Stranger Things 70/80s Movie References Revealed

Netflix instant cult classic series Stranger Things was proudly inspired by the iconic science fiction and horror films of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Indeed the shows creators the Duffer Brothers originally pitched the show as basically being like a ‘very dark Amblin Entertainment movie’. For those unaware Amblin Entertainment is Steven Spielberg’s production company responsible for vintage genre favorites like Gremlins, The Goonies, Innerspace, Batteries Not Included and of course E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Film fans that have already binge watched Stranger Days first season may have easily spotted a few well placed references and subtle nods to familiar films/scenes. But just in case you missed any here’s a brilliant video of shot by shot comparisons to point them out for you…

References to 70-80′s movies in Stranger Things from Ulysse Thevenon on Vimeo.

Our Kind Of Traitor Comes Home

Critically acclaimed John le Carré espionage thriller Our Kind Of Traitor comes home on DVD, Blu-ray and VOD in September. Official synopsis, release details and red carpet interviews below

Whilst holidaying in Marrakech, ordinary English couple, Perry (Ewan McGregor – Trainspotting) and Gail (Naomie Harris – Spectre), befriend a flamboyant and charismatic Russian, Dima (Stellan Skarsgård –The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), who unbeknownst to them is a kingpin money launderer for the Russian mafia. Lured into a Russian mobsters plans to defect, the couple soon find themselves thrust between the Russian Mafia and British Secret Service agent Hector (Damian Lewis – Homeland), neither of whom they can trust.

From the writer of Drive (Hossein Amini) adapting the hit John le Carré novel – the mind behind Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and directed by acclaimed Susanna White – this taut thriller twists and turns its way around the world with dramatic consequences.

OUR KIND OF TRAITOR is available  from 5th September 2016 and on Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD on 12th September 2016.

Till then check out exclusive interviews below from the London premiere:

The 9th Life of Louis Drax Trailer

Adapted from Liz Jensen’s acclaimed bestselling novel, THE 9TH LIFE OF LOUIS DRAX is an intriguing mystery thriller starring Jamie Dornan, Sarah Gadon and Aaron Paul.

When nine-year-old Louis Drax inexplicably reawakens from the dead after his latest life threatening accident, he becomes the patient of celebrated neurologist Dr. Allan Pascal (Dornan), who specialises in chid psychology. Determined to uncover the truth of Louis’ bizarre existence, Pascal is drawn into both the child’s life and that of his fragile mother Natalie (Gadon), whose affections begin to cloud his judgements.

While Louis recuperates in a comatose state, Pascal sets about putting the mysterious pieces of the Drax family together, the truths of which begin to test the boundaries of fantasy and reality.

Directed by Alexandre Aja (HORNS, MIRRORS), THE 9TH LIFE OF LOUIS DRAX also stars Oliver Platt, Aiden Longworth and Barbara Hershey. UK theatrical release by Soda Pictures on 2 September 2016.

Check out the official trailer below:

Free State Of Jones Official UK Trailer

Preacher Episode Eight Review

The Plot

In a fierce gun battle Jesse faces off against Quincannon and the Meat Men to protect his church, while Tulip tries to save a friend.

The Good

Preacher’s eighth episode, El Valero brings a satisfying mix of character development and action to the screen as Jesse gets embroiled in a stand off against Quincannon and his men while trying to bring Eugene back from Hell. Kicking off with a flashback which explores the roots of Quincannon’s hatred against the church, El Valero manages to bring a surprising amount of heartbreak to Quincannon’s character with Jackie Earle Haley giving some real depth to the character as he stands surrounded by his family in coffins after a fatal skiing trip accident, unable to tell the difference between the innards of his meat and his daughter. It’s a shockingly gruesome scene which stays with you well after the credits have rolled.

Meanwhile, Dominic Cooper gets to bring a bit more to the character he’s managed to bring to life so easily over the last seven episodes as he struggles to come to terms with his actions, with Ian Colletti’s Eugene essentially serving as Jesse’s subconscious. Having clawed his way back up from Hell, through the floor of the Church only to have the disappointing truth revealed soon after.

One of the more light-hearted parts of this weeks episode is thankfully peppered throughout, with Quincannon’s men trying, failing and trying again (and once more after that) to take over the Church but each time getting easily pushed back by Jesse as he uses makeshift firebombs and shoots people’s dicks clean off.

Also this week, we finally get a worthy conclusion to one of the season’s main plotlines, as Jesse gives in to Fiore and DeBlanc, inviting them back to return Genesis back to its coffee can home. But it’s barely five minutes before the mysterious entity ends up settling itself back into Jesse proving once and for all that there must be some kind of plan for Jesse considering all previous victims of Genesis have exploded bar Jesse.

The Bad

Once again this week, there is a distinct lack of the annoyingly elusive Cowboy. We’re now at only 2 remaining episodes for his role in this season to be revealed to us and again we’re robbed of the opportunity, making it harder for any interest in the character to remain.

Also notably absent is Cassidy. Last seen revealing himself to Jesse by walking into sunlight and promptly burning up, Cassidy is laying low this week while Tulip adopts pets to feed him and bring his strength up. While it’s a relief to see that he’s still alive, it’s a shame to see him locked away in a room while he heals. If not for the disappointing lack of his wisecracking dialogue, then at least for the missed opportunity of some vampiric gore.

The Ugly Truth

This week brings one of the better episodes in terms of character progression. Despite the lack of The Cowboy and Cassidy, some big moments make this entertaining enough.

Review by Johnny Ellis