Film Review | Creed II
★★★★☆
The weight of expectation looms large over Creed II. Ryan Coogler’s Creed masterfully revitalised the Rocky saga back in 2015, turning what was once a franchise on its last legs into one of Hollywood’s most anticipated narratives. With Coogler passing on directing the film due to a little movie called Black Panther it’s Steven Caple Jr. who fills what are now gargantuan shoes, and while the sequel doesn’t scale the heights of the original, that’s more of a testament to Coogler’s achievement than any failings of this hugely satisfying sophomore effort.
Read my full review on Den of Geek.
Film Review | Fantastic Four
★½☆☆☆
After Tim Story’s Fantastic Four films ended with the catastrophe that was the Galactus cloud, you could be forgiven for thinking that the only way was up when it came to depicting Marvel’s first family on film. Indeed, there were plenty of reasons to be excited for Josh Trank’s reboot: the director had previously made Chronicle – a fun and interesting take on teens with superpowers – and Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell and Miles Teller have all impressed in previous projects. So it is doubly shocking and disappointing that the fourth try at a live action Fantastic Four barely stacks up to Story’s aforementioned films, let alone the high standards we’ve come to expect from comic book movies today.
Interview | Director Ryan Coogler Discusses Fruitvale Station
It’s been a rollercoaster year and a half for Ryan Coogler, debut director of docudrama Fruitvale Station. After winning awards at Sundance and Cannes last year, The Weinstein Company acquired the distribution rights and Coogler – who also wrote the film – has been busy promoting it around the world. The film finally arrives in UK cinemas this week, and on behalf of DIY Mag I sat down with the filmmaker a couple months ago at Sundance London to talk about the challenges he faced making his feature debut.
Film Review | That Awkward Moment
★★☆☆☆
On paper, That Awkward Moment (2014) was an appealing proposition; a rom-com told from the male perspective with talented up-and-coming actors in the lead roles. So it’s unfortunate that Tom Gormican’s debut feature, which might have offered a refreshingly astute perspective on young relationships, makes for a largely forgettable affair.
After Mikey (Chronicle’s Michael B. Jordan) is blindsided by the revelation that his wife Vera (Jessica Lucas) wants a divorce, best buds Jason (Zac Efron) and Daniel (Miles Teller) come to his aid. In an act of solidarity, the trio make a pact to avoid committing to any future relationship. However, soon enough Jason starts to fall in love with Ellie (Imogen Poots), whilst Daniel begins to swoon over long-time friend Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis). Meanwhile, Mikey finds it hard to move on, seeking to repair his marriage with Vera.
Film Review | Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
★★★★☆
With the announcement of a Superman/Batman film, it would seem that DC and Warner Bros. are inching ever closer to realising theJustice League on the big screen. That would likely herald the live action debut of the Flash; the ‘fastest man alive’ has long been a fan-favourite character, but rumours of a solo film have been more off than on. With Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the DC animated universe gives us the next best thing, in doing so giving the scarlet speedster some well-deserved spotlight.
AMONymous 