CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER - FILM REVIEW

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

Release Date: 26 March 2014 (UK)

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Running Time: 136 Minutes

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson

Screening Reviewed: London Press Screening

Reviewed by Kyle Pedley

Marvel Studios, and in particular their producer extraordinaire Kevin Fiege, cannot be championed enough for the consistently terrific work they have been doing over the course of the last 6 years with their 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'. Since the 2008 release of Iron Man, they have cemented themselves as the dominant creative force in the superhero genre, a new tentpole of the blockbuster market that they have not only been enormously instrumental in establishing so successfully, but also one that their efforts have seen confidently go toe-to-toe with the likes of Nolan's Batman universe and last year's Superman reprise and still come out smiling. What remains particularly commendable is how consistently entertaining, characterful and diverse their output has been, brilliantly capturing the tone and identity of the comic book characters they clearly invest a tremendous amount of passion and enthusiasm into realising on the screen, and masterfully weaving the overriding 'Avengers' narrative with distinctive, individual solo stories for their roster of characters. It has been so almost flawlessly executed (Iron Man 2 was regarded as something of a mixed bag) that both fans and cinemagoers have been kept wondering when, and if, the Marvel magic is going to lose its fire, and which will be the first release to truly drop the superhero ball as it were.

LONDON FILM FESTIVAL REVIEWS - PHILOMENA, DON JON

PHILOMENA
Sponsored by ST. ERMIN'S HOTEL, LONDON

Release Date: 1 November 2013 (UK)
Director: Stephen Frears
Running Time: 94 Minutes
Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan
Screening Reviewed: London Film Festival American Express Gala Press Screening

Reviewed by Kyle Pedley

Stephen Frears is rapidly becoming the industry’s go-to guy for crafting powerful, intelligent and surprisingly moving film experiences based off of real-life, usually British, stories and events. His latest, Philomena, is one such terrific story that, much like his re-imagining of the events surrounding Princess Diana’s death in his superlative The Queen in 2006, does a sublime job of reminding us there is often nothing more disarming, surprising and cinematic than real life happenings.

THE AVENGERS / AVENGERS ASSEMBLE MOVIE REVIEW

THE AVENGERS / AVENGERS ASSEMBLE REVIEW

Release Date: 26th April (UK)

Director: Joss Whedon

Running Time: 142 Minutes

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L. Jackson

Screening reviewed: UK London Press Screening


Reviewed by Kyle Pedley

There’s a terrific shot midway through The Avengers’ final reel where the camera encircles it’s titular band of heroes, united in the face of overwhelming opposition, that perfectly encapsulates and celebrates the achievement of this ambitious box office spectacular. It is in many ways the apex of the kind of pure fan-service upon which much of the film rests - a swing around the assembled Avengers unit as each poses or readies their weapon in their own atypical fashion - but not only is it a supremely satisfying moment for the audience, it is also perfectly demonstrative of the fact that this is a film focused on both no one individual yet all characters equally, and neatly symbolic of the behind-the-scenes coming together and collaboration that has led to this point.

The Avengers (or Marvel Avengers Assemble to give it’s UK release title) is the culmination of the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ - a series of Marvel Studios releases deftly produced with the intention of characters and narrative threads intertwining between the likes of Iron Man (2008 and it’s 2010 sequel), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Thor (2011) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) before finally coming together in this release. The real strength of this unique approach means the respective movies have already dealt with much of their own exposition and backstory, and whilst there is just about enough backtracking and explanation provided for those who have not seen the previous films and for The Avengers to still hold it’s own as a standalone title, there is little doubt that those who will appreciate the film most (and enjoy some of the numerous in-jokes), are those who have gone on this rewarding, unique journey with Marvel and it’s cast.