Latest Posts
Rebel Moon (2023) Review - Zack Snyder's pitch for a new 'Star Wars' movie has been re-tooled for Netflix and the sci-fi epic 'Rebel Moon', a film sadly derivative of better movies. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
10 Best Films 2023: Mark Carnochan - 2023 marked a year of change in cinema trends, highlighting a growing desire by audiences for good and moving films. Here are the 10 best films 2023, according to Mark Carnochan.
Anyone But You (2023) Review - 'Easy A' director Will Gluck balances humor and heart in 2023 romcom 'Anyone But You' starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell that proves love doesn't get old. Review by Margaret Roarty.
10 Best Films 2023: Sam Sewell-Peterson - Memorable blockbusters, films from distinct filmmakers, and movies representing under-represented communities, combine as the 10 best films of 2023 according to Sam Sewell-Peterson.
‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ at 45 – Review - The 1978 sci-fi horror adaptation 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' starring Donald Sutherland remains an all-time classic 45 years on from its release. Review by Kieran Judge.
10 Best The Muppet Christmas Carol Moments - A list of the 10 best, most fun, emotionally resonant, powerful and beloved moments from The Jim Henson Company's 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'. List by Katie Doyle.
‘The Ten Commandments’ at 100 – Review - Cecil B. DeMille's 1923 silent epic 'The Ten Commandments' is impossible to watch without your mouth hanging open in awe. The artistry is astounding. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) Review - 'Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget' (2023), the 'Chicken Run' sequel almost a quarter of a century in the making, pales in comparison to the original. Review by Emi Grant.
Godzilla Minus One (2023) Review - Takashi Yamakazi's 'Godzilla Minus One' aka 'Gojira -1.0' (2023) has a very strong claim to being the best kaiju movie in 70 years. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Maestro (2023) Review - Bradley Cooper stars in and directs 'Maestro', a biopic on "West Side Story" composer Leonard Bernstein that is long overdue but served well. Review by Rob Jones.
Wonka (2023) Review - Timothée Chalamet might be the only saving grace of Paul King's barely passable 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' prequel 'Wonka' (2023). Review by Margaret Roarty.
Catch Me If You Can: Christmas Classic? - How Steven Spielberg's crime caper 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002), starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, is definitely a Christmas film. Article by Grace Laidler.
10 Best The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Moments - The most impactful, memorable and iconic moments from Peter Jackson's trilogy concluding 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'. List by Martha Lane.
10 Best The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers Moments - The most spectacular, meaningful and memorable moments from Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers', the trilogy's middle entry. List by Martha Lane.
10 Best The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Moments - The most impactful, hilarious and memorable moments from Peter Jackson's timeless epic 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001). List by Martha Lane.
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain (2023) Review - 'Saturday Night Live' act Please Don't Destroy transition to the big screen with 'Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain;, proving their talents as they do. Review by Mark Carnochan.
10 Best Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Moments - The very best moments from arguably the greatest animated superhero movie of all time, Sony Pictures Animation's 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'. List by George Taylor.
May December (2023) Review - Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Metlon impressively belie their characters in Todd Haynes' awards frontrunner 'May December', a film that is hard to forget. Review by Connell Oberman.
10 Best Christmas Short Films - The 10 best, most beloved and critically acclaimed Christmas short films in history, from those by Rankin/Bass to Dr Seuss to Aardman and beyond. List by Joseph Wade.
Ridley Scott Films Ranked - All 28 films directed by Ridley Scott ranked from worst to best, including 'Alien', 'Blade Runner', 'Gladiator' and 'Napoleon'. Article by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Little Women (1933) Review - George Cukor's 1933 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" starring Katharine Hepburn is perfect for those who may need an umbrella during a sun shower. Review by Margaret Roarty.
It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023) Review - 'It's a Wonderful Knife' (2023) adds a twist to 'It's a Wonderful Life', creating a technically proficient 90-minute blast of a slasher movie with some real star power. Review by Kieran Judge.
Terry Gilliam Movies Ranked - All 13 feature films directed by former Monty Python and unique filmmaker Terry Gilliam ranked from worst to best. List includes 'Brazil'. '12 Monkeys', and more. Article by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
50 Unmissable Christmas Movies - The most famous, most rewatchable, most iconic, most popular, best ever Christmas movies. 50 unmissable festive movies to watch this Christmas.
Where to Start with The Coen Brothers - Where to begin with the work of Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, the multi-award winning filmmaking duo known as the Coen Brothers. Article by Martha Lane.
Wish (2023) Review - Disney's 100th birthday release 'Wish' is a disingenuous, one dimensional, form of corporate self-fellatio that is insufferable to watch. Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine star. Review by Mark Carnochan.
David Fincher Movies Ranked - David Fincher's 12 feature films, including 'The Killer', ranked by how closely they're identified with the image of "a David Fincher movie." List by Jacob Davis.
Napoleon (2023) Review - Ridley Scott reunites with 'Gladiator' star Joaquin Phoenix for historical epic 'Napoleon', a film about Napoleon Bonaparte's conquests that had a lot of potential. Review by Joseph Wade.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Review - There is a universal truth at the core of John Hughes' 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' (1987), an exercise in empathy that has maintained its potency. Review by Connell Oberman.
Thanksgiving (2023) Review - For the most part, Eli Roth's slasher horror 'Thanksgiving' (2023) does exactly what it says it's going to. It gives a good, bloody slasher flick. Review by Kieran Judge.
Kathryn Bigelow Movies Ranked - All 10 feature films directed by the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director at the Oscars, Kathryn Bigelow, ranked from worst to best. List by Kieran Judge.
‘Frozen’ at 10 – Review - Walt Disney Animation mega-hit 'Frozen' is 10, and with a progressive and influential central narrative it maintains its impact and importance. Review by Martha Lane.
Dashing Through the Snow (2023) Review - 'Dashing Through the Snow' (2023), Disney's direct-to-streaming Christmas offering from Tim Story starring Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, is a one-watch-and-done festive adventure. Review by Martha Lane.
Embers (2023) Review - Christian Cooke's 2023 feature 'Embers' breaks down our understanding of therapy and mental illness, achieving a short, sharp shock that lingers in the mind. Review by Kieran Judge.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) Review - The prequel to 'The Hunger Games' is another worthy entry into the canon, 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' offering a rich and intriguing peak into the past. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Saltburn (2023) Review - Emerald Fennell has done it again. 'Saltburn' (2023) is like a Shakespearean episode of 'Skins' with a dash of 'Succession', and Barry Keoghan offers a special performance. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Jodie Foster: 3 Career-Defining Performances - The best and most defining performances of Jodie Foster's iconic, award-winning and decades-spanning acting career. Article by Connell Oberman.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Is Scorsese’s Macbeth Adaptation - How Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (2023) is a modern interpretation of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth". Full essay and analysis by Kieran Judge.
10 Best Hunger Games Moments - The 10 best moments from the 'Hunger Games' film franchise. The very best bits from the four central franchise films released 2012-2015. Article by David Roskin.
The Marvels (2023) Review - Nia DaCosta takes on 'The Marvels' (2023), a "decent enough time at the movies" that doesn't quite top the canon of Marvel Cinematic Universe offerings. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Dream Scenario (2023) Review - Kristoffer Borgli's 'Dream Scenario' (2023) seems like a dream scenario for star Nicolas Cage, and is an effortlessly watchable and compelling film in its own right. Review by Rob Jones.
Poor Things (2023) Review - Emma Stone stars as Bella, a remarkable creation formed by the hands of Willem Dafoe's Doctor, in Yorgos Lanthimos' most laugh-out-loud funny movie to date. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
The Killer (2023) Review - David Fincher offers one of 2023's best films in 'The Killer' starring Michael Fassbender, a thriller that deserves to survive the plight of the Netflix algorithm. Review by Mark Carnochan.
How to Have Sex (2023) Review - Molly Manning Walker's 'How to Have Sex' (2023), winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes, is a film about sex and consent thankfully absent of the male gaze. Review by Gala Woolley.
Wingwomen (2023) Review - Mélanie Laurent directs and stars in 'Wingwomen' (2023), a Netflix Original buddy actioner reminiscent of 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Lethal Weapon'. Review by Rob Jones.
Bottoms (2023) Review - Emma Seligman's 'Bottoms' (2023) is a hilariously violent teen sex comedy co-written by co-star Rachel Sennott. This is a memorable satire that packs a punch. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Second Cut’s Top 10 Best Films of All Time - Regular 2nd Cut Podcast hosts Jacob Davis, Kieran Judge and Sam Sewell-Peterson discuss their selections for the 10 Best Films of All Time, with controversial picks (including a 3-in-1).
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) Review - The long-awaited film adaptation of 'Five Nights at Freddy's' (2023), starring Josh Hutcherson in a haunted family fun restaurant, proves fan service can only get you so far. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Children of the Corn Movies Ranked - All 11 'Children of the Corn' horror movies, including the original 1984 Stephen King adaptation, ranked from worst to best. List by Kieran Judge.
10 Best Raw Moments - Julia Ducournau's monumental debut 'Raw' (2016) is a gruelling and grizzly look at female sexuality. Here are the 10 best moments. Article by Emi Grant.
10 Best The Shining Moments - The best moments from Stanley Kubrick's iconic and important horror film 'The Shining' (1980), starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd. Article by Holly Carter.
Original vs Remakes: Mystery of the Wax Museum vs House of Wax - Michael Curtiz's 'Mystery of the Wax Museum' (1933) vs Vincent Price in 'House of Wax' (1953) vs Paris Hilton in 'House of Wax' (2005). Which version is best? Find out here. Article by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
10 Best The Wicker Man Moments - The best moments from Robin Hardy's 1973 folk horror classic 'The Wicker Man', starring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee. Article by Katie Doyle.
10 Best The Sixth Sense Moments - Boasting one of the most frequently quoted lines in film history and a truly unforgettable twist, 'The Sixth Sense' is filled with iconic moments. Here are the best. Article by Emily Nighman.
10 Best Get Out Moments - The best moments from Jordan Peele's award-winning feature debut, 'Get Out' (2017). These are the reasons why 'Get Out' is regarded as an all-time great horror. Article by Martha Lane.
Where to Start with Sam Raimi - Where should you begin with the feature directorial career of iconic horror and superhero filmmaker Sam Raimi? Find out in this article by Mark Carnochan.
Scorsese’s Goodfellas and The Power of Movie Soundtracks - How Martin Scorsese utilises a diverse soundtrack of iconic popular music to help narrate his tale of gangsters, glory and regret in 'Goodfellas' (1990). Essay by Grace Laidler.
Taxi Driver (1976) Review - The legacy of Taxi Driver (1976) may not endure in a post-Trump world, but Martin Scorsese's film starring Robert De Niro remains a landmark work of US cinema. Review by Jacob Davis.
Where to Start with Bela Lugosi - Where to start with the cinema of Bela Lugosi, the man who popularised modern interpretations of Dracula and transfixed us with his piercing eyes. Article by Kieran Judge.
The Importance of Expressionism in ‘Raging Bull’ - How the expressionist techniques of Martin Scorsese's 'Raging Bull' (1980) elucidate the extent of Jake LaMotta's (Robert De Niro) psychological turmoil. Essay by Callum McGrath.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) Review - Martin Scorsese 2013 film 'The Wolf of Wall Street', starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie and Jonah Hill, is a timeless reflection on American wealth. Review by Emi Grant.
5 Unmissable Martin Scorsese Documentaries - Martin Scorsese will always have a place on the Mount Rushmore of filmmakers. Here are 5 unmissable documentaries (non-fiction films) directed by the great filmmaker. List by John McDonald.
Hit Man (2023) Review - Glen Powell stars and co-writes 'Hit Man' (2023), from 'Dazed and Confused' director Richard Linklater, "one of the most fun and original movies in years". Review by Leoni Horton.
Original vs Remake: Carrie (1976) vs Carrie (2013) - 'Carrie' (1976) vs 'Carrie' (2013), the Brian De Palma film versus the Kimberly Peirce adaptation based on Stephen King's novel. Which film is better? Article by Margaret Roarty.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023) Review - 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' set box office records, and it is a theater-worthy experience. Swift uses the film to construct her artistic image and narrative. Review by Jacob Davis.
Every Pixar Movie Ranked - Every Pixar Animation Studios movie ranked from worst to best. List includes 'Toy Story', 'The Incredibles', 'Finding Nemo', 'Wall-E' and 'Coco'. Article by The Film Magazine team.
Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty: Classic Disney Princesses Through the Eyes of a Modern Maiden - Disney Animation classics 'Snow White', 'Cinderella' and 'Sleeping Beauty' are revisited by a 9-year-old and her mother, to evaluate what is outdated and what isn't. Article by Martha Lane.
Angela Lansbury: 3 Career-Defining Performances - Angela Lansbury had a career widely celebrated across film, television and stage. Here are the renowned performer's 3 career-defining film performances. Article by Alannah Purslow.
Priscilla (2023) Review - Priscilla Presley memoir "Elvis and Me" fits effortlessly into director Sofia Coppola's cinematic canon. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi star. Review by Leoni Horton.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at 30 – Review - After 30 years, Jack Skellington is not just the King of the Pumpkin Patch, he is the King of the Goths. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' reviewed 30 years after its release. Article by Katie Doyle.
Ratatouille (2007) Review - Everyone has the potential to follow their dreams and succeed... even Parisian rats! Disney Pixar's 'Ratatouille' (2007) is a masterpiece. Review by Lydia Bowen-Williams.
Evil Dead Movies Ranked - The movies of the Evil Dead universe, from 'The Evil Dead' (1981) to 'Evil Dead Rise' (2023) via 'The Evil Dead II' and 'Army of Darkness', ranked from worst to best. List by Mark Carnochan.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) Review - 'The Killers of the Flower Moon' is nothing short of a masterpiece from our greatest living filmmaker, Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone star. Review by Leoni Horton.
The Exorcist Movies Ranked - The Exorcist franchise films ranked. All 6 feature releases, from 'The Exorcist' (1973) to 'The Exorcist: Believer' (2023), ranked from worst to best. Article by Kieran Judge.
The Bikeriders (2023) Review - Jeff Nichols biker movie 'The Bikeriders' (2023), starring Tom Hardy, Austin Butler and Jodie Comer, wears its influences on its sleeve but tells a recognisable story with a fresh approach.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023) Review - 'The Exorcist: Believer', from 'Halloween' director David Gordon Green, seems to apply the 'twice as many kids, twice as scary' logic to 'The Exorcist', much to its detriment. Review by Kieran Judge.
Haunted Mansion (2023): Review - Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' (2023), starring LaKeith Stanfield at the head of an ensemble cast, is on Disney Plus. It's hard to imagine it becoming a family favourite. Review by Martha Lane.
Saw Movies Ranked - All 10 'Saw' movies, from Saw (2004) to Saw X (2023), Ranked from worst to best. Which is the best Saw horror movie? Article by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
The Old Oak (2023) Review - 'The Old Oak' (2023), the Palme d'Or-nominated "final film" of renowned director Ken Loach's career, speaks truth to power. Ignore the naysayers. Review by Joseph Wade.
The Creator (2023) Review - Behold Gareth Edwards' 'The Creator' (2023), a mid-budget sci-fi starring John David Washington that is a good time at the movies. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Saw X (2023) Review - The 10th instalment in the 'Saw' franchise, 'Saw X' (2023), won't convert those uninterested in Jigsaw, but it will be particularly pleasing to returning fans. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Ben Wheatley Films Ranked - Ben Wheatley is one of the most prolific and distinctive British filmmakers of recent years. Here are his 10 feature films ranked from worst to best. List by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Dumb Money (2023) Review - Craig Gillespie presents a thoughtful take the real-life story of how GameStop stock upended Wall Street in 'Dumb Money', starring Paul Dano. Review by Rob Jones.
How ‘Threads’ Remains Frighteningly Relevant 40 Years On - Barry Hines and Mick Jackson constructed a straight-to-television film that depicted the horrors of nuclear annihilation in a terrifying, realistic and lasting manner. Essay by Eleanor Wise.
Love at First Sight (2023) Review - On the shoulders of its two stars Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy, Netflix Original rom-com 'Love at First Sight' is great for a cosy movie night. Review by Rehana Nurmahi.
‘Prisoners’ at 10 – Review - 'Prisoners', the crime thriller from 'Dune' director Denis Villeneuve starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, holds us captive even 10 years on from its release. Review by Gala Woolley.
Elevator Game (2023) Review - 'Elevator Game' (2023), the elevator horror film from Rebekah McKendry, is 'Cube' meets 'Candyman', but an insult to both. Review by Kieran Judge.
Bolan’s Shoes (2023) Review - Timothy Spall and Leanne Best star in 'Bolan's Shoes', a film that may disappoint you if a Marc Bolan T Rex film is what you're expecting. Review by John McDonald.
‘Steamboat Willie’ at 95 – Short Film Review - Disney's game-changing breakthrough cartoon 'Steamboat Willie', the film that introduced the public to Mickey Mouse, is 95 - how does it hold up? Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
El Conde (2023) Review - Pablo Larraín, the director behind 'No' (2012), 'Jackie' (2016) and 'Spencer' (2021), directs a historical satire imagining Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet as a vampire. Review by Martha Lane.
A Haunting in Venice (2023) Review - The third film in Kenneth Branagh's Poirot series takes a huge step away from Agatha Christie's source material for this horror film lacking the novel's magic. Review by Kieran Judge.
‘The Age of Innocence’ at 30 – Review - Thirty years on from the release of Martin Scorsese's 'The Age of Innocence' (1993), the Edith Wharton adaptation deserves a spot among his most accomplished works. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Christopher Nolan Films Ranked - All 12 Christopher Nolan films ranked from worst to best. This list includes 'Following', the 'Dark Knight Trilogy', and modern classics 'Inception' and 'Oppenheimer'. By Joseph Wade.
10 Best Parasite Moments - The 10 best moments from the first-ever Non-English language Oscars Best Picture, Bong Joon Ho's 'Parasite'. List includes peaches. Article by Rehana Nurmahi.
Akira Kurosawa, Toshiro Mifune: Cinema’s Greatest Collaborations - Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune, arguably the most iconic director-actor pairing of the 20th century. These carefully curated films best represent their everlasting legacy. Article by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Christopher Walken: 3 Career-Defining Performances - Christopher Walken has established himself as one of the most complete and unique actors in Hollywood. Here are his 3 career-defining performances. Article by Joshua Imas.
James Ponsoldt Movies Ranked - James Ponsoldt movies ranked worst to best. Each film, from his stirring debut 'Off the Black' to 'Summering' via 'Smashed', 'The Circle' and more, ranked. Article by Joseph Wade.
Scrapper (2023) Review - Charlotte Regan's debut feature 'Scrapper' (2023), starring Lola Campbell and Harris Dickinson, is a worthwhile take on a story that isn't often told. Review by Rob Jones.
Cobweb (2023) Review - Samuel Bodin horror 'Cobweb' (2023) is a daring push at formula, a film ever-so-close to being one of cinema's surprises of the year. Stars Lizzy Caplan. Review by Kieran Judge.
Laurence Fishburne: 3 Career-Defining Performances - Laurence Fishburne is an actor whose career has flourished with iconic and award-winning performances. These are his 3 career-defining performances. Article by John McDonald.