The Monster

The Monster is the latest in a string of excellent horror films to have been released in 2016; an unusually successful year for horror that has included Don’t Breathe and The Conjuring 2 amongst many others. The Monster, directed and written by Bryan Bertino has an effectively simple setup and plot. A divorced young mother and her daughter must make an emergency late night road trip to see the girl’s father. Forced to move off the main road, they take the deserted country roads on a stormy rain swept night and have a surprise collison that leaves them shaken but not seriously hurt. As they try in vain to get help, they come to realise that they are not alone in these desolate backroads, as a terrifying evil is lurking in the impenetrable darkness of the surrounding woods intent on stalking its prey.

John Wick Chapter 2

The first John Wick was a stylishly made non-stop action thrill ride boosted by a surprisingly satisfying performance from Keanu Reeves in the title role. What made it stand out from other action films was how imaginatively the absorbing action sequences were choreographed and how frequently the action comes with such non-stop energy. This sequel does what all great action film sequels do and doubles up on the non-stop action. Keanu Reeves returns as the infamous John Wick is forced back out of retirement by a blood oath to a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy assassin’s guild. So John must travel to Rome to face the continents deadliest assassins.