In defence of Shere Khan

Let me start by expressing how good the new CGI film actually is. It is truly cutting edge visuals, great voice casting and a wonderful, timeless story (from Mr. Kipling of course). However, in the spirit of being a miserable old git, which I am of course, there are just a few things which don’t sit right with me whatsoever. The moral and geographical continuity of this film is just off. It’s not good, it’s bad, it’s not right and I’ll tell you exactly why. There is an unsung hero of this film, a martyr of the jungle if you will, his name, Shere Khan.

SOME SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

4 reasons you should watch Network

News anchorman Howard Beale is mad as hell and he’s not going to take it any more. He wants you to pull your head and scream it too. Aged and tired Beale has lost his ratings and consequently his job. Facing an imposed retirement from the Network; his mind is soon to follow.

A film of the harrowing realities of television, corporation and individualism. Network combines fantastic acting, brilliant directing and a script of immense wordmanship. Here are 5 reasons you should be watching Network next:

My Top 5 Films of the Year

 

2015 has been a most wonderful year for cinema where we have seen perhaps our most diverse range of films reaching mainstream audiences. From 71 taking through the dark and gritty underworld of troubles Belfast to Me, Earl and the dying girl painting a bitter sweet portrait of teenage awkwardness. We have seen an incredible resurgence of animated features from the usual standard bearers Pixar gifting us with Inside out to the tale of Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea giving us a brilliant representation of Japanese and Irish folklore. Hollywood has managed to churn out it’s fair number of blockbuster epics which seemingly all tell the same story with a few variables changing however there have been some utter delights on that stage with Mad Max  being the best pick of the summer blockbusters. However not all can make my list and so my favourite films of the year are:

Folk Horror – Subconscious Terrors and Child Mortality

In Anticipation of the new Folk Horror “The Witch” I have compiled a little introduction to the genre. Hope you all enjoy!  – Martin

Folk Horrors, they’re weird, disquieting and original, they challenge us with the ridiculous and disturbing and fascinate us by taking us back to a time of long dead customs and legendary beings.

Sicario

A War on Drugs. A Hitman Unearthed. 

Hard hitting thriller provides a cynical and murky look at the war on drugs. There seems to be no sign of stopping the constant death, destruction and white powder flooding through the border. As the cartels start using bombs to terrorise police, FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) gets called up to go beyond the line to assist the smurking Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and his narrow eyed partner Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro).

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

Don’t stick your finger in her mouth (Some soft spoilers)

Badtown is a lonely place, a dangerous place; a place occupied by drug dealers and their addicts, prostitutes and an ever growing heap of bodies. Arash (Arash Marandi) is a young handy man with greater ambitions dulled down by the burdens of a drug addled father with fantasies of the “rich” girl whose parents he works for. His path soon crosses The Girl (Sheila Vand), our “anti-hero”, or perhaps our antagonist, whose purposes remain a mystery throughout. Is she a super-powered vigilante with the power to mimic her victims expertly, or just a psychotic monster with a great taste in music?

Wes Craven’s top five films

Horror directing legend Wes Craven has passed away from brain cancer at the age of 76. He contributed significantly to the horror genre with iconic characters and wildly imaginative plot and he dedicated his career to horror. Therefore, I’m putting up top 5’s list of his best films that he directed, all these are highly recommended for horror fans if you haven’t already seen them.

Ant-Man

 The latest instalment in the MCU is on an appropriately smaller scale, but no less fun, thanks largely to Paul Rudd’s amiable performance.

 

Chappie

  A highly under-rated passion project from Blomkamp that is a compelling science fiction romp full of his trademark visual flair.

   

Jurassic World film review

Safari Paradise

Fast paced dinosaur fun that can’t hope to live up to the original, but it is still a hugely enjoyable and visually stunning sci-fi adventure film that guarantees a great time at the cinema.

Jurassic World is open for business!