This is the End

 

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s writing credits speak for themselves; they’ve had their hits with stoner and teen comedies and have decided to launch their directorial career with an apocalyptic comedy that subverts their personas, plays up to their critics and includes a cast made up entirely of their friends. Sure, it’s indulgent but if you’re a fan of any of those involved, it’s a playful, entertaining and amusing way to spend a couple of hours.

 

My full review published by Starburst Magazine.

 

Before Midnight

 

Linklater delivers an intimate look at love as it matures but also explores ideas of perpetual dissatisfaction and gender.

 

My review of Before Midnight published by Cinetalk.

Monsters University

 

This fresh and funny prequel to Monsters, Inc. sees Mike and Sulley on a college campus as they try to make their way through their studies to become fully fledged Scarers. 

 

My full review published by Starburst Magazine.

Sheffield Doc Fest 2013: Jury Duty

 

Attendance this year was a particularly special experience for me as I had been asked to take part on the AWFJ jury to vote for the best documentary directed by a woman.

 

You can read more about my experience, find out who the winner is and see my top picks from the festival here.

World War Z

World War Z comes to the big screen after a troubled production that led to reshoots, extensive rewrites and an overblown budget (reported to have reached $200 million plus), all of which unfortunately reflects on the final product.

 

Full review published by Starburst Magazine.



Network Distribution British Film Collection: Konga and Handgun

Unashamedly marketed as the ‘British King Kong’ and co-written and produced by Herman Cohen, who updated its themes to include not only man’s unquenchable thirst for power over nature but also over women, Konga was one of the very first gigantic monster movies filmed in colour (in SpectaMation and shot in London, including location shooting in Croydon).

 

Full review published by New Empress.

 

 

“There’s no way to explain rape, Larry.”

Handgun (Deep in the Heart) was originally released back in 1984, it stars Karen Young, as a bright eyed woman, living away from home for the first time and discovering all about life and the Texas lifestyle.  British Director Tony Garnett tackles the rape/revenge sub-genre and explores the American Psyche from an outsider perspective. Violent repercussion is not the answer here though with Garnett choosing to use education and clever power play as a means of revenge.

 

Handgun is also showing at BFI on 22nd June 2013

Full review published by Cinetalk.

Review: Mud

 

An exploration of masculinity and love that’s entirely sincere. Jeff Nichols’ third feature exudes epic themes and masterful cinematography with shots of the Arkansas backdrop fused with elements of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn alongside a painterly touch reminiscent of Terrence Malick. It both shines and sweats in its sparse southern setting lingering comfortably in the trepidations and excitable mood of two teenage boys’ journey of discovery.

 

Read my full review here.