The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
Written & directed by Wes Anderson this film stars Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton and Micheal Cera. In the 1950s a man tries to pull off a massive business deal with the help of his daughter who wants to be a nun.
I love Wes Anderson's films and while this is not his best it still has plenty of his usual charm. The images are lovely through out, especially the sets. Just needed a bit more depth to it in my opinion.
3/5
A Minecraft Movie (2025)
Directed by Jared Hess this film stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myer and Danielle Brooks. Several people find themselves transported to the world of Minecraft.
Silly and clearly aimed at a younger audience there is not a huge amount to this one. I would say I am not sure the plot was worth following, it barely exists. Another mediocre game to screen adaptation.
2/5
Serpentine Dance by Annabelle (1896)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. Annabelle Moore performs a Serpentine Dance.
Similar to many other films this of this period this is a short snippet of a dance. Fine for what it is there is not a huge amount to this one. If you have seen one of this type you have kind of seen them all.
3/5
Challengers (2024)
Directed by Luca Guadagnino this film stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. The love triangle between three tennis players over many years.
At first it seems like this is going to be a fairly cliché sports film however it does do a decent job of adding something a different by adding some real scope to the tale. There are still some bits that are overly melodramatic for my taste, at times things do feel a little forced. As much as a fan of thumping beats as I am the soundtrack did take me out of the moment at times.
4/5
Bitter Lake (2015)
Directed by Adam Curtis this is an experimental documentary. We follow the history of US-Saudi relations and attempts to modernise Afghanistan.
As good as this film is at charting the complicated history of the subject it does rely on a lot of the narrator telling rather than showing. I feel like the film could have done with more interviews rather than dolling out information we are supposed to take unchallenged. Does include some fascinating footage.
3/5
Alpha 27 (2024)
Directed by Nick Azzaro this short film stars Jack I. Garcia and Kadan Well Bennett. In the near future a man faces deportation from Earth.
Very relevant given the state of things in the US and other parts of the world at the moment. Does not go massively deep on the subject. Fine for what it is.
3/5
Tracers (2025)
Directed by Sof Puchley this short film stars Jackie Ho and Louie Champman. As the capital of a planet burns a member of the royalty tries to escape.
Seems to be more interested in budget action than anything else. Lacks some depth or drama. Not a huge amount to this one.
2/5
