I often go to the cinema at strange times, so it was a surprise to see a packed screen for Twisters on Tuesday night. Mrs C gave it five stars, and I don't disagree with that. It stood up to a second viewing very well. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell spark off each other well.
I was lucky enough to catch a preview of Cuckoo this week, and it's seriously bananas. Set at a remote resort in the German Alps, it's a chilling, freaky film that features a committed performance by Hunter Schafer. The doors have to be locked at 10pm, and it emerges the whole place is rather tapped. The sound heard at night reminded me a little bit of 'that' noise in The Grudge, and whilst the plot was a bit scattergun to say the least, this didn't detract from my enjoyment a great deal. The scene where Gretchen is cycling through the woods is seriously creepy, and the woman pursuing her is actually terrifying. I imagine she might feature at a few Hallowe'en parties this year! Definitely worth a whirl. Not the scariest film you'll ever see, but it will send a few shivers down the spine. It starts off slowly, but your patience will reward you.
Trap is set in a building that reminded me a bit of Sheffield Arena, at a Lady Raven concert (guessing Lady Gaga was busy filming the new Joker movie). It turns out the whole gig is an elaborate cat and mouse plot to ensnare a serial killer known as 'The Butcher'. A loose-lipped security guard lets the cat out of the bag to Josh Hartnett's character, who just happens to be the wanted man! There are some nice flourishes of humour amongst the jeopardy, the soundtrack is good, and there's a lot more to this film than the trailer might suggest. Worth a go.
Borderlands is pretty atrocious, in all honesty. Based on a video game, and it shows, with endless scenes of mindless shooting and clunky dialogue. There were some enjoyable wisecracks from Jack Black's sarcastic robot, but it's not a Cate Blanchett classic, that's for sure. I watched it in the IMAX screen, and still managed a micro-nap! I don't like to trash films unless they are really terrible, but I'm afraid this one fits the bill. Certainly not worth paying to watch. The plot involves some keys, an evil corporation trying to unlock the power they hold, and lots of exploding teddy bears. You'd be better off catching up on some sleep like I did.
And whilst Deadpool & Wolverine contained a few too many in-jokes, it was good fun, especially in 3D. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman make for a fun combination, and it harks back to a time when superhero movies were a lot better and less saturated. Marvel and sequels do get a bit wearing after a while.
Alex Cann Film Column - 20th March 2025
Alex B Cann Film Column - March 6th 2025
