Hall of Fame

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.
‘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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
‘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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
Collective (2019) Review - Romanian film 'Collective', a nominee in both the Documentary Feature and International Feature categories at the 2021 Oscars, is "one of the most important documentaries of all time". Mark Carnochan reviews.
The Father (2021) Review - 'The Father', the feature directorial debut of Florian Zeller starring Anthony Hopkins in a career standout performance, "is a deeply unsettling depiction of how memory can betray a person". Peter Charney reviews.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020) Short Film Review - 'If Anything Happens I Love You' from Michael Govier and Will McCormack, distributed by Netflix, is the subject of a TikTok craze and "the very best of the best" of short film in 2021. Joseph Wade reviews.
Sound of Metal (2021) Review - 'Sound of Metal', from screenwriter-director Darius Marder, is a triumph for Best Actor nominee Riz Ahmed who is utterly dazzling from the moment he arrives on screen. Leoni Horton reviews.
Promising Young Woman (2021) Review - Emerald Fennell filters every bubble-gum pink detail through a boldly cinematic narrative, exposing the real-world judgemental attitudes surrounding rape in 'Promising Young Woman' (2021). Leoni Horton reviews.
The Witch (2015) Review - Boasting provoking visuals, a gifted ensemble and an established narrative, Robert Eggers folk horror 'The Witch', starring Golden Globes winner Anya Taylor-Joy, remains must-watch. Beth Sawdon reviews.
Get Carter (1971) – 50th Anniversary Review - Mike Hodges crime thriller 'Get Carter' at 50 - Michael Caine stars as the titular Carter in the gruesome and bloody 'Get Carter', set in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Katie Doyle reviews.
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Review - The first wholly original Disney film in years, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' starring Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina is likely to become a sure-fire animation classic. Review by Mark Carnochan.
‘Fargo’ at 25 – Review - 25 years removed from the release of the Coen Brothers' iconic black comedy crime film 'Fargo', starring Frances McDormand, the 1996 release remains razor-sharp. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) Review - Wes Anderson is close to his best for his work on 2012 ensemble coming-of-age hit 'Moonrise Kingdom', starring Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand and more. Christopher Connor reviews.
Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché (2021) Review – GFF - Marianne Elliott-Said, aka punk pioneer Poly Styrene of the X-Ray Spex, is the subject of her daughter's documentary 'Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché' (2021), reviewed from Glasgow Film Festival by Leoni Horton.
‘Trainspotting’ at 25 – Review - 'Trainspotting' (1996) at 25 - Mark Carnochan's review of Danny Boyle's "small film from the small country that became one of the most famous films of all time", starring Ewan McGregor.
Fantastic Mr Fox (2009) Review - Roald Dahl's "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is adapted via stop-motion animation for the screen by Wes Anderson, in this ensemble film led by George Clooney and Meryl Streep. Christopher Connor reviews.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) Review - While not as beloved as some of Wes Anderson's biggest films, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is still a unique and enjoyable entry into the filmmaker's catalogue. Christopher Connor reviews.
Casablanca (1942) Review - Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Golden Era Hollywood romance 'Casablanca' is one of the most recognisable films of all time. Joseph Wade offers his retrospective review.
The Sky Is Still Falling: ‘Donnie Darko’ at 20 – Review - Richard Kelly's debut feature 'Donnie Darko', starring Jake Gyllenhaal in a star-making turn, holds a lasting impact and relevance 20 years on from its release. Sophie Butcher reviews.
Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’ – 100 Year Anniversary Review - Charlie Chaplin's seminal feature 'The Kid' was released 100 years ago in 1921, and remains a "gently thought-stirring 53 minutes of cinema" according to Joseph Wade in this review.
Black Bear (2020) Review - Aubrey Plaza electrifies in the "utterly brilliant" thriller 'Black Bear', from screenwriter-director Lawrence Michael Levine, reviewed here by Kieran Judge.
Across the Universe (2007) Review - 50 years since The Beatles released their last album and subsequently split up for good, "audacious" 2007 tribute musical 'Across the Universe' continues to be relevant. Angel Lloyd reviews.
Mank (2020) Review - David Fincher adapts his father's script for 2020 Netflix Original film 'Mank', about Herman J Mankiewicz, the screenwriter behind 'Citizen Kane', played here by Gary Oldman. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Shirley (2020) Review - Shirley Jackson biopic 'Shirley' (2020) starring Elisabeth Moss and Michael Stuhlbarg is "a hypnotic albeit challenging tapestry of a character piece". Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Get Out (2017) Review - 2017 horror mega-hit 'Get Out', from screenwriter-director Jordan Peele and starring Daniel Kaluuya, "is an exceptional display of exemplary directing, scoring and writing". Darcy Rae reviews.
The Exorcist (1973) Retrospective Review - Arguably the most famous and influential horror of all time, William Friedkin's 'The Exorcist' (1973) starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair and Jason Miller, reviewed by Katie Doyle.
Nomadland (2020) BFI LFF Review - "The Journey is one hell of a trip" in Chloé Zhao's immersive road movie 'Nomadland' (2020), featuring arguably the most complex and versatile performance of Frances McDormand's career. Leoni Horton reviews.
Limbo (2020) BFI LFF Review - Ben Sharrock creates a bittersweet tale of those in need of a place to call home in 2020 refugee drama 'Limbo'. Leoni Horton reviews this lovingly photographed fish-out-of-water film.
David Byrne’s American Utopia (2020) BFI LFF Review - David Byrne and Spike Lee burn down the house with this expertly crafted, toes out extravaganza. Shove over "Hamilton", David Byrne is here. Leoni Horton reviews 'David Byrne's American Utopia' (2020).
One Night in Miami (2020) BFI LFF Review - Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Cassius Clay converse on matters of race and religion in Regina King's tenderly crafted feature directorial debut, 'One Night In Miami' (2020), reviewed by Leoni Horton.
Wolfwalkers (2020) BFI LFF Review - Cartoon Saloon animated feature 'Wolfwalkers' (2020), directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, and starring Sean Bean, is a must-watch; both timely and timeless. Charlie Gardiner reviews.
Supernova (2020) BFI LFF Review - A breathtakingly beautiful look at the effect dementia can have on a couple trying to relive their fondest memories, 'Supernova' (2020) starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci reviewed by Charlie Gardiner.
Kajillionaire (2020) BFI LFF Review - 'Kajillionaire', from screenwriter-director Miranda July, starring Evan Rachel Wood, Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger and Gina Rodriguez is "entangled in July's bohemian-style flair". Leoni Horton reviews.
Relic (2020) BFI LFF Review - Natalie Erika James takes a lead pipe to the glass ceiling with this horror debut of the highest class, 2020 BFI London Film Festival entry 'Relic' starring Emily Mortimer, being "a genuine triumph". Joseph Wade reviews.
Herself (2020) BFI LFF Review - Herself (2020) Review - "There’s a true beauty in art that showcases the power of people and what can be achieved when we come together, a message that is arguably more important than ever in 2020." Charlie Gardiner.
Memories of Murder (2003) Review - 'Memories of Murder' (2003), from 'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho, has been re-released in 2020. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews what is one of South Korea's greatest ever films.
The Assistant (2019/20) Review - Kitty Green's 'The Assistant' (2019/2020) "is a stunning piece of work that unflinchingly tells a story of everyday life and everyday abuse in an industry that isn’t changing fast enough." Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Barry Lyndon (1975) Review - Despite often being overlooked in the canon of great Stanley Kubrick films, 1975 period drama/historical epic 'Barry Lyndon' is a must-watch for anyone interested in the form. Christopher Connor reviews.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007) Review - By the time of his fifth feature, Wes Anderson had found his feet as an auteur, 'The Darjeeling Limited' (2007) becoming one of his best ever according to Sophia Patfield.
Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962) Review - Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), from screenwriter-director Agnès Varda, the only female film director of the French New Wave, is filmed with love rather than contempt according to Eve O'Dea in this review.
Da 5 Bloods (2020) Review - "It's hard to imagine a film more relevant to the past and present being released this year". Spike Lee's Netflix Original exploration of PTSD, race and neo-imperialism reviewed by Jacob Davis.
Get Duked! (2020) Review - "One of 2020's best", Amazon Original Scottish horror-comedy 'Get Duked!', is a memorable feature debut for screenwriter-director Ninian Doff. Full movie Review by Mark Carnochan.
Host (2020) Review - Rob Savage directed Zoom video call horror film 'Host' (2020) takes "a simple, economic concept and expands it into something chillingly lasting". Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Babyteeth (2020) Review - Coming-of-age drama 'Babyteeth', starring Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace, directed by Shannon Murphy, "side-steps every overworked genre cliché". Full movie review by Leoni Horton.
The Perfect Candidate (2019) Review - Monumental filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour returns to Saudi Arabia to tell a tale of a woman fighting systemic sexism in 'The Perfect Candidate' (2019). Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Searching (2018) Review - Aneesh Chaganty makes an exceptional feature debut with 'Searching' (2018), the technological thriller starring John Cho. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
The Old Dark House (1932) Review - From visionary director James Whale comes the classic Universal Horror movie 'The Old Dark House' starring Boris Karloff and a film-stealing performance from Ernest Thesiger. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Grand Hotel (1932) Review - A jewel of the pre-code era, 1932 Best Picture Oscar winner 'Grand Hotel' starring Greta Garbo, John Barrymore and other famous faces is perhaps unfairly misremembered. Eve O'Dea looks to set the record straight in this review.
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) Review - Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 1946 romantic drama, 'A Matter of Life and Death', "is a towering metaphysical masterpiece" of cinema. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Caliber 9 (1972) Review - 'You Have to Accept It': Fate and Power in Fernando di Leo's Milano calibro 9 (Calibre 9, 1972). Review by Paul A J Lewis.
The Vast of Night (2019) Review - 'The Vast of Night', available exclusively on Amazon, is proof that "small-scale storytelling can sometimes be more captivating than the flashiest and most elaborate blockbusters". Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008) Review - Mark Herman's memorable 2008 holocaust drama 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' is a movie with a "hard-hitting and emotional narrative", "a deserved classic for future cinephiles". Bethen Blackabee reviews.
Out (2020) Pixar Short Film Review - "Hilarious, heartwarming and sweet", Disney Pixar short film 'Out' marks the animation studio's first openly LGBTQ+ narrative. Rebecca Seghini reviews the film now available on Disney Plus.
Calm with Horses (2019) Review - Irish gang drama 'Calm with Horses' (2019) is a stunning visual presentation with an atmospheric and moody score. Barry Keoghan and Cosmo Jarvis star. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
A Field in England (2013) Review - Ben Wheatley's 'A Field In England' (2013) is a film "like nothing else" from "one of the most distinctive, original and prolific British filmmakers working today" according to Sam Sewell-Peterson in this review.
Good Time (2017) Review - 2017 Safdie Brothers release 'Good Time' starring Robert Pattinson "is a relentless barrage of anxiety and violence", a thriller shot in 35mm with an "unsettling, naturalistic aesthetic". Leoni Horton reviews.
Goodfellas (1990) Review - Martin Scorsese’s Mob epic starring Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci remains one of his greatest achievements and one of the best films of a storied genre. Christopher Connor reviews.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) Review - Eliza Hittman film 'Never Rarely Sometimes Always', succeeds at telling the tale of a teenage girl seeking abortion in the United States through empathy and authenticity. Pagan Carruthers reviews.
The Elephant Man (1980) Review - David Lynch film 'The Elephant Man' (1980), starring John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins, "maintains its poignant sting" some 40 years later. Angel Lloyd reviews.
Judy (2019) Review - "A biopic of the year", Rupert Goold's Judy Garland movie 'Judy', starring Renée Zellweger as icon of the stage and screen Judy Garland, is "simply spectacular". Francesca Militello reviews.
Brassed Off (1996) Review - A cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, Mark Herman's 'Brassed Off' (1994) starring Pete Postlethwaite, Ewan McGregor and a range of recognisable British talent, is a remarkable piece of cinema. Joseph Wade reviews.
The Selfish Giant (2013) Review - An "amalgamation of 'Oliver Twist' and 'Standy By Me'" that presents "an almost folkloric package" of childhood through poverty. Clio Barnard's 'The Selfish Giant' (2013) reviewed by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987) Review - Tagged as "Thatcher's Britain with her knickers down", Alan Clarke's film adaptation of Andrea Dunbar's famous stage play, 'Rita, Sue and Bob Too' (1987) is a Yorkshire classic. Annice White reviews.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) Review - "Environmentalism, war and peace, pride and corruption, coming of age and redemption" - Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's animation 'Howl's Moving Castle' (2004) reviewed by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
My Neighbours the Yamadas (1999) Review - Studio Ghibli's first fully computer-animated feature, from lesser known Ghibli director Isao Takahata, is a unique though very different animated vision from Hayao Miyazaki's. Sam Sewell-Peterson's review.
Arrietty (2010) Review - Studio Ghibli’s 'Arrietty' ('The Secret World of Arrietty' in the USA) is a film that captivates you from the first minute to the last. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews Ghibli's animated adaptation of "The Borrowers".
Our Ladies (2020) GFF Review - Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, 'Our Ladies' is a 'wildly entertaining riot of a movie'. Click to read Sophie Butcher's review in full.
The Invisible Man (2020) Review - This is not your great-grandfather's 'Invisible Man', this is Blumhouse and writer-director Leigh Whannell ('Upgrade') making the horror film we need right now. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews.
Kes Movie Screengrab Kestrel Kes (1969) Review - "Kes (1969) is one of the premiere British films ever made. A bold, critical, moving masterpiece from one of the true masters of the form." Joseph Wade's review of Ken Loach film 'Kes'.
The Host (2006) Review - Bong Joon-ho feature 'The Host' is not only "a smart and entertaining thriller, but a tender family drama and a rip-roaring comedy." Sam Sewell-Peterson's review.
Hair Love Oscar Nominee Hair Love – Oscar Nominated Animated Short Review - From Sony Pictures Animation, the Oscar nominee about a little girl with big hair, 'Hair Love', from writer-director Matthew A. Cherry and starring Issa Rae, reviewed.
Spring Breakers (2012) Review - "A fascinating movie", Harmony Korine's 'Spring Breakers' (2012) starring James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez is more than what you might expect. Full review here.
Uncut Gems Movie Review Uncut Gems (2019) Review - Safdie Brothers film 'Uncut Gems' (2019), starring Adam Sandler, brings the myth of Sisyphus to life in a movie that provides "joy in the struggle", according to Jacob Davis in his review.
Marriage Story Netflix Film Marriage Story (2019) Review - Netflix original drama 'Marriage Story' (2019) from screenwriter-director Noah Baumbach, starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, is a complex and human tale of divorce according to Sam Sewell-Peterson in his review.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003) Review - 'Tokyo Godfathers' (2003), from visionary Anime director Satoshi Kon, is an unlikely Japanese Christmas film with progressive messages and a real heart. Sam Sewell-Peterson reviews...
2011 Iranian A Separation Film A Separation (2011) Review - Asghar Farhadi's 'A Separation' (2011) is the "film that stands out above all else" from the 2010s, according to Bradley Weir's review of the Oscar-nominated movie.
Parasite Film Review TFM Parasite (2019) Snapshot Review - Bong Joon-ho's Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winning thriller 'Parasite' is the latest film to prove that genre filmmaking is back. Jacob Davis reviews.
The Shining (1980) Retrospective Review - "Humans are scarier than ghosts" and Stanley Kubrick's precise vision for Stephen King's 'The Shining', released in 1980, explores that. Sam Sewell-Peterson offers a retrospective review of the horror classic.
Kris Hitchin Sorry We Missed You Sorry We Missed You (2019) Review - 'I, Daniel Blake' was "our quiet rage", 'Sorry We Missed You' is an impassioned cry for help. Joseph Wade reviews the latest film from Ken Loach, the Cannes nominated 'Sorry We Missed You'.
Lighthouse Robert Eggers Movie Review The Lighthouse (2019) Snapshot Review - Films like Robert Eggers' 'The Lighthouse' (2019) "are why cinema exists", the Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe starring movie being "engrossing and mysterious", according to Jacob Davis in his review.
Waves Poster Landscape Waves (2019) Review - Trey Edward Shults' 'Waves' (2019) starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Taylor Russell "is a cautionary tale about lack of communication" with strong, potentially award earning performances. Pagan Carruthers reviews.
Netflix The Irishman The Irishman (2019) Review - New Martin Scorsese film 'The Irishman', starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino, is "a thrilling, nostalgic and self-retrospective gangster movie" according to Joseph Wade in his review.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire Review Portrait of A Lady on Fire (2019) Review - New Céline Sciamma film 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' offers "some of the most extraordinary filmmaking this century" according to Joseph Wade in his review of the Queer Palm winning film.
The Farewell Film 2019 The Farewell (2019) Review - 'The Farewell' (2019) starring Awkwafina "marks Lulu Wang out as a vivid talent" according to Sam Sewell-Peterson in his review.
Border (2018) Review - Ali Abbasi movie 'Border' (2018), also known as Gräns, is "one campfire story you're not going to forget in a hurry" according to Sam Sewell-Peterson in this review.
The Cook the Thief His Wife and Her Lover The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) Snapshot Review - Peter Greenaway directed Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren in 'The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover' (1989), a "dark and disturbing" movie according to reviewer Jacob Davis.
Ham on Rye 2019 Movie Review Ham on Rye (2019) Snapshot Review - "If you like works that are off the beaten path" Tyler Taormina's 'Ham on Rye' (2019) may be the film for you. Jacob Davis reviews.
Greener Grass (2019) Review - 'Greener Grass', the 2019 comedy from Dawn Luebbe and Jocelyn DeBoer, is "a bold comedy that is also incredibly detailed". Jacob Davis reviews.
A Hard Day's Night Beatles Movie Review A Hard Day’s Night (1964) Retrospective Review - "With the likes of 'A Hard Day’s Night', their music and joie de vivre of their early days will never die." Katie Doyle's review of 'A Hard Day's Night' starring The Beatles.
Avengers 3 Endgame Poster Avengers: Endgame (2019) Review - Avengers: Endgame (2019) is the most important superhero film of all time. Joseph Wade reviews Marvel's culmination of a 21-film journey, directed by the Russo Brothers, here.
Lupita Nyong'o Us Movie Us (2019) Snapshot Review - Jordan Peele directed 'Us' (2019) "is the best movie of 2019 so far" according to Jacob Davis in his snapshot review.