High-Rise

My review of the unmissable High-Rise can be found above, this review first appeared in the March issue of Sussex Life.

Mark Kermode: Live in 3D

Film conversation is a notoriously difficult subject to negotiate, balancing in depth knowledge with universal appeal requires shrewd dexterity that is nothing short of infectious when witnessed. Mark Kermode: Live in 3D adeptly manages to combine these two crucial elements resulting in a joyous evening of cine-literate wonderment. Those familiar with Kermode's work can expect his usual trademark verve - reeling off insightful critiques alongside a breadth of trivia that would put most to cinephiles to shame.

Audience led questioning makes for a uniquely fresh experience each time, with this particular event navigating an encompassing range of topics from dissecting the genius of Will Poulter to the futile remake of adrenaline pumping thriller Point Break. Questions can be sent in before hand via Twitter using the hash-tag MK3D or asked live on the evening.

The surprise guest appearance of Elvis super fan and all round nice guy Sanjeev Bhaskar was a cherry topping highlight, which saw Sanjeev deliver a proficiently passionate defence of The King's acting prowess that instantaneously made me contemplate which Presley box set to buy first.

There are four distinct categories covered throughout the ninety minute event, these include Q&A, Listography, Guilty Pleasures, and Sound and Vision each set to absorbing film clips and lively debate. Held at the prestigious BFI Southbank Mark Kermode: Live in 3D is set to become a routinely sold out monthly event which is a bona-fide must see treat for any discerning film fan.

Goosebumps

Causing sleepless nights for a generation of terrified school children, R L Stine’s monstrous creations have been resurrected from literary limbo for a contemporary update.

My full review of Goosebumps can be found here:

http://www.sussexlife.co.uk/people/goosebumps_film_review_1_4412953

Macbeth

My review of the bracingly contemporary Macbeth can be found above, this review first appeared in the October issue of Sussex Life.

The Revenant

A gruelling survival western that grapples with the unbreakable extremity of human will, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant is a visceral throat-grabbing trek through the frostbitten wilderness. Current Oscar favourite Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the gruffly bearded Hugh Glass, a legendary nineteenth century frontiersman who miraculously sustained a viscously savage bear attack whilst aiding a military fur-trapping expedition. Physicality is an imperative corner stone throughout The Revenant - from snow dense wintry terrain to hellishly embattled performances - it is etched upon every glacially aesthetic frame. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki captures the relentless brutality of humanity and nature with tension rising tracking shots that culminate in transformative viewing. Leaving a sub-zero sentiment long after the credits have rolled this seething tale of unyielding revenge and spiritual redemption is a punishing spectacle.

Rating: 15

Running Time: 156 mins

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, Paul Anderson, Lukas Haas

Grandma

                                                                                                                                                                                  

My review of the acerbically feisty Grandma can be found over on The Fan Carpet:

http://thefancarpet.com/reviews/grandma/

Krampus

                                                                                                                                                           
My review of the devilishly frosty Krampus is now available online:

http://www.sussexlife.co.uk/people/krampus_film_review_1_4341146