Film

By Leslie Byron Pitt @Afrofilmviewer An obtuse and absurdist piece that will most likely delight Dylan Thomas fans, but leave many cold. For far too often these days, British film is observed for its flouncy period pieces or grubby gangster/hooligan skulduggery. Such unfortunately narrow focus often dismisses British cinema’s strong taste for the strange, the odd and the folksy. From the creepy folk horror of the 70’s, to the contemporary offerings to Ben Wheatley (A Field in England) and Carol...

Perhaps unsurprisingly louche, cocky but ultimately soft-hearted Hans Solo is at the top of the list, from a recent survey of the nations favorite Star Wars character, with dapper robot C-3PO following closely behind. Irritating Jar Jar Binks and gross Jabba The Hutt coming down low on the favorites list. (For those wondering who Wedge Antilles is click here.) All the results from the fifteen hundred respondents that took part in the survey below. And if you need any convincing...

There's been countless film and TV adaptations of Mary Shelley's brilliant Gothic Classic Frankenstein, (check out this A-Z for proof), so can the latest version from director Paul McGuigan and screenwriter Max Landis offer anything fresh? We'll see. Starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe. Out December 3rd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YJOS2sksXQ&feature=youtu.be

Kevin Allen's surreal adaptation of Dylan Thomas' seminal Under Milk Wood features Rhys Ifans and Charlotte Church and focuses on the more visceral elements of this bawdy, filthily fluid and magical dreamscape of a work. Out in cinemas now, released October 30th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNKuqgIIR88

Set in France in the 70's, By the Sea is Jolie's European inspired, directorial follow-up to last year's debut Unbroken, and also stars beau Brad. Jolie takes on the hybrid role of writer, producer and lead-actor. Revealing featurette below, film out December 11th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCTHVejhwZM&feature=youtu.be

By Toby Venables @TobyVenables ‘We’d like you to recommend the Top 5 Films for Halloween,’ they said. Great, I said, Top 50 Films for Halloween! I’m all over it! ‘Er, no – that’s top FIVE...’ Ah. That’s more difficult... There are literally thousands of great horror movies out there – so how do you choose your appropriately themed Halloween/Day of the Dead viewing? Do you select according to the style or tone of the piece – terrifying, funny, classic, thought-provoking,...

By Miranda Schiller @mirandadadada With their leather jackets, afros and berets, openly carried guns and raised fists, the Black Panthers have certainly left their mark on the iconography of rebellion and resistance of the 1960s and 1970s. Founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, they were originally a self-defence organisation raising arms against police brutality on the streets. Footage of policemen beating up black people is at the start of Stanley Nelson’s documentary, and with its disturbing similarity to much...

It's causing a frenzy and no wonder, check out the official Star Wars Episode VII trailer below. Released in London December 18th. We know how we'll be spending the Christmas holidays! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbxmsDFVnE

By Leslie Byron Pitt @Afrofilmviewer Contrary to the beliefs of many militant, western Atheists. The ease of separating one’s self from the durable arms of religion, are not as easy as simply snapping out of it. An estimated 65% of the Chilean population recognise themselves as Catholic creed. It’s been over 90 years the church was separated from state in Chile, yet that is a tear drop in the vast bank that religion runs through. The roots of its legacy...