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Hood Witch film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Golshifteh Farahani, Amine Zariouhi, Jérémy Ferrari directed by Saïd Belktibia. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Hood Witch Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Mar 20, 2025 Directed by: Saïd Belktibia Written by: Saïd Belktibia, Louis Penicaut Starring: Golshifteh Farahani, Amine Zariouhi, Jérémy Ferrari Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. It’s a popular sentence in the Old Testament, one used to excuse a lot of needless suffering, mainly women’s. It’s not the only spot in the Bible that condemns sorcery, divination and what not. Jesus never mentioned it, though. (He never said anything about women being submissive to their husbands, either.) Islam is no more forgiving, and Nour (Golshifteh Farahani, Paterson ) is about to run afoul of keepers of both faiths and keepers of none in Hood Witch . Co-writer/director Saïd Belktibia examines the muddy difference between a religion’s acceptable magic and harmful witchcraft. However similar the practice, the differentiator seems to be based primarily on whether a woman benefits. Nour makes a living smuggling exotic animals into Paris, mainly to be used in rituals of healing. Newly divorced and struggling financially to raise her son Amine (Amine Zariouhi), Nour is in the development stages of a new app that will link users to a variety of different healers. Nour knows it’s all smoke and mirrors. Her impressionable son is not so sure. Her abusive ex (Jérémy Ferrari, sinister) is willing to believe, as long as it’s a man of religion wielding the mirror and blowing the smoke, and as long as it’s his ex-wife who suffers. Though Hood Witch is far more a drama/thriller than an outright horror film, it does follow a longstanding genre tradition of using witchcraft to point out religions’ hypocrisy and misogyny. But the filmmaker goes further, complicating characters by implicating capitalism as being equally dangerous—particularly to the desperate and easily manipulated—as religion. Farahani delivers a fierce, passionate performance full of rage, compassion and vulnerability. Nour is sharp and not without a conscience, but when tragedy strikes it’s because of her meddling. The consequences, though, are deeply unsettling. Belktibia’s pacing and framing match Nour’s panic, and it’s impossible not to panic along with her. Hood Witch is a tough watch, as misogyny and apathy play out in the film the same way they play out every miserable day, infecting each generation like a poison. The rage that fuels Nour and the film is what feels most relatable. “People think I’m possessed by the devil. I think I’m just angry.” There are unexplored ideas and mixed messages that keep Hood Witch from becoming a great film, but it’s an angry, observant thriller and solid reflection of the time. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, Digital / DVD Release, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Networks of Street Signs film review by UK film critic Chris Buick. Starring Heshmatollah Behshad, Gabby Bilobrk directed by Dan Behshad. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Networks of Street Signs Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Chris Buick | Posted on: Feb 25, 2025 Directed by: Dan Behshad Written by: Dan Behshad Starring: Heshmatollah Behshad, Gabby Bilobrk One (recommended) look at filmmaker Dan Behshad’s works in various media, such as film, photography, and art videos, will show a clear affection for the unique, the absurd, and the different, and The Networks of Street Signs is no exception. Written, shot, edited, sound-designed and directed by Behshad themselves, TNOSS begins with a montage of stock nature footage (provided by Talking Segment and Adobe Stock), accompanied by a deep voice declaring “Whose voice do you believe in, your own or your sidekick’s?” and from there, an impression starts to set in as to where this is all going to go, perhaps towards something grand and profound. But then, it doesn’t. In fact, TNOSS doesn’t really go anywhere, but what is most strange is how compellingly it doesn’t go anywhere. It doesn’t have a linear structure like Behshad’s previous offering, A History Long Forgotten , really it doesn’t have any kind of structure at all. What we get here instead is a bit of a showcase of everything else Behshad can do as a filmmaker. The film itself is more of a smorgasbord of visual styles and ideas, showing off everything from stop-motion to monochromatic dramatics, scenes running backwards, and of course, a montage of street signs. And after it's all topped off with a continuous and nonsensical narration, as well as some pop punk, country rock and smooth Americana vibes thrown in, TTNOS makes for one strange beast. Where A History Long Forgotten was a bit clearer on what it was trying to do and perhaps say, there appears to be no clear narrative at play here. Behshad themselves say they were inspired after an incident where their home was offended by a labourer; if that essence of an idea is meant to be represented here, then it’s buried deep. But what this film still manages to do somehow, is indeed make you look for something deeper even if it ultimately might not show itself. Maybe it’s all a parody of the type of ridiculous televisual broadcast segments it’s supposed to be presented as? Maybe it’s saying something about the number of signs and visual stimuli we see each day? Or maybe it’s just a bit bonkers? But on some level it works, because Behshad’s filmmaking style is really quite captivating, soothing even, and despite no threads to follow, is in no way boring. Whether intentional or not, it adds a certain element of cool to the mundanity of everyday sights and sounds, streets and their signs, and throughout Behshad is always mixing up the presentation to give us something fresh and different to look at, but in the end there’s really no guessing as to what it’s all supposed to mean...maybe that’s the point? Undeniably different if nothing else, The Networks of Street Signs firmly showcases Behshad’s adeptness at many visual styles, even if you are none the wiser by the end. About the Film Critic Chris Buick Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Road Back film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Tyler Joseph Cricchi directed by Daniel Castillo. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Road Back Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Mar 18, 2025 Directed by: Daniel Castillo Written by: Tyler Joseph Cricchi Starring: Tyler Joseph Cricchi In The Road Back , rapper Cricchi paints an emotional story of a man trying to rebuild his life after being sent to prison. A simple but well-delivered music video accompanies personal, moving lyrics to a song inspired by its creator’s real experiences. The video features Cricchi performing his song on a vibrant rooftop overlooking a city backline – sacred ground for heartfelt, rags-to-riches rap. Interspersed with the performance is footage of Cricchi’s story of homelessness, prison and drug addiction – before a recovery to the man he is today. The tone of both video and song is optimistic, even with the heavy subject matter, with a stated aim to help those who are in a similar boat. Truthfully there isn’t anything revolutionary in the production of The Road Back . The video covers ground personal to the performer, though it must be said that it is a (sadly) common enough journey to have been addressed in rap videos before. The settings of prison cell, suburban streets and sunset-rooftop also feature in more music videos than mid-2000s Ludacris, so genre fans will feel cosy in their surroundings. But no envelopes are at risk of being pushed. Whilst originality is in short supply, quality is not. The video is crafted and considered. The streets Cricchi walks bursting with life and authenticity to deliver a real sense of background to his story. The rooftop sequences allow for some experimentation with lighting – a jump between day and night shots in this setting acting as an interesting visualisation of the dark and light sides of his personality. The prison scenes are a little less inspired and lack the same dynamism as the rest of the video, unintentionally echoing the impact prison itself can have on an individual’s life. Cricchi’s performance throughout is natural, emotive and raw. The rapper has spoken about his aim to act as an inspiration through art and to act as a voice for the broken, and that aim is successfully achieved through both words and performance here. It takes courage to lay out ones’ failings and retrace old missteps, and Cricchi does so without feeling the requirement to implant false bravado or toughness. The Road Back is an effective if not outstanding music video, ticking all the boxes required of it and making sure its message lands with impact. The real boldness is in its accompanying song and the personal lyrics of its artist, with the video a vehicle for their delivery. In this it succeeds in allowing the artistry to shine. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Short Film, Digital / DVD Release, Music Video < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film trailers and movie reviews from some of the best cinema releases in the UK. Watch film trailers and movie clips here. Film Trailers Watch the Latest Movie Trailers Here! Alongside our passionate Film Reviews , we also like to promote the biggest and best film trailers from this year's upcoming theatrical releases. Here you will find some of the most exciting clips of films, from your dramas and romantic comedies, to superhero films and biopics. Fair warning, these movie trailers may contain spoilers or give you unreasonable expectations as to the quality of the full film. UK Film Review take no responsibility as to whether these trailers are appropriate to your sensibilities. If you are looking for movies off the beaten track, check out our other movie trailers pages for short and indie films. You can find these by looking under the Film Trailers drop-down in the main navigation. There you will find some of our favourite movie trailers from filmmakers in the UK and worldwide, doing our best to support indie films. If you would like to submit your trailer, there is an option at the bottom of those pages. Don't forget to FOLLOW us on Facebook and Twitter, where we promote the latest film trailers and film reviews. Also use the YouTube button below to SUBSCRIBE to our channel, which has tons of movie trailers, vlog film reviews, and clips. All that's left to say is enjoy these trailers, share with your friends (and enemies), and come back regularly for more. Happy Gilmore 2 Official Trailer Death of a Unicorn Official Trailer In the Lost Lands Official Trailer How To Train Your Dragon Offical Trailer The Bezonians Official Trailer Streamline Spears First Date Help Official Trailer The Bad Guys Official Trailer Across the Spider-Verse Part One Trailer A Christmas Number One Official Trailer Spider-Man: No Way Home Official Trailer Eternals Final Trailer Moonfall Official Trailer Uncharted Official Trailer The Real Charlie Chaplin Official Trailer Belfast Official Trailer 2 The Batman Main Trailer Resident Evil - Welcome to Raccoon City - Official Trailer Movie Trailers to Come Looking for a reason to check back? Well, this page will promote movies for the rest of the year and we will continue to unleash them as the months progress. Many film studios release their best movie trailers near the final stages of a film's release to tie in with their marketing which builds to a crescendo, like the final third of a Marvel superhero movie! If you would like to submit a trailer for our consideration, please do so to info@ukfilmreview.co.uk . If we like what we see we may put it on one of our pages. We may also promote it on social media, because that is where people love to engage with vids and clips...but mostly of pugs. Who doesn't love pugs? Spoilers in Movie Trailers Many film lovers get in touch with us to express their outrage at firstly studios who include way too many spoilers in their marketing material, and then at us for sharing such spoilerific clips. A totally understandable and reasonable feeling, especially given the recent popularity amongst trailer makers to show footage from the final third of a film! If you think one of the movie trailers on our website contains too many spoilers, please let us know (using the usual social media platforms) and we will investigate. It may be that we grab the pitchforks and turn up at the doors of Warner Bros demanding satisfaction. It may be that we take to Twitter and bombard the film's stars with the most aggressive emojis and hashtags we can muster. Or it may be that we do absolutely nothing. Either way, you can be sure that you did your darndest to effect massive change in the world for a genuinely important cause. What is a movie trailer? A movie trailer is a promotional piece of footage compiled using scenes or sequences from a film. The movie trailer may also include additional material or music to enhance the effec for the viewer. What is the purpose of a movie trailer? Movie trailers are used to build anticipation and excitement leading up to a film's release. Often they contain elements that will particularly appeal to fans of the genre they are targeting. How long should a movie trailer be? Typical movie trailers are around 2 minutes in length. Sometimes teaser trailers are used and these can be anything from 10 seconds to 1 minute plus. How do I make a movie trailer? You will need to have the footage material from the film you are planning to make a trailer for. You should also have video editing software, music (including the licence to use it), as well as any graphics you plan to use such as intro or outro sequences.

Film Trailers Happy Gilmore 2 Official Trailer More Death of a Unicorn Official Trailer More In the Lost Lands Official Trailer More How To Train Your Dragon Offical Trailer More The Bezonians Official Trailer More Streamline More Spears More First Date More Help Official Trailer More The Bad Guys Official Trailer More Across the Spider-Verse Part One Trailer More A Christmas Number One Official Trailer More

Watch the official teaser trailer for Happy Gilmore 2. Starring Adam Sandler in the sequel to his popular golf film. . Brand new film trailers. Happy Gilmore 2 Official Trailer Tee time has officially been confirmed — HAPPY GILMORE 2 arrives on Netflix 25th July The official teaser trailer for Happy Gilmore 2! New stars swing into Happy Gilmore 2! With Sunny Sandler, Sadie Sandler, John Daly, Blake Clark, and Paige Spiranic, the cast just got a 'hole' lot bigger About HAPPY GILMORE 2: Happy Gilmore returns! DIRECTOR: Kyle Newacheck WRITERS: Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler PRODUCERS: Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy, Jack Giarraputo and Robert Simonds EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Judit Maull, Kevin Grady, Dennis Dugan, Barry Bernardi, David Bausch and Dan Bulla CAST: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, John Daly, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Conor Sherry, Ethan Cutkosky, Philip Fine Schneider, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Travis Kelce, Blake Clark, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Paige Spiranic Happy Gilmore 2 Official Trailer Watch the official teaser trailer for Happy Gilmore 2. Starring Adam Sandler in the sequel to his popular golf film. Death of a Unicorn Official Trailer Starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn is about a father (Paul Rudd) and daughter (Jenna Ortega) accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat. In the Lost Lands Official Trailer Watch the official trailer for In the Lost Lands 2025, starring Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil, The Three Musketeers) and Dave Bautista. How To Train Your Dragon Offical Trailer A brand new trailer and poster for the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON has launched, ahead of its release in UK & Irish cinemas in June. The Bezonians Official Trailer Greeks take on geezers in The Bezonians, a satirical Brit gangster thriller that gets its UK debut on DVD and digital this May from 101 Films. Streamline Dive into Streamline, an emotionally rich coming-of-age-film, and a supremely impressive directorial debut from Tyson Wade Johnston, who also penned the piece. This gritty and gripping feature is produced by Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe and stars Hollywood favourite Brit actor Jason Isaacs (The Harry Potter Franchise, Mass) is now set to wow UK audiences with its digital release on 11 April from 101 Films. Spears Watch the trailer for the indie film Spears, by filmmaker Gerard Lough. For more of the latest film trailers visit UK Film Review. First Date Check out the trailer for 101 Films' First Date. Help Official Trailer Help from filmmaker Blake Ridder releases official trailer. Watch the trailer for Help from filmmaker Blake Ridder. The Bad Guys Official Trailer DreamWorks launch official trailer for The Bad Guys. Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys. Across the Spider-Verse Part One Trailer Following the huge success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this trailer for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Part One comes as no surprise but is certainly welcome. A Christmas Number One Official Trailer A Sky Original, A Christmas Number One is produced by Sky, Genesius Pictures, Lupus Films and Space Age Films. It will be available on Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW from 10 December. Spider-Man: No Way Home Official Trailer Currently slated for a UK release of December 15th, Spider-Man fans across the world were rocked with this official trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Eternals Final Trailer Directed by Chloé Zhao, the saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. Moonfall Official Trailer Directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley, Moonfall is currently scheduled for a cinematic release in the UK in February 2022. Uncharted Official Trailer From Sony Pictures UK, check out the official first trailer for the highly-anticipated UNCHARTED, based on the hugely popular video game franchise of the same name. The Real Charlie Chaplin Official Trailer The Real Charlie Chaplin is an Archer’s Mark, Passion Pictures and Smaller Biggie production, in association with Ventureland and Fee Fie Foe. Belfast Official Trailer 2 From lauded director Kenneth Branagh, and starring an acclaimed ensemble cast, Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory, set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. The Batman Main Trailer Currently expected for a March 2022 release, The Batman (2022) starring Robert Pattinson is one of the most anticipated films of next year. Warner Bros dropped The Batman Main Trailer and DC fans have gone crazy with excitement. Resident Evil - Welcome to Raccoon City - Official Trailer The official first trailer and poster for RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY, the much-anticipated action horror based on the iconic videogame franchise, coming to cinemas 3 December.

Fade In: To Murder film review by UK film critic Chris Buick. Starring Sherice Banton, Simon Crudginton, Adrian Dobson directed by Declan Smith. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Fade In: To Murder Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Chris Buick | Posted on: Mar 17, 2025 Directed by: Declan Smith Written by: Declan Smith Starring: Sherice Banton, Simon Crudginton, Adrian Dobson In filmmaker Declan Smith’s Fade In: To Murder , film festival organiser Martin Hughes (Dobson) is found murdered in the middle of his own festival. Luckily, method actor Grace Goodman (Banton) is on hand to step in and help solve the crime. It might not have all the twists, turns and turbulence of an Agatha Christie classic, but with a company of colourful characters, a unique setting and of course, a murder, Fade In: To Murder is a fun poke at the murder mystery genre that still has quite a bit going for it. Fade In: To Murder is much less a whodunnit, but more a whydunnit. The who, the when and the how are all revealed very early on, and in some ways flipping the whole thing on its head still carves an interesting path for the film to follow, letting us know its secrets beforehand and inviting us to stick around and see how it will all play out. Choosing to set such a high-stakes scenario within something as mundane as a low-key film festival also grants the film a kind of hilarious absurdity which allows one to warm to this film rather easily. But even so, seeing the crime play out in full within the opening few minutes somewhat hobbles the film in realising its full potential for suspense and shocks, not to mention slightly wasting the film's interesting and varied cast of characters that could have made up quite an entertaining gallery of potential suspects for Grace to interrogate. So instead, the majority of the film is set in the aftermath, mostly playing out Grace’s very own “just one more thing” dénouement, which oddly despite its limited revelations, actually comes together fairly well. Banton laps up their Columbo moment with relish, leaning into the dramatic and ridiculous that culminates any good murder mystery. Others such as main suspect William (Crudginton) wear the guilt-soaked desperation well and as motives become clearer, that is where the film, and Banton in particular, hit their stride. As well as including the aforementioned staples of any good whodunnit, the film also boasts a snappy pace and score that puts you right into that lovely whodunnit mindset, ready for a mystery to be unravelled. And while it might not be the most suspenseful crime fiction, Fade In: To Murder has indubitable quality in technical filmmaking feeling slick and zippy throughout, making it just a really fun watch. About the Film Critic Chris Buick Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Run To The River film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Tinni Roy, Poonam Saha, Uma Banerjee, Swaraj Chakrabart directed by Anuparna Roy. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Run To The River Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Mar 16, 2025 Directed by: Anuparna Roy Written by: Anuparna Roy Starring: Tinni Roy, Poonam Saha, Uma Banerjee, Swaraj Chakrabart A young girl in British Bengal sees her life change when her parents marry her to an older man during hard times. There is a revolution of fire taking hold in British Bengal, and while the movers and the shakers are busy making power grabs in amongst all of the chaos, the local people are having to endure less money, less food, and more difficult living conditions. Even though she tries to do well for her family, and is still underage, Pakhi’s (Roy) parents have decided to marry her to an older man in return for a dowry. Pakhi is still very young, and she seeks guidance from an older widow, Khandi (Saha) as well as listening to the story her mother tells her, of the beautiful natural purity of the river. Pakhi’s longing to see the river one day is a guiding light for her, especially when she finds out that marriage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sadly, a life out beyond the boundaries of her existence, outside the vicinity of her parents’ home or her husband’s compound, will only ever be a dream to her. As the burning revolution takes place all around, Pakhi must deal with her own rights being forever ignored. From writer/director, Anuparna Roy, Run To The River takes us on Pakhi’s journey, settling us into her life and her relationships while she waits for destiny to come for her. At twenty-six minutes there’s plenty of time for this to happen, as well as for some nice establishing shots of life in the Bengal countryside. The dialogue itself is actually pretty sparse, and a lot of the narrative comes from the situations we see on-screen, detailing the daily lives of the people on the land. While this might at first seem like it keeps Run To The River a little light on story, it’s the context that matters, and Roy creates acres of space for her story to grow into from the time we spend witnessing Pakhi’s life turn around. There’s a strong sense of authenticity in Run To The River , which Roy has been careful to collect and curate in her depiction of rural life at the time. Managing to convince people from her own village to participate in the film, Roy encapsulates the story she knows so well and shows it as close to how she knows it to be through her camera. There’s an other-worldly nature to the film, which opens up a window to somewhere most of us have never been, and shows us in great, gentle detail how life there took shape. In an almost documentary type manner, we’re asked to peek into Pakhi’s life as she goes through a traditional rite of passage, all the while there’s revolution happening in the background. There’s real depth to Run To The River , with layers of story being piled upon the youngster who is coming-of-age, and big themes getting expressed in a real-world setting. Roy’s visual storytelling helps pull all of this together into the frame, and despite a rather leisurely pace and gentle feel, there’s real horrifying truths being shared across the camera. Run To The River showcases a real talent for visual language from the filmmakers, transporting the viewer into Pakhi’s life for a short half-hour, and allowing us to live there with her, even if we are then left forever dreaming of a far-away river we may never get to. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Wrists Tied film review by UK film critic James Learoyd. Starring Beckett Nichols, Hank Holbrook, Sam Teague, Calvin Lewis directed by Joseph Jeavons. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Wrists Tied Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Mar 15, 2025 Directed by: Joseph Jeavons Written by: Joseph Jeavons, Owen Swift Starring: Beckett Nichols, Hank Holbrook, Sam Teague, Calvin Lewis Wrists Tied is an amusing new crime-comedy short from director Joseph Jeavons. It tells a story of two young guys – Melvin (Beckett Nichols) and Doug (Hank Holbrook) –who have been friends since childhood. After some failed business ventures, Melvin concludes that he’d like to get involved with a Get Rich Quick Scheme; this, however, quickly turns out to be a front for some kooky criminals wishing to rob banks. While Melvin is still willing to go along with the scheme, Doug is more sceptical and refuses to proceed. What follows is a watchable and humorous tale of corruption, betrayal, and leg hair. There’s a unique mixture of comedy styles present in this short film. For instance, much of the overall tone is reminiscent of a John Hughes style of youthful humour. The boys naturally joke back and forth, toeing the line between endearing and annoying. At the end of the day, this is a comedy; we’re meant to laugh at and with these characters as well as the absurdity of the scenario. The best jokes in the movie are more visual. To provide an example, at one point Doug phones Melvin while Melvin is at one of the criminal meetings. He lies about this, pretending he’s home and that his mother’s calling him. When we cut back to Doug and the camera pans over, it turns out that Doug is stood outside the meeting. “I’ve always known”, he says – an advancement of the plot, and a great punchline. This temperament of depicting young, disillusioned people turning to crime – not because there are no other options but simply because it is an option – is very reminiscent of what feels like this movie’s main inspiration: Wes Anderson’s short (and later debut feature) Bottle Rocket . Jeavons’ film does an amazing job at replicating, and paying homage to, Anderson’s classic comedy – particularly through how the friendships and comradery are placed at the forefront of the story's focus. I’d like to talk a bit about the difference between editing and structure. From an editorial standpoint, this is a really well-put-together piece. But sometimes, for whatever reason, the film feels as if it lacks focus. This is a consistently well-cut movie; it’s the scenarios and the dialogue which occasionally cause the film’s pace to meander. For instance, the first few minutes of the runtime work well to establish the crux of the story: this friendship. And yet, its overly plotty, explanatory “1 Year Later” structure (so to show that Melvin’s hypothetical business isn’t working out) could have been achieved smoothly in less time. Only to say that – while this short is terrifically entertaining – when it lacks propulsion, it’s more due to the overall structure. The cutting feels just about right. Wrists Tied is an immensely enjoyable watch. While the cinematography has its flaws – specifically the use of autofocus settings – there are still plenty of interesting shots on show. This film was made by people who know movies, and understand the rhythms, patterns, and visual traits of the good ones (Bottle Rocket as the prime example). It’s an absurdly endearing work from beginning to end, made by creatives at the beginning of a promising career. About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Amaterasu film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Wingsze Chung, Ankit Chawla, Ashutoshkumar Jha) directed by Kate Moore. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Amaterasu Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Mar 14, 2025 Directed by: Kate Moore Written by: Kate Moore Starring: Wingsze Chung, Ankit Chawla, Ashutoshkumar Jha) Kate Moore’s Amaterasu is an imaginative retelling of the Japanese myth of a sun goddess. It is an admirable lower-budget effort from the filmmakers – restrained by its budgetary constrictions but still managing to hit some visually-interesting highs with solid costume design and bookend shadow-play sequences. The film is a short retelling of the Amaterasu myth. It follows the fallout of the titular sun goddess (Wingsze Chung) and siblings Tsukuyomi (Ankit Chawla) and Susanoo (Ashutoshkumar Jha). Sure to relay powerful messages about inner light and the importance of balance, the grace of the goddess eventually overcomes a coming darkness. Amaterasu is a scrappy short film with a lot of rough edges, but there’s areas were the production values it demonstrates are genuinely impressive. The opening and closing shadow sequences, whilst a rather simple technique, stand out as unique and aligned to the film’s themes of light and darkness. Wingsze Chung’s silky and fluid movements bring an ethereal quality to her character, an otherworldliness that carries over when the film switches to a more traditional drama. The costume design and makeup efforts are another triumph, helping the film transport the viewer back to ancient Japan. The lower budget and grassroots production do end up hurting the film elsewhere. Performances from the cast are quite wooden and one senses little chemistry between them – perhaps this was a result of an attempt to portray these mythical, god figures as mysterious beings but ends in stilted interactions and general awkwardness. Those unfamiliar with the myth beforehand may also struggle to gain follow the story and meaning behind some of the characters. A short runtime (the film is only 6 minutes long) is a similar throttle that prevents much depth behind the characters from being established. Myths and fables tend to be more focused on meaning, themes and allegories – and so the story of Amaterasu and the intended message of the timeless Japanese myth is able to be realised within the film. However, most viewers will expect meatier characters even with this in mind, particularly with regards to the motivations for the divide between ‘light’ and ‘dark’. These issues are more than hiccups and do derail the efforts of the filmmakers, though it should be said that the overall intention of the film and the message it wants to convey still come through quite strongly. Bringing to life Japanese mythology is no easy feat and is an underexplored area for many western audiences, so viewers will find something original and engaging in the setting and story. Much like its starring subject, the light in this film does find its way through. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Flying film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Rebecca Baker, Cohen Rowland, Josh Beckman, Harrison Metcalf directed by Jack Stockley. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Flying Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Mar 14, 2025 Directed by: Jack Stockley Written by: Jack Stockley Starring: Rebecca Baker, Cohen Rowland, Josh Beckman, Harrison Metcalf A short drama written and directed by Jack Stockley and starring Rebecca Baker, Cohen Rowland, Josh Beckman and Harrison Metcalf. A mother-and-son story. This film tenderly explores the relationship between a woman (Baker) and her son. During its three-minute duration, the screenplay begins with the woman and her teenaged son (Rowland) sitting together in their garden, having a drink. The mother then proceeds to ask her boy what kind of superpower would he like to have, leading to a light-hearted conversation about having superpowers, until she reveals what power she would want. The film then swiftly moves forward in time, with the now grown-up son (Beckman) performing a special act for his mother, along with his son (Metcalf). A three-minute-long film that manages to be very dramatic during its short duration, telling a story that is poignant but heart-warming. The first two minutes or so focus on exploring the characters (mother and son) and the loving relationship they have between them, with a conversation about having superpowers and being wealthy, before ending with the woman telling her boy her desired superpower, which leads to the second part, where her son is now a parent himself and his mother's wanted power takes a different meaning. When her wish is (in certain ways) honoured, it makes for a very powerful and moving moment. From start to finish, the narrative is accompanied by a dramatic and mesmerising score, created thanks to the work of composer Tom Rackham and Rosie Langley, who adds wonderful melodies with the violin and viola. In addition to writing a strong script, Stockley also excels with the directing, developing some superb shots of landscapes. Does this short have any flaws? The acting is outstanding, the music is terrific and the screenplay is very direct regarding the themes that it explores. With these in mind, there are no sugmgested issed improvements. All four protagonists play their part very convincingly. Concentrating on the first part, with the woman and her young son, Baker and Rowland effectively create a strong and friendly mother-and-son bond, where the mother is trying to communicate something significant to her child. Then, in the second part, many years later, Beckman and Metcalf are father-and-son, their loving relationship evident and so is the father's understanding of his mother's wish. Stockley made this film as an homage to his late mother and motherhood is a major theme in this short, as is mother-and-son and father-and-son relationships and parenthood. Loss is also explored heavily, along with the impact people can have on others that remains with them after they are gone. Stockley has created a powerful film that deserves a great deal of commendations. It will most likely move the viewer and encourage them to cherish their loved ones. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol directed by Peter Browngardt. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Mar 13, 2025 Directed by: Peter Browngardt Written by: Kevin Costello, Alex Kirwan, Peter Browngardt Starring: Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol I am not what you would call a Looney Tunes fan. Writer/director Peter Browngardt and co-writers Kevin Costello and Alex Kirwan (along with a writing team of at least a dozen) clearly are. Their animated feature The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie delivers looney adventures that are hard to deny. Essentially an odd couple buddy picture, the film follows Porky Pig and Daffy Duck as their live progress from youngsters with their beloved Farmer Jim, to adults with a problem. On the one hand, the problem is the hole that alien space pod left in their roof. On the other hand: ALIEN SPACE POD?!!! Though a bizarre tone and a wild variety of animation styles entertains, the film’s a tad slow moving at first. But once the bubblegum monster shows up, things get pretty fun. Eric Bauza voices both Daffy and Porky without losing any of the character that made the two popular in the early going. Daffy, that chaos agent, is delivered with the love and lunacy necessary not only to do justice to his long history of animated disruption, but to serve a real narrative purpose. Because Porky, upon meeting the weird but efficient Petunia Pig (Candi Milo), begins to crave the kind of life you can have without a buddy who uses an oversized mallet to solve problems. Browngardt makes sure you’re emotionally conflicted. That’s pretty impressive, really. But mainly, he and his animation team make sure you’re entertained with clever sight gags, surprising humor, fascinating animation, and a fun B-movie vibe. It gets weird, this one. But when the chips are down and the gum zombies are chewin’, these two will rise to the occasion. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, Animation < All Reviews Next Film Review >