Sunday 17 March 2024

REVIEW: Damsel (2024 Film) - Starring Millie Bobby Brown

Review by Jon Donnis
"Damsel" weaves a captivating tale of dark fantasy and adventure, skillfully directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and penned by Dan Mazeau. At its core lies the story of Elodie, brought to life with remarkable depth by Millie Bobby Brown, who embarks on a treacherous journey after accepting a marriage proposal from a charming prince. Little does she know, her betrothal is a ruse to settle ancient debts owed by a royal family.


Thrown into a harrowing predicament, Elodie finds herself imprisoned in a cavern alongside a fire-breathing dragon, voiced with haunting allure by Shohreh Aghdashloo. As she grapples with survival, Elodie's character undergoes a compelling transformation, evolving from a naive maiden to a resilient heroine driven by sheer determination.


The ensemble cast, including seasoned actors like Robin Wright (The Princess Bride, here she plays a Queen with an ulterior motive), adds layers of complexity to the narrative, offering nuanced performances that enrich the fantastical world of "Damsel."


While the film excels in its character development and atmospheric storytelling, it is not without its flaws. Audiences may find themselves questioning certain plot elements, such as the origin of a crucial map within the cavern, which detracts from the overall immersion. Who drew the map showing how to escape? If they escaped, did they then go back to draw the map? This one thing had me screaming at the screen. Not to mention a chest wound on the Elodie character which switched from one side of her chest to the other  towards the end of the film.


Furthermore, while the film's commitment to diversity is evident, the inclusion of certain characters may feel contrived, disrupting the coherence of the narrative. Come on, the setting is some kind of medieval England, not downtown Manhattan.

Despite these shortcomings, "Damsel" remains an engaging fantasy film suitable for audiences starting with mid teens and going upwards. With its blend of suspense, adventure, and dark fantasy elements, "Damsel" offers an enthralling cinematic experience that earns a commendable 7 out of 10 rating.

Out now on Netflix

Friday 15 March 2024

NEWS & TRAILER: La Cha Cha (2024 Film) - Starring Liam Hourican

By Jon Donnis
Get ready for a rollicking ride through the valleys of Wales in Director Kevin Allen's uproarious new comedy, "La Cha Cha." Set to make its UK digital debut on March 25, this film promises to be a riotous romp filled with colourful characters and offbeat charm.

For fans of Allen's cult classic "Twin Town," "La Cha Cha" offers a delightful reunion with the director and his acclaimed cast. But this time, instead of delinquent twins causing chaos, we're introduced to a retirement community like no other.

Mild-mannered Irishman Solti Buttering, played by the talented Liam Hourican, finds himself on an unexpected journey through Wales to scatter his grandfather's ashes. Along the way, he stumbles upon La Cha Cha, an unconventional caravan site inhabited by a lively group of retirees living life to the fullest.

From nudists to musicians to a thriving alternative community, La Cha Cha is a haven for those who refuse to grow old gracefully. Daily life at the site is a whirlwind of activities, including paintballing, yoga, and plenty of dancing.

But all is not well at La Cha Cha. Despite the community's vibrant spirit, its young owners, played by Ruby and Sonny Ashbourne Serkis, are struggling to keep the site afloat. Enter Solti, who, charmed by the residents, decides to lend a hand. Together with the siblings, he embarks on a mission to save their beloved sanctuary.

"La Cha Cha" promises to be a totally original, beautifully bonkers, and wickedly funny comedy that captures the heart and soul of Wales. With its cracking characters and Welsh charm, there's never a dull moment at La Cha Cha.

Mark your calendars for March 25, 2024, when "La Cha Cha" arrives digitally in the UK, courtesy of Seven Tales Entertainment Ltd. Don't miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure.



Wednesday 13 March 2024

REVIEW: Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate (2024 Film) - Starring Keith Ferguson

By Jon Donnis
"Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate" attempts to recapture the charm and wit of its predecessor while expanding the universe with new characters and adventures. However, despite its efforts, the film falls short in several key areas.

One of the film's strengths lies in its attempt to explore Megamind's transition from supervillain to superhero. Keith Ferguson brings a different but still charismatic energy to the role of Megamind, while Laura Post delivers a commendable performance as Roxanne Ritchi. The introduction of new characters such as Lady Doppler, Pierre Pressure, Lord Nighty-Knight, Behemoth, and Machiavillain adds freshness to the narrative and offers new dynamics for Megamind to navigate.


The plot, while promising in concept, feels underdeveloped and lacks the depth and excitement expected from a sequel. The pacing is uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others drag on, leading to an overall uneventful experience. The reliance on recycled jokes and tired tropes from the original film further detracts from the film's originality and fails to engage the audience fully.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the film is the absence of the original voice cast, with the replacements failing to capture the essence of the characters. This decision may alienate fans who grew attached to the voices of Will Ferrell and Tina Fey in the original film.


Additionally, the animation quality is a step down from its predecessor, which is particularly jarring given the advancement in animation technology over the past decade. The lackluster visuals detract from the overall viewing experience and undermine the film's attempts to immerse the audience in its world.

Overall, "Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate" struggles to live up to the legacy of its predecessor. While it may entertain very young audiences unfamiliar with the original film, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a satisfying sequel. DreamWorks Animation would have been better served by investing more time and resources into crafting a sequel that honours the spirit of the original while pushing the franchise forward. As it stands, "Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate" earns a disappointing score of 3 out of 10.


Tuesday 12 March 2024

REVIEW: Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024 Film) - Starring Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis and Dustin Hoffman

By Jon Donnis
Kung Fu Panda 4 brings back the beloved Po, voiced by the comedic genius Jack Black, in another uproarious adventure filled with martial arts mayhem and heartwarming moments. Directed by Mike Mitchell, this installment retains the essence of the franchise while introducing new challenges and characters to keep audiences entertained.

The plot centers on Po's unexpected role as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, a position that he feels ill-prepared for. His journey to embrace this new responsibility is complicated by the emergence of the villainous sorceress Chameleon, brilliantly portrayed by Viola Davis. Chameleon's ability to shapeshift poses a grave threat as she seeks to seize Po's Staff of Wisdom and wreak havoc on the world.


One of the highlights of the film is the dynamic between Po and the quick-witted thief Zhen, voiced by the charismatic Awkwafina. Their unlikely partnership forms the backbone of the story, leading to moments of humour and personal growth for both characters.

The voice cast delivers stellar performances across the board, with veterans like Dustin Hoffman reprising his role as Master Shifu and newcomers like Viola Davis adding depth to the roster of characters. Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Po's biological father adds emotional resonance to the narrative, further enriching the familial themes explored throughout the film.


Visually, Kung Fu Panda 4 continues the tradition of stunning animation that the franchise is known for. The action sequences are expertly animated, showcasing the characters' martial arts prowess with fluidity and precision. From the serene landscapes of the Valley of Peace to the dark lairs of the villains, each scene is meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the world of Kung Fu Panda.

While the film delivers on its promise of entertainment, it may fall short in comparison to its predecessors in terms of depth and originality. Some jokes and plot points feel familiar, echoing themes and gags from previous installments. However, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the film's charm and humour, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.


Kung Fu Panda 4 is a delightful continuation of Po's adventures, offering a blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Despite its minor flaws, it remains a solid entry in the series, earning a commendable rating of 8.5 out of 10. Fans of the franchise can rest assured that their favorite panda is back and better than ever.

Out in cinemas now and coming soon to digital at
And you can watch the first 3 films at https://amzn.to/48SADqv

Monday 11 March 2024

COMPETITION: Win Green Room on 4K UHD


The brand-new Limited Edition release of Green Room will be music to your fears, as Second Sight Films gives acclaimed director Jeremy Saulnier’s (Blue Ruin) hit horror the physical release it deserves on 18 March 2024, standard editions will also be available.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on Standard 4K UHD to give away.

Synopsis
In a masterclass in casting, national treasure Patrick Stewart gives an outstandingly terrifying turn as a sadistic neo-Nazi and stars alongside stellar cast, the late Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Hearts in Atlanta), Imogen Poots (Vivarium, 28 Weeks Later) Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development, Whip It), Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Skins) and Callum Turner (War & Peace, Victor Frankenstein), who all give unwavering performances. This, accompanied by a stomping soundtrack and a bucket load of bloody violence makes for ‘A debilitating, white-knuckled thrill fest’ says Starburst Magazine.

Struggling punk band Ain't Rights are in the Pacific Northwest for a gig, but when it’s cancelled, Pat, Sam, Reece and Tiger must find another way of making the money that they desperately need. When an opportunity for a show in the sticks arises, they can’t say no… but what the hell have they walked into?

The venue turns out to be a neo-Nazi bar… and when the band witness a brutal murder, things quickly spiral out of control and they find themselves trapped in the green room, with little chance of escape…  Forced to fight for survival using anything and everything at their disposal, can they make it out alive?

Take your seat in the Green Room for a ‘Brutal, vicious, cerebral and expertly acted movie that will get your heart thumping, and your adrenaline rushing’ (Film Threat).
 
Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3wWarO5

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs Green Room?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 25-03-24
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.