The Olympics, The Paralympics, Wimbledon; we all recognise that sport unites. In a thick haze of testosterone and adrenaline, Poppy Stockell’s Scrum documents sportsmanship and unity in a whole new light. Meet the Sydney Convicts, rugby champions and devotees. The film’s USP? Well, these athletes are not just hard-core sportsmen, but a diverse bunch of homosexuals. … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: July 2015
Welcome to Me.
Kristen Wiig’s performance in The Skeleton Twins mesmerised me at last year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. She returns this year in Welcome to Me – a satirical comedy about the narcissism of American daytime television culture by director Shira Piven. Maintaining a constant absurdity but also delighting with some serious straight-faced, dry wit, Welcome to Me is a … Continue reading
Best of Enemies.
On several occasions in 1968, two profound intellectuals came together to debate and discuss the social and political issues of the time. Televised nationally, these ferocious encounters quickly became explosive verbal battles. In one corner, Gore Vidal – prolific American writer who associated with left-wing politics and broke down sexual taboos in his controversial but … Continue reading
Ant-Man.
After both the colossal size and success of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel and Disney now return with their second annual contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the form of Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man. Originally the project remained a labour of love for British writers Edgar Wright and the lesser known – but equally promising … Continue reading
Maggie.
Henry Hobson’s debut Maggie is an indie zombie-drama about an unshakeable bond between a father and daughter. We first meet Midwest farmer Wade as he’s searching for his oldest child. Once reunited we quickly learn that he’s been looking for her for a fortnight. His efforts to bring his daughter home pay off, but only temporarily. … Continue reading
Inside Out.
Pixar’s prominence within contemporary mainstream animation film is undeniable. Now, secured against the thick belt around the glutinous belly of Disney there have been concerns about the animation studio having peaked. With flat sequels like Cars 2 seeming to prove this theory, it’s been a concern for many of us that Pixar’s golden years may … Continue reading
She’s Funny That Way.
She’s Funny That Way follows in the success of Birdman, another comedy about the chaos of putting on a theatre piece. Unlike the Oscar hit, the new film from Peter Bogdanovich spends more time outside the theatre than in it; back-tracking through the earlier moments in the lives of all involved. Like a bad Woody … Continue reading
Love and Mercy.
A musical biopic with a twist, Love and Mercy portrays The Beach Boys genius Brian Wilson at two different points in his life. A younger Wilson (played by the terrific Paul Dano) struggles to lead the band in an agreed direction. Trying to create great, innovative music whilst dealing with signs of concerning mental health problems … Continue reading
Amy.
As so many had to be with the singer herself, be patient with Amy. Spanning over two hours, Asif Kapadia’s new documentary explores the life and career of jazz singer Amy Winehouse. Incorporating archive footage, home movies and voice-over interviews with those entangled in her life, Amy focussed on the talent and troubles that consumed the … Continue reading
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