film reviews, interviews, features | BRWC

Author: Rosalynn Try-Hane

  • The BRWC Review: I, Daniel Blake

    “When you lose your self respect you’re done for” is one of the many powerful messages contained in the latest film by Ken Loach. I, Daniel Blake won the Palme D’Or at Cannes and that I suspect will be the first of many awards. The other is why in 2016 are the most vulnerable members of society being failed by the State.

    The film follows the story of Daniel Blake a middle aged joiner living in Newcastle who suffers a massive heart attack at work and needs help from the State. Whilst trying to navigate the benefits system he meets Katie a single mother of two who the State say they cannot rehouse in London, where her support network is based, and the only housing that can be found is in Newcastle. So she and her two children must move 300 miles to Newcastle where she knows nobody. Together they battle the system to try and get help but come to realise the State doesn’t want to help.

    Dave Johns takes the title role but it is Hayley Squires in the role of Katie who ignites the screen and together they deliver powerhouse performances. Ken Loach teams up with his long term writing partner Paul Laverty to write this. They want you to be angry. The film makes you angry. Daniel Blake is told by his consultant, GP and physio he cannot work yet he still fails the benefit system’s points test and only scores 12 instead of the arbitrary 15. This means he’s not entitled to employment and support allowance. This is because the nameless and faceless health care professional said so after asking spurious questions such as is he able to defecate. The opening scene is excellent in conveying the staggering absurdity with the simple use of audio and a black screen. Paul Laverty as ever manages to capture humanity and humour in all the scenes he writes. When Daniel struggles to fill out a form online because he’s never used a computer and he literally runs the mouse up the screen. It will make you laugh but then you catch yourself. Yes we may be digital by default but what about society as a whole and its vulnerable members – it’s not serving everyone’s needs this digitisation.

    I, Daniel Blake is not Cathy Come Home – that seminal play directed by Ken Loach for the BBC in 1966 followed Cathy and her husband Reg descent into homelessness and caused such an outcry that it provoked parliamentary debate. In the same way in France that Days of Glory/Indigènes by Rachid Bouchareb which after viewed by Chirac brought about the payment of pensions to all Algerian soldiers. Film is a powerful medium. Whilst this film will definitely cause debate by those who see it. The scene in the food bank broke me. The humanity and the pity you feel for Katie and the shame of watching someone decent into such feral act will not only haunt you for days but left me raging inside as to why we people have to live like this in 2016. I never cry watching films but that scene goodness – it made me recall the John Donne poem do not ask for whom the bell tolls for it tolls for thee. Paul Laverty explained that all the scenes were based on incidents that actually happened, stories that he had been told. That food bank scene actually happened. The reason for me the power of I, Daniel Blake is diluted is the penultimate scene – it almost seemed cliched and a vehicle for the final scene. What I call the soap box scene which really wasn’t necessary and actually dissipated some of the power that film had.

    What Ken Loach does well are that his films are simple, no razzle and yet brutal in that simplicity. He gives you just enough in the 100 minutes running time and this film will captivate and disgust the viewer in equal measure. I just wish the final scene had been cut.

    Having said all of that you should go and watch this film. Then channel the anger you’ll feel in a positive way. Ken Loach wants to create a movement in the Q&A afterwards that was clear. Both he and the screenwriter are angry at what they see as the rhetoric of striver and skiver. Even the very words used now instead of welfare system it is benefits which has a negative connotation. The distributor E1 (email Ben Metcalfe) are planning on allowing individuals and community groups to write to them and they will provide a DVD copy of the film for a very small fee so that groups who wouldn’t ordinarily go to art house cinemas can see the film and be spurred in action. Watch and if you are minded to do so engage in some social activism.

    I, Daniel Blake opens in cinemas across the UK on Friday 21 October.

  • Get Ready For The Scarily Brilliant TV Show: The Exorcist

    SYFY UNLEASHES THE EXORCIST IN UK PREMIERE

    10-PART SERIES STARS GEENA DAVIS, ALAN RUCK, ALFONSO HERRERA AND BEN DANIELS

    NBC Universal International Networks today announced the acquisition of THE EXORCIST – the new TV series acquired from 20th Century Fox Television Distribution. THE EXORCIST will air exclusively on Syfy in the UK this autumn, more than four decades after the Academy Award®-nominated film – widely regarded as one of the greatest horror movies ever made – was originally released, breaking box office records and terrifying audiences the world over.

    This 10-episode television series is not a remake of the 1973 film, but a new chapter which takes place in Chicago, 40 years after the events depicted in the film. THE EXORCIST stars Academy Award® and Golden Globe®-winner Geena Davis (The Fly, Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise), Alan Ruck (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ghost Town, Twister), Ben Daniels (Law & Order UK, House of Cards), Alfonso Herrera (Sense8, The Chosen), Brianne Howey (Scream Queens) Hannah Kasulka (The Fosters) and Kurt Eqyiawan (Beasts of No Nation). The series is executive produced by Jeremy Slater, Emmy® Award nominee Rolin Jones (Friday Night Lights, Weeds), Rupert Wyatt, Roy Lee (Hidden, Run All Night), James Robinson (Dream House), David Robinson (Dream House, The Good Shepherd) and Barbara Wall (Boss).

    “Securing the UK premiere of THE EXORCIST is a major coup for Syfy and an ideal fit for the channel brand where viewers are encouraged to imagine greater,” comments Colin McLeod, MD, UK & Emerging Markets, NBCUniversal International Networks. “With its exceptional production values and stellar all-star cast, this exciting acquisition underlines our commitment to delivering our viewers bold, daring and must-see content.”

    David Smyth, Senior Vice President, Sales and Development at Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution commented: “We are proud to partner with NBCUniversal International Networks in bringing THE EXORCIST to the UK, and are delighted to have it premiere on Syfy as it’s the perfect home for this thrilling new series. It is a brilliant next chapter of one of the world’s most iconic horror stories that will satiate the original fans, and inspire new ones to discover what makes THE EXORICIST narrative so captivating.”

    Syfy is the home of provocative and inspiring science fiction entertainment – where viewers go to reinterpret and reimagine the world as they know it – bringing the extraordinary into the ordinary. Syfy brings unique, high-calibre content to its viewers so they can escape and imagine greater.

    THE EXORCIST is a psychological thriller following two very different priests tackling one family’s case of horrifying demonic possession. Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) is the new face of the Catholic Church; progressive, ambitious and compassionate. He runs a small but loyal parish in the suburbs of Chicago. He has no idea that his quiet life is about to change forever. Meanwhile, another priest finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle with evil. Father Marcus Brennan (Ben Daniels) is a modern-day Templar Knight, an orphan raised since childhood by the Vatican to wage war against its enemies.

    Father Marcus is everything Father Tomas is not; relentless, abrasive and utterly consumed by his sacred mission. Caught in the middle is the Rance family, members of Tomas’ parish. On the surface, they’re a normal, suburban family, but all is not as it seems in this household. The patriarch, Henry Rance (Alan Ruck), is slowly but surely losing his mind. Eldest daughter Katherine (Brianne Howey) has become a recluse who refuses to leave her room. Her younger sister, Casey (Hannah Kasulka) thinks she’s hearing strange noises coming from inside the walls. And mother Angela (Geena Davis) has been plagued by recurring nightmares, each more frightening than the last. Angela believes there is something in the house, a demonic presence, growing stronger by the day. Desperate, she begs Father Tomas for help, unwittingly setting the naïve young priest on a collision course with Father Marcus. Separately, each faces an insurmountable task, but together they become the only hope against an evil force that has been mobilising for centuries.

    The Exorcist airs on SyFy (Sky channel 114 and Virgin Media channel 135) from Wednesday 19th October 2016.

  • What’s Your Favourite Children’s Film Reboot?

    As Trolls hits the big screen, Empire Cinemas looks back at which classic kid’s characters have been refreshed for film.

    What was once the must have toy for every 90’s kid, has now made the transition to the big screen; and it’s bringing a little nostalgia out in all of us. Trolls, the small plastic dolls best known for their colourful and magical hair, were originally created in 1960 and became hugely popular again in the 1990s.

    The new film adaptation begins with the Trolls living in a land full of rainbows and cupcakes where they are the happiest, most joyous creatures ever to burst into song. Their world is soon turned upside down and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) has to embark on a rescue mission. The film stars the voice talents of Justin Timberlake, Russell Brand, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Gwen Stefani, and many more. Inspired by Trolls’ fantastic comeback, Empire Cinemas has put together a list of the top 10 kid’s characters that have been recently revitalised in film.

    1. Smurfs – Smurfs (2011)

    The Smurfs was first introduced as a series of comic characters by the Belgian artist Peyo in 1958, where they were originally known as Les Schtroumpfs. Most memorably in 1981 they featured in the fantasy-comedy television series ‘The Smurfs’, where everyone grew to love Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the gang in their mushroom kingdom. In 2011 The Smurfs’ famous shade of blue was taken to a whole new level when they were given a CGI makeover. The film adaptation saw the Smurfs get lost in New York, whilst trying to escape from Gargamel, their arch nemesis throughout the years.

    2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)

    The pizza loving turtles and their rat ninja sensei, first made an appearance in comic form before expanding into cartoon series, films, video games and toys. During the early 90’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit peak popularity and could be seen on kids lunchboxes to backpacks around the world. Teenage Mutant Turtles were brought to the big screen in 2014 where they saved New York against the evil Shredder and his minions.

    3. Transformers – Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

    Transformers began as toys created by Japanese companies, which became incredibly popular worldwide and ended up as the must have item on every child’s Christmas list in 1985. The Transformer franchise grew quickly and resulted in a cartoon series. In 2007 Michael Bay directed the first live-action film based on Transformers, with Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer. The film stared Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox and was so popular it led to another two films, grossing $1billion in total.

    4. Scooby-Doo – Scooby-Doo (2002)

    If you’re asking Scooby dooby doo, where are you? Or more importantly, where did he come from? The answer is that it began as an animated American cartoon series in 1969, which is still watched today. In 2002 Scooby Doo and the gang jumped back into the Mystery machine for a live action comedy where they were all summoned to spooky island to fight the evil Scrappy – and yes, he would have gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for those meddling kids.

    5. Lego – The Lego Movie (2014)

    Lego, taken from the Danish phrase means ‘play well’ was first created in 1934 and has been a bestselling children’s toy ever since. Various versions of the toys have been created such as Star Wars Lego, Batman Lego and Barbie Lego. In 2014, Lego made the transition from being the world’s most painful children’s toy to ever step on to a CGI film. The Lego Movie hit cinemas featuring Hollywood superstars Will Ferrell and Chris Pratt and received rave reviews.

    6. Postman Pat – Postman Pat: the Movie (2014)

    Postman Pat and his black and white cat began as a British stop motion children’s television show set in the fictional town of Greendale in 1981. Postman pat rode his post van all the way to the big screen, where the film saw Postman Pat torn away from his beloved Greendale, to protect his town from a legions of robots.

    7. The Magic Roundabout – The Magic Roundabout Movie (2005)

    The Magic Roundabout, originated in France where it was known as Le Manège enchanté and eventually became a French-British children’s television programme in 1963 by Serge Danot. In 2005, Florence and her friends from the Enchanted Village were revitalised into CGI versions of themselves with an all star cast of Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Ian Mcellen.

    8. Snoopy – The Peanuts Movie (2015)

    Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s pet dog, is the iconic character from the Peanuts comic strip which started in 1950. In the very early years, Snoopy was characterised as a normal dog but by the end Snoopy was very much portrayed more human than dog with an identifiable personality. This personality transitioned on to the big screen in 2015 where Snoopy embarked on an epic adventure in a fantasy world.

    9. Dr Suess’ Cat in the Hat – The Cat in the Hat (2003)

    The cat in the hat is a Children’s book written by Dr Seuss which centres around the cat who shows up at the house of Sally and her brother and wreaks havoc on the house. The children’s story remains a classic to this day with many memorable quotes that continue to inspire children. The famous story saw Thing 1 and Thing 2 with the rest of the characters adapted in film in 2003, starring Mike Myres and Dakota Fanning.

    10. My Little Pony – My Little Pony: Equestria Girls (2013)

    The first My Little Pony toys hit stores in 1981 and were quickly in the hands of children all around the world. Created in a variety of colours and designs the My Little Pony franchise continued to expand and eventually became a very popular children’s television show. In 2016, My Little Pony: Equestria Girls was released, telling the story of the students of Canterlot High and their time at a summer camp.

    For ticketing information visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08714 714 714

  • New Autumn TV Show – Pure Genius

    If you can’t get enough of hospital scripted dramas; Gray’s Anatomy, House etc then here’s a new one to add to the list – Pure Genius. It’s created and written by the Emmy award winning executive producer Jason Katims (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights and The Path). This autumn, Universal Channel (UK) – the flagship channel brand for NBC Universal International Networks – is to premiere the brand new series, Pure Genius, after acquiring the UK television rights from NBCUniversal International Television Distribution.

    Launching on Wednesday 16th November at 9pm, Pure Genius is a cutting-edge medical drama about young Silicon Valley tech titan James Bell (Augustus Prew) who enlists exceptional veteran surgeon Dr. Walter Wallace (Dermot Mulroney), with a controversial past, to run a state-of-the-art hospital with an ultramodern approach to medicine.

    “We’re thrilled to have secured the UK premiere of Pure Genius for Universal Channel,” comments Colin McLeod, MD, UK & Emerging Markets, NBCUniversal International Networks. “This inspiring, cutting-edge drama is a great addition to our portfolio of high-quality, character-led shows and is bound to hit home with new and existing viewers alike.”

    Bell built Bunker Hill Hospital determined to revolutionise health care and treat the rarest and most challenging medical mysteries, at no charge. In addition to Dr. Walter Wallace as his Chief of Staff, his team of trailblazers includes Dr. Zoe Brockett (Odette Annable), an exceptional, fearlessly frank physician; Dr. Talaikha Channarayapatra (Reshma Shetty), an idealistic neurosurgeon; Dr. Malik Verlaine (Aaron Jennings), a former gang member now spearheading efforts to provide 24/7 health monitoring in poor neighborhoods via computer; Dr. Scott Strauss (Ward Horton), an intense neurologist with an Ivy league pedigree; and Angie Cheng (Brenda Song), an enthusiastic 3-D printer programming whiz.
    At Bunker Hill Hospital, Bell pairs the most brilliant minds in medicine with the most forward thinkers in technology and cuts bureaucracy out of the equation, all in the interest of saving lives.

    It sounds good, watch the trailer for Pure Genius here and make sure you tune in on 16 November!

    The UK premiere of Pure Genius is Wednesday 16th November at 9pm, only on Universal Channel.

  • The 36th Cambridge Film Festival

    One of the UK’s most prestigious and well-respected film festivals, the Cambridge Film Festival is delighted to announce its full programme for the 36th edition, taking place 20th – 27th October at the Arts Picturehouse Cinema and other venues across Cambridge. The Cambridge Film Festival is operated by the charitable Cambridge Film Trust and backed by the BFI’s Film Festival Fund which awards National Lottery funding to UK film festivals, giving audiences the opportunity to see a broader range of British and international films.”

    Opening the festival on 20th October, Ken Loach’s Palme D’Or winner, I, Daniel Blake, will be introduced by lead actor and stand up comedian, Dave Johns. Ken Loach came out of retirement for this savage indictment of contemporary Tory Britain, and the deprivations suffered by the working classes. Working with regular scriptwriter Paul Laverty, Loach focuses on an ailing handyman Daniel (Johns), his battle to survive after being denied his government health allowance and the relationship he strikes up with a young single mother Kattie (Hayley Squires).

    Each year Cambridge offers audiences a fantastic choice of closing night films. This year is no different. Leading volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer will present Werner Herzog’s Into The Inferno, questioning the why, where and how our lives are inextricably linked with nature’s most destructive and creative force. Herzog and Oppenheimer set out on a dangerous mission together in search of answers, traveling across the world to the very edge of active volcanoes, meeting those who willingly live in the shadow of such lethally unpredictable neighbours.

    Terence Davies’s life story of the celebrated American poet Emily Dickinson, A Quiet Passion, stars Cynthia Nixon as the legendary poet who led a deeply introverted life. Davies has created an intensely moving account of Dickinson’s genius, which attempts to capture the inner workings of her sensitive mind.

    Cambridge Film Festival also closes with the European Premiere of a new restoration of GOG 3-D, a surreal 50s Sci-fi thriller with a story described as if “Agatha Christie, Sigmund Freud and Harlan Ellison got high together and made a movie”, featuring experimental robots and a secret underground space research base. GOG 3-D has never been seen in the UK before in its original 3-D format. Bob Furmanek, award-winning producer, author, archivist and founder of the 3-D Film Archive who restored the film will introduce this unique presentation.

    The features programme offers something for everyone with a host of must-see, hotly anticipated titles including Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By the Sea, starring Casey Affleck as a reclusive handyman who returns to his hometown following the death of his brother, only to discover that he has been appointed legal guardian of his teenage nephew. Tilda Swinton produced and voiced the documentary Letters From Baghdad, which tells the extraordinary story of British spy, explorer and political powerhouse Gertude Bell. It’s Only The End of The World, Xavier Dolan’s drama stars Marion Cotillard, Vincent Cassel and Lea Seydoux as the dysfunctional family who are unable to communicate. US indie auteur Jim Jarmusch returns to the screen with Paterson, a magical observation of small-town American life, drawing on the poetry of William Carlos Williams, starring Adam Driver as a working-class poet practising his craft in a small New Jersey town. Light Years is the imaginative debut feature film from BAFTA winning short director and photographer Esther May Campbell. A poetic coming-of-age story about the search for a lost love, Light Years stars Beth Orton with sound design by Chris Watson. Clint Eastwood directs Tom Hanks in the elegant and eloquent docudrama Sully, which tells the story behind the headlines of Captain Chelsey ‘Sully’ Sullenberger who landed a crippled US Airways plane on the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard.

    The festival will screen 131 feature-length films, 7 film shorts programmes, with 48 UK premieres, representing titles from 37 countries.

    Festival tickets go on sale to the public on 6 October. Further details click here