Film Reviews
West Virginia has suddenly become the subject of intense scrutiny. The denizens of the state could well be forgiven for wondering where the mass media and political class were before the 2016 presidential primaries and election turned West Virginia into an unlikely bellweather for the appeal of Donald Trump’s populist rhetoric. Trump’s hardhat-donning ‘Trump Digs Coal’ campaign delivered him the state by a resounding 68.
Live by Night is the next directorial effort from Ben Affleck, in which he also stars/writes/produces; it is another indicator of his talent.
Road to the Well has redeeming qualities, including fine acting and cinematography, yet it falls short of greatness from its lacking story.
Does the sixth instalment in the Resident Evil franchise break the mould by being the movie that fans have always wanted?
The Birth of a Nation is often relentlessly dark and bitter, and as a result is only partly a success at delivering its compelling message.
More people died, many were saved. Fire At Sea is an expression of pure sorrow and joy inextricably linked together; the story of their exodus.
With Certain Women, director Kelly Reichardt has created one of the most human cinematic universes in recent memory.
This dusty gem of an outlaw picture almost passed me by, but I caught the trailer before Swiss Army Man (satisfyingly strange!) and immediately wanted – needed – to give it my money. If you had seen the trailer before whatever summer tent pole you supported, Hell or High Water would have opened nationwide and been the blockbuster you didn’t know you needed.
T2 Trainspotting, though enjoyable in its own right, ultimately relies too heavily on nostalgia for the original to be a complete success.
Sing is a film which is trying to look on the more positive side of these singing competitions; it is about hope and a real desire to change.
A Tale of Love and Darkness is a sincere and emotionally impactful viewing experience; a great directorial debut from Natalie Portman.
Myrtle Beach takes a look at working class people within the predominantly conservative city, painting them in an empathetic, relatable light.
Despite initial scepticism, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a vividly presented and brilliantly executed standalone Star Wars film.
Don’t Hang Up is a tense and effective low-budget thriller, though it misses out on fully probing the dangers of online bullying.
Kedi is a joyful documentary that features the cats in Istanbul, Turkey, and the special connection they have with the city’s humans.