Category Archives: Reviews

An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn (2018)

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Ross Birks

It’s definitely fun to see Jim “Greasy Strangler” Hosking graduate into a bigger budget tier, allowing him to cast a roster of impressive top-level Hollywood comedy players while still retaining his distinctive brand of cinematic what-the-fuckery. The relentlessly forced weirdness … Continue reading →

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Blindspotting (2018)

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Ross Birks

For better or worse Blindspotting is a film totally energised by the pulse of unrest in today’s America. White cops shooting unarmed black men, gentrification, racial tensions at breaking point, shifting social attitudes and the air of political claustrophobia are all threaded … Continue reading →

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In Fabric (2019)

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Ross Birks

The first half of this is Peter Strickland at his best. An aesthetic to die for, dizzyingly controlled, deliciously odd, deranged humour. Phrases like “transformation sphere”, “artery red” all pop out at you. Amazing to see Secrets & Lies‘ Marianne Jean-Baptiste … Continue reading →

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Widows (2018)

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Ross Birks

McQueen had me from the first frame. Seen a lot of people wishing this was more fun – which I get – but in what world was this ever going to be Steve McQueen’s Ocean’s 8? It’s based on an 80s … Continue reading →

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Madeline’s Madeline (2018)

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Ross Birks

“You’re going to tell the story of the inside of her brain?” Best categorised as a film of the mind, Madeline’s Madeline hypnotises you with its smeared imagery and swirling editing, evoking the feeling of a waking dream rather than anchoring you … Continue reading →

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Snatch (2002)

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Ross Birks

Probably the definitive distillation of Guy Ritchie’s brand. Overly stylish and cocky yet totally controlled and entertaining. The attempt at zingy dialogue is certainly too clever for its own good but Ritchie does have an ear for rhythm. The constant … Continue reading →

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Suspiria (2018)

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Ross Birks

A completely different beast to the original Suspiria but a beast all the same. Some major horror moments here that are legit nasty and upsetting, some of which I’ve never seen the likes of before. It’s a cruel world, full of screaming, … Continue reading →

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Possum (2018)

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Ross Birks

Matthew Holness’ debut is a disquieting character study anchored by a remarkable performance by Sean Harris. As Philip, Harris is something of a shellshocked stray cat, lumbering around like Frankenstein’s monster clinging to a bulging leather satchel which contains…well that … Continue reading →

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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Posted on November 3, 2018 by Ross Birks

This has certainly lost a lot of its spark in the twenty years since its release, diluted no doubt by the gamut of imitators which continue to plague the UK genre and STV markets in its wake. Still, Lock, Stock remains an … Continue reading →

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Happy New Year, Colin Burstead (2018)

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Ross Birks

An impressive melange of British talent crashing into one another in the form of an acidic family dramedy, Happy New Year, Colin Burstead is peppered throughout with Wheatley’s signature deadpan wit and bubbling conflict. Things get off to a good start with … Continue reading →

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