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.
The Men in Black franchise started strong. One of the breakout hits of the 1990’s, it set up a film series that has somehow survived a terrible second instalment and a mediocre third one to now somehow deserve a spin off. ‘Men in Black: International’ takes all the fun aspects of the world that was … Continue reading Alienating Entertainment relies on Star Power (Men in Black: International review)
2014’s Godzilla is a film I remember very fondly. Even upon rewatch, I love Gareth Edward’s adaptation of the classic Japanese character, and think it subverts enough expectation while providing an entertaining popcorn flick. This sequel to it, as well as the third film in the Legendary MonsterVerse (following Kong: Skull Island), unfortunately looses a … Continue reading Humans are the real monsters (Godzilla: King of the Monsters review)
Bo Burnham is, in the UK at least, a very underrated comedian, but his knowledge of timing, emotion and the balance between comedy and tragedy is stunning. His debut feature film 'Eighth Grade' is a stunning piece that beautifully depicts the social anxiety of an Eighth Grader (in the UK, a Year 9 student), and … Continue reading Essential viewing for Generation Z (Eighth Grade review)
Reginald Kenneth Dwight is widely regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. Of course, that isn’t his stage name; his stage name is Elton Hercules John, and ‘Rocketman’ tells the troubled life that he had before and during his fame. After Bohemian Rhapsody broke box office records while remaining a mediocre film, … Continue reading “Burning out his fuse up here alone” (Rocketman review)
While other action films focus on grandeur, CGI spectacle and superheroes, the John Wick stands alone. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of grey Michael Bay flicks, the John Wick franchise is one that focuses on action in its purest form. The third instalment of the franchise promises that its supreme reign is far from over, delivering all the thrilling, over the top action that we have come to expect.
Based on the $90billion franchise, Detective Pikachu is the first live action film from Pokémon, the Japanese franchise that has spawned video games, anime series, card games, films and that infamous mobile app. I am someone who has never before touched the franchise, so I admit I was completely unfamiliar with anything being referenced. Perhaps … Continue reading Pika-Choose a different film to watch (Pokémon Detective Pikachu review)
Long Shot is a political Rom-Com starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron. I’m a sucker for a good rom com, with Notting Hill and When Harry Met Sally being two of my favourites. What a joy then to say that Long Shot takes the best parts of both films, and makes an equally successful new film out of it.
In 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was launched with their bold new superhero, Iron Man. Over the next 11 years it has grown into a cultural phenomenon rivalled only by Star Wars. I, personally, have never been mad on Star Wars. I enjoy the films, I’m just not bothered much about the mythology or overarching … Continue reading “Part of the journey is the end” (Avengers: Endgame *Spoiler Free* review)
LAIKA studios are rapidly becoming something nobody thought was possible; fierce competition for Aardman Animations. Their stop motion films both share a whimsical vibrancy and a taste for the bizarre. With their 5th feature film, Missing Link, LAIKA have delivered another exquisitely animated film with gentle comedy and a warm heart.
Hellboy is a comic book character created in 1993 by Mike Mignola. After two films by Guillermo del Toro, this R-rated reboot combines the brilliant design of the previous entries with bad language and an unbelievably excessive amount gore. Though it’s riddled with plot holes and story issues, the film is also confident to be utterly bonkers. By breaking the monotony of comic book adaptations to offer something different, you can almost forgive it's narrative sins.
