Keep Calm and Carry on Writing. In a well-mined category, “Their Finest” is a World War 2 comedy/drama telling a tale I haven’t seen told before: the story behind the British Ministry of Information and their drive to produce propaganda films that support morale and promote positive messages in a time of national crisis. For … Read more
A potentially good ‘B’ movie undone. Ecclesiastes 1:9 came up with the oft used quote that “there is nothing new under the sun”. “Sleepless” proves that in spades. Bent copper drama? Check. Dodgy casino owner? Check. Nasty “Black Rain” style hoodlum? Check. Kidnapped teen (“I WILL find you”)? Check. Misunderstood family man? Check. All of … Read more
A movie with more than a whiff of cordite about it. As I write this, I’m really struggling to evaluate whether the latest film of Ben Wheatley (“High Rise”) is a masterpiece or just pulp trash. It’s certainly a brave and highly distinctive venture, with that you can’t argue. Set in Boston in 1978, an arms … Read more
Hidden Vigour: Negga excels in another glimpse into America’s racist past. A few weeks ago when I reviewed “Hidden Figures” I pointed out the how absurd the racist behaviour at NASA in the 60’s must have appeared to a young boy in the audience at my screening. In many ways, “Loving” – a film that has … Read more
If it bleeds, it leads. Life is precious. Bad times always get good again eventually. Winter turns to spring and you feel the warmth of the sun on your face again. So what drives someone – anyone – to the point of despair sufficient for them to ignore all of the potential upturns and to … Read more