Is there life after blockbuster action cinema for Tom Cruise? At an age-defying 62 years old, Tom Cruise delivers us his latest action opus with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. It brings to a potential close an eight-film franchise largely built on the stunt du jour that the inimitable Cruise conjures up to perform. […]
10 Essential Noir Films for Noirvember
Tom Jolliffe offers up ten essential noir films in celebration of Noirvember… We’re into November, also known in some select cinephile circles as Noirvember. In celebration of the film noir genre as well as Neo-noir which evolved some of the classic staples in more contemporary styles, here is a selection of essential noir films. It’s […]
1993 and 2002: Steven Spielberg Rules Cinema!
We look back at 1993 and 2002 when Steven Spielberg had not one but two masterpieces in both years… Most directors would love to have a critically acclaimed hit movie. The legendary Steven Spielberg has had dozens throughout his career. What’s more, the prolific filmmaker has occasionally had two releases in a year. Now, if […]
Philip K. Dick & Hollywood: The Essential Movie Adaptations
With the Phillip K. Dick Film Festival taking place this weekend, Hasitha Fernando on the essential Philip K. Dick movie adaptations… The name Philip K. Dick needs no introduction. The indefatigable author’s works have dazzled the minds of readers the world over for several decades now. Hollywood, however, took some time to recognize the author’s […]
Twenty Years Back: The Films of 2002
Tom Jolliffe ventures back 20 years to look at the cinematic landscape of 2002… I come bearing bad news. 2002 was not a couple of years ago. No, it was 20 years ago now. I feel very old now in the wake of such a revelation. Has cinema changed much in those two decades? Looking […]
Is Tom Cruise the Last Great Big Screen Movie Star?
Tom Jolliffe looks at the enduring star power of Tom Cruise. In an age where concept and franchise rules over star, is Cruise the last great big screen movie star? From marriages in the public eye, to couch jumping, to being a poster boy for scientology, the career of Tom Cruise has brought with it […]
Minority Report at 20: From Book to the Big Screen
Hasitha Fernando revisits Minority Report as it turns 20… For decades Philip K. Dick’s works have enthralled readers the world over with their high-brow concepts, philosophical themes and engaging narratives. Posthumously his efforts have attracted the attention of many a talented Hollywood filmmaker, who seek to bring his singular vision to life. Ridley Scott accomplished […]
The Essential Action Movies of the 21st Century
Tom Jolliffe offers up a list of essential 21st Century action films… As an action aficionado and self-confessed old git, I quietly nod in a small amount of agreement with Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese’s Marvel/modern cinema shade. I grew up in an era when action was performed almost entirely in camera, with an eye […]
Techno-Thrillers in Film: From The Satan Bug to The Invisible Man
Hasitha Fernando on techno-thrillers in film… If you’ve read enough books and watched your fair share of films, chances are you’ve heard the term ‘techno-thriller’ being tossed around from time to time. For the uninitiated this particular genre is a hybridization of many others, drawing inspiration from awe inspiring sci-fi dramas to white-knuckling espionage thrillers. […]
Tom Cruise – Unstoppable
Helen Murdoch on Tom Cruise and his continued success… With the sixth instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise being released at the end of July, it got me thinking about the enigma of Tom Cruise and why regardless of how crazy he seems in real life, I always go and watch his films. My love […]
