Lifetripper is a short film detailing a glimpse into the day-to-day life of an everyday working man. Stunningly shot, and lovingly composed, this film is humorous and touching in equal measures. 

Rob Benedict plays Stan, a single father and mechanic, whose daily conversations and routine lead him to unearthing a comedic flair. The monotonous tone of work and the slow pace of home life juxtapose perfectly with fast paced conversation and the bright lights of stand up comedy.

This tale of an average life, a search for something more, is artfully told and beautifully portrayed. Bitter-sweet, and funny in places, at only fifteen minutes in length, there is no reason that this film should be missed.

★★★★

Melancholia is the latest film from controversial director Lars Von Trier, telling the tale of two sisters in the wake of an apocalypse, as a mysterious new planet propels directly towards Earth. The film is divided into two distinct chapters. The first focuses on Justine (Kirsten Dunst), as she battles through her own wedding reception, and eventually sabotages it. The second follows Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) as she struggles to come to terms with what the appearance of the unknown planet means.

This is not about the end of the world, this is about people. The opening moments show exactly how the film will end; a series of breathtaking images highlighting the beauty in disaster. The first chapter contains some (strikingly honest) laughable sequences that lift the mood - such as the difficulties maneuvering a limousine up a winding dirt track - and whilst the second chapter doesn’t quite live up to that, the films style and elegance, along with its astounding conclusion, draws into question what really matters, and what - if anything - would remain if it all vanished. With Melancholia, Von Trier manages to achieve a balance of style and substance that makes the film both enchanting and entertaining to watch. 

★★★★

Attack The Block is the first feature film from director Joe Cornish, and its premise is this; an unknown species of alien starts to invade earth - South London to be precise - and the only people that stand in its way are a group of inner city teenagers fighting to defend their block. What sounds ridiculous is actually a rollercoaster ride of thrills, chills, and comedy, set against a beautifully portrayed urban landscape.

Despite its distinctive camera work, striking cinematography, and stellar performances from the cast, Attack The Block fails to be more than style over substance. The action kicks off all too fast; before the audience is fully introduced to the characters, they’re already immersed in the conflict that makes up the plot. Perhaps this is a film that improves with viewings, and though enjoyable, single showing can leave viewers slightly disappointed. 

★★

Charlie Chaplin is the most celebrated figure to emerge from the silent era. Eighty years on, his film City Lights proves to be as timeless as the rest of his work, still loved and enjoyed today. 

City Lights follows Chaplin’s most famous character, The Tramp, as he struggles to help a blind flower girl he has fallen in love with, who believes he is a millionaire. The film has some unbeatable comedy scenes - such as The Tramp taking part in a boxing match to win some money for ‘the girl.’ Chaplin’s comedy timing is, as always, impeccable, though what really makes this film stand out from the rest is its ending.

The final scene of City Lights is one that defies description; ultimately, it is what you make of it. Deferring from the typical Hollywood ending, it remains both beautiful and unpredictably moving. City Lights is a cinematic experience that has all but dulled with age, combining love and laughter to create one of the most enchanting films you could wish for.

★★★★★★

Buster Keaton is, without a doubt, one of the greatest film masters of any era. Whilst, to many, his films are lost and distant, silent and cold, as new generations discover him, they cannot help but fall in love with The Great Stone Face, and so his legacy lives on.

Sherlock Jr is one of his finest works; it follows the life of a young man, working in a movie theater whilst studying to be a detective. After being framed by his ‘rival’ for stealing from the father of the girl he loves, Buster returns to his work, where he falls asleep against one of the projectors, leading to one of the most innovative scenes ever filmed in the history of cinema.

With fast-paced motor chases, romance, deception, action, intrigue, and an arsenal of camera trickery, Sherlock Jr is a film that should take pride and place in any film library. At only fourty-five minutes in length, the sheer feats of talent and stuntwork are more than enough to blow you away, as Buster Keaton brings this silent, greyscale world to life before your eyes.

★★★★★★

Remaking a film is always a difficult task. There will probably never be an audience fully satisfied with the newest version of a story they’ve already come to love. All one can really hope to do, is to make it ones own. And that’s just what Cary Fukunaga managed to do with his latest production.

This version of Jane Eyre is a tale of love and of beauty, crafted with a loving attention to detail, focusing on the captivating in the calamity. The well known story is presented enchantingly, and is so well put together that its few faults seem unimportant in comparison.

Mr Rochester is, arguably, one of the most romanticised characters in classic fiction. Michael Fassbender plays the role almost naturally - his newfound status as one of the most in demand actors around no doubt aids that - but it is upon the talent of Mia Wasikowska that the film’s strength lies. The emotional struggle of her character, of Jane, is played and portrayed entrancingly, drawing the audience deep into the heart and emotions that drive this story.

Whilst the pace is slow, and the narrative seems a little shallow for such a rich tale, it is told in such a way that the faults compliment the beauty. The story of Jane Eyre has been well loved and well known for over a hundred years, and this adaptation brings it to life for a whole new audience.

★★★