Pearcey's Picks

21/04/2025

REVIEW| Sinners

If you’re like me and have been praying for more original content in cinemas, Sinners is your answered prayer. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler has been on my radar since his powerful 2011 debut Fruitvale Station, who followed it up with the excellent Creed and the history-defining Black Panther, yet he has taken things to a whole new level here.

Let’s get this out of the way: Sinners is not your average film. It’s a h***y, music-driven, vampire flick - a combination that really shouldn’t work. But against all odds, it absolutely does. Without getting into spoilers, just know that Coogler swings for the fences and creates something bold, bizarre and brilliant.

It’s a lot. It’s not perfect. But when a film reaches for the stars the way Sinners does, not everything is going to stick—and that’s okay. I have a strong feeling that a second viewing is only going to make me appreciate it even more.

If you’re even remotely interested in seeing this film, you owe it to yourself to experience it on the big screen. The visuals are rich and hypnotic, and Ludwig Göransson’s pulsating, genre-bending score is an instant classic that deserves to be heard on the loudest screen possible.

And then there's Michael B. Jordan. Already one of my favorite actors working today, he somehow finds another gear here. Playing dual roles as twins Smoke and Stack, he brings nuance, swagger and a touch of tragedy to both parts. He makes it look easy and it’s anything but. There’s no doubt about it, the man is a movie star.

Sinners is the kind of film that needs to be seen to be believed. It’s new. It’s fresh. It’s exciting. It might not be for everyone, but for those of us who are starved for original stories told with this much style and ambition? It’s a feast.

Coogler has done it again and is seriously cooking here. Will have to start calling him Cookler. Keep making films my good sir.

Verdict: A thrilling and unique experience with career-best work from MbJ, Ludwig and Coogler. The whole cast crushes it. It simply has it all.
Best Moment: There’s a particular music sequence about half way through that will go down in the history books.
Rating: 8/10

19/03/2025

Heat at 30: The Coolest, Most Electrifying Heist Film Ever Made

Three decades on, Heat still stands as the greatest heist movie ever made. No film before or since has captured the precision, scale and raw intensity of Michael Mann’s 1995 near-masterpiece. It’s not just a crime thriller- it’s the coolest film ever made.

It’s elevated by the two legends at the centre of it, working at the height of their powers. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, two of the best actors to ever grace the screen, both crush it in the lead roles. It’s no surprise to say that De Niro is electric here. He’s always been a master of controlled intensity, and as the meticulous thief Neil McCauley, he’s at his absolute best.

Then there’s Pacino. His performance as the relentless, unhinged detective Vincent Hanna has always been divisive. Some think it’s too over-the-top, even cartoonish. And sure, when he yells, it’s a lot - but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s one of the most gloriously exaggerated performances ever, yet Pacino still finds moments of grounded levity that add depth to his character. Plus, every time he cuts loose, it brings a smile to my face and had the whole cinema laughing.

I am in awe of Mann’s razor-sharp screenplay and his immaculate direction. The film feels different - gritty, elegant and grand all at once. And then there’s the score. A beautiful, slick and moody, perfectly complementing the film’s sleek aesthetic.

The sound design is off the charts. You feel every bullet, every crash, every explosion. The legendary bank robbery shootout remains one of the most blistering, thrilling action sequences in cinema history. It was a bucket list moment seeing it on the big screen. I thought my eardrums were going to burst.

On this viewing I realised it isn’t quite perfect. There are a couple of subplots that could’ve been trimmed, and at nearly three hours, it’s far too long. But that length adds an epic, operatic quality to the story. If this were made in 2025, I think it would be a limited series. Mann juggles a huge cast of characters, and while I respect the ambition, a lot is going on.

What’s fascinating is that despite being billed as the ultimate De Niro vs. Pacino showdown, the two icons share very little screen time. But when they do, it leads to two all-timer sequences. The tension-fuelled finale, set against a hauntingly quiet LAX backdrop, is a masterclass in atmosphere and restraint. And then, of course, there’s the famous diner scene, arguably one of the greatest scenes ever put to film. Watching these two titans sit across from each other, talking as equals yet knowing they’re destined for an inevitable clash, is pure cinematic magic. It’s been referenced, homaged, and imitated countless times, but nothing comes close to the real thing. One of my favourite scenes of all time.

Heat remains an untouchable classic and endlessly rewatchable. If somehow, you’ve never seen it, correct that mistake immediately. In my Top 5 favourite films for sure. What a picture.

Currently streaming on Disney Plus.

05/03/2025

Paradise: Season 1 – A Wild, Imperfect, but Highly Entertaining Ride

Disney Plus' Paradise caught me off guard. What starts as a fairly straightforward political thriller quickly reveals itself to have a unique spin on the genre — one that makes for a highly entertaining, if slightly uneven, binge.

It’s the kind of show where you have to suspend belief in places, especially as the plot gets more outlandish. The writing can be rough and lazy at times, especially in the early going, but when Paradise hits, it really hits. Episode 1 kicks things off with a bang, but I’ll admit I was starting to worry by the time Episodes 2 and 3 rolled around. The pacing slows, the dialogue gets clunky, and I wasn’t sure if the show would fully deliver on its premise.

From Episode 4 on, Paradise becomes an absolute blast. It’s pulpy, thrilling, and just ridiculous enough to be fun without tipping into parody. Episode 7 is one of the best episodes of television I’ve seen in years — the kind of white-knuckle, expertly crafted hour that elevates the whole season.

The cast plays a huge part in what makes the show work. Sterling K. Brown is phenomenal — no surprise there, he’s one of my favourite actors working today — but I’m so glad this show’s popularity is finally making more people aware of just how brilliant he is. James Marsden also shines as the President, striking the perfect balance between charm and menace.

The finale leaves things on a juicy cliffhanger that perfectly sets up Season 2, and I’m genuinely excited to see where it goes next. Paradise isn’t perfect, far from it, but if you’re willing to go along for the ride, there’s a whole lot of fun to be had.

8/10

03/02/2025

REVIEW | Flight Risk

I love a good, fun, silly action film. The kind that embraces its absurdity and delivers an entertaining ride. Flight Risk, however, is not one of those films. Instead, it’s preposterous in all the wrong ways—bogged down by poor, lazy writing and a complete lack of self-awareness.

The biggest issue is that the two leads are wooden, playing everything straight while completely missing the fact that this film is, unintentionally, a joke. Meanwhile, Mark Wahlberg delivers an outrageously silly performance that somehow becomes the only highlight. Every time he’s on screen, you’ll laugh—sometimes with him, but mostly at him. For better or worse, he’s the only thing keeping this movie from being a complete slog.

And then there’s the wildest part: this was directed by Mel Gibson. Yes, the same man who gave us Hacksaw Ridge and Apocalypto—two incredibly crafted, intense films. Now, he’s making this? It almost feels like some bizarre penance for his personal controversies, but whatever the reason, it’s hilarious to see him helm something so uninspired.

If there’s one saving grace, it’s the ending, which is surprisingly decent. But by that point, it’s too little, too late. There’s some fun to be had, but Flight Risk didn’t work for me. Instead, it’s a forgettable misfire that never truly gets off the ground.

Verdict: What’s more frightening – Marky Mark’s bold cap or Flight Risk's screenplay? Either way, this is a turbulent ride that never takes off.
Best Moment: The finale
Rating: 4/10

30/01/2025

REVIEW | A Complete Unknown

As someone who’s not exactly a Bob Dylan fan (I’ll even go as far as to say I find him a bit overrated), I wasn’t sure what to expect from A Complete Unknown. The final product is another by-the-books biopic, an already familiar genre that glosses over large chunks of time in just 135 minutes. But… I ended up having a great time with this film.

It’s far from perfect, but there’s something incredibly engaging about it, and a big part of that is James Mangold’s strong direction and Chalamet’s incredible Oscar-worthy turn as Dylan.

It’s elevated by the entire cast, who are all outstanding and bring something special to their role. Edward Norton is marvellous, he knows how to take any character and make it feel both grounded and memorable. Monica Barbaro also shines, meaning between this and Top Gun: Maverick, she is absolutely up next. Her performance here proves she has serious range (and a lovely voice). Elle Fanning delivers a subtle yet powerful turn, making every scene she’s in feel meaningful. Boyd Holbrook is another standout, absolutely crushing it as Johnny Cash.

But let’s be real—A Complete Unknown is Timothée Chalamet’s film. He completely transforms into Bob Dylan, capturing the essence of the legendary artist. In the last 12 months, he has delivered instant classic performances in both this and Dune: Part Two. He really is him, and he’s about to rule the game.

There are tons of songs throughout that are all beautifully sung live, and they serve the story well without feeling forced. Every track is pleasant to the ears, adding a great atmosphere to the film’s already solid pacing. Director/Co-Writer Mangold (Logan, Ford v Ferrari) brings a clear focus and intensity to the material.

I think this is a film everyone can enjoy, whether you’re a Bob Dylan fan or not. But the big takeaway for me is Chalamet. It’s Timmy’s world right now, and I am so happy to be living in it.

Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable if generic biopic that’s taken to soaring heights due to a talented cast and crew. Norton reminds us of what a talent he is, Mangold remains a top-notch filmmaker and Chalamet is about to concur the world.
Best Moment: Dylan joins Pete Seeger’s TV show and rocks out with a blues player
Rating: 7.7/10

17/01/2025

Se7en: A 30th Anniversary Tribute to an Unmatched Masterpiece

It’s hard to believe that Se7en turns 30 this year. David Fincher’s gritty and meticulously crafted thriller remains as riveting today as it was in 1995. I was lucky enough to see a newly released 4K restoration in the cinema this week, and it’s striking how modern this film still feels—proof that a true masterpiece never ages.

For me, Se7en is Fincher’s best film. His direction is meticulous, drawing every ounce of tension from Andrew Kevin Walker’s razor-sharp screenplay. The story unfolds with just the right balance of character development, mystery and dread. It’s a dark and harrowing experience, but even within the bleakness, the film finds a few tender moments between its two leads that add depth and humanity to the story.

Morgan Freeman delivers my favourite performance of his career, portraying Detective Somerset with a quiet gravitas that grounds the film. Brad Pitt, as the brash and enthusiastic Detective Mills, is equally superb, perfectly capturing his character’s raw energy and naivety. The chemistry between Freeman and Pitt adds layers to their partnership, making the story’s emotional stakes all the more powerful.

And then there’s the ending—an all-timer that leaves me floored every single time I watch it. The final 30 minutes elevate the film into an entirely different stratosphere, delivering one of the most unforgettable conclusions in cinema history.

Se7en isn’t an easy watch, but it’s impossible to look away. The atmosphere is gritty, the pacing relentless, and the story gripping from start to finish. For those who somehow haven’t seen it yet, I can’t recommend this enough. This is my GOAT thriller, a special film that set a benchmark for the genre.

Three decades on, Se7en still stands as a towering achievement in filmmaking—a dark, enthralling and utterly mesmerising experience.

13/01/2025

FILM REVIEW: Nosferatu

Robert Eggers' Nosferatu is a gorgeous and striking reimagining of the classic 1922 silent horror film, which captivates visually with its eery atmosphere and impeccable attention to detail. I’ll be surprised if I see better direction or cinematography this year. It’s the kind of film where every frame feels meticulously crafted, and the haunting aesthetic is nearly as terrifying as the story itself.

Also terrifying is Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok. He brings a chilling intensity to the role, making the titular vampire both unnervingly alien and deeply menacing. Nicholas Hoult also shines in another standout performance. Between this, Juror #2 and playing Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman flick, he’s on an impressive run.

The rest of the cast are fine. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the only weak link here, as he’s hilariously miscast in a role that doesn’t quite fit his strengths. His performance sticks out in a way that takes you out of the immersive experience the film tries to build.

In terms of tone and pacing, Nosferatu feels like the safest film Eggers has made to date. There’s a sense that he’s holding back, not fully embracing the nightmarish visions that his previous work (The Witch, The Lighthouse) has been known for. While this more restrained approach works in some areas, it also makes the film lose some of the gripping tension I was hoping for.

The middle section of the film drags, losing steam as it struggles to maintain momentum. I couldn’t help but feel that the runtime could’ve been trimmed down a bit. At times, it felt unnecessarily long and a bit underdeveloped in its pacing and structure.

The script, too, leaves something to be desired. There are moments where the dialogue and character arcs feel messy or underdeveloped, as though Eggers didn’t quite know how to bring certain elements together. I did love the ending though.

That said, I’m still excited to see where Robert Eggers goes next. His talent as a director is undeniable, and Nosferatu is undoubtedly a work worth watching. With its impeccable visuals and intriguing atmosphere, it’s an impressive achievement, but not quite as captivating as I had hoped.

Verdict: A gorgeously crafted and shot picture that left me in awe on multiple occasions. I just wish Eggers’ script was as strong as his direction.
Best Moment: When Hoult arrives at the count's house is the scene of the year to beat. Stunning.
Rating: 7/10

31/12/2024

2024 Review: The Best Films of the Year

Now, it’s time for the best of the best. While I wouldn’t say there were an overwhelming number of films this year that will go down as classics, there were still plenty of movies across a variety of genres that I think are well worth your time. Let’s break down my Top 15 Films of 2024 –

Honourable Mentions: Conclave, The Apprentice, My Old Ass, The Wild Robot, Alien: Romulus

15: Civil War
An exhilarating cinematic experience. This is impressively made, and I loved how it was shot (the way it implements camera shots into the action was seriously effective). It is flat in places and didn’t answer all my questions, but I liked the cast, story and there are some incredible sequences in here. The Jesse Plemons scene and the finale in DC are belters. An absolute spectacle.

(Currently only available to rent)

14: The Fall Guy
Right up my street this, what a blast. A ridiculously fun Action Rom-Com, that perfectly pays homage to the unsung heroes of the stunt team. Loved the film references and Gosling is a riot in the lead, sharing amazing chemistry with the equally delightful Emily Blunt. It doesn’t all work and it’s also far too long but I had a great time.

(Currently only available to rent)

13: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Not a patch on the last trilogy and should've been sorter, but this still delivered for me. Visually stunning, gorgeous world building, interesting new characters and some thrilling set-pieces. It’s impressively filmed throughout and the way they handle Ceasar’s legacy is nicely done. I can’t wait to see where this franchise goes next.

(Streaming on Disney Plus)

12: Kill
The Raid meets Bullet Train in this wild Indian action flick. High stakes, solid story and the train itself really adds to the whole experience. It’s a tight and claustrophobic vehicle and amplifies the thrills and suspense. The best straight up action film of 2024.

(Currently only available to rent)

11: Hit Man
Glen Powell is an absolute sensation here. I can proudly say I’ve been on the hype train for him for well over 10 years now, but he reaches all new heights with Hit Man. The fact he co-wrote this too is huge. Enjoyed the hell out of this. Loved the screenplay and Powell shares insane chemistry with the lovely Adria Arjona, who I’m confident is about to become a huge star.

(Streaming on Netflix)

10: Wicked
A magical and faithful adaptation. It doesn’t quite reach the blistering heights of the stage production for me, but comes pretty damn close. A wonderful film. Beautifully told and perfectly cast. Everyone is great but Erivo, Ariana and Jonathan Bailey all absolutely crushed it for me. Believe the hype.

(Still showing in cinemas)

9: Deadpool & Wolverine
Despite finding the film a bit chaotic on my first viewing, this quickly became one of my favourites of 2024 after repeated watches. It's just an absolute blast, filled with outrageous references, in-jokes, and cameos that film nerds will love. Reynolds has never been funnier and Jackman is a god damn Rockstar. A wonderful send off for Fox and a return to form for Marvel.

(Streaming on Disney Plus)

8: Anora
What a ride. A fun, vibey first half leads into a chaotic and hilarious second. Mikey Maddison solidifies herself as one of the stars of the future, she is on exhilarating form here. Falls short of a classic due to being at least 30 minutes too long and did they really need to drop those hard F bombs? Think Pretty Woman meets Uncut Gems.

(Available to rent in 2025)

7: Sing Sing
A beautiful film on the power and magic of the arts. Wonderfully written and stellar acting across the board (with the majority all playing themselves). Has Colman Domingo ever missed? He’s once again terrific, what an actor.

(Currently only available to rent)

6: The Holdovers
A warm, touching film with three outstanding lead performances. Though it’s on the longer side, Alexander Payne’s strong direction and sharp screenplay keep it engaging throughout. It’s the kind of movie that feels destined to become a Christmas classic—perfect for cosying up with a glass of Baileys, as I did last week.

(Available on Sky / Now TV)

5: American Fiction
A clever and funny satire with a sharp screenplay and a delightful cast, who are all exceptional. Went into this blind and it had it all: heartfelt, charming, hilarious, moving and has a lot to say. Jeffrey Wright & Sterling K Brown are some actors.

(Streaming on Amazon Prime)

4: Kneecap
This came out of nowhere and completely blew me away—it’s easily the biggest and best surprise of 2024. This thrilling, funny, and electrifying drama features three leads playing themselves, and they’re all fantastic. Michael Fassbender also delivers an all-time heat-check performance. The film offers a fascinating glimpse into Irish-speaking culture, with epic hip-hop sequences that add to its vibrancy. Like its soundtrack, it’s a total banger.

(Streaming on Amazon Prime)

3: Challengers
A sexy and thrilling drama. Guadagnino directs the hell out of this film - Tennis has never been more exhilarating. The three leads are all exceptional, with Zendaya shining as always, but credit to Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor for their standout performances as well. The real MVP, however, is the film's music—a bouncy, electrifying score that elevates the entire experience and has had me hitting replay on Spotify. The ending is also pure insanity, a wild rush that provides the best conclusion of 2024.

(Streaming on Amazon Prime)

2: The Iron Claw
I’m still completely floored by this picture. A devastating and heart-breaking true story, masterfully executed and features incredible acting. Harris Dickinson (The King’s Man) and Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) cement their place as stars of the future, but it’s Zac Efron’s film. He delivers the best performance of his career. There is one scene late on that left me in total floods in the cinema.

(Streaming on Amazon Prime)

1: Dune – Part Two
Not just the best film of the year, but one of the best films of the last decade, Dune: Part Two completely blew me away. As someone who’s not typically a huge Sci-Fi fan, I was absolutely captivated by this near-flawless blockbuster of epic proportions. The film is visually breath-taking, and it truly feels like a game changer, taking cinema to all new heights. The action, cinematography, and visuals set a new standard, while the original score is so rare and powerful, I find myself playing it on Spotify long after the credits roll. It has everything I want from a film and executes it all perfectly. Pure, unfiltered cinematic bliss.

(Available on Now TV / Sky Cinema)

Thanks as always for your support this year. I’ve had a busy year, but I plan to write more reviews in 2025. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year!

30/12/2024

2024 Review Part 1: The Worst Films of the Year

As 2024 draws to a close, I look back on the year in film as mostly a success. I’ve found this year to be a bit more consistent than last year, though 2023 certainly delivered some unforgettable highs. While this year may not have had the same jaw-dropping standouts, there was one film that instantly became a classic in my eyes, cementing its place in cinema history.

But before we dive into the best that 2024 had to offer, we must first take a moment to address the lowest of the lows. It seems that many of you enjoy my reviews for films I despise far more than the ones I praise, probably because I don’t hold back when it comes to calling out a stinker. So, let’s get to it: here are my Top 10 Worst Films of 2024.

Dishonourable Mentions: Borderlands, Lift, Trap, In A Violent Nature

10: The First Omen
I was surprised by the favourable reviews this film received, as I thought this was painfully dull, stupid and not at all scary. It almost entirely plays out like this year’s Immaculate too, which didn’t help. I thought that film, though flawed also, was far superior.

9: Rebel Moon: Part Two – The Scargiver
Less insufferable than the god awful first film, but still an utter mess with some of the worst writing and acting I’ve seen from a big budget blockbuster. Thankfully the last hour is pretty much all action, but it’s still all rather bland and instantly forgettable. Zack Snyder is overhyped, simple as that.

8: Argylle
Oh my… what a train-wreck. A flat, ugly and messy spy romp that wastes an all-star cast. I like a good twist in a movie but by the 6th or 7th twist / reveal here, it just got laughable. I didn’t hate it at first, but it just completely overstays its welcome and the third act is utterly atrocious. I get it was kind of the point, but Henry Cavill’s haircut is one of the worst things my eyes have ever seen. That and the awful green screen.

7: Imaginary
In contention for the worst writing of 2024. The script is painfully bad. The acting isn’t much better. A couple of solid jump scares and a half-decent reveal can’t save what is a disaster of a horror film. Almost every character is a moron too. The last 40 mins are unbearable (pun intended). Kane said to me in the cinema “This is a disgrace to filmmaking” and I’m starting to think he has a point.

6: Night Swim
Utter nonsense, nothing overly happens and even at barely 90 mins, a total struggle to get through. The whole time I kept thinking this feels like a short film dragged out to feature length… so I was not surprised when I saw during the credits that it was literally based on a short. It’s nice to see Kerry Condon (Banshees of Inisherin) get more roles, but another poor excuse of a horror film.

5: Damsel
Yikes. Hideous and boring with soulless writing. Ray Winstone must have a really good agent. Millie Bobby Brown was brilliant in Stranger Things Season 1 because she barely spoke. It’s all been downhill since. Another rubbish Netflix production.

4: Venom: The Last Dance
Even by the low standards set by the first two garbage instalments, this film completely stinks. It’s painful seeing likeable actors be this bad, though admittedly it’s mostly due to the dreadful script. Tom Hardy isn’t even attempting to act in this. Poorly edited, paced, directed. Not nice to look at. Let’s hope this franchise is finally over. The biggest sin of all was wasting the brilliant Stephen Graham.

3: The Watchers
Nonsensical, dull and downright painful. I didn’t think I’d see a horror film this year worse than Imaginary or Night Swim, but this takes the cake. I like M Night and his daughter shows potential here but this ain’t it. Not a single scare and I found the entire plot utterly preposterous.

2: Kinds of Kindness
Woeful film. Has to be up there as one of the worst films starring a talented cast I can ever remember. Total lifeless trash. Borderline offensive. Even the always wonderful Emma Stone & Willem Dafoe are hopeless in this, but I blame the horrible writing. Jesse Plemons the only saving grace here. On top of everything it clocks in at a mind numbing 160 minutes… Time I will never get back. Easily Yorgos’ worst film and a disgrace to cinema.

1: Madame Web
My word. Absolutely abysmal on every single level. The directing, editing, acting and writing are the worst I’ve ever seen from a big studio movie ever. It’s set in 2003, and it feels like it was made then too. Was going to walk out but decided to stay and it concludes with one of the most laughably bad third acts in recent history. Easily the worst villain performance I’ve ever seen too. The biggest train-wreck since Cats and quite simply one of the worst films I’ve ever witnessed in the cinema. A new low.

22/11/2024

GLADIATOR II REVIEW:

Gladiator II kicks off with promise, embracing an old-fashioned epic feel reminiscent of its predecessor. Sadly, the film ultimately struggles to maintain momentum, running out of steam long before the credits roll. At nearly 2 and a half hours, it feels far too long, yet unexpectedly rushed in its storytelling.

Paul Mescal takes on the lead role with conviction and delivers a solid performance. While he proves himself a capable actor, he lacks the commanding, larger-than-life presence that Russell Crowe brought to the original. Denzel Washington delivers an unexpectedly campy, over-the-top turn, which while entertaining, veers into silliness. Talk of an Oscar win for this performance feels wildly overstated. Pedro Pascal is unfortunately underused, leaving his talents largely untapped.

Director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien, American Gangster) is undoubtedly a legend of cinema, and his craftsmanship is still evident. At 86, his ability to deliver a project of this scale and ambition is nothing short of remarkable—something few, if any, could achieve at his age. That said, there’s a lingering sense that the film might have been more thrilling and truly epic in the hands of a younger, more adventurous filmmaker with fresh ideas.

The most glaring issue lies in the script. Where the original gave us iconic lines and unforgettable moments, Gladiator II feels devoid of comparable emotional or dramatic weight. The dialogue lacks punch, and the narrative doesn’t manage to capture the magic of the first film, leaving a sense of frustration.

That said, there are some positives. The action sequences are exhilarating, with some particularly intense fistfights that stood out for me. The visuals are another strong point; the Colosseum is rendered with stunning detail, truly bringing the grandeur of ancient Rome to life.

Overall, this film is a mixed bag—visually striking and occasionally thrilling but weighed down by a lacklustre script and a meandering pace. I think it’s still worth a watch and I know people that have enjoyed it, but I left nothing short of disappointed.

Verdict: Gladiator II fails to come close to the legacy of its iconic predecessor. I was only mildly entertained this time around.
Best Moment: Sharks in the Colosseum?!
Rating: 6/10

12/03/2024

I’m calling Dune: Part Two “an instant classic”

My full review is available at the link below

2001. Star Wars. Jurassic Park. The Matrix. Avatar. These are just a few examples of monumental moments in cinema and films that simply changed the game. Now there is a new film to add to this illu…

15/02/2024

REVIEW | The Iron Claw

Released in the States back in December to universal acclaim, UK cinemas can finally watch this devastating but riveting true story of the Von Erich family and their dynasty within the world of professional wrestling during the early 1980s.

The film focuses on four tightly bonded brothers, who have to deal with increasing pressure and scrutiny from their father Jack (Holt McCallany, Mindhunters). Jack ‘Fritz’ Von Erich is a former professional wrestler but never got his chance to be the World Heavyweight Champion, so he has put all his focus on his sons to finish what he started.

The film simply doesn’t work without its perfectly cast set of actors, who are all outstanding. Zac Efron delivers a career-best performance in the lead, showcasing he’s a far more talented actor than some give him credit for. He looks the part for sure, but the emotion he gives throughout this film is next level. He will have you reaching for the tissues by the film’s ending.

Jeremy Allen White is one of the hottest actors in the world right now (due to his brilliance in chef drama The Bear) and he showcases he can do it on the big screen too with a powerful performance. Harris Dickinson (The Kings Man) has also never been better. The film wouldn’t work without McCallany’s intimidating turn as the father too.

I cannot stress enough just how sad and heart-breaking this story is. You will not leave the cinema with a smile on your face, this is a tragic story that brings many misfortunes to this family. But it’s executed with such precision and class from writer-director Sean Durkin and cinematographer Mátyás Erdély (who previously combined on 2020’s The Nest). The film looks incredible, delivering a close-up personal film but also breath-taking in its imagery.

It is slow and is longer than it necessarily should’ve been, but this really worked for me. The wrestling sequences were enthralling and there are two scenes late on which really shook me to my core and left me in tears. Beautiful, painful and touching. The film of the year to beat.

Verdict: Anchored by incredible performances from its stellar cast, this is a devastating but enthralling drama that will stay with me for a long time.
Best Moment: A scene with the brothers at the end by the sea, simply beautiful
Rating: 8.5/10