Blu-Ray Review: King of New York
There are few actors working in Hollywood today who are as instantly recognisable and steadfastly loved as Christopher Walken. Whilst he’s had a remarkably diverse and rich career, which includes starring in such eclectic films as Hairspray, The Deer Hunter and A View to a Kill, he’s become known for a rather terrifying screen presence. …
Blu-Ray Review: Girlfriends
The 1970s was a time of change and liberalisation in America. Following on from the conservative post-war years, the 1960s opened up a whole new world of opportunity; which continued into the next decade. Feminism began to make waves across the major urban areas, including LA. Hollywood reacted slowly, but it’s a period when several …
Film Review: Billie
Billie Holiday was one of the most influential singers of her generation. Working within the music industry for over twenty-five years, she had an iconic voice which was beloved by millions. Lady Day, as she was Christened by friend and collaborator Lester Young, began her career singing in nightclubs in Harlem. By the late 1930s …
Film Review: Voodoo Apocalypse
Whilst they might have been the ‘toilet circuit’ of US cinemas, grindhouse theatres have fulfilled a vital function since the early 20th century. Although their heyday was unquestionably in the 1970s, the market for these kinds of low-budget, trashy, ultra-violent and sexually explicit films was swallowed up over the next decade by the popularity of …
Raindance Review: Here Are the Young Men
If you leave school with a career mapped out then you’re one of the fortunate (and probably privileged) ones. Most of us simply end up making it up as we go along. Especially when there are very few prospects out there to choose from. The transition from childhood to adulthood is often tricky and it’s …
Film Review: Love Child
Immigration has become one of the hottest topics throughout Europe over the last decade. Whilst this influx of migrants has become something of a political football, it’s easy to lose sight of the personal stories behind these journeys. Every asylum case is different. Each refugee has their own tale to tell. Unique hardships and traumas. …
Sheffield Doc/Fest Review: Sisters with Transistors
Like most areas of life, the music industry has always been a male dominated world. Where women have excelled, it’s normally in spheres which haven’t traditionally been the province of men. Thankfully, this disparity is slowly beginning to change and with-it entrenched attitudes towards female musicians. Those pioneers who entered a man’s world, pushed boundaries …
Blu-Ray Review: Silent Night, Deadly Night 1 & 2
Whilst Christmas is a time of celebration and family for many, it can also be a truly horrific experience. Especially if you’ve been naughty. In the West we’re brought up with the legend of a benevolent Santa Claus, but that’s not how the smiling bearded figure started out. Indeed, he was initially used as a …
Film Review: Fantastic Fungi
When you hear the word ‘fungi’ the automatic response is to think of mushrooms. Possibly due to their popularity as a pizza topping! However, the fungus kingdom contains an extraordinary diverse and rich range of organisms, including mould and yeasts. They play a vital role in our ecosystems and are often greatly misunderstood. More and …
Film Review: Blood Vessel
Over the years, Nazis have proved very popular in horror movies. Obviously, it’s easy to hate one of Hitler’s minions but the rumours around occult obsessions and nefarious medical experiments make for rich pickings. Then there’s the fact that the Third Reich was inherently evil. This has resulted in a raft of popular films, including …