Reviews
The Imaginary (2023) Review - From some of the creative minds behind 'Spirited Away' comes 2024 Netflix anime 'The Imaginary', a children's film for adults that is a little too boring to be a classic. Review by Martha Lane.
‘Anatomy of a Murder’ at 65 – Review - James Stewart and George C. Scott are a wonder to behold in Otto Preminger's strange, uneasy, and altogether brilliant courtroom drama 'Anatomy of a Murder' (1959). Review by Kieran Judge.
Lumberjack the Monster (2023) Review - The latest movie from provocative filmmaker Takashi Miike, 'Lumberjack the Monster' (2023), seems lacking the shock factor necessary to gain attention. Review by Lauren Frison.
Kinds of Kindness (2024) Review - Yorgos Lanthimos follows 'Poor Things' with one of the best films of his career, the messed up ensemble piece 'Kinds of Kindness' - a film not to be missed. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Sister Wives (2024) Short Film Review - Louisa Connolly-Burnham writes, directs and stars in 'Sister Wives', a heartfelt story of control, freedom and expression, co-starring Mia McKenna-Bruce. Review by Kieran Judge.
‘The Notebook’ at 20 – Review - 20 years on from the release of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams romance 'The Notebook', its pop culture significance is earned, its performances affecting. Review by Margaret Roarty.
‘The Lion King’ at 30 – Review - Three decades on, Disney Animation's 'The Lion King' remains a classic. The jewel in the Disney Renaissance crown is an untouchable icon of pop culture. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
True Romance (1993) Review - The iconic female protagonist steals the show in 'True Romance' (1993), the movie about two lovers on the run written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. Review by Gala Woolley.
‘Chinatown’ at 50 – Review - Jack Nicholson owns every scene in 'Chinatown' (1974) which, at fifty years old, is timeless and a near-perfect example of the form. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
‘Tarzan’ at 25 – Review - 'Tarzan' (1999) arrived into cinemas at the peak of Disney Animation's powers, and presented a nuanced and creative take powered by a reputable Phil Collins soundtrack. Review by Rehana Nurmahi.
Looking for Eric (2009) Review - Social realist filmmaker Ken Loach turns to comedy for his 2009 football-adjacent film 'Looking for Eric', a memorable version of a recognisable story starring Eric Cantona. Review by Martha Lane.
Watch the Lights (2024) Review - Alex Ayre's NORTH Wrestling documentary 'Watch the Lights' (2024), about NORTH's journey to its biggest ever show, captures a special feeling. It belongs on your watchlist. Review by Joseph Wade.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) Review - The fourth Bad Boys movie, 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (2024), starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, is a "check your brains in at the door" good film with enjoyable aspects. Review by Kieran Judge.
Hit Man (2024) Review - Richard Linklater film 'Hit Man', starring Glen Powell, based on a true story, is a riotous time and equally philosophical, a great symbol of the Summer of Glen. Review by Rehana Nurmahi.
The Watchers (2024) Review - Ishana Night Shyamalan thriller 'The Watchers' (2024), starring Dakota Fanning, strips the original story of everything that made it compelling. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Arcadian (2024) Review - 'Arcadian', the new horror film from Benjamin Brewer starring Nicolas Cage, is two films - half wonderful, tight and controlled, the rest wasted potential. Review by Kieran Judge.
‘Speed’ at 30 – Review - Jan de Bont's iconic action movie 'Speed', starring Keanu Reeves in one of the roles that made him an action star, serves as a reminder of what makes a movie unforgettable. Review by Margaret Roarty.
‘The Crow’ at 30 – Review - Alex Proyas film 'The Crow' is shaped by the death of lead actor Brandon Lee, but remains one of the most visually striking and deep comic book movies ever made. Review by Margaret Roarty.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024) Review - 'I Saw the TV Glow' (2024), the latest film from filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun, is an enriching viewing experience, like rediscovering a childhood show. Review by Jake Fittipaldi.
Sting (2024) Review - Kiah Roache-Turner horror film 'Sting' (2024), starring 'Furiosa' actor Alyla Browne, is a fun little film, a 90-minute dash of arachnophobia. Review by Kieran Judge.
In a Violent Nature (2024) Review - Chris Nash evokes Malick and van Sant in his 2024 horror film 'In a Violent Nature', an immersive experience worth seeing in a theater setting. Review by Lauren Frison.
The Strangers: Chapter One (2024) Review - 'The Strangers' worked because it was so minimal, the reboot/reimagining 'The Strangers: Chapter One' fails because it explains too much and concentrates on setting up two sequels. Review by Kieran Judge.
Tarot (2024) Review - The only time 2024 film 'Tarot' is bearable is when it's laughing at itself. Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg direct Jacob Batalon and more in this bad PG13 horror. Review by Kieran Judge.
‘Dial M for Murder’ at 70 – Review - Now 70 years old, Alfred Hitchcock's tense thriller 'Dial M for Murder' (1954), starring Grace Kelly, is a better picture than most other directors could dream of. Review by Kieran Judge.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) Review - If George Miller is a god, and movie theatres our church, then 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' is punishment for our sins. 'Furiosa' (2024) review by Mark Carnochan.
Run Lola Run (1998) Review - 'Run Lola Run' is a film all about consequences. Tom Tykwer's renowned German film (aka 'Lola Rennt'), starring Franke Potente, is well shot, paced and scripted. Review by Martha Lane.
The Idea of You (2024) Review - Anne Hathaway stars in 'The Idea of You', an age gap romance fantasy that avoids saying anything real but is better than it needs to be. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) Review - 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' (2024) seeks to update the classic 'Planet of the Apes' franchise for a new generation, and it looks fantastic in doing so. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Abigail (2024) Review - An ensemble cast bring to life criminals stuck in a horrifying situation in 'Abigail' (2024), a film that tries to be multiple things but falls short of being any. Review by Rob Jones.
Challengers (2024) Review - Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor star in the erotically charged tennis drama 'Challengers' (2024), an at times exhilarating but often underwhelming film from Luca Guadagnino. Review by Margaret Roarty.
‘Seven Samurai’ at 70 – Review - Akira Kurosawa samurai film 'Seven Samurai' speaks of the reality of the human experience in masterful ways, making it an unmissable experience even 70 years on. Review by Bella Madge.
The Book of Clarence (2023) Review - Jeymes Samuel follows 'The Harder They Fall' with the visually striking but narratively disjointed 'The Book of Clarence' starring LaKeith Stanfield. Review by Rehana Nurmahi.
Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024) Review - Some lasting images contrast with expository dialogue in Zack Snyder's latest action-space opera 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' (2024). Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
‘Sherlock Jr.’ at 100 – Review - Buster Keaton action-comedy 'Sherlock Jr.' (1924) features some of the best action moments in cinema, and is surprisingly sophisticated; an incredible film. Review by Kieran Judge.
Civil War (2024) Review - 'Civil War' (2023), from writer-director Alex Garland, is a taught and searing nightmare for the times that will frustrate as many people as it will please. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Charade (1963) Review - 'Charade' (1963), Stanley Donen's thriller starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, has it all: laughter, suspense and a killer romantic pairing. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Monkey Man (2024) Review - Dev Patel directs and stars in 'Monkey Man' (2024), a complicated and colorful bloodbath of an action movie from Monkeypaw Productions. Review by Emi Grant.
The First Omen (2024) Review - 2024 Omen prequel 'The First Omen', from director Arkasha Stevenson, comes via the studio handbook, lacking the originality necessary for success. Review by Kieran Judge.
Spellbound (1945) Review - Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman star in Alfred Hitchcock's psychoanalysis thriller 'Spellbound', a film with thrilling twists and turns and great performances. Review by Kieran Judge.
Psycho (1960) Review - 'Psycho' (1960), Alfred Hitchcock's masterful thriller starring Anthony Perkins, continues to influence writers, directors, and actors to this day. Review by Kieran Judge. 