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HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Chasing Chasing Amy Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Oct 30, 2024 Directed by: Sav Rodgers Written by: Sav Rodgers Starring: Sav Rodgers, Joey Lauren Adams, Kevin Smith Nearly 30 years ago, Kevin Smith did what he does best. He made a film so simple, so personal, so deeply human, so profoundly myopic, so densely problematic, so deeply heterosexual-white-dude that it was hard not to simultaneously hate and love it. In fact, of all Smith’s movies, his 1997 straight-boy-falls-for-lesbian romcom Chasing Amy fits that (rather lengthy) bill best. Hell, just being the indie darling of 1997 – pinnacle Weinstein era – creates additional problems, let alone the way Smith’s script funhouse mirrors his offscreen relationship with the star (Joey Lauren Adams, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for her vivid performance). Whew, that’s a lot to unpack, and it’s not even the primary focus of Chasing Chasing Amy. For documentarian Sav Rodgers, stumbling across Smith’s film in his parents’ stash of Ben Affleck flicks as a kid saved his life. Literally. During his toughest times, Rodgers would watch the film every day. He’d never seen queer people in a film before. And he wanted to believe that one day he would find the kind of love Holden (Affleck) expressed for Alyssa (Adams). And yet. For many (most?) in the LGBTQ community, Chasing Amy is nothing if not problematic. So, what begins as Sav’s odyssey through the film’s New Jersey landmarks turns into an investigation into the movie’s queer depictions, then becomes an enduring friendship with Smith himself before turning into a remarkable examination of the seedy state of independent film in 1997. And that alone would be more than worth the price of admission. Indeed, Rodgers gets better, more insightful talking head interviews for this doc than I’ve seen in any documentary in the last several years. Guinevere Turner (who wrote 1997’s Go Fish and partly inspired the character of Alyssa), in particular, is a treasure. But even as Rodgers’s film metamorphosizes, so does its filmmaker. Because Rodgers is himself a large part of his film – the film’s impact on his own life did inspire the documentary – the director cannot help but document his own journey. And not his journey as a filmmaker, but as a trans man. Rodgers possesses sharp storytelling instincts and a cinematic presence so sincere and authentic it could break your heart. You come away from this film hoping genuinely for his happiness and waiting eagerly for his next film. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, LGBTQ+, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Music Video Reviews One of the most exciting sub-genres our critics review is music videos. They are often incredible pieces of storytelling, either in their own right or aligned with the song playing over them. On this page you will find a great selection of music video reviews from the team of critics at UK Film Review. ​ If you are a filmmaker or artist who would like us to review your music video, submit your film here . ​ When it comes to reviewing a music video, the process differs slightly from perhaps a narrative short film or documentary. The music has to be explored far more intimately than if it were a soundtrack because that's where the story originates from rather than being added further down the line. Music videos do conform to genres but these are often musical genres rather than film categories, for example pop, folk, rock, rap etc. So this will also influence the music video review our critics write because the target audience is going to be considered. ​ Music videos may take a variety of forms or even combine different aspects to create a different effect on the viewer. For example, it is common for a music video to contain a small narrative, as well as live performance footage. Top filmmakers making music videos will be able to immerse you into the song and story without leaving you feeling like you have just watched a promo piece. ​ Choreography is also a common trait in music videos, with dance sequences and flash mobs recurring - often in pop music videos. Editors of music videos will have their work cut out to ensure the choreography looks tight and engaging without it feeling staged or lifeless. ​ Hopefully the array of music video reviews you see below will include some gems for you to peruse. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the article, as we often include the actual music video so you can watch it for yourself. A-Train: New Beginnings Jason Knight The Dragonborn Comes-Main Theme Jason Knight The Panharmonion Chronicles: Times of London Patrick Foley Lost All Care Joe Beck Everything Will Dissolve in the Void James Learoyd Rooftop Screamers Joe Beck Hot Chip Eleanor Swati Verma A New Kind of Life Jason Knight Vaarwell - Quarter Life Crisis - EP Campaign Patrick Foley alexjames96 Jun 6 2 min read Ain’t my Vibe Short Music Video Review alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min read Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min read Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min read Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review Theo Aug 1, 2022 2 min read Service for The King short film review Chris Olson Sep 28, 2021 2 min read Stroke Code Music Video Review More Film Reviews

Latest Film Reviews The latest movie reviews from UK film critics, this is the page to find the newest reviews from our team. The UK Film Review critics are assembled from around the globe, covering all types of movies. Whether these are movie reviews for films currently in UK cinemas (or even globally) or for films on streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney Plus, we cover them all. On this page you will also find the latest film reviews for indie and short films from the UK and around the world. Every month, UK Film Review receives a large selection of submissions from filmmakers requesting us to watch their independently made film and review it. We treat all movies the same and our reviews are never (ever) paid for! We do receive payment from PR companies and other filmmakers for services such as promoting their film, or skipping to queue, but this has nothing to do with the movie review itself. Whilst you will see our latest movie reviews here you should also follow UK Film Review on our social media profiles, as well as subscribe to our popular film podcast. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest releases, as well as the goings-on from our community of film lovers and critics. average rating is 4 out of 5 Belief Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Breakdown Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Miss or Misses Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Another World Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Through the Stew Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Here Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Signs of Allegiance Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Absolution Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Anora Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Emilia Pérez Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Chasing Chasing Amy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Continuance Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 In the Garden of Tulips Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Savanna by AMAFFI Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Black Boy's Don't Cry Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Sunflower Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Clearance Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 OK/NOTOK Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Saving Mango - A Cat's Story Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Better the Neville You Know Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Your Monster Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Little t Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 A-Train: New Beginnings Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Long Quiet Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Scum Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Jack & Lou: A Gangster Love Story Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Canteen 2 Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Betrayed Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Shifting Tides Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Art Thief Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Primal Fear Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 UME Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Last Anomaly Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Disposal Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Saturday Night Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Making Up Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Daddy's Head Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Falling Stars Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Shelf Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Flesh and Blood Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Terrifier 3 Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Homeless Tobez Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Ladybug Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Divine Trials Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 An Artist's Curse Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Death of The House Party Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 English Rose Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Things Will Be Different Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Morris Men Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Blink Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Hey Tu! Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Stars Align Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Because We Are Too Many Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Distant Memories Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Schism Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Wild Robot Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 My Old Ass Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Azrael Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Predators Don't Like Attention Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Will & Harper Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Wolfs Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Iris Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Sleep Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Rage Against the Dying Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bread Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Seductress from Hell Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Lee Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Magic of Santa Claus Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dinner Party N1 Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Light Keeper Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Calico Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Stalking Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Meeting Point Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 The Devil's in the Detail Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 When Cotard Comes Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Snowmaniac Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Swing Bout Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Hands Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The House That Stood Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Look Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Peacock Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 April Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Rebel Ridge Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Dragonborn Comes-Main Theme Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 VIKRUT Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Last Snow Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Cursed Tapes Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Nothing To It Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Joker: Folie à Deux Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Place Of Safety Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Queer Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Panharmonion Chronicles: Times of London Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Albion Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Room Next Door Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Brutalist Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 We Will Find You Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Valor and Memory Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Friends Forever Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Wasp Read Review

★★★★ Starring: #JayJayJegathesan and #MiraeJang Directed by: #PeterRenzullo Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Isabella is a short film directed by Peter Renzullo, the story is disturbing, intense and dark and stars Jay Jay Jegathesan who was made for this role and had previously been in another one of Renzullo’s films The Jewel Wasp . Watching his performance, he seemed like the perfect choice to make for this sinister film and certainly intensified the scene with his story of an emerald wasp and a helpless cockroach. Isabella is unfortunately seated opposite Khan and must endure this uncomfortable tale, but what exactly is the relationship between the two? The scene opens to Khan sitting in a dark suit across from Isabella. At this stage we do not know what Isabella looks like, the audience can merely hear her voice responding to Khan as he begins to tell her a story. There is an ominous air to Khan, the room appears cold and his presence even colder. With just a table in between him and Isabella and his words, the film is very powerful. Instantly, I became hooked on his every word and although disturbed by the story as he describes the calculating and detailed torture that an emerald wasp performs on a cockroach, it was hard to look away. His voice is low and dark and as he tells the story, you begin to feel slightly concerned for poor Isabella and worry for her safety! It’s not until the final scene that we discover why Isabella is there, her calm response to Khan really throws the audience off the scent and it becomes shocking when we finally get a glimpse of her. The sounds of cockroaches and insects can occasionally be heard as Khan is speaking which makes your skin crawl and your fear heighten. Its interesting to see the different ways in which directors can tell a story. There have been some short films where there is no dialogue throughout, and the storyline is followed by facial cues and imagery. Or there are films such as this, where we are not shown much, and the sound of someone’s voice carries the film and drives the storyline. I am a fan of all types of storytelling, if it can really convey that message and entices the viewer from the offset. Isabella has certainly achieved this; Khan’s dark and mysterious tale of horrors was one that I cannot shake. The performance of Jay Jay Jegathesan was a perfect cast for this role and took the film to a very sinister place. The slow pans and long takes, added to the eeriness of the film and made for an uncomfortable watch, forced to listen and endure much like Isabella. Dark and sinister but a great performance and very well written, keeping the audience hanging onto every word.

★★★★★ Starring: #AliKhan, #MaggieOllerenshaw, #AngusBarnett, #DebbieChazen and #JessicaBalmer Directed by: #JacobDudman Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Finger Food , a short film that is both funny, clever and extraterrestrial! Directed by Jacob Dudman this film shows the awkward encounters of meeting your girlfriends’ parents for the first time. However, it becomes even more of an awkward situation when you learn that her parents are aliens! This short was very comical and light-hearted, and a great film for both sci-fi fans and comedies. After dating for a while, it was time for Jason to meet Lucy’s family. Unfortunately for Jason, he arrives just a bit too early and must enter the family home alone as Lucy makes her way back from work after a delayed train. If you couldn’t think of anything worse, the family also have some odd habits and are finding it hard to hide their true selves! Boyfriend Jason played by Ali Khan who also starred in A Haunting in Venice , was pulling out all the stops to impress his in laws, greeting them with flowers and a seemingly big smile. Unfortunately, none of these acts of kindness are doing anything to sway dad Steve. However, they seem to win round mum and nana…maybe even a little too much for nana. The acting within this short was seamless from start to finish, especially from Angus Barnett. Although he had limited dialogue, his presence on screen was powerful and made me feel nervous! The same goes for Ali Khan, you can feel a lot of emotion from an actor by just facial expressions and judging from his fear-stricken face and wide eyes, this was not a family he wished to be a part of anytime soon. I really enjoyed watching the discomfort play out and found that you can relate to some of the scenes, particularly with Jason who wanted nothing more than to get out quick. The storyline had a clever twist, an ordinary family with a dark secret. Will they accept Jason, or will he be the next on their ingredients list. The location and ambience of the home included a lot of details that were simple and effective. The colours used for the lighting as well as the costume designs, made this into a high-quality film, it was entertaining to watch, and you become quickly invested in the storyline. I really loved all the characters, and the acting style cannot be faulted for this short. Although crazy in some respect, the story worked well, and I wanted to know how far this was going to escalate for poor Jason!

★★★★ Starring: #LexsyMckowen, #MariahMaison and #CourtneyLeigh Directed by: #ChrisRNotarile Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Warrior: Predator , a short film written and directed by Chris. R. Notarile. This sci-fi takes a unique spin on the stereotypical characters, by attempting to breakdown the formulaic monsters and creatures in many science fiction films we see today. Many of these films will include a male protagonist and a male creature, even occasionally a female lead but still a male opponent. However, Notarile has an all-female cast, giving a distinctive twist on the classic predator films. This short focuses on a 16th century native American warrior coming face to face with two predator sisters and is forced to fight for her life in an epic battle, but there can only be one victor. The first aspect to recognise in this short is the costumes. Although some audience members may be dissecting every detail, for a small budget film, the costumes and makeup on all the characters were great! Its fantastic to see what can be achieved on a small budget production. For me, the designs and detail with each costume was creative and shows that you don’t need loads of money to make an impact, just creativity and an eye for detail. It was also great to find out that the director had made one of the costumes as well! This shows a lot of dedication and passion towards the project and highlights the fact that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. With some inspiration of other cosplayers costumes, it was evident that a lot of thought went into this production. Another element to note is the fact there is no dialogue throughout this piece. Occasionally, this can hinder a film particularly if the storyline is not coherent without any dialogue and it’s needed as an aid to help the audience grasp each scene. However, this was a clear and driven short film, there was a strong storyline which was simple and effective. Great to see a new twist on the predator characters and see strong female lead roles, this is something that is certainly lacking in the film industry, so it was interesting to see the dynamic of both heroine and villain as female, it’s a new and exciting perspective on the predator films. The location was even well scoped out, the incorporation of the cave was able to set this film in the right time frame and isolated the characters away from civilisation, making for intense fight scenes and building the warrior into an independent and fierce character. Warrior: Predator is a great short film that with just a small budget, was innovative and provided the audience with a fresh perspective on the predator films. It would be interesting to see what can be done with a bigger budget especially as this film was creative and showed a lot of promise, therefore it can go beyond that creative milestone with a bigger budget. This was an enjoyable film that can be explored further and delve deeper into each of the characters and their background which would be great to see.