It's OK, Johnny (2025)
Directed by Deniz Akyurek this short film stars Anthony Misiano. A man calls up the person he used to bully in high school to apologise.
To be honest this one comes across as an immature revenge fantasy. Needed a second or third draft. Decent performance from the star at least.
2/5
Hector's Hell House (2023)
Directed by John Adam Krueger this film stars Gabriel Storm, Bill Mendieta, Christian Weissmann and Liesel Kopp. A young boy tries to face his fears and protect his family.
To be honest I think the kids were not cast young enough to make this one believable. Pretty decent idea just does not come off in the execution. Something that could be improved on at least.
2/5
Rare Medium (2024)
Directed by Emily Maya Mills this short film stars Dave Theune and Ryan Meharry. A man goes to see a medium but not all is as it seems.
An interesting little twist on what you would expect. A fun distraction if not the deepest short film. Pretty well done.
3/5
The Last Duel (2021)
Directed by Ridley Scott this film inspired by historical events stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer and Ben Affleck. Two friends fall out and end up fighting a duel to the death.
I enjoyed Rashomon (1950) the first two times I saw it, I am not sure we really needed another version in medieval France. Fine for what it is but does not really add anything to the familiar set up. Decent performances from the cast.
3/5
Opus (2025)
Written & directed by Mark Anthony Green this film stars Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich. An eccentric pop superstar releases his first new album in 30 years and invites a select group to his compound to listen to it.
An unusual fusion of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Behind the Candelabra and Midsommar I am not sure this film ever becomes more than the sum of its parts. The highlight is Malkovich at his bonkers best and I doubt anyone else could have played the part. We do get to a thought provoking conclusion but it feels a lot like the horror twist is taking the easy way out.
3/5
Panorama of Ealing from a Moving Tram (1901)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. We see part of London from the top of a tram.
A decent little city short. The image quality of the version I saw was not the best, not sure if this is the case for all surviving versions. Fine for what it is.
3/5
Love Machine (2024)
Directed by Jon Clark this film stars Clare Cooney and Bethany Gilmour. On a second date a woman finds out her date is not exactly who she thought she was.
Pretty simple concept, not sure it really goes anywhere. Hints at exploring our prejudices against AI but I am not sure it goes deep enough into the idea. Thought provoking at least.
3/5
