This month’s DVD picks:
LONG WAY NORTH****
PG (SODA Pictures)
This French-Danish animation’s unique style is the first thing to draw you in, almost resembling Cold War propaganda posters. It tells the story of Sasha, a 15-year-old Russian aristocrat, who sets out to the North Pole to find her explorer grandfather, who mysteriously went missing. However, the voice acting is quite poor at times and often forces the viewer out of the experience. Its charm more than makes up for it though.
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THE WINDMILL MASSACRE**
18 (Kaleidoscope)
I suppose with a name like The Windmill Massacre, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. Set in the Netherlands, a group of murderable people find themselves in an evil windmill. Yep. It’s a bit of a silly slasher, with some okay effects. The film is a return to the slashers of the 80s. Not a good return, but a return nonetheless.
OBSERVANCE***
15 (SODA Pictures)
This mystery thriller focuses on Parker, a private investigator grieving the death of his young son and is also having marital and financial issues, as he returns to work. Given a curious assignment to watch observe a woman, plagued by mysterious happenings, from an abandoned apartment, while he may be in more danger than he realises. Hints of Rear Window, but spookier.
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THE EVIL IN US*
18 (Studiocanal)
Annoying vapid characters + bath salts = a bloody mess, in more ways than one. A group of pals go away for a bender, fuelled by drugs, sex and alcohol. Except their stash has been tampered with, turning everyone into a cannibal. It has some creepy moments and well shot scenes, but it’s mainly filled with clichés. The zombie genre needs a bullet to the head so it can finally be laid to rest.
STAR TREK BEYOND ****
12A (Paramount)
The trailer stung many a Trekkie with a bitter sense of betrayal, leaving diehard fans with a sour taste in their mouths before watching it. However, while there are obviously absolutely ridiculous Hollywood moments that won’t sit easy with some (looking at you, motorbike scene and Beastie Boys), this still feels undeniably Star Trek with updated aesthetics and social issues.
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THE LAST KING***
15 (Studiocanal)
Set in 13th century Norway, Kristofer Hivju (Tormund from Game of Thrones) stars in Nils Gaup’s The Last King. Based on true events, Norway is torn apart by Civil War. The Norwegian King is fighting for the throne and his survival, whilst protecting his illegitimate son in a shroud of secrecy. Two warriors are tasked to protect the boy from those who seek to kill him. It’s a little over the top, and if toned down a bit it could have been very interesting.
THE BFG****
PG (Disney)
Spielberg’s adaptation of the Dahl classic sees a ten-year old abducted by an old giant. But don’t worry, he’s friendly, and she’s an orphan so naturally she falls victim to cracks in the social system and no one makes any fuss. It’s a stunning film, with the dream chasing sequence in particular making the film worth it alone. It’s a feel good adventure with a sound cast that manages to capture the essence of the book.
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words LUKE OWAIN BOULT