The Colony (2021)
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum this film also known as Tides stars Nora Arenzeder, Iain Glen and Sara-Sofie Boussnina. In the near future interstellar colonists return to Earth after an ecological disaster.
There is nothing really new or original in this sci-fi film but it does a decent job of combining familiar elements. The locations provide some really nice visuals that are eerie. Well made for what it is.
3/5
After Launching (1898)
Directed by James H. White this is an early short film. We see a yacht sail past the camera.
Like most early shorts from the Edison catalogue there is not a huge amount to this film. At the very least the film does a decent job of capturing the subject moving past to give some movement to the image. A pretty average piece for the period.
3/5
Plan A (2021)
Directed by Yoav & Doron Paz this film stars August Diehl, Sylvia Hoeks and Michael Aloni. In 1945 a group of Jews that survived the Holocaust plan their revenge.
This appears to be very much a fictionalised version of historical events. As interesting as the plot is it would have benefited from sticking more closely to actual events in my opinion. With what we have here this film is not really worth seeking out.
3/5
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)
Directed by Will Gluck this sequel stars Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, David Oyelowo and the voice of James Cordon. Peter Rabbit wants to take part in a city robbery.
To be honest this film is a bit of a mess, it breaks the fourth wall then commits to everything it says is a sin. It feels like the script completely lost sight of the source material at times. All in all a weak effort.
2/5
Panorama of George Railway (1900)
Directed by James H. White this is an early short film. We see the view as a train passes along by some cliffs and some water.
As views go this is a pretty decent one which is well captured for the period. There is not a huge amount to this film beyond the view offered so do not go expecting too much. A decent piece of early cinema that would amount to home video now.
3/5
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton this film stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang and Tony Leung. A young man returns to China to try and find his sister.
On the surface this is a fairly fun film filled with some fantastic visuals. Scratch beneath the surface however and it quickly becomes clear the protagonist has no personality or character arc. I can not help but feel this was a missed opportunity in need or a re-write or two before it went to the big screen.
3/5
Fatman (2020)
Directed by Eshom & Ian Nelms this film stars Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. An angry child hires an assassin to kill Santa for giving him coal.
I am not entirely sure how large the market is for this film but I found it to be pretty fun. As something of an oddity, a dark Chritmas film aimed at adults this is a decent little film. I doubt this will ever be a Christmas classic however it is better than a lot of the overly sentimental crap you get this time of year.
3/5
