Author: Matthew Wilson

Fast X review “2 confused 2 reach its full potential”

14 June 2023 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

As the latest entry in the world renowned franchise, Fast X (2023) is a classic example of an instalment in a film franchise that has possibly run its course, but has the same time, allows viewers to switch off and relax. Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, Clash of the Titans, Now You See Me) fills in for long time director Justin Lin (Fast and Furious, Fast 5, F9), carrying the weight of nine preceding films, not forgetting the spin off of course.

This is no easy feat considering the ensemble cast including franchise veterans Vin Diesel (Guardians of the Galaxy, Fast 5, XXX), Michelle Rodriguez (Avatar, S.W.A.T, Machete), and Sung Kang (Code 8, Ninja Assassin, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift). On top of this the entry managed to squeeze in some new faces including Jason Mamoa (Aquaman, Sweet Girl, Dune), Alan Ritchson (Titans, Reacher, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel, Room, Kong: Skull Island).

Star Wars, a retrospective

28 August 2022 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

Not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, the world was introduced to one of the most successful franchises to exist, spanning multiple genres and mediums. While its roots are grounded in Japanese cinema and the Westerns of the golden age, Star Wars over time has grown and evolved to become much more than that, opening the eyes of generations of viewers while becoming a central part in many people’s lives.

Whether it be for casual viewing or hard-core marathons, it isn’t hard to see the attraction of such a universe. If anything, it offers an escape from the sometimes bleak and depressing world we inhabit, showing fans that there can always be light found in the dark.

Lightyear review “To infinity, but not quite beyond”

29 June 2022 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

With Angus MacLane (BURN-E, Toy Story of Terror!, Toy Story Toons: Small Fry) at the helm and Chris Evans (Knives Out, Snowpiercer, Avengers: Endgame) starring as the titular space ranger, this expansion was all set to be an out of this world experience for fans and newcomers alike. While this is initially the case, a retcon appears towards the film’s third act which prevents the story from reaching hyperspace.

The story as a whole is well written, with the exception being the aforementioned franchise retcon which has been a major turn off for some fans. In addition, the bizarre choice is made to have the, in universe, merchandising for the film be based off the suits and star ship from the closing minutes of the film.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore review “A mix of old and new faces, places and briefcases”

1 May 2022 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

In The Secrets of Dumbledore, journey back to the realm of the Wizarding World, as Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything, Jupiter Ascending, The Trial of the Chicago 7), Dumbledore, played by Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes, The Holiday, Closer), and the rest of Dumbledore’s first army, assemble in a race against the clock to stop the dark wizard, Grindelwald, played by Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal, Another Round, The Hunt, Rogue One), from enacting a plot that not only threatens the stability of the Wizarding World, but promises to tear apart the Muggle world too.

Reacher review “Jacked Reacher”

26 March 2022 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

Full of action, violence and comedy, Reacher takes the story back to its roots by opting to convey the events from the founding novel in what became Lee Child’s international hit; The Killing Floor. The show stars Alan Ritchson (Titans, Ghosts of War, TMNT 2014) as the titular character, with Willa Fitzgerald (Beach House, Dare Me, Blood Money) and Malcolm Goodwin (iZombie, Mississippi Damned, The Lazarus Project) co-starring as Roscoe and Detective Finlay respectively.

Adapting the founding novel works in the series’ favour as it prevents the show from being comparable to previous screen renditions. The show start from the beginning means a fresh start, assuring audiences that no prior knowledge of the character is necessary in order to enjoy this show. The clean slate also provides the show with the opportunity to potentially adapt a lot, if not all, of the novels in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. This would be a realistic and smart move judging from the overwhelmingly positive support garnered by the show’s premier season.

The King’s Man review “The long awaited prequel to a unique franchise”

21 January 2022 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

The latest instalment in The Kingsman franchise, aptly named The King’s Man, transports audiences to the founding days of the organisation, conveying the events preceding its inception. The film offers a slightly altered take on history than the one viewers will be familiar with, and in doing so cements the spies as playing an essential role in the conclusion of the first world war.

Actors Ralph Fiennes (Red Dragon, No Time To Die, Spectre) and Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats, The Darkest Minds, Maleficent 2) team up with Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans, Runner Runner) and Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy, Blood Diamond, Gladiator) to save the world from a prevelant threat.

Last Night in Soho review “Edgar Wright is back”

28 November 2021 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

The latest film from the amazing mind of Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver), Last Night in Soho, sets out to test the boundaries of what’s possible within a genre. With the appearance of an ordinary murder mystery on the cover, the story quickly turns to a horrific blood bath of time travelling chaos and confusion. With an impressive cast including Matt Smith (Doctor Who, The Crown), Anya Taylor-Joy (Split, The Queen’s Gambit), and most importantly, Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit, The King), the narrative throws you in the deep end and holds you there until the credits roll.

Squid Game review “The show that brought South Korea back into the limelight”

10 October 2021 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

Squid Game is the show from South Korea that took the world by storm. With the achievement of being Number One on Netflix in 90 countries, I would say that it’s a safe bet with this show that you should, at least on some level, enjoy it. That being said, the series is surprisingly graphic, and doesn’t shy away from continuous on-screen depictions of a violent and strikingly realistic nature.

Batman: The Long Halloween Parts 1 and 2 review

23 September 2021 / Matthew Wilson / 0 Comments

I got to watch this film in late June when my steelbook finally arrived. I was really looking forward to watching this film, as some of my favourite Batman content derives from the animated medium, such as Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010).

I think it was the right decision to split the film adaptation into two parts as it allows for more accuracy to the source material as well as great depth of characters and better pacing of events. I didn’t feel as though this film rushed anything particularly, which was an issue I had mildly experienced while rewatching Batman: Year One (2011).