Reviews

The Bubble (2022) Review - 2022 Judd Apatow comedy 'The Bubble', released by Netflix and starring an ensemble of stars led by Karen Gillan, parodies the entertainment industry's response to the pandemic. Nick Armstrong reviews.
Morbius (2022) Review - Jared Leto stars in the long-gestated Sony-Marvel Spider-verse movie 'Morbius', from director Daniel Espinosa, and the result is lacking much-needed bite. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
True Things (2022) Review - Ruth Wilson and Tom Burke star in Harry Wootliff's 'True Things' (2022), an erotically-charged drama-thriller adapted from Deborah Kay Davies' "True Things About Me". Review by Joseph Wade.
‘The Godfather’ at 50 – Review - 50 years since the release of Francis Ford Coppola's eponymous gangster film 'The Godfather', it maintains its position as one of the greatest American films of all time. Jacob Davis reviews.
Robin Robin (2021) Short Film Review - Aardman Animation's Netflix film 'Robin Robin' (2021), nominated at the Oscars in 2022 for Best Animated Short, is a quintessentially British film incomparable at any length. Review by Joseph Wade.
‘Liar Liar’ at 25 – Review - 'Liar Liar', the 1997 comedy hit, celebrates 25 years since its release on the big screen in 2022, and it remains one of Jim Carrey's great performances. Jamie Garwood reviews.
The Windshield Wiper (2021) Short Film Review - Nominated for Best Animated Short at the 2022 Oscars, Alberto Mielgo's 'The Windshield Wiper' animated film featuring music from SoKo, reviewed by Joseph Wade.
King Richard (2021) Review - Will Smith stars as Richard Williams, the father and trainer of Venus and Serena Williams, in this story of the tennis aces' rise to superstardom. Joseph Wade reviews.
Turning Red (2022) Review - Pixar's 2022 Disney Plus animated film 'Turning Red', a "passionate and personal work" from 'Bao' director Domee Shi, has "big emotional beats in abundance". Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Belfast (2022) Review - Kenneth Branagh's black and white Oscar-nominated film 'Belfast' features 4 outstanding performances, including one by Judi Dench that is worth the price of admission. Joseph Wade reviews.
CODA (2021) Review - Sian Heder's 'CODA' (2021) is a best picture nominee at the Oscars, a 'bittersweet, well-performed crowd pleaser' starring Emilia Jones and Troy Kotsur. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021) Review - Sony Pictures Animation offer the Oscar-nominated 'The Mitchells vs the Machines' (2021) as their follow-up to 'Into the Spider-Verse', and it has proven to be unmissable. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Flee (2022) Review - Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau bring 'Flee' to the big screen, an animated docudrama about an Afghan asylum seeker that is nominated for 3 Oscars. Review by Joseph Wade.
The Batman (2022) Review - A bold and distinct new vision of the Caped Crusader, Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' (2022) starring Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz, reviewed by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) Review - David Blue Garcia brings Leatherface back in Netflix horror film 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2022), a sequel to Tobe Hooper's film with few redeeming features. Review by Kieran Judge.
Parallel Mothers (2021) Review - Pedro Almodóvar tells of two mothers, Penélope Cruz and Milena Smit, struggling with motherhood and Spain's past trauma in 'Parallel Mothers'. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Death on the Nile (2022) Review - Kenneth Branagh "entertains the hell out of you" in his adaptation of Agatha Christie book "Death on the Nile", leading an all-star cast (including Gal Gadot) as Hercule Poirot. Review by Kieran Judge.
Uncharted (2022) Review - Nathan Drake arrives on the big screen, Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg starring in Ruben Fleischer's film adaptation of 'Uncharted' (2022). Review by Christopher Connor.
‘Wayne’s World’ at 30 – Review - Wayne Campbell went from Saturday Night Live to the big screen 30 years ago, Mike Myers starring and co-writing 'Wayne's World' (1992). Retrospective review by Jamie Garwood.
‘Cabaret’ at 50 – Review - At fifty years of age, Bob Fosse's Oscar-winning film adaptation of 'Cabaret', starring Liza Minnelli, remains the benchmark for grounded movie musicals. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Jackass Forever (2022) Review - A reunion 12 years in the making, 'Jackass Forever' (2022) sees Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius and company reunite for a fourth time on the big screen. Review by Joseph Wade.
Flag Day (2022) Review - Sean Penn directs and stars in 'Flag Day' (2022) co-starring daughter Dylan Penn, though it's a film that doesn't live up to its potential as a serviceable family drama. Article by Kieran Judge.
Nightmare Alley (2022) Review - Guillermo del Toro returns to the big screen with 'Nightmare Alley' starring Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett, "a visual feast, a pleasure and a joy to behold and watch". Kieran Judge reviews.
Scream (2022) Review - The return of Ghostface to the big screen in 'Scream' (2022), for the first time since the passing of creator Wes Craven, is "fun and gory but with a severe identity crisis". Kieran Judge reviews.
Licorice Pizza (2021) Review - Paul Thomas Anderson's ninth feature film, 'Licorice Pizza' (2021) starring Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim, is a "big-hearted and soulful" coming-of-age tale. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews,
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ at 15 – Review - Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated fantasy movie 'Pan's Labyrinth' at 15 - the critically acclaimed 2007 fantasy release re-evaluated. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Titane (2021) Review - Julia Ducournau's Cannes Palme d'Or winning body horror 'Titane' (2021) is cinema that reflects the parts of ourselves we rarely see on screen, "an experience". Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at 75 – Review - 75 years after its release, Frank Capra's Christmas fable 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) still connects with those who sacrifice so much of themselves to the greater good. Katie Doyle reviews.
Elf (2003) Review - 'Elf' (2003) is "one of the most perfect examples of a timeless Christmas classic", in no small part due to the work of director Jon Favreau and breakout star Will Ferrell. Elisabetta Pulcini reviews.
West Side Story (2021) Review - Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' (2021), film musical adaptation of the stage play from Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, will leave you shiny-eyed. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
House of Gucci (2021) Review - Lady Gaga and Adam Driver are acting in another movie to Jared Leto and others in Ridley Scott's true-to-life Gucci empire story, 'House of Gucci' (2021). Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Home Sweet Home Alone (2021) Review - 'Home Sweet Home Alone' (2021) dares to stand where a classic once did, this 6th 'Home Alone' film from Dan Mazer and available on Disney Plus now. Review by Joseph Wade.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ at 30 – Review - "Every imitation feels pale in comparison" to Disney Animation's 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991), now 30 years old. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews the Disney Renaissance classic.
Ali and Ava (2021) Review - British director Clio Barnard offers her funniest film yet in the Bradford-set 'Ali and Ava', a story of two people growing close despite differences. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Petite Maman (2021) Review - 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' director Céline Sciamma offers 'Petite Maman' (2021), her latest exploration of womanhood. It will unravel the grief in each of us. Joseph Wade reviews.
Mothering Sunday (2021) Review - Odessa Young and Josh O'Connor excel in an otherwise regular post-Great War romance from Eva Husson and screenwriter Alice Birch, 'Mothering Sunday' (2021). Review by Joseph Wade.
The Souvenir: Part II (2021) Review - 'The Souvenir: Part II' (2021), Joanna Hogg's self-reflective sequel to 'The Souvenir' starring Honor Swinton Byrne and Tilda Swinton, is rich, prodigious cinema. Joseph Wade reviews.
Last Night in Soho (2021) Review - Edgar Wright 2021 film 'Last Night in Soho' starring Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy is an uneven ode to swinging sixties Soho, a horror close to the director's heart. Christopher Connor reviews.
No Sudden Move (2021) Review - 'No Sudden Move' (2021) is a creative if uneven 1950s heist thriller from Steven Soderbergh starring Benicio del Toro and Don Cheadle at the head of an all-star cast. Christopher Connor reviews.
Dear Evan Hansen (2021) Review - Broadway musical 'Dear Evan Hansen' has arrived on the big screen to a controversial reception. Ben Platt stars in Stephen Chbosky's musical. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Eternals (2021) Review - Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao directs Marvel Phase Four entry 'Eternals', bringing real stakes and a deeper sense of existentialism to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Review by Mark Carnochan.
The French Dispatch (2021) Review - Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' (2021) is a wildly inventive ode to print journalism and French culture, with hints of Truffaut. Chalamet, Ronan, Wilson and more star. Christopher Connor reviews.
Nitram (2021) LFF Review - Justin Kurzel film 'Nitram' (2021), starring Caleb Landry Jones, commits the sin of humanising a monster, something even a tense atmosphere and fantastic performances can't overcome. Leoni Horton reviews.
The Last Duel (2021) Review - Ridley Scott directs 'The Last Duel', the first Matt Damon and Ben Affleck script since 'Good Will Hunting', a period drama that continues Scott's good run of form. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Halloween Kills (2021) Review - 'Halloween' sequel 'Halloween Kills' (2021) is "an absolute mess. It’s a disgrace to the original". Jamie Lee Curtis leads a horror movie ensemble. Kieran Judge reviews.
The Power of the Dog (2021) LFF Review - Benedict Cumberbatch leads an ensemble cast in 2021 Jane Campion western 'The Power of the Dog', an unyielding exploration of masculinity against the backdrop of the old west. Leoni Horton reviews.
Spencer (2021) LFF Review - Kristen Stewart stars as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' (2021), from 'Jackie' director Pablo Larraín, an ambitious achievement that reframes the tragic legacy of the female icon. Leoni Horton reviews.
Escape the Undertaker (2021) Review - WWE and Netflix interactive film 'Escape the Undertaker' makes a mockery of WWE Studios releases, offering something actually joyful and well made. Mark Carnochan reviews.
No Time to Die (2021) Review - Daniel Craig says goodbye to the Bond franchise in Cary Joji Fukunaga's 'No Time to Die' (2021), co-starring Lashana Lynch, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Ride the Eagle (2021) Review - Jake Johnson co-writes and stars in 'Ride the Eagle' (2021), the Trent O'Donnell film of a man reconnecting with his deceased mother and makes the most of Covid limitations. Review by Leoni Horton.
Isle of Dogs (2018) Review - 2018 stop motion animation 'Isle of Dogs' is a loving ode to dog-kind from famed contemporary auteur Wes Anderson, and features an all-star cast. Christopher Connor reviews.
Delphine’s Prayers (2021) Open City Documentary Festival Review - 'Delphine's Prayers' (2021), from well regarded documentarian Rosine Mbakam, serves as a memoir by its subject, a Belgian immigrant with a traumatic, perspective-shifting story. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Songs for the River (2021) Open City Documentary Festival Review - Charlotte Ginsborg coronavirus pandemic documentary 'Songs for the River' highlights social and political issues from the perspective of a small London community. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Juste un mouvement (2021) Open City Documentary Festival Review - Inspired by the work of Jean-Luc Godard, Vincent Meessen's 'Juste un mouvement' (2021) documentary on Senegalese left-wing revolutionary Omar Blondin Diop, review. By Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021) Review - The creative minds behind the "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" stage musical have adapted the story for the big screen in what may be 2021's best movie musical. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) Review - Marvel's first true martial arts film is endlessly thrilling, funny and heartfelt. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu and Awkwafina. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ at 10 – Review - 10 years on from its 2011 release, Tomas Alfredson's film adaptation of John le Carré’s "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" feels more relevant and connective today than ever. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
The Road Dance (2021) EIFF Review - 'The Road Dance', from filmmaker Richie Adams and adapted from the book by John MacKay, returns Scottish cinema to its roots, though makes for a frustrating experience. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Candyman (2021) Review - Nia DaCosta horror sequel 'Candyman' (2021), from producer and co-writer Jordan Peele, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, feels less organic and poised than the original. Kieran Judge reviews.
The Nest (2021) Review - 'The Nest' (2021), from 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' director Sean Durkin, features a career-defining Carrie Coon performance that deserves to be seen on the big screen. Charlie Gardiner reviews.
Mad God (2021) EIFF Review - Phil Tippett, the man behind visual effects on the likes of 'Jurassic Park', directs stop motion animation 'Mad God', nightmare fuel 30 years in the making. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Annette (2021) EIFF Review - Sparks and Leos Carax combine for the unique and interesting movie musical 'Annette', starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Mandibles (2021) EIFF Review - 'Mandibles' (2020/21), the latest film from French director Quentin Dupieux and starring Adèle Exarchopoulos, is a significant drop in quality from 'Deerskin'. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Here Today (2021) EIFF Review - Bolly Crystal writes, directs and co-stars with Tiffany Haddish in 'Here Today' (2021), a film that survives on the charisma and chemistry of its leading duo. Mark Carnochan reviews.
The Beta Test (2021) EIFF Review - Jim Cummings' newest offering, 'The Beta Test', is a 'Twilight Zone' shaped Hollywood rabbit hole filled with murder, mystery, manipulation, data harvesting, consumerism, greed and luxury stationery. Leoni Horton reviews.
Censor (2021) Review - 'Censor', the debut movie of Welsh filmmaker Prano Bailey-Bond, is a horror film set within the era of so-called "video nasties", a "captivating and original story". Mark Carnochan reviews.
‘Barton Fink’ at 30 – Review - 30 years on from the release of Palme d'Or winner 'Barton Fink', the Coen Brothers still keep you on your toes in this tale of John Turturro's movie-bound playwright. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Pig (2021) EIFF Review - Nicolas Cage offers one of the performances of his career in 'Pig', a debut film from Michael Sarnoski that defies all expectations. Mark Carnochan reviews.
Don’t Breathe 2 (2021) Review - Horror sequel 'Don't Breathe 2' (2021), starring Stephen Lang, is a movie that fans of horror may enjoy, but that the uninitiated may become inpatient with. Jacob Davis reviews.
Free Guy (2021) Review - Ryan Reynolds holds together the video game-inspired 'Free Guy' (2021), a blockbuster comedy that fans will return to time and time again, from director Shawn Levy. Charlie Gardiner reviews.
The Kissing Booth 3 (2021) Review - Netflix young adult rom-com 'The Kissing Booth 3', starring Joey King, Jacob Elordi and Joel Courtney, is a disappointing end to an already tedious franchise. Leoni Horton reviews.
‘Hell or High Water’ at 5 – Review - 'Hell or High Water', from screenwriter Taylor Sheridan and director David Mackenzie, starring Chris Pratt and Ben Foster, remains gripping and character-rich 5 years on from its release. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Jungle Cruise (2021) Review - 'Jungle Cruise' (2021), starring Emily Blunt, The Rock and Jack Whitehall, is the latest Disney film based on a theme park attraction, but it isn't a sure-fire hit. Jacob Davis reviews.
Stillwater (2021) Review - A dark and powerful true-to-life drama packed full of emotion and featuring stand-out performances, Tom McCarthy's 'Stillwater' starring Matt Damon is one to watch. Charlie Gardiner reviews.
The Suicide Squad (2021) Review - James Gunn writes and directs 'The Suicide Squad' (2021) starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena, from DC and Warner Bros' comic book universe. Jacob Davis reviews.
Starsky and Hutch (2004) Review - The 'Starsky & Hutch' movie reboot tried to offer nostalgia and fan service, as well as attract new fans, and with Todd Phillips at the wheel it made a fine effort. Katie Doyle reviews.
The Sparks Brothers (2021) Review - Self-confessed music fanboy Edgar Wright makes for the perfect director of Sparks music documentary 'The Sparks Brothers' (2021), about Ron and Russell Mael aka The Sparks Brothers. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Wrath of Man (2021) Review - Director Guy Ritchie follows 'The Gentlemen' with 'Wrath of Man', a crime action ensemble film lead by 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' star Jason Statham. Tony Ruggio reviews.
‘Planet of the Apes’ at 20 – Review - Studio interference and a rushed production marred Tim Burton's 'Planet of the Apes', which at 20 still lacks the inspiration of the original. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ at 15 – Review - 15 years on from Michael Arndt and Valerie Faris evolving cinema with the warm disfunction of 'Little Miss Sunshine', their ensemble hit remains relatable and important. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
‘Spirited Away’ at 20 – Review - 20 years on from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli releasing 'Spirited Away', it remains an incomparable masterpiece of animation and world cinema. Katie Doyle reviews.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) Review - Warner Bros return to 'Space Jam' for 2021 follow-up 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' starring NBA icon LeBron James and a whole host of famous characters. Jacob Davis reviews.
Deerskin (2019) Review - Jean Dujardin and Adèle Haenel lead Quentin Dupieux's dark comedy-horror 'Deerskin', about one man's obsession with the perfect jacket. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Black Widow (2021) Review - Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff finally gets her standalone Marvel Cinematic Universe movie in 'Black Widow', from director Cate Shortland. Review by Mark Carnochan.
The Tomorrow War (2021) Review - Amazon's big summer blockbuster 'The Tomorrow War', from the director of 'The Lego Batman Movie' and starring Chris Pratt, is "only clever if you've never seen a sci-fi movie before". Kieran Judge reviews.
Freaky (2021) Review - 'Freaky' (2021), from 'Happy Death Day' director Christopher Landon, and starring Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn, "is insanely fun". Mark Carnochan reviews.
In the Heights (2021) Review - 'In the Heights', the new musical from "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and 'Crazy Rich Asians' director Jon M. Chu, is likely to be the summer movie of 2021. Charlie Gardiner reviews.
‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ at 50 – Review - 50 years since Willy Wonka asked "if you want to view paradise" and still it resonates as a feat of "pure imagination". Scott Z. Walkinshaw reviews.
F9: The Fast Saga (2021) Review - The 9th 'Fast and Furious' movie 'F9', starring Vin Diesel and John Cena, directed by Justin Lin, has some incredible moments but doesn't reach the heights of some franchise entries. Jacob Davis reviews.
Luca (2021) Review - Pixar's 'Luca', from director Enrico Casarosa, may not shoot for anything profound but it is their most summery and optimistic film in years. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ at 25 – Review - 25 years removed from the release of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', the Disney Animation remains "among the most satisfying and lasting movies of the Disney Renaissance". Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Cruella (2021) Review - Emma Stone and Emma Thompson can't quite carry a relatively poor script in Disney's latest live-action adaptation 'Cruella'. Mark Carnochan reviews.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020) Review - How does 2021 John Krasinski film 'A Quiet Place Part II' fair amongst the best and worst sequels in cinema history? Mark Carnochan reviews.
Enfant Terrible (2021) Review - Cult filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder of the German New Wave is the subject of Oskar Roehler's Cannes entry 'Enfant Terrible'. Kieran Judge reviews.
Wings (1927) Review - 'Wings' (1927) is, for better or for worse, the first ever winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture. Close to 100 years later, its issues and triumphs are more evident than ever. Review by Kieran Judge.
News of the World (2021) Review - 'News of the World' (2021), from Bourne Series director Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks, nominated for 4 Oscars including cinematography, is "two hours well spent", but little more. Kieran Judge reviews.
Love and Monsters (2020) Review - 'Love and Monsters', a new creature feature by director Michael Matthews and starring Dylan O'Brien, is an inventive little adventure movie. Scott Z Walkinshaw reviews.
Crip Camp (2020) Review - Nominated for Documentary Feature at the 2021 Oscars, "Crip Camp is an essential story of liberty and spirit against impossible odds". James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham direct, Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Burrow (2020) Short Film Review - Madeline Sharafian's 'Burrow', the Pixar SparkShorts entry into the 2021 Oscars Animated Short category, is a nursery rhyme relevant to our times. Joseph Wade reviews.
My Octopus Teacher (2020) Review - 'My Octopus Teacher', the wildlife documentary phenomenon that has earned a nomination at the 2021 Oscars, isn't quite the runaway success of other documentaries in its genre. Katie Doyle reviews.