A special forces soldier seeks revenge on the agents who kill his wife. Sub-par military actioner intended to be a franchise-starter. A terrible script, lacklustre action, and variable playing (only Jodie Turner-Smith stands out) plus that European backlot aesthetic. A couple of visually-interesting moments, but that’s it.
Here’s the trailer.
An old woman goes missing, but returns: her daughter and granddaughter try to care for her, but something is awry. Excellent sombre chamber piece that works both as a horror story and as an allegory of aging, the impacts of dementia, and of family responsibility. Recommended.
Here’s the trailer.
A team of deep sea drilling experts attempt a rescue on a sunk nuclear submarine. Overambitious but in parts dazzling SF/action hybrid. There’s too much going on, but the film looks great, feels as authentic as it might, and is still impressive in technical respects.
Here’s the trailer.
Larry, his son, and their museum friends go to London to return a magical talisman. Third time out and there are signs of franchise fatigue setting in: the new additions work best (Dan Stevens and a cameoing Hugh Jackman). Series fans won’t be disappointed, though it’s the same film as twice before in essence.
Here’s the trailer.
An injured technician is found aboard a Mars mission: a dilemma ensues. Contrived hard SF drama that struggles to maximize the possibilities of either its premise or the ensuing threat. Not really a stowaway either. Good-looking and well acted, though. Nevertheless, Marooned did this better back in 1969.
Here’s the trailer.
A doctor investigating environmental harm in Maine finds that pollution is causing animal mutations. Daft, naive, though well-meaning studio eco-horror juggling post-Jaws monster mayhem, evil corporations, First Peoples legends, white saviour storytelling, and some fun effects and stunt work. A big ol’ mess.
Here’s the trailer.
A teenager begins to suspect that her over-protective mother is hiding a secret. Smart, detailed thriller with excellent lead performances and well-handled suspense scenes. A couple of fine shock moments too, and clear focus on character throughout. Recommended.
Here’s the trailer.
An alcoholic bereaved father is suspected of being the serial killer who might have taken his own child. Autumnal thriller with a downbeat tone and some good ideas. Perhaps a touch brisk in its storytelling, but unusual moments and interesting details make it worth your time.
Here’s the trailer.
A cruise vessel sinks after a collision: survivors find shelter on a ship that may be haunted by Nazi ghosts. Clumsy, dull, and poorly-directed horror/disaster hybrid. A couple of strong ideas lurk, but this is lumpen stuff that doesn’t have much in the way of focus or story.
Here’s the trailer.
A young millworker exercises her independence during a week’s holiday to Blackpool. Slightly prim adaptation of a once-groundbreaking play exploring sex and class. Chiefly of interest as a social document, but the location-shot material is great, and captures a lost version of the resort well.
Here’s the trailer.
![Without Remorse [AKA Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse] (2021, dir. Stefano Sollima)](https://255review.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/without-remorse-poster.jpg?w=815)
255 Review 