EIFF 2012: Don't Expect Too Much

Mark Hamill Going AIRBOURNE This July

Hell quite literally breaks loose at 30,000 feet as passengers on board a Trans-Atlantic bound for New York come face-to-face with an ancient evil. But wait we have a Jedi Master on hand so will the terrified passengers be rescued only one way to find out is to watch Mark Hamill's  first stint in front of the camera in many years in Brittish chiller AIRBOURNE.

As a severe storm front rapidly closes in on the UK, all flights out of East Midlands airport are cancelled – all save Atlantic Sky Airways Flight 686, bound for New York. Shortly after take-off, several passengers become concerned when one of their number inexplicably goes missing. Their anxieties are further increased when it becomes apparent that the flight has veered off course and it is revealed that the plane is carrying an interesting item of cargo: a rare and extremely valuable ancient Chinese vase. The assumption is that terrorists are responsible, but nobody on board is showing their hand – for now. With tensions rising amongst the passengers and crew, violence soon breaks out, forcing those behind the deadly plot to expose their identities.

Meanwhile, on the ground, concerned aviation chiefs and the military have together authorised the launch of fighter jets to deal with what they believe could be a deadly hijack situation. But hijacking is soon proved to be the least of anybody’s worries when the owner of the vase recounts a myth surrounding its ancient origins.

In the fine tradition of other high-altitude thrillers such as“Executive Decision”, “Snakes On A Plane”, “Passenger 57”, “Red Eye” and “Con Air” and the winner of the British Lion Award at the 2012 British Independent Film Festival, Airborne is a Twilight Zone-esque thriller with a hint of the supernatural and some amazing production values that, for us, places it leagues ahead of what we’ve come to expect from the usual “gangster flick-centric” British indie genre movies. To top it off, it also features a welcome return to the screen for Mark Hamill who in recent years has almost been reclusive while establishing himself as one of the most in-demand voiceover artists in the business. 

Airbourne will be terrifying British skies when it's released by Chelsea Films on DVD July 30th (new release date). The film also stars  Julian Glover (Games Of Thrones), Gemma Atkinson (Boogie Woogie), Simon Phillips (The Rise And Fall Of A White Collar Hooligan), Alan Ford (Snatch), and Fiona Ryan (The Tudors).

EIFF 2012: PUSHER (2012) Review

★★★★☆

Luis Prieto's British made update of Nicolas Winding Refn's 1996 film, Pusher, receives its world premiere at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Spanish director has presented us with a gripping, adrenaline fuelled ride, which is by far one of the most exciting British crime thrillers in recent years. Frank (Richard Coyle) may just be London's most unlucky drug dealer. After a deal goes horrendously wrong, he finds himself owing a ruthless Serbian crime boss over £55,000. In a desperate search for money, Frank soon finds his life spiralling out of control and relationships with those around him beginning to crumble.

It is hard to deviate from certain traditional elements in this genre, for example, risky deals and unrelenting Mr. Big figures are always going to feature. However, these elements feel utterly fresh and skilfully handled in Pusher, thanks to Prieto's energy as a storyteller. The Spanish director's film feels like a fusion of the classic British crime thriller (Coyle's performance drawing some parallels to that of Stacey Keach in 1977 feature, The Squeeze), with an added vibrant, modern twist.

The tension rarely drops in Pusher, creating a truly gripping ride. This is furthered by Simon Dennis' striking cinematography - creating a visually impressive piece taking on pulsing neon infused clubs to dank warehouses, with equal impact. Pusher also captures the ruthless and gritty criminal underworld of London through Frank's encounters with Serbian crime Boss, Milo (Zlatko Buric, star of Refn's original Pusher Trilogy) - most notably in one suspenseful scene involving bolt cutters and a finger. The high octane thrills are paired with a energetic electronic dance score from Orbital, fitting the tone of Pusher perfectly.

Even Pusher's day by day narrative structure acts as reflection of Frank's impending deadline, ebbing closer. This means it is hard not to feel part of the dealers' journey as he uses every resource he has to get money - whether it be calling in on old loans from vulnerable customers or simply by taking it from the sleaziest clients. Even Pushers' emotive conclusion is cut off in the height of anguish and tension, leaving the viewer to question the outcome.

Richard Coyle's solid lead performance thrusts us into the desperation and angst that faces the character, however, we as the audience are always on his side. Agyness Dean's supporting turn as Frank's girlfriend, Flo, proves equally flawless. Flo simply wants a better life for herself and Frank - she works as a dancer and escort, careers that are beneath her, and as viewer you want to see her and Frank happy. Zlatko Buric's intense performance as Milo also proves to be a chief scene stealer throughout Pusher.

Luis Prieto's Pusher proves to be an exhilarating, thrill ride that holds the viewer in a vice-like grip from start to finish. The vibrant cinematography combined with an outstanding lead performance from Richard Coyle and a razor sharp score from Orbital, help make Pusher one of the strongest British crime thrillers in recent years.

Andrew McArthur

Rating: 18
UK Release Date: 12th October 2012 (World Premiere Edinburgh 21st June 2012)
Director: Luis Prieto
Stars: Richard Coyle, Agyness Deyn , Zlatko Buric, Paul Kaye

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Pusher - Official Theatrical Trailer Published via LongTail.tv

EIFF 2012: Fred Review

★★★★☆

Richard Ledes' heartfelt drama, Fred, receives its world premiere at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, and this poignant feature is likely to strike an emotional chord with many of us.   

Elliott Gould stars as Fred, an elderly man living in his house of over fifty years, with his Alzheimer's suffering wife, Susan (Judith Roberts).  Fred's grown-up children (Fred Melamed and Stephanie Roth Haberle) try to convince him to move to a care home with Susan, but he is not ready to leave yet.  

Fred is a delicately handled film, with Ledes directing in an almost fly on the wall style. As a viewer, we feel part of the family's most intimate moments, which results in a completely absorbing watch. It is impossible not to get drawn in as the family sing Susan's favourite songs to her or reminisce with Fred.

Alongside some striking cinematography from Valentina Caniglia, Ledes has the ability to make almost any shot seem poignant and heartfelt. This is at its most prevalent through shots of the slow withering of the exterior of Fred's home or the near spiritual representation of the nature that surrounds it.

Ledes' screenplay is a wonderful fusion of deadpan comedy (mostly courtesy of the perfectly timed comic skills of Gould and Melamed) and touching drama. Fred also has its share of challenging moments - it is difficult to watch Fred's struggle with his wife's condition as he also attempts to battle his own ailing health. This is shown in one such sequence where Fred attempts to make Susan grip the telephone, but loses his temper at her inability to do so.

Fred reflects issues that are likely to strike a chord with many of us, excelling in its delicate portrayal of the aging process. These well crafted characters ensure the viewer feels the dilemma of Fred's children, as well as empathising with Fred's desire to grasp to his independence at home. These issues are perfectly represented from a wonderful cast.

Judith Roberts truly excels in her turn as Susan, a strong willed woman that the audience completely warm to. Seeing Susan coping with the struggles of everyday life and finding joy with her loved ones, amidst the effects of Alzheimers is heart warming.  Elliott Gould is perfectly cast in the title role, shining through welcome moments of humour, as well as more emotionally heavy scenes. Fred Melamed, impresses greatly with his deadpan wit, whilst Stephanie Roth Haberle gives a touching performance as Fred's exasperated daughter.

Fred is a delicately crafted and heartfelt portrayal of the aging process. The combination of touching drama and deadpan humour alongside stellar performances from the main players, proves a winning combination.

Andrew McArthur

Stars: Elliott Gould, Judith Roberts, Fred Melamed , Stephanie Roth Haberle
Director: Richard Ledes
Release: 22nd June 2012 (EIFF)

DVD Review: The Innkeepers

EIFF 2012: Lovely Molly

EIFF 2012: Guinea Pigs

EIFF 2012 Review: Killer Joe

Win BLACKTHORN On Blu Ray

Starring Sam Sheppard, Mateo Gil's Blackthorn is now available on DVD and Blu Ray (released June 4th) but thanks to Chelsea Films we have 3 copies of the film to be won on Blu-Ray.

Mateo Gil, the Spanish filmmaker best known for his screenplays for Alejandro Amenabar offers “A fascinating imaginary sequel to the story of Butch and Sundance” (The Observer) in Blackthorn.

Sam Shepard (Brothers, The Assassin of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) delivers “a charismatic performance” (Evening Standard) and “clearly relishes one of his best cinema roles in years” (Daily Express) inn the “elegiac, beautifully shot Western” (New York Post) Blackthorn. It’s been said (but unsubstantiated) that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were killed in a standoff with the Bolivian military in 1908.

In Blackthorn, Cassidy (Shepard) survived, and is quietly living out his years under the name James Blackthorn in a secluded Bolivian village. Tired of his long exile from the U.S. and hoping to see his family again before he dies, Cassidy sets out on the long journey home. However, when an unexpected encounter with an ambitious young criminal (Eduardo Noriega, The Devil’s Backbone, Open Your Eyes) derails his plans, he is thrust into one last adventure, the likes of which he hasn’t experienced since his glory days with the Sundance Kid.

Co-starring Stephen Rea (Ondine, The Crying Game) and Nicolaj Coster-Waldau (“The Game Of Thrones,” Kingdom Of Heaven), Blackthorn was directed by three-time Goya winner Mateo Gil and was shot on location in the breathtaking Bolivian landscape, believed to be Cassidy’s final resting place.

To win Blackthorn on Blu-Ray, please answer the following question:

Q.What was The Name of The Andrew Dominik Western Starred in ?

Send your answer , name, address, to have your email to  cinehouseuk@gmail.com header As ‘blackthorn’. Deadline:July 15 th, 2012 (2359hrs) . Follow us at our Facebook Page if you haven’t done it already, double entry!

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Blackthorn starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Published via LongTail.tv

Read our Review of Blackthorn
Terms and Conditions

• This prize is non-transferable.
• No cash alternatives apply.
• UK & Irish entries only
  The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Chelsea Films have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
• The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse, Chelsea Films employees
• This competition is promoted on behalf of Chelsea Films.
• The Prize is to win Blackthorn on Blu Ray
• To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline July 15th, 2012 (2359hrs)
• Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (cinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
• The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes
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• Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them
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• By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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Koji Masunari's Welcome To The Space Show Coming To UK This July!

The July  Koji Masunari's Welcome To The Space Show  will arrive on Blu Ray and DVD thanks to Manga Entertainment UK. A dazzlingly animated sci-fi adventure for the whole family that matches the very best work of Hayao Miyazaki (Ponyo; Spirited Away) in its visual and creative brilliance.

Five young school friends set to spend a week together at summer camp avoiding the hassles of parental supervision unexpectedly find themselves on a truly out-of-this-world adventure when their class rabbit goes missing. Searching for their pet, the kids find and rescue what they believe to be an injured dog. As it turns out, the creature is actually a stranded alien named Pochi, who rewards their kindness with the offer of a trip to the moon! However, this simple sightseeing excursion to view the lunar landscape up close spins out of control and leads to a thrilling chase across the galaxy, with the five friends and their extra-terrestrial companion on the run from evil aliens intent on ruling the universe.

Stylistically reminiscent of Mamoru Hosoda’s “Summer Wars” with touches of Miyazaki’s “My Neighbour Totoro”, this is a stunning piece of animation that will thrill adults and children alike. If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli but wished their output could be a little bit edgier in content, then this will be right up your street.

The film as well as some of the voice cast were at last month's London MCM Expo with a short preview of the film however you can own Welcome To The Space Show  when it's released on DVD&Blu-Ray July 2nd.

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Welcome To The Space Show Trailer Published via LongTail.tv

Buy Welcome To The Space Show Double Play On Blu-Ray / DVD