New Empress Magazine

Unveiled: The Final Bumper Issue

This month sees the release of our last print issue! When I started this project in 2010 I had no idea what I was getting myself into (how difficult could… [Continue Reading...]
In Review: Listen Up Philip on DVD

Philip Lewis Friedman (Jason Schwartzman) is a young, New York author on the verge of having his second novel published. He is also a self-absorbed, arrogant… [Continue Reading...]
In Review: Life Moves Pretty Fast (Book)

How could we not be sceptical about another book on 1980s movies? Nostalgia, ho! But Hadley Freeman's ode slash entreaty to us not to forget how good we… [Continue Reading...]
In Review: The Misfits (1961) re-released

It is understandable how the stories and controversy surrounding a film's production can contribute to the way it’s eventually perceived when released.… [Continue Reading...]
Old Hollywood: Sidney Poitier and the Civil Rights Era

Cinema has always been seen as a mirror to society, the changes, the fears, the angers and the themes of a nation are often represented and reflected on… [Continue Reading...]
COFILMIC Comedy Film Festival: Entries wanted

Attention all prospective comedy writers and filmmakers: a festival you will not want to miss is coming to Manchester on the 29th and 30th October. Now… [Continue Reading...]
Win A Blu-ray Bundle And Signed Poster With The Release Of T.S. Spivet

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s beautiful T.S. Spivet is released in UK cinemas on Friday 13th June and to celebrate, we’ve got a very special package to giveaway… [Continue Reading...]
Old Hollywood: The Woman’s Picture

In the 1940s a term to describe a type of (sub) genre of film came to prominence in cinema- The ‘woman’s picture’. Though films of this nature had… [Continue Reading...]
In Preview: BFI Flare 2015

As usual it’s a glorious action-packed schedule at BFI Flare (19th-29th March, London) helpfully divided into three sections; documentaries sit side… [Continue Reading...]

The New Empress Magazine Video Blog: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

by Maryann O'Connor 30 October 2014

Give in to your paranoia. Mark Searby dissects the fear quotient of Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) ahead of its theatrical re-release.

Read the full article →

In Preview: 9th Annual London Korean Film Festival

by Daniel Goodwin 29 October 2014

Returning to the capital for its 9th year, the London Korean Film Festival will get underway at the Odeon West End from 6th – 15th November before moving on to Norwich, Hebden Bridge and Aberystwyth from 16th-21st November. The festival opens with recent Korean Box Office sensation Kundo: Age of the Rampant, a Robin Hood […]

Read the full article →

In Review: The Babadook

by Daniel Goodwin 24 October 2014

In a genre constantly capitalising on unimaginative, cheap thrills to scare audiences, The Babadook arrives like an invigorating breath of fresh air. First time writer/ director Jennifer Kent builds terror through vexing drama and deeply unnerving sound. Seven years after the death of her husband, Amelia (Essie Davies) and her son Samuel (born on the […]

Read the full article →

New Empress Magazine Video Blog: Animal Farm (1954)

by Maryann O'Connor 23 October 2014

Mark Searby takes a look at Animal Farm, the film adapted from George Orwell’s wave making book by Europe’s groundbreaking animation studio Halas and Batchelor in 1954. More New Empress Magazine Video blog action

Read the full article →

In Review: Fury

by Daniel Goodwin 22 October 2014

Anyone approaching Fury expecting an Oscar-worthy war drama may end up disappointed, but those partial to the odd barnstormer might be pleasantly surprised. Fury is an entertaining and boisterous battle flick that struggles to tug the heart strings but scores with superbly crafted action, enjoyable comic characters and salty camaraderie.

Read the full article →

In Review: Two Days, One Night on DVD

by Ann Jackson 21 October 2014

Two Days, One Night is co-written and directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, who cite the Peugeot employment case as their inspiration for the film. Marion Cotillard is Sandra, a Belgian wife and mother who is suffering from depression. She is due to go back to work the next week when she is faced with being […]

Read the full article →

BFI London Film Festival 2014: Roundup

by Maryann O'Connor 17 October 2014

Here’s a selection of reviews from the excellent range at the BFI London Film Festival this year; Kelly and Cal, Tokyo Tribe, Shrew’s Nest, The New Girlfriend and Night Bus…

Read the full article →

BFI London Film Festival 2014: The Immortalists

by Maryann O'Connor 16 October 2014

The Immortalists is a documentary about two scientists determined to reverse the aging process. So far, so uncontroversial. But their research goes beyond the latest skin brightener, curing Alzheimers or strengthening aging limbs – they seek to reverse aging in its entirety at the cellular level, potentially making us immortal.

Read the full article →

BFI London Film Festival 2014: Mommy

by Maryann O'Connor 16 October 2014

French Canadian director Xavier Dolan (Tom at the Farm, 2013) likes to delve into difficult scenarios and Mommy most definitely contains a difficult scenario or two. Set in the very near future in Canada, Diane (Die) played by Anne Dorval, is struggling to make ends meet and keep her son Steve (Antoine-Olivier Pilon), who has ADHD, […]

Read the full article →

BFI London Film Festival 2014: Monsters: Dark Continent

by Daniel Goodwin 14 October 2014

Gareth Edward’s Monsters (2010) was an evocative delve into a beast-ravaged land, focusing mainly on a young couple and their evolving relationship while the magnificent creatures lurked in the background. The overall effect was rather striking and this sequel takes a similar approach but is massively hindered by a badly paced, skeletal plot and appalling […]

Read the full article →

In Review: The Maze Runner

by Daniel Goodwin 10 October 2014

Dystopian teens in peril continue to transfer their literary success to the big screen with this hyperbolic adaptation of the best-selling novel by James Dashner. Following the tepid Divergent (2013), director Wes Ball’s The Maze Runner is an adolescent sci-fi of a similar mould. Despite being loaded with action, B-movie staples and an intriguing central […]

Read the full article →