Author Archives: Sam S-P
Review in Brief: David Brent: Life on the Road (2016)
Things haven’t gone too well for David Brent (Ricky Gervais) even by the standard of the last time we saw him on THE OFFICE. Now he’s just a guy and not the boss, no one is obliged to put up … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Train to Busan (2016)
It must be a nightmare thinking up new ways to portray zombies, but the walking-seizuring, rictus-grinning infected of TRAIN TO BUSAN are certainly original, creepy and funny creations. You don’t need much of a shake-up in terms of the confined … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Blair Witch (2016)
From the off, you get a reference to “footage assembled from DV cards” and it’s clear the world has changed since Adam Wingard took over this series. Following film school students trying out technology for a documentary class makes a … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)
Compared to the mostly patchy (read: awful) world of TV show movies, Jennifer Saunders can take comfort in the knowledge that ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE is by no means the worst example. I really hope the slightly out-of-date fashion references … Continue reading
Review: Logan (2017)
The title LOGAN is a mission statement. Finally, after six (full) movies filled with claw-popping, re-treads and contradictory flashbacks we are asking who he is. We know he was born James Howlett, served in the military and as a mercenary, … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Bad Neighbours 2 (2016)
It may open with Rose Byrne vomiting into Seth Rogen’s face during sex, but as comedy sequels go, BAD NEIGHBOURS 2 isn’t all that bad. I liked the first film well enough, but I actually think this sequel makes some … Continue reading
Review in Brief: The Witch (2015/16)
The first half of THE WITCH – slow, rich, slow, unforgiving, slow, naturalistic, and did I mention slow? – is far more successful than the second. There’s a gradual, creeping dread and very little of note that is actually happening. … Continue reading
Review: Manchester by the Sea (2016)
The Oscars are almost upon us and once again I’ve only managed to see about half of the movies in the running. LA LA LAND might be the bookies’ favourite, but MANCHESTER BY THE SEA is my pick to take … Continue reading
Review in Brief: My Scientology Movie (2016)
I’m not the least bit surprised Louis Theroux chose this topic for his first documentary feature. Nobody combines disarming politeness, stillness and causing mild annoyance in his subjects as interview techniques quite like Theroux. The film spotlights what is widely … Continue reading