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GreenMay, Telford (2025)

24/11/2025

WICKED FOR GOOD, for the most part, plays out as a wonderful companion piece and close for the story. In spite of its shortcomings the conclusion also manages to be lovingly faithful to the stage production, however, much like the latter half of the show, FOR GOOD just doesn’t soar even close to the gravity defying heights of the first part. Lacking in almost every respect that made WICKED the masterfully done and timeless musical classic it is.

Firstly, the positive.. the defining aspect of this story in general are the charming leads and exquisite performances of Cynthia and Ariana. Their chemistry is without question and they continue to redefine friendship and illustrate one hell of an emotional send off. Their beating hearts are what makes this story fly.
And with this extra leg room (being split into two movies) their arcs are given the utmost care and effort. They’re sweet, they’re flawed, complex and beautiful and the overall message of the movie hits hard.

Sadly though, the pace of this movie is very awkward, starting off very slow and plodding and then switching gears at a relentless speed, rushing the storytelling without taking the much needed time and effort to make the songs more appealing, to give the supporting cast more to with or to just leave the audience with a truly memorable sequence.

The first really took the time to be a spellbinding production with powerful songs and music and consistent emotional storytelling. Whereas here, they just seem to be rushing to fill in the gaps, tie off loose ends and connect back to its original source material.

The songs are ok at best, with the exception of ‘no good deed’ and ‘for good’, which both make up the climax of the movie. Those sequences were actually full of passion, excitement and charm that truly felt like the mastery of the first part. But the other songs, watchable as they are, just never seem to transcend or uplift you in any way. Oddly they seemed to have underdeveloped a lot of the musical sequences, they felt more like rehearsals, unfinished. The staging was also very bland and boring and lacking any confidence or creativity.
The two original songs also disappointingly forgettable with some awful lyrics and terrible production value.

The writers seem to have abandoned the credibility of the supporting cast, particularly Fiyero, whom was allowed very little defining moments beyond the obvious love interest. I think i remember him just pointing a gun at a lot of people and that’s it.
This time round, we just look forward to seeing our stars and the effortlessly watchable Jeff Goldblum and care very little for everyone else.

As expected, the tonal shift means this is a lot less chirpy but it’s a relief they did not squander on the emotional ending, which really did move me to tears.

Overall, it is still a harmlessly entertaining close with two phenomonal performances that anchor the whole movie and keep it from falling apart. The storytelling is messy, the songs not nearly as lively and the production itself just seems to lack the charm, passion, colour, flow and wit of the first.
Fortunately it entertains regardless. Perhaps because the fans are just truly invested in the story and these characters.
It was a good decent watch, however it won’t have any lasting effect on you and you likely won’t want to rediscover it nearly as often as Part one.
The effort, tone, spectacle appears to have been dialled down for no apparent reason.

Devotees should see it regardless and stay for the impeccable lead performances and their meticulous arcs, the hearty themes on friendship and what it means to be good and live up to its name and the emotionally devastating finale, which makes the journey completely worth it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

15/11/2025

KEEPER looks handsome and oozes some atmosphere, but ultimately has very little to say and hinges on pure build up leading up to what you undoubtedly already know.

My expectations weren’t very high for this movie at all, I was hoping for some crafty scares, perhaps a harrowing depiction of relationship dynamics and just a wild trip, something that stayed with me. Alas, we got your standard spook house set-up in a creepy setting that all led to a predictable pay off and… that’s it basically.

I enjoy a good slow burn horror, but when you’re just sitting there being hit with the same ‘scare’ and gnarly image just for it to work out exactly how you expected didn’t make the sit through particularly exciting or fascinating or fun.
This is all down to the writing really, it was simple, safe.. a beginners introduction to horror and not even ‘modern horror’.

That being said, I honestly believe Osgood Perkins has some talent with his skills behind camera and for conjuring up, at times, a genuinely eerie atmosphere with some striking visuals and interesting framing. He just didn’t have much to work with off of the page. But, a half decent filmmaker can really shine when they can salvage something and I believe he did the best he could and stopped it from being a complete failure and a bore.

Overall, it is quite an exquisitely made chiller with some admirable direction, with a pretty good performance from Tatiana Maslany and some mind-bendingly nightmarish apparitions. However, the slow burn build up becomes tiresome very quickly, with no story or character work to keep you truly invested, the scares are minimal and the ending leaves you feeling malnourished.
It’s a pretty package with no ideas or innovation, just a paint by numbers campfire story. Forgettable.

⭐️⭐️

09/11/2025

PREDATOR BADLANDS is a refreshing new chapter in the saga, a kick-ass, action packed sci-fi adventure. Honestly, this will be the most divisive instalment in the franchise, but if you adjust your expectations and be a little more open minded you’ll find an insanely enjoyable good time at the movies here.

Firstly, I welcome the fresh perspective. Finally we get the Predators side of the story, a 3 dimensional character with plenty development. Gone are the violent slasher horror trappings these movies previously embodied so well and now we have what is essentially Predator for the teens, almost feels like a comic brought to life and I honestly don’t mean to say this as a criticism. What it does, it does incredibly well.
This instalment is a surprising, warm, humourous and fun addition. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but after 10 minutes you’ll be so used to the huge tonal shift that you’ll enjoy it for completely different reasons.

What is the point in retreading what came before and just changing the setting. I’m grateful for complete overhaul, saves the franchise growing tired and potentially upsetting everyone. It may not be the Predator movie you’re used to but give it a chance and you’ll have a riotous good time.

The writing is good with some great insights into the species of the predator and why they are what they are and it was great to see a more emotionally vulnerable predator grow and find new and exciting ways to be the best - making friends and understanding your foes.
His relationship with the synth is both hilarious and sweet, it’s a proper buddy adventure.

All the sensitive lark aside, this movie still remains a relentlessly crazy exciting action extravaganza that barely lets up. The effects are beautiful, the visuals and locations spectacular, it’s just plain cool! The sci fi elements are brilliant, the planets, monsters, weapons, makes you feel like a kid again. Only now we get to see one of our favourite horror icons finally get to utilise its full potential as an action icon too.

It’s so fast paced and endlessly fun and inventive and of course you don’t have to be put off by its ‘12’ rating as this is a space adventure where a human body count isn’t necessary anyway, however, do enjoy the monster ripping carnage and there are an abundance of battles on display.
The climax also has a great pay off!!

Overall, if you can welcome the change in tone from what you’re used to and just enjoy the movie for what it is you’ll have a great time. A buddy action sci fi adventure with epic set pieces, interesting lore and just a perfect popcorn flick.
If you prefer the more violent slasher version where they don’t try and humanise the predator then you’re likely to hate this. But that’s the joy of these sequels I guess, they all work beautifully as standalone movies.

End of the day I still prefer the original and Prey for its darker tone and impact as a terrifying entity, but I can enjoy Badlands and watch it repeatedly, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying both. It’s all still great cinema so why deny yourself.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

09/11/2025

BUGONIA is another winning piece of original filmmaking from Yorgos Lanthimos. Told in his usual off beat idiosyncratic fashion that’s as much charming and witty as it is weird and delightfully bonkers.

The strongest aspect is that of the incredible performances, they are impeccable, especially from Jesse Plemons, one of the best actors of his generation, a true standout for the year! The whole cast brings a great authenticity to the concept and I was glued to every word and confrontation they had.

It’s staged beautifully, almost like a play, and Lanthimos does his best to make the audience squirm uncomfortably, laugh inexcusably and to always shock and surprise us with every turn he can.
It is relatively small scale, but you’ll realise this is more of a character study and satirical commentary on conspiracy theorists.

Overall, this was another absurdly enjoyable movie from the eccentric mind of a true auteur!
Satirical, philosophical, all whilst succeeding as a dark, oddball, hilarious, emotional and edgy conspiracy thriller. With some of the best performances of the year and just a great example of an awesome filmmaker in complete charge of his craft, a true credit to Hollywood. Discomfort and black humour at its enthralling best.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

27/09/2025

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER continues writer/Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s reign as one of the most distinguished, original and talented filmmakers of his generation.

His latest is brazenly entertaining with rich characters, complex themes and superbly illustrates a caricature of American society as he does in most of his eclectic filmography.

The story unfolds at an amazing pace. Part off beat political crime thriller and part satirical parody comedy. It’s ingenuous! A mix of all his best works. And the filmmaking is astute and flawless. His movies always feel lively, different, full of depth and unforgettable.
The movie plays off like a hilarious crime caper chase, riveting, fun and taking you through all the emotions.

P.T Anderson’s greatest strength is always in his characters, his cast are incredible and he gets the best out of them at every turn. Leo is wonderful as the revolutionary addict who loses his way and has trouble adjusting and Chase Infiniti stuns in her movie debut as his strong willed daughter. Sean Penn also impresses, odd, cringey and hilarious, the supporting actor Oscar will be his!

Overall, this is one of the best movies of the year, a wild zany chase adventure with exquisite filmmaking and tremendous performances. It’s nice to see P.T being playful again, the tone, the vibe are so enjoyable and he manages to appeal to most audiences here. And the final car chase scene in the rolling hills of the desert is one of the most clever, exciting, stylish and suspenseful set pieces for a while- absolute cinema! Shot in Vistavision it was an absolute masterclass.
You can’t go wrong, it’s always fascinating, consistently hilarious, whether Leo’s character is simply just trying to make contact or charge his electronics or whether the Christmas Adventurers Club are being absurdist, yes you heard that right. The dialogue and character work sizzle and truly make the directors storytelling flourish.

If you’re new to P.T Anderson I urge you to check out his other movies and movie goers that enjoy the works of the Coens will also be tickled!

I can’t stop thinking about this movie, I feel I’d watch this frequently and still be blown away the more I watch it and for that reason I think I’m going to have to alter my star rating there. It’s up there with SINNERS and OPPENHEIMER as one of the best movies of the 21st century

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.T Anderson Ranked:

BOOGIE NIGHTS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THERE WILL BE BLOOD⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER
MAGNOLIA ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
PUNCH DRUNK LOVE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
PHANTOM THREAD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LICORICE PIZZA ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE MASTER ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HARD EIGHT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
INHERENT VICE ⭐️⭐️⭐️

23/09/2025

THE LONG WALK is one of those rare movies that doesn’t just exceed my expectations, but absolutely shatters them. Emerging as one of the finest Stephen King adaptations ever.

The trailer really doesn’t do the movie justice. I was expecting an exciting, fun, suspenseful, violent ‘gimmick’ movie that delivered on its promise of thrills, but wouldn’t necessarily stay with you long after the movie ended.
Considering the simplicity of its plot this could have easily been lower-tier unremarkable king, but the creative minds behind the writing and directing gave it so much more and its approach is utterly captivating.

Though thin on plot, this movie plays more like in-depth character studies and becomes most compelling with its themes on humanity, human connection and its views on its dystopian setting. Tonally, it’s is equal parts bleak, disturbing, devastating and relentless as well as beautiful, soulful, thought provoking with an emotional centre.
It works as an amalgamation of Misery or the mist mixed with Stand by me, a culmination of some of the best aspects of Stephen Kings works.

And even with all that depth and wonderful story-telling the movie still manages to entertain with its visceral concept, grim tension, violence and most especially with the sublime performances from its cast. Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson blew me away!

The pacing in this movie is just remarkable and a testament to the genius of the writing and filmmaking. Instead of being dependent on flashbacks and the effect this competition has on the outside world, they decide to keep the narrative solely on the long walk itself (save for one brief bit of backstory). The character development unfolds on the walk as does everything. And in doing so the audience are forced to endure this walk as much as its characters. By not leaving their space we feel almost as nauseous, exhausted and emotionally vulnerable as they do. Becoming more and more beleaguered. The confinement of its setting mixed with the boxed in feel of the camera work and the fumbling plodding pace of their walk just makes for an unrelenting experience.

And because we have an affinity with the characters and because the movie is handled with great care towards its emotion and depressingly bleak feel, when the violence does hit it hits HARD! I’ve seen plenty of gun violence in movies, but the sheer impact violence has here is jarring. Every shot, on or off screen, is felt and it cuts deep. It’s very reminiscent of some of the best in British horror/thrillers. It urges the audience to not be entertained by such gratuitous violence but be rattled by it.

Overall, not only does its great concept work and does an immense job of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, but we are also spoiled with plenty of reasons to stay involved. Impactful storytelling, tremendous character work and an abundance of emotional beats help make this movie matter and linger.
It has everything an audience would crave and will appeal to everyone. And if you like your movies edgy, powerful, depressing, sombre and packing a wrenching gut punch then you will be enthralled.
Unfortunately I cannot attest to its faithfulness to the original source material, however, the changes made seem most definitely for the better.
This is a must watch Stephen King story breathtakingly well told. A definite place in my top 10 of the year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

14/09/2025

THE LAST RITES plays it safe and goes back to its haunted house origins with the Warrens again. Atypically more of the same and it won’t stay with you, but this closing chapter for the Conjuring franchise remains surprisingly watchable regardless of its faults.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson continue to be the dominant force in this franchise. With their wonderful performances and chemistry they are the heart and soul of the story.
The story feels more personal this time round and the development surrounding their family remains a highlight for the movie. Sweet, charming and full of warmth.

Director Michael Chaves, whilst bringing nothing new to the mix, seems to be more confident this time round. Delivering some decent tension and sometimes effective obligatory jump scares. The phone cord scene and dress fitting scene were particularly chilling. Furthermore it’s often visually striking.

However, this movie is still far from achieving the greatness of the first two, mostly because director James Wan is a horror maestro and what he brought to these movies could not be matched.
Unfortunately, the first half of this movie was where the movies strength lie. As we go for the big climax it all falls, pure build up and no good set pieces and doesn’t deliver on portraying the ultimate evil foe for the Warrens to do battle with on their final case. Quite underwhelming.

Overall, though it is forgettable, The Conjuring Last Rites is still innocently watchable and entertaining. Thanks to the wonderful characters and the tremendous amount of heart it has. It’s quite refreshing to see such positive outlooks and messages in horror these days instead of pure despair.
The scares are formulaic, but if you enjoy these types of spook-house, jump scare, mainstream horror movies then I can’t see you having a bad time at the movies with this.
The best I can say is that it delivers on what it was supposed to do. Entertaining, chilling and a lovely send off to the Warrens story.

Flawed, but not devastatingly so and at least it wasn’t a boring wasted opportunity like the previous entry.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE CONJURING FRANCHISE RANKED:

THE CONJURING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE CONJURING 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ANNABELLE CREATION ⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE CONJURING LAST RITES ⭐️⭐️⭐️
ANNABELLE ⭐️⭐️⭐️
ANNABELLE COMES HOME ⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE CONJURING THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT ⭐️⭐️
THE NUN 2 ⭐️⭐️
THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA ⭐️⭐️
THE NUN ⭐️

11/08/2025

WEAPONS may not quite live up to its lofty reputation, however, it still remains a strikingly original and formiddable entry in genre filmmaking.

Structurally the movie is unique and the mystery itself is quite captivating, you revel in this world.
The tension, suspense and thrills are plenty with an offbeat subversive macabre feel to it. And the scares are executed very well.
Tonally it’s very unsettling with lashings of dark humour, that for the most part, do work, however, I found myself wanting it to lean more into the sinister aspects. The shifting from light to dark, edgy to downright daft was quite jarring on occasion.

The characters are engaging enough with a wonderful cast, but I was left not thinking about them much towards the final act. I think their arcs needed some work especially to add more to the underlying emotion of the story.
The movie felt pretty ‘half cooked’ in most aspects to be honest.
Zach Creggers high concept had me hungry and begging for more, but you could really tell he was making it up as he went along.

I feel his first feature, BARBARIAN, delivered where this one failed.

Overall, I had fun with WEAPONS, it was edgy, sinister, creepy, amusing and WILD! There really was a lot I admired about this crazy modern fairytale. I just wish the film had a more concise theme that gave more of a point to the movies existence. I wish the horror element had been explored more and the characters had more of a chance to bring some emotion to the proceedings. Instead the final act came and it was bizarre and fun, but also rather rushed and never really giving its awesome concept the delivery it deserved. It ended all so abruptly. And the final act went in full throttle, forgetting what made the movie so great in its first half in order, I assume, to deliver to its audiences the exact kind of over the top horror entertainment they’ve been waiting for. Enjoyable brutal mayhem as it was, I still wanted more.

I gotta say I did enjoy my time with this movie, clever, subversive and unpredictable, satisfying me on a surface level. And kudos to big studios taking risks on original horror movies and allowing a great filmmaker to flourish. It’s wonderful to see inexpensive filmmaking shine through the incredible talents behind the camera. I’m tickled by its success and I’m eager to see it again in the hopes of finding something I didn’t on the first viewing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

03/08/2025

THE NAKED GUN (the new version) is a welcome return to those silly Zucker comedies of the 80’s. Hitting you with some warm nostalgia and warranting nothing else but to make the audience, chuckle, smile and howl.

Though it’s nothing groundbreaking, it really is one of the more amusing efforts from Hollywood Comedies I’ve experienced in cinema for a long while. The jokes come quick and often, witty to downright daft and inexplicable.
It’s an innocent comedy that’s made for laughs and according to my audience tonight - it succeeds!

But I have to say it was also just a valiant effort at a reboot, it’s not just some lifeless, pointless play off of the originals, but I truly believe it does honour the legacy of the originals and Leslie Nielsen without feeling like it doesn’t belong in modern era cinema.

And best of all Liam Neeson nails it! He’s very funny and his chemistry with Pamela Anderson is beyond question! A very damn likeable duo onscreen and I’d be happy to see more of these in cinema. Pam is just as funny as Neeson, her jazz scene was a standout 🤪

Overall it’s not the type of movie that wants to break new ground, it’s a pure blast from the past, easy viewing, funny and comforting experience in the cinema. Great with a crowd. Fast paced and consistent. So many smiles and laughs to be had and if you miss your 80’s/90’s era of spoofy satirical comedy then you’re in for a treat!

Judging from my audience I can say with certainty that people of all ages can enjoy this simple pleasure.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

01/08/2025

The Philippou brothers are back to show us all a thing or two about horror. TALK TO ME was an impressive debut, but surprisingly, BRING HER BACK has now solidified them as serious filmmakers and a gift to the genre. This movie was outstanding!

A24 have bagged another gem here, an absolute force of modern horror. It’s their bag all over!
This is one hell of a bleak and depressing nightmare filled with stunning images, eerie and unsettling atmosphere and never short on gnarly, gruesome and disturbing moments.

Much like the majority of A24’s horror catalogue, this isn’t your standard mainstream horror movie. This is horror with substance and intelligence and goes beyond gore and terror and takes you to places inside that are wrought with darkness and despair. It is as oddly beautiful, emotional and devastating as it is profoundly creepy and will definitely resonate with the viewer long after viewing.

Sally Hawkins delivers a marvellous performance, an absolute standout. Tonally not too dissimilar from that of Ari Asters work and the performances I would compare!! Incredible work.
And the craft and talent behind the camera is stellar, primarily set in one main location and yet they utilise the space well and create some truly decadent images and dread. I know I’ll never quite look at the rain the same way again. A beautiful element they illustrated to perfection.

Overall, this is horror for those that crave more from their characters and story. A tragic twisted tale of grief. It’s not fun, it’s deliciously hopeless and diabolically grim! Nothing too cerebral, just impactful, to cinephiles and horror fiends alike.
An absolute must see and one of the best films of the year.

Horror has now officially secured their spots in the top 3 movies of the year so far! Let’s see if Zach Cregger can surprise just the same with WEAPONS.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

28/07/2025

THE FANTASTIC FOUR : FIRST STEPS is a refreshing return to form for Marvel. Their worthiest entry since Guardians 3.

A delightful joyous comic book brought to life. Visually distinctive with a great 60’s retro look and feel and some wonderful effects work I might add.

The cast are perfect and beautifully bring these characters to life. The chemistry, the dynamics all work and serve the story well with its themes on family. They will steal your hearts. Pedro pascal captures the awkward intelligence of reed so well, his intellect is his curse and gift and we explore so much of that side to him along with his neurosis and devastatingly rational thinking. Vanessa Kirby projects motherhood so powerfully and everyone has a part to play in the chaos.

The story is relatively simple, old school cosmic sci fi action done exceptionally well. The pacing is spot on, moves along briskly delivering heart, laughs and all the heroics and peril you could hope for. But it’s the characters that steal the show, they feel relatable and textured and I also admire the fantastic fours relationship with the public this time round.

The villains are great, predictable, but still awesome and just seeing Galactus roam the planet is just an absolute ‘moment’, that really feels epic and brings out the kid in you.

The whole movie feels big and yet intimate with a lot at stake and plenty dramatic moments but never sacrifices the light hearted tone it possesses and needs for this family. The humour hits well and again it doesn’t transcend into being too daft that it takes you out of the movie completely. You take it all to heart and yet it doesn’t have to be dark and gritty. Considering this is not an origin story, they did an amazing job of introducing these characters and creating this world without having too long a runtime or having too much going on with messy storytelling.

Overall, this is a GREAT Marvel film, the best the fantastic four have ever been. Fantastically realised, perfectly played and just providing an all out crowd pleasing piece of comic book entertainment.

I’d be so happy for these guys to lead the avengers and be the continuing face of marvel, I’m already aching for more from them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

18/07/2025

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER is one of those atypical slashers that simply doesn’t provide nourishment in its simplistic formula.

The slasher sub genre is an absolute fave of mine and it doesn’t really take much for me to revel in it but unfortunately this legacy sequel belongs in the 99p dvd basket of lower level slashers. As lacking and forgettable as the likes of the Prom Night remake and the Netflix Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

There is zero tension and suspense, poor filmmaking and a complete lack of ‘fun’ which is the worst element. Predictable and lacking any surprises or innovation and just comes off rather boring. And all that aside it just doesn’t deliver any memorable set pieces or awesome kill scenes.
The gen z cast are just bland and completely lacking likability or that easy going star power that 90’s/2000’s slasher casts effortlessly display. I just can’t relate to this generation at all.

It was nice to see the legacy characters and feel a little nostalgic and the fisherman look was pretty cool but overall the writer/director didn’t know what to do with the material and just couldn’t deliver any skill or any sense of roller coaster fast paced fun which is the baser requirement for this genre.

The climax was disappointing with some half cooked motivations and questionable unconvincing performances.

The original was no horror masterpiece, but it was able to fulfill those requirements with its great cast, great 90’s feel for suspense and some memorable set pieces and it was fun, so fans you’re best just having a night in with the original again.

Just didn’t do it for me, wouldn’t watch it again and 1 year from now no one will remember this! But I’m sure the new generation may find some appeal

⭐️

GreenMay

24/11/2025

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27/09/2025

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