the same for David Gordon Green, who gave us such films like Halloween 2018, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends. It’s hard to believe this is considered a financial success, especially seeing the completely empty screen I was in and we’re pretty much guaranteed more Exorcist movies. Don’t everyone cheer at once. Whereas I wouldn’t be remotely excited for another movie in this franchise I would see another movie in The Pope’s Exorcist franchise for one reason. That film, although completely ridiculous was entertaining. This on the other hand, despite a promising start was bland, formulaic and not scary. No exorcism movie has ever come close to the original Exorcist and die-hard fans of that movie will not be impressed by this new one. But then again the bar was very high. The Exorcist: Believer wasn’t terrible by any means but it’s not great either. Recommended for horror movie fans looking for something to watch this Halloween. But there are better horror movies you could see instead, Cobweb and It Lives Inside to name a few.

Based on the insane true story of the average joes who scared the ever-living **** out of Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop into the world’s hottest company. One man, Keith Gill (Paul Dano) started this David vs. Goliath tale by spending his life savings on buying stock in GameStop and posting about it online. His social posts quickly capture the attention of normal people looking to get rich quick. The more people who get involved the more the stock goes up and the retail traders get rich. This obviously doesn’t go down too well with the Wall Street billionaires and they begin to fight back. Both sides soon find their worlds falling apart as the stocks rise to volatile levels. It wasn’t that long ago that the GameStop saga happened, so many of you will probably remember hearing about it on the news in 2020/2021. Yes the company that charges mad money for video games and merchandise ended up soaring insanely high in the stock market due to a few youtubers posting about it. While I remember googling what the hell was happening as the news eventually broke across the pond, I never actually realised the sheer number of people who got involved in this madness and the extreme lengths the angry billionaires went to shut the whole thing down. Well I barely understood it then and if you’re in the same boat, lucky for us director Craig Gillespie has explained it to us in a fun and entertaining way. Dumb Money is a crowd pleaser for sure. But sure if it’s a movie about the little guy going up against corporate greed it’s going to go down well with the majority. And when you see what these normal people were up against and competing against people with so much money it’s honestly sickening then it’s no wonder Keith Gill gained so much support in the first place. A youtuber that genuinely believed in GameStop and who “liked the stock” took a huge risk and set in motion a series of events that triggered some much needed scrutiny towards the shady dealings of billionaire brokers and hedge funds. I suppose the obvious thing to do here would have been to make a documentary instead but we would have missed out on the excellent casting choices. Particularly Paul Dano as the eccentric cat loving youtuber. Including real footage from the time and particularly the online use of memes and gifs makes Dumb Money an entertaining and funny movie that’s well worth the ticket price. Dumb Money does a good job in explaining this madness to those of us who haven’t a breeze about stocks. As for anyone who followed this story much more closely in real time, it does seem to have keep to the truth for the most part but there are of course some creative liberties. Recommended for those who liked The Big Short and anyone who believes in GameStop.

The world’s best detective and his moustache are back for another murder mystery, only this time with a spooky Halloween theme. Perfect timing. Horror fans have been spoilt these last two months with the scary selection of movies in the cinema at the moment and if you’re looking to continue with the horror theme then be sure to check out A Haunting in Venice. Set in post WWII Venice, on Halloween night. A now retired Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is enjoying his own company and ignoring the potential cases that appear at his door every morning. He is no longer interested in looking at new mysteries to solve but after a visit from famous crime writer Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) he very reluctantly agrees to attend a séance at the palazzo of opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly). But while at the séance sure wouldn’t you know it, a guest is murdered. Death just seems to follow Poirot wherever he goes and considering the circumstances he is once again forced to investigate the murder and find the killer before they strike again. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party and a new one brought to the big screen from Kenneth Branagh. Last time we saw Hercule Poirot he’d had just about enough of detective work after his journey on the Nile (honestly Kenneth, we all feel the same). Though don’t let that experience stop you from seeing A Haunting in Venice because I promise it’s a much more enjoyable experience in the cinema than Death on the Nile. A Haunting in Venice is quite different from the other two, it’s scarier for a start. It’s a modern whodunit that still has a very old fashioned feel to it. Packed full of Dutch angles, weird shots and there’s lots and lots of loud bangs and unexplained occurrences going on throughout. Very much keeping with the creepy, gothic theme. It has an almost single location setting, with a very concise and better structured story. Yes it might be a little bit over the top at times and as usual Kenneth Branagh is chewing the scenery with his portrayal of Poirot again but it’s entertaining to watch as he’s clearly having so much fun playing this character. If he wants to continue playing the world’s greatest detective let him. I’m sure lots of murder mystery fans will continue to enjoy these movies. And with a whole collection of Agatha Christie novels to work with, we probably haven’t seen the last of Hercule Poirot. For me, it’s not quite as good as Murder on the Orient Express but it’s far better than Death on the Nile. A Haunting in Venice is enjoyable from start to finish and is recommended for the Kenneth Branagh fans and/or everyone who enjoys a good murder mystery.

The malevolent force has returned for yet another movie to add to the Conjuring collection. Everyone’s favourite nun Valek is back in a horror franchise that continues to churn out these soulless snoozefests. It’s hard to remain a fan of the Conjuring franchise when there’s far more bad movies in it now than good ones. Set in France in 1956 a small church is left traumatised when a priest is murdered under highly unusual circumstances. Evil is spreading throughout the land and soon it’s time to call in the demon nun fighting nun Sister Irene to send Valek back to the depths of hell. So I guess Russell Crowe wasn’t available for this mission. Apparently Valek isn’t enough of a threat to call in the Pope’s Exorcist but is more than enough for a couple of nuns. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) didn’t quite manage to rid the world of Valek the nun in the last movie and she must now face her again. She had a secret weapon the first time round so it makes sense for her to need another secret weapon to defeat her again. And if you think this sounds a lot like like the first movie done again you’d be right. Substitute a creepy Romanian castle for creepy monastery turned boarding school and it’s almost the same movie again only worse somehow. There is zero originality here and will only make you feel like you’ve wasted your time and money. It’s incredibly frustrating to see a movie take a terrifying character like Valek (Bonnie Aarons) and turn her into nothing more than a cheap jump scare that’s even more underwhelming than a supermarket Halloween toy that cackles manically when you go near it. This sequel has no idea how to build an entire movie around one good idea. The story moves from one scary room to another and fails to scare or entertain the audience. While the nun succeeded at scaring audiences in The Conjuring movies, outside of that she doesn’t do much other than show up in some dark corridors and glare at the camera. Horror fans deserve better than this. They’ve now had two chances at making the nun scary and it’s been abysmal both times. Despite that, The Nun II still made triple it’s production budget so far, and that’s more than enough for WB to pay Bonnie Aarons what she’s owed. Honestly lads, without her you never would have gotten the ridiculous mileage you’ve gotten from Valek. Though I think I speak for most Conjuring fans when I say please stop this now, this is a franchise that has long since run it’s course. I love horror movies and it’s important for movie studios to continue to make them because they’re popular and generally don’t require a huge budget so the return on investment is usually pretty good even if the movie itself is terrible. But considering the standard of horror movies in recent years, The Black Phone, Talk to Me, Cobweb etc., there’s no excuse for something as bad as The Nun II. Give it up lads, this franchise has been milked to death already and there’s plenty of new film makers with original ideas that could make something better than this. The Nun II is recommended for anyone out there who actually liked the first movie. I’m not sure there’s many of you but with most films, no matter how bad they are you’ll find there’s at least a couple of people who enjoyed it. For anyone else looking for a horror flick this week, there are better ones to choose from, skip this nonsense.

A group of trippy seeking teens pass around a satanic hand like it’s a joint in order to achieve a euphoric feeling while being briefly possessed (I mean what could possibly go wrong here?). This new thrill is everyone’s favourite after school activity until one of them goes over the allocated time (less than 80 seconds is safe for some reason) and the **** hits the fan. Now a terrifying malevolent force has been unleashed and things go from bad to catastrophic. Talk To Me reaches out a cold dead hand to you from the screen and grips you from the very beginning and does not let go until the credits roll. It’s one of the most tense and unnerving horror movies I’ve seen in ages and if you want something to genuinely scare you this Halloween well then be sure to add this to your list. In fact Talk To Me might actually be too scary for some people because in the very opening scene the two people in front of me promptly got up and left (perhaps they were actually looking for Barbie). And that pretty much sets the tone for Talk to Me. It’s a scary one alright and not done nearly enough justice by the trailer. What initially appears to be another average possession movie, destined to die on the forgotten pile of boring horror movies, Talk to Me is everything you’d want and more. It’s a dark and effective modern horror that seasoned horror fans will absolutely adore. Containing scenes of genuine terror and gore it relies less on cheap endless jump scares and much more on presenting you with chilling moments that will leave you shook. Seriously there’s a couple of scenes I’m still thinking about afterwards and believe me, I’ve seen a lot of truly awful horror movies so by now I know a good one when I see it. With a new twist on possession movies, Talk to Me certainly has the potential for a new franchise and/or spin offs which I’m sure horror buffs will welcome as the milked to death Conjuring franchise has long since run out of original ideas. Danny and Michael Philippou have created a memorable and thrilling movie with a great idea that is sure to deliver to all the horror buffs. Talk to Me is the perfect example of the type of originality studios should be taking chances on because I’ll tell you this is far better than the legacy sequels that refuse to die (yeah I’m looking at you two, Ghostface and Michael Myers). Some franchises just don’t know when to give it up because cinema audiences do get bored with the same thing on repeat. Well this is different, well written and will definitely scare you. It’s a creepy and nail-biting cinematic experience and definitely recommended for all those who enjoy a gory horror movie.

Well folks, the Guardians of the Galaxy are back again for what I assume is their last outing together, though you never know with the big superhero franchises these days. But if this is in fact going to be the last movie in the Guardians story then it’s a lovely send off that tries very hard to tug at the heart strings. They’ve come a long way since their first appearance in 2014 and now in 2023 the much loved Guardians of the Galaxy are back. Despite still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) rallies his team to defend the universe once more. But this time they must protect one of their own and they embark on a dangerous mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if they ****’s great to see the return of our favourite characters again, Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax (Dave Bautista), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Groot (Vin Diesel), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and Nebula (Karen Gillan). Well whoever your favourite is, this is definitely Rocket’s movie. All the backstory into his character that had been hinted at in the previous movies is delved into for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and it’s a heart wrenching and emotional story that will have the audiences fully invested and maybe some of you in tears too. The rest of what’s going on is the typical destruction in space with the group bickering at each other constantly. Lots of wacky scenes in space, filled with endless jokes and accompanied by the signature soundtrack that the Guardians of the Galaxy movies are known for. And sure not all of the jokes will work for everyone but enough of them do to get away with it but maybe not to justify the runtime. Because it is dragged out in places and honestly, any time it switched back to the present timeline I was just waiting for it to go back to the flashbacks with Rocket. You can make or break a superhero movie with the choice of villain, get it wrong and the entire storyline suffers. Some go for a villain that you can almost sympathise with, Magneto, Killmonger, but for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 they went down the route of pure unadulterated evil. Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary is a villain so heinous and sadistic that absolutely everyone can get on board to hate his guts. He might be one of Marvel’s darkest villains yet and yes I know Thanos etc. but this guy might just be worse. It’s certainly got a much darker theme running throughout than expected. The Guardians of the Galaxy movies have stood out from some other comic book movies because of their strong focus on the characters. Now with the third instalment it’s another heartwarming story that isn’t overly reliant on tie-ins with other movies or tv shows and it’s a nice change from some of the other formulaic comic-book movies. There is more depth to the story than I was originally expecting and it’s definitely a great example on how to make an emotional and funny superhero movie for all the fans. The Guardians of the Galaxy movies are comedic and great fun to watch. The two sequels may not quite be up there with the first movie but together they’re a solid trilogy. Recommended for the Marvel fans and a must see for all those who love the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Renfield is pure blood-drenched mayhem from start to finish. My screening wasn’t quite sold out but those in attendance were enjoying this horror comedy. If you’re looking for your weekly cinema fix then look no further, Renfield is worth the ticket price. Nicolas Cage has finally achieved the dream of portraying the iconic Prince of Darkness, the one and only Count Dracula on the big screen. But Renfield isn’t about that terrible boss and narcissist Dracula, no it’s about Renfield, it’s literally in the name. Dracula’s henchman and loyal servant, forever enslaved to do his bidding for anyone not well up on Dracula’s history. And I should point out if you’re not a fan of any of the Dracula adaptations then this movie might not be for you. Well after many centuries of doing absolutely everything Dracula demands of him, Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) now wants to live his own life. He has the ability to temporarily gain some superhuman powers after he consumes live bugs but when the opportunity to change his life and actually save people for once arises, Renfield gets a taste of a life he could have and a chance to break out of this co-dependent relationship with his manic boss. But as it turns out, his boss and master isn’t too keen on that idea. Meanwhile you have tough cop Rebecca (Awkwafina) trying to take down the city’s biggest mob family and seek revenge for her family. When these two stories collide then the **** really does hit the fan and bloody chaos ensues. Renfield is absolutely a great time at the cinema, it’s funny, ultra gory and very entertaining. As a horror fan and a huge Dracula fan this movie was perfect for me. It’s everything I wanted. With new vampire movies it’s hard to have an original take and although Renfield is hardly original, it uses the references to old school vampire movie tropes in fun ways. All while delivering on the blood and carnage. I love the combination of Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina but it really is Nicolas Cage as the Count that’s the main selling point. His portrayal of Dracula is so mental and over the top, and he really is the only actor who’d get away with portraying him like that. If you want a chilling and terrifying performance you get Gary Oldman or Claes Bang. If you want eccentric and camp then you get Nicolas Cage. All the interactions between Cage and Hoult are the best thing about Renfield and the whole mob story line is as generic as you can get. But Awkwafina as the tough traffic cop and Ben Schwartz as the idiotic mob boss Teddy Lobo keep things interesting while adding to the humour. Their comedic timing is brilliant. Sure it’s silly and stupid but it makes no attempt to be anything else. It blends the multiple genres very well, paying homage to the old school Bela Lugosi era while also bringing it successfully into the modern day. Renfield feels like it’s made by someone who actually enjoys horror-comedies. The Dracula fans will be happy and the Nicolas Cage fans will definitely be happy because he’s chewing the scenery as only Nicolas Cage can do. And yes this is technically a sequel to Universals’ 1931 Dracula but it’s unclear whether Renfield is going to try relaunch the Dark Universe. The potential is there to remake some of the older monster movies, and in the right hands it could kick-start things again unlike the horrendous Mummy movie that killed that idea (you can all go ahead and blame Tom Cruise for that). The success of Renfield may determine it’s future but it’s a step in the right direction. I would definitely enjoy seeing Hoult and Cage return. And I mean who out there wouldn’t be able to relate to poor overworked Renfield, doing a job he can’t stand, not quite sure how he ended up in it in the first place, and as the years tick by he’s still working for a psychotic boss who treats him like a slave? If you’re in any doubt as to whether Renfield is the movie for you, check out the trailer because it delivers exactly what it advertises. Completely over the top and camp horror performances with lots and lots of blood. Highly recommended for all the horror fans and of course all you Nicolas Cage fans out there will not want to miss this.

Well what an entertaining fantasy adventure film that turned out to be. I went into Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves not expecting much at all and was pleasantly surprised. A charming thief called Edgin (Chris Pine) teams up with an unlikely group, Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), Simon the wizard (Justice Smith) and Doric (Sophia Lillis) to dare take on an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Well in typical heist movie fashion, things don’t quite go according to plan when they come face to face with some pretty nasty people. An adaptation of the roleplaying game and a surprisingly good one at **** only has Dungeons & Dragons gone down well with both audiences and critics but it’s a genuinely entertaining adventure with lots of dungeons, lots of dragons and an all round fun movie. Good for all the family. As for how faithful this adaptation of the board game is, I can’t say for sure, I can only hope fans of the game enjoyed it as much as I did. If like me, your knowledge of D&D comes from Stranger Things don’t let that stop you, prior knowledge of the game is not necessary to enjoy this movie so there’s no excuse. The story itself isn’t anything groundbreaking and it plays out the way you’d expect, and definitely keeps with the game theme. There’s lots of quests within quests, with the characters needing to break into this place but to do that they need this thing first but to get the thing to break into the place, they gotta go find this guy to get the thing to break into the place etc. etc. I’ll admit when it started I was worried I was going to hate the movie but it quickly won me over. It has lots of heart, it’s witty and good fun. Never knew I’d enjoy seeing an owl bear before but there ya go. In the fantasy genre you really can do anything. Pine and Rodriguez make a great combo. Interesting heroes with great chemistry that will have you fully invested in the story. Hugh Grant is chewing the scenery, playing very much a pantomime type villain that works very well in this bright and vibrant world. Game to movie adaptations don’t generally have a history of being very good, be it video game or board game. Yet directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein have found the right combination of comedy, adventure and heart. I have to say I was almost turned off seeing Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves especially how hard they were going with the advertising, it was everywhere and reeked of desperation. But I’m glad I took a chance and if you haven’t seen it and are looking for something fun to enjoy in the cinema then be sure to check it out. Recommended for anyone looking for a good fantasy adventure movie.

A simple idea very well executed and a must see for all those looking for a scary movie this Halloween. And sure there’s an actual Halloween movie out now (yes another one) that could you watch. But do you want the same idea rehashed again or do you want to actually be scared? Make your choice. 12-year-old Tinja (Siiri Solalinna) is a young gymnast struggling under the stress of her demanding mother (Sophia Heikkilä). Tinja finds a strange egg in the woods outside her house and decides to keep it hidden in her room. Instead of noticing her troubled daughter, her mother is far too concerned with her social media addiction and obsession with portraying their lives as the picture perfect family image whereas the reality is far from that. Although it’s clear this isn’t an ordinary egg, when it hatches, what emerges is more horrifying than anyone could have imagined. Hatching isn’t exactly going to keep you up at night but it’s a great idea and keeps you invested the entire time. Foreign language films generally have an extra edge to them and with this I wasn’t sure at all where it was going. It’s somewhere between a monster movie and a psychological thriller. It’s uneasy viewing alright and becomes more disturbing by the minute. It’s got a lot more depth beneath the surface which ensures it won’t just be remembered as an average horror movie. And sure look, originality in the horror genre is always refreshing, I love to see new ideas put on the big screen. You’ll always have the likes of the stale Halloween movies or Scream but those painfully generic franchises have long since lost their spark. Hatching on the other hand is a reminder that with a simple idea and a decent script you can make a creepy horror that will scare audiences. An eerie and atmospheric horror movie done right with the feelings of a dark fairytale running throughout. Highly recommended for all the horror movie fans.

Oh how the mighty have fallen, Jurassic World: Dominion might just be the worst of the franchise. If you thought Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom was bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The return of Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum was enough to get us back into the Jurassic Park / World franchise but unfortunately it’s not enough to save the movie. Set four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar and the dinosaurs are now living alongside humans all over the world. That’s going about as well as you’d expect, although we don’t get to focus much on that, because very quickly we’re cut away from a big scary dinosaur attacking a fishing boat for 30 seconds back to Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) and their new daughter who they must hide from the evil scientists. Enter Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott) who looks like a mishmash of every billionaire ever with too much money and not enough sense. Dodgson runs a Bond villainesque company, oh sorry I mean a dinosaur sanctuary, that’s so totally not evil. Because here at biotechytechytech, the focus is on the lovely happy safe space for the dinosaurs and they’re so totally not up to any shady business whatsoever. It’s all about rescuing the poor dinosaurs who are wreaking havoc worldwide, and not secretly causing something sinister like a global food shortage or anything evil like that. They’re totally the good guys here, look they even have that scientist from the first movie so you know they have the best intentions. Well one way or another, the question will be answered as to whether human beings and dinosaurs can share the planet or will this be the end of life as we know it? There’s only one truly great Jurassic Park movie and it’s always been the first one. Steven Spielberg created the magic of bringing dinosaurs onto the big screen. It looked real and was absolutely fantastic. No other Jurassic Park movie recreated that sense of awe, wonder and fear. The Jurassic Park trilogy had scary moments where you feared and cared about the characters and the sense that they were in actual danger. We’ve sure come a long way since then because at no point in Jurassic World: Dominion do you get that feeling that any of the characters are in danger. There’s no suspense and no edge of your seat moment. I’ve never wanted to see a dinosaur eat Chris Pratt so much in my entire life. Every time he came face to face with a scary dinosaur, he just held up his little hand and says “No!” I’m Chris Pratt, you don’t eat me, I’m the star.” It’s ridiculous. You know there’s a problem when the CGI dinosaurs have more emotion than the human characters. For the third time now we’ve been subjected to the blandness that is Bryce (I can outrun a T. Rex in heels) Dallas Howard and Chris (the dinosaur whisperer) Pratt so any interaction between the two is boring and emotionless. We didn’t come to the cinema for this, we either came for the original cast or we’re here to see dinosaurs kill each other. And sure if there’s a little bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure that’s nice too. A little bit of nostalgia is one thing, but practically recreating almost every scene possible from the older movies is just plain lazy. Remember that bit with the jeep? Well here it is again. The Dilophosaurus? Here’s a whole bunch of them, the dinosaur **** wait that’s new. Alright who ordered the dinolocusts!? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Yeah I didn’t think so. Sure there are some new dinosaurs in this movie and a few fan favourites but they don’t exactly get much screen time. Unfortunately Jurassic World: Dominion has a little less apex predator and a little too much prehistoric locusts. I can only hope the reason we’ve seen the return of the original cast is for the paycheque. I was looking forward to seeing Dern, Neill and Goldblum together again but it’s still a disappointment. Unfortunately this is probably the last time they’ll all be onscreen together in a Jurassic Park movie and it didn’t end up going out on a high like it should have. I’ve heard quite a few reviews saying they threw everything at this in the desperate hope that something will stick, well that’s certainly true. Think of all the good bits from the Jurassic Park franchise, shove them together with some lifeless characters, endless nods to the original movies and you’ve got Jurassic World: Dominion. Does it work? No. Will it make a fortune? Yes. Will we get another one? Yes, in some shape or form. Franchises is where the money’s at and you can guarantee Universal won’t have a gap in the dinosaur market for too long. You have to admit there’s not exactly a huge amount of dinosaur movies out there so when a new one emerges people will go see them, but come on Universal we deserve better than this. Recommended for anyone looking to entertain their kids for two and a half hours, for Jurassic Park fans, skip it.

A quiet, well-mannered tailor (Mark Rylance) spends his days in his shop in a dodgy area of Chicago. Some of his clients consist of the local gangsters and one night a couple of highly dangerous mobsters Richie (Dylan O’Brien) and Francis (Johnny Flynn) hijack his store for a hideout and they all must survive the night. The Outfit has so many twists and turns packed into it and demands you keep up. With the single location setting you’re left feeling like you’re about to get something along the lines of Reservoir Dogs but very quickly The Outfit makes it very clear that this ain’t gonna be what you think it’s gonna be. Once you think you have it figured out the movie takes a sharp turn in another direction and just when you think you know where it’s going again you’re thrown another twist. The entire cast are giving it their all, commanding every scene they’re in, especially Mark Rylance and Johnny Flynn. The single location setting can be a difficult one to pull off sometimes but The Outfit makes it look easy. The script is expertly written and will keep you on the edge of your seat for the duration. It brings something new to the gangster movie genre, a terrific crime movie that certainly keeps you on your toes. A stylish and suspenseful crime thriller you won’t want to miss. Highly recommended.

The Disney gravy train continues, and if it’s not another live action remake it’s a theme park ride adaptation. Well although these theme park movies have served them well in the past (5 Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Jungle Cruise etc.), they’ve now had a go at a spooky tale suitable for the whole family. Well that was the idea but unfortunately this new Haunted Mansion movie will be too scary for some young viewers and too boring for everyone else. Not even a strong cast made up of LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, and Jamie Lee Curtis is enough to save this snooze-fest. A single mother, Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) moves into a lovely mansion that unfortunately is also home to a whole bunch of ghosts. Enter a tour guide (LaKeith Stanfield) a priest (Owen Wilson), a psychic (Tiffany Haddish) and a historian (Danny DeVito) to all get together and help exorcise the ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. An unlikely group of heroes forced together in a very unusual circumstance that should have resulted in a comedic spooky tale but ends up as a bland, boring story that I couldn’t wait to be finally over. This isn’t the worst film I’ve seen all year but it’s close. Haunted Mansion fails at a family comedy and fails as a spooky ghost story. It’s got a dull script that even a good cast can’t do anything with. The effects are horrendous, you’d see better looking ghosts in a PS2 game. It can’t fit comfortably into a genre because it’s not funny and not scary. This felt endless and I can’t believe it’s only two hours because it felt more like four. The idea was good and clearly there’s lots to work with from the theme park ride, as all these ghosts with different back stories keep showing up throughout the film. There’s certainly enough of them stuffed into it and perhaps it would have been better as a mini series to explore some of the different ghost tales and actually develop some characters instead of quickly jamming them altogether into the mansion as quick as possible with the 999 other ghosts before the really evil ghost completes his plan of collecting 1000 souls. Haunted Mansion moves from one haunted room to another, leaving you feeling like you’d rather be in the haunted mansion ride itself rather than this. Hell even those little crappy ghost trains we all got dragged to at some point as a child is better than this because it’s over quicker. I went in with low expectations and I was still disappointed. Haunted Mansion is a wasted opportunity because with that cast it should have been a hell of a lot better than the result. And it’s really not their fault, without a good script you don’t have a good movie and if Disney put an actual film maker in charge of things they might end up with better material because they’ve long since shown themselves to be completely out of ideas. Too bad they can’t understand the importance of good writers and yet another mediocre theme park based movie only serves as a further reminder that originality died at Disney years ago. We’re entering spooky season now and there are so many better things you could watch instead of this utter mess, Casper, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addams Family, Coraline, Beetlejuice and of course Hocus Pocus. Honestly there’s episodes of Scooby-Doo that are more entertaining than Haunted Mansion. But for anyone genuinely looking for a not too scary Halloween movie for the whole family, check out any of the above and skip this utter mess of a movie because there’s very few people I’d recommend this to. Haunted Mansion is recommended for die-hard fans of the theme park, I’m not saying you’ll all enjoy it but if this movie was made for anyone, it’s you guys. For everyone else, I’d say skip this one.

127 Hours under the sea or 47 Meters Down without the sharks. The Dive takes a scary idea of being trapped under a rock but only this time it’s underwater. When sisters May (Louisa Krause) and Drew (Sophie Lowe) go scuba diving at a beautiful and extremely secluded location things go horrendously wrong when one gets trapped 28 meters below. With oxygen levels dropping to dangerously low levels by the minute it’s up to her sister to save her before it’s too late. And that’s why we don’t go scuba diving in a completely secluded area no matter how picturesque it is. “The calmer you are the less air you use,” well The Dive is anything but calm and it’s not recommended for anyone about to go scuba diving. Watching the events unfold in such a desperate situation forces you to question how you’d survive such a terrifying ordeal, not me though I’d well be dead. In fact I’d never end up in this situation in the first place, though that doesn’t diminish how terrifying a position like this would be. But to call The Dive a horror movie is a bit of a stretch, but whoever organises the Odeon Scream Unseen chose it anyway. You know exactly where this movie is going and all you’re doing is waiting for the incident to happen that gets one of the sisters trapped at the bottom of the ocean. Unfortunately the attempts to build an emotional connection doesn’t really work. The two leads don’t have great chemistry together, along with an average script it doesn’t keep a level of suspense and tension that the trailer made it seem. Because of this it drags in places and although it’s got some good moments it’s nothing special. Thankfully it doesn’t drift too far into the unbelievable but overall it’s not memorable and doesn’t do anything new to the survival movie genre. It’s also a remake of the Swedish film Tödliche Tiefen (Breaking Surface) which I’d guess had more suspense and atmosphere than The Dive, which makes you wonder why this remake exists at all. Still though, it was a lot better than the Meg 2. Recommended for those who enjoy these kinds of survival movies. It’s worth a watch once, but that’s about it. For anyone looking for some real scares, there are actual horror movies in the cinema right now you could see instead.

Horror fans here’s the perfect Halloween movie to start off spooky season. Cobweb is sure to scare the **** out of you for just under 90 minutes. Eight-year-old Peter (Woody Norman) lives an isolated life, with no friends and kept away from normal childhood activities by his overly protective and clearly unhinged parents (Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr). Things go from bad to worse when Peter starts hearing mysterious knocking sounds coming from inside the walls of his bedroom. Dismissed by his parents, his fear intensifies and upon investigating, he begins to unravel a dark secret that his parents have kept hidden for years. Turns out having Homelander as your dad is not the scariest thing in poor Peter’s life. What begins as a seemingly run-of-the-mill ghost story gradually takes on new levels of sinister until it’s dark secret is finally revealed. Cobweb turned out to be much more than a generic horror movie. It’s a gothic tale that’s highly atmospheric and packed full of tension that had the entire cinema gripped and more importantly scared. There’s nothing more disappointing than a horror movie that fails at it’s main task, to scare the viewer and not only does Cobweb have lots of frights packed into it, but also deals with disturbing topics that succeeds in putting you on edge right away and doesn’t let up with the sense of unease and impending dread. Cobweb doesn’t waste a single minute. It teases various clues to you throughout and doesn’t reveal anything to you sooner than you need to. It also doesn’t waste time plotsplaining things to you. Generally you’ll always get a scarier and more interesting horror movie when you successfully build it around real-life terrors and Cobweb does that very well. It does however feel like they were unsure how exactly to end it and as a result you’re left with a rather abrupt ending. But I can forgive that because of everything else it’s got going for it. Between The Boogeyman, Talk to Me and now Cobweb it’s been great to see more scary and original horror movies in cinemas recently. The more the better. Cobweb is a creative horror, that’s as creepy as it is twisted with a very dark theme and what more could you ask for? It’s the perfect Halloween movie and definitely recommended for the horror fans, particularly anyone who enjoyed The Shining and Barbarian.

Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) the Megalodon punching, eco-terrorist fighting knucklehead is back and so are the Megs. Lots of Megs this time, not just one, because that will make it better than the first movie right? Sorry lads, not only is this sequel not better than The Meg it’s somehow worse. Can someone explain to me how you make a movie about giant sharks boring? Somehow they managed it because a movie about giant sharks should be anything but boring. The worlds “smartest” scientists apparently didn’t learn their lesson that took place in the first movie four years previous and they continue their exploration of the deepest depths of the ocean. Since we last saw the team, they now have a Meg in captivity, as you do. But don’t worry it’s very secure and no chance the Meg will escape at any point. Statham and his team go on yet another mission down in the Mariana Trench, home to the Megs and some other ancient sea life, because that’ll end well. Due to some complications, they accidently blow a huge hole in the thermal layer, you know the only thing keeping all the scary prehistoric creatures away from the rest of the ocean. Well they blow a hole through that again and unleash the Megs onto the world. Here we go again, who could have possibly foreseen this and doesn’t this all feel very familiar? For anyone wondering why The Meg even got a sequel at all it made a boatload of money in the cinemas. Lucky for us that means more Megs, but even getting director Ben Wheatley on-board wasn’t enough to rescue this mess. Meg 2: The Trench forgot it’s entire audience only want to see a bunch of Megalodons chomp on everything in the ocean for 90 minutes. We’re not here for the eco-terrorists, and corruption storylines with half-assed, one dimensional villains. Again it fell into the same trap as the first Meg and took itself way too seriously. I felt stupid watching this movie and at about the halfway mark all I could think of is there’s very little Megs in this Meg movie. The many unnecessary plot lines are stupid, the acting is stupid, the script is stupid and the Oscar for most underwhelming monsters in a monster movie goes to all the Megs that appeared in Meg 2: The Trench. They were absolutely useless and got upstaged in their own movie. The first Meg movie had a similar problem in that it took itself way too seriously and didn’t have enough people getting chomped on. Like it’s a movie about a giant shark, if it plays out as a serious movie like Jaws then it’s set itself up for failure from the beginning. Having Ben Wheatley (Kill List, High-Rise) take over the franchise honestly didn’t make any difference, and I can only guess he needed a quick paycheque so I hope it was worth it. Even with ultra-low expectations, Meg 2 was a giant disappointment. It fails as an action movie and it fails as a monster movie. It doesn’t even deliver what it promises and the Megs ultimately get upstaged by some other prehistoric creatures and boring subplots. I just wanted a cheesy, entertaining monster movie. That’s all I wanted, is that too much to ask? Like it’s predecessor, it doesn’t have nearly enough laughs to place it in the “so bad it’s good” category. Honestly I got more laughs watching Lavalantula (yes it’s a real movie) than I did watching Meg 2: The Trench. Recommended for anyone who thinks Jaws: The Revenge is a masterpiece, but honestly if you want a shark movie that actually falls into the “so bad it’s good” category, Deep Blue Sea or Sharknado are better choices than Meg 2: The Trench.

Meet Barbie (Margot Robbie) who lives in Barbieland with all the other Barbies (Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey…) with their dreamhouses, cars and accessories. Also in Barbieland are the Kens (Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa…) and Allen, (a.k.a. Ken’s Buddy a.k.a. Michael Cera). Every day is perfect in Barbieland and “Barbie has a great day everyday” but soon Barbie begins to have an existential crisis and things aren’t so perfect for her anymore as she begins to question her world and existence. Barbie is for all the women who played with Barbie dolls, for all the women who love everything pink and wonderful and for all the women who have a “weird, dark and crazy side.” Barbie is for everyone. I wouldn’t have guessed that one of the standout movies of the year would be about a Barbie doll but this is more than a movie about a piece of plastic with great hair. It’s a movie dealing with deeper issues like self-esteem, impossible beauty standards, identity and the unrealistic expectations put on women. It had so much more depth to it than I ever would have expected. It’s not afraid to make fun of itself but without turning Barbie into a joke. Seriously if you go into Barbie expecting to hate it then congratulations you’re going to hate it. I personally don’t love everything pink and wonderful but I really enjoyed Barbie and you don’t have to be Barbie obsessed to like it. If there was ever a clear cut case of an actor born to play a role it’s Margot Robbie as Barbie. She absolutely killed it. She was able to portray the “stereotypical Barbie” and “existential crisis Barbie” to perfection and no one else could have gave that performance as well as Margot. Ryan Gosling is channelling his inner kenergy to tap into this role and you were more than kenough Ryan you were absolutely perfect. Fair play to Greta Gerwig for turning what could have been a giant advertisement for Mattel into a terrific and fun movie with a great message. America Ferrera’s speech about what it means to be a woman will go down as one of cinema’s greatest movie monologues. She stole the show with that one scene alone and was met with cheers in the cinema. The attention to detail with all the sets in Barbieland are brilliant, the dance sequences were expertly choreographed, Helen Mirren was excellent as the narrator and arguably got the best joke in the whole movie. I’ve no words to describe the “I’m Just Ken” song, it’s a cinematic event that will probably never be repeated. Ryan Gosling has reminded us all how great at comedy roles he is, and I don’t believe any other actor could have pulled that off. It’s pink, fluffy, silly and sure it’s a little cringey at times but sure that’s to be expected. It found the balance between goofy humour and heart. It will speak to so many people and looking at the sold out movie screens more than two weeks after it’s opening date we can expect Barbie to reel in the profits. Warner Bros wouldn’t be rolling in the money if it wasn’t for the writers, the actors and all those behind the scenes who brought Barbie to the big screen in a creative and fun way. The marketing team also outdid themselves this time and this collective effort and hard work has paid off. The success of Barbie has inevitably led to Mattel launching their own cinematic universe based on a variety of different toys. Unfortunately they’ve most likely missed the point as to why Barbie has been so successful and resonated with so many people. Unless they get proper filmmakers to each take one of these movies and think outside the box then they are setting themselves up for failure. Cinema audiences don’t want more toy based movies, because Barbie is more than just a movie about a doll, they really did come up with an ingenious, bizarre and sublime way to make Barbie. Barbie definitely exceeded my expectations and is just a delightfully good time at the cinema. For many cinemas the last two weeks have been the most successful weekends in years due to Barbie and Oppenheimer. Real filmmakers making real movies outside of franchises and remakes. If you haven’t seen either of these films yet then what are you waiting for and if you’ve already seen both then congratulations movie buffs for completing Barbenheimer.

Nolan’s back again only this time with a biography about “the father of the atomic bomb,” J. Robert Oppenheimer. Prepare yourself for a Summer blockbuster unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. In a 3 hour spectacular movie that demands your full attention. Spanning from Oppenheimer’s early life, his time leading the Manhattan project & the creation of the devastating bomb that the Americans used to end the war. See it on the big screen like you’ll never believe. And if you have the opportunity to see it in 35/70mm or IMAX then take it. It really is an amazing achievement to create a movie that is essentially people talking in different rooms for 3 hours & have it being one of the year’s greatest movies. Directed by a true master filmmaker, Christopher Nolan has further cemented himself as one of the best and he’s the best for a reason. The trailer gave us only a taste of what’s in store. Although knowing the outcome, the sheer level of tension packed into this film is enthralling. It perfectly captures the overly ambitious men in their mission to create something that no one should ever have – “now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.” Oppenheimer is an expertly crafted story that is horrifying, chilling & will leave you in awe. You are watching a Christopher Nolan film which means don’t expect time to be linear, it’s told across various different time periods from Oppenheimer’s studies at Cambridge, the beginning of the Manhattan project, the trinity test in 1945 and the subsequent controversies in Oppenheimer’s later life. It can be a little confusing as one would expect from a Nolan movie but it uses a mix of colour and black and white shots to illustrate different character point of views. It certainly deserves all the awards coming to it & there are so many Oscar worthy performances with the stand out one being Cillian Murphy. After years of working together, Murphy has finally been given the chance at a lead in a Nolan movie & he really shows us what a stunning actor he really is. His performance is haunting, he’s in almost every scene & was the perfect choice to play a guilt ridden Oppenheimer. Although much of the weight is carried by Cillian Murphy, Nolan has always understood the importance of a strong supporting cast. They consist of Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Jason Clarke, Alden Ehrenreich, Kenneth Branagh, Benny Safdie & Tom Conti. That’s not even all of them, the list is very impressive and each & every one of them brought their best to Oppenheimer. When Nolan calls, you say yes because it doesn’t matter if you’re only in one scene, you’re in a damn Christopher Nolan movie. With amazing practical effects, it’s a movie clearly made for the big screen. That’s right you read that correctly it’s practical effects, no CGI. Nolan has always prioritised real sets, real effects & no he didn’t set off a real atomic bomb but the entire trinity test sequence is mesmerizing to witness & you really do want to see it on the biggest screen possible. Everything from the sound & editing will scar scenes into your mind forever. The crowd sequence afterwards is one of the most haunting things I’ve ever seen on film & the way in which Cillian Murphy conveys the horror of what he’s created is a masterclass in acting. With so many layers, the beauty of Nolan’s movies is you get something new with every rewatch. It’s powerful and does not shy away from the dark side of humanity in the creation of a devastating weapon of war. A cinematic masterpiece. Sound & music are always used very effectively in Nolan’s movies & Ludwig Göransson delivers yet another stunning score that perfectly captures the emotions surrounding a dark moment in human history. So much emotion expressed through the violin, it’s a sensational movie score. Honestly I’ll be thinking about this film for weeks afterwards. For anyone who’s been left emotionally traumatised after the experience then fear not because as luck would have it, the perfect film is available to de-stress after Oppenheimer. The polar opposite to a historical biopic, Barbie is also out, in what looks like cinema’s most successful weekend in years. Audiences are jaded from the endless parade of remakes and sequels to already well established franchises but more of these original stories made by proper filmmakers will be the saviour to struggling cinemas. And the question was never which one do you want to see, it’s which one do you want to see first. It’s terrific to see so many people enjoying themselves in the cinema for these movies & whichever you went to see first this weekend I hope you enjoyed it. Am I recommending Oppenheimer? Of course I am, Christopher Nolan is one of my favourite directors but whether you’re a fan or not, if you love film then Oppenheimer is a must see. It’s a jaw dropping film that will leave you speechless.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and company (Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg and Rebecca Ferguson) are back for the seventh time in a franchise that dares itself to do better with each new instalment. More espionage, deception, stunts, car chases, and lots and lots of running. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One delivers the full suite of spy movie tropes and yes that does mean the Scooby-Doo masks are back in force again. It wouldn’t be a Mission: Impossible movie without someone pulling their face off at some point. Open with an evil Russian submarine, in a scene that felt like War Games on steroids and it’s time for rogue man Ethan Hunt and the IMF team to embark upon yet another impossible mission. This time they must track down a new weapon that threatens all of humanity before the bad guys get it first. This mysterious enemy is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before and soon the fate of the entire world is at stake. So you know, the usual stuff. Look we’re not here for the plot but this one definitely felt topical. We’re here to see people fight and run and fly and boy do we get it all and more. 2023 has certainly been a great year for the stunt departments, what with John Wick throwing half the stunt team down endless steps and now Mission: Impossible doing their very best to fling Tom Cruise off mountains, trains, rooftops, and whatever other surface a person shouldn’t be running on you can bet he’ll find a way. We’ve seen jaw dropping stunts in the previous movies from hanging onto the side of a plane, climbing buildings and a halo jump. The planning and dedication that comes to upping the stakes again and again is what will get the fans into the cinemas. This is proper filmmaking and it will always be superior to whatever new technology that threatens to replace it. Because that bike stunt (see poster) is absolutely incredible and it’s these carefully planned and seemingly impossible stunts that need to be seen to be believed. Dead Reckoning is clearly made by people who understand what cinema audiences want, it delivers exactly what it advertises and further reminds us that this is a franchise that is not going away any time soon. It continually finds new and exciting ways to keep fans captivated, Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie bring us through an exhilarating thrill ride that moves from set piece to set piece without feeling rushed or overly long. Because at 2 hours 45 minutes I barely felt the time pass. Also as it’s part one of two it’s unclear whether splitting it in two was the right decision, with few exceptions generally splitting one story into multiple parts results in upsetting the story arc. But there’s enough packed into Dead Reckoning and although it may not be quite as good as M:I – Fallout, it’s very close. While the villain in the latest installment doesn’t quite live up to Sean Harris or Henry Cavill it’s Pom Klementieff as Paris who stole the show in Dead Reckoning. Her onscreen presence was something else, and with barely any dialogue she gave a menacing performance and almost felt like she was out of a completely different film. The women in the last few Mission: Impossible and James Bond movies don’t just show up and look pretty, they kick ass too and Klementieff was probably one of the most memorable characters in these action/spy movies. Each time I see another one of these movies I can’t help but think they might actually be trying to kill Tom Cruise. The man doesn’t stop, he might not be much of an actor but he’s the best action man making movies right now. And they’re movies made to be seen on the big screen, because if there’s one thing you can count on a Mission: Impossible movie, it’s pure adrenaline fuelled entertainment. I loved it and it’s essential viewing for the fans of the franchise. And if I haven’t convinced you to see it, rest assured the Mission Impossible movies also have universal appeal, you can hop in at any one of them and you’ll be fine. So sit back and enjoy Dead Reckoning Part One which will leave you wanting more and more.

Alright Indiana Jones fans we’re back again for Indy’s last adventure, yes I know we said that the last time but this time it really is the last chance to see Harrison Ford as the iconic archaeologist on the big screen. So despite what you’ve heard from the reviews, if you’re a fan of these movies then you really do have to see this one too. Sure we all sat through Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull so if you survived that then you can sit through this I promise you. Indiana races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history. In typical fashion, he’s not the only one looking for the artifact. Enter Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Boyd Holbrook. No I’m not listing Antonio Banderas with the cast, despite his name being all over the posters, he was barely used, what a waste. We meet Indy as a bitter old man, in the middle of a divorce and just about to retire. Clearly his best days are behind him and the last thing he expects is to go on another adventure to retrieve an ancient artifact before a bunch of **** use it for “insert evil plan here.” Yes the **** are back again, they worked so well as villains the last times, why not use them again. Harrison Ford, check. ****, check. The hat, check. The whip, check. Spielberg…eh not this time. Fear not, you’re in the capable hands of director James Mangold. Remember what he did to Wolverine when he made Logan? Well he didn’t quite reach that standard here unfortunately, but hey at least it’s better than The Crystal Skull. And sure look, we’re all going to have our own ranking of the Indiana Jones movies, I definitely believe the 4th is the worst of them but no matter how you feel about this one we’re all agreeing that Raiders of the Lost Ark is the best by a long shot. Honestly, I never really loved any of the sequels, and please Temple of Doom fans don’t kill me, they have their moments but Raiders was an absolute masterpiece, I rewatch it every Christmas but with the sequels and now The Dial of Destiny I can’t see myself looking at them again. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is fun and worth a cinema trip for the fans of the franchise. It is nostalgic to see Harrison Ford take on his most iconic character once more and as I’ve said countless times already, nostalgia sells. It’s entertaining and a bit of fun, even if it is moving from set piece to set piece like a National Treasure movie. Despite a running time of 2 hours 34 minutes you don’t actually feel the time pass. There’s enough going on to keep you engaged though it doesn’t quite have the same magic as the original. It also took a very unexpected turn in the final act. And I’m not sure it really worked for me, it felt too out of place for an Indiana Jones movie but I didn’t hate it. Mads Mikkelsen plays a formidable villain as always. He never puts in a bad performance and he was a perfect choice for an Indiana Jones bad guy. Phoebe Waller-Bridge was a good addition to the cast and in no way deserves the harsh comments doing the rounds on certain websites. There’s almost a cartoonish level of violence going on in The Dial of Destiny, I’ve never seen quite so many characters getting brutally injured and not even showing a bruise. I know we need to suspend belief a little bit during these action/adventure movies but The Dial of Destiny was definitely pushing it. It’s sad to see that the times of casting a different actor to play a younger version of a character is now over. With modern CGI, we’re seeing more and more of the digital de-aging of famous actors now for flashback scenes (and in some cases, the entire movie). And sure it didn’t look too bad here for the opening of The Dial of Destiny but there are a few moments during that sequence where it looked a little like a video game. In fact the CGI throughout The Dial of Destiny looked a little dodgy, and I’m not about to criticise Harrison Ford for not riding a horse through a parade of people, the dude’s 80 but if you’re going to rely on so much CGI then it really needs to look better and less like a video game cutscene. While the newest addition to the Indiana Jones franchise won’t exactly blow audiences away it makes for an entertaining cinema trip and should keep the whole family engaged. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has been announced as the last Indy movie so let’s leave it at that. It’s done now, no more sequels, or prequels, no more, it’s done. We’ve said goodbye to Indiana Jones three times now, I think that’s more than enough. At the end of the day, this was never going to live up to people’s expectations and it’s impossible to reach the standard set by Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’s a very average action/adventure movie that gives another farewell to an iconic movie legend. Recommended for all the Indiana Jones fans or anyone who enjoyed National Treasure and/or Uncharted.