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.
The second of four live action remakes from Disney this year, Aladdin tells the classic story of a pauper in love with a princess. Swapping stylish animation for over the top action, it doesn’t fall flat on its face, but on occasions it does come dangerously close.
The Toy Story Franchise was, and in my mind still is, the greatest and most perfect movie trilogy ever made. The story it told about childhood and growing up, all through the eyes of toys, was utterly masterful. While this latest film does not extend the trilogy into a perfect quadrilogy, it certainly acts as a thoroughly enjoyable epilogue.
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 loses 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)
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 