Entertainment

For a certain generation of people (myself included), the first two Bad Boys films are indicative of an era of blockbuster action films that feel like they’ve been phased out over the past decade. Violent, foul-mouthed and full of humour, the Bad Boys series is unapologetically bombastic – with the more recent films in the Fast and Furious series perhaps ...

Every now and then, a film comes along at the cinema that manages to grab your full attention from its very first moment. Sam Mendes’ 1917, a story set in the grim setting of World War One, achieves that goal by presenting the brilliant illusion of a one-shot film – and 100 per cent immersion is guaranteed. Casting two young ...

It’s not just Kevin McCallister’s parents forgetting the kids this Christmas – in ending the 42-years-long Star Wars ‘Skywalker’ saga, director JJ Abrams and Disney have left the children in the audience behind, too. With The Rise of Skywalker – Star Wars 9 – Disney goes straight for the hearts of the wealthiest section of its audience, the middle-aged devotees ...

By student writer Charlie Jiggins Scorsese. De Niro. Pesci. Pacino. With the iconic and legendary names surrounding The Irishman, Martin Scorsese’s latest masterpiece more than lives up to its promise. Backed by Netflix, The Irishman is Scorsese’s first film to have a limited cinema release, but rather a more prominent appearance on the small screen. Twenty five years after Scorsese’s ...

Given the impressive nature of its cast, Knives Out always looked like being capable of lighting up the pre-Christmas vacuum at the cinema. A modern murder-mystery helmed by writer/director by Rian Johnson, there’s a lot to admire about a film that is as much of a comedy as it is a ‘whodunnit’ thriller. The story follows the apparent suicide of ...

When it comes to films about motor racing, it’s often hard for the audience to connect with what they are seeing. If you think of other sporting offerings, be it the Rocky films, Invictus or one of the many American football movies, it’s often easy to relate to what you’re viewing. In the case of motorsport, the car puts a ...

It seems incredible that Helen Mirren and Ian McKellan, given their standing in the industry, had never starred in a film together. That’s the hook provided by The Good Liar, with throws the pair together in a sometimes brutal revenge thriller that boasts an intriguing story. In what is (of course) a very British-feeling film, the pair come together after ...

As somebody who wasn’t overly enamoured with The Shining (against popular opinion), I had quite low expectations for Doctor Sleep. However, I’m pleased to admit that my preconceived ideas were way wide of the mark as Doctor Sleep – which serves as a sequel to the cult Stanley Kubrick horror (or the Stephen King novel, whichever you prefer) – is ...

While all three Terminator movies since 1991’s Judgement Day have been solid action offerings, none of them ever really managed to recapture the magic of a film that played a huge role in the future of cinema. James Cameron’s use of computer-generated imagery in the 90s classic paved the way for much of what we see in the sci-fi and ...

When it comes to naming the best TV series ever made, I’d suggest that Breaking Bad should always be in the discussion. The Netflix show ended with some of the greatest episodes I’ve ever seen and managed to find that sweet spot of being satisfying while not outstaying its welcome. But, while the fate of main character Walter White (Bryan ...

A rock band of retirees want to find a singer so they can get gigging. The group comprises ex-MD Mark Craig (drums), ex-food industry consultant John Armstrong (bass), ex-GP Peter Holmes (keys and guitar) and ex-hairdresser Phil Cox (lead). All that’s missing is a singer to get them out there, playing gigs and charity events. Mark said: “We rehearse in ...

Every now and then, a film comes along that is able to impressively showcase a new kind of technology. I remember being wowed by The Matrix’s use of Bullet Time and Avatar showing the rest how 3D should be done after their releases. Gemini Man may not be as good as those two classics, but it does a fine job ...

If you’re thinking ‘not another comic book film’ and are put off by the idea of Joker, be prepared to be surprised. As a veteran of pretty much every comic book film made over the past decade, I can tell you that this Todd Phillips-directed DC Comics offering is unlike anything else in the popular genre. Set in the early ...

I’ll lay my cards on the table from the off – I’m a sucker for space and science fiction films. Maybe it’s my love of Star Wars as a child, but I’ve always enjoyed entertainment that presents that idea that the human race isn’t alone in the universe. The beautifully shot Ad Astra explores that very notion, while also showing ...

For my money, 2017’s IT remake was the best horror movie to hit the cinema in recent times. While not being perfect or overly terrifying, it captured a Stranger Things vibe and served up a surprisingly great young cast – while also doing a good job of the iconic Pennywise character. One of the biggest surprises (if you’d not read ...

If you’re a fan of B-list action films, you’re probably aware of the trials and tribulations of secret service agent Mike Banning. Having survived the White House attack in Olympus Has Fallen and something similar in London Has Fallen, Gerard Butler’s grizzled Banning is back doing what he does best in Angel Has Fallen – being a one-man army. This ...

There was plenty to raise a glass to as the Holbeach Music and Beer Festival  returned for another year. A host of top acts and a fantastic array of beers and ciders were on hand to be enjoyed at the King’s Field from Friday to Sunday. Tribute acts including Vicky Jackson as Pink and The Jam’d proved hits alongside local ...

By now, you’re all probably aware of The Fast and Furious franchise. It all started way back in 2001 with a film about fast cars, friendship and family. Fast forward 18 years and the ninth film, the Hobbs and Shaw spin-off, sees the series reach the point where absolutely anything goes. With the emphasis on street racing and fast cars ...

Spider-Man’s latest outing always looked like falling in a tricky spot in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Tasked with following the game-changing Avengers: End Game while also ushering in the MCU’s next phase, Far From Home almost had an unenviable task. But Spider-Man, once again expertly portrayed by Tom Holland, rarely disappoints and this time serves as something of a palate ...

I’ll be honest from the off, I’m not a fan of the Toy Story films – which perhaps puts me in the minority when it comes to cinema-goers. Even as a 12-year-old the original just wasn’t for me, while the sequel is one of a small selection of films that I couldn’t be bothered to carry on watching after feeling ...