DVD Review: Pond Life
British films tend to play up to stereotypes. Whether that’s the cheeky Cockney, comedy Celt or slimy spoilt public-school boy. This trend is often at its basest when it comes to regional variations. As a Yorkshireman, I feel the representation of my county on the big screen is usually dubious, at best. If we’re not …
Film Review: Neither Wolf Nor Dog
In a story which has repeated itself around the world, when countries are first colonised by ‘Conquistadors’ the indigenous populations usually end up faring badly. America is a case in point. Whether by intention or accident, most of the Native American populations were decimated by European invaders. Those remaining have been gradually forced off their …
Film Review: Freaks
The current rise in populism goes to show that as a society we are inherently suspicious of outsiders or people who are different from ourselves. This prejudice is often determined by appearance but sometimes it cuts much deeper. It’s a subject extensively tackled by superhero comics and genre cinema over the years. In Zach Lipovsky …
Film Review: Transit
The refugee crisis has captured the imagination of many film-makers from around the world. Most directors have concentrated on the migrants themselves. Their plight, which has received extensive coverage across news channels and media outlets, has formed the basis of countless narrative and non-fiction films. However, the best way to tackle and issue isn’t always …
Blu-Ray Review: In Bruges
Today, Belgium is a multi-cultural mecca which attracts visitors from all around the world. However, it wasn’t so long ago that it was considered one of the continent’s least appetising holiday destinations. Despite hosting the European Parliament, back in 2008 the low country was still quite frankly considered to be a bit dull, grey and …
Blu-Ray Review: Klute
It should probably come as no surprise to anyone but when people discuss the greatest actors of the 1960s and 1970s they almost always talk about men. Whilst the patriarchal system is still going strong, we’ve come a long way over the proceeding decades. Jane Fonda is a prime example of an actress not generally …
Blu-ray Review: The Incident
Today, New York is a relatively clean and safe city. Indeed, it’s one of the safest major cities in the United States. This was the result of a number of initiatives which were introduced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since 1991, crime rates in the Big Apple have been steadily dropping. Set a …
Blu-Ray Review: Being John Malkovich
Back in 1998, John Malkovich was considered to be one of those actors who thought a great deal of himself. Unsurprisingly, he started out in theatre, making his Broadway debut alongside Dustin Hoffman in Death of a Salesman. As well as winning an Emmy for the TV adaptation, Malkovich has been nominated for two Oscars …
Blu-ray Review: Dragged Across Concrete
Whilst people might be split about his films, S. Craig Zahler is one of the more interesting directors working in American cinema. A critically acclaimed author of Western fiction, he’s also plays in heavy metal and black metal bands. His films carry a distinctive writing signature, are fairly epic in length and are characterised by …
DVD Review: Benjamin
Simon Amstell is one of those people who is quintessentially British. He’s a mix of unassuming intelligence, boyish charm and rampant creativity which makes him eminently likable. Known to most as the host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Popstar, He has been performing as a stand-up since his teens. He’s less well-known as a …