Madrid, arrivee des toreadors (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Matadors arrive in carriages and get out.
There is not much more to this one than it says on the tin. It takes a little while into the 1 minute run time for the subjects to actually appear, a little bit of editing would not have gone amiss here. Not the most enthralling of the Lumiere catalogue.
2/5
Polite Society (2023)
Written & directed by Nida Manzoor this film stars Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya. A teenage British-Pakistani girl who dreams of becoming a stunt woman is concerned about her older sister giving up her dream to get married.
I love the fusion mash up of action film, coming of age and the British-Pakistani lens it is viewed through here. There might not be a huge audience for this film but those that enjoy it will really enjoy it. Sure the plot may not be that deep however there is still enough laughs and action to carry the film. I look forward to seeing more from Nida Manzoor.
3/5
Silent Night (2023)
Directed by John Woo this flm stars Joel Kinnaman. A man who has permanently lost his voice plans a revenge killing spree against the criminals who killed his son with a stray bullet.
I found this film to be disappointingly mundane, it lacks John Woo's flair and the plot is rank average. Clearly we are taking inspiration from The Great Silence here without being as good of a film. Just a bland revenge film due to the lack of dialogue and style.
3/5
News of the World (2020)
Directed by Paul Greengrass this film based on the novel the same name stars Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel. A former Confederate army officer who makes his living reading the news transports a young girl raised by Native Americans back to her European family.
Mixing up elements of The Searchers and True Grit there is not much new to this western. Decently made with little to recommend it on its own merits this is a pretty average film. Even Tom Hanks and Paul Greengrass can not elevate this beyond the pedestrian.
3/5
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Directed by Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic this film has voices from Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day and Jack Black. Two brothers find themselves transported to a strange world.
Visually this film is really nice, the colours and textures of the animation are fantastic. The plot is pretty basic, thin would be the best way to describe the script. As a kids film it works fine, just do not expect anything more to it.
3/5
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Directed by James Mangold this film stars Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen. Roused out of retirement our hero is entangled with his god daughter and the Antiythera mechanism.
I suppose this is a passable entry into the franchise even if it does not hit the hits of the best films in the series. There are times when the film relies too much on action sequences without really pushing the plot forward. Apart from Indy no one else really gets any decent character work which is a real shame.
2/5
Allelujah (2022)
Directed by Richard Eyre this film based on the play of the same name stars Jennifer Saunders, Bally Gill, Russell Tovey, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench and David Bradley. A small geriatric hospital is on the verge of being closed.
Not overly nuanced this is a defence of the NHS in the face of cuts by modern government. I suppose the plot is mostly fine apart from the Harold Shipman twist at the end which is not handled very well in my opinion. I suppose I expected a bit more from something based on the work of Alan Bennett.
2/5
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson this is an animated sequel. A man with dimension hopping powers wants Miles Morales to be his nemesis.
It takes a long time for this sequel to get going and just when it is finally hitting its stride we get told to wait for part two. I really think this film could have been trimmed down, it still has some fun parts but is not its predecessor. Mostly just set up for the next film unfortunately.
3/5
Une partie de lawn-tennis II (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. A group of people mess about on a tennis court.
Much more chaos than anything resembling a tennis match. The subject matter is just a bit too chaotic for my taste. Needed to be a bit more structured in my opinion.
2/5
Liverpool, la rade (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see ships in the harbour at Liverpool in England.
There is a decent variety of water born craft here. We only really get to see hints of the shoreline in places. Decent film of the era.
3/5
X. La mise en croix (1898)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. The 10th part in a passion play.
Jumping in at the 10th part of a series might not be the best idea yet here we are. A single scene depicting Christ being nailed to the cross is fairly well done. Decent staging for the period.
3/5
Procession, I (1897)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. Some people walk past the camera in a procession.
There is not a huge amount to this short film, the foreground is blocked for a bit before we really see the procession. Not really the best or the most relevant of the films of this type. A bit too generic really.
2/5
The Machine (2023)
Directed by Peter Atencio this film stars Bert Kreischer, Mark Hamill and Iva Babic. A comedian is kidnapped and taken to Russia to face the consequences of a comedy bit he has been living off for years.
For what this is I suppose this film is not too bad. There are a few funny moments here as they try to stretch out a sequel to a 20 minute comedy routine. I suppose most of all it is nice to see Mark Hamill getting work again.
2/5
Oppenheimer (2023)
Directed by Christopher Nolan this film based on real events stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh. A scientist is chosen to lead the US attempt to build a nuclear bomb during WW2.
I really enjoyed this exploration of not just the creation of the atomic bomb but also the moral issues surrounding it. The film does an excellent job of balancing a personal story with wider issues. Fascinating and incredibly well made, I look forward to rewatching this one.
5/5
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
Directed by David F. Sandberg this sequel adds Helen Mirren, Lucy Lui and Rachel Zegler to the cast. Our heroes go up against the daughters of Atlas.
As a kids movie this is pretty decent, sure it is not the deepest movie you will ever see but I still managed to enjoy it. It would have been better if there was more time committed to character development I suppose, you can not have everything though. Decent enough I would be fine with seeing a third film in the series.
3/5
Acteurs japonais: bataille au sabre (1897)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. Japanese actors demonstrate a martial arts scene.
There are some moves in here which would be impressive if performed by a modern stunt team. An enjoyable little action scene. Well worth a watch.
3/5
Danse Tyrolienne (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. A couple perform a traditional folk dance then kiss.
There is a little bit of charm to this short film thanks to the dance and rural setting. Given the short run time there is not a huge amount to this one. Fairly fun and familiar.
3/5
Les Ainos a Yeso, [I] (1897)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film Four men perform a traditional dance.
The issue with shorts like this is they are nearly always presented without any context so without the relevant cultural knowledge it is hard to get much out of them. For the uncultured like me it is hard to take a lot from this one. Still has some nice foreground action if nothing else.
2/5
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023)
Directed by Hettie Mcdonald this film based on the novel of the same name stars Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. A retired man decides to walk from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed to give a former colleague with cancer a reason to keep living.
Like many British films this one is a simplistic, feel good effort that comes across as trying too hard at times. Much of the plot is predictable and heavy handed. Despite the flaws there are still a few touching moments in the film.
2/5
Defile du 8e bataillon (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. Soldiers march past a crowd.
It is a little hard to see the subject matter however they do eventually emerge from the crowd of civilians. Watch out for the product placement taking centre spot. Not bad for what it is.
3/5
May December (2023)
Directed by Todd Haynes this film loosely inspired by real events stars Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton. An actress goes to meet a child sex offender and her victim, now husband, ahead of playing her in a film.
I am conflicted about this film, I really can not tell if this uncomfortable look at an uncomfortable subject is indulging in the things it criticises or provides an apt criticism. Does the film ever properly get to grips with the subject matter or is it just trying too hard to be a Bergman film? Ultimately I just did not get this one I think despite all the praise it seems to be getting.
3/5
Pont de bateaux (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. People walk across a bridge,
There is not a lot to this one either in foreground or background action. You can find a lot more interesting films in the Lumiere catalogue so I would not recommend hunting down this one. Fine for what it is I suppose.
2/5
Hit the Road (2021)
Written & directed by Panah Panahi this film stars Hassan Madjooni, Pantea Panahiha, Rayan Sariak and Amin Simiar. An Iranian family travel to the border so the elder son can escape the country.
There are some fantastic shots of the landscapes of Iran in this film, I really enjoyed the visuals. The film is a bit slow moving in my opinion so will not be for everyone. Being an outsider the subject matter was also a little distant to me.
3/5
Panorama pris d'un bateau (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. We a bridge and the river banks of the Rhine in Cologne.
A nice little river scene shot from a boat going up the river. There is a decent variety in the landscape taken in despite the short run time of the film. Fairly decent entry in the genre.
3/5
The Eichmann Show (2015)
Directed by Simon Block this film based on real events stars Martin Freeman and Anthony LaPaglia. The crime of Adolf Eichmann is televised for the world to see.
A little preachy and simplistic in places this is an okay television film. Through LaPaglia's character the film does at least hint at some issues that are more relevant than ever today. A tough subject to hand respectfully.
3/5
The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan (2023)
Directed by Martin Bourboulon this adaptation stars Francois Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Pio Marmai and Eva Green. A young man wishes to join the King's Musketeers.
Fairly faithful to the source material this film does a decent job of bringing the first part of the book to the screen. I found some of the camera work in the action sequences to be a bit annoying, does not one want to do a wide shot any more? Compared to some of the other adaptations I think the main cast lack a bit of charisma.
3/5
A Thousand and One (2023)
Written & directed by A. V. Rockwell this film stars Teyana Taylor, Aaron Kingsley Adetola, Aven Courtney, Josiah Cross and Will Catlett. In the mid 90s a boy in the foster system in New York is kidnapped by a woman claiming to be his mother.
There is definitely something to this film both in terms of scope and the way it shows a changing New York. An interesting look into the African American experience of the period through the lens of an unusual family dynamic. Thought provoking if nothing else.
4/5
Genie (2023)
Directed by Sam Boyd this film stars Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu. After missing his daughter's birthday a man finds a genie who grants wishes.
Given how lazy of an effort this is I was surprised to find it came from the pen of Richard Curtis. There are a few hints of something possible in the script but it needs some major re-writes to get anywhere good. This is ultimately a completely predictable, lightweight holiday film and I am really not sure we needed Melissa McCarthy as a genie after we've had both Robin Williams and Will Smith in Aladdin adaptations.
2/5
Roi et Reine d'Italie (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. The king of Italy and his wife walk down some stairs and get into a carriage.
Really the camera needs to be a little further back to get everything in shot properly here. The king and queen and not especially regally dressed so they could pass for any aristocrats. Not the best of the Lumiere catalogue.
3/5
2003 (2021)
Directed by Harris Dickinson this film stars Patrick Gibson and Andrew Tiernan. In 2003 a young soldier is about to leave for war.
This is a fairly decent short film about the awkwardness between a father and son on the eve of the son leaving for war. The short is well done without being melodramatic. Just a little too short to have a lot of depth but it does capture a human moment.
3/5
Woodcutters (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. Some blokes cut wood on the street.
There is not much more to this one than the title. I suppose it does at least deliver on what it promises which is more than most films these days. Fairly average film lacking a bit of something to make it special.
3/5
Aani Maani (2019)
Directed by Fahim Irshad this film stars Farrukh Seyer and Priyanka Verma. When the Hindu government bans the sale of beef a Muslim man's ability to support his family selling kebabs is under threat.
I found this film to be too slow moving and meandering even for its 90 minute run time. At times the focus is more on the domestic rather than the world problem. Maybe more enjoyable if you are more familiar with the issues facing contemporary India.
2/5
Pearl (2022)
Directed by Ti West this film stars Mia Goth, David Corenswet and Tandi Wright. A young woman wants to escape her family and life on the farm.
Going in I did not realise this film was a prequel and not having seen the other film in the series was not a problem. It was really nice to see a film from the point of view of someone who would usually be the antagonist. Very creepy and evocative through out.
4/5
Coolies a Saigon (1897)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. Two lines of workers pulling a steam roller pass the camera.
There is not a huge amount to this film although it is probably one of the few films on Vietnam of the period. Foreground action is fine and the backdrop is not terrible. Not overly remarkable to the casual viewer.
3/5
Violent Night (2022)
Directed by Tommy Wirkola this film stars David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Alex Hassell and Beverly D'Angelo. Santa goes John McClane on a Christmas Eve hostage situation.
I was really surprised at how well this film managed to balance Christmas sentimentality with a bit of the old ultra violence. There is a decent premise but this film is still better than it has any real right to be. A rare film I would actually like to see a sequel to if it goes deeper into the viking warrior santa lore.
4/5
Emuthi Puthi (2022)
Directed by Kulanandini Mahanta this film stars Neetali Das and Kenny Basumatary. A young woman helps her fish obsessed grandmother run away.
As road movies go this one is fine, it eventually gets to a heartfelt conclusion. It is obvious at times that the film was made fairly cheaply. Not bad but not that memorable either.
3/5
Little Dixie (2023)
Directed by John Swab this film stars Frank Grillo, Eric Dane, Annabeth Gish and Beau Knapp. A deal between an American politician and Mexican drug deals is reneged on.
All the characters in this film are so morally bankrupt it is impossible to really care about any of them. You can see what the film makers are going for this one just falls short of many similar genre entries. Not worth a watch in my opinion.
2/5
Chutes du Rhin vues de loin (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. A small boat approaches a waterfall.
There is not a huge amount to this one, the run time is very short not allowing for much action. No doubt the falls are impressive and the people in the boat do give a sense of scale. Would be nice to have some sound with this one.
3/5
Ladies Only (2021)
Directed by Rebana Liz John this is a documentary film. Women on a ladies train carriage are interviewed.
This documentary does a fairly good job at surveying the different views of women on how life has changed and could change for them. I really enjoyed the mix of views from the interviewees. The film is a little bit slow in places which will not be for everyone.
3/5
Section Eight (2022)
Directed by Christian Sesma this film stars Ryan Kwanten, Dolph Lundgren, Dermot Mulroney and Mickey Rourke. A soldier goes to prison for a revenge murder then gets recruited to a secret government agency.
Pretty much everything about this film is terrible. Little of the plot makes any sense and there are so many forced twists your head will spin. Well worth avoiding this one, it was not through through at all.
1/5
iTales (2022)
A collection of short films from directors Rajshri Deshpande, Savita Singh, Kutti Revathi, Pooja Shyam Prabhat and Madhumitha Venugopal. Five different shorts on unconnected subjects.
There is not really any through line to this collection of shorts which is a bit of a shame. About the only one that really interested me was the short documentary on dancers. Too many weak entries for me.
2/5
Renfield (2023)
Directed by Chris McKay this film stars Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina and Nicolas Cage. Dracula's assistant seeks to escape his toxic relationship with his master.
Taking a premise with potential and pairing it with a really good cast unfortunately this film never really hits the heights it could have. Everything is just a bit lazy or too easy, more effort required to really make this script sing. In the end a bit of a waste of Nic Cage as Dracula despite being an average film.
3/5
Cherbourg: entree des souverains russes et du president de la Republic sous le hall (1896)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. The king and queen of Russia along with the President of France walk past.
Unfortunately the camera is a little far away to really make out the dignitaries in this short film. The film does not really live up to its overly long title. Bit of a disappointment really.
2/5
Shankar's Fairies (2021)
Directed by Irfana Majumdar this film stars Jaihind Kumar, Shreeja Mishra and Gaurav Saini. In 1962 a government official's daughter is mostly raised by a mild mannered house servant.
This is very much a slow, gentle film without much overt drama. I think the film does a good job of recreating a child's point of view where they are shielded from the realities of life. For some this will be a bit too uneventful.
3/5
Japanese Actors: Wig Exercise (1900)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. A Japanese theatre actor practices performing in a long wig.
I am not cultured enough to be able to work out what is going on here. This short excerpt of early head banging does have a little charm to it. Would be better with some context.
3/5
She Came to Me (2023)
Written & directed by Rebecca Miller this film stars Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway and Marisa Tomei. A composer with writers block cheats on his therapist wife with a tug boat captain.
It is nice to see someone making a romantic comedy that does not rely on “the big misunderstanding” for a change. While the plot and comedy are no great shakes they are at least something a bit original. There is a bit of charm even if I am not sure about the teen marriage subplot.
3/5
Palm Trees and Power Lines (2022)
Directed by Jamie Dack this film stars Lily McInerny and Jonathan Tucker. A seventeen year old girl starts a relationship with a man twice her age.
I thought this was a really good look at the subtle nature of grooming, some might find the plot a bit slow but I thought it worked really well. The direction is excellent especially in the pivotal which is incredibly heart breaking. A fantastic performance from Lily McInerny really holds the piece together.
4/5
Lutteurs japonais (1898)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. Two fighters showcase some kendo.
I like that the camera is well placed to capture the action and movements of both men. There could be a little more action, this is not exactly a frenetic demonstration. Decent short with a good backdrop.
3/5
Big George Foreman (2023)
Directed by George Tillman this film baed on real events stars Khris Davis, Forest Whitaker and Jasmine Matthews. We follow the unorthodox career of a boxer turned preacher turned boxer again.
George Foreman's story is fascinating, this rendition of it is not. In nearly all regards this is a lightweight not a heavyweight. I think the film probably tries to cover too much in too short of a run time to do any part of the story justice.
2/5
Dostojee (2021)
Written & directed by Prasun Chatterjee this film stars Arif Shaikh and Asik Shaikh. Two boys that live next to each other in a rural Indian village are best friends.
As coming of age films go this one is decent, the setting is different to the usual but the plot fairly familiar. While I enjoyed the film it lacked something to take it to the next level and dragged a little in places. A decent effort despite the flaws.
3/5
The Road to Kuthriyar (2021)
Directed by Bharat Mirle this film stars Dhruv Athreye and Chinna Dorai. An unlikely friendship forms between two men as they survey the mammals in a forest.
There are elements of this film that are almost documentary, I am not sure how much of this film is even fictional at times. The film does a decent job of shining a light on the lift of tribal people that used to live in the forest but have been forced out by the government. Maybe a little slow in the middle but a decent watch.
4/5
Une rue a Tokyo (1897)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. We see a busy street from Tokyo.
Like many of the early street scene films there is not a huge amount to this one. There is hustle and bustle but not a lot more. Fairly average genre film.
3/5
Khamosh Pani (2003)
Directed by Sabiha Sumar this film stars Kirron Kher, Shilpa Shukla and Aamir Ali Malki. In 1979 a woman and her son living in a small village have their life changed as Pakistan becomes more Islamic under the rule of General Zia.
A good look at the consequences of partition, particularly on some of the subjects people do not like to talk about. Tragic and thought provoking. Well made without ever being melodramatic.
4/5
The Last Rifleman (2023)
Directed by Kevin Fitzpatrick this film stars Pierce Brosnana, Clemence Poesy and Jrugen Prochnow. On the 7th anniversary of D-Day a vertern in his 90s escapes his care home to go to the memorial in Normandy.
This fictional story is just a bit too conveniently constructed. Even the part where the protagonist confronts a former SS member does not have enough bite to it. Given there is a true story that inspired this I do not see why we need a fictional take.
2/5
Master Cheng (2019)
Directed by Mika Kaurismaki this film stars Chu Pak-Hong and Anna-Maija Tuokko. A Chinese man and his son travel to a small village in Finland in search of an old friend.
Pretty predictable this is your usual clash of cultures type film. There is a smidge of patronising orientalism but for the most part the film is not too bad. Could do with a little fat trimming, there are places where the film runs a little long for being so predictable.
3/5
Missing (2023)
directed by Will Merrick & Nick Johnson this film stars Storm Reid, Joaquin de Almeida, Ken Leung and Nia Long. An 18 year old girl searches for her mother after she does not return from a trip to Colombia.
As mystery thrillers go this one is fine, just when you think it has something interesting to say on the true crime genre it unfortunately goes nowhere. There is one glaring plot element that it annoyed me that the characters overlooked, otherwise I do not have much to complain about. A decent sequel to Searching (2018) that does not feel constrained by the screenlife gimmick.
3/5
Escrime au sabre japonais (1897)
Directed by Constant Girel this is an early short film. We see people practising Kendo.
I really like the energy captured in this film, there is plenty of frenetic action. Both the fore and background have plenty to catch the eye. A very good example of early cinema.
4/5
Escrime au sabre (1898)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Sailors on the deck of a ship practice sword drills.
A big measured and slow to be fully exciting. There is at least decent foreground action in this short, the background is mostly the sea. Decent but not remarkable.
3/5
Le Caire, un enterrement (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. A funeral parade in Cairo.
It is a little hard to make out what is going on here. The subject of the short takes a little too long to become clear and even then you do not see much of it. Basically just a shot of a busy street.
2/5
Infinity Pool (2023)
Written & directed by Brandon Cronenberg this film stars Alexander Skarsgard and Mia Goth. A struggling writer finds himself caught up with hedonists at a holiday resort with strange legal practices.
No doubt this film has something to say I am just not sure it ever hits a pay off. What we do get is certainly thought provoking. An uncomfortable watch for some, fantastic performances though.
4/5
Barrage du Nil (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Various people cross the Nile river on a dam.
A pretty decent short with a good variety to the traffic crossing in the foreground. If there had been a slightly wider shot it might have shown more of the background. Average for a travel film of the period.
3/5
Belfast, Castle Place (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a street scene from turn of the century Belfast.
With decent image quality this is a solid entry in the street scene genre. No the location is not iconic but there is a decent amount of fore and background action. Not bad for what it is.
3/5
Retribution (2023)
Directed by Nimrod Antal this film stars Liam Neeson, Noma Dumezweni, Lilly Aspell, Jack Champion and Matthew Modine. A man takes his kids to school and finds out there is a bomb in the car.
Some how this film manages to both not really make sense and still be incredibly predictable. Definitely not one of the best action films Liam Neeson has made, a very low rent Taken knock off. Skip this one in my opinion.
2/5
Bruxelles, Boulevard Anspach (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a simple street scene from Brussels.
As street scenes go there is not a lot to separate this one from the pack. Both foreground and background action are fine without being remarkable. Even if this film does nothing wrong there are better examples in the Lumiere catalogue.
3/5
Bourricots sous les palmiers (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. People pass palm trees.
Like a number of travel films from the Lumiere catalogue this film lacks a unique background, this one is rather generic. The foreground action is fine but not special. Not the most remarkable film of the period or genre.
2/5
Panorama de port d'Alger (1903)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a snippet of the port of Algiers.
A decent little travel film shot from a boat in port. We see a variety of buildings and boats as the camera moves along. Not ground breaking but entertaining at least.
3/5
Gold Run (2022)
Directed by Hallvard Braein this film based on real events stars Jon Oigarden, Ida Elise Broch and Sven Nordin. As Germany invades Norway the Norwegians struggle to get their gold reserves out of the country.
It seems this film at least sticks fairly closely to real events, if not to the details to the general shape at least. The plot is tense enough to hold your attention. A good watch if not overly deep.
3/5
The Pope's Exorcist (2023)
Directed by Julius Avery this film stars Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Alex Essoe and Franco Nero. The Vatican's exorcist goes to Spain to deal with an alleged possession.
Like with many horror films this one is dressing up fiction and pretending it is fact. The plot is a pretty lazy stumble through the usual elements with Christian dressing round it. Normally I am a big Russell Crowe fan however this one is a real let down.
2/5
Kursk (2018)
Directed by Thomas Vinterberg this film based on real events stars Matthias Schoenaerts, Lea Seydoux and Colin Firth. During a Russian naval exercise a disaster happens aboard a nuclear submarine.
I am not sure how closely this film sticks to real events as we will never really know what the trapped crew did. What seems to be missing from the film is a political layer involving Putin. Decent enough but does not stand out from similar submarine films.
3/5
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Directed by Joel Crawford this animated film has voices from Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Harvey Guillen and Florence Pugh. On his last life the famous cat seeks out a wish to restore his lost lives.
There is a surprising amount of heart to this film and some nice twists on familiar characters. An enjoyable sequel that works for adults as well as kids. My only disappointment is the animation in some of the action sequences seems like a step down from previous entries in the series.
4/5
Explosion en mer (1898)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. A boat is exploded on the water.
Possibly the first use of an explosion on film, something Hollywood has come to rely on. The action is entertaining and must have been surprising for the day. Stands out against some of the more placcid films of the period.
3/5
Midsommar (2019)
Directed by Ari Aster this film stars Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor. A young woman grieving the murder/suicide of her family travels with her boyfriend and his friends to a remote midsummer festival in Sweden.
You can definitely see that this film owes a huge amount to The Wicker Man (1973), delving into the same brand of folk horror somewhat closely. I am not sure the film has the depth some claim however it is more than creepy enough to keep your attention through out. Good performances and messed up visuals really carry this film.
4/5
Jerusalem, le saint sepulcre (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio and Gabriel Veyre this is an early short film. A street scene from Jerusalem.
To be reductive this film is just people milling about in front of a door. As street scenes go this is not one of my favourites, it lacks a bit in location and foreground action. Not really that special.
2/5
Sick (2022)
Directed by John Hyams this film stars Gideon Adlon, Beth Million and Dylan Sprayberry. Rich kids shelter in place at a lake cabin with a serial killer on the loose.
It takes too long for this film to get to the point and it stretches out too little content for far too long. Both boring and disappointing. Not worth seeking out.
2/5
Champions (2023)
Directed by Bobby Farrelly this film stars Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson and Cheech Marin. A basketball coach with a temper is sentenced to community service coaching a team with intellectual disabilities.
Right from the get go every story beat of this film is very obvious making the whole thing seem a bit lazy. There are times that the script gets very close to being overly patronising however it mostly stays just about on the right side. With a little more thought and a more serious approach this could have been a better effort.
2/5
Liverpool, Church Street (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a street scene from the city of Liverpool.
As street scenes go this is a pretty average one, the foreground action is entertaining enough. Where the film lacks is in something other than a generic backdrop to make the film stand out. Nothing special really.
3/5
The Fablemans (2022)
Directed by Steven Spielberg this film stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogan and Gabriel LaBelle. A young Jewish boy grows up wanting to be a film maker.
It is very easy for both Hollywood on Hollywood and semi autobiographical films to disappear up their own backside however this film is expertly guided past all the pit falls. The film mixes family drama with a desire for a life in the arts really well, the fantastic is always lurking just behind the curtain while still some how remaining grounded. Having heard the story of the final scene so many times my favourite part has to be David Lynch rocking up at the end.
4/5
Falcon Lake (2022)
Directed by Charlotte Le Bon this film based on a graphic novel stars Joseph Engel and Sara Montpetit. A 13 year old boy develops a relationship with a 16 year old girl while on family vacation.
For most of this film it is a standard coming of age film done really well. The final 10% or so of the film is a dark twist that is well worth waiting for. Very enjoyable and excellently made.
4/5
Procession of the Sacred Carpet (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a procession go past the camera.
The foreground action is more than enough to carry this film which is good because there is not much to the background. Without any context it is a little hard to know what is going on but it is still entertaining. No doubt an interesting record for academics.
3/5
Liverpool, panorama pris du chemin de fer electrique, IV (1897)
Directed by Alexandra Promio this is an early short film. We see a moving shot of the docks at Liverpool.
If I could make one change to this film it would be shorten that title! The content is fine, it fits in with the films of the period fairly well. Not overly remarkable.
3/5
Bruxelles, Grand'Place (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a scenic location at the heart of Brussels.
No doubt the back drop of this short is nice however there is not a lot to it. The foreground action is nothing that impressive. Pretty standard travel film of the day.
3/5
Unwelcome (2023)
Directed by Jon Wright this film stars Hannah John-Kamen, Douglas Booth, Colm Meaney and Niamh Cusack. A couple move from London to rural Ireland and may have Red Caps in the garden.
It takes a bit too long for this film to get going, once it does it is a pretty decent genre effort. There is not too much original here, plenty of familiar elements. Clearly the best part is the Red Cap fairies.
3/5
Mob Land (2023)
Written & directed by Nicholas Maggio this film stars Shiloh Fernandez, John Travolta, Kevin Dillon, Stephen Dorff and Ashley Benson. A man is convinced by his brother in law to help him rob a pill mill.
Nothing is new or original about this film. We get one of those scripts that thinks it is smarter than it is as it tries to pontificate on the moral nature of crime. I suppose it is fine but really there is nothing to recommend this one on.
2/5
Cocaine Bear (2023)
Directed by Elizabeth Banks this film loosely inspired by real events stars Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich and Ray Liotta. Cocaine dumped in the woods is discovered by a bear.
I suppose as gimmick films go this one is fine, there are a few decent moments holding the paper thin plot together. My major quibble is the final sequence is just too dark to make out what is going on most of the time. I suppose fine if you do not mind a one note film.
2/5
Chicago, Grande Roue (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a shot of a Ferris wheel at the 1893 Chicago Exposition.
We have a decent backdrop to this short, the spinning Ferris wheel nicely captured. In the foreground people pass by providing a decent amount of action. Over all a solid film for the period.
3/5
Alger: place du gouvernement (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a scene from Algeria.
As backdrops go the one of this film is pretty decent, a nice impressive palace. The foreground action is nothing special, some people milling about. Fine for a travel film of the period.
3/5
Boiling Point (2021)
Directed by Philip Barantini this film stars Stephen Graham, Vinette Robinson, Ray Panthaki and Hannah Walters. A head chef struggles to hold things together at his restaurant.
Another one shot wonder, you have to admire the skill in pulling off the gimmick if nothing else. The plot is pretty familiar and not necessarily anything special. There is a lot going on but nothing really worked through to fruition given the short run time.
3/5
Assassin Club (2023)
Directed by Camille Delamerre this film stars Henry Golding, Noomi Rapace, Daniela Melchior and Sam Neill. A group of assassins are hired to take each other out.
If the plot of this film sounds familiar that is because there have been numerous similar ones. Someone spent a bit of money on the supporting cast but not enough time on getting a decent script. Parts of the plot do not entirely make sense.
2/5
Shrapnel (2023)
Directed by William Kaufman this film stars Jason Patric and Cam Gigandet. A former colonel in the US marines finds his daughter has disappeared in Mexico.
Taking rather a large cue from Taken this is a pretty basic action film. Part of the script come across as a bit racist to be honest. Not much to enjoy here.
1/5
Jongleur javanais (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. A man with his back to camera does some ball juggling.
Not the greatest show of skill but something familiar to anyone who has ever seen one of those “keepie uppie” half time acts at a football match. Interesting to see how some things never change. Could be better shot and performed.
2/5
65 (2023)
Written & directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods this film stars Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt. In the distant past a man and a girl are stranded on earth.
A lot of this film is disappointingly generic and predictable, there is even a quick sand pit. I was expecting a bit more from the team behind A Quiet Place. Even some of the CGI looks a little cheap in the opening space shot sequences.
2/5
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain (2019)
Written & directed by David Midell this film based on real events stars Frankie Faison, Steve O'Connell, Enrico Natale and Ben Marten. An old man accidentally sets off his medical alarm and gets harassed by police.
I had anxiety the whole way through this film because you know what is going to happen and there is no escape from it. I am not sure how closely the film sticks to true events, at the very least it appears that the names of the police officers have been changed. Another stark reminder of the terrible state of things in the US.
4/5
Descent of the Great Pyramid (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Some people climb down the great pyramid in Giza.
What this film lacks is a bit more distance so you get some idea of the scale or setting of the short. People climbing down stones that could be anywhere is what you get from this short. Not the best of the travel shorts from Lumiere.
3/5
La defense du drapeau (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio and Georges Hatot. A cavalryman defends the flag while standing in front of a cannon.
A rousing battle scene that does may be not lot the most realistic to modern eyes. Possibly one of the first pieces of cinematic propaganda. People seem to come in and die at random.
3/5
Marche aux charbons (avex chameaux) (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Some camels and men mill about.
There is not much action going on here and the framing is not really great for what little action there is. Even for one of the period this is more like b-roll than an actual short. Not the best.
2/5
Swallowed (2022)
Written & directed by Carter Smith this film stars Cooper Koch, Jose Colon and Jena Malone. Two friends smuggle drugs across the border by swallowing them.
I am not sure this film makes the most of the set up. This is a fine effort but ultimately does not do that much to stand out. A bit more creepiness with the drugs is required to make the body horror element fully sing.
3/5
God Is a Bullet (2023)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes this film base on the novel of the same name stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maika Monroe and Jamie Foxx. A detective enlists the help of a former cult member to help him track down his kidnapped daughter.
With some tenuous claims about being based on a true story this is a meandering plot that snuffles around the satanic panic many years too late to be believed. The script has more endings than Lord of the Rings which also does not help matters. There are far better genre efforts out there.
2/5
Spin Me Round (2022)
Directed by Jeff Baena this film stars Alison Brie, Alessandro Nivola and Aubrey Plaza. The manager of a restaurant chain goes to the company retreat in Italy dreaming of a holiday romance.
Clearly this film is aiming to send up a particular type of rom-com and it sort of does achieve that. It always feels like the script falls a bit short of the premise. There is just about enough on screen talent to limp this one over the line.
3/5
Puerta del Sol (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a street scene from Spain.
Unlike a lot of street scenes of the period this one is not shot from ground level. The higher view point gives the shot a nice over view of the street. A good little watch.
3/5
Game Change (2012)
Directed by Jay Roach this film based on real events stars Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson and Ed Harris. A little known governor is tapped to be the vice presidential candidate in an attempt to shake up the election.
In my opinion this film does a decent job of giving an overview of the campaign from the McCain side but does not have enough run time to get into the nuances. Palin goes from the verge of a nervous break down to megalomaniac a bit too quickly for my taste for example. Decent watch just not especially hard hitting, the quality is in the performances.
3/5
Ramassage du linge (1898)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. It is laundry day on a ship.
We see a bunch of washing on the line on a ship. Not a huge amount to this one, a slice of life for sailors of the period. Lacks a bit in terms of action.
3/5
La foule sur la place de l'opera (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Crowds outside the opera house mill about.
Not great in terms of image quality, hard to make out what is going on and there are a number of long pauses. The people could be anywhere, nothing really ties them to the location or the opera if you are not familiar with Paris of the period. Skip this one in my opinion.
1/5
All My Puny Sorrows (2021)
Directed by Michael McGowen this film based on the novel of the same name stars Alison Pill, Sarah Gadon and Amybeth McNulty. A woman struggles with her sister's attempts to kill herself.
Films on suicide tend to be rather simplistic and patronising, this is one of the best I've seen on the subject matter. A taught drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat while being though provoking. Highly recommend seeking out.
4/5
Fort-de-France: marche (1902)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a simple market scene with predominantly women of colour in the shot.
Pretty simple snap shot of a place and time. Not a huge amount to this one but you can see the hints of colonialism as the white men over see the women of colour. Not a huge amount to comment on.
3/5
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan this film stars Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge. Two men and their daughter staying at a cabin have four strangers turn up uninvited.
Opening up some decent points of discussion this film never goes anywhere with them. It feels very much like this is the first draft of a script that needs a lot more work on it. As is this film is fine I suppose, it just feels very much like a missed opportunity to do something much better.
3/5
Paris: les souverains russes el le president de la Republique aux Champs-Elysees (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Two carriages containing dignitaries pass by the camera.
The image quality is not amazing here so it is a little difficult to make out the details of the VIPs. The contents of the procession is fine, pretty entertaining otherwise. No doubt a historic moment.
3/5
Alger: prier du muezzin (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. An Islamic man prays.
There is not a huge amount to this short and it does not help matters that the shot is not centred very well. If there was a bit more going on in the frame I think this would be a better film, the backdrop is just too bland. Not my favourite.
2/5
Dublin, pompiers: un incendie II (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio. A group of fire engines have a race.
This short starts off well but the final portion is slightly ruined by other traffic blocking the shot. A decent bit of action for the period. Not bad of a watch really.
3/5
Constantinople, panorama des rives du Bosphore (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see Constantinople from the deck of a boat on the river.
As this waterborne panoramas go this one is fine, if nothing special. The image quality is only okay. Not a remarkable short, similar to many others in the Lumiere catalogue.
3/5
Something in the Dirt (2022)
Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead this film stars its directors. A man moves into a dirty apartment and is befriended by his neighbour.
This is definitely a strange look into modern life and beliefs. The plot is slow moving and a bit meandering so it does drag a bit towards the end. Not for everyone but enjoyable if you like the off beat and unusual.
4/5
80 for Brady (2023)
Directed by Kyle Marvin this film stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field. Four friends travel to the super bowl to watch Tom Brady play.
There is something rather distasteful about seeing four of the greatest actresses of their generation reduced to making a Tom Brady vanity project. The script is pretty mind numbing and strays rather far from whatever true story might have inspired it. Such a let down with the on screen talent in mind.
2/5
Scream VI (2023)
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett this film stars Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding. Our heroes attend college where ghost face copy cats seem to run aplenty.
In my opinion there is one twist too many in the script which ends up making a lot of the earlier clues just not make sense any more. I see a lot of praise for this one but I thought it was a weaker, tired entry into the franchise. Shave a bit off the end and this is a better film in my opinion.
2/5
Fete Au Village (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see a single static shot of a village fete.
Clearly the highlight of this film is the two men leapfrogging at the start. There are a few too many people milling about to really get much of what is going on at the fete. A nice little moment in history.
3/5
Tigers at the Zoo (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see some tigers at the zoo.
Pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, some tigers behind bars get fed some meat. Very much what we would consider a home video today. Not overly special or remarkable.
3/5
Interview Between Napoleon and the Pope (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio and Georges Hatot this is an early short film. As the title suggests, Napoleon faces off against the Pope.
It is difficult to get much of an idea of what is going on here both because of the limitations of the medium and the low image quality. This short does not appear to survive in great quality. Not a lot going for it as a historical scene.
2/5
Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday (2022)
Directed by George & Harry Kirby this film stars Scott Adkins, Ray Stevenson, Perry Benson and Sarah Chang. A hitman in Malta has to protect the son of an Italian crime boss from other assassins.
I have not see the film this is a sequel to but that provided no problem in following this film. Some of the character stereotypes come across as a bit questionable and you can see the cheapness of the film in places. Mostly the action sequences are well done despite budget constraints, the plot is nothing special.
2/5
Sharp Stick (2022)
Written & directed by Lena Dunham this film stars Kristine Froseth, Jon Bernthal and Jennifer Jason Leigh. A naive 26 year old starts an affair with the husband of the couple she baby sits for.
I think the protagonist of this film is just far too naïve at 26 for the world she supposedly comes from. The lack of believability is pretty much the down fall of this film from the start. A shame because there is some promise there.
2/5
The Assassination of the Duke de Guise (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio and Georges Hatot this is an early short film based on a painting by Paul Delaroche. Duke rocks up and gets stabbed.
If you aren't familiar with the subject matter, and I'm not, then it is a little hard to tell what is going on. The back drop is nice but a little of the action gets lost. Decent production values despite the flaws.
3/5
Tar (2022)
Written & directed by Todd Field this film stars Cate Blanchett, Noemie Merlant and Nina Hoss. A female conductor faces allegations after the suicide of a former protege.
Covering familiar ground about the only thing unique this film does is have a female protagonist instead of a male one. The film is well made and well acted for what it is, getting plaudits for that, but it does walk a slightly uncomfortable line about what it is saying in a post #MeToo world. I am not entirely sure how I feel about this one in the end.
4/5
Brooklyn, Fulton Street (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see several trams pass the camera.
This is another street scene that lacks the backdrop to make it unique or memorable. The foreground action is fine but not with much variety. Not my favourite street scene.
2/5
Wifelife (2022)
Written & directed by James Bird this film stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Elena Kampouris. In the near future a company sells robot wives.
Mixing together bits of Blade Runner with The Stepford Wives and adding in a dash of The Matrix this film is much less than the sum of its parts. Too many elements of this film do not make sense which checked me out of the film pretty early on. It even comes off as a little bit sexist in the concept.
1/5
Belfast, exercices de sauvetage (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Firefighters show off their extending ladder.
As shorts of the period go this is a pretty fun one. We get to see some action and the shot is well framed. A nice change from the street scenes that dominate Promio's work.
3/5
