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Here is where you would find film info on BRWC. News on trailers, film releases, film set bits, gossip and rumour.

  • The Judge Trailer

    The Judge Trailer

    Here’s the debut trailer and one sheet (attached) for The Judge, starring Robert Downey Jr, Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga and directed by David Dobkin.

    In “The Judge,” Downey stars as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge (Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before.

    Starring alongside Downey, Duvall and Farmiga are Vincent D’Onofrio (TV’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”), Jeremy Strong (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “Lincoln”), Dax Shephard (TV’s “Parenthood”), and Oscar® winner Billy Bob Thornton (“Sling Blade,” “Friday Night Lights”). The film also stars Oscar® winner Melissa Leo (“The Fighter,” “Prisoners”), Leighton Meester (TV’s “Gossip Girl”), Ken Howard (“J. Edgar,” “Michael Clayton”), Emma Tremblay (“Elysium”), Balthazar Getty (TV’s “Brothers & Sisters”), David Krumholtz (“This Is the End”), Sarah Lancaster (TV’s “Chuck”), Grace Zabriskie (TV’s “Big Love”) and Denis O’Hare (TV’s “True Blood”)

  • Film4 FrightFest 2014 Announce Opening Film

    Film4 FrightFest 2014 Announce Opening Film

    This year’s Film4 FrightFest gets off to a nerve-shredding start with the UK premiere of Adam Wingard’s killer thriller THE GUEST, starring Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) and rising star Maika Monroe (The Bling Ring, It Follows).

    Wingard said today: “FrightFest movie goers are some of the most diehard genre enthusiasts in the world. Naturally i am delighted that The Guest will be opening this year’s festival”.

    Alan Jones, co-director of FrightFest added: “Film4FrightFest has a grand tradition of always opening its banner August event with a forward-looking and directional attraction. So we couldn’t be more delighted to showcase Adam Wingard’s dazzling horror thriller THE GUEST to put the stamp of approval on our move to the Vue cinema in Leicester Square”.

    TheGuest-1

    SYNOPSIS: A brilliant homage to 1980s action flicks, THE GUEST opens with the Peterson family struggling over the loss of their oldest son, Caleb, to the war in Afghanistan, They find some solace when an unexpected visitor knocks on its door. David (Dan Stevens), a steely eyed and charismatic soldier who was recently discharged, is welcomed into their home when he comes to fulfill a promise he made to his fallen comrade. Siblings Anna and Luke are at first reluctant to accept David’s presence, but he soon wins them over. Though he appears to be the perfect houseguest, a mysterious and sinister chain of events causes Anna to question whether David is actually whom he claims to be.

    The film is written by Simon Barrett (You’re Next, A Horrible Way To Die), and also stars Sheila Kelley (Matchstick Men), Leland Orser (Taken), Lance Reddick (The Wire) and Brendan Meyer. It is being distributed in the UK by Icon Film Distribution.

    Film4 FrightFest 2014 has moved to the prestigious Vue West End and the full-line up will be jointly announced on Friday 27 June, along with details on when and how to buy Festival passes and individual tickets.

    THE GUEST

    Plus…For the first time ever in the UK, Claudio Simonetti’s GOBLIN to score DAWN OF THE DEAD and SUSPIRIA LIVE. 

    FrightFest will be co-presenting, alongside One Inch Badge, two special concerts featuring Claudio Simonetti’s GOBLIN.

    For the first time ever in the UK, Claudio Simonetti’s GOBLIN will be performing live scores for George Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD and Dario Argento’s SUSPIRIA on consecutive nights at the Union Chapel, Islington, London N1 2XD

    On Monday 18th August they will be scoring ‘Dawn of the Dead’ – accompanying the NMS Records, German, English Language version of the film, and on Tues 19th August, ‘Suspiria’ – accompanying the CDE, Italian, English Language version. Doors open at 7pm. Audiences must be aged 18 and over.

     

    Tickets are on sale now from http://www.seetickets.com/artist/goblin/321495

    FrightFest pass holders have been offered a special discount. The code can be found on the FrightFest website www.frightfest.co.uk

     

  • Top 10 Ensemble Comedies

    Top 10 Ensemble Comedies

    With brand new British ensemble comedy Downhill set to be released on DVD this coming Monday 16th June, we pay tribute to the best ensemble casts to have graced cinema screens over the years…

    Downhill (2014)
    TV commercial director James Rouse’s big-screen debut Downhill tells the story of four old school friends who reunite decades later in order to complete an epic coast to coast walk across the United Kingdom. The comically incompatible foursome are led by Gordon (Richard Lumsden) and include Keith (Karl Theobald), Simon (Jeremy Swift) and Ned Dennehy’s delightful scene-stealing troublemaker Julian. As revelations are revealed, strops are thrown and feet begin to ache, this comedy not only charms, but enlightens.

    Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
    The Monty Python comedy crew, consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, were directed by Terry’s Gilliam and Jones in this first of three feature-length films (followed by Life of Brian in 1979 and 1983’s The Meaning of Life). A regular placement in many polls compiling the greatest films of all time, let alone comedies, the films is comprised of wholly new material in which King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail is parodied.

    A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
    This heist-comedy film was co-written by John Cleese, who also took lead acting duties alongside Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as ‘weapons-man’ Otto. The film follows London-based gangsters who haplessly plot a jewel heist, despite being a bunch of double-crossers. Naturally, where hilarious chaos ensued, this comedy wormed its way into hearts of audiences worldwide.

    Shaun of the Dead (2004)
    Introducing the cinematic universe to Spaced’s powerful three Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright, this lovingly-crafted comedic homage to George A. Romero’s Living Dead trilogy is just as loved as those films they grew up watching with Romero himself vocal of his love for Shaun of the Dead. Their Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy comprised of follow-up efforts Hot Fuzz (2007) and last year’s The World’s End, with each a solid British comedy film, but it is this film which remains the firm favourite.

    The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
    Wes Anderson assembled a cast of megawatt star power for arguably his best feature to date, focusing on the various calamities falling upon the brilliant, bizarre Tenenbaum family. Following awful news about his health, Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) decides to reunite his estranged family under one roof- including his ex-wife Etheline (Anjelica Houston) and children Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), Chas (Ben Stiller) and Richie (Luke Wilson)… the result is typical of Anderson- utterly brilliant, whimsical, touching and hilarious.

    Rat Race (2001) – Directed by Jerry Zucker and written by Andy Breckman, this comedy adventure boasts an incredible cast- John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Bates, Cuba Gooding Junior and Seth Green all make an appearance. The premise is simple- a Las Vegas casino magnate sets up a race for money, leading to all manner of calamities…

    Anchorman (2004)
    Featuring Will Ferrells finest creation- Ron Burgundy- this ludicrous tale of a San Diego top rated newsman struggling to stay ahead of the ambitious new female anchor (Christian Applegate) is a masterclass in comedy from start to finish. Featuring stellar performances from supporting cast members, including Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd, the film set a new standard in comedy, and remains endlessly quotable.

    Bridesmaids (2011)
    Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo wrote this box-office smash comedy about a down-an-out pastry chef whose life begins to rapidly unravel after her best friend becomes engaged, and she finds herself embroiled in a rivalry with a fellow bridesmaid. The film eschewed the widely-held belief of major studios that ‘films about women won’t sell’, and went on to break box-office records. The cast all provided standout comedy performances but Melissa Mccarthy arguably stole the show as the unhinged, but fundamentally lovable Megan.

    The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)
    Take a small-time E4 comedy series set in a fictional town in England, move the cast Crete… and apparently you get a recipe for blockbusting success. Writers Damon Beesley and Iain Morris are perfectly attuned to the pitfalls of adolescence, and the Inbetweeners themselves: Will (Simon Bird), Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison) are in clearly in their element. After completing their final year at school together, the four head on a party holiday where misadventures follow – as well as laughs…

    Moonrise Kingdom (2012) – Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola were nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar for this charming, suitably offbeat tale of two youngsters who flee their New England town, causing a local search party to fan out to find them. Typically of an Anderson film, the cast is a who’s who of Hollywood talent, including Tilda Swinton, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Bill Murray, while the New England setting proves utterly apt for this funny, romantic (and admittedly, slightly warped) love story.

    Downhill is released on DVD and digital platforms on 16th June 2014      

  • Top 10 British Comedies

    Top 10 British Comedies

    With brand new British comedy Downhill set to be released on DVD this coming Monday 16th June, we count down the most memorable comedies to have graced cinema screens over the years…

    Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
    Deemed by man to be one of the best British comedies of all time, the Ealing Studios distributed film starred Alec Guinness famously in eight different roles (each one a member of the D’Ascoyne family). The plot itself is primarily told in flashback by Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price), an imprisoned Duke writing his memoirs in the lead-up to his hanging.  Other notable Ealing comedies include Passport to Pimlico (1949) and The Ladykillers (1955).

    Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
    The Monty Python comedy crew, consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, were directed by Terry’s Gilliam and Jones in this first of three feature-length films (followed by Life of Brian in 1979 and 1983’s The Meaning of Life). A regular placement in many polls compiling the greatest films of all time, let alone comedies, the films is comprised of wholly new material in which King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail is parodied.

    A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
    This heist-comedy film was co-written by John Cleese, who also took lead acting duties alongside Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as ‘weapons-man’ Otto. The film follows London-based gangsters who haplessly plot a jewel heist, despite being a bunch of double-crossers. Naturally, where hilarious chaos ensued, this comedy wormed its way into hearts of audiences worldwide.

    Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
    Notable somewhat for being the first film scripted by British stalwart Richard Curtis which starred Hugh Grant (in all his bumbling Englishman glory), Four Weddings and a Funeral was a sleeper hit, earning its place as the highest-grossing British film at the time. Mike Newell directed the antics of a group of friends through which we’re led by Grant’s character Charles, who is besotted with Carrie, an American woman (played by Andie McDowell) whom he repeatedly meets at a series of weddings (four, to be precise) and a funeral.

    Notting Hill (1999)
    Yet another film written by Richard Curtis which stars Hugh Grant, Notting Hill tells the story of  William Thacker, an independent travel bookstore owner who one day serves Hollywood movie actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) – and falls in love. Quintessentially British, the film features a memorable turn form Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, who plays Thacker’s uninhibited flatmate Spike.

    About a Boy (2002)
    This adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel may not be the perfect film you remember it to be, but remains an immensely watchable comedy-drama from Weitz brothers, Chris and Paul. The film stars Hugh Grant as shallow bachelor Will Freeman who lives a carefree lifestyle, but his life is unexpectedly rocked when he meets 12-year-old Marcus (a star-making turn from Nicholas Hoult) through a lady he is dating.  What follows is a charming on-screen partnership whereby Freeman begins to see Marcus as a mate, and help him through his troubles with some often laugh-inducing results.

    Shaun of the Dead (2004)
    Introducing the cinematic universe to Spaced’s powerful three Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright, this lovingly-crafted comedic homage to George A. Romero’s Living Dead trilogy is just as loved as those films they grew up watching with Romero himself vocal of his love for Shaun of the Dead. Their Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy comprised of follow-up efforts Hot Fuzz (2007) and last year’s The World’s End, with each a solid British comedy film, but it is this film which remains the firm favourite.

    In the Loop (2009)
    Armando Iannucci’s critically-acclaimed satirical black comedy spin-off from the equally as acclaimed BBC comedy series The Thick of It follows government officials and advisors in a behind-the-scenes capacity who aren’t sure whether to promote or prevent a very probable oncoming war with the Middle East. Standout performances come in the form of Peter Capaldi’s very, very sweary Malcolm Tucker, enforcer of the Prime Minister, and Tom Hollander’s foolish Minister for International Development Simon Foster, not to mention a cameo from the late James Gandolfini as Lieutenant General Miller.

    The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)
    Take a small-time E4 comedy series set in a fictional town in England and put it on the big screen and set it in Crete and apparently you get a recipe for blockbusting success. Obviously, this is down to writers Damon Beesley and Iain Morris and the Inbetweeners themselves: Will (Simon Bird), Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison). After completing their final year at school together, the four head on a party holiday where misadventures follow – as well as laughs. Lots of laughs.

    Downhill (2014) 
    TV commercial director James Rouse’s big-screen debut Downhill tells the story of four old school friends who reunite decades later in order to complete an epic coast to coast walk across the United Kingdom. The comically incompatible foursome are led by Gordon (Richard Lumsden) and include Keith (Karl Theobald), Simon (Jeremy Swift) and Ned Dennehy’s delightful scene-stealing troublemaker Julian. As revelations are revealed, strops are thrown and feet begin to ache, this comedy not only charms, but enlightens.

     

    Downhill is released on DVD and digital platforms on 16th June 2014 

  • #WorldCup: Diego Luna Football Short

    #WorldCup: Diego Luna Football Short

    Here’s the exclusive release of César Chávez director Diego Luna’s new short film – a lovely shot piece set in his hometown, Mexico City, highlighting the power that football has to bring joy and youthfulness to any community.

    The inspirational short tells the story of a group of young-at-heart senior citizens who form the Liga de Interclubes de Fútbol Soccer Amateur, to discard the weight of life and play the sport they love, showing us the joy the timeless game of football provides – no matter the age.

    Having starred in the likes of Milk and The Terminal, Luna recently took to directing (with his first film César Chávez being released earlier this year) and has now tried his hand at short film with this filmtrack – the latest release from Pepsi Max’s Beats of the Beautiful Game visual album – an exclusive collection of 11 anthemic songs and companion short films, or ‘filmtracks,’ that capture the spirit, sights and sounds of football.

    The film coincides with the official release of Rita Ora’s track “I Will Never Let You Down (Switch Remix)” – a fresh remix of her summer smash hit – which features in the short film, playing to the keen football players as they make the journey to the big game.