Skip to content
This weekend there are four new films out for you to choose from: horror in Oculus, comedy in The Hooligan Factory, more horror in Devil’s Knot, romantic drama in Chinese Puzzle, and period drama in Belle.
Oculus
Oculus is a film I’ve been waiting for, for a hell of a long time and it stars the wonderful Karen Gillan.
Ten years ago, tragedy struck the Russell family, leaving the lives of teenage siblings Tim and Kaylie forever changed when Tim was convicted of the brutal murder of their parents. Now in his 20s, Tim is newly released from protective custody and only wants to move on with his life; but Kaylie, still haunted by that fateful night, is convinced her parents’ deaths were caused by something else altogether: a malevolent supernatural force unleashed through the Lasser Glass, an antique mirror in their childhood home. Determined to prove Tim’s innocence, Kaylie tracks down the mirror, only to learn similar deaths have befallen previous owners over the past century. With the mysterious entity now back in their hands, Tim and Kaylie soon find their hold on reality shattered by terrifying hallucinations, and realize, too late, that their childhood nightmare is beginning again…
Oculus also stars Katee Sackhoff, Brenton Thwaites, James Lafferty and Rory Cochrane .
Hit or Miss? Verdict: Hit!
The Hooligan Factory
Danny wants something more. Expelled from school and living in his grandfathers flat, he longs to live up to the image of his estranged father Danny Senior. Sent to prison for force feeding a judge his own wig Danny Senior was a legend and Danny is looking for a way to emulate his father’s achievements and rise to be “top boy”. Meanwhile in Wormwood Scrubs prison legendary football hooligan Dex is about to be released. Dex is on a quest of his own, one of vengeance against his nemesis and rival firm leader Yeti.
But when Danny and Dex’s paths cross they embark on a journey as old as hooliganism itself. Dex, Danny and The Hooligan Factory travel the length of the country on a mission to re-establish their firm’s glory days. However, the police are closing in and we get a sense that the Hooligan Factory’s best days may be behind them, but with Danny on their side, and Dex finding his old form who knows where this may lead. After all… Its a funny old game.
This film stars Jason Maza, Nick Nevern, Tom Burke, Ray Fearon and Steven O’Donnell, and looks really funny so I’d say it’s a…
Hit or Miss? Verdict: Hit!
Chinese Puzzle
This film stars Romain Duris as Xavier Rousseau, a 40-year-old father of two who still finds life very complicated. When the mother of his children moves to New York, he can’t bear them growing up far away from him and so he decides to move there as well. In a trailer which seems to criss-cross all over the place, it was puzzling enough trying to keep up with it.
It also stars Audrey Tautou, Cécile De France, Kelly Reilly and Sandrine Holt and looks intriguing.
Hit or Miss? Verdict: Hit!
Devil’s Knot
The savage murders of three young children sparks a controversial trial of three teenagers accused of killing the kids as part of a satanic ritual
Directed by Atom Egoyan, and starring Dane DeHaan, Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth, Stephen Moyer, Kevin Durand, Mireille Enos and Elias Koteas, this looks like a backwater redneck town with serious problems and they all need a good slap. It also looks boring as hell.
Hit or Miss? Verdict: Miss!
Belle
Finally, Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mabatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
Directed by Amma Asante, period dramas don’t do it for me and this one looks like it won’t change my mind.
Hit or Miss? Verdict: Miss!
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.