Mission: Impossible has one of the most recognisable themes in film. Used in the original 1966 TV series, the reboot 1980 series and all 6 feature films, the evolving style of the theme tune has helped define a franchise. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to read along as I explore how the theme tune and the music of the franchise has been adapted over time, and see how those changes reflect each of the films.
From the producers of Sausage Party (Alarm Bells, I hated Sausage Party) comes Good Boys, another film where swearing constitutes 50% of the 'jokes'. In a day-spanning plot that is as weak as that for Grown Ups 2, three young kids get up to all sorts of 'hilarious' adult activities, including selling sex toys and buying drugs. Sometimes passable, mostly uncomfortable, it isn't great.
In the latest 2019 film based on some famous songs by a specific artist, 'Blinded by the Light' puts the struggles of 1980’s racial tension against a Bruce Springsteen soundtrack. The result is as disorientating as you’d expect, and while it delivers a sweetly uplifting story, it suffers from too many clichés and a lack of clear intention.
Quentin Tarantino is known for being a controversial filmmaker, who often divides critics and audiences alike. A true auteur of film, his latest flick is a love letter to the last moments of the golden age of Hollywood. While his fetishised view of the period is a thoroughly entertaining snapshot, the story leaves much to be desired.
The ninth film in the Fast and Furious franchise, 'Hobbs and Shaw' is the first spin off from the original series and stars Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. Taking the action, jokes and thrills into another gear, it delivers everything you could ever want from a big summer blockbuster.
Though the title sets up a raisin fight (bad pun, not sorry), The Current War actually recounts the story of Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse’s battle to decide whose electrical system will power the next century. Despite some messy narrative issues, this film is thoroughly compelling and is aided by some fantastic performances.
After the phenomenal success of the books and critically acclaimed TV series, the BBC have finally made a film adaptation of Terry Derry’s beloved franchise. Sporting the most complicated title of the year, Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans is the first extended addition to the CBBC TV show. While retaining a lot of the charm and fun of the original series, the extended run time didn’t always work for the film, and some of the jokes fell fairly flat.
Widely regarded as the jewel in Disney’s animated crown, 1994’s The Lion King is the latest film to be remade while Disney suffer a creative dry patch. Swapping colourful animation for characterless photo-realism, it also sacrifices all charm and emotion. What remains, while visually stunning, is a cold and soulless film.
Commemorating 50 years since mankind’s greatest achievement, 'Apollo 11' documents the eight-day lunar mission that gripped the globe. Using only footage and dialogue recordings from the time, it creates a stunningly visceral, thrilling, tense and emotional account of landing Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. As documentary filmmaking goes, Apollo 11 is first … Continue reading “One Small Step…” (Apollo 11 review)
After the monster of a blockbuster that was Avengers: Endgame, 'Spider-Man: Far from Home' seemed like a terrible idea. Coming out only three months later, it seemed sure that Marvel would fall flat after undertaking the aforementioned Mammoth task. What a joy it is to say that this Spider-Man sequel proved me wrong, and also proves the MCU is far from over.
Directed by Danny Boyle! Written by Richard Curtis! Featuring the music of The Beatles! These things coming together (not a Beatles pun) make the most British film that could possibly ever happen. Unfortunately, it confuses a fantastic premise with a dull rom-com plot, and the result is underwhelming.
