The Grand Budapest Hotel Review: A Five Star Adventure

A VIEW FROM OTHER WINDOWS This isn’t the first time Wes Anderson has taken his audience by the hand and led them through the oversaturated grandeur of luxury accommodation. Starring Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, 2007’s Hotel Chevalier –  a 13-minute short written and directed by Anderson – acted as a bittersweet narrative precursor to […]

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This is Spinal Tap 30th Anniversary Edition Review

Words: Andy Procter Twitter: @Procodile NO SLEEP TILL STONEHENGE The Rob Reiner classic, This is Spinal Tap, has become the definition of mockumentary since its original 1984 release. The story of an ageing British heavy metal band’s comeback tour across the USA with their 12th album Smell the Glove, is still an essential slice of […]

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Umbrellas of Cherbourg Review: She’s a Rainbow

Words: Brody Rossiter Twitter: @BrodyRossiter J’ADORE MON AMOUR? Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) first received its theatrical release in 1964, courting over one million cinema admissions in France alone. Fifty years later the film has received a special 50th anniversary restoration release – but has this colourful French gem truly stood the test […]

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Léon 20th Anniversary Edition Review: Conscience Killer

THE PROFESSIONAL Starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman in her film debut, Léon tells the tale of the titular Hitman and his unlikely personal and professional relationship with eleven-year-old Mathilda. After Mathilda’s dysfunctional drug-running family are murdered by corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman), the orphan finds refuge in her mysterious neighbour. Upon discovering […]

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