WELCOME

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUssKvujY9F/?igsh=dmt2Mm1sNngyYm84 Typically speaking, I would not normally be bothered about seeing a Jason Statham film at the cinema - no offence Jason. His films tend to be on the more "switch your brain off" side of the cinema spectrum, and that doesn't always appeal to me, certainly not enough to go to the theatre for it anyway. However, in this instance, I must admit, my interest was peaked by the trailer for this Ric Roma

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqZu2jjVds/?igsh=c3V1c2k2OGRvcmFh Although I have tried to prioritise watching newer films this year, anyone who knows me, or who has read my reviews, will know that I have a lot of time for cult classics, particularly of the horror variety. This John Fawcett directed teen horror has been on my watchlist for a very long time. I had seen several stills from the film over the years, which only made me want to watch it more, and I cou

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUn3eq7DY7q/?igsh=MTlpYms4dTNuNTQwaw== Sometimes you just want to switch your brain off for ninety minutes, and that's kind of what I wanted to do with this Johannes Roberts directed horror film. There is just something inherently freaky about a killer primate - I think it's the almost human aspect of them; the bipedal, opposable thumbed, problem-solving intelligence of them. I wanted to see if that would be shown and exploited in a

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUijedtDcXf/?igsh=MWt6dnp4Zmc5dWdwcw== This 2018 animated comedy, from the iconic Wes Anderson, is the filmmaker's second stop motion feature film, with his first being the beloved 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' from nine years earlier. This effort is far less well-known than that aforementioned modern classic, but those who have seen it, seem to like it a lot, which was certainly encouraging. By the time I watched this, I had seen the vast m

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUdSNc8jZyP/?igsh=MXhtM3VkamJ2bDYwZg== This cute little independent comedy, directed, written, and produced by Hikari, best known for their work on the popular series; 'Beef' , was a film I was very excited for this year, particularly when I saw that I had the chance to see it at the cinema. It looked like a real heartwarmer, and one that was very much up my alley. I was particularly keen on seeing another modern Brendan Fraser role

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUatW-3DXdx/?igsh=MWdvN2tlbjJvb296Zg== As I've explored the varied and expansive world of classic horror films, there are a few filmmakers who stand out more than others. John Carpenter is perhaps the most obvious one, but the other is David Cronenberg; arguably the master of goopy and gross body horror. His work on 'The Fly' is particularly notable, but this early film had been on my radar for some time too. I really wasn't too su

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTGo3tjUOR/?igsh=OWY3bjVqeXIwOHQx Described as a 'state-of-the-nation satire' , this comedy directed by Park Chan-wook; one of the best South Korean filmmakers ever, was high on my cinema watchlist from the moment it was announced. I had absolutely loved Park's 2022 romantic thriller 'Decision To Leave' , as well as his infamous 2003 revenge film; 'Oldboy' , so my anticipation for this latest film was extremely high. I was already

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUQhdUVDcpO/?igsh=MWo4ZzFtaHBmajBmaw== So many popular Western films have taken inspiration from, or have directly adapted, Japanese cinema, so I think it's always good to go back and watch the films that came first, if only for comparison. On this occasion, I chose Takashi Shimizu's cult classic supernatural horror film, which terrified audiences in Japan, before getting Hollywood treatment. It was inspired by the hugely successful