I've been posting more about the sequel to Paddington more so than I usually would, but that's because I've been genuinely so looking forward to it. And with my other 2017 all-the-hype sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle letting me down a little, there was a lot of pressure on this little bear's shoulders. A-a-a-aand I'm happy to report that YES I have seen Paddington 2 and YES it is really, really good!

The last time we saw him, dear Paddington had finally found a home in London with the Brown family. Fast forward a few years, and he's starting to get the hang of London life, although he's still as endearingly clumsy as ever and the film and returning director Paul King has boundless fun imagining up scenarios to illustrate this. He's the neighbourhood Samaritan, window cleaner, matchmaker - everybody's bear buddy. But of course, domestic bliss will never last more than 5 minutes as a mysterious pop-up book lands Paddington in hot water - and behind bars. It doesn't take a genius to piece the plot together even before watching, but the fun will play out, believe me. The storyline is absurd and heartwarming in equal parts, and even though there's less intrigue and tricks than the first film, there's something special about this sequel. Besides, Paddington's biggest achievement may well be making London look so bright and friendly.


I'd already watched a few preview clips before heading to the screening, and given how entertaining they all were, I was slightly worried I'd seen the best of it. Fear not, I was wrong. It does largely follow the very successful formula of Paddington the original, but that doesn't detract from how brilliant it is in its own right. The enjoyment comes from the heart of the movie, and the heart comes from our big-hearted bear. The other common threads are the fact that Paddington is constantly (accidentally) getting into trouble, and that the pantomime bad guy is played by a superfamous actor - just like Kingsman, hey! Previously Nicole Kidman as the museum curator / wannabe bear-stuffer, this time it's Hugh Grant as a narcissistic actor past his heyday, Phoenix Buchanan. The film makes no efforts to hide Grant's meddling involvement, and in fact his laughable disguises become a running source of laughter. All he wants to do is be on stage again, but instead he has to settle for dog food adverts. Aww. And if there isn't enough gentle self-mockery of his caricatured self, there is a priceless mural of 1990s Hugh Grant portraits.

Prison is an unexpected setting for Paddington 2, far from the quirky colours of Windsor Gardens, but it is genius and a lot of fun. 100% unrealistic, but a lot of fun. It gives Pads a chance to stay true to who he is in adverse circumstances, and a chance for the Paddington power to transform yet another place. A lot of the jail scenes are like something out of a cartoon, with the scary prison chef Knuckles McGinty (a perfectly cast Brendan Gleeson) and scenes that will remind you of Tangled 's I've Got a Dream. The basic plot is just that - basic, however lots of mini adventures are wrapped up in a fully entertaining and immersive story.


Without giving too much away, Paddington is after a beautiful, old pop-up book of London as a gift for his Aunt Lucy. I think the pop-up book coming to life may well be one of my favourite scenes from 2017 cinema so far...and that's a big statement considering how many films I've watched this year! The first film had an exceptional CGI team, who have once again worked their magic to draw out scenes from Paddington's world in a way that is stunningly effective, like entering the imagination of a young child. The film strikes a careful balance of such intricate moments alongside some pure, unashamedly slapstick British comedy. There are one-liners, cringe-worthy gags that you'll let slide cos you enjoy them so much, and scenes that could be lifted out of Mr Bean. The cameos from Richard Ayoade, Joanna Lumley and particularly Tom Conti as a judge are further highlights. Don't write Conti off - he's a very well-played long-running in-joke.

What's lovely about Paddington and his family, is that we're rooting for the family too. Hugh Bonneville's Henry Brown may be entering a yoga-filled midlife crisis, but he plays a risk analyst with bold flair. Sally Hawkins is equally reliable and likeable as Mrs Brown, and the same can be said about Julie Walters's Mrs Bird. It's a film about family, and this is a family of hidden/budding talents which all get a chance to shine. Because that's what sort of film this is. And let's not forget the unspoken speaking talent of Mr Ben Whishaw - he wouldn't have been my first pick but I can't imagine anyone else as the earnest voice of Paddington.

You can also read into what the film says about morals (be nice to everyone - it pays off!), being an outsider, friendship and family...even Brexit and immigration. It's something for the kids, but will also hit home for the non-kids. The film is utterly "Paddington" through and through, with feel good-ness and life lessons too; forget that out of date phrase about lemons...when life gives you oranges, you obviously make marmalade with Aunt Lucy's recipe. Cynics may think the plot isn't realistic in the slightest, but then you ought to realise that you are watching a film about a talking bear from darkest Peru wearing a blue rain jacket. Think again. Paddington 2 is irresistibly charming in every way...it's pawsome and pawfect and bear-illiant. The best thing since sliced bread (with marmalade filling).  I'll stop now; when can I watch it again?

Paddington 2 is in UK cinemas on 10th November.

Visually exciting and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, we get to explore what it means to be a superhero / Lord of Thunder. Thor: Ragnarok hits a bold strike, Marvel continues its roll.

I'll come right and say it - this is one of those films I was so keen to see on opening weekend that I ended up in the cinema on a Sunday afternoon on my own. #noshame. Marvel strikes thunder again (just one month before DC's Justice League opens) with a thoroughly entertaining and action-packed third chapter in the Thor universe. This universe includes much more of Asgard than Earth, and we see a relatively straightforward storyline unfold with the introduction of evil (secret) older sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) who is out to wreak havoc on Asgard. Both Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are in fine form as they return - will they or won't they team up again?
In a plot that essentially is the latest series of Sherlock, a hidden-away evil and much more powerful sister escapes from captivity (locked away for being too evil) and she's hela-bent on continuing the expanse of the Asgardian empire. Previously, she'd fought side by side with her father Odin, but soon grew too ambitious whereas he grew a conscience. And so we end up here - with Blanchett's scary and also Halloween-costume-worthy character ruling the place whilst the adoptive brothers are stranded on the planet Sakaar. Also, to give some context on "Ragnarok", it is the prophesied grave destruction - "the end of all things" as described by producer Kevin Feige. A couple of Marvel films have hinted towards these events, so you'd expect the film to be much darker, but it's actually full of confident humour through the script, and new characters like Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster (the planet ruler who shoves prisoners into a giant arena to fight each other for fun).

Jeff Goldblum looks like the Hunger Games's Caesar but I was probably slightly distracted by the blue lipstick stripe on his face. He provides absolutely priceless comic value, and the whole vibe combined with the scrapyard planet definitely rings bells of Guardians of the Galaxy does Gladiator (with the tone much more GOTG than G). Also, watch out for the runaway favourite gladiator Korg and his panniest deadpan (voiced by talented Director Taika Waititi). This is a film as much about its ensemble cast and characters than the titular character, and audiences will be happy to see the return of the Hulk, last seen plummeting to an unknown demise. The demise is eventually becoming the Grandmaster's prize fighter, so we'll get to see Thor vs. Hulk. If that - and the on-screen festival of the Hulk - doesn't sell cinema tickets, what will? And if that wasn't enough superhero geeking out for you, Doctor Strange makes an appearance, and the award for best, funniest cameo goes to Matt Damon. Watch carefully, this is as close to Damon in a Marvel film as we can get and it's fall-to-the-floor fantastic.

This is definitely a different type of Marvel film. I say this every time I review one - yet they always find a way for it to feel fresh, not a repeat of an overused film concept. Just how do they do it!? In my notepad I'd written down elements of Tron and Lord of the Rings which I never thought I'd be writing for a superhero flick. Despite it feeling light, it's simultaneously dark and Thor is really tested this time. We've had apparent budget cuts in the studio: Captain America away from his shield, Spiderman separated from his hi-tech spidey suit...now what do we get if we strip Thor away from his hammer and long locks of golden hair? The answer is an edgier, rockier heavy metal Thor (minus the long hair), but needless to say Hemsworth gives a credible, fascinating performance no matter which hairdo he rocks (#NewHairNewMe). It might be limited, but we do get to dig a little deeper. Also, with a really smart script and bold decisions, Thor has never been funnier!


It's always great to see Hiddleston as the baddie we love to hate, plus this time there are two really strong female characters - Hela and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), a legendary Asgardian warrior and maybe love interest. Her character, also a bounty hunter called 142, is slightly predictable and sometimes feels a bit shoehorned in, but makes a good addition to the team and I'm sure we'll be seeing her again. Hela, on the other hand, is a worthy villain, but almost too effortlessly powerful. She isn't given too much of a personality since she's too busy being bad-ass and destroying everything with a single swipe. She does get to talk about the "eternal flame", however, which I found slightly hard to take seriously without wanting to burst into song.

Thor's third "solo" outing certainly gives all the other heroes a run for their money. With an interesting twist, some serious blinding repercussions for future films, and one of the funniest scripts we've ever had, it has certainly raised the standards and kept the momentum going towards Avengers: Infinity War. Of all the Marvel films, I've always been slightly less enthused by Thor (I blame it on a poor edit of the first film's first trailer), but I'm pleased to say we got off on the wrong foot and I will be recommending this to friends. And if you can't find friends to cinema with, just go in and watch it by yourself anyway.

Thor: Ragnarok is in cinemas now.

Paddington is b-b-b-back! Since I went to the sneak preview several weeks ago, there's been a new trailer, poster and a whole host of character posters too! The countdown is on for 10th November and I can't wait. He'll be settled down in his new home and neighbourhood, but it's going to be all about the chaos when he gets muddled up in an antique book theft...and now we know for sure he's going to be a bear behind bars. Yup, the plot sounds a tad far-fetched but there's just something so heartwarming about our favourite bear. Can he live with me for the next film please?

The Paddington promo has been looking pretty exciting so far - surely you will have seen photos of the Duchess of Cambridge dancing with Paddington (lucky her) and just earlier today, a pop-up tour was launched so you'll get to see some very lovely installations celebrating both London and Paddington. Didn't you just LOVE pop-up books as a child? Now you'll get to step into one...literally.


With the character posters we also get a good glimpse at Hugh Grant's character Phoenix Buchanan, which is quite relevant for me because I watched Notting Hill last night starring Grant and Hugh Bonneville! They'll be on-screen together again, with Bonneville as Mr Brown.

Watch the trailer for Paddington 2 here!

Oh. So. Tense. The suspense. This unnerving film will make you nervous. Yorgos Lanthimos follows critically-acclaimed The Lobster with a slightly more traditional horror that still manages to reinvent the genre. 

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is one of those films that will probably take a while to digest. It's also one that will make your jaw drop completely within the very first frame. Guaranteed. An unusual story that warrants post-cinema conversation, the story is far more straightforward than the director's famously WEIRD The Lobster, but it has an energy that carries through more consistently. It's twisted, disturbing, a spiralling rabbit hole to uncertainty and gripping horror rooted in something much more familiar than being shipped off to a hotel to find love or risk being turned into an animal. It's family.

Readers of this blog will know that I am not one for horror movies, but alongside mother!, I've already managed TWO this year. What an achievement! And why do I put myself through the two hours of torment and edge-of-my-seat-ness? Because I genuinely do believe that this will be a masterfully crafted film worth watching. What director Yorgos Lanthimos has crafted is a borderline supernatural not-natural in a mundane everyday life setting with subtext for days. After simmering, growing fear bubbles up completely, leading to some very grim and vivid scenes which I had to physically hide from as I attempted to curl up in my cinema seat.

I haven't even began to describe what The Killing of a Sacred Deer actually entails, and I don't really want to for fear of spoiling it (and also for fear of revisiting the story too vividly!). The title is apt, the story is cryptic. A man develops a close bond with a teenage boy, and from the get-go it's shrouded in mystery which eventually unravels and hits the man - and the audience - hard. There's a mysterious crippling illness, a terrible decision that has to be made, and sheer methodical madness.

Colin Farrell is once again the leading man (though not hero), this time surgeon and family man Steven, however he speaks in the same short manner-of-fact way he did in The Lobster.  Eg. (not verbatim) "I am hungry. I think I'll have a salad because salad is nutritious. I quite like the taste of cabbage."  Maybe Lanthimos should ask me to help with the next script. As a result, the emotion is slightly stunted and stifled, but that makes it even more humorous and terrifying. Also terrifying is Barry Keoghan as Martin; his piercing eyes and generally creepy demeanor will haunt me for days... Lanthimos has written his characters as understated ones, which just gives the talented cast members a chance to deliver stoic, impressive performances. Needless to say, Farrell is fantastic, and Nicole Kidman also stands out with as his character's wife Anna. At the London Film Festival premiere, Kidman spoke about how much she enjoyed working with Lanthimos and wanted to be in his next films already. I expect we'll see her and probably Farrell pair up again someday! Also I thought child actor Sunny Siljic was superb as Steven's adorable son Bob, with a performance on par with the Hollywood heavyweights.

Fans of The Lobster will be glad to hear that the squeaky, dissonant violins are back. They are every horror fearer's worst nightmare and I had to listen to a lot of Jason Mraz on my journey back to drown it out from memory. You also get an eerie, pitchy rendition from Daughter Kim of an Ellie Goulding song, Burn. "And we're gonna let it burn, burn, burn" - foreshadowing, much? It'll be difficult to listen to that song again. Another highlight is the impeccable roving camera work - with ruthlessly unsettling angles and long, paced shots that will make you nervous.

I have to admit that I really enjoyed The Killing of a Sacred Deer - much more so than I expected. Just don't expect answers and be prepared to sacrifice logic and control. Think dread, Greek tragedies, game-playing like Saw, and a deep lesson of actions with consequences. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a slow burner, but when the fire gets going, it's a blaze.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is released in the UK on 3rd November.

Highlights from the BFI London Film Festival Gala Premiere

More mind-blowing gadgets, more ludicrous plots, more chances to save the world from an evil mastermind played by a Hollywood superstar. Kingsman 2 returns in style but this time ends up lacking substance.

I've waited a long time for a sequel to Kingsman, which blew me away 3 years ago after it emerged with relatively little buzz and was a surprise hit for many. Now, there's a sequel that will inevitably be compared to its predecessor and face the Sequel Curse debate. Unfortunately (and I hate to say it), this debate can be cut short because in a nutshell, it's not quite the same. Meet the latest Sequel Curse victim. It is the same in that it's a crazy criminal threatening a global crisis resulting in millions of deaths. And the same Kick-Ass style fight scenes feature, jacked up on steroids. But it tries so hard to shock and exhaust and double the action, that you lose what made it so cool in the first place.

What happens in Kingsman 2? Our loveable My Fair Lady protagonist Eggsy (an impeccable Taron Egerton) is back and he's now a fully fledged spy, well settled into his Oxfords (not brogues), and settled down with the Crown Princess Tilde of Sweden. Without giving too much away, chaos erupts and he has to flee to the States to the secret American counterpart agency, Statesman. There, they meet characters who are, unfortunately, only known by ridiculous beverage names such as "Whisky" (Pedro Pascal), "Ginger Ale" (Halle Berry) and "Tequila" (Channing Tatum). Meanwhile, Julianne Moore plays Poppy, a druglord hiding in the jungle who casually puts people through a mincer and has killer robotic dogs for company. It certainly seems a lot darker and gruesome than Samuel L. Jackson's lispy nemesis in a tracksuit threatening the world with a free SIM card.

They've pulled in some very big names for this big sequel - which makes it even more of a big disappointment when you find out some of them are hideously underused. Let's talk about Channing Tatum. The man was robbed! (Or, quite the opposite if his glorified cameo appearance has earned him buckets because he appears in all the promo.) Despite his stellar listing (which could've had endless comedic payoff), the Southern-accent-drawling spy genuinely has fewer scenes than Elton John. Elton, who plays himself, is delightfully camp and genuinely one of the funniest things about the film. I'm not sure how it all came about, but this was simply genius.

So far, I'm not being very generous to the Kingsman crew and maybe this isn't entirely fair. What I can say is they have better gadgets than Bond, and this makes it the kind of film where anything is possible, gadget-aided. You don't need to use your imagination because the film has plenty. It helps if you've seen the first Kingsman, especially as Colin Firth's character Harry Hart/code-name Galahad makes a confusing but brilliant comeback and we forgot he was ever gone. He's not the only familiar face to return either...there's a whole host of bad guys in this one! The great thing about Hart's return is also that we get the lovely father/mentor-son bond which made the first so endearing.

If you're looking for a thrilling and energetic film, this is it. It's a shame the energy is a little bit all over the place, but when we get action (peaks and troughs), it really is as action-packed as they come. Let's also not forget that this is deliberately not a serious movie; it's a spoof. Director Matthew Vaughan has certainly made some bold decisions, and we can almost definitely expect a third. Perhaps next time I'll know to lower my expectations, as this installment was more silver than golden, but that doesn't stop me from wanting more!

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is in cinemas now.