The Dry (2020) Film Review

Adapted from Jane Harper’s 2016 international bestseller, our latest randomly selected watch, The Dry, is a solid Australian slow burner of a crime drama starring Eric Bana. With Eric Bana in the lead, The Dry tells the story of Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Bana) as he reluctantly returns to his drought-stricken hometown in rural Australia…

Retro Review: The Birds (1963)

It seems as though Halloween brings out my retro side, considering most of my ‘Retro Reviews‘ so far have been classic horrors or thrillers and my latest first time viewing continues that tradition, as I take another dip into the film catalogue of the great Alfred Hitchcock with his 1963 offering, The Birds. Director: Alfred…

Help (2021) Film Review

Whenever there is a massive news worthy event, there’s always a question in the back of my mind – “How long before it is turned into a movie?” – but with the Covid-19 pandemic we were still in national and global lockdowns when the films started to churn out of the mill. Some, like Adam…

Free Guy (2021) Film Review

Unfortunately for gamers the world over, movies adapted from or inspired by video games don’t tend to have much luck in cinema, although some have been more successful than others – check out my post ranking my top ten game-to-film adaptations for my favourites – the latest attempt to unite video games and cinema is…

Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021) Film Review

For those still reeling from the loss of some of our favourite superheroes, the likes of WandaVision and Loki, have acted as a bridge from the Marvel Cinematic Universe of old to the scary unknown of the new. And whilst it may offer something of a comfort to know that familiar faces are still there, with Hawkeye coming to Disney+ in November…

Untold: Breaking Point (2021) Film Review

With Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from this year’s French Open and Simone Biles dropping out of a couple of events at the Tokyo Olympics there has been a huge amount of discussion and focus on mental health in sports recently which perhaps makes Breaking Point, the fifth and final episode in Netflix’s Untold series, the most…

Sex Education Season 3 (2021) Series Review

Sex Education season three is finally here – the wait is over!! Thanks to Covid related delays, fans had to wait an extra half a year to reconnect with the students of Moordale High and the longer the delay went on the higher the expectation. So the real question is whether season three will live…

Hidden Gem: Colombiana (2011)

Hey Folks!! It’s been a little while but I figured that it’s once again time to celebrate a hidden gem so if you are looking for something to watch with the other half this weekend, then grab the popcorn and check out action flick, Colombiana. Director: Olivier Megaton Starring: Zoe Saldana, Jordi Molla, Beto Benites,…

Film Review: 13th (2016)

I think it is fair to say that 2020 has been one hell of a year so far, from the bush fires that decimated Australia to the pandemic that forced the entire world into isolation. In amongst all the chaos and noise, one voice that has risen up above the rest is that of the…

Film Review: Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

As someone who dislikes both Will Ferrell and the Eurovision Song Contest something akin to a passion, I went into Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga fully expecting to hate this film, the only saving grace being that I think Rachel McAdams is a great comedic actress. Thankfully, this film delivered so much more than…

Film Review: Spotlight (2015)

As some of you may already know, biographical pictures are, without a doubt, my favourite genre. They offer insight into people, places and events that we often take for granted, know little about or have forgotten almost completely. And you would think that with all of our technological, philosophical and societal advancements over the millennia…

Top Ten… Game to Film Adaptations

Everyone knows that film adaptations of books can be a bit hit and miss, but when an adaptation of a video game is announced there is typically an overwhelming sense of nervousness because more often than not, game adaptations are not received well by critics and audiences alike. Almost like the morbid curiosity that we…

Top Ten… Tim Burton

There are a handful of directors with such a unique personal style that you can see their films a mile off. One of the most easily recognisable directors is Tim Burton, whose stories have been delighting us in a somewhat dark and macabre way for over 30 years. I think it’s fair to say that…

Hidden Gem: The Terminal (2004)

Although The Terminal is not a ‘hidden’ gem, per se, I do feel that it doesn’t get as much love as it deserves, especially considering the calibre of the casting. However considering both Steven Spielberg’s and Tom Hanks’ impressive body of work you can almost forgive this one for falling through the cracks. Director: Steven…

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. With all the craziness that is going on around the world at the moment, the days, weeks and months have all melded into one so you…

Film Review: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

Quentin Tarantino is not one to shy away from controversy and his eagerly awaited ninth film (tenth by individual release) Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is no exception. From the inclusion of rising Hollywood star, Sharon Tate, who was murdered by the Manson Family to the extremely limited dialogue of the female lead; there…

Film Review: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse (2018)

As someone who thoroughly enjoys mainstream cinema, especially superhero flicks, Into the Spider-verse is one of those films that, for some reason, I couldn’t be bothered to go and see despite all the hype. However, when our holiday to Mexico was cancelled due to the Covid-19 lockdown, we had plenty of time during our week…

Top Ten… Trilogies

Although the restrictions on the Covid lockdown have been lifted a little, we are all looking for ways to fill our time which means now is a perfect time to share my top ten trilogies. As with all my top tens, I only include films that I have seen so if they are any great…

Film Review: Extraction (2020)

Unless you are a complete film buff (which I, in no way, claim to be), Chris Hemsworth is mainly known to us Thor the God of Thunder or, to a lesser extent, the saving grace of the 2016 Ghostbusters film. In Netflix’s latest action flick, Extraction, Hemsworth reunites with Marvel directors Anthony and Joe Russo…

Film Review: Love Wedding Repeat (2020)

I am a bit of a sucker for a romantic comedy, in fact the cheesier the better, so on of Netflix’s latest offerings Love Wedding Repeat was sure to catch my attention and with Sam Clafin at the helm, it was a no-brainer really. The real question is whether Love Wedding Repeat has the staying…

Film Review: Love Wedding Repeat (2020)

I am a bit of a sucker for a romantic comedy, in fact the cheesier the better, so on of Netflix’s latest offerings Love Wedding Repeat was sure to catch my attention and with Sam Clafin at the helm, it was a no-brainer really. The real question is whether Love Wedding Repeat has the staying…

Retro Review:Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

My latest ‘Retro Review‘ does flout my self made rules just a little bit considering I’ve already seen this film, however it is a first time viewing for Mark and its been such a long time since I’ve watched it myself that I think I can justify a teensy little rule breaking. Director: Robert Zemeckis…

Film Review: The Platform (2019)

If the recent successes of Roma and Parasite have opened your eyes to foreign cinema, then I would recommend hopping on to Netflix and giving Spanish film, The Platform a go. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the same star power or finesse that comes with the likes of Parasite but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an…

The Job Lot (2013-) Series Review

It’s now week three of the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown and with an additional three-week extension looking likely, now’s the time to move away from the mainstream and take a look at some of the smaller, lesser known shows. One of our particular favourites (we’ve watched it at least 3 times) is the little known British…

Hidden Gem: Gifted (2017)

Director: Marc Webb Starring: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, Lindsay Duncan Awards: Critics Choice Nominee (2018) – Best Young Actor/Actress Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy – his spirited niece, seven year old maths whizz, Mary (Mckenna Grace). Having been home-schooled her whole life, her only…

A Quiet Place (2018) Film Review

When I was still toying with the idea of writing a blog, A Quiet Place was one of the first films I attempted to write a review on, however considering my blog didn’t go live for another 8 months you can probably imagine that my first draft didn’t go very well! Having recently rewatched the…

Modern Classic: Thelma & Louise (1991)

This month’s ‘Modern Classic‘ was recommended to me by a book blogger friend of mine. If you like books as well as films then you should check out her blog, NSFordWriter.com. As this is still a relatively new feature, here’s a quick recap of my self-imposed rules Post 1990 release date Should be a first…

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness (2020) Series Review

With a trailer featuring big cats, a possible murder plot and a super cheesy, yet surprisingly catchy, Country & Western song, Netflix’s latest docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness seemed like a bit of a joke but it actually hooked us in and kept us gripped until the very end. If you think the…

Series Review: Tiger King – Murder, Mayhem and Madness (2020)

With a trailer featuring big cats, a possible murder plot and a super cheesy, yet surprisingly catchy, Country & Western song, Netflix’s latest docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness seemed like a bit of a joke but it actually hooked us in and kept us gripped until the very end. If you think the…

Parasite (2019) Film Review

One of the worst things about being a film fan in the UK is that we typically get theatrical releases some time after our American cousins. Thanks to my American blogger friends Parasite was on my must watch list long before it started making its landmark waves on the awards circuit. When it was finally…

Film Review: Parasite (2019)

One of the worst things about being a film fan in the UK is that we typically get theatrical releases some time after our American cousins. Thanks to my American blogger friends Parasite was on my must watch list long before it started making its landmark waves on the awards circuit. When it was finally…

The Irishman (2019) Film Review

It’s fair to say that Netflix dominated this years Oscar nominations with a total of 24 nominations, beating the likes of Disney and Sony. Their biggest contender was Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman with ten nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. Unfortunately for Netflix though, they only walked away win 2 wins, none of which…

Film Review: The Irishman (2019)

It’s fair to say that Netflix dominated this years Oscar nominations with a total of 24 nominations, beating the likes of Disney and Sony. Their biggest contender was Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman with ten nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. Unfortunately for Netflix though, they only walked away win 2 wins, none of which…

Retro Review: The Italian Job (1969)

It’s time for another Retro Review and this time Mark and I took a first look at the iconic British classic, The Italian Job. Director: Peter Collinson Starring: Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) has just been released from prison when a big heist job falls in his lap…

Onward (2020) Film Review

It’s pretty safe to say that I have a bit of a soft spot for anything Pixar but there was something about Onward that didn’t quite sit right with me. However, if Pixar can deliver the sequel I didn’t want but can’t live without (Toy Story 4) then I have no doubt that they have…

Film Review: Onward (2020)

It’s pretty safe to say that I have a bit of a soft spot for anything Pixar but there was something about Onward that didn’t quite sit right with me. However, if Pixar can deliver the sequel I didn’t want but can’t live without (Toy Story 4) then I have no doubt that they have…

Miss Americana (2020) Film Review

Taylor Swift seems to be the music industry’s version of Marmite. For those who love her, she can do wrong. For those who don’t, she can do no wrong. Although I am by no means, a superfan, I do like her music and even her biggest ‘haters’ have to admit that she has carved out…

Film Review: Miss Americana (2020)

Taylor Swift seems to be the music industry’s version of Marmite. For those who love her, she can do wrong. For those who don’t, she can do no wrong. Although I am by no means, a superfan, I do like her music and even her biggest ‘haters’ have to admit that she has carved out…

Hidden Gem: Chloe (2009)

Director: Atom Egoyan Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson Tagline: Desire Can Be Dangerous At first glance, Catherine (Julianne Moore), a gynecologist, and David Stewart (Liam Neeson), a college professor, and their musically talented teenage son (Max Thieriot) are the perfect family; happily married, wealthy and well-respected by their peers. But when David misses…

My Favourite Favourites

Given the vastness that is the world of cinema, there are a few key roles that are beyond iconic and as a result there have been many a debate over which interpretation is the best. So for a bit of fun, I thought I would share with you my favourites of some of these iconic…

Film Review: The Invisible Man (2020)

Going into this film I thought it was a reimagining of the 2000 film, Hollow Man starring Kevin Bacon and Elisabeth Shue, and whilst I was not completely wrong, I later found out that both are actually completely different adaptations of the 1897 novel by H. G. Wells. Having loved Hollow Man and being rather…

Modern Classic: Snatch (2000)

Welcome everyone to the first instalment in my newest feature, ‘Modern Classics‘ which follows the same rules as my ‘Retro Review‘ just with a minor change to the timeframes. First up, a quick reminder of the rules Must be a first time viewing Must watch in full Must have a post-1990 release date Director: Guy…

Winter Wrap-Up

While the UK is preparing the battle stations for storm Jorge, having not quite recovered from storms Ciara and Denis, it is hard to believe that March marks the beginning of Spring. So when you’re chasing your recycling bins down the street, try and remember that warmer days are on their way. Anyways, let the…

After Life (2019) Series Review

I think it is a bit of an understatement to say that Ricky Gervais is not everyone’s cup of tea. There’s something about him that is distinctly unlikeable but I think that is because he is not afraid to say what most of us are really thinking. If I am honest, it has taken me…

Don’t F**k With Cats (2019) Series Review

Cinema does a fantastic job of creatively highlighting all the horrible things that humans are capable of doing to each other but if there is one fundamental truth about the human race, it is that nothing unites us more than its intolerance to those who cause harm to animals. And, let’s be honest, regardless of…

Hidden Gem: Secretary (2002)

As previously promised, my newest feature will look to at celebrating those underrated films and hidden gems that I feel need a little more love and attention. My first ‘Hidden Gem’ is Secretary from director Steven Shainberg. Director: Steven Shainberg Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader, Jeremy Davies Awards: Golden Globe nominee – Best Actress in…

Movie Links #34

The last of my Oscar themed link ups looks at the BIG awards, aka Best Picture and Best Animated Feature. Toy Story 4 is Pixar’s tenth, yes TENTH, Best Animated Feature winner which is a remarkable achievement, and with two new films coming out in 2020, chances are they’ll be taking home the award next…

Movie Links #33

The second of my Oscar theme link ups features our Best Actor and Best Actress winners; Joaquin Phoenix and Renee Zellweger. Phoenix received his first Oscar win for his take on the iconic villain, Joker, whereas Zellweger received her second Oscar win for her portrayal of musical legend, Judy Garland. Joaquin Phoenix was in Joker…

Movie Links #32

It’s been a while since I’ve done a movie link-up but the Oscars buzz has rubbed off on me and I thought it would be fun to do a few Oscars themed link ups showcasing some of the winners. Let’s start with the winners for the supporting roles, both of whom received their first Oscar…

Film Review: Jojo Rabbit (2019)

I honestly didn’t think we were ever going to get round to watching this film despite both of us being pretty excited about it. From me finishing work too late for us to get to the cinema on time, to one (or both) of us being too lazy to even leave the house, to the…