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The Legend of Tarzan
The Legend of Tarzan arrives as an action film directed by David Yates, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Alexander Skarsgård and Rory J Saper give The Legend of Tarzan a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Legend of Tarzan comes into focus without a long explanation: Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining
1 day ago3 min read
Central Intelligence
Central Intelligence arrives as a comedy directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart give Central Intelligence a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Central Intelligence comes into focus without a long explanation: After he reconnects with an awkward pal from high school through Facebook, a mild mannered accountant is lured into the world of interna
1 day ago3 min read
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters arrives as a comedy directed by Paul Feig, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig give Ghostbusters a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Ghostbusters comes into focus without a long explanation: Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band togeth
1 day ago2 min read
Split
Split arrives as a horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. James McAvoy and Anya Taylor Joy give Split a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Split comes into focus without a long explanation: Three girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities. Across its 1h 57m running time, M. Night Shyamalan keeps Split clear enough to keep the emotional l
1 day ago3 min read
Kung Fu Panda 3
Kung Fu Panda 3 arrives as an animated adventure directed by Alessandro Carloni, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jack Black and Bryan Cranston give Kung Fu Panda 3 a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Kung Fu Panda 3 comes into focus without a long explanation: Continuing his "legendary adventures of awesomeness", Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a lit
1 day ago3 min read
La La Land
La La Land arrives as a comedy directed by Damien Chazelle, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone give La La Land a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in La La Land comes into focus without a long explanation: When Sebastian, a pianist, and Mia, an actress, follow their passion and achieve success in their respective fields, they find themselves torn between their love for each other
1 day ago3 min read
Trolls
Trolls arrives as an animated adventure directed by Mike Mitchell, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake give Trolls a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Trolls comes into focus without a long explanation: After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Across its 1h 32m ru
1 day ago3 min read
X-Men: Apocalypse
X Men: Apocalypse arrives as an action film directed by Bryan Singer, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender give X Men: Apocalypse a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in X Men: Apocalypse comes into focus without a long explanation: In the 1980s, the X Men must defeat an ancient all powerful mutant, En Sabah Nur, who intends to thrive by bringing destruction to the world. Ac
1 day ago3 min read
Star Trek Beyond
Star Trek Beyond arrives as an action film directed by Justin Lin, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto give Star Trek Beyond a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Star Trek Beyond comes into focus without a long explanation: The crew of the USS Enterprise explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, who puts them, and everything t
1 day ago3 min read
Jason Bourne
Jason Bourne arrives as an action film directed by Paul Greengrass, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Matt Damon and Tommy Lee Jones give Jason Bourne a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Jason Bourne comes into focus without a long explanation: The CIA's most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past. Across its 2h 3m running time, Paul Greengrass
1 day ago3 min read
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures arrives as a biographical drama directed by Theodore Melfi, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer give Hidden Figures a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Hidden Figures comes into focus without a long explanation: Three female African American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn's launch into orbit while dealing with racial and gende
1 day ago3 min read
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange arrives as an action film directed by Scott Derrickson, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor give Doctor Strange a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Doctor Strange comes into focus without a long explanation: While on a journey of physical and spiritual healing, a brilliant neurosurgeon is drawn into the world of the mystic arts. Across its 1h 55m ru
1 day ago3 min read
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