Incoming: I Am Big Bird
This heartwarming doc chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the man who has been Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969. For over 4 decades, Caroll’s characters have been cherished by generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I Am Big …
Incoming: Far From The Madding Crowd
Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy, Far From The Madding Crowd is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching wilfulness; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood …
Incoming: The Falling
At the centre of the epidemic are intense and clever Lydia Lamont (Maisie Williams) and admired and rebellious Abbie Mortimer (Florence Pugh), both 16 years old. They carve their initials into a majestic English oak tree by a magical pond and vow never to lose touch. But Lydia already feels that Abbie is drifting away …
Film Review: Rigor Mortis
Mr Vampire, and its loose sequels, formed the heart of a comedy horror craze in Hong Kong during the mid to late ’80s and early ’90s. It spawned many imitators and headed its own sub genre in Asian horror cinema. Juno Mak’s Rigor Mortis is a tribute to Mr Vampire, but approaches its flavour of …
Film Review: A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence
A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence is the third in a trilogy of films by Roy Andersson which look at the modern human condition. Along with Songs From The Second Floor and You, The Living, it focuses one of the many aspects of living. Andersson takes the viewpoint of the titular observer, …
Incoming: Avengers: Age Of Ultron
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to …
DVD Review: The Offence
Sidney Lumet had a glittering career, making over fifty films spanning six decades. Beginning with the classic 12 Angry Men in 1957, he’s gone on to make such brilliant films as Serpico, Network, Dog Day Afternoon and The Verdict. In a rich period in the ’70s he was one of the most consistent and influential …
Blu-ray Review: Midnight Run
There’s a certain type of film which were synonymous with the 1980s. The buddy movie has undergone many different incarnations, from the early days of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dean Martin’s light-hearted musical partnerships to the gross-out comedies that infest our cinemas today. The 80s tended to centre on cop double-acts. Whether it was …
Incoming: Glassland
In in a desperate bid to save his mother from addiction and unite his broken family, a young taxi driver on the fringes of the criminal underworld is forced to take a job which will see him pushed further into its underbelly. But will John be prepared to act when the time comes knowing that …
Film Review: Dark Horse
Sporting documentaries are often very hit and miss, with an interest in the subject often a prerequisite to enjoyment. However, great documentaries traverse those kind of boundaries. Notable entrants into the milieu include Touching The Void, Senna, Riding Giants, When We Were Kings and Hoop Dreams. In Louise Osmond’s Dark Horse she concentrates on a …