A late 60s/early 70s New Jersey teenager is raised in a mob-affiliated household and neighbourhood. This The Sopranos prequel works as a both an insight into the earlier lives of that series’ main characters, and as a stand-alone movie. Tony Soprano very much a supporting character here: the focus is on his uncle Dickie, played by a never-better Alessandro Nivola.
Here’s the trailer.
1981: the Warrens investigate a killer who may be the victim of a curse. After a fun exorcism opening, the movie settles into something more procedural than previous episodes of the now-convoluted horror-lite franchise. Fans will know what to expect: Wilson and Farmiga anchor matters with their usual class.
Here’s the trailer.
Babysitters working for The Warrens meddle with cursed artefacts, summoning a range of demonic entities. Okay series entry/sequel working to tie together the convoluted Conjuring franchise; slight on story, but some effective jumps, neat period details, and an appealing cast.
The Russells and others fight the emerging Titans; and work to support Godzilla. Decent if slightly over-serious continuation of the 2014 rebooted cycle with a canny cast of character actors and a genuine sense of the spectacular. Light on story, but heavy on Kyle Chandler reaction shots, plus monster-fu aplenty.
A presidential hopeful’s nomination campaign is derailed by his philandering. Smart observational true-life political drama clearly in love with the likes of All The President’s Men. While it doesn’t quite grapple with its protagonist’s weaknesses, the film is nevertheless professional, skilful and well-crafted throughout. Recommended.
A just-sacked salesman is coerced into finding a witness on his train home. Contrived but fun single-location thriller from Neeson/Collet-Serra (their 4th collaboration). Well-stocked with sneaky character actors, and there’s a third-act moment of wonder. Enjoyable tosh.
Another perspective required? Here’s Lemonsquirtle’s POV.
A husband and wife team of exorcists battle a witch terrorising a family. Superior 70s-set jumpscare haunted house picture. Does nothing original, but delivers its shocks in style. A sequel soon followed.
The Warrens come to England to investigate the Enfield poltergeist phenomenon. Overlong but decent-enough sequel based on a real case with some lovely 1970s production design and plenty of the standard jump-scare light horror stuff typical of the genre.
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