Movie reviews of Ben Isbel

While it’s certainly not a perfect film, X-Men: Apocalypse is quite worthwhile filmmaking. Review

Florence Foster Jenkins coasts along for the most part as a tightly cut and well-constructed film, finishing in a highly emotional and frisson inducing crescendo. Review

Independent tension that could be built within Civil War has been muted by the invisible strings keeping the franchise moving towards whichever feature is scheduled next. Review

Dawn of Justice is a refreshing step away from other superhero attempts which have all of late appeared to be a race to milk a cash cow before its inevitable drying up. Review

There are no rules for cinema, and great film can push boundaries or completely break them, but without tension, plot, or cohesiveness, Spear is an artistic endeavor that falls flat. Review

This is great politically incorrect fun set to a smooth Brit Pop medley. Review

The Will to Fly has everything needed of a great documentary. Review

Whilst not his best effort, Michel Gondry has crafted a heartwarming film, albeit much of that warmth is lukewarm. Review

This latest thriller is worlds away from his other works and, hampered by a promising yet labyrinthine script, manages to fall short of his previous efforts. Review

It is a film that fits into many genres yet lacks all their respective prestige. Review

Whilst he has managed to gets so many small details perfect yet, the film misses the forest from the trees. Review

This is the kind of feature that demands an attention span worthy of its filmmaking. Without being wordy and boringly factual the film does not over simplify nor become too emotionally indulgent. It is sublime filmmaking... Review

Looking for Grace is like one long extended REM music video, but instead of the wonderful sounds of Michael Stipe, we have aimless dialogue. At best the film attempts to uncover the minutiae of life, at worst it is artistic tripe. Review

There’s more than enough action and humour in this film to keep the attention span of the target audience, and this film could easily be the catalyst to introduce the Peanuts universe to a new generation. Review

The bulk of the film is gripping and quite fascinating viewing. Review

Howard has made an oblique yet overall commendable and beautiful film. Review

Fans of Vin Diesel's work and fantasy genre nerds with low standards will enjoy this film more than others. Review

There are plenty of jump scares and hair-raising tension built upon a solid and engrossing in-house mythology. What more can any horror fan ask for! Review

It is the world Del Toro has created, along with the powerhouse acting, that is the showcase for this film. Review

The sense of dread and fear is palpable. However, I fear the beauty of the act is divorced in the act of creating this tension and awe... Review

Even though there isn’t too much wrong with this film, it certainly doesn’t feel like there is anything spectacular to be missed with The Martian. The character and the environment are certainly underutilised. This is one to see for the lovers of science itself. Review

The film and Ware himself deserve high praise. Review

Desire for Beauty tackles an extremely prickly issue in a very sensitive and satisfying unbiased manner. Review

Paper Towns is a familiar coming of age tale with a somewhat original ending. Review