Movie reviews of Hamish Calvert

Ultimately, Out of Blue boasts a lot of potential, offering a murder mystery with an intriguing twist, therefore it’s even more of a shame that the end result is so underwhelming.

Through no fault of its own Sharkwater Extinction is a flawed piece of film-making but a shining example of human spirit and the will to protect this earth and those living things that inhabit it that can’t protect themselves.

The score, writing and performances ensure this film’s longevity and its well paced, energetic and chaotic thrills and spills will keep more casual cinema goers happy in the moment.

Whether it’s through Garfield’s wonderful leading performance, Disasterpeace’s chilling score, the cinematography by Mike Gioulakis or moments of the screenplay that truly intrigue it’s always fascinating to watch.

It’s not the worst of the genre but it’s miles away from being the best, and certainly not what a lot of audiences will want.

So whilst Ben Is Back isn’t at all the warm and fuzzy festive film that its setting might suggest this addiction drama is really worth your time.

The A-list cast deliver solid and intriguing performances as this group of vets who must decide what’s really important to them as they’re caught in an ethical crossfire. The story is elevated thanks to these discussions and its impressive action sequences cement it as one of the genre’s strongest outings of recent months.

With the narrative serving as both an origin story and a compelling mystery there’s plenty to enjoy, combined with the well used soundtrack and fantastic cast this is a great addition to Marvel’s cinematic canon and an important milestone not to be taken for granted.

The Kindergarten Teacher has a lot to say and it goes about saying it in a way that will be difficult to process. Maggie Gyllenhaal is uncomfortably compelling with her performance, committing to her character fully, benefiting the overall picture greatly.

With a cast as compelling as Farhadi has assembled here Everybody Knows was always going to be captivating. Although his slower paced storytelling told over the elongated duration of the film does threaten to alienate some audiences.

What’s maybe most remarkable about Capernaum is its authenticity. As a viewer you truly feel like a fly on the wall observing the everyday lives of these characters.

With clear ambitions to create a more credible thriller Serenity gets somewhat lost at cinematic sea pretty early on. However it treads water nicely thanks to the campy, trashy style that it establishes, whether this is intentional or not!

Isn’t It Romantic will have you entertained to no end with its clever, humourous and joyous satire of one of the most over-saturated genres in cinema – no rom-com is safe!

There’s enjoyment to be had here for sure but the narrative and setting don’t align in a fitting way and the lack of any real character or storyline to fully engage with results in the films failure to ever entirely captivate its audience.

Paddleton is a thoughtfully controlled film which many will find too slow-paced and uneventful. However, there is a definite audience who will connect with this picture and for them it will prove a real treat.

Felicity Jones is a fantastic lead and is supported nicely by her co-stars but it’s the inspiring story of a woman refusing to accept the status quo which is the real star and rightly so.

The Hole in the Ground is a smart, original and scary piece of horror which has been transferred skillfully from page to screen.

Instant Family will have you laughing when you’re supposed to laugh, crying when it’s aiming for your heart and will hopefully educate and inspire families & individuals about all things adoption.

The lack of horror will disappoint some fans but this element bookends the film nicely with a more sci-fi comedy centre taking hold.

It’s simplicity in its themes and lessons is not to be sneered at but instead embraced as it brings this fantasy adventure very much into the real world, making this film as relevant as it is entertaining.

This is a beautiful film in appearance and in soul and one that will touch the hearts of many.

Far from the slam dunk it aspires to be High Flying Bird is a disappointing attempt at bringing this sporting sector to the silver screen.

The screenplay does take its time but when the film features a cast as talented as this it allows the chance for audiences to fully appreciate their performances, reflecting upon them as Shakespeare reflects on his life and career in this thoughtful envisioning of his later years.

Far from Cameron’s best work and a disappointing return to the big screen. Even without the comparisons to his previous filmography this cyberpunk action adventure just lacks heart.