Movies

If Western movies are your bag, then look no further. More than 30 years on from its release, this beloved film continues to be hailed by critics and fans alike and has become known as somewhat of a cult classic of the genre.Tombstone is an American Western film directed by George P. Cosmatos, written by Kevin Jarre (who was also the original director, but was replaced early in production). Released in 1993, the film's starry cast includes Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, with Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, and Dana Delany in supporting roles, and narration by Robert Mitchum.The film is loosely based on real-life events that took place in during 1880s south-east Arizona, which included the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride.Tombstone was a financ...

Despite the cold weather, film season is well and truly hotting up. In the lead-up to Oscar season, we see the release of many films bidding for more than a couple of nods from the Academy and beyond. But with this comes a wonderful excuse to spend more time indoors or at your local cinema. October was a busy month for me on the film front, and for streaming services; however, dare I say, surprisingly, it was a wrestling film that took the lead this time around. Here are the highlights of my film watching in October.A Ballad of a Small PlayerBallad of a Small Player is a British psychological thriller film directed by Edward Berger, written by Rowan Joffé, and based on the 2014 novel The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne. It stars Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jen...

The 2004 film Man On Fire, starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, has been hailed as the 'best revenge film ever made' by fans and is set to air on Channel 4.The action-packed thriller, which features an unexpected twist, has been lauded as some of Denzel's finest work and has earned numerous awards and nominations.Among the accolades, the film received nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Denzel and Outstanding Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards. Young star Dakota Fanning was also recognised with nominations for Best Performance in a Feature Film and Leading Young Actress at the Young Artist Awards, as well as Best Young Performer at the Critics' Choice Awards.Set in Mexico City, the plot revolves around a CIA operative named John Creasy (Denzel Washi...

A timeless masterpiece of the sci-fi genre is set to grace our television screens tonight.If you're a devotee of Will Smith, sleek attire, and otherworldly creatures, then this is one you won't want to miss. Indeed, Channel 4 will be airing Men in Black during its evening film slot this Saturday.Whether you're yet to experience this cinematic gem or you're an avid fan of the franchise, we believe it's essential viewing.For those unacquainted with the 1997 classic, Men in Black centres on street-savvy New York cop James Edwards, who is enlisted by the enigmatic Agent K into the Men in Black, a clandestine organisation that oversees and controls alien activity on Earth. Donning their signature sharp black suits and equipped with memory-wiping neuralysers, the duo must thwart a lethal alie...

A war film branded as "haunting" and "gut wrenching" by viewers will broadcast on BBC tonight.Directed by Sam Mendes and launched in 2019, the picture garnered tremendous acclaim and recognition whilst serving as a career-defining moment for lead actor George MacKay.Although MacKay had previously performed as a youngster, this production represented his debut starring role in a major studio release.MacKay was joined by Richard Madden, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch in the distinguished ensemble cast of 1917, which centres on World War I.Now screening on television through BBC2, the film which secured nominations and accolades for its narrative and craftsmanship, presents a fictional tale rooted in the historical truths of the conflict, depicting the savagery, solitud...

Over the last couple of centuries, some incredible books have been written. But there is one in particular that keeps being mentioned by avid readers who recommend it to everyone. The book has not only been adapted into films but also a musical, and it’s now available to stream on Prime Video.One person said: “I recently re-read this book for the first time since seventh grade, and I don't think I quite appreciated it enough back then. It's literally the best writing I have ever seen. Very short but not a word wasted.”Another added: “This novel is a beautiful representation of the American Dream, morality, desires, wealth, and the consequences of pursuing those parts of our lives. “Even though it is short, it has so much meaning and doesn't waste time getting its message across.”A third...

Viewers have dubbed one "psychologically explosive" Western film that's streaming now on Netflix Benedict Cumberbatch's best career performance.Set in the vast landscapes of 1920s Montana, Jane Campion's "masterpiece" follows the charismatic yet cruel rancher Phil Burbank, played by Cumberbatch, whose quiet world is disrupted when his brother brings home a new wife and her son. As Phil’s simmering resentment turns into a campaign of psychological torment, his hostility toward the newcomers turns everyday life into a quiet battleground.As he targets the young boy with subtle but relentless intimidation, The Power of the Dog exposes the fragility beneath Phil’s tough exterior and the dangerous consequences of insecurity and control.While it isn't a traditional Western built on gunfights a...

With so many films to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start, especially now that the clocks have gone back and it’s the perfect time to settle in for a cosy movie night. While many Westerns have come and gone, some have earned lasting acclaim for their storytelling, performances, and cinematic innovation. From the early classics that defined the genre to modern reinterpretations that give it new life, these films have left an indelible mark on both Hollywood and how we imagine American history.While the genre has thousands of films to choose from and has evolved over time, a select few Westerns have remained iconic, continuing to captivate both critics and audiences. According to Rotten Tomatoes' 100 Best Western Movies of All Time, these ten films stand above the rest. Th...

History and film are two of my greatest interests, and when you combine the two, incredible storytelling can become the result. War movies make up a large proportion of the historical film genre, but there is one in particular, starring Andrew Garfield, is my favourite of all. Netflix watchers and fans of Amazon Prime will be pleased to learn that the epic war movie is streaming on both platforms.Hacksaw Ridge is a moving film, directed by Bravehearts very own Mel Gibson. It's based on a true story, adapted from Terry Benedict's novel, The Conscientious Objector. It does well to break away from other war films depicting the experience of a conscientious objector (someone who refuses to take part in military service on grounds of conscience or religion), as opposed to the standard soldie...

War films can be a big hit or a miss because of the difficulties that come with translating such tragic events into captivating pieces of cinema that grip the audience, while honouring those who have lived through the experiences. However, the popular genre is one that has been loved by generations since its inception, and it has given film enthusiasts a significant number of masterpieces to enjoy.The 21st century has also given film fans a series of gems, but out of all depictions, there are a few that both critics and audience members would agree are just ultimately some of the best of the century, maybe of all time, and the Daily Express has put together a list of seven of them for our readers to give a watch.American Sniper is a biographical war film that presents a gripping portray...