Tag: Review
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La La Land.
A mere two years since Damien Chazelle scooped up several Oscars with Whiplash – only his second feature film – the director returns with La La Land, looking set to dominate next month’s award ceremony. Starring Ryan Gosling’s charm and Emma Stone’s charisma, La La Land is set in contemporary Hollywood and follows two frustrated artists who find refuge in one…
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Manchester by the Sea.
Following the death of his brother, a handy man residing in Boston must return to his hometown to oversee arrangements for the funeral, as well as the aftercare of his nephew. Lee is insular and isolated, highlighted through the crisp white snow we see him shovelling in the film’s opening scenes. He is often wrapped…
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My Favourite Films of 2016.
In comparison to the year before, 2016 has provided me with much easier access to great cinema. With an independent picture house on my doorstep and through my work at Sheffield Doc/Fest, I’ve been able to indulge in a vast array of astounding films, particularly documentary. Two of the hits from Doc/Fest 2016 have made…
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The Worst Films of 2016.
This year’s worst selection come mainly from the art house scene with only a few mainstream features making an appearance. As usual my list is a mixture of the technically flawed and those that personally offended, outraged or irritated. Some commit the sin of dullness, others are awkwardly amateur, others deeply disappoint. Some may come…
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Director Gareth Edwards leads us directly into Lucas’s original trilogy with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It’s the tale of the rebels responsible for getting the plans for the Death Star into the hands of Princess Leia. This is also the first expansion of what was once George Lucas’s – now Disney’s – universe…
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Chi-Raq
Adapting Greek comedy to the bloody streets of Chicago, Spike Lee has reignited a flame that burns as brightly as ever. Back on top of his game, Lee brings us Chi-Raq, a satirical tale of gang war, sex and the power of both. Frustrated and infuriated at the innocent lives being taken amidst the raging…
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Moana.
From the creators of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid comes Moana, Disney’s latest animated treasure. Daughter of the village chief, Moana resides on the idyllic island of Motunui where her people live off the land in paradisiacal surroundings. As a toddler, Moana is chosen by the sea, leaving her with a constant longing to explore…
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
This review must begin with a confession: I am a Potter-head; an old school one at that. Over the last 18 years I have revisited all 7 books and 8 films multiple times and spent many a car journey and restless night with Stephen Fry perfectly delivering each story from cassette (later CD) to my…
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Arrival.
Sequels and remakes dominate our cinemas, with the likes of Harry Potter, Captain America and James Bond returning again and again for their guaranteed financial success. Sequels start to worry me once we venture outside of the franchise format. With Ridley Scott’s Prometheus having lacked the charm and intelligence of Alien, the announcement of Blade…
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Nocturnal Animals.
Various film posters adorn the walls of my bedroom and have done for the last ten years. I currently have seven framed prints in my room and back at my parent’s house my previous bedroom still features colossal framed images of Rear Window, Sleeper, Blade Runner and Raise the Red Lantern. Next to my expansive…
Hannah McHaffie 