film reviews, interviews, features | BRWC

Author: Megan Williams

  • Super Bowl LIX Trailers!

    Super Bowl LIX Trailers!

    Super Bowl LIX Trailers!

    The weekend saw the 2025 Superbowl tournament take place. And, while the main aspect is the sports match itself, another aspect to it is the trailers and adverts. So, this article will focus on the film trailers that were released during the Superbowl.

    The first film trailer to be released was for the Spongebob Squarepants spin-off ‘Plankton: The Movie’. The film will follow Spongebob and Plankton as they save Bikini Bottom from Plankton’s computer wife Karen.

    This is yet another spin-off film that’s utilizing the strange 3D animation instead of the show’s 2D-like art style and, just like the previous film ‘The Sandy Cheeks Movie’, this new entry looks just as emotionless and bland. While the idea of Karen finally using her full capabilities to become the villain is interesting and well earned, I can’t help but be wary as to what ‘Plankton: The Movie’ will retcon and ruin for the overall franchise. 

    But it’s not all bad, because the next trailer was a 30-second spot for Disney’s live action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ remake, which saw Stitch run onto the American Football field to cause chaos. Despite not being a huge fan of Disney’s live action remake crusade, I can’t help but feel joy seeing the little blue alien continue his chaotic journey back into our hearts. Disney seem very aware of the fanbase’s love for the film and know to stay faithful to the titular character’s appearance and personality.

    Another live action remake that I’m looking forward to is ‘How To Train Your Dragon’. The first trailer was covered on Battle Royale With Cheese’s Youtube channel; despite not understanding the need for this remake, it admittedly looks visually fantastic. The cast is perfect, and the scene shown over the weekend, which was Hiccup and Toothless’ iconic first flight together, is spectacular. While it does seem pointless, the remake looks amazing; I just hope this also isn’t DreamWorks new business model. 

    And, lastly, from remakes to a much-anticipated sequel: ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’. Not only has the near 30-year-old franchise enjoyed consistent success and quality but, as of writing, it’s also said to the be last entry in the franchise, seeing an end to Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) missions. With this being the potential end, as well as the stunts looking even more insane than the last film, this is one not to miss.

  • The Fantastic Four: The First Steps – Trailer Talk

    The Fantastic Four: The First Steps – Trailer Talk

    The Fantastic Four: The First Steps – Trailer Talk

    ‘The Fantastic Four: The First Steps’ is Marvel Studios first big screen adaptation of the comic. The long running series follows four astronauts who gain superpowers during a space mission.

    When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, it also meant gaining the film rights for the ‘Fantastic Four’, so it was only a matter of time before Marvel Studios used this to their advantage. And, after four movie adaptations (including one by Roger Corman), I appreciate that this film’s taking the same route as ‘Spiderman: Homecoming’ by glossing over the origin story. By this point, fans and moviegoers know how Sue and Johnny Storm, Reed Richards and Ben Grimm gained their powers so, yet another origin film would be pointless.

    The change in villain is also appreciated; three out of the four previous films have had Dr Doom as the main villain, which became repetitive considering the other antagonists that the four have gone up against. So, Marvel Studios have gone big by choosing Galactus. While only a glimpse is shown at the end of the trailer, it’s clear that the film has opted for the character’s classic comic design. This fits in nicely with the overall look that ‘The Fantastic Four: The First Steps’ is going for; it’s set in the 50’s/60’s and the visuals are bright and colourful. Not only that but the costumes are the original ones from the comics as well, and it boasts a great cast including Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) to name a few.

    A fifth film adaptation of the ‘Fantastic Four’ wasn’t something I was looking forward to, even to the point of thinking it pointless. However, I have been proven wrong before as this looks fantastic (no pun intended).

  • Until Dawn: Trailer Talk

    Until Dawn: Trailer Talk

    Until Dawn: Trailer Talk

    ‘Until Dawn’ is an adaptation of the hit horror game, that follows a group of friends as they travel to a cabin in the woods and encounter a Wendigo and a killer.

    The synopsis that is detailed above is from the game and, when it came to adapting it to the big screen, a few details have been lost, which has evidently upset the fanbase. And it’s clear to see why: The look of the film is completely different to the game, and a couple of scenes contain bad dialogue.

    However, to play devil’s advocate, I appreciate that the film has taken the concept the game is known for the most, which is branching pathways. ‘Until Dawn’ became popular because of the way it’s played; it carries a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ style. So, as shown in the trailer, after the characters die, time resets for them giving them a new chance to figure out what’s going on, much like how players can retry if they don’t like the pathway they picked. And, with a new reset, or pathway, comes a new threat. 

    While the adaptation of ‘Until Dawn’ should’ve been called ‘Dark Pictures’ after the anthology series it belongs to, I can see what the film is trying to achieve. It’s chosen to adapt the concept of the game instead which, as far as the trailer goes, works for this. But what’s lost in translation is the dialogue and setting. This is definitely going to divide the fanbase when released, but I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t caught my attention even a little bit.

  • Heart Eyes: Trailer Talk

    Heart Eyes: Trailer Talk

    Heart Eyes: Trailer Talk

    It’s a new year and, with that, Sony Pictures’ new trend seems to be horror movies based on holidays. First there was 2023’s ‘Thanksgiving’ and now February 7th will see a new slasher emerge: Heart Eyes.

    The film revolves around the titular killer, who only kills couples on Valentine’s Day.

    This slasher looks fun and entertaining but confusing at the same time. Following a similar layout to ‘Thanksgiving’, the trailer gives horror fans a familiar narrative structure that other slashers are known for. However, it does stand out with a few creative kills and cinematography, including a zoom out through a hole in someone’s head! 

    However, ‘Heart Eyes’ is confusing purely because of its tone. In some shots, the characters can be seen smiling or even laughing during scenes where that reaction isn’t warranted, e.g.: a kill scene. ‘Heart Eyes’ will surely find its tone in the overall film but, just from the trailer, it can’t decide whether to be a solid horror film, a horror comedy or a slasher parody.  

    This film is another slasher that looks entertaining, despite its confusing tone. It has some creative kills and interesting cinematography, plus the killer’s mask is unique. If Sony Pictures really want to, they could make slashers based on other holidays after this.

    For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.

  • Death Of A Unicorn: Trailer Talk

    Death Of A Unicorn: Trailer Talk

    Death Of A Unicorn: Trailer Talk

    When you think of a Unicorn, do you think of a beautiful and majestic creature? Well, A24’s latest film wants you to forget that image altogether with ‘Death of a Unicorn’.

    ‘Death of a Unicorn’ stars Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream 6) and Paul Rudd (Ant Man, Only Murders In The Building) as a father and daughter who accidently run over a Unicorn on the way to a wilderness retreat run by a multi-millionaire CEO.

    Once again, A24 is the go-to distributor when it comes to unique films, and this is no exception. It has a crazy premise, that’s just as striking as the film’s title, and a fantastic cast. As well as Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, the film stars Will Poulter (The Maze Runner, The Bear), Richard E. Grant (Corpse Bride, Saltburn) and Téa Leoni (Bad Boys, Jurassic Park 3) in her first movie role in 14 years. It’s a cast that’s not only impressive, but all the actors work well together onscreen. Plus, the film leans into its absurd premise, creating humour from it and it does look funny. And, while it could just create humour from the one idea of a Unicorn murder, it further expands upon it to demonstrate more creative information about the mythical creature itself.

    A24 has become a company to keep an eye on for a reason; to give unique films a chance to shine and ‘Death of a Unicorn’ continues this trend. It not only looks funny, but the premise is unique and boasts a fantastic cast. If you thought Unicorn’s were wonderful, majestic creatures, this film is sure to change your mind when it comes out later this year!