Adrift

Castaway is not a strong enough description for this understated miracle of sea-ventures.

Going overboard takes a whole new meaning when two lovers find themselves in the aftermath of an ocean storm that tears through their boat and their relationship, leaving them stranded with no land in sight.

Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin make for an indispensable team as they achieve ultimate couple goals in performances that will almost certainly become award worthy.

Despite the inevitable sadness that threatens this films good nature, the plot allows for a whole host of emotions that provides both humorous relief and loving interceptions, which is an enviable achievement considering that the film is based upon a real story.

Ocean’s 8

What started as a man powered franchise, has now developed into an all woman cast, as Danny Ocean’s sister follow’s in her brother’s law-breaking footsteps.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt are nowhere in sight as this film instead finds itself fronted by Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett who take the meaning of a high end heist to whole new level as they take on the The Met Gala and all the jewels within.

Despite approaching this franchise from a different point of view, director, Gary Ross, struggles to find the right equilibrium between new and old as the characters often feel a little too rehearsed.

This being said, the film does have a lighthearted nature, which will be sure to please audiences of all ages. And more importantly still, it provides Hollywood with a prime example of women owning powerful lead roles.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Bringing Jurassic life into the twenty first century turned out to be a little more complex than the creators of Jurassic Park could have ever envisaged.

Following the collapse of the park’s renovation, the fate of the dinosaurs hangs in the balance as the humans responsible for their resurrection debate whether they deserve to live or die with an impending volcano due to erupt upon the island of Isla Neblar.

In an epic bid to save these animals from a second round of extinction, Bryce Dallas Howard (Claire) and Chris Pratt (Owen) return to this dinosaur driven franchise with faces old and new on a quest to preserve the live’s of these endangered species.

Despite this now being the fifth film in this ever-growing franchise, it remains a whirlwind of activity and suspense as new obstacles provide new entertainment, alongside actors whose talents are inextinguishable.

Book Club

Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean the fun has to end.

Four older ladies find a new lease of life when they discover E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy; but rather than being defeated by the storyline, the ladies are determined to pursue their own quest for love.

Despite the trailer showcasing much of the Fifty Shades books, the actual film mentions very little of the books as it instead focuses upon the trials and tribulations of these four ladies as they attempt to negotiate their way through life all whilst trying to find romance and adhering to family expectations.

With a cast as brilliant as Jane Fonda, Dianna Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen, this acting is nothing short of sublime throughout, with the only real downside to this film being it’s over-predictability in terms of happy endings.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Hans Solo; a name that has become synonymous with the insurmountable franchise that is Star Wars.

From star-crossed lover to fighter pilot, Hans’ delightfully dark past has become an intriguing part of an ever-growing series of films that encapsulates the world of Star Wars.

Focusing on one character can often come across as a desperate spin-off, but luckily this film manages to evade such stigmas, by dedicating a niche of the universe exclusively to Hans’ interpretation of it.

As this is a Lucas Film production, it almost goes without saying that the attention to detail in this film is of flawless standard, with the special effects and CGI reflecting equal brilliance.

With the likes of Donald Glover and Woody Harrelson as key cast members, this film is hard to be anything other than lovable.

Deadpool 2

Disgustingly violent fun; everything you could possibly wish for in a Deadpool sequel.

Deadpool is back with comedic vengeance as he becomes a trainee x-man who’s unwillingness to follow the rules results in a painful loss.

With unrivaled rudeness and tremendous amounts of gore, Deadpool broke onto the Marvel scene as an unexpected surprise, but unfortunately nothing has changed since this inauguration, which leaves this sequel feeling rather undeveloped in comparison.

Though the Deadpool wit and humor still remain, the plot takes a tumble as the unusual becomes all too familiar.

If a little more had been spent on the development of the script and little less on the all too frequent CGI battles, then this film may have been in with a fighting chance of making cinematic history, but alas, that was not the case.

Life of the Party

Just when you thought your senior year at college couldn’t get any more stressful, your mum shows up.

After dedicating her whole life to parenthood and marriage, Deanna has an unpleasant shock when her husband decides to dump her after 30 years of commitment. But rather than turning her heartbreak into vengeful hatred, Deanna decides its time to put herself first for a change and returns to college to complete her archaeology degree. The only slight snag in her plan is that her daughter attends the same college.

As a lighthearted comedy, this film excels in filling cinemas with laughter from start to finish, as it draws on the inappropriateness of a mother-daughter college relationship, which results in a utterly flawless comedic goldmine.

With Melissa McCarthy as the go-getter mum, and Molly Gordon as the equally fierce daughter, this duo are able to delight audiences with their authentic on-screen relationship, which is only made better by the countless supporting actresses who also showcase their talents with effortless grace.

I Feel Pretty

Not content with her looks or her career, Renee (Amy Schumer) finds herself awaiting a miracle.

 

Armed with the destruction of insecurity, this film manages to delve into societies inner most frailties by encompassing the medias persistent need for the acquisition of perfection amongst both men and women.

Instead of succumbing to the pressure of perfection, this film manages to shy away from what has now become the norm, and highlights the importance of self-love regardless of ones waist-size, race or sexual orientation.

Though Schumer retains her usual over-confidence, there is something very refreshing about seeing a woman take on a role such as this with such astounding bravery, especially when considering the onslaught of criticism this film has already received.

Whilst this may not be the funniest or the most original film of the year, it is certainly worth a watch for boldness of its intentions, even if the executions leaves a lot to be desired.

Tully

Older doesn’t always mean wiser.

Finding herself a little worse for wear after the birth of her third child, Marlow follows her brothers advice and seeks assistance from a night nanny.

Despite being labelled as a comedy drama, this film is anything other than comical, as the seriousness of life becomes an ever-growing deeper seeded problem for this overwhelmed mother of three.

Charlize Theron takes this role in her stride as she heroically channels the challenges of motherhood with effortless finesse, making the story both believable and relatable without comprising on the film’s desired production.

Though the film faults itself with false advertisement and a somewhat limited audience base, the intrinsic talent is enough to carry the weightless and often disappointing plot.

Avengers: Infinity War

The culmination of action packed heroics over the past 10 years of Marvel mania has resulted in a cinematic crossover like no other.

As the marvel universes’ collide to unite against Thanos, so too do the stories that led them there.

With such a prolific cast, comes the responsibility of orchestrating them, but no one could have done a better job than the Russo brothers who seamlessly intertwine each character’s story with the other to make viewing effortless for audiences young and old.

Though perhaps one of Marvel’s darkest plots yet, the film encapsulates it’s audience from the outset, providing both comedic highs and devastating lows, all whilst showcasing the vulnerability of Marvel’s most star-studded superheros, including the likes of Captain America and Spider Man.