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  • Audience Eager To Return To UK Cinemas

    Audience Eager To Return To UK Cinemas

    Audience Eager To Return To UK Cinemas – Latest survey findings confirm that eagerness amongst cinema audiences to return to the big screen is at an all-time high. This comes as many cinemas across the UK are given the green light to reopen from 17 May in the next stage of the roadmap out of lockdown, with over 80 per cent of UK cinemas set to welcome audiences back in the next few weeks. 

    An ongoing tracking study, commissioned by the cross-industry body Cinema First, and in-field between 21 – 27 April, confirms that 38 per cent of audiences plan to return within the first month of sites reopening, and another 34 per cent within the first few months of reopening

    The survey, which has repeatedly flagged cinemagoing as the most missed out-of-home entertainment activity, also confirms that teens, young adults, and families will be amongst the first to return, re-engaging with the immersive and thrilling experience that only comes from watching the latest films on the big screen. Over 59 per cent of audience members surveyed agreed that the cinema experience cannot be recreated at home, citing spectacular visuals and immersive sound and the unique atmosphere that only the cinema can provide.

    Returning audiences will be able to enjoy a strong slate of new films over the coming months and beyond. Just within the first month following reopening, that diverse selection will include: newly-crowned Oscarwinners NomadlandMinariThe Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Sound of Metal and Another Round; big-hitting sequels such as Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and A Quiet Place Part II keenly anticipated crowd-pleasers like Cruella and In the Heights; and global box office smash Demon Slayer.

    The recent research also confirmed cinemas as being seen as safer than other indoor environments such as theatres and music venues, with UK venues receiving praise for their response to the pandemic last year and the subsequent implementation of wide-ranging safety measures, all put in place to protect the health and safety of audiences and staff. 93 per cent of cinemagoers who returned last year would recommend the experience to others, and 99 per cent were satisfied with the health and safety measures at their local cinema. 

  • Those Who Wish Me Dead: The BRWC Review

    Those Who Wish Me Dead: The BRWC Review

    Those Who Wish Me Dead Synopsis: Still reeling from the loss of three lives, Hannah is a smokejumper who’s perched in a watchtower high above the Montana wilderness. She soon encounters Connor, a skittish boy who’s bloodied, traumatized, and on the run in the remote forest. As Hannah tries to bring him to safety, she’s unaware of the real dangers to follow: two relentless killers hunting Connor, and a fiery blaze consuming everything in its path.

    From TV bit player to revered writer/director, Taylor Sheridan’s climb over the Hollywood mountaintop has been an incendiary journey. A duo of impressive screenplays (Sicario and the Best Picture nominee Hell or High Water) showcased Sheridan’s astute understanding of modern American zeitgeist. His balance between well-textured ideas and gritty, old-school entertainments parlayed the verging voice into a major presence on the big and small screen alike (Paramount’s Yosemite is somehow on its fourth season).

    Sheridan’s rustic sensibility journeys onward with Those Who Wish Me Dead, a welcomed throwback to adult-driven popcorn thrillers of yesteryear. Meshing elemental infernos with a deadly conspiracy, Sheridan’s agreeably cheesy dynamics never reach their pulse-pounding peak.

    Still, the film isn’t entirely joyless. Sheridan exhibits a mastery of intense setpieces, relying upon the same close-quarters gunplay and patient maneuvering behind his most accomplished work. Instead of mucking in dour realism, the craftsman amplifies his aesthetic with the perilous joys of grand, high-steaks storytelling. I love his blend of man vs. nature vs. man dynamics presented in the mold of unpretentious thrillers, with Sheridan’s uptempo pace self-awarely placing a premium on cinematic jolts above all else. This type of lean-and-mean crowdpleaser just doesn’t get made anymore despite their edge-of-your-seat entertainment value.

    It’s got over-the-top sequences to spare, yet Those Who Wish Me Dead never connects on a fundamental level. Michael Koryta’s novel (adapted by him, Sheridan, and Charles Leavitt) drew in readers through its mixture of page-turning tension and substantive dynamics. Sadly, the novel’s big-screen counterpart is noticeably lacking in the latter department. A busy ensemble leaves little time for the central conceits to develop even a passable connection with audiences. The plot’s central mystery feels over-written and devoid of intrigue, while the supposed emotional crux between Hannah and Connor goes nowhere with their bare time together onscreen. The entire affair feels like it’s screaming for more focus and simplicity.

    Films of this ilk shouldn’t be taken with the utmost seriousness. That being said, Those Who Wish Me Dead doesn’t possess the shameless charm to overcome stale writing. Angelina Jolie’s starring role calls for movie star energy, but the talented actress feels miscast as the smooth-talking firewoman. Aside from a few capable dramatic frames, Jolie spends a majority of the runtime posturing with an inauthentic dialect and over-the-top mannerisms. Movie stars often carried this type of low-rent effort during their heyday. Here, the lack of compelling presence sinks the narrative’s messy form (the supporting players, including Jon Bernthal, Nicholas Hoult, and Tyler Perry, have little room to make an impression).

    Those Who Wish Me Dead operates like a disposable cable outing. The sheer camp value will entice some viewers, but the film’s flat, paper-thin delivery left me wanting more.

    Those Who Wish Me Dead debuts in theaters and on HBO Max May 14th.

  • 5 Interesting Movies That Talk About Mental Health Issues

    5 Interesting Movies That Talk About Mental Health Issues

    5 Interesting Movies That Talk About Mental Health Issues

    Mental health is such an important topic that many people aren’t comfortable with. Even if you find it hard to talk about mental health, it’s good to see why mental health matters so much. Good mental health is imperative when you’re trying to find success in life. Everyone deserves to have the mental health support that they need so that they can thrive.

    There have been some movies over the years that have talked about mental health issues. Not all movies do a good job of realistically representing mental health disorders, but some of them still have interesting things to say. Read on to learn about five movies that talk about mental health issues that are worth watching. You just might discover something new that you’ll want to put in your queue sometime soon.

    1. A Beautiful Mind

    A Beautiful Mind is one of the most well-known Hollywood movies that talks about a mental health condition. It’s a movie that is based on a true story about a genius Mathematician who had to live with schizophrenia. This is a compelling movie that might help some people to better understand what being schizophrenic means. It’s definitely one of the best movies on this list if you’re just looking for something that’s compelling and entertaining.

    2. The Fisher King

    The Fisher King is a movie that people should check out if they love Robin Williams. Robin Williams is one of the main actors in this movie and he plays a homeless man who has delusions and other mental health issues. The protagonist of the film is a former DJ who inadvertently drove a listener to commit a horrible act. His role in things led him to become depressed and he became an alcoholic.

    Where the movie goes from there is something that you should find out yourself. It’s a very interesting film that more people should watch and talk about. If you’re looking for a film that examines the topic of mental health, then it’s a good one to put on your list. It might not be as famous as many of Robin Williams’ other movies, but it stands out as an intriguing film that he was in.

    3. Silver Linings Playbook

    Silver Linings Playbook is a movie that many people have an easy time relating to. One of the main characters of the film has bipolar disorder and winds up falling in love with a woman who also has a mental illness. It’s a movie that examines mental illness in a unique light. This movie does have its critics, but it’s gained a following and many find it to be an enjoyable and refreshing take on typical romance movies.

    4. Rain Man

    Rain Man is a movie that is well worth watching for many reasons. It’s a very entertaining film that is responsible for raising awareness about autism. The movie might also be somewhat responsible for misrepresenting autism a bit and having some people associate autism too closely with genius. Regardless, this is a classic film that has lovable characters and a compelling story.

    5. Good Will Hunting

    Finally, Robin Williams is back again with another movie that has an interesting perspective on mental health. Good Will Hunting won many awards when it came out because it has such a great story. Robin Williams plays a therapist who helps Matt Damon’s character Will to start overcoming his depression. The story is a bit more complex than that since the character of Will also appears to be a brilliant individual who is working as a janitor at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the United States.

    Anyone who wishes to watch a good movie with great acting should check this one out. It’s considered to be one of the best films that Robin Williams was in, and it’s also one of Matt Damon’s best performances ever. Anyone who is interested in movies that discuss mental health topics will find this movie to be a perfect choice for movie night.

    Remember That Online Therapy is There for You

    Remember that you can always reach out for help if you’re having a tough time with your mental health. Click here to learn about how online therapy can help you to work through mental health issues. It’s important to take care of your mental health, but you don’t have to try to do so alone. You’ll be able to match up with a therapist that understands what you’re going through, and getting help from the comfort of home will always be very convenient.

  • People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan Trailer Hits

    People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan Trailer Hits

    The trailer and film poster for PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING: BIG IN JAPAN have arrived. The much anticipated big screen outing of the Kurupt FM crew, from the two-time BAFTA winning BBC comedy series People Just Do Nothing, will arrive in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 18th August.

    Since the end of their pirate radio station, life has been quiet for the Kurupt FM boys, but everything is about to change. News reaches them that one of their songs has been used on a popular game show in Japan. They’ve made it! Their music is reaching hundreds of thousands of people! It’s finally time for them to enjoy the fame and fortune that they’ve always known they deserved. Chabuddy G steps excitedly back into his management role as Grindah, Beats, Steves and Decoy begin their journey to international stardom… But is Japan really ready for Kurupt FM?

    PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING: BIG IN JAPAN stars Allan Mustafa (MC Grindah), Hugo Chegwin (DJ Beats), Asim Chaudhry (Chabuddy G), Steve Stamp (Steves), Dan Sylvester (Decoy), Lily Brazier (Miche), Hitomi Souno (Miki) and Ken Yamamura (Taka).

    PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING: BIG IN JAPAN is written by Steve Stamp and Allan Mustafa, with additional material by Asim Chaudhry, Hugo Chegwin and Lily Brazier. The film is directed by Jack Clough (PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING, SKINS) and produced by Claire Jones (GHOST STORIES, THE FESTIVAL) and Tim Sealey for Roughcut.

    The film is a Roughcut production and was developed by BBC Films and BBC Comedy. Focus Features and BBC Films financed the project and Universal Pictures International will distribute the film in the UK and Ireland.

    Executive producers are Ash Atalla (THE OFFICE, PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING), Jon Petrie (PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING) and Christos Michaels for Roughcut, Rose Garnett for BBC Films and Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy.

    IN CINEMAS 18th AUGUST 2021

  • S.A.M. – Review

    S.A.M. – Review

    Sam (Sam Retford) is a teenage boy having trouble with his mother, she always takes him for granted and makes him feel like he’s alone. Sam (George Webster) is a teenage boy with Down Syndrome who’s got the opposite problem, his family always make him feel like he can never be alone and always needs to be looked after just because of his disability.

    Then one day the two boys meet each other on a park swing and they find a common bond and enjoy spending time together, so much so that eventually the comfort of each other’s company turns into love.

    S.A.M. is a short film written and directed by Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan made in association with Mencap in order to raise awareness about the misconceptions about disabled people and their views on love and relationships. Having disabled people behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera helps to portray this unique tale of disability as it should be told – with authenticity and understanding.

    S.A.M. is indeed authentic and the portrayal of both of the main character’s lives may strike a chord with many, including disabled and non-disabled alike. The setting for the film is just as ordinary a place as you’d find anybody and so setting it in such an open place gives the audience a feeling that these kinds of stories are happening all over the country, even all over the world. The dialogue never feels forced and the situations that both Sams find themselves in feel like a part of the everyday rather than something made specifically to make a point.

    It’s good to go into S.A.M. knowing nothing about what happens, because that’s when the film may surprise people as it shows the relationship between the two characters evolving. There’s no inspirational message or forced moment of triumph, it just shows the characters as they are and that’s exactly as it should be. S.A.M. is a short film with a message, but the message should already be clear if audiences stopped thinking about the things they think they know about disabled people.