Category: Movies

Steven Spielberg returning to science fiction was always going to invite comparisons with Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Disclosure Day does little to discourage them. Yet rather than making the alien encounter itself the centrepiece, Spielberg and screenwriter David Koepp build their film around the far more human question of what happens when the existence of extraterrestrial life can no longer be kept secret. Cybersecurity specialist Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) discovers evidence that the government and the mysterious Wardex organisation have been hiding the truth, prompting him to go on the run with Jane (Eve Hewson). At the same time, meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) begins experiencing inexplicable phenomena that draw her into Daniel’s increasingly dangerous mission. Colin Firth makes for an imposing adversary as Wardex chief Noah Scanlon, while Colman Domingo brings an intriguing ambiguity to the role of Hugo Wakefield. The premise gives Spielberg plenty of room to explore questions of faith, trust, empathy and humanity’s ability to deal with information that could fundamentally alter its understanding of the world. Continue reading “Disclosure Day review (4K)”

Lee Cronin made a strong impression on the horror genre with Evil Dead Rise, and Lee Cronin’s The Mummy immediately signals that this is not intended to be another traditional take on the famous wrapped monster. Instead, this Warner Bros. production turns its premise into a dark supernatural possession story, following journalist Charlie Cannon, his wife Larissa and their family after their daughter Katie disappears in Egypt. Eight years later, Katie is found alive inside an ancient sarcophagus, wrapped in deteriorating burial cloths and carrying far more than the trauma of her disappearance back into the family home. It is an intriguing setup, and the Egyptian mythology, ancient languages and mystery surrounding Katie’s return provide the film with some genuinely interesting ideas to explore. Continue reading “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy review (4K)”

Michael is the kind of music biopic that arrives with an almost impossible task ahead of it. Michael Jackson’s life was extraordinary, hugely influential and undeniably complicated, and Antoine Fuqua’s film chooses to focus primarily on the years that transformed him from the gifted young lead singer of the Jackson 5 into the world’s biggest pop star. Beginning in Gary, Indiana in 1966 and following Michael through his childhood and early solo success, the film frames his difficult relationship with his controlling father Joseph as its central source of dramatic conflict. It’s an accessible and often entertaining approach, but also a noticeably safe one. Michael largely celebrates the legend rather than interrogating him, and while that makes for a crowd-pleasing experience filled with familiar songs and iconic moments, it often feels more like a lavishly produced greatest-hits collection than a truly probing portrait of the man behind the music. Continue reading “Michael review (4K)”

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie had the unenviable task of following one of the most successful video game adaptations ever made, and while it doesn’t quite recapture the freshness of its predecessor, it still delivers an energetic family adventure that’s packed with charm, humor and enough Nintendo fan service to keep longtime fans grinning from beginning to end. Rather than simply retelling the Galaxy games, the film uses them as inspiration for a sprawling space adventure in which Mario, Luigi, Peach and their friends set out to rescue Rosalina after Bowser Jr. launches a galaxy-spanning plan to free his father. Along the way, the movie expands the Mario universe with new locations, familiar faces and a surprising number of references to Nintendo’s wider history. The biggest weakness is that its relentless pace sometimes comes at the expense of storytelling, with several character arcs and emotional moments feeling a little rushed before the film races toward its next spectacular set piece. Continue reading “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie review (4K)”

Warner Bros. brings A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Complete First Season to 4K Ultra HD with a release that does justice to one of the most unexpectedly refreshing entries in the ever-expanding Game of Thrones universe. Rather than chasing the sprawling politics, dragon battles and apocalyptic stakes that defined its predecessors, this adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight embraces a far more intimate adventure, following the unlikely partnership between Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg. It’s a notable tonal shift that won’t appeal to everyone immediately, but one that ultimately gives the series an identity all of its own. Continue reading “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review (4K)”