Category: Archive reviews (Page 1 of 4)

Life of Pi review “A breathtaking journey of faith and survival”

16 October 2026 / Adam Brannon / 2 Comments

Updated October 2026

Every so often, a film comes along that reminds you just how magical cinema can be. Ang Lee’s Life of Pi is one of those films. Based on Yann Martel’s 2001 novel of the same name, it’s a visually breathtaking, emotionally charged adventure that combines extraordinary filmmaking with a deeply moving story. But does Lee’s adaptation live up to the reputation of its source material? Absolutely.

From its stunning visuals and remarkable performances to its heart-warming central relationship, Life of Pi is a film that captivates from beginning to end. It’s an extraordinary cinematic experience, although it takes a little patience to fully appreciate just how special it is.

The Grey review “A bleak and unforgiving survival thriller”

8 October 2026 / Adam Brannon / 8 Comments

Updated October 2026

Is there ever a better match-up than Liam Neeson and a good, solid action flick? This reviewer thinks not, and that’s exactly what we have here. However, Joe Carnahan’s The Grey is far more than your typical paint-by-numbers action movie. Beneath the snarling wolves and fight for survival lies a surprisingly thoughtful, emotionally charged thriller.

The Grey follows a group of men working away from home in the Alaskan oil fields. On their journey back to safety, disaster strikes when the plane carrying them crashes in spectacular fashion. The opening sequence is absolutely stunning and ranks among the best plane crashes I’ve seen on the silver screen. It even makes the infamous crash in the original Final Destination look tame.

A blast from the past… The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

1 May 2026 / Adam Brannon / 1 Comment

I was watching The Devil Wears Prada the other day on ITV2 and was reminded just how brilliant it is. Back in 2006, it exceeded expectations – and even now, years later, it still holds up remarkably well. Here’s the review I wrote all those years ago. Enjoy.

Avatar [2009]: A retrospective look back

19 December 2025 / Adam Brannon / 1 Comment

Looking back, it’s easy to forget just how much pressure rested on Avatar. James Cameron was attempting to follow up Titanic, a film that had dominated cinema history since 1997. When Avatar finally arrived 12 years later, it wasn’t just another blockbuster – it was positioned as an event, one that aimed to redefine what cinema could look and feel like.

Joaquin Phoenix in Her — © Warner Bros. Pictures

Her review “For the Love”

29 August 2018 / Adam Brannon / 0 Comments

Today it is almost impossible to go about without technology readily by our side. From smart phones to laptops and watches that now do more than just tell time, we are tied to technology one way or another. We have established relationships of entertainment, work and even a relationship of dependency with these technologies. In Spike Jonze’s Her (2013) this relationship with technology is explored in terms of actual affection and love.

Director Spike Jonze previously directed the children’s book adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are in 2009. Her stars Joaquin Phoenix as the lonely Theodore and the voice of Scarlett Johansson as Samantha, the operating system Theodore falls in love with. Additional actors that lend their voices include Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig and Spike Jonze himself as the foul mouthed alien boy. Continue reading

Walking with Dinosaurs – Review

27 December 2013 / Adam Brannon / 2 Comments

Over ten years ago, in 1999, the BBC decided to create a television series that would go on to captivate audiences across the planet. That six-part documentary was Walking with Dinosaurs, and to this day, it remains one of the most successful and profitable tv-made productions ever made in the United Kingdom.

After numerous set-backs and budget changes, 20^th Century Fox, in partnership with BBC Earth decided to resurrect the franchise, bringing it back to life as Walking with Dinosaurs: the 3D Movie, but can it capture the magic and sparkle of what preceded it? Continue reading

Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Review

23 November 2013 / Adam Brannon / 11 Comments

The Hunger Games franchise has come at a time that is almost certain to gather box-office success. After Harry Potter finished two years ago and The Twilight Saga bowed out just 12 months ago, teenagers and young adults have been craving for a new series of blockbusters to ‘sink their teeth into’.

The first film of this new dawn, based on Suzanne Collins’ successful book, was released in March last year and greeted with warm reviews and a staggering box-office performance, a gross just shy of $700m to be a little more precise.

However, rumoured tensions between director Gary Ross and studio Color Force meant that despite its impressive takings, he was not to helm its sequel, Catching Fire. Taking over from him is Francis Lawrence, director of I am Legend, Constantine and Water for Elephants, but can he better what preceded him? Continue reading

You’re Next: Review [2013]

31 August 2013 / Adam Brannon / 2 Comments

Finding a good horror film has been a little like a prompt train over the last few years, they are few and far between. However, 2013 has produced more than its fair share of movies within the genre, with the excellent The Purge, released earlier this year; Insidious 2, which is in cinemas this autumn and of course, the subject of this review; You’re Next. But can this modern horror film deliver the thrills and spills of those of yesteryear? Continue reading

Pacific Rim: Review [2013]

13 July 2013 / Adam Brannon / 7 Comments

“Today, we are cancelling the apocalypse” barks Idris Elba’s Stacker Pentecost in the trailer for Pacific Rim, but it’s over 90 minutes in when you finally hear him utter that attention grabbing phrase in a movie so big, it will make your head spin. But is it worth the migraine? Continue reading

World War Z: Review [2013]

22 June 2013 / Adam Brannon / 5 Comments

Brad Pitt has become one of Hollywood’s best loved actors over the years and it isn’t difficult to see why. His chiselled good looks, slick blonde hair and quiet confidence have all ensured he is never short of work. Here, he teams up with director Marc Forster who helmed the disappointing James Bond sequel, Quantum of Solace, in the latest zombie film to hit the screens; World War Z, but is it any good? Continue reading