Details – Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
A dysfunctional, near bankrupted, family, travelling to California for a beauty pageant doesn’t sound as though it’d be the basis of a heart-warming comedy. However, directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris weave family drama and uplifting comedy as we root for Olive Hoover to attend the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. The themes of change, family and resilience firmly plant Little Miss Sunshine on Ford’s list of “Best Road Trip Movies Ever.”
Details – Toy Story (1995)
Pixar’s Toy Story delivered animated filmmaking to a whole new dimension. John Lasseter’s directorial debut introduces us to the world of anthropomorphic toys, including a pull string cowboy and a space ranger. Acclaimed for its technical innovation, witty and thematically sophisticated scripting and musical score, Toy Story won three academy awards, alongside a special achievement award, and went on to be named one of the best animated films ever made.
Details – The Death of Stalin (2017)
Set in 1953, The Death of Stalin shows just that. Centred on his Council of Ministers, Director Armando Iannucci has taken a satirical look into the events after the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. Not only is this film equal parts funny and dark, it’s incredibly detailed. These are things on first watch, without intricate knowledge of Soviet Russia, that may be missed.
Free Solo: Review
On average four million people visit Yosemite National Park in California, but only one has climbed its 3000ft El Capitan peak without ropes, harnesses or protective equipment. That man is Alex Hannold, a 34 year old California native, who took to the granite in one of the greatest athletic feats in human history.
Acting for the environment – The film industry should take a lead from its actors
Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett and Jane Fonda are three of the most high profile environmental actors in Hollywood. All have spoken about the current climate breakdown. Kelly Bishop examines how the film industry may be contributing to our climate emergency.
“Stop trying to make fetch happen”: The impact of teen films on teen culture
It seems everyone fits into a clique in teen films. Are you a brain? An athlete? A basket case? A princess? Maybe even a criminal? These films, however, form a group of their own. Much like The Breakfast Club, they’re a band of teens huddling together to protect themselves from the pressures of adulthood.
UK: Period perfect
All film locations are important. But not all locations are important to a film’s story. Family dramas can take place in any house on any street that suits the desired aesthetic. But when it comes to period film attention needs to be paid to both the interior and exterior sets to captivate historical enthusiasts.
An almost perfect organism – 40 years of Alien
“How can you be a film journalist and not have seen Ridley Scott’s Alien?” The answer is simple. Fear. Aliens are scary. So is the possibility of disliking a modern classic film. Just ask Kelly Bishop.
