This week, I've seen a couple of cracking films at CIneworld.
First up, a few of us from Quest Media went to see Black Phone, set in 1978 and starring Ethan Hawke as a serial killer who snatches children from the streets under the guise of showing them a magic trick.
His latest victim, 13-year-old Finney, finds himself in a sound-proofed basement where screaming for help is neither use nor ornament. Things seem fruitless until a disconnected wall mounted telephone begins to ring, and Finney hears the voices of previous victims, who are determined to help him avoid their fate.
There are a couple of effective jump scares (apologies to colleagues Maleena and Jackie for leaving my seat, as I'm the jumpiest person ever!), but this is a film that's better described as chilling than scary.
Ethan Hawke brings bags of personality to his character, in spite of the mask he wears, and it really feels like the film was shot in 1978 .It's brilliantly done, and based on a short story. The small cast work well to bring the tale to life, and I'll be avoiding black balloons and magic tricks for a while, just in case...
Next up, Elvis is the first Baz Luhrmann big screen outing since the Great Gatsby, and Austin Butler is just superb as the King. There were some reports that Harry Styles was keen to land the role, but we saw the Harry's House star in a promising trailer for Don't Worry Darling, a forthcoming release this autumn, also staring Chris Pine and Florence Pugh.
Tom Hanks plays Elvis's manager Colonel Tom Parker, who is not all he makes out to be, but narrates the bulk of the story, as we travel through two decades of the King's life and career.
There was quite a bit I didn't know to be honest, and I'll definitely be digging out my Elvis Greatest Hits CD for a listen, as there are so many stunning songs I'd forgotten about.
The film is shimmering, over-the-top and brilliant, and portrays Elvis's love for blues, gospel and rhythm and blues, as well as country music. He hugely admired BB King and Rufus Thomas, and was greatly affected by events in America such as the assassination of Martin Luther King.
There may have been a little artistic licence at times I'm sure, but this felt like a film made by an Elvis super fan, with some great new soundtrack songs mixed in with the classics from the King.
At almost three hours long, I was a bit worried it would feel lengthy, but it absolutely flew by. The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas contrasts heartbreakingly with the demise of Elvis during his seemingly endless residency at the International Hotel.
I don't think it's a spoiler to mention how he looked at his last ever show, as his battle with weight and health troubles are well documented, but it's really sad to think he didn't even live to the age I am now. In fact, his death was a fortnight after I was born. This film will certainly make him a lot of new fans.
I'm excited about the forthcoming Dusty Springfield biopic too, which will reportedly star Gemma Arterton. Any chance of a Barry Manilow one too?! Our deputy editor Lisa would love that!
