Howdy ladies and gents of the internet, how’s it going? So it is New Year’s Eve and 2018 is almost over, but before the year disappears I wanted to share with you my favourite films of the year via my podcast, Film Focus. But unlike previous years I’ve decided to do a top 11 because 1) After going through my list I just couldn’t leave the final number at ten and had to add one more. But more importantly, 2) Because I bloody feel like it and it’s my list! 😛 So if you know what kind of films that I like you may not be surprised by some of my entries, but I think there will be some that you won’t expect.
So join me as I go through some of the best films of the year that I believe you should have seen or should check out if you haven’t already.
P.S. During the Bumblebee segment I made a couple of mistakes where I meant to say a mixture of CGI and live-action instead of real life and live-action. And I also mentioned the High Moon Studios Transformers games which I meant to say were for the PS3 and Xbox 360, not the PS4.
Anyway check out my thoughts in the episode below:
As I mentioned before I’ll cover a different topic or review in each episode and since I don’t have much in the way of listeners or promotion, I’m here to spread the word about my podcast. 🙂
So if you have some spare time on your hands and would like to listen to the ramblings of a passionate/strange man then please check it out, and share it with your friends if you can. Also, you have any feedback or if you’d be interested in joining in future episodes be sure to let me know, until next time, laters! 😀
Howdy ladies and gents of the internet, as some of you may have seen, in 2016 I started a film podcast entitled Film Focus and on this podcast, I talk about various topics in film and reviews as well on a biweekly basis. And the latest episode features a double review for the Ready Player One and Pacific Rim Uprising.
Anyway here’s the episode 51:
I was going to do a written review for Ready Player One, but I didn’t have the time and since I saw it pretty close to my viewing of Pacific Rim 2 so I decided that my podcast would be an easier and better way to talk about both films. But that’s not all, I have also included my small yet notable thoughts on Annihilation and Isle of Dogs, again films I really wanted t review on this blog, but because of timing I couldn’t do it around the time of release so I added my thoughts to the podcast before getting in the meaty reviews later on.
Here are the time codes:
02:34 Annihilation Mini Review
04:09 Isle of Dogs Mini Review
08:19 Ready Player One Review
23:50 Pacific Rim Uprising Review
As I mentioned before I’ll cover a different topic or review in each episode and since I don’t have much in the way of listeners or promotion, I’m here to spread the word about my podcast. 🙂
So if you have some spare time on your hands and would like to listen to the ramblings of a passionate/strange man then please check it out, and share it with your friends if they are fans of film discussion. Also, you have any feedback or if you’d be interested in joining in future episodes be sure to let me know, until next time, laters! 😀
Howdy ladies and gents, I know its almost two weeks into January but today I shall be sharing with you my top 11 most anticipated films of 2018. I finished PART 1, 2 & 3 of my Films to Look Out For in 2018 lists, and now I’m finally ready to reveal the films I’m most looking forward to. Now, this list wasn’t too hard to put together unlike last year, though the placement was tricky after number 6 onwards. Anyway, let’s get on with this list. 🙂
11. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
So here we have another Spider-Man film, except with two very big differences: 1) It is an animated film and 2) Miles Morales is the main character instead of Peter Parker. These are aspects that make this new Spidey film very compelling to me. Also with Donald Glover voicing Miles and that wonderful teaser trailer that dropped a little while ago with that distinctive art style and animation, it has the potential to be a very interesting superhero film this year.
10. Mortal Engines
This is the first notable film from Peter Jackson since his Hobbit trilogy between 2012 to 2015, and I only watched the trailer not too long ago and I thought it looked crazy cool and intriguing.
9. The Predator
I really want this film to be good. Predator is one of my favourite films ever and since that first film, each new entry in the series has failed to capture the magic and badassery of the original. Predator 2 was interested in setting and situations but didn’t hold a candle to the original and Predators from 2010 had some great moments on the space planet and the one-on-one sword film with the Asian guy, but overall just felt like an imitation of the first with weak new elements. So with Shane Black returning to this franchise to write and direct I feel a sense of hope for this franchise, I just pray that it is good.
8. Mission: Impossible 6
It’s weird that this franchise has gone on for as long as it has, but I’ve been a big fan since the 4th film and Rogue Nation was another impressive entry in the series and introduces us to Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust who was incredible. So with this new film, I have no clue what the story will be but I’m just excited to see this crew come back together, get into some crazy action sequences and take on Henry Cavill’s villain character.
7. Sicario 2: Soldado
I liked Sicario in 2015, mainly the introduction and the last third of the film, more so the latter because of what happened with Benicio del Toro’s character. So when I heard there’d be a sequel with his character being the focus I wasn’t super interested because I thought the first film worked as a solo adventure, however, after seeing the trailer I am way more excited for this film that looks even more aggressive, unfiltered and dirty.
6. Ready Player One
This film could just be okay, but I will admit that my hype levels for this film are pretty high. The concept sounds interesting, and all of those references from pop culture set my soul on fire! It looks like pure insanity and I know that visual spectacle and fan service doesn’t make a great film, but regardless of how it turns out I still think Steven Spielberg will deliver something fun.
5. Annihilation
I loved Ex Machina, it was in my top 10 of 2015 and since then I’ve been eagerly anticipating what Alex Garland would come up with and this film looks fascinating, strange and intriguing with a solid cast, interesting story and striking visuals.
4. Isle of Dogs
When I saw the trailer for this last year I thought it looked and felt like a Wes Anderson film and sure enough his name showed up in the trailer. The story sounds intriguing, the voice cast is insane and visual style is distinctive and eye-catching, this film may not be for everyone much like Fantastic Mr Fox but I really liked that film and this film looks like it’ll be a great adventure.
3.Black Panther
I have been waiting for this film for what feels like an eternity and while I have said that about a good few films over the last 4 years, this definitely applies to the Black Panther film. Black Panther was my favourite character from Civil War and I was ready for his solo film back in 2016, so after all the trailers, promotional images and interviews with the director and cast I’m stupid excited for this film.
2. Incredibles 2
14 years… 14 BLOODY YEARS! I have not wanted a sequel to a film as much as I have for The Incredibles. I saw it a few years after everyone else, but it captured my heart and imagination and remains to this day not only one of the best-animated films ever but also my of my all-time favourite films. And regardless of where the story goes, I need to experience it opening weekend! 😀
1. Avengers: Infinity War
Anyone who knows me knew that this would be number one. Regardless of the MCU formula when it comes to the story, tone and humour, I really love their films for the most part and this film has me the most hyped I’ve been for a film since Civil War in 2016. This is the culmination of 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so many years of build-up, creating this wide and varied world with cool characters and interesting stories, and now we have pretty much all of the characters joining up to take out the big bad; Thanos. And with that teaser trailer that got released not too long ago, my hype levels are stupidly high, I know I could be disappointed, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be one hell of a good time in April. 😀
And that’s my list finally done. So what are your most anticipated films of the year? Drop me a comment below and I’ll see ya in the next blog post, laters! 😀
Good day to you ladies and gentlemen, it’s a new year so you know what time it is, once again it is time for my preview of upcoming films that I believe are worth a look entitled: Films to look out for in 2018! In PART 1 I’ll be covering films released from now until March, and last year I got a lot of bad choices in the list so I’m hoping I’ll do better this year haha.
Now before we begin I have two main things I need to point out:
Obviously, a lot of films come out, so if they’re not on my list it’s either because I don’t know about them or I don’t care…
2017 films getting their UK releases this year don’t count! So there. 😛
Okay then, let’s start 😀
The Commuter
Release Date: January 12th (USA) January 19th (UK)
Trailer:
At this point I’m sort of over Liam Neeson as some older action star running around and being some sort of badass, it was fun at first but since he’s done it so much since Taken in 2008, it feels tiresome. That being said, that it something oddly addictive about watching Neeson get out of these troublesome and ridiculous situations that no one his age would really get into. So that is why I am curious about The Commuter, the premise is interesting enough and some of the stuff in the trailer looks so absurd in a funny way that I am curious to give it a watch.
Proud Mary
Release Date: January 12th (USA), March 23rd (UK)
Trailer:
I had no clue it existed until I looked it up and on paper, it sounds like it is right up my street. You have Taraji P. Henson in an action thriller playing a hitwoman running around and kicking ass, that’s cool. However, the trailer, I’m not keen on it. The premise sounds fine and the stuff in the trailer looks fine, but the way the trailer was edited, the use of sound effects and even the music (which I actually like), but didn’t do it for me. I hope the film is better than the trailer.
12 Strong
Release Date: January 19th (USA) & January 26th (UK)
Trailer:
Those who know me know that I’m not really into war films that much, though I have made a habit of checking out more in the last 3 or so years if the right people are attached and this film looks interesting. You have a group of soldiers sent to Afghanistan not long after the September 11th attacks, fighting impossible odds? Well, that certainly has my attention. I like the look of this film and that cast features some of my favourite people; Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena and Trevante Rhodes from Moonlight too.
Early Man
Release Date: January 26th (UK), February 16th (US)
Trailer:
I only watched the trailer for this film recently and the plot and humour seem alright, but the main reason I’m interested is because its a stop-motion film from Aardman. Their work as an animation studio is always recognisable and unique, and I love the way this film looks so I am hoping it has a bit of that Chicken Run kind of flavour, because if that’s the case then I’ll be very happy.
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Release Date: January 27th (UK), March 3rd (US)
Trailer:
I know not a lot of people care about the Maze Runner films, but I quite like them. The first was a surprisingly enjoyable film with an interesting concept, setting and had good performances and mystery, The Scorch Trials didn’t have the originality and simplicity of its predecessor, but had some cool new characters and story elements that fleshed out the world. With The Death Cure I keep forgetting it is coming out until I see something about it online, now I have no clue how this series of films will end, but it does get me curious and hopefully, the filmmakers have found a way to balance the story, characters, mystery and action in this new one.
Winchester
Release Date: February 2nd (USA & UK)
Trailer:
I hadn’t heard about this film until I looked it up and again I’m not a horror fan, but the premise sounds interesting and I like Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke, so I’m curious to see how this film turns out.
Black Panther
Release Date:  February 12th (UK), February 16th (USA)
Trailer:
So here it is, the first of my most anticipated films of 2018. I feel like I have been waiting for this film for AGES, but in just over a month I’ll get to experience this. I have a stupid amount of hype for this film considering the cast, director and source material the film is based on. I hope and pray that this film will be amazing.
Nostalgia
Release Date: February 16th (USA)
Trailer:
Now, this film could be a dull/uninspired film, but I read the premise and I was interested and the trailer only got me more intrigued. I get a Six Degrees of Separation kind of vibe from this film just with a more dramatic/melancholy tone, plus with people I like including Jon Hamm, Nick Offerman, Patton Oswalt, Catherine Keener and John Ortiz, this looks like it could be a good time if it gets a UK release.
Annihilation
Release Date: February 23rd (USA & UK)
Trailer:
I’ve been wanting to see this film since it was announced. Ex Machina was one of my favourite film experiences of the last 5 or so years, so when I heard about his newest project I was all over it. The trailer looks insane full of distinctive visuals with vivid colours and interesting creatures, but there’s also a mysterious and unsettling tone, with a story that looks like it has a small scope with large ramifications. Alex Garland really knocked it out of the park with his last film and I hope he can do it again with this new film.
A Wrinkle in Time
Release Date: March 9th (USA), March 23rd (UK)
Trailer:
I’ve heard SO much talk about this film since it was announced that Ava DuVernay would direct it, and I’ve only recently watched the trailer and I have to say I am intrigued. I love a good sci-fi adventure film and this film looks large in scope, fun yet dramatic, smart and accessible to people of all ages. I liked what DuVernay did with Selma so I’m curious to see what she does with a film with a larger budget.
The Upside
Release Date: March 9th (USA)
I only read about this film online recently and I like the premise of this film: “A comedic look at the relationship between a wealthy paraplegic and an unemployed man with a criminal record who’s hired to help him.” But what makes me more interested in this film is the fact that Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston are playing the leads, both are actors I really like and with this story material I think they could have good chemistry together.
Gringo
Release Date: March 9th, 2017 (USA & UK)
Trailer:
I saw this film in a list of films coming out this year and the cast was what got me interested, but the trailer, that’s what grabbed me. Seeing David Oyelowo in a comedic role is something I’ve never seen and yet it makes me so happy, he looks hilarious. This whole film looks like a lot of fun with good humour, a solid cast and crazy scenarios. I really hope it is good.
Pacific Rim Uprising
Release Date: March 23rd (USA & UK)
Trailer:
I am cautiously optimistic about this film, I want to be more excited about the film but so far that marketing hasn’t done much for me. The first film from 2013 was fun primarily because of the monsters, robots, beautiful visuals and sense of scale, though on repeat viewings the film was thin on character and story. This new film seems to be doubling down on the action and the robots and monsters, but it also looks like the sense of scale and the distinctive colour palette has been lost. That being said I do like giant monster battles, I like the new cast members and with Steven S. DeKnight at the helm, I hope he’ll bring his talent from TV into this film.
Isle of Dogs
Release Date: March 17th (USA & UK)
Trailer:
As soon as I saw the trailer for this a few months ago I was in automatically. Fantastic Mr Fox was my first Wes Anderson film and it was such a strange and delightful experience, and this film seems to have those same elements which makes me excited. Add on top of that the wonderful visual style of stop-motion animation, the interesting premise and incredible cast including Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, and Bob Balaban among many others, and you have what could be one of the most interesting viewing experiences of the year.
Ready Player One
Release Date: March 30th (USA & UK)
Trailer:
Before the first trailer dropped, I had heard so much talk about Steven Spielberg directing a film adaptation of Ready Player One, and I was only vaguely interested because of Spielberg’s involvement. It wasn’t until the second trailer that I was really on board for this film. The first trailer gave you a minor idea of what was going on with the story and the visual references that game from other films, comics and video games, but with the latest trailer, there was so much more in terms of the story and characters that intrigued me. But more os than that, the use of music and all of those references to pop culture nearly shattered my mind! I am quite curious/excited to watch this on my birthday and while it has the potential to be bad or just okay, I’m still down for it. 🙂
Alrighty then, that’s PART 1 done. Thanks a lot for reading. Are any of the films listed on your personal list of films to watch? Whatever your thoughts are, drop them in the comments section below and I’ll see you soon for PART 2! Laters 😀
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