A documentary covering a season’s dig at Saqqara outside Cairo, focusing on the tomb of Wahtye. Excellent, compassionate, and detailed overview of an archaeological dig, keen to emphasis the humanity of the participants and links between Egypt’s ancient past and its present. Recommended.
Here’s the trailer.
An Alaskan oil company-sponsored reconnaissance team succumb one by one to a mysterious force. Solid little eco-horror drawing in equal parts from base-under siege flicks like The Thing as well as from first peoples legends. A decent crew of character actors and keen location work help no end.
Here’s the trailer.
A troubled young man watching over a body is beset by a demon seeking a new victim. Interesting and effective small-scale horror film, drawing on Orthodox Jewish customs and community. The third act is weaker than what’s come before, but by then the movie’s more than earned your attention.
Here’s the trailer.
John McClane and a young hacker track down a cyberterrorist. Fourth time out, the franchise has been retooled for pan-generational appeal, with muted levels of violence/language to suit. That said, it’s an entertaining analogue v digital thriller, with all digi-tropes present and some panache in the action design.
Here’s the trailer.
A dying criminal finds himself on the run with a young woman. Smart, low key hardscrabble crime drama from the Nic Pizzalatto novel. Can’t quite decide to go for arthouse or for jailhouse, but worth your time nevertheless.
Here’s the trailer.
A young man is recruited by this Chicago-based cousin for a series of art heists. Okay though too-slick-for-its-own-good thievery thriller, enlivened by a Michael Shannon supporting role and by some confidence in its execution, despite a lack of actual story.
Here’s the trailer.
Thriller based on Forsyth’s novel. Russia try to smuggle an atomic bomb in to the UK to detonate near a US air base. Only one agent suspects what is going on. Decent enough 80s cold war nuclear paranoia. A solid cast lift it but the soundtrack is awful.
One day loops forever in this inventive thriller. More Source Code than Groundhog Day, it’s elevated by Grillo, Watts and Gibson. Some endearing moments amongst the madness add heart, although the ending may leave some unsatisfied. Thumbs up.
Biopic of Elton John, charting his rise to fame and his struggles with success, leading to addiction and recovery. And a chirpy fantasia it is too, daft and jolly and waspish and excessive enough to hint at the real Reg/Elton, while its involved producer/subject settles some scores along the way.
Here’s the trailer.
An SAS officer is caught in a Channel Tunnel train hijack overseen by disgruntled mercenaries. Boorish, overlong action thriller that’s both hideously contrived and has some properly dumb ideas. A decent TV-ish cast and some effective stunt work help, but this is clunky, obvious stuff throughout.
Here’s the trailer.
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