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Free Fire (Blu-ray Review) – Armie Hammer & co. have a shootout & a half

August 13, 2017 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Starring: Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley, Brie Larson, Sam Riley, Jack Reynor
Director: Ben Wheatley
Running Time: 91 mins
Certificate: 15
Release Date: August 7th 2017 (UK)

After the complex and rather operatic JG Ballard adaptation High-Rise, Ben Wheatley has gone for something that’s far simpler in terms of plot, but perhaps just as complicated in terms of technical execution with Free Fire.

It’s the 1970s, and in a warehouse in Boston a group of American are hoping to sell some Irish men some guns. Things are already a little tense and distrustful when it’s revealed the weapons aren’t the exact ones ordered, but things get completely out of hand when one of the Yanks realises one of the Irish guys is the man who assaulted his cousin the night before. [Read more…]

Free Fire Trailer – Ben Wheatley returns with Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy and Armie Hammer

September 10, 2016 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Ben Wheatley made a big splash with the low budget Kill List, Sightseers and A Field In England, before getting a bit more cash and a starrier cast for the recent High-Rise. Now he’s returning with Free Fire, starring Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Jack Reynor, Babou Ceesay, Enzo Cilenti, Sam Riley, Michael Smiley and Noah Taylor.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘Justine (Brie Larson) has brokered a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two Irishmen (Cillian Murphy, Michael Smiley) and a gang led by Vernon (Sharlto Copley) and Ord (Armie Hammer) who are selling them a stash of guns. But when shots are fired in the handover, a heart stopping game of survival ensues.’

Take a look at the trailer below. Free Fire receives its World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival on 9th September, its European Premiere at the London Film Festival on 16th October and opens nationwide across the UK on 31st March 2017. [Read more…]

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ACTORS: Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Jack Reynor, Babou Ceesay, Enzo Cilenti, Sam Riley, Michael Smiley, Noah Taylor DIRECTORS: Ben Wheatley FILMS: Free Fire

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (Blu-ray Review)

June 28, 2016 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Starring: Lily James, Sam Riley, Matt Smith, Douglas Booth, Jack Huston
Director: Burr Steers
Running Time: 107 mins
Certificate: 15
Release Date: June 27th 2016 (UK)

Jane Austen gets an undead mash-up in the film version of Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel, which took the original text of Pride & Prejudice and added in a whole lot of zombies. The movie has had a somewhat troubled history, with various directors and actors coming and going, and with the whole thing looking like they’d given up on it several times. However, finally Lionsgate got it in the can with Burr Steers (Charlie St. Cloud) directing and Lily James and Sam Riley starring.

As you would expect, the Bennet sisters are living in Hertfordshire, with their mother keen to marry them off to eligible men. While Lydia, Mary and Kitty seem keen to take any suitable gent, Elizabeth (James) is more headstrong and independent. While fending off the advances of Parson Collins (Matt Smith), she meets the exceedingly rich Darcy (Riley), who she takes an immediate dislike to, seeing him as rude, judgemental and unpleasant. [Read more…]

Michael Pitt Will Get Villainous Opposite Scarlett Johansson In Ghost in the Shell

February 6, 2016 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

A while ago it seemed that the live-action Hollywood version of Ghost In The Shell was moving full steam ahead and was poised to start shooting. However they them applied the breaks slightly, but it’s still on its way, and it’s just gotten a bump with the news, via THR, that Michael Pitt will play the villain.

It appears he’s replacing Sam Riley, who was previously attached to play the role. It’s not clear whether that means Riley is out of the film completely, or whether earlier reports about the role he was up for were incorrect. The film will follow a female special ops cyborg (Scarlett Johansson) who leads a fictional counter-cyberterrorist organization called Public Security Section 9 for Hanka Robotics. The unit is devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, led by The Laughing Man (Pitt), who will stop at nothing to destroy Hanka’s advancements in cyber technology.

Rupert Sanders (Snow While And The Huntsman) is set to direct, and hopes to start shooting in New Zealand at the end of the month. A March 2017 release is currently set.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Michael Pitt, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Riley DIRECTORS: Rupert Sanders FILMS: Ghost In The Shell

Sam Riley In Talks To Star Opposite Scarlett Johansson In Live-Action Ghost in the Shell

November 21, 2015 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

For a few years now a live-action movie version of the beloved mange Ghost In The Shell has slowly been being put together in Hollywood. Last year it Rupert Sanders (Snow While And The Huntsman) to direct and Scarlett Johansson to star, but it’s only in the last few months things have really kicked up a gear, with a March 2017 release date set, and Pilou Asbæk given a major role.

Now it may have found its villain, as Deadline reports that Sam Riley is in talks for the movie. No deal has been made yet and there’s a possibility it could fall through, but it appears both sides want to make it happen.

The filme will follow ‘a female special ops cyborg (Johansson) who leads a fictional counter-cyberterrorist organization called Public Security Section 9 for Hanka Robotics. The unit is devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, led by The Laughing Man (Riley) who will stop at nothing to destroy Hanka’s advancements in cyber technology.’

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Sam Riley, Scarlett Johansson DIRECTORS: Rupert Sanders FILMS: Ghost In The Shell

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies UK Trailer – Lily James takes on the Jane Austen classic (plus the undead)

October 9, 2015 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

After an eternity in pre-production, with an endless series of directors and actors coming and going, and the whole thing looking like it was going to be abandoned at several points, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is finally on its way.

The first UK trailer and poster have now arrived, which you can see above and below.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES is a fresh twist on Jane Austen’s widely celebrated novel. A mysterious plague has fallen upon 19th century England, the land is overrun with the undead and feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is a master of martial arts and weaponry. Casting aside personal and social prejudices, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy must unite on the blood-soaked battlefield to rid the country of the zombie menace and discover their true love for one another.’

Lily James and Sam Riley play Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, with Bella Heathcote, Jack Huston, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Charles Dance, and Lena Headey also starring.

The film will be released by Lionsgate UK in cinemas across the UK & Ireland on Friday 12th February 2016. [Read more…]

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Lily James, Sam Riley, Bella Heathcote, Jack Huston, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Charles Dance, Lena Heade DIRECTORS: Burr Steers FILMS: Pride And Prejudice And Zombies

Suite Francaise Trailer – Michelle Williams deals with the German invasion of France

October 24, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Many of the films hoping for Oscar nominations are already busy jostling for position, but now we get one that may be up for BAFTAs next year, but without a confirmed 2014 US release set, may not be up for the Oscars. The film is Suite Francaise, which has just released its first trailer.

Based on the best-selling book by Irene Nemirovsky and set during the German occupation of France in the 1940’s, Suite Française tells the story of Lucille Angellier (Michelle Williams) as she awaits news from her husband, a prisoner of war.

As Parisian refugees pour into their small town, soon followed by a regiment of German soldiers who take up residence in the villagers’ homes, Lucile’s life is turned upside down – further complicated by the arrival of refined German officer, Bruno (Matthias Schoenaerts).

The movie is due out January 23rd 2015 in the UK. [Read more…]

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Michelle Williams, Matthias Schoenaerts, Margot Robbie, Ruth Wilson, Sam Riley, Kristin Scott Thomas DIRECTORS: Saul Dibb FILMS: Suite Francaise

Lily James & Sam Riley To Lead Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

August 4, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Like the main threat in its storyline, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies refuses to die, as after numerous casts, directors and screenwriters, a September shoot date has been set and Lily James, Sam Riley and Bella Heathcote are set to star, with Jack Huston likely to join them, according to Deadline.

The film rights to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies were sold back in 2009 when Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel was published. Since then helmers such as David O’Russell, Craig Gillespie and Mike White have come and gone, and everyone from Emma Stone to Natalie Portman has been up for the female lead.

Now though Lily James will play Elizabeth Bennett, with Sam Riley taking on the role of Mr. Darcy and Bella Heathcote as Elizabeth’s sister. Grahame-Smith’s book is a retelling of Pride & Prejudice, which keeps much of Jane Austen’s original text, but adds in a zombie apocalypse to give the classic love story an extra bit of zing.

Burr Steers directs, with the film expected to be in cinemas next year.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Sam Riley, Lily James, Bella Heathcote DIRECTORS: Burr Steers FILMS: Pride And Prejudice And Zombies

Maleficent (Cinema Review)

May 28, 2014 By Stephen Sclater Leave a Comment

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton, Sam Riley
Director: Robert Stromberg
Running Time: 97 mins
Certificate: PG
Release Date: May 28th 2014 (UK)

At long last one of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2014 has arrived. However it’s one of those films that could either have been excellent or a total mess. Thankfully Maleficent is in fact magnificent!

Disney has released a few very expensive live-action movie in the Spring and Summer in the last few years – Alice In Wonderland, John Carter, Lone Ranger etc – some more successful than others. However this time they will have the jackpot, despite a budget of an estimated $200M. If there’s any justice Maleficent will make that back in spades. [Read more…]

Maleficent Character Posters Show Off Sam Riley, Sharlto Copley, Angelina Jolie & More

May 5, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Understandably most of the marketing for Maleficent has concentrated on the title character, as played by Angelina Jolie. However there are plenty more characters in this reinvention of the classic Sleeping Beauty.

To prove it comes a selection of character posters showing off Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), King Stefan (Sharlto Copley), Diaval (Sam Riley), the Pixies (Juno Temple, Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville) and Maleficent herself.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘From Disney comes “Maleficent”—the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land.

‘Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.’

It’s due in cinemas at the end of the month.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Sam Riley, Sharlto Copley, Angelina Jolie DIRECTORS: Robert Stromberg FILMS: Maleficent