External reviews
3824
in total
published by Empire
(click to remove filters)
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Beautiful Boy
A review by Dan Jolin for Empire2019-01-14
A based-on-fact family drama whose truths may hit too hard for some, but are worth suffering if only to witness Timothée Chalamet’s performance.Read entire review on Empire -
The Upside
A review by Ian Freer for Empire2019-01-14
It doesn’t do anything different from the original, but the upside to The Upside is two strong, winning performances that keep you going down a well worn path.Read entire review on Empire -
Glass
A review by Nick de Semlyen for Empire2019-01-09
Essentially a Split sequel with an Unbreakable topping, this is weaker than either of those films but still has a decent amount of entertaining and creepy sequences, most of them due to McAvoy’s high-commitment performance.Read entire review on Empire -
The Front Runner
A review by Dan Jolin for Empire2019-01-07
A sharp-witted and wide-reaching account of a bright political hope’s fall from grace, with an impressive ensemble cast and a great performance from Jackman.Read entire review on Empire -
Stan & Ollie
A review by Olly Richards for Empire2019-01-07
Coogan and Reilly’s performances are among the best either has ever given. This film, which pays wonderfully funny tribute to two comic legends, richly deserves them.Read entire review on Empire -
Colette
A review by Helen O'Hara for Empire2019-01-02
All the affairs and scandals that a French literary genius could wish for, with the bonus of a modern heroine and a story that acknowledges the diversity that has always been with us.Read entire review on Empire -
Life Itself
A review by Ian Freer for Empire2019-01-02
Despite good moments and an ambition to reach for the profound, Life Itself settles for trite, sentimental and patience testing. A killer cast deserve better.Read entire review on Empire -
RBG
A review for Empire2019-01-02
This is the origin film we really need right now. Directors Cohen and West have brought a liberal trailblazer’s fascinating and largely untold story proudly into the spotlight.Read entire review on Empire -
Bird Box
A review for Empire2019-01-01
Contrivances and clichés abound, but Bird Box still manages to be a compelling, high-concept idea thanks to Bier’s faultless direction and impressive cast.Read entire review on Empire -
Second Act
A review for Empire2019-01-01
If you’re not fond of Lopez’s soapier films (hello Maid In Manhattan) this might make for queasy watching, but stick with Second Act for its smart reframing of a city Cinderella story that retains its sense of humour.Read entire review on Empire -
The Favourite
A review by Ian Freer for Empire2019-01-01
Weird, dirty but accessible, The Favourite is a perfectly performed, thrillingly made period picture that morphs before your very eyes. Come for the top-drawer hi-jinx; stay for a moving look at human foibles and frailties.Read entire review on Empire -
Welcome To Marwen
A review by Ian Freer for Empire2019-01-01
A genuine oddity, Welcome To Marwen may not hit the emotional highs but mixes high-concept fun with a sincere attempt to describe trauma in an original visceral way. And Zemeckis’ filmmaking remains exemplary.Read entire review on Empire -
Holmes & Watson
A review by Nick de Semlyen for Empire2018-12-27
You’ll need a magnifying glass to find the jokes in this send-up of other, better Holmes screen adaptations. With stars this funny, there are inevitably some moments of mirth (several of them onion-based), but it falls well short of their previous team-ups.Read entire review on Empire -
Vice
A review by Andrew Lowry for Empire2018-12-17
An acting masterclass that neither pulls its punches nor sacrifices detail to pander to a mass audience, this is smart filmmaking from a director who gets better with every film — and a near career-best from Bale, which is saying something.Read entire review on Empire -
Free Solo
A review by Helen O'Hara for Empire2018-12-17
This is daring, dangerous and dizzying stuff, the story of a one man simultaneously in competition and cooperation with nature. Meet Tom Cruise’s hero, probably.Read entire review on Empire -
Lizzie
A review for Empire2018-12-17
An absorbing, well-acted psychological thriller that loses its grip as it slips into sensationalism.Read entire review on Empire -
Mary Poppins Returns
A review by Olly Richards for Empire2018-12-12
Mary Poppins Returns has boundless creativity, stacks of charm and not a cynical second. If it’s not quite practically perfect, it comes close enough.Read entire review on Empire -
Aquaman
A review by Helen O'Hara for Empire2018-12-11
This is an Aquaman film that needs lots more Aquaman and vastly less bombast. It’s visually wild and recklessly inventive, but the cast deserve better than to be cast adrift in a tempest of CGI.Read entire review on Empire -
Mortal Engines
A review by Helen O'Hara for Empire2018-12-10
It rips a few too many pages from familiar playbooks, but when it indulges in its own weirdness this film casts off those heavy caterpillar tracks and soars.Read entire review on Empire -
The House That Jack Built
A review by Olly Richards for Empire2018-12-10
One of von Trier’s most confrontingly horrible films is also one of his weakest. A story about a man disguising his lack of worthwhile contribution with violent self-interest is guilty of every point it’s making.Read entire review on Empire
