By Jack Shanley

Longlegs is a horror thriller that taps into the dread of being watched, following the classic yet effective trope of a mysterious killer with an unsettling aura. Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his atmospheric and slow-burn approach to horror, Longlegs explores the intersection of the supernatural and the psychological with a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Nicolas Cage, who portrays the titular character, is mesmerizing as the enigmatic and unnerving Longlegs. His performance is a masterclass in controlled terror, with his eerie calmness and occasional bursts of unhinged behaviour. Cage’s ability to shift between charm and menace adds a layer of unpredictability that elevates the film’s tension. The supporting cast, including Maika Monroe and Alicia Witt, deliver solid performances, grounding the film in a grim reality that contrasts sharply with the more surreal elements of the plot.

The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the tension to build gradually. This choice may not resonate with viewers expecting a more fast-paced horror experience, but for those who appreciate a slow-burn, the payoff is well worth the wait. The cinematography enhances the unsettling atmosphere, with dim lighting and claustrophobic framing that leaves you feeling as though something sinister is always lurking just out of sight

Longlegs thrives on its atmosphere, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a film that isn’t afraid to leave questions unanswered, trusting the audience to piece together its fragmented and often disturbing narrative. While it may not be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, Longlegs is a haunting and memorable addition to the horror genre, particularly for those who relish ambiguity and psychological depth in their scares.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Longlegs and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Osgood Perkins – Rating: R – Genre: Horror/Crime – Run Time: 1h 41m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

Ti West caps off his deranged horror trilogy with a bang in “MaXXXine,” the most entertaining and violent entry yet. Mia Goth continues to shine as Maxine Minx, the tenacious survivor of the Texas massacre in “X” who now sets her sights on Hollywood stardom in the neon-drenched, cocaine-fuelled landscape of 1985.
West’s love letter to the era is impeccable. The grime, the synth soundtrack, and the lurid excess are all meticulously recreated, with a dash of “video nasty” aesthetics thrown in for good measure. Los Angeles transforms into a dangerous playground, with the Night Stalker real-life murders casting a long shadow and a copycat killer emerging from the darkness.

Goth is a revelation. She embodies Maxine’s ambition and vulnerability with equal intensity. We see her navigate the sleaze of peep shows and B-movie auditions with a steely resolve, all while haunted by the trauma of her past. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Elizabeth Debicki as the demanding director who sees potential in Maxine, and a trio of detectives (Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Monaghan, and Kevin Bacon) adding a layer of suspense.

“MaXXXine” is a genre mashup, blending classic slasher elements with a dash of dark humour and a surprisingly poignant exploration of female ambition in a cutthroat industry. The kills are brutal and creative but in sense not all that necessary sometimes, they showcase West’s mastery of practical effects. However, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional toll of violence, particularly on Maxine.
The film isn’t without its flaws. The plot can be predictable at times, and some might find the constant barrage of 80s references a bit overwhelming. The film lacks a bit of a drive sometimes but is arguably one of the best in the trilogy.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out “MaXXXine” and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Ti West– Rating: R – Genre: Horror/Suspense – Run Time: 1h 44m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

With Danny Boyle’s 90s classic ‘Trainspotting’ hitting cinemas once again for a stunning new 4k release, it was the fantastic opportunity to watch the Scottish masterpiece once again. While it dives headfirst into the Edinburgh heroin scene with shocking visuals and dark humour, it doesn’t glorify addiction nor drugs.
Instead, it pulsates with a chaotic energy, capturing the highs and the rock-bottom lows of a group of friends entangled in a destructive cycle. It’s this look into the world of drugs and addiction, the reliability of it and it essentially how it completely changes your perspective of life, that just never fails to intrigue me.

Ewan McGregor shines as Mark Renton, our unreliable narrator. He’s a charismatic addict who, despite the encouragement of his equally messed-up friends (hilariously portrayed by Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle), struggles to choose life over heroin.

Trainspotting doesn’t shy away from the grotesque. The infamous toilet scene is a brutal reminder of the physical toll addiction takes. Yet, Boyle masterfully weaves dark humour throughout. Renton’s internal monologue delivers witty social commentary, and the film’s surreal moments. A scene that just completely captures the essence of the film is when Renton takes his injection of heroin leading him to be dragged down the stairs into a taxi and further on to the hospital. Its just the lack of care and the thought of it being a regular occurrence that just grapples with you and makes you sympathise with him from a non-addict perspective.

The soundtrack throbs with Britpop energy, perfectly complementing the film’s frenetic pace. From Iggy Pop to Underworld, the music becomes another character, driving the narrative forward.

Trainspotting isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction, but it’s also a darkly funny and strangely hopeful film. Boyle’s direction is electric, the performances are phenomenal, the film’s message on choosing life over oblivion is undeniably powerful and the new 4k restoration looks phenomenal. In all truth I’d recommend checking out “Trainspotting” and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Danny Boyle– Rating: R – Genre: Crime/Drama– Run Time: 1h 34m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram

By Jack Shanley

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” picks up decades after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes” with Caesar, the wise chimpanzee leader, a revered memory. Humanity has been ravaged by a virus, leaving a power vacuum filled by various ape communities. Enter Noa, a young gorilla raised on Caesar’s ideals of peace between species. His world is shattered by a brutal attack, setting him on a path of vengeance that unveils a brewing conflict within the ape society.

The film excels in its world-building. Gone are the lush, green landscapes; a sense of decay hangs over the overgrown ruins of human civilization. The ape settlements, particularly the technologically advanced underwater city, showcase the evolution of ape society.

The visuals are stunning, with sweeping vistas and detailed set design making the post-apocalyptic world both believable and captivating.

While the story lacks the emotional depth of the previous trilogy, it compensates with thrilling action sequences. Noa’s journey is punctuated by intense chases and battles, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The film also delves into themes of legacy and the struggle to maintain peace in a world yearning for conflict.

However, “Kingdom” stumbles slightly with its pacing. The middle act drags a bit, with some repetitive plot points. The film also throws in a few convenient plot devices to propel the story forward.

Despite these minor stumbles, the film shines in its central performance by Owen Teague as Noa. He portrays the character’s rage and grief with raw intensity, making Noa a compelling protagonist.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” might not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it’s a worthy successor that expands the franchise’s universe. With its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a compelling addition to the “Planet of the Apes” saga, leaving viewers eager for the next chapter in this ever-evolving ape kingdom. In all truth I’d recommend checking out “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today.

Director: Wes Ball– Rating: 12A – Genre: Action/Sci-fi– Run Time: 2h 25m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

With this underrated classic hitting cinemas once again last month, it gave a fantastic opportunity to rewatch it and review it. After Hours directed by Martin Scorsese in 1985, is a darkly comedic exploration of one man’s surreal and nightmarish journey through the streets of New York City. With its frenetic pacing, eccentric characters, and Kafkaesque plot, the film immerses viewers in a world where every turn leads to increasingly bizarre and absurd situations. Set over the course of one long, eventful night, the story follows Paul Hackett (played by Griffin Dunne), a mild-mannered office worker who finds himself trapped in a series of misadventures after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman named Marcy (played by Rosanna Arquette). As Paul navigates the surreal landscape of downtown Manhattan, he encounters a colourful cast of characters, including eccentric artists, eccentric bartenders, and a vigilante mob, all of whom seem determined to thwart his attempts to return home. Scorsese’s direction is masterful in its ability to create and sustain a sense of escalating tension and unease. The film’s use of claustrophobic cinematography and discordant music adds to the feeling of paranoia and disorientation that permeates every scene. As Paul’s night goes from bad to worse, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what twist or turn the story will take next. At its heart, After Hours is a black comedy that explores themes of alienation, urban isolation, and the absurdity of modern life. Paul’s descent into chaos serves as a darkly humorous commentary on the randomness and unpredictability of fate, as well as the often-absurd nature of human behaviour. The performances in After Hours are uniformly excellent, with Dunne delivering a standout performance as the hapless protagonist. His portrayal of Paul as a man caught in a Kafkaesque nightmare is both sympathetic and darkly funny, and he manages to convey a sense of mounting panic and desperation without ever veering into melodrama. In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘After Hours’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four Stars. You can buy ‘After Hours’ for €3.99 on YouTube. Director: Martin Scorsese – Rating: R – Genre: Comedy/Thriller – Run Time: 1h 37m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

Deep End is about British culture in London when the optimism of the “Swinging Sixties” started to fade. It’s a fantastic film that delves into the perspective of a young boy named Mike (John Moulder-Brown) and his obsession with not just women but essentially one woman in a coworker named Susan (Jane Asher). There is this infatuation that grows to pure obsession that I can’t help but get lost in. For me most of the truly great and rather interesting films all delve into the topic of obsession. It’s this mentality that someone is so focused on something or someone for instance that it becomes compulsive as they lose control of their emotions and never is it more evident than in Skolimowski’s Deep End. Most movies from the 70s showed the 60s as a bubble of shining positive thinking and star-studded youth developments. Skolimowski reveals the dark side of young peoples lives, how their lives are not important, and a sexual desire. Mike throughout the movie thinks about investigating the broken life and relationship of Susan, but it leads to his pure frustration getting him nowhere. When watching the film, you spend a lot of time taking in all the gorgeousness Skolimowski has on offer. His use of texture is fantastic. There is an amazing scene, towards the end of the movie, where Mike and Susan are lying on a bed of towels and sheets that are placed in such a way to foreshadow an underwater swirling effect seen later in the film The director’s diligence is amazing. The costumes in this film are also excellent. Deep End is a remarkably interesting movie. It is surprising that Skolimowski’s movie was not a big success at the time, although the studio didn’t promote it well enough. It’s a film that holds up to this day as an underrated classic. In all truth I’d recommend checking out Deep End and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five Stars. You can buy Deep End for €10 on eBay. Director Jerzy Skolimowski – Rating: R – Genre: Romance/Comedy – Run Time: 1h 30m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

“All of us Strangers,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama that delves into the intricate web of human connections. Released in 2023, the film skilfully weaves together the lives of seemingly unrelated characters, exploring themes of loneliness, alienation, and the quest for meaningful connection. All of us strangers is a film that captures the beautiful essence of encountering a lost loved one in a dream. Many films have come along about grief but none like this. It’s a sensual, romantic and yet heartbreaking look at life through the eyes of an everyday man whose life has never really turned out the way he wanted. With extraordinary performances from both Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal the film really shapes out to put you on an emotional Journey. All of us Strangers unravels as a simple yet strange narrative exploring themes of isolation, identity, grief, and the lingering ghosts of one’s past. I found this film to be profoundly captivating, with its dreamlike atmosphere, heartbreaking moments, and a touch of melancholy adding to its beauty. With 2023 having some impressive films ‘All of us Strangers’ is way up the list amongst the best of 2023. Its with films like this that shall stay with you forever, only be different as you get older with every viewing of it, it shall remain the same film but is only different as you’ve changed, this for me is the pure definition of cinema. In conclusion, “All of us Strangers” is a compelling exploration of the human experience. Andrew Haigh’s directorial prowess, coupled with a stellar cast and a fantastic script, makes this film a poignant and relevant piece of cinema that will leave audiences contemplating the intricate dance of human connection long after the credits roll. In all truth I’d recommend checking out “All of us Strangers” at your local cinema and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. Director Andrew Haigh – Rating: 16 – Genre: Romance/Fantasy – Run Time: 1h 45m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

Maestro, directed by acclaimed Actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper is a captivating cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional 2023, the film delves into the tumultuous life of renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein, storytelling. Released in portrayed with brilliance by Oscar nominated actor Bradley Cooper. Maestro not only provides an intimate glimpse into the world of classical music but also explores the beautiful relationship Leonard had with Chilean-Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). The film unfolds as a seamless blend of flashbacks and present-day sequences, unravelling Bernstein’s journey from a prodigious young musician to a maestro whose genius is matched only by the shadows of his past. Coopers’ performance is nothing short of fantastic, as he navigates the character’s highs and lows with a nuanced grace that elevates the film to new heights. His portrayal of Leonard Bernstein’s passion for music, coupled with the internal struggles that threaten to consume him, creates an amazing yet emotional narrative. Bradley Coopers direction is a testament to his skilful storytelling, as he weaves together the threads of Leonard Bernstein’s life with a delicate touch. The film’s pacing is masterfully orchestrated, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the life of a great Composer. From the grandeur of concert halls to the quiet moments of introspection, Cooper captures the essence of each scene with a visual finesse that mirrors the elegance of classical music. Maestro’s supporting cast is equally commendable, with standout performances from Carey Mulligan who at times steals the show as Bernstein’s devoted but conflicted wife. The chemistry between the actors enhances the film’s emotional depth, adding layers to the intricate web of relationships that shape Bernstein’s world. The film’s cinematography, helmed by the visionary lens of Matthew Libatique, is a visual symphony that complements the musical narrative. Each frame is a work of art, capturing the sweeping grandeur of concert performances and the intimate moments of vulnerability with equal finesse. The use of light and shadow enhances the emotional feel for the story, creating a visual language that speaks volumes alongside the musical score. Speaking of the score, Maestro’s soundtrack, is beautifully composed and is a character in itself. The classical compositions evoke a range of emotions from melancholy to triumph. The wonderful score becomes the heartbeat of the film, underscoring the highs and lows of Bernstein’s journey with a sublime elegance. In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Maestro’ on Netflix and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. Director: Bradley Cooper– Rating: 15 – Genre: Romance/Musical – Run Time: 2h 9m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

By Jack Shanley

With Christmas just around the corner its only right to light up your Christmas with this timeless classic by the great Frank Capra. James Stewart astounds us as George Bailey with the beautiful Donna Reed oozing that festive feeling. Regarded as one of finest films ever made, it sure is a good family film and for me it is the pure definition of Christmas. With ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Frank Capra essentially paints the most beautiful picture of life that no matter how many times you look at it its still so powerful bringing you closer to life. Its with this classic that proves how beautifully powerful cinema truly is that no words can speak loud enough to make you feel the way the film does. It’s the journey Capra takes us on from George Bailey (James Stewart) as a boy to a grown man, with these great plans to conquer the world and essentially live the life of dreams, that just never happens for him and for us all. With this ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is still so relevant today after all these years. I’m not shy to say it’s a film that may lead to you shedding a few tears, throughout the film but especially in its final act. With an Angel in Clarence sent to George Bailey (James Stewart) to make him see his life essentially if he hadn’t been born makes you see your life the same way, with that it makes you happy to exist. The film has its humour romance and its ever-enduring scenes, from the classic dance scene which starts with the startling look both Donna Reed and James Stewart give each other to the frustration in the bank on their Wedding Day and on to the final act which speaks for itself. This high-spirited Christmas classic ranks among fans and critics alike as one of the most loved and celebrated films ever made In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five stars. Director: Frank Capra – Rating: G – Genre: Drama/Comedy – Run Time: 2h 10m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram

By Jack Shanley

The Exorcist: Believer is a prime example of how a once-beloved horror franchise can lose its way. Clocking in at just over two hours, this film feels like an eternity of clichés and jump scares that fail to deliver any real terror. The plot, which attempts to rekindle the demonic horror of the original film, is a convoluted mess. It follows a group of ill-fated individuals who stumble upon an ancient artifact that supposedly holds the key to unleashing the ultimate evil. As they unwittingly awaken a demonic force, were subjected to a series of overly predictable events, from eerie whispers in the dark to objects moving on their own. The film leans heavily on the tropes of the genre without bringing anything fresh or innovative to the table. One of the major drawbacks of is the lacklustre character development. The ensemble cast, which includes some seasoned actors, is given very little to work with. They are reduced to mere vessels for the demon’s malevolence, making it impossible to invest in their fates. Theres no emotional connection to these characters, and their struggles are lost in a sea of uninspired dialogue and wooden performances. The special effects, while technologically advanced, fail to impress. The CGI-heavy sequences often come across as overdone, distracting from any genuine horror the film might have hoped to achieve. Moreover, the reliance on jump scares grows tiresome as they become predictable, offering little more than momentary jolts. The film’s pacing is a significant issue as well. It struggles to maintain a consistent atmosphere, vacillating between slow, plodding exposition and frenetic, chaotic scenes. This inconsistency disrupts the build-up of tension and ultimately dilutes the horror. In conclusion, The Exorcist: Believer is a forgettable addition to the once-proud franchise. It lacks the storytelling depth and character development that made the original a classic. With a disjointed plot, uninspired performances, and an overreliance on worn-out horror tropes, this film misses the mark in delivering genuine scares. In all truth I’d recommend checking out The Exorcist: Believer and see what you think of it. I shall give it a score of two stars. Director: David Gordon Green – Rating: R– Genre: Horror/Supernatural – Run Time: 1h 51m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram/
Editor’s note. Jack’s opinion on this film is his alone based on his vast knowledge of film and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of the owners, management or staff of Local Magazine. We suggest you do as Jack recommends and go and view the film yourself and form your own views.