Month: <span>November 2024</span>

Steve McQueen’s new movie BLITZ has arrived on Apple TV. This WW2 adventure centres on the east end of London that was subjected to heavy bombing by the Nazis, when Britain stood alone against Hitlers Luftwaffe. The film looks good and has heartfelt moments, but it lacked “oomph”. The storyline was channelling Oliver Twist and for me that is no bad thing. I just felt something was missing that would elevate it to classic status.  Its 1940, a single mum Rita (Saoirse Roan) who has…

Action Articles Drama Film Reviews Historical

Actor, author, screenwriter and director, Alexander Karim took time to hang with Over the Shoulder to talk about his experience playing the role of Ravi in Ridley Scott’s new blockbuster GLADIATOR II. The character Ravi, ex gladiator turned healer in the Colosseum, is a pivotal role as he is the moral compass for Lucius and the entire movie. Over the Shoulder was lucky to speak to the actor who portrayed him so effectively, gaining insight into the methods he used to bring Ravi to life…

Action Articles Drama Historical Interviews

Legendary director Ridley Scott has returned to form spectacularly after 2023’s disappointing Napoleon, with a revisit to the “sword and sandal” genre. The director of classics such as Alien, Blade Runner and American Gangster gained Oscar success with the original Gladiator in 2000 and has continued the saga with this entertaining and action-packed sequel.  The story begins 16 years after the events of the first film with battle weary roman general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) attacking a coastal city in Numedia which lies on the…

Action Articles Drama Film Reviews Historical

Stunt Saturday was held last weekend at the BFI (British Film Institute) on the Southbank in London. This celebration of the stunt world included panel chats, film extracts and demonstrations and I am glad that I made the effort to go. It was cool to see an aspect of the film industry that often goes ignored being appreciated.  For the film goer, it is important to see stunts (or “Gags” as those in the trade call it) in movies getting recognition. What made this festival…

Articles Film Reviews Stunt World

Running over two and half hours, Emilia Perez is a sometimes-challenging watch, but this viewer was never bored. I don’t think you could really put this film in a genre at all. Think Scarface with gender identity and musical numbers. It shouldn’t work but it does. It all begins with Rita (Zoe Saldaña) a defence lawyer in Mexico City writing a closing speech for her boss. Although the writing makes him look good in court and he goes on to win the case he is…

Articles Drama Film Reviews Thriller

Intelligent script, excellent performances and the twist and turns of this BBC TV Drama make for a nail biting and compelling watch. The first season took place in Bristol with the death of a working-class student at an elite university proving to be a tough crime for investigators to solve. The first season themes explored privilege and how justice works in the British legal system.  It returns for a second season with Brighton serving as the location and like its predecessor there are five episodes…

Articles Drama TV Shows