BABY REINDEER (2024): The Things I Liked…

Baby Reindeer is one of those Netflix shows I clicked to watch because it became the most-watched TV show on the streaming platform in the UK soon after its release a few days earlier. And rightly so, because it’s a well-executed biographical drama centred around one man and his stalker.

Written by Richard Gadd; who also stars, along with Jessica Gunning (the stalker) and Nava Mau; the seven-part series has some welcome moments of unexpected humour, but by no means is Baby Reindeer a comedy or in parts, an easy watch.

What we get to see play out is the journey of the type of person who has a far-from-ideal relationship with his stalker – plus the circumstances that can lead to such a predicament.

By the end of this well-paced and acted true story, you will have plenty of interesting societal topics to think about, least of all how the police handle instances of stalking when reported. 

One thing that came up for me as I watched is the idea that we can all be taken advantage of in the worst ways if we’re not careful. And especially given the ideal circumstances for the person looking to do the taking. It’s how many people find themselves in cults, after all. Their vulnerabilities shone brightly for the recruiters who knew precisely how to manipulate them. 

Watch Baby Reindeer because it’s impressive. You’re guaranteed to have plenty to ponder and discuss afterwards.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

TRAP (2024): An Unexpected Roller Coaster Of Emotions While Watching The New M. Night Shyamalan Trailer, Starring Josh Hartnett, Hayley Mills…

The latest crime/horror/mystery starring Josh Hartnett and Hayley Mills is a movie with a possibly very promising trailer.

I saw this trailer within 10 minutes of its release several days ago. At first, I wasn’t sure where it was going, but then I started to get excited because it was looking pleasingly different; which is always welcome. Particularly for myself and others who have seen plenty of movies and a plethora of premise types many times before.

Sadly, however, something extremely disappointing happened at exactly two minutes and fifteen seconds into the trailer; specifically for me, the revelation of who the director is.

I would truly love nothing more than to be wrong about the extent to which I’m likely to enjoy this movie, but I’ve been disappointed too many times. As such, I’ll probably wait to see what the first reviews say before investing time.

What are your thoughts about M. Night Shyamalan’s latest? Perhaps you’re more hopeful than I am after watching the above trailer.

Hayley Mills, Marnie McPhail, Vanessa Smythe, Ariel Donoghue, Malik Jubal, Jonathan Langdon and Peter D’Souza also star.

Trap Release Dates: August 9th, 2024 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

DARK MATTER (2024): New Trailer From Joel Egerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Oakes Fegley…

New nine-part drama/sci-fi/thriller, Dark Matter from Apple TV+ has Joel Egerton starring as Jason Dessan, a man abducted into an alternate version of his life.

Based on the novel by Blake Crouch and additional key cast that includes Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga and Oakes Fegley; Jason must find a way back before it’s too late.

Hello, Nightmare.

I’ve been hearing about how Netflix is great at documentaries and that Apple’s thing is good sci-fi. I haven’t watched much sci-fi on Apple TV+, particularly because it isn’t my favourite genre. At least not pure sci-fi anyway. However, this trailer sure has me intrigued, plus it’s sci-fi/drama/thriller, which helps.

Based on this engaging trailer edit, I’m ready to find out if Egerton’s character makes it back home to his loving family, as near impossible as it seems right now.

Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, Amanda Brugel, Marquita Brooks, Tiff Abreu, Bassam Abdelfattah, Jimmy Styx, Missy Fierro, Jenne Kang and Patricia Mario also star.

Dark Matter Release Dates: May 8th, 2024 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

BRIDGERTON – SEASON 3 (2024): New Trailer Starring Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Julie Andrews…

The third instalment of the Bridgerton offspring’s love stories is soon upon us.

Starring Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton; this time the focus is on Colin Bridgerton and his relationship with long-time admirer and wallflower Penelope Featherington.

Penelope and Colin may not be my favourite Bridgerton characters, but I’ll watch because I try to finish things I start. Well, unless I have a very good reason not to. There’s always a chance that I’ll be very pleasantly surprised by how engaging the writing ends up being (one of the things I enjoyed about season 2), even though I’m not particularly gripped yet, based on this trailer.

Additionally, there are always the flowers of spring and colourful costumes to look forward to, plus the occasional appearance of my favourite characters, the queen Charlotte plus the viscount and his wife, of course.

There are still theoretically, at least five more Bridgerton seasons to go. Will you be watching this third instalment?

Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Julie Andrews, Bessie Carter, Polly Walker, Luke Thompson, Adjoa Andoh, Golda Rosheuvel, Claudia Jessie, Ruth Gemmell, Jessica Madsen and Hugh Sachs also star.

Bridgerton – Season 3 Release Dates: May 16th, 2024 (US & UK), Netflix…

Happy Film Loving

G

DAMSEL (2024): The Things I Liked…

I’m a sucker for empowered and empowering female characters. No surprise then, when it came to my eagerness to watch Damsel, the latest action/adventure/fantasy from Stranger Things breakout star, Millie Bobbie Brown. 

After watching the trailer, I was excited to witness the young damsel, Elodie (Brown) rise. Especially since Brown has that undeniable quality which more than suggests ‘capable heroine’. 

After agreeing to marry a handsome prince following encouragement from her father, things end up being very far from ‘happily ever after’ for young Elodie. The good news is that what follows is a fun and easy-to-watch adventure. One I may not recommend with the highest level of enthusiasm when asked. Nevertheless, I say it’s worth it; particularly if you agree with the above opening line to this review.

It was satisfying to watch Elodie’s resilience as the story progressed. Even though, for me, the script felt a tad basic in parts. My only other issue is that final walk towards the end. It came across as overly exaggerated in a laughable and arguably cringy way for me. Perhaps I’m just too ‘mature’ for this type of execution. 

Lastly, in case you were wondering, that wonderful dragon voice is courtesy of Shohreh Aghdashloo, a lady would you believe it? Brava, I say, brava! 

Happy Film Loving,

G

FURIOSA (2024): New Trailer From Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Charlee Fraser, Tom Burke…

Furiosa - A Mad Max Saga (2024), Anya Taylor-Joy, Warner Bros. Pictures
Furiosa – A Mad Max Saga (2024), Anya Taylor-Joy, Warner Bros. Pictures

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Charlee Fraser and Tom Burke; Furiosa – A Mad Max Saga is the latest action/adventure/sci-fi from writer/director George Miller.

This time the focus is on the origin story of rebel warrior Furiosa, before she meets sand teams up with Mad Max.

Hello, beautiful chaos!

This great-looking vengeance movie trailer has me ready to see Taylor-Joy as the super angry heroine Furiosa. I’m excited to watch her journey to serve Dr. Dementus (Hemsworth in a prosthetic nose) his comeuppance.

There’s got to be no way this won’t deliver, right? Especially with such a talented cast and a wonderful trailer that has both visuals and moments of dialogue that have me yelping with delight and feeling grateful for my senses.

Furiosa: I want them back. I WANT THEM BACK!!!

Dr. Dementus: Where are you going, so full of hope? THERE IS NO HOPE!!!

Aren’t both lines just such perfect moments of dialogue? The first has me more than ready to see Furiosa execute her plans, and the second has me wondering if I’ll end up feeling a little sorry for Dementus. Especially after hearing the feeling in the brilliant way that Hemsworth delivers the above line.

No doubt I’ll take in this trailer plenty more times before the movie is released.

Goran D. Kleut, CJ. Bloomfield, Rahel Romahn, Nathan Jones, Angus Sampson, Lachy Hulme, Alyla Browne, Daniel Webber and Nat Buchanan also star.

Furiosa – A Mad Max Saga Release Dates: May 24th, 2024 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

MONKEY MAN (2024): New Trailer From Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Adithi Kalkunte, Sikandar Kher, Pitobash…

New action/thriller Monkey Man is an epic-looking vengeance story starring and directed by Dev Patel, who also happens to be one of the co-writers.

Post trailer viewing, I find myself rather happy for Patel, considering the excitement around such a promising directorial debut.

I see plenty of John Wick fans being drawn to this one, along with many enthusiasts of a good vengeance tale, especially if the gratuitous violence isn’t off-putting.

I’m ready, and look forward to keeping up with all the exciting fight sequences.

Sharlto Copley, Adithi Kalkunte, Sikandar Kher itobash. Ashwini Kalsekar, Makrand Deshpande, Sobhita Dhulipala and Jatin Malik also star.

Monkey Man Release Dates: April 5th, 2024 (UK & US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

BAD BOYS – RIDE OR DIE (2024): New Trailer Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig…

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back for the fourth instalment of the Bad Boys movie franchise.

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah; this time, Mike lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) are on the run.

Hello, fun!

I say bring on the famous Lowrey/Burnett shenanigans and funny dialogue. I’m also looking forward to seeing Eric Dane, a.k.a. McSteamy from Grey’s Anatomy as what looks to be a villain.

Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Rhea Seehorn, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Melanie Liburd, Jacob Scipio and Tasha Smith also star.

Bad Boys – Ride or Die Release Dates: June 7th, 2024 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G