Love, Simon

Falling in love is never easy, especially when you’re hiding your sexuality.

Being gay is the biggest secret Simon has ever kept from his family and friends, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to find the right words, that is until he meets Blue; a fellow high schooler hiding the same secret.

The young actors in this film take on an intimidating role in accomplishing the task of bringing Becky Albertalli’s novel (Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda)  to life on the big screen. Heading up this exceptional cast is Nick Robinson who takes on the role of Simon Spier with such delicate sensitivity that it’s hard to believe the story is not his own. Though Robinson is in the driving seat, his fellow cast members also deliver exceptional performances which broadcast this incredible story with the ferocity it deserves.

Director, Greg Berlanti, also does a magnificent job of converting this millennial page turner into an action packed romance by creating a truly unique atmosphere that not only effortlessly normalizes homosexuality, but also inspires a young generation in their ability to express themselves regardless of their sexual orientation or individuality.

Pacific Rim Uprising

A couple of aliens and a handful of robots, what could possibly go wrong?

After the devastation that ensued in the first installment of Pacific Rim, this film enters an unknown realm in an attempt to pick up from the past disasters.

With a new story comes new actors, who have the tumultuous task of taking over from the seamless cast of the past film. However, rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, the new talent take this in their stride with John Boyega leading the new revolt with enthused ease in the wake of his fathers shadow.

Despite the films easy going formulaic action, the CGI robots and aliens make for impressive entertainment given the fact the plot itself is just your everyday saving the world kind of pursuit.

Watch the trailer here.

A Wrinkle in Time

A glitch in the universe causes a family rift that is far from beyond repair.

The galaxy has chosen the Murry family as their warriors in fighting the darkness that threatens to flood the earth, however, when one fails to return from an expedition, the universe must step in and restore unity before a calamity arises.

This films drips with Disney magic from every scene and ignites the whimsical curiosity in characters and audiences alike.

With such young acting talent present as the stars of this film, expectations were kept low, but all three newcomers delight with their irresistible charm and on point comic precision.

Though the plot is out of the realm of reality, it will be sure to inspire creativity and imagination within all who see it, due to its immense scale of profoundly unique cinematic techniques.

Want to find out more? Check out the trailer here.

Game Night

It’s not just a game.

What starts as a weekly ritual amongst friends soon turns into something a little more complicated when a few unwanted guests turn up to a friendship groups game night.

Aside from the ridiculous concept of this plot, the comedy aspect of this big screen blunder certainly has some laugh out loud moments, in spite of its seemingly never-ending plot twist.

Though, having said that, even a few laughs aren’t enough to cover up the painfully dismal attempts at comedy induced action, which use a neglected effort in failed CGI technology, leaving all hope for this films redemption behind.

Want to find out more? Check out the trailer here.

Red Sparrow

To fight or to die, that is the question.

After an unbearable incident that leaves her unable to dance again, Dominica is employed by the Russian government, courtesy of her uncle, to become a spy, but soon her problems escalate when she realises there’s no way out unless you’re willing to meet an early grave.

Jennifer Lawrence grabs the head role in this film with both hands and refuses to let go, infusing her eager youth into her troubled character to produce an authentic performance that keeps the audience on edge throughout this exhilarating tale.

Though the colours of the film remain docile and somewhat gloomy throughout the European setting, the action and fast-paced plot enable an active engagement throughout, which is somewhat subdued by the over detailed dialogue between characters to allow for some subtle drama admid the chaos of action.

Want to find out more? Check out the trailer here.

Tomb Raider

Explosive action meets rock hard abs as Lara Croft delves into yet another danger ridden quest.

A game that has spanned a generation of players has once again committed itself to the big screen as it embarks on a new cinematic adventure.

Though this film starts off in a confused haze of lapse time scales, the befuddlement is soon left behind as an exhilaration of whirlwind  emotions ensues in a display of epic action that leaves little to the imagination.

Alicia Yikander takes on the role of Lara Croft ensuring that the wisdom and strength of this infamous character remains, whilst still managing to add a unique humility and sense of humor to the mix.

Tomb Raider is a perfect film by any means; the story lacks precision and the employment of CGI is unimaginably awful. And yet, the playfully strong characters and the fast-moving plot make this film desperately watchable.

I, Tonya

A terrific triumph of willpower in a doomed town of malice and spite.

Raised by a competition addict, Tonya had no choice but to sidle into the limelight as her love for figure skating became an all-consuming and career defining movement that resulted in sizable disappointment from a young age.

Despite the underlying inevitability of ruined success, this film has a hopeful plot that allows the audience to feel optimistic for a character who has to overcome the odds to achieve her goals in spite of the world’s onlooking perceptions.

Director, Craig Gillespie, stirs away from the usual film formula, choosing instead to present this story in an interview format, which combines the stories of past and present to the give the audience a well-rounded explanation of this truly unique plot, that is, after all, based upon a true story.

Due to its unusual format, the film can feel a little lackluster at times, with the chopping of character dialogue often adding nothing but confusion to the mix.

Though these momentary lapses can act as dissuasive stints, luckily the cast, fronted by Margot Robbie, manages to steal back the attention by giving performances which are intriguingly robust throughout.

Black Panther

Stealth is not only important for a superhero, but it is a way of life for whomever finds themselves to be the King of Wakanda.

T’ Challa must take over the throne in the midst of his fathers death. However, it soon becomes clear that the transition from prince to king is not a straightforward one, as his ruling is thrown into question when a long-lost relative comes to town.

Despite being under the Marvel label, this film has a very different imprint; focusing more on the dynamic of the plot and the subtleties of the storyline and less than on the all too familiar rampage of superhero action scenes.

Though the film does stand out from the usual Marvel protocol, some elements still remain, such as the quality and creativity of the cinematography which are of a superb standard.

It is clear from the outstanding reviews and appraisals for this film, both by critics and throughout this year’s awards season that the film has impressed audiences in their millions and continues to break both cultural and cinematic barriers alike.

The Shape of Water

An aquatic quest that dives into unchartered waters.

Whilst working night shifts as a cleaner at a high-security government laboratory, Elisa (Sally Hawkins) discovers the unthinkable as she stumbles across a water-born creature like no other.

As a mute, the character of Elisa has zero dialogue throughout this frighteningly original plot, making the quiet silence of the film uniquely eerie whilst still unfathomably intriguing.

Despite this lack of verbal discourse, the film does not suffer from a lack of communication due to the addition of subtitles.

Director, Guillermo Del Toro, is able to further instigate a sense of context by surrounding the main character with a support system of actors, thereby adding both authenticity and understanding.

Though the film is excellently produced and artistically executed, the plot itself baffles in its direction with its haphazard storylines which gives way to disorientated confusion.

The Mercy

An oceanic adventure that ends in a wave of merciless peril.

Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth) is determined to be the first novice sailor to win the Golden Globe Race, but his admirable motivation soon becomes a distant memory when he finds himself alone on a yacht in the middle of the ocean with little hope of winning.

Despite being based upon the true tale of Crowhurst’s 1968 defeat, Director James Marsh reconstructs every inch of this dramatic demise with a touch of fictional elegance which allows for a fairytale discovery that leaves the historical facts trailing behind.

With Firth taking on such a delicate and somewhat lonely character, the expectation of emotional success could be comprised, but Firth manages to excel in this department by showcasing his tumultuous talent which radiates throughout the film, creating an unrelenting emotional connection between actor and audience.

Though at its core this film is riddled with sadness and defeat, it still stands as a testament to a man willing to risk everything to pursue his dream of adventure.