Cert – 15, Run-time – 2 hours 21 minutes, Director – Leos Carax

As his career spirals downwards, stand-up comedian Henry (Adam Driver) finds his marriage to rising opera star Ann (Marion Cotillard) becomes increasingly tense and distanced.

Annette takes the idea of people bursting into song at any possible moment and runs with it. The latest film from co-writer (alongside Sparks brothers Ron and Russell Mael – who also provide the songs and story) and director Leos Carax features Marion Cotillard’s Ann musically soothing herself while giving birth. Before this we witness her and Adam Driver’s Henry serenading each other while committing the act that often nine months later leads to a birth. It’s all part of the theatrical nature of the lives that the two live. The lines between their lives on and off the stage are blurred. Henry is a successful stand-up comic while his wife is a rising opera star. There’s a theatricality to many of their surroundings, things seem specifically set out, and some areas – even outside of their home – feel almost like a specifically laid-out soundstage. It adds to both the seemingly intentionally artificial nature of many of the film’s elements and the feel that this could work on the stage.

Perhaps the most obvious artificial point of the film is the wooden puppet which takes the role of the couple’s child Annette. It’s hoped the the baby girl will help relieve tensions and distance within their marriage, however it seems that this is not the case. As Henry’s career begins to rapidly decline, his reputation plummeting, things simply get worse for the pair. It’s at this point, almost half-way through the film’s 141 minute run-time, that he truly becomes the central figure of the piece. A growing battle forms between him and Simon Helberg’s, until this point underseen, musician; credited as ‘The Accompanist’. As this line of narrative grows and expands, truly taking form and becoming the main detail of the film things pick up quickly. Beforehand the relationship between Driver and Cotillard’s characters is the main drive and while it’s fine to watch it does feel as if it’s the main thing that pushes the run-time.

There’s only quite so far that the series of extended fever-dream-like scenes can go before more is needed. And it does feel as if they go on for a bit too long until things properly get going again with the details of the plot. It’s also at this point that while the stage-like nature is still present – partly thanks to the music that Sparks provides and the way in which it’s used – things appear to also open up as Driver’s character develops, or in some cases fails to. His attempts to cling onto fame and some form of life on the stage are engaging to see, it becomes increasingly evident that the women in his life are being used to progress his own fame; despite the fact that it appears the opposite is happening.

As the plot goes on and Henry becomes more and more desperate the character becomes a more interesting figure. Just how far will he go in using those around him? And indeed the events that he causes have the same effect on the viewer. It’s clear that the more the film uses its plot, and the effects of Cotillard’s character and performance which lie throughout, the more engaging it is. It plays around with the elements that it forms in the lengthy first half. Continuing them and breaking them almost at the same time, completely aware of its artificialities. Recognised in the music, the look, style and feel of the piece. While it might have a theatrical feel that could allow it to work just as well on the stage, established from the opening number, there are still plenty of cinematic elements to allow this to come to life on the screen – a much advertised dance scene in the stormy sea is a true spectacle. And in many ways acts as the hammer to truly break the glass between the stage and screen styles that the film plays with.

Aware of its intentionally artificial elements throughout, Annette truly develops when exploring the actions of its characters in the second half of its lengthy theatrical course.

Cert – 12, Run-time – 2 hours 12 minutes, Director – Destin Daniel Cretton

After believing to have remained hidden for years Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is brought back into his father’s (Tony Leung) ancient kingdom and dynasty-toppling organisation, The Ten Rings.

Marvel’s big action sequences have become things of punch-the-air spectacle. Cheer-inducing battles of increasingly grand scales. It makes the response to the opening stages of their latest feature, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings, perhaps, even more unexpected. You sit there in open-mouthed wonderment as Tony Leung’s Wenwu and Fala Chen’s Ying Li appear to performed a smoothly choreographed dance together rather than an actual fight. Set against the backdrop of a peaceful, brightly lit, pool in the middle of a secluded forest it’s visually striking in multiple ways – as is the case for many of the fight scenes throughout the film, all paying tribute to martial arts classics in their slight American blockbuster-ised way.

Much of the entertainment value is pushed by the likability of leading man Simu Liu. Having hidden out in San Francisco as Shaun for the best part of a decade, he is brought back to his life as Shang-Chi, heir to The Ten Rings; a kingdom-destroying organisation set up by his father (Leung). Initially tagging along for the journey is best friend Katy (Awkwafina). The two everyday figures (perhaps the most the franchise has seen in central roles up until this point, perhaps discounting Tom Holland’s Spider-Man) make an enjoyable pairing and provide plenty of entertaining humour along the way. It contrasts well with the action and more dramatic content of the film – particularly in regards to the darkness surrounding Leung’s finely performed antagonist. It’s a shame that there are occasional clashes between the comedy and the more serious elements of the film. Humour, while being successful, does seem somewhat misplaced at times and acts as a slight snap away from the film for a brief second when placed in the middle of a scene.

Where the film succeeds in terms of its narrative is in the fact that it doesn’t feel like a general original story. The fact that Shang-Chi is already aware of his background and is re-entering a world allows for a feeling that we’re already aware of some of these characters, requiring less formalities and that things can get going much quicker while still not moving without the audience. From there the stylised fight sequences and the family story at the centre form something rather compelling and engaging. An interesting new step within the MCU that begins to show its more Marvel style colours in the third act. Things begin to feel much bigger during the final major battle of the piece. While not anything that removes you from the onscreen events or causes a distance there does seem to be a slight shift in style and tone – even if one of the final fights still has a real energetic push behind it and that martial arts tone back. Such events, despite their creativity and continuation of the idea that this is all indeed part of legend, do also feel as if they push the run-time on a bit.

Particular character flashbacks in the later stages of the film do cause some slight disconnect, and its perhaps these that truly make the film feel that little bit longer. Not by too much, perhaps 10-15 minutes, but enough to make it feel as things could be that little bit tighter. And yet, for the issues that do arise there’s still plenty of inspired action taking place in this latest entry into Marvel’s universe. Simu Liu, alongside Awkwafina and the many other new entrants into the franchise – including Meng’er Zhang as Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing, perhaps the most surprising thing about the film is that this is her debut role! – is a welcome figure and you’ll be awaiting what he does next, both in and out of the franchise. In fact, this is echoed for much of what appears in Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. There’s plenty of scenes, ideas, content and sequences that stand out amongst the rest of the MCU that show a continually changing landscape for the franchise, experimenting with different genres in each new entry. And while it might have some slight structural issues and dip into more conventional areas for the franchise in its final stages, there’s plenty of style throughout this film to keep it powering through.

Perhaps a bit on the long side as it begins to dip into more conventional action and stakes, there’s still plenty to enjoy within the style and energy of Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. A film filled with plenty of great performances from largely newcomers to the MCU who you’ll definitely want to see again.

Cert – 15, Run-time – 1 hour 46 minutes, Director – Michael Caton-Jones

Going to Edinburgh for a choir competition, a group of Catholic school girls intend to spend the day drinking and hooking up with the locals.

It’s been a long road for Our Ladies to reach a proper big screen release. Since premiering at the London Film Festival in October of 2019 it’s faced a number of understandable delays. However, its anticipated freedom into cinemas perhaps matches the feeling of the central group of students let loose in the open world. Taken as part of the choir of their strict Catholic school we see the close friends arrive in 90s Edinburgh with the aim of drinking, hooking up and getting as much of a taste of adult life as possible.

Alongside the actors who clearly understand their characters writer-director Michael Caton-Jones forms a group with clearly individual personalities. While we see most of the film’s events through Orla (Tallulah Greive), trying to push her own boundaries and make the most of her life while going through cancer treatment, there’s still plenty of time to see the likes of loud and outspoken partier Manda (Sally Messham) and quiet, secret-holding Finnoula (Abigail Lawrie). The time that we spend with the group of friends is largely enjoyable. And while the film begins to feel slightly jumpy when seeing them split up into different bars and clubs in the area there’s still amusement to be found within their interactions and conversations. For much of the film we are simply seeing these characters obtain the freedom that they’ve been wanting for so long. A vast difference to the small, eventless Highlands town they live in.

It’s in the town where the film begins to dip. The impacts of the events in Edinburgh, of course, follow the students back home. With there being at least six stories to wrap up, and points to cover from when they split off and regrouped so many times, the final stages, and indeed build-up to them, do feel somewhat busy. Almost seeming to try and continue the narrative while begin to bring it to a close at the same time. There’s not exactly a clash, but it does add to the busy feel that’s present, as you begin to disengage with the film and to some extent the on-screen relationships.

The run-time feels pushed. Even if Our Ladies were to just be cut down by ten minutes things would likely pass by that bit more quickly and easily in the final stages. However, the before time runs out the bonds between the characters can still be felt. There’s a selection of fine performances from the ensemble that leads the piece and that truly creates your connection with them and the amusement that the film provides. There are plenty of laughs to be found within the characters and the places they claim to be willing to go to for the things that they want. It’s the performances that help lift up the piece and keep it going even through some of the slight dips in the return home. Bringing about the laughs and the entertainment it truly appears to be the title ladies who act as the biggest and best draw of their own film.

While the film might dip a bit when busy with the slightly extended effects of the partying there’s plenty of humour and entertainment to be found throughout within the performances that bring Our Ladies to life.

Cert – 15, Run-time – 1 hour 31 minutes, Director – Nia DaCosta

After finding inspiration in the urban legend of Candyman for an art project, Anthony (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) unleashes a new onslaught of killings in now gentrified Chicago.

“A story like that lasts forever. That’s Candyman”. Nia DaCosta’s quasi-sequel to 1992’s Candyman demonstrates the timelessness of urban legends. It places itself firmly in the modern day. Its events, settings and style all feel completely modern, helping to flesh things out and engage you within the world in which darkness is once again unleashed. It’s brought back by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Anthony, an artist struggling to find his next piece. However, on discovering the legend of Candyman his inspiration is jumpstarted, forming the beginnings of a downwards spiral into a world of bloodshed and dark mystery.

DaCosta’s atmospheric use of the camera, tracking Anthony’s movements and the towering streets of gentrified Chicago create the feeling that he’s constantly unsafe. Always in danger in the busy, open streets of the hive-like city. It sets in an unsettling feel. Putting you on edge over the course of the short 91 minute run-time of the piece. When it comes to gore things are kept relatively light throughout, however when it does appear it’s certainly effective. The most impact is often from what you don’t see rather than that which you do – although there is still plenty of effective slasher scenes and slight body horror to further shake you. It shows the world that Anthony has entered and what could become his fate as he becomes increasingly panicked that he is being stalked by the Candyman – hidden really well in the background mirrors of many scenes. A scene set in an entirely mirrored lift is tense even before Anthony has completely entered it.

We see Abdul-Mateen’s character delve into an increasingly mad state, worrying his girlfriend, Brianna (Teyonah Parris), and those around the pair; such as her brother. Troy (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett). His behaviour, much like his art, becomes much more chaotic and unpredictable. The only thing that’s certain is his obsession with this local myth – fuelled further by Colman Domingo’s sinister dry cleaners owner. Yet, we follow Anthony on his investigative journey as he appears to become a part of the very thing that he’s investigating. There’s an intriguing and chilling narrative here that keeps you captivated within its details. Both in terms of the narrative and visuals. Your eyes are kept in the centre of the screen, almost looking the characters in the eyes in complete seriousness as they stand in the centre of many a symmetrical setting. DaCosta’s direction is fantastic as she brings to life every scene and piece of scenery. Forming a true sense of current-day tension that calls back to the original film well through creative use of shadow puppets – be sure to stay throughout the credits!

Everything combines to create a fine sense of atmosphere to this continuation, rather than updating, of a story that is expanded thanks to the exploration of urban legend. It makes the most of its setting and the things that have changed in the nearly 30 years since the release of the original film, and the threatening figure who still looms. The city is his domain and it’s apparent that it’s only a matter of time until things get worse. Each killing shows this, each more intense than the last. Each one built up to overtime and allowed to have an impact rather than being shown for the sake of it and just moved on from. At a short 91 minutes this is a well-paced film that, while potentially needing a few more minutes in the twists and turns of the shocking third act, there’s plenty of detail packed into this iteration of Candyman. A new take on the tale that knows exactly what to do with that very story. A true atmospheric and tense challenge to say his name, if you dare.

Nia DaCosta forms an atmospheric modern horror that truly puts you on edge as each great performance enhances the already high detail of this fine expansion and exploration of an urban legend.

Cert – 15, Run-time – 1 hour 24 minutes, Director – Prano Bailey-Bond

A film censor (Niamh Algar) living through the video nasties era is haunted by a violent film which seems to match with the disappearance of her sister.

“It’s not entertainment Mum. I do it to protect people” says Enid (Niamh Algar) about her job as a film censor. Protecting people appears to be increasingly at the fore of her role as horror after horror is added to an extensive of list of video nasties that would otherwise corrupt anyone who watches them. VHS copies of The Evil Dead and Driller Killer are thrown into boxes, confiscated and banned. Meanwhile other horror titles are severely edited to remove as much violence, gore and cannibalistic content as possible. However, it never seems to be enough as more and more increasingly disturbing content is sent through the censors office. One particular title, which she’s particularly requested to oversee, crosses the line into personal relevance for Enid when it appears to match the disappearance of her sister a number of years before.

Delving into personal horror Algar’s finely performed otherwise sensible, tough-censoring figure begins to research other films by the director to find out as much as she can. Her parents have been ready to move on, obtaining a death certificate for their lost daughter, however Enid fights as much as she can hoping that her sister is still alive. As the films that Enid watches become more relevant to her life the lines between the fictional horror – featuring some fine recreated stylings of films of the era – and her own experiences become much less clear. They begin to merge into one, helped by co-writer (with Anthony Fletcher) and director Bailey-Bond’s knowledge and observances on the genre which help to heighten the escalating horror over the course of the piece.

Much of the horror comes in the third act as the lines becoming non-existent. The look of the piece begins to look like a bordering on tattered under-the-counter VHS copy of one of the many banned titles that we see throughout the film. Enid’s behaviour becomes more unhinged and she almost appears to be playing a character in one of these films. The final 20 minutes of the piece’s short rather quick-passing run-time are truly the highlight thanks to the artistic style that has gone into them. It forms an engaging and intriguing set of events that are built-up to well, if sometimes slightly quietly in comparison. All carrying on from the idea that “horror is already out there in all of us”.

Things may be slightly quiet in the build up to the excellently handled finale of Censor. However, they still hold a fair deal of interest within the story, enhanced by Bailey-Bond’s attention to detail and styles calling back to the video nasties that her film revolves around. When paired with Algar’s great central performance there’s certainly an engaging film here that culminates in a wonderful display of the central character’s gradually declined and panicked state. All set against the detailed backdrop of an increasing need to protect people against the threat of corrupting violence within video nasty scares.

Censor’s excellently observed final 20 minutes is built up to with a detailed, if slightly quiet, build-up. All containing a great central performance from Niamh Algar.

Cert – 15, Run-time – 1 hour 31 minutes, Director – Michael Sarnoski

When his valued pig is stolen truffle hunter Rob (Nicolas Cage) must return to his roots and past life in order to find her.

There’s a moment of almost confusing shock as Alex Wolff’s sunglasses-donning, suit-wearing Amir pulls up outside of Nicolas Cage’s Rob’s secluded wooden shack. While it’s only a couple of minutes into Michael Sarnoski’s feature directorial debut, Pig, until this point the feeling of a period drama has been created. We’ve seen Cage living a quiet, simplistic life as he and his pig forage for truffles. However, everything almost seems to be shattered on the arrival of Wolff’s ingredients supplier looking for more that he can sell to potential high-end restaurant clients. This seeming break into what we thought was reality simply prepares us for what is to come. When Cage’s valued animal friend is stolen in the middle of the night he must return to his abandoned roots in Portland, Oregon in the hopes of finding her again.

Cage’s performance is calm and collected. There’s a sense of sorrow to his character as well as he must face many faces from his past as a much-praised chef. Rarely in violent confrontation, more often in moments of conversation. A key scene in a restaurant owned by a former trainee of Rob’s is a highlight of the piece. You can feel the anger, upset and disappointment of the central figure rising, yet he consistently keeps almost the same even tone throughout. What pushes the true power and effectiveness of this scene is the fact that it follows one of the most peaceful of the film. The interaction between characters are fantastically observed throughout and make for an engaging film as we see Rob on his far-from-easy search for a pig.

He often looks at people bewildered as if they can’t understand his simple requirement. “I want my pig” he often states to anyone who will, or rather needs to, listen. Regularly he’s a character of little words and that makes for even more interesting relationships and conversations with the other characters throughout the film, each with their own personal issues that are glimpsed at throughout. Sarnoski creates a gentle and thoughtful tone throughout. Both towards the narrative and the characters that help to form it. Yes, things might be fairly simplistic, but it allows for the writer-director, along with the cast, to enhance the engaging character detail. Wanting to see how Rob fares on his journey both in this seemingly strange world that he’s been hiding away from for so long, coming to terms with previous events in his life and, of course, that to find the only company he’s had for most of this time.

Each figure has something to contribute to his story as he does to theirs and each exchange brings you further into the piece with its detail and the strength of the performances from the entire cast. Avoiding a feeling of set-pieces once the film has established itself and opens up Robs past things truly get going and you want to learn more about this seemingly mysterious character and the life that he’s left behind and tried to keep to himself. Through various quiet reveals there’s a lot contained within the quickly passing 91 minute run-time of the piece. It makes for a film that moves things along thanks to the detail put into the various figures that help form the narrative, which further allows for the reflective feel that the film holds to come through. Much of what the viewer gets out of this comes from the screenplay which the fine performances help to bring to life. Led by an excellently restrained top-form Nicolas Cage.

Nicolas Cage is fantastic as the lead of Pig, a thoughtful, reflective piece of work which holds plenty of character detail within its screenplay, performances and simple nature.

Cert – 12, Run-time – 1 hour 56 minutes, Director – Lisa Joy

Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) helps people relive their memories, however the stories of past customers begin to link up when mysterious stranger Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) suddenly disappears from his life.

Like the memories that are so integral to the plot, Lisa Joy’s feature directorial debut, Reminiscence, very much feels like a throwback to a range of styles and genres. Hugh Jackman’s narration throughout, alongside a number of the visuals within darkly lit rooms, hints at a noir film of years gone by, mixed in with the sci-fi themes of his character’s profession. He plays Nick Bannister, a man who helps people to relive memories through the use of advanced technology in a building surrounded by high-rising dams blocking off drastically risen sea levels. He, alongside his employee/ co-worker ‘Watts’ (Thandiwe Newton), tends to see the same faces coming in and out of his generally empty workplace – aside from the essentials to the job – each day, addicted to the idea of nostalgia. However, when glamorous stranger Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) walks in one night in the hope of being able to remember where her misplaced keys are things change for Nick as a relationship begins to form between the pair.

But, as would be expected in a noir relationship that starts as rapidly as this one, Mae suddenly disappears, leading Nick into a downward spiral, reliving his own memories of their few months together. However, when helping the police find evidence within the memories of a suspected criminal he finds further links to the mysterious woman who randomly entered his life, taking it upon himself to find out just what happened to her. The man who once claimed that “memory is the boat… And I am the oarsman” begins to lose control of himself as his one aim becomes finding Mae. A fantastically detailed story develops and holds you in a state of intrigue over the course of the film’s run-time. Where the film appears to falter is in the mix of styles that it contains, causing things to come across in a somewhat unsatisfying manner.

There’s an odd blend of styles and genres from various different decades across the film which form which while somehow helping with the story and the themes that run throughout it sometimes creates a slight feeling of disconnect, despite your growing interest in how things develop. It’s a difficult blend to describe, and certainly so is the reaction. Nonetheless, amongst the slightly messy styles and feelings, there’s plenty to engage with aside from the story. Various action scenes that take place avoid giving the film a huge blockbuster feel and if anything further compliment the dominant noir genre through which much of the film is framed. There’s a slightly more sinister nature to things, a mild dark streak, which fleshes out Jackman’s character and his frantic search for answers which throws him deeper into an uncertain and threatening world.

Again, there’s a strong story here. Brilliantly clever, creative and consistently engaging. And it forms the core hook for the viewer, enhanced by the fine performances that line the piece and increase the dramatic tones throughout. There are simply elements which find themselves lost in a grouping of styles and genres that lacks neatness. Intrigue and interest are still held, and things clear up in time for the many reveals of the third act. Unfortunately the full potential of such elements, which could be vast, feels limited by the uneven, and somewhat unsatisfying, nature in which a large portion of the story is told.

Reminiscence has a superb story at its heart, and there’s heaps of interest and intrigue within the narrative. However, with its blend of styles and genres from various decades it can feel slightly uneven and therefore not completely satisfying.

Cert – 12, Run-time – 2 hours 2 minutes, Director – Robert Schwentke

Having sought to find his father’s killer for many years tough-fighting Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) finds himself brought into a potentially deadly ninja training scheme after saving the life of clan heir Tommy (Andrew Koji).

While the events of Snake Eyes’ third act appear to happen over a somewhat short amount of time the sky appears to indict the rapid passing of day, night, morning, evening, etc. It’s something that happens frequently throughout the film, the changing amount of light from scene to scene, as events are seemingly meant to take place so close to each other. It’s not exactly a distracting element, more one of the few things that you’re able to focus on during the chaotic action scenes. The camera moves with almost as great a speed as the editing meaning that it’s hard to actually focus on and keep track of what’s going on in the moment. Creating a sense of disconnect with the viewer as they become disengaged with what is going on in the film.

There are elements of the plot that feel almost just as confusing as we see Henry Golding’s Snake Eyes caught between good and evil. After saving the life of Tommy (Andrew Koji), the heir to a proud Japanese clan, he finds himself recruited to take part in strict ninja warrior training, having to take part in three potentially deadly trials to prove himself as more than just a tough fighter. However, he has other intentions. With links to the yakuza, Snake Eyes finds himself trying to steal a precious jewel held by the Arashikage clan, The Jewel Of The Sun, for leader Kenta (Takehiro Hira). All while caught between his own personal mission of wanting to track down and kill the man who killed his father many years before. It’s a busy film and there’s seemingly a lot to get through, at least in terms of all the characters that fill up the just over two hour run-time, yet the plot still manages to feel somewhat thin.

By the time that the third act arrives, and Samara Weaving’s Scarlett – whose entire performance can be seen in the trailer for the film – and Úrsula Corberó’s Baroness get close to something to do for themselves, which is still almost nothing. They certainly feel like the two most pushed aside figures, like a number of others simply forgotten about for extended periods of time. Many actors feel completely wasted in the film with very little screen-time, only being present to build-up to sequels and further films in the G.I. Joe movie universe. The majority of the film’s final stages is spent simply teasing what might come (but perhaps may not arrive) instead of focusing on this first origin story – which already holds the feeling of being two or three different stories at once, jumping back and forth between Snake Eyes’ multiple affiliations- as a whole.

While Snake Eyes certainly fulfils the idea of an origin story, it’s one for multiple characters. Building them up for more in the future instead of focusing on telling one contained story with the possibility to lead to more later instead of a nearly ‘part 1’ style affair. A large proportion of the run-time feels like build-up to the third act. Simply seeing Golding’s character go through various trials and divisions with story thrown in to alternate scenes. All before a not-so-busy third act that also has an in and out feel, unfortunately not a satisfying one. Instead Snake Eyes leaves you with little response due to the disconnect that you’ve had throughout it. While you might eventually be able to keep track of it and all the different characters it’s still hard to concentrate on the action due to the constantly moving nature of the camera and editing that makes them, almost like the story, difficult to focus on.

Snake Eyes falters from being a very busy film, both in terms of story and action. Wasting characters to build up to future sequels instead of fleshing out this film.

Cert – 15, Run-time – 1 hour 37 minutes, Director – Jack Clough

Pirate radio team turned musicians Kurupt FM travel to Japan to gain a record deal when one of their songs is featured on a hit game show.

Nearly silent member of pirate radio team turned musicians Kurupt FM, Decoy (Daniel Sylvester Woolford) appears to be the only figure who realises the true reality that he and his collaborators find themselves in. Flown to Japan in the hope of achieving a record deal after one of their songs becomes popular on a colourful, Total Wipeout style studio game show. Decoy rolls his eyes at the misunderstandings and antics of the rest of the group as they stumble through the busy Tokyo streets under the guidance of their penny-struggling manager Chabuddy G (Asmin Chaudhry). Yet, while Decoy’s grounded nature certainly provides amusement the audience never quite feels the same as him. There’s a great deal of amusement to be found as the other members of Kurupt FM; gradual frontman MC Grindah (Allan Mustafa), family and business-minded escapist DJ Beats (Hugo Chegwin) and drug-obsessed Steves (Steve Stamp), put into action their misunderstandings of Japanese culture – taking off their shoes before entering a room being a frequent one.

Taken from tight-knit activities of watching The Fast And The Furious at the exact same time on two different plane screens to the divisive exercise of rehearsing dance routines rifts are gradually formed between the group as they build-up to a major concert that will help establish them in the country. While they would rather simply MC, overtaking corporate manager Taka (Ken Yamamura) changes the look of the group and attempts to turn them into a more mainstream boy band. Through this a more conventional standard story begins to form, particularly coming into play in the second half of the piece. Yet, the story certainly isn’t the main draw of this adaptation of the hit TV series – which started out as a series of comedy sketches. Much of the narrative is formed around the interactions that the characters have with each other and Japanese culture – avoiding the feeling of being offensive and mean-spirited; this is an observation of the characters and their lack of understanding and behaviours in their new surrounding.

It’s the characters who make the film as enjoyable as it is. Providing plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout, particularly within the first half – their great company for the 97 minute run-time of the piece. Even if you haven’t seen the series from which this film continues on from it’s, easy to connect with the on-screen figures and want to see where they lead themselves overtime. It takes a while for the title to actually appear on-screen, yet this never actually comes to mind as you get caught up very quickly within the brief background and context of Kurupt FM. There’s a lot to enjoy about the characters and the comedy that they produce, both of which feel as if they’re directly taken from the TV show; untampered with and very much in the hands of the actors, providing plenty of engaging content as the film makes itself up with them in plenty of scenarios on their trip to the Japanese capital. What follows is a quick story with plenty of humour and amusement throughout, even if things do get somewhat conventional as they develop.

A great continuation for fans of the series and an-easy-to-engage-with, if fairly standard, story for newcomers to this group of seemingly untampered, laugh-out-loud funny characters.

Cert – 12, Run-time – 1 hour 52 minutes, Director – Dominic Cooke

British salesman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) is recruited by MI6 and the CIA to interact with Soviet source Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze) to deescalate the threat of nuclear war.

Benedict Cumberbatch has become known for playing smart character who know exactly what they want to do and how to go about it. While they might not always initially succeed you’re sure that they eventually will and a smart resolution will be found. There’s a different flavour to his portrayal of British businessman Greville Wynne. Certainly comfortable in his element – around a table with potential customers, some good food and a couple of glasses of whatever will further relax the conversation after a casual round of golf – he finds himself thrown into the much harsher, colder and increasingly tense environment of Soviet Moscow; at the height of the Cold War.

Sent by representatives from MI6 (Angus Wright) and the CIA (Rachel Brosnahan) Cumberbatch’s mild-mannered family-man finds himself working closely with Russian official Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze). Penkovsky has been secretly providing the British and American governments with top secret information relating to Russia’s nuclear programme, and increasing links to Cuba. Greville goes from his easy-to-play role of knowledgeable tradesman to an out-of-depth courier between the two parties. His aim: To reduce the threat of nuclear war.

Frequently away from home his wife, Sheila (Jessie Buckley), begins to fear that her husband is having an affair. It’s a shame to see Buckley already reduced to the ‘Concerned Wife’ role, however, she does her best with what she has and, as expected, gives a strong performance – in a film which holds many good performances. There are a handful of other slight clichés within the course that the film travels, but it certainly never feels dull. A feeling that its beginning to run its course between the final 15-20 minutes of the almost two hour run-time does begin to settle in, but there are still points to be interested in that hook your engagement and keep you invested within the unfolding narrative.

It’s during this slight tonal shift that arrives during the slightly rushed events of this point that a more sinister side of the film is shown – while still being kept within the boundaries of a 12 certificate. All after a long build-up with a handful of tense patches during various montages, night-time discussions in quiet, shaded streets and attempts to escape the country – particularly in the far-from-easy case of Penkovsky. Such moments help to keep the viewer’s attention and help to hold up the standard narrative of this British spy drama. You do wish that there could be perhaps more time spent observing the effects on Greville of what he is being put through as the film seems to want to draw to a close. It feels as if it has more to say, and it shows some of it, however it knows that its at risk of going on for too long. Perhaps if around 15-20 minutes of the lengthy build-up were removed the fluidity of the piece would feel that bit more relaxed and help with the viewer’s engagement and connection to the central character as the film nears the final stages.

Yet, overall, The Courier mostly manages to avoid dips and blandness thanks to its political shades, threats and reminders of just what is at stake for the characters. Both in terms of the consequences if they’re found out and what could happen if they don’t succeed. There are plenty of scenes set in darkened archive rooms, government offices with hidden possessions and drawers, stalking agents and questioning KGB members. The reminders are ever present throughout the film, and they help to keep a consistent tone throughout, establishing the tension during some of the later escape attempts and montages, as the film prepares to come to a drawn out close. Much like its main character its consistently comfortable for the most part, although with some rough edges, but begins to get a bit bumpy when moving into different territory.

While holding a slightly overlong, occasionally conventional, narrative, The Courier holds enough interest and intrigue to have some effective tension and character moments that make it an engaging, if fairly standard, British spy drama.