The film follows the story of US Navy sailors and aviators who persevered through the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

When it comes to directors who have a handle on what’s needed at the blockbuster scale, Roland Emmerich is a filmmaker who has serious talent in this arena. And his work on Midway is packed full of bigger-than-life heroism and true filmmaking spectacle. Grounding his audience in historical fact, Emmerich charts out a full retelling of the Pacific Theater from the bombing of Pearl Harbour through to the Dolittle Raids, the Battle of the Corral Sea and finally the penultimate showdown between the naval forces of America and Japan at The Battle of Midway. It’s an expansive blockbuster that takes into account both the war rooms of Pearl Harbour and the cockpits of the Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers that delivered the big hits, and all of this action puts you at the very forefront of this conflict.

Stepping up and accepting the call is Ed Skrein as Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Best, a brash, confident and cocky pilot who was at the forefront of the Battle of Midway and who leads the charge into this inferno that is fought over the Pacific. Skrein does right to both the legacy and spirit of Best with his portrayal and he honours this hero who was at the forefront of the Battle of Midway and who was responsible for sinking two enemy carriers on the day. I’ve long wanted to see Skrein take on a challenging role, and he finds it in Best as he has to balance his personal beliefs with those of his greater duty to his country and a need to get even. Alongside the heightened dramatic tension that he brings to the role, you also completely believe in Skrein’s ability to be this man of action who is willing to get the job done and he captures the can-do attitude of this very rare breed of man.

When it comes to thespians who are at the top of the class, Patrick Wilson ranks high among them and he takes on another very interesting character with his performance as Lieutenant Commander Edwin T. Layton in Midway. As a noted Naval veteran and intelligence officer who has a full view of the situation involving the Japanese, Wilson’s Layton feels responsible for the deadly consequences of Peal Harbour and is adamant that he will not fail again. Wilson displays a fearless determination as Layton and jumps into action in order to give the Navy every advantage they can in the fight that is to come. As Layton, Wilson is both intellectual as well as being exceedingly practical and he really flourishes under the direction of Emmerich and his performance as Layton is a testament to the intelligence and immense will he showed to never give up and make things right.

Climbing aboard is hotshot Hollywood star Luke Evans as Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky, a stern and disciplined wing commander whose by-the-book approach doesn’t always sit well with Skrein’s Best and Evans once again gives another commanding performance in Midway. As one of Hollywood’s most diverse and talented performers, Evans is always a solid choice in whatever film he stars in and he brings a great presence in his performance as McClusky. While Skrein is the maverick as Best, it’s Evans’ McClusky who is holding up the ship and who has to focus on the bigger picture that is at hand. While he’s a warrior through and through he does have to contend with the larger forces at play and this places him at odds with Best, but when called upon he steps up to the fight. Evans was a great choice for the part of McClusky and he cuts a brave and determined figure in Midway.

While Midway does place most of its emphasis on its male military cast one of the most important characters is Dick Best’s wife Anne, played by Mandy Moore, and her performance is integral to the success of Midway. While Dick and his fellow Naval pilots might be off fighting the war, it’s Anne and the other wives who have to contend with the prospect that their husbands might never come home. Moore is incredibly realistic in the emotion that she gives Anne and she has great chemistry together with Skrein which allows the audience to invest in their relationship and the importance that Best’s family means to him. Mandy Moore as Anne Best gives Skrein’s Dick Best a reason to fight for, and her performance is equal parts glamorous and homely and she’s of incredible importance to the success of this film.

Finally giving Midway an incredible sense of gravitas is Woody Harrelson as Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the man who is appointed commander of the Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbour and who spearheads the Battle Of Midway. Harrelson is one of Hollywood’s most eclectic performers and he’s never played a character as straight as Nimitz before, and I must say that he does an astounding job here. As Nimitz, Harrelson bears the brunt of responsibility and it’s he who is very much carrying the flag and safeguarding the idea of freedom. It’s enjoyable to watch Harrelson mix it up with his portrayal of a man who is so squared ahead and unflinching in his purpose, but Harrelson does keep to the real history of Nimitz and a man who was adept at thinking outside of the box and looked to innovative ways to secure victory.

If you’re seeking an action rush then you’ll most definitely be pleased with Midway. WWII enthusiasts will be particularly pleased with this one as Emmerich and his team hold true to the facts of the battle and get the details right in relation to the film’s principal characters and the extensive array of vehicles and armaments that they use. In terms of its action scope, Emmerich puts his audience right at the very heart of the Battle of Midway and you’ll be holding onto your seat and absolutely white-knuckling it as Best and his dive bombers make their run on the colossal Japanese carriers that they have their sights on and the barrage of heavy gunfire that they have to fly through to claim victory. This is one blockbuster that absolutely goes for it with its action experience and audiences will feel the rush.

Alongside all of its heavy blockbuster moments, Midway is a tremendous calling card to the spirit and ethos of the men and women of the Greatest Generation. Having answered the call when their nation needed them they sacrificed all to ensure the promise of freedom and Emmerich, his cast and this film does everything they can to honour their memory and sacrifice. Emmerich also takes his time to tell both sides of the story of the Battle of Midway, from both those of the American and Japanese forces and he keeps to historical fact as a way to hold true to those who fought and died regardless of rank or creed.

Midway is a powerful film and honours the heroism of a group of brave men who refused to be beaten down and who stepped up when called upon to do so. It presents some full-on action moments and is bound by a terrific cast and solid historical detail and those who witness it are sure to be utterly moved by its narrative.

Image: Roadshow Films

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Watch the brand new trailer below:

Here’s the full synopsis:

The film follows the story of US Navy sailors and aviators who persevered through the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Chronicling the intense and full-on Battle of Midway which decided the ultimate fate of World War II, Emmerich captures the emotion and heroism of a group of soldiers who would not back down and who would do everything they could to let freedom endure.

Ed Skrein takes on the central role of fighter pilot Dick Best, and leads an impressive cast who include Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Mandy Moore, Nick Jonas, Dennis Quaid and Woody Harrelson, and the stakes are set for one incredible story of absolute courage under fire here.

Get ready for a pure adrenaline rush when Midway arrives in cinemas on November 28.

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Beneath a woman’s striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her indelible strength and skill to become one of the most feared assassins on the planet.

While spy fiction always makes for great cinema, it’s very difficult to find a new angle into the genre and present the audience with something fresh. But this is Luc Besson we’re talking about, a filmmaker who continues to break new ground with every new project. With Anna, the filmmaker recalls his action cinema past with films such as La Femme Nikita and Leon: The Professional and the result is something that is packed out with adrenaline and originality. Setting his story around the conflict the multiple lives that Russian spy Anna Poliatova (Sasha Luss) has to contend with and the result is something that hits you with an entirely different narrative. Besson also gives Anna an interesting retro point-of-view thanks to it’s Cold War setting, and this sets Anna apart from the current day spy films that we normally see.

Newcomer Sasha Luss finds herself with a very interesting role here as she takes on Russian spy Anna Poliatova who is coerced into the espionage life. From here her life becomes a dangerous ‘lived on the edge’ existence as she balances her undercover life as an international model with that of her more violent work as a honeypot assassin. Luss brings considerable sex appeal to the role, and she carries an elegance that reminds me of a young Sophia Loren. However, this girl also gets her hands dirty up on-screen and there are several fight scenes that really put her through paces as she has to impress her handlers and accomplish her mission in order to stay alive. Luss also takes us inside Anna’s head and she has considerable mental trauma to deal with this and this all makes things very interesting to watch as an audience member.

Standing alongside Anna as her handler and Russian spy master is Luke Evans as Alex Tchenkov, a KGB agent who becomes personally involved with Anna, and it’s a great part for Evans. Tchenkov is all business, and while the mission always comes first for him he soon has to wrestle with his emotions as he tries to keep Anna safe, and has to balance his love for her with his duties to the KGB. Along with his emotionally charged performance, Evans also brings a considerable East block cool to the character and shows off plenty of anti-hero charisma here. Cutting a cool figure onscreen, Evans makes a great foil for Luss to play off against and whether they’re fighting it out, or getting steamy in the shadows, they make a great pair up on the screen.

Finally, Cillian Murphy makes an appearance in this complicated triad as CIA case officer Leonard Miller and it’s an entirely different role, unlike anything the Irish actor has played before. Murphy’s Miller is almost the twin shadow to Evans’ Tchenkov and he’s possessed of cunning intelligence and hungry desire for revenge against the KGB. This results in plenty of adversarial actions on his behalf, and you never really know where he’s going to go as the character. I really enjoyed how twisted and complicated Murphy was as Miller and he’s a definite joy to watch up on screen.

When it comes to action and style, Anna is absolutely packed to the brim with it. As Anna takes on her targets, she becomes a killing machine and things get bloody quickly. The film’s highlight is an epic five-minute fight scene where Anna has to take on multiple adversaries and Luss handles herself with the intensity of a professional MMA fighter who is not shy of the carnage and she digs in hard. The film’s 1990s setting also gives it a very interesting stylistic look and there’s plenty of visual flair to keep you engaged with as an audience member thanks to its cross of spy action and high fashion.

If you’re seeking a cinematic rush, with plenty of glam visuals then Anna is definitely a movie you should check out, and with it’s twisting narrative and edge-of-your-seat thrills it will definitely keep you amped.

Image: Studio Canal NZ

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Radcliffe College, 1928. Professor William Moulton Marston (Luke Evans) is a revered psychologist, who along with his equally brilliant wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall) has taken up a teaching position at the all-female university. Here the couple is introduced to the inquisitive Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote), whom they both find an attraction to, and slowly form an open relationship with. As the year’s pass, their relationship grows and is tested by the morals of the day, and with the influence of these two incredible women in his life, Marston strikes upon an idea that will allow him to inject his ideas of feminism and DISC theory into modern American society.

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women is without-a-doubt one of this year’s most fascinating cinematic experiences. While many people share a great passion for the character of Wonder Women, far fewer have an understanding of how this character was brought to life. They say real life is stranger than fiction, and in the creation of Wonder Woman, this was definitely the case. With the story of Professor Moulton and his radically open relationship and extremely forward thinking feminist learnings, director Angela Robinson has some extremely interesting subject matter to explore up on screen. Her direction of this film and the themes that she explores are both historically relevant and extremely contemporary at the same time. Robinson digs deep into her film, and the characters within it, and her passion for the story that she tells definitely shines through.

Robinson also lucks out with her three leads: Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall and Bella Heathcote. The three work together as a united trinity in their storytelling with each performer feeding off the other’s performance. As William Moulton Marston, Evans taps into the great psychologists grasp for knowledge and understanding. He’s a thinker, who is open to completely new ideas and who is radically forward thinking for his age. Evans plays up his charismatic persona as the revered professor and brings a quiet obsession with his life’s work to extrapolate his DISC theory into his own contemporary American society while moving into a future that is lead by feminist ideals.

Standing next to him is Rebecca Hall as his wife Elizabeth Holloway Marston. Hall’s performance as Elizabeth is openly aggressive. She has a take-charge manner and is openly opposed to how her status as a woman is challenged in her contemporary world where even though she is a Harvard educated lawyer, she can only get work as a secretary. Like her husband she is also a radical thinker and out of the two of them is most definitely the realist. But while she might have a cold-edge to her, she loves her husband deeply and slowly comes to love the focus of her husband’s desire Olive Byrne.

The final point of this trinity is Bella Heathcote who stars as the beautiful and captivating Olive Byrne. Beginning as an ingenue character she develops a love interest with the Marston’s and becomes a part of their radically unique world. As Byrne, Heathcote is the physical embodiment of Marston’s Wonder Woman and becomes the centre point of their openly-free relationship.

One of the parts of this film that I deeply loved was that it explored the world of early comic book history, and most importantly the trials and hearings related to the infamous Comic Book purges of the late 1940s. This history is deeply fascinating to me as both a comic book reader and a history connoisseur and it was great to see it accurately played up on screen.

Professor Marston and the Wonder Woman is also an incredibly hot and firey film thanks to the chemistry of its three leads and the film’s exploration of the world of BDSM and kink. But this is not a move to sell tickets on Robinson’s behalf but is instead entirely keeping with the true historical accuracy of Marston’s life. The original Wonder Woman comics were filled with bondage scenes and this was in part based upon William Moulton Marston’s fascination with fetish culture. The film explores this side of Marston and while it certainly leads to some engaging love scenes, it also grounds the film in its themes of love, openness, submission and the couple’s polyamorous relationship.

I can truly say that Professor Marston and the Wonder Women is one of the most engaging film’s you’ll see all year. Your attention never wanders from it, and I found myself engaged with every new scene that was placed in front of me. From the performances of its three leads to the film’s compelling narrative, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women succeeds on every level. I implore you to watch this incredible film and let its wonderous narrative wash over you.

Image: Sony Pictures

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When faced with the annihilation of his people and family, Prince Vlad Tepes (Luke Evans) makes a deal with the devil for unstoppable power in a bid to defeat his enemies. However, this dark strength threatens to destroy him as well as the ones he loves most.

Gary Shore has crafted a stylish action/horror movie that combines history and the legend for a new audience. The Irish director does a fine job at balancing the mystical history and a new-age thirst for gore, taking facts from the past to reinforce the legend. He’s also attracted the attention of one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men to take on the mythical role of Dracula.

The anchor of the film comes in the form of actor Luke Evans who takes on the role of Vlad with passion. While Evans’ Vlad is a husband, father and prince, he can instantly transform into a force of absolute terror. This aggression of authority will really makes audiences believe in the power of Vlad, and the horror that he can inflict. In keeping with his historical legacy as ‘The Impaler’, Evan’s Dracula does set a few enemies to the spike.

Dracula Untold also has an impressive supporting cast including Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gideon, and Charles Dance. Copper stars as Vlad’s enemy, Mehmed II, who demands a tribute from our hero that is too costly for the the dark prince to give up. Cooper plays Mehmed with this slightly punkish rich boy attitude, knowing that nothing is beyond his reach or will. He and Vlad also set their blades on one another in a mano a mano sword fight that tests Vlad’s status as a warrior.

Gideon portrays Vlad’s wife Mirena, and mother to his son Ingeras, who Vlad sacrifices himself for. Her real strength comes from knowing that she’ll more than likely lose her husband to this dark power, but still will not let this define her. Finally, Charles Dance gives a very creepy standout performance as the Master Vampire— the creature that bestows new power to Vlad. Like Evans, Dance has an incredible presence and authority, and the scene where these two strike their twisted bargain is a joy to watch.

Dracula Untold demonstrates a great balance of action and horror, with Shore’s background in visual effects helping him craft an original approach to Evans’ Dracula transformation. The action is swift and terrifying, with Vlad tearing through the mass of the Turkish army, and summoning hundreds of thousands of bats to help him unleash his monstrous rage.

Dracula Untold honors the man behind the legend, presented in terrifying new form for a brand new generation.

Image source: Paramount Pictures.

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