The Star Wars live-action films have been cherished by movie fans worldwide for decades. Their blend of science fiction and western influences—shaped initially by George Lucas and later by Disney’s stewardship of Lucasfilm—created characters and moments that have become cultural touchstones. Figures like Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Kylo Ren, Rey, and Darth Vader … Read more
A Hidden Life (2019) Director: Terrence Malick Screenwriter: Terrence Malick Starring: August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Michael Nyqvist, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jürgen Prochnow, Bruno Ganz Terrence Malick, the Palme d’Or-winning director known for his poetic, philosophical cinema and transcendent visual style, returns to a more classical narrative approach with A Hidden Life. This World War II drama … Read more
Every November the Movember movement encourages men to grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The moustache — a cultural touchstone of masculinity in its many forms — is an instantly recognizable statement on screen. Some facial styles define a character; others enhance a performance. … Read more
This article was written exclusively for The Film Magazine by thecineblog’s Sophie Butcher. Last Christmas (2019) Director: Paul Feig Screenwriters: Emma Thompson, Greg Wise, Bryony Kimmings Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh Last Christmas opens with Kate (Emilia Clarke) literally dragging a battered suitcase behind her through the streets of London. It’s … Read more
Warner Bros.’ DC Comics adaptation Joker has shattered box office expectations for an R‑rated release, surpassing $1 billion worldwide and becoming one of the most profitable films in recent history. Directed and co‑written by Todd Phillips, best known for The Hangover, and featuring Joaquin Phoenix—whose credits include Gladiator, The Master and You Were Never Really … Read more
Ema (2019) Director: Pablo Larraín Screenwriters: Guillermo Calderón, Alejandro Moreno Starring: Mariana Di Girolamo, Gael Garcia Bernal, Santiago Cabrera, Paola Giannini, Cristián Suárez, Mariana Loyola Pablo Larraín’s Ema is a vivid, restless film that pulses with color, sound and emotion. Centered on the volatile relationship between a dancer, Ema (Mariana Di Girolamo), and her partner … Read more
Andy Serkis, known for directing Mowgli and for his performance work in The Lord of the Rings, is reportedly in advanced talks to portray Bruce Wayne’s trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth, in Matt Reeves’ upcoming Dark Knight film, The Batman. Serkis would join a cast that already includes Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz and Paul Dano in … Read more
32nd European Film Awards 2019: Full List of Nominees The nominees for the 32nd European Film Awards have been announced, with a range of films, directors and performers representing the current vitality and variety of European cinema. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Berlin on 7 December 2019. This year’s selection highlights both … Read more
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Director: Tim Miller Screenwriters: James Cameron (Story), David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, Billy Ray Starring: Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna The Terminator franchise has endured a turbulent history since the landmark sequel T2: Judgment Day. Several follow-ups failed to recapture the combination of tension, character and … Read more
Parasite (2019) Director: Bong Joon-ho Screenwriter: Bong Joon-ho, Han Jin-won Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a striking blend of dark comedy and thriller that digs into class tensions with a rare combination of wit, suspense and tenderness. After premiering at Cannes, where it won the Palme … Read more