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Certificate: PG Running time: 112 minutes  Directed by: Rich Moore and Phil Johnston. What’s it about: The sequel to 2012’s Wreck It Ralph sees Ralph and Vanellope risk it all by travelling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part that will save Vanellope’s video game ‘Sugar Rush.’ The verdict: I loved Wreck It Ralph so I was really looking forward to seeing this sequel. And for me, Ralph Breaks the Internet definitely didn’t disappoint. Ralph Breaks the Internet is a colourful, fun and really watchable film and fans of the previous film will love it.  The film reunites all the previous film’s characters and as before, the cast is great. The story feels really current and relevant but what I really liked was how much this is a film about friendship. It’s about having a best friend and how special that relationship is. It also explores how hard it can be to let someone go and how it’s important not to let friendships turn toxic. In this way I f...

Certificate: 12A Running time: 133 minutes  Directed by: David Yates. What’s it about: The second instalment in the Fantastic Beasts film series sees Albus Dumbledore enlist the help of Newt Scamander to help thwart dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald’s plans to subjugate all non-magical beings. The verdict: As a disclaimer, before I start this review, I feel that I should point out that I am a massive Potterhead. Thus I will primarily be reviewing this film as a fan. However I will try to consider the film from a non fan’s perspective as well. So with that being said, did I enjoy Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald? I can tell you that the answer is an resounding YES! Interestingly, just before I went into the cinema, I read some less than complimentary headlines about the film. With that in mind, and my massive expectations, I have to admit that my hopes weren’t overly high. But from the opening scene to the closing credits, I was utterly enthralled and engage...

Certificate: 18 Running time: 104 minutes  Directed by: David Gordon Green. What’s it about: Forty years after Laurie Strode survived a vicious attack by crazed serial killer Michael Myers, Strode finds herself confronting Myers once again after he escapes from a prison bus crash. The verdict: So it should be made clear from the start that I have, prior to watching this film, only ever seen one other Halloween film - Halloween H20. And by seen, I mean I hid during most of it. So I use the word ‘seen’ loosely. I do however have a good knowledge of the franchise, but obviously this has probably had an impact on my viewing of the film. With Halloween, I think it needs to be evaluated in two ways - its merit as a horror film and its merit as a sequel.  So firstly, let’s address its merit as a horror film. And when doing that, I have to say that I found Halloween sub-par. I really liked the first act but the consequent acts went downhill for me. When broken down in...

Certificate: 15 Running time: 112 minutes  Directed by: Ruben Fleischer. What’s it about: Whilst investigating experiments performed by the Life Foundation and its founder Carlton Drake,  journalist Eddie Brock gets more than he bargained for when he finds himself merged with alien symbiote Venom.  The verdict: There was a press embargo on any reviews being published for Venom until the day before its release but rumours had already started to seep through that Venom did not meet expectations. And when the embargo was lifted, critics had throughly slated Venom - with some even going so far as to call it “the worst film of the year.” But is Venom as bad as the critics have made out? The answer is both yes and no.  Let’s address the negatives first. For me, Venom’s biggest flaw was its tonal problems. It almost feels like Fleischer had so many films that he wanted to make that he decided he’d just make them all. At times Venom is a comedy, other ...

Certificate: 15 Running time: 135 minutes  Directed by: Bradley Cooper. What’s it about: Seasoned musician Jackson Maine helps struggling singer Ally launch her music career. But as they fall in love and Ally’s music career takes off, Jackson is fighting an ongoing battle with his personal demons. The verdict: I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t until after seeing this film and reading about it that I realised that A Star is Born (2018) is actually the second remake of the original film. But embarrassment aside, I am glad that I knew nothing about the story going into it. I think it was so much more impactful that way. So if you’re like me and not familiar with the 1937 or 1976 version, then don’t read or research anything about this film before you see it. A Star is Born marks the directorial debut for Bradley Cooper and the film debut for Lady Gaga. And I would say that it is a stunning debut for both of them. Firstly Cooper’s direction shows that he...

  Certificate: 12A Running time: 113 minutes  Directed by: Jon Turteltaub What’s it about: The members of a marine research team, who are carrying out a deep sea project, have a massive problem on their hands when a giant prehistoric shark begins terrorising them. The verdict: I was terrified of Jaws as a child, so much so that I haven’t been able to watch it for over twenty years. With that in mind, I wondered if The Meg, albeit being a CGI blockbuster, could have the same effect for a whole new generation. After seeing it, I feel that I can safely say that this will not be the case. Let’s just get this out of the way and say that The Meg is a pretty bad film. The characters are one dimensional stereotypes and typecast. The dialogue is cheesy, and the plot is highly predictable and obvious. I saw the so-called twist coming a mile off, which may or may not have been the point. But intelligent, this film is not. But most disappointingly was the lack of peril. Wi...

Certificate: 12A Running time: 118 minutes  Directed by: Peyton Reed. What’s it about: Scott Lang is struggling with the consequences of his choices as both a Superhero and a father. When he is confronted with an urgent mission, which means he must again don his Ant-Man suit and fight alongside the Wasp, he soon finds himself engaged in a battle with a powerful new enemy.  The verdict: There have been murmurings that audiences are experiencing superhero film fatigue. And with Ant-Man and the Wasp being the twentieth offering from Marvel, and the film that had to follow the massive success of Infinity War - there was the chance that Ant-Man and the Wasp might fall flat and be a disappointment. Happily, that is not the case. Ant-Man and the Wasp is a fun, easy watch, funny, throwaway film - and it’s all the better for it. After the intensity of Infinity War, this is the perfect Marvel film to remind us about the lighter side of Marvel. The action sequence...

Certificate: 12A Running time: 148 minutes  Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie What’s it about: Ethan Hunt is back. This time, Ethan and his crew find themselves in a desperate race against time as they try to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands. But their mission is proved more difficult than ever, when they are faced with questions of loyalty and not knowing who they can trust. The verdict: Although I’ve always liked the Mission Impossible films, I’ve never thought of myself as a big fan of the franchise. So with that thought in mind, I went to see Mission: Impossible Fallout with no particular expectations. Well the film blew me away, and I enjoyed it so much that it has inspired me to rewatch the previous films. Mission: Impossible Fallout is an action packed, nonstop, thrilling adventure film and it’s just massively entertaining. It’s made of up insane set pieces and it’s relentless. It has a long running time,  but t...

 *Before the list commences, a quick note as to my methodology for choosing these films. This list is chosen from films released theatrically in the U.K between the 1st of January 2018 and the 1st of July 2018, and is based on one viewing of the film. Although some of the films have been chosen because of their filmmaking merits, primarily this list is based on my overall enjoyment whilst watching the film. Please feel free to comment and let me know which films you have enjoyed so far this year.*  10.) Unsane (15) Directed by Steven Soderbergh Unsane snuck into the number ten spot due to two factors. Firstly it has a great performance from its lead actor Claire Foy. She carries the film and is in almost every single shot, giving a great and convincing performance. And secondly the fact that it was shot entirely on an iPhone. This may sound like a gimmick and yes it does look like it was filmed on a phone, which admittedly does feel slightly jarring at f...

Certificate: 12A Running time: 149 minutes  Directed by: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. What’s it about: The Avengers unite to battle their greatest enemy yet - the evil Thanos who is on a mission to collect all six Infinity stones. The fate of the entire planet, and existence itself, lies in the hands of the Avengers as everything they have ever fought for has led up to this moment.  The verdict: Firstly I will be writing this review with the pre-assumption that anyone going to see Infinity War is already familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is probably a fan of the films. If you’re not, then what have you been doing with your life?! Jokes aside, if you are looking to get into the MCU, then this is definitely not the film to start with. In order not to risk the wrath of Thanos himself who demands our silence, this review shall be reasonably short and sweet so as to avoid even the smallest of spoilers. So, what were my initial thoughts on Infinity W...

Certificate: 12A Running time: 140 minutes  Directed by: Steven Spielberg. What’s it about: Based on the bestselling novel by Ernest Cline, Ready Player One follows Wade Watts, a young gamer who spends his days in the OASIS - a virtual reality universe where people can escape the grim realities of the world. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find an Easter egg that he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS. But just because the contest takes place in virtual reality, it doesn’t mean that the dangers aren’t very real... The verdict: In a lot of ways I feel that it’s slightly unfortunate that I’ve read the novel that this film is based upon. This meant that I couldn’t help but compare the film to the book. So on a quick side note for those who’ve read the book - although I think the film mostly captures the spirit of the book, there are A LOT of changes. Personally I found these changes to be disappointing. Ready Playe...

Certificate: PG Running time: 101 minutes  Directed by: Wes Anderson. What’s it about: A boy sets out to rescue his dog from an island to which all dogs have been sent to after a ‘dog flu’ outbreak. The verdict: Wes Anderson is well known for his distinctive visual and narrative style, and Isle of Dogs follows suit with this. And I have to say I absolutely loved it. The stop motion is beautifully animated and visually there is so much to enjoy - the warm colour palette draws you in and keeps your eyes glued to the screen as you marvel at the sophisticated animation techniques. The script feels slightly sparse, but not in a bad way. The dialogue is witty and incredibly droll at times which illicited quite a few laughs in the screening. Although I suppose this will very much depend on your sense of humour, as the humour in Isle of Dogs is dry and deadpan - if you’re not in any way prone to cynicism then the jokes may either fall flat or just completely pass you by. ...

Certificate: 12A Running time: 134 minutes Directed by: Ryan Coogler. What's it about: After the death of  his father, the King of Wakanda, T'challa returns home to take his rightful place on the throne. However when a powerful enemy emerges to challenge T'challa, he is drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. The verdict: After his successful appearance in Captain America: Civil War, fans had high expectations for a Black Panther centric film. And I think it is safe to say that these expectations have been met. From its opening titles, Black Panther is highly engaging and visually brilliant. The plot is simple and the narrative is clear, meaning that Black Panther is easy to watch and to get involved in - it doesn't get bogged down in sub plots or caught up in furthering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Panther concentrates on its characters and their much loved homeland of Wakanda. Because of this focus o...

Certificate: 15 Running time: 123 minutes  Directed by: Guillermo Del Toro. What’s it about: A shy, mute woman who works as a cleaning lady in a high security government facility develops a unique bond with a mysterious, amphibious creature that is being held in captivity, The verdict: The Shape of Water has swept awards season, winning a plethora of awards. It has also recently been nominated for thirteen Oscars. Suffice to say - it has been very well received by critics. But is The Shape of Water worthy of its massive recognition and praise? In short, I believe that it is. Director Guillermo Del Toro is well known for the detail that he puts into his fantasy worlds and seeing his version of an early 1960's America is a glorious thing in itself. There are the huge, shiny cars, the traditional diner selling quirky, lurid pies, and the beautiful, nostalgic cinema that Elisa lives above. But much like the mysterious creature that lurks beneath the wate...

Running time: 110 minutes Directed by: Marc Hampson. What's it about: Grieving a great loss, Krystal Parker finds peace in reuniting with her childhood best friend. She builds strength in stepping out into the world and with the support of a small-town community, she finds love when she opens herself to new possibilities. The verdict: Protagonist Krystal Parker appears to have a perfect life - a successful and handsome husband and an exciting life in the big city. Yet appearances can be deceiving, and Krystal's seemingly perfect life comes tumbling down around her when she discovers that the one thing she has always dreamed of  may be beyond her reach. With her life now taking a completely different direction, Krystal moves back to the small-town of her childhood. This sets the framework for Parker's Anchor, which has a strong first act that will resonate with many audience members. In Krystal's sadness and loss, we are able to strongly emphasise with h...

Certificate: PG Running time: 105 minutes  Directed by: Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina. What’s it about: Miguel dreams of becoming a musician like his ultimate idol Ernesto de la Cruz. However, his family have a ban on music which has lasted for generations. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel ends up on a magical journey of discovery, in the colourful Land of the Dead.  The verdict: I was really looking forward to seeing Coco and when I saw that it had advance previews, I knew I had to go. The trailers had done a good job of making Coco look good, but without giving too much away. In fact, there is footage in the trailer that isn’t actually in the film - a rarity these days.  The characters are great, and Miguel makes a sweet and endearing lead as a boy who loves music with a passion. The supporting characters are also good, made up of members of Miguel’s family - they feel relatable and realistic. The animation is top notch, some of it brea...

20.) Okja This film from director Bong Joon Ho, premiered on Netflix in June, and despite not having a theatrical release, still managed to make an impact. Although, there is a whiff of political agenda about it, Okja is a clever, satirical take on the meat that we eat, where it comes from, and the corporations that provide it. Okja is a bit wacky, a bit off tone at times, but it is also strangely enjoyable and touching. 19.) A Monster Calls I wasn't expecting much from this film, and went to see it expecting it to be pretty average. I couldn't have been more wrong. The mix of fairy-tale fantasy and the brutal reality of everyday life makes for an incredibly touching, devastating, and highly engaging film. Everyone in the cinema was utterly caught up in the film, and by the time it ended, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. 18.) The Disaster Artist There was a risk that making a film about 'The Room,' might be as bad as the infamous ...