Film Review: Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

'Guardians Of The Galaxy' (UK Release: 31 July '14) // Words: Ced Yuen

Ten films in, and things are looking uncertain for Marvel. Its last three films were sequels, and now one of its lesser known properties hits the big screen. You could say the studio is running out of ideas. You could, but you’d be wrong. 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' is a delight.

DVD Review: Dexter Sixth Season [TV Boxset]

'Dexter': The Sixth Season (UK Release: 18 June '12) // Words: Ced Yuen

Season Four of 'Dexter' was the best that the show has ever been. It shook things up, took the narrative in a new direction and finished with a bang. Season Five was slightly underwhelming, partly because it had a lot to live up to, and partly because the dust was still settling. And so it felt like a placeholder — a transition — and Season Six is very much the same.

Film Review: Prometheus (2012)

'Prometheus' (UK Release: 1 June '12) // Words: Ced Yuen

'Prometheus' was titled as such in an attempt to move away from the 'Alien' series. A noble idea - to tell an original story set in the same universe, without relying on existing efforts. However, the result is frustratingly indecisive: it is too far from the brand to share its winning traits yet too close to be considered as anything other than 'Alien: Episode I'.

Film Review: Iron Sky (2012)

'Iron Sky' (UK Release: 23 May '12) // Words: Ced Yuen

Nazis from the Moon: that’s the concept for 'Iron Sky', which was scheduled for a single-day release** before going straight to DVD. I wasn’t expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Despite the ridiculous concept and low budget, it fares no worse than something like 'Transformers 3'.

Top Twenty Films Of 2011

Words: Saam Das

A selection of FG writers submitted their favourite films of 2011. Each was released in UK cinemas during the calendar year. I totted the votes up and added some patented editorial magic to present this list of our top 20 films of 2011. With contributions from: Ced Yuen, Lauren Johnson-Ginn, Raman Kamboh, Alicia McBride, Paul Dean and Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn.

Comment: Speculations On The Dark Knight Rises Prologue

Words: Ced Yuen

Last week, I attended an early screening of the prologue for the 'The Dark Knight Rises' at the BFI IMAX, which had as much security as an airport. My phone was confiscated, put into a little plastic envelope and sealed. My bag was searched and I had to join a long queue to be scanned with a metal detector.

Film Review: Sherlock Holmes - A Game Of Shadows (2011)

'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows' (UK Release: 16 Dec '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

2009’s 'Sherlock Holmes' wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some enjoyed the rougher, unconventional approach to the classic detective; others found it too action-oriented, favouring the BBC’s more deductive (albeit awkwardly modernised) alternative. Like him or not, he’s back – and he hasn’t changed one bit.

Preview Footage: The Dark Knight Rises [Report]

'The Dark Knight Rises' prologue @ BFI IMAX (14 Dec '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

In 2007, Warner Bros. released a prologue of 'The Dark Knight', screened before 'I Am Legend' at selected IMAX cinemas. The 6-minute footage, which showed off the new Joker’s idea of a bank heist, was a hit. It helped to generate an unstoppable wave of hype and the finished product smashed the box office record in the following year. 'The Dark Knight Rises' is getting the same treatment, with another 6 minutes of footage aimed at getting people to the cinema on Day 1.

Film Preview: Real Steel (2011)

'Real Steel' (UK Release: 14 Oct '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

Summer may be over, but it doesn’t mean that we’re done with the mindless blockbusters just yet. 'Real Steel' is a film about robots and boxing - a quick search on IMDb will turn up comparisons to 'Rocky' and 'Robot Wars'. I think it looks like a film version of the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em.

Blu-Ray Review: Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

'Breakfast At Tiffany’s' (UK Blu-Ray release: 12 September '11) //
Words: Ced Yuen

'Breakfast At Tiffany’s' is associated with a certain image. Audrey Hepburn in full evening dress, clad in diamonds and pearls, cigarette holder in hand. It is Hepburn at her most iconic, the epitome of style and glamour. It is an image known even to those who have never seen the film.

Blu-Ray Review: Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)

'Once Upon A Time In The West' (UK Release: 5 September '11) //
Words: Ced Yuen

A hitman (Henry Fonda) murders a family to get their land. He frames a bandit (Jason Robards) for the crime. The bandit forges an alliance with the woman who now owns the land (Claudia Cardinale), and a mysterious harmonica-playing gunman (Charles Bronson), who seems to have his own agenda for pursuing the hitman.

DVD Review: Dexter [Season Five Boxset]

'Dexter' Season 5 (UK Release: 5 September '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

In my review of ‘Dexter’ Season 4, I stated that this is a show that doesn’t tone anything down. The comment still stands – it is as screwed up as it has always been, and remains one of the most original and compelling shows on television. However, after the boldness and brutality of the fourth season (when the show peaked, in my opinion), everything else pales in comparison. As a result, this season may seem, initially, tame.

Film Review: Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011)

'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes' (UK Release: 12 August '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

Nowadays, it seems that prequel-reboots of old franchises are all the rage. James Bond, Star Trek and X-Men have all been successfully revived, ready to entertain another generation. Next up is the 'Planet Of The Apes' series, which went stale despite Tim Burton’s ‘reimagining’ in 2001.

Film Review: Captain America - The First Avenger (2011)

'Captain America: The First Avenger' (UK Release: 29 July '11) //
Words: Ced Yuen

Marvel Studios’ master plan is going well. Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Thor have each made the jump from page to screen, their adventures paving the way for 'The Avengers'. All that remains is Captain America, the last to be adapted before the characters can be assembled next summer.

Film Review: Cars 2

'Cars 2' (UK Release: 22 July '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

'Cars 2' is preceded by 'Hawaiian Vacation', a short film set in the Toy Story universe. Despite the fact that 'Toy Story 3' was supposed to be the end of the franchise, Pixar seems reluctant to let go. It is not hard to see why - despite being only 6 minutes long, this appetiser manages to pack more Pixar magic than the main feature.

Film Review: Transformers Dark Of The Moon

'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' (UK Release: 29 June '11) //
Words: Ced Yuen

"Transformers, robots in disguise! Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons". Simple lyrics, from the theme-tune of the 1980s cartoon, outline what 'Transformers' is all about: the simplicity of good versus evil, combined with the novelty of shape-shifting robots.

Film Review: X-Men First Class (2011)

'X-Men: First Class' (UK Release: 1 June '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

'X-Men' has been saved. It never quite reached the painful lows of the 'Batman' franchise under the misdirection of Joel Schumacher, but after the last two distinctly average outings, the franchise faced an uncertain future. Not anymore: X-Men has been restored to its former glory. 'X-Men: First Class' is to X-Men what 'Casino Royale' was to James Bond - rejuvenation.

Film Review: Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides (2011)

'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' (UK Release: 18 May '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

'Pirates Of The Caribbean' started off as a single, surprisingly good, film. With the addition of two poor sequels, it became an embarrassing franchise. Part 4 has a new story, mostly new characters, and barely a reference to parts 2 and 3. Clearly, it tries to distance itself from past mistakes – only it doesn’t get very far.

Film Review: Hanna (2011)

'Hanna' (UK Release: 6 May '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

Director: Joe Wright
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander

Once upon a time, there was a little girl called Hanna (Saoirse Ronan), who was raised in a forest by her father Erik (Eric Bana). As an ex-CIA agent, Erik taught Hanna everything she needed: hunting, armed and unarmed combat, and all the languages in the world. One day, Hanna was sent out of the forest to assassinate Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett), the woman who murdered her mother.

Film Review: Thor (2011)

'Thor' (UK Theatrical Release: 27 April '11) // Words: Ced Yuen

The final pieces of Marvel’s master plan are falling into place. Developing their key characters one film at a time and sowing the seeds of hype with post-credit teases, Marvel have prepared for 'The Avengers' with military precision. Next up is Thor – lesser known, but no less entertaining.