A sinking ship, a brutal weapon, four braindead terrorists, and a revolution in Barbieland. — A Night To Remember (1958) The simplest moments inspire true horror. Due to the constant opinions, theories, and facts shared on social media around the time of OceanGate’s doomed expedition— and seeing James Cameron pop up on news stations to explain so effortlessly and articulately why it should never have been allowed in the first…

What happens on sabbatical stays on sabbatical? Hopefully not! — I was burnt out, wondering where so much time went. The few trips I’d indulged in since 2020 were all accompanied by Covid restrictions; I hadn’t relaxed my brain in ages. After some calculations (and much anticipation), I tightened the purse strings and opted for a six-week sabbatical — the…

An old man’s playground, writing at gunpoint, and not one — but two multiverse movies. — Living (2022) Hermanus seems at odds to emphasise that growing up is a matter of wisdom. I’m not sure what I expected from Living apart from a stylish, 1950s-themed story about an older gent finding something better to do with his life. But it’s altogether much more than its aesthetics. It’s a…

Jazzy old men, a time-travelling steam train, Polaroids, and a gun-toting talking raccoon. — Music for Black Pigeons (2022) It left me craving a more analog life. This is a beautiful, patient documentary that explores art, age, and purpose (in other words, how we find what makes us tick). Directors Jørgen Let and Andreas Koefoed turn to music — specifically jazz — as a way of pushing these questions…

Demonic Zoom calls, killer robots, mushroom-munching plumbers, and a FURIOUS Bear. — Host (2020) A refreshing, unnerving, bitesize horror. Like your horror British? If not, stay away from Host, which features strong accents and lots of WITTY BANTER from its outset. …

Let’s take a look at some of last year’s cinematic highlights, including high-flying action, muddy gunfights, and quirky cops. But which adventure was my favourite? 5. Top Gun: Maverick Top-tier small-scale high-stakes action. And everything looks real. No crummy CGI. It’s tight: there’s very little flab here! Top-tier small-scale high-stakes action. And everything looks…

Classic 80’s gore, a Mexican daydream, an unending murder mystery, and the precursor to Koyaanisqatsi. — The Fly (1986) Body horror… with a heart! This is a desperate, grim adventure. I’m a lover of practical effects — which is why I devour 80’s gore. Even the grotesque puppetry (for kids!) in Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal is enough to creep out sensitive movie-goers. It’s an art, mind. Not every flick…

Spider-man has been through so many onscreen iterations that audiences are — if not confused — bored of watching Uncle Ben die. Yawn! Toby Maguire donned the mask, Andrew Garfield dropped Gwen Stacy, and Tom Holland brought Spidey into the MCU. There’ve been video games too; most recently, a brand…

Spider-Man may have permanently revitalised the big screen among general audiences, but as a new year comes into view, take a moment to read up on my five faves from 2021. — 5. Supernova Subtly portrays the agony of a lifelong love overshadowed by dementia. A beautiful, gentle, sincere film.