pepreviews

Malcolm and Marie (2021)

Stylistically, this is a beautiful film. The black and white, the exterior shots looking into the interior and vice versa, combined with intimate shots of John David Washington (Blackkklansman, Tenet) and Zendaya (The Greatest Showman, Spider-Man)’s faces tells the story of a couple’s relationship over the course one night. There is a present-ness to it,Continue reading “Malcolm and Marie (2021)”

One Night in Miami (2021)

Regina King’s directorial debut is a great period piece set in 1964 on the night of Cassius Clay’s victory against Sonny Liston, and tells the fictionalised meeting of Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali and Sam Cooke. Based on play by Kemp Powers (Soul), it tells much more than the one night, packing so muchContinue reading “One Night in Miami (2021)”

Lost Girls (2020)

Netflix takes a look at the way that women and sex workers are treated by law enforcement in their latest crime mystery. Based on the true story of Shannan Gilbert’s disappearance, the film follows how her mother ends up becoming the detective in the search for her and her interactions with the other families ofContinue reading “Lost Girls (2020)”

Black Beauty (2020)

A modern-day reprisal of Anna Sewell’s novel, Black Beauty tells the story of Jo, played by Mackenzie Foy (Twilight Breaking Dawn) and the horse that changes and defines her life. Narrated by Kate Winslet, Black Beauty tells the story of her life from start to finish. It follows her journey from a wild horse, to a showContinue reading “Black Beauty (2020)”

Hillbilly Elegy (2020)

Ron Howard adapts J.D. Vance’s memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ in his latest film. It boasts a cast including Amy Adams (Enchanted, Arrival), Frieda Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) and Glenn Close. It focuses on a boy from Kentucky who struggles to let go of his family history and hometown. The film considers how one can decide how whereContinue reading “Hillbilly Elegy (2020)”

Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)

He’s an international popstar with a crazy life, but he’s still just a normal guy with normal problems. Shawn Mendes’ new documentary film shows exactly this, and not much more. If you are an avid fan of Shawn then the extra content will be welcomed, and as a precursor to his upcoming album ‘Wonder’ (outContinue reading “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)”

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Any musical theatre lover will enjoy the music, costumes and choreography of this film. There is a mix of old and new in this Christmas movie that is perfect for all the family. It’s a kind of Christmas-themed Greatest Showman-meets-Peter Pan-meets-Wall-e that begins as a fairy-tale being read by a grandmother to her grandchildren about an inventorContinue reading “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)”

The Laundromat (2020)

Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas bring us a story of capitalism, greed and tax avoidance. The film focuses on the story of a woman who’s husband, along with twenty others, is killed in a boating accident. When she searches for answers about compensation for his death, she finds fake insurance companies that areContinue reading “The Laundromat (2020)”

Operation Christmas Drop (2020)

What appears to be a cheap, cringe-y, commercial Christmas film in the trailer, turns out to be a heart-warming, wholesome holiday film. Based on the real-life military operation of dropping supplies and gifts to remote islands over the Christmas holidays, this film provides a taste of the tropical after nearly a year of no travel. Continue reading “Operation Christmas Drop (2020)”

Ghosts of War (2020)

Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) and Brenton Thwaites (Pirates of the Carribean) star in the supernatural horror Ghosts of War which takes place in Nazi occupied France during WW2. The soldiers are tasked with guarding a mansion once held by the Nazis, which turns out to be haunted by the family that used to live there. The filmContinue reading “Ghosts of War (2020)”