Posts with the label film review
Showing posts with label film review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film review. Show all posts
Monday, 20 October 2025
Colman Domingo Joins Wicked: For Good as the Cowardly Lion
It’s official: Colman Domingo will roar into the Land of Oz. The Oscar, Tony, Olivier, and BAFTA nominated performer has been confirmed to voice the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated second instalment of Jon M. Chu’s two-part film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, Wicked.
The announcement was made on Instagram, in a playful reveal video featuring Domingo surrounded by the Wicked x Squishmallows collaboration plush of his new character.
In the stage musical, the Cowardly Lion is only briefly mentioned and never appears onstage, but Chu has promised that Wicked: For Good will expand the role, giving fans a fresh look at one of Oz’s most iconic figures. The reveal comes after weeks of speculation, following Chu’s tease that a “major name” would lend their voice to the role.
Wicked: For Good continues the story from the first Wicked film, which soars into cinemas this November. Ariana Grande stars as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, leading a star-studded cast that also includes Jonathan Bailey (Company, Bridgerton) as Fiyero, Ethan Slater (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Boq, Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose.
Additional cast members include Keala Settle, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael, bringing to life new and familiar faces within the world of Shiz University.
Directed by Jon M. Chu (In the Heights), the film features new songs by Stephen Schwartz and a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. Costume design is by Tony winner Paul Tazewell, whose work promises to bring a cinematic richness to the fantasy world of Oz.
Wicked, which reimagines the story behind The Wizard of Oz, premiered on Broadway in 2003 and remains one of the most beloved musical theatre productions in history. With this new casting, the film’s journey down the yellow brick road just got even more exciting.
Wicked: For Good hits cinemas 21 November 2025. Tickets are on sale now.
Tuesday, 8 May 2018
Kinetics (Film) | Review
Kinetics (Film)
★★★★★
Sue Wylie’s stunning play, Kinetics has been adapted for film. The moving story is told through the eyes of Rose who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She meets Lukas, a free-runner with whom she forms an unlikely friendship. Both have a desire to move and be free and ultimately remind one another that life is worth living.
'Accept, adapt, adjust' really sums up this play in a nutshell. Not only is it a beautiful story but it raises awareness of Parkinson's a relatively unknown disease that affects around 127,000 people in the UK alone.
Lukas played by Roly Botha is a wonderful addition to the film. He adds so much movement and fluidity; a brilliant contrast to Rose. He has heaps of talent, not only acting but also free running. His story within the play is touching and the interplay between the characters really gives out a message of hope.
A special mention must go to Steve Eaton Evans who plays Mr Burton and successfully portrays an older gentleman with Parkinson's who eventually gives the best advice of the whole film.
Rose played by Sue Wylie is a wonder to see. She really does tell her story well. Her play is well worded and very powerful, while staying respectful to those suffering from Parkinson's. By telling her own story regarding her diagnosis of Parkinson's and how it affects her both in her job and personal life is simply beautiful.
I urge anyone and everyone to watch Kinetics either in film or play version as it has so much potential not only to spread awareness with Parkinson's but also as it gives the audience a wonderful feeling of hope.
Review by Isobelle Desbrow
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Bitter Harvest (Film) | Review
Bitter Harvest tells the harrowing tale of the Holodomor, a man-made famine which occurred in Ukraine in 1932-33, killing an estimated 2.5-7 million people. I, like many people had never even heard of this catastrophe and feel ashamed of that fact, so it was truly shocking to see the atrocities play out on screen.
Bitter Harvest sheds light on this widely overlooked tragedy in such a way that it is both provoking and shocking but at the same time brings warmth through the love story of Yuri (Max Irons) and Natalka (Samantha Barks). The whole story is told through the eyes of these young lovers as they struggle through imprisonment, famine and torture; battling to reunite with one another and to fight for a free country.
The film is visually stunning and quite literally sheds light on this devastating chapter of modern history. Douglas Milsome has added a whole layer to the story just through the lighting and has created a truly cinematic experience. We first see the warm lights and sky which quickly become dark and bleak. Particularly effective was the contrast of the bright Kiev when Yuri first got there to the muted grey of Yuri and Natalka's village. Truly striking.
The authenticity is so clear in this film, through not only the fact that it was filmed in true to life locations, but through the way the stellar cast play their roles so truthfully. Both Barks and Irons show the deep and dark complexities of their characters incredibly well, with their chemistry shining through to emphasise the reality of pain and loss throughout. Each moment is heart-wrenching and the whole film is beautifully shocking. The cast also includes Tamer Hassan, Barry Pepper and Terence Stamp, all of whom play their roles honestly and perfectly.
George Mendeluk has directed a visually striking film which is sure to educate people and get discussions going. There are parallels happening right now in Ukraine so this film has come at the perfect time to get people talking and to educate people so that nothing like this ever happens again. Although the love story is somewhat cliched, it works well in this film to provide a root for the story rather than being overpowering at every moment. The script is well written to make the actual event of the Holodomor the main focal point with the romance more of a reference point. The love story is beautiful and played out so well but it doesn't detract at all from the pain and suffering that was really happening.
The story of this devastating famine is hard to watch but knowing and seeing the truth is necessary and Bitter Harvest is rightfully bringing this overlooked Ukrainian tragedy to the forefront of media in a way it never was at the time. I already am and will continue to recommend this film to everyone I see because it's honestly incredible. Truthful, painful, beautiful and powerful. The cinematography, story, acting and honesty make Bitter Harvest a must see. ★★★★
Watch my vlog of the premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We9bFF1mCBs
Bitter Harvest is released in the UK on February 24th.
Part of this review was used on the cover of the UK DVD so keep an eye out for it!
Review by Olivia Mitchell
Part of this review was used on the cover of the UK DVD so keep an eye out for it!
Review by Olivia Mitchell
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