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.



Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

In 2009, J.J. Abrams rebooted the Star Trek movie franchise with a thrilling mix of emotion, humour and adventure in a parallel universe where this crew have to find their own paths. Four years later and he is taking us into daring and action-packed darkness but also remembering to leave room for these characters to grow. Exhilarating free falling, vibrant visuals, marvel and menace, spectacular set design and spiralling starships deliver an immersive high that will leave you buzzing.  

 

My full review published in Starburst Magazine here.

My apperance on The Picture Show: Evil Dead and Video Nasties

 

Or not... though I did enjoy Evil Dead as a rollercoaster remake I thought it was a pointless remake and not terrifying at all.

You can hear me talk about it on The Picture Show here alongside Sam Inglis and Michael Ewins

Review: Stoker

Keeping with his usual dark themes, South Korean director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) makes an assured American debut with this stunning psycho thriller – a cruel, calculated coming of age story that glides elegantly through topics of sexual awakening and fractured family values. It pushes all the right buttons; paying homage to Hitchcock whilst having a distinct, chilling ambience all of its own.

Full review published on Starburst Magazine

 

Review: Spring Breakers

 

In Spring Breakers Harmony Korine captures a neon-lit universe where Britney is queen, Lil' Wayne is king and money is everything. Four college girls are led into temptation by the bright lights and promise of spring break and it’s up to them when the party stops.

 

My full review published on The Quietus.

In Search of Divine: A Retrospective

Following the European premiere of documentary I Am Divine at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, I look back over the career of the actor, drag queen, performer and singer for The Quietus.

 

Full article published here.

Review: Antiviral

 

Brandon Cronenberg (son of David) has written and directed an intense and disturbing debut film looking at society’s increasing obsession with celebrity. Getting to the sick heart of this cultural disease, Cronenberg has created a white walled world that delivers a claustrophobic film experience with a mesmerising central performance from Caleb Landry Jones.

 

Full review published in Starburst Magazine here

 

Antiviral is out in the UK on 1st February 2013