Henry Bevan with his top five movie explorers… After debuting to generally positive response in the UK, director James Gray’s absorbing, thought-provoking, and fascinating The Lost City of Z is opening in the United States. The film follows the exploits of the real-life explorer Percy Fawcett, played by Charlie Hunnam, leading up to his famous […]
When Will Animation Get the Respect It Deserves?
Henry Bevan wants to know when animation will get the respect it deserves… With the live-action Beauty and the Beast breaking records this weekend, it appears Disney’s animated classics are still cherished. Yet, as the original was the first animated film nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award, the remake’s success also highlights how Hollywood, and the […]
Why Have People Forgotten That Superhero Cinema’s Golden Age Was the Mid-Noughties?
Henry Bevan on the golden age of superhero cinema… Wonder Woman will save the DC Extended Universe. This is a loaded statement, but at this point, it seems everyone will save the DCEU. We all need a hero, and my money is on Diana Prince. The latest trailer only strengthens my belief. My belief that […]
Why Iron Man is the Best Film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Henry Bevan on why Iron Man is the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe… As the Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown into the blockbuster behemoth it is known as today, many people have forgotten about the film that started it all. Iron Man has become overshadowed by team-ups, civil wars, and a talking tree. […]
Hacksaw Ridge and our attitude towards violence
Henry Bevan on Hacksaw Ridge and our attitude towards violence… A ultra-violent pacifist movie. That’s the oxymoron greeting you when you watch Hacksaw Ridge, Mel Gibson’s film about Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a conscientious objector involved in the Battle of Okinawa. The film is open to multiple readings. Some are obvious, with Doss’s comparison with […]
Why We Need Contrarians
Henry Bevan on why we need contrarians… Sometimes falling in love with a movie is like falling in love with a partner who isn’t right for you. At first, your love blinds you to the flaws. Then, when you break up, you say the meanest things. When things cool down you’ll find the truth: was […]
LEGO Batman Is The Hero Hollywood Needs Right Now
Henry Bevan on why LEGO Batman is the hero Hollywood needs right now… The Joker is Batman’s greatest enemy, and he has been almost since the start. Batman may have the best roster of rogues (rivalled only by Spider-Man), but nothing gets Bat-fans excited more than a tussle with the Clown Prince of Crime. A […]
Should We Be Worried About The Flash Movie?
Henry Bevan on Warner Bros.’ The Flash movie… Ever since he zoomed onto the screen on the Justice League cartoon, The Flash became one of my favourite superheroes. He planted himself firmly alongside Batman, Spider-Man and Daredevil. When Ezra Miller was cast as Barry Allen, I couldn’t have been happier. Here was an actor who […]
We shouldn’t dismiss the Oscars as out of touch
Henry Bevan on why we shouldn’t dismiss the Oscars as out of touch… Yesterday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced the 89th Academy Award nominations. As expected, La La Land led the pack. As expected, there were a few surprises like Amy Adams not being nominated (HOW?!?!). As expected, the nominated movies […]
Is Cinema Really Dead If Scorsese Says It Is?
Henry Bevan on whether cinema is really dead… The ‘cinema is dead’ narrative has gone around for a while. It is normally spouted by some blogger who wants to get across their “hot take”. But, sometimes, someone of note joins in, and as 2016 came to a close, a director trifecta chimed in — Martin […]