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Metro
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I'm a film critic – here are 5 movies that are criminally underrated
Tori Brazier Published July 17, 2025 4:14pm Updated July 17, 2025 4:57pm Link is copied Comments Not every film always gets the attention and accolades it deserves. From awkwardly-timed releases, poor marketing efforts and audiences sometimes just not turning out for no clear reason, it can hurt. As a film critic, some of these have bothered me more than most and I still question why they didn't get the love I feel they were worthy of. Here are five of these movies... (Picture: Netflix) Better Man, famously, was the musical biopic about Robbie Williams where he was played by a CGI chimpanzee. It sounded utterly insane at first, but actually ended up putting a poignant and original twist on Williams' no-holds-barred autobiographical movie. Unashamedly British in its humour and swearing – and packed with nostalgic tunes – Better Man sadly flopped quite spectacularly at the box office over the Christmas period, making just $22.5million on a reported $110m budget – but hopefully it can finally find the audience it deserved now it's streaming on Prime Video (Picture: Paramount Pictures) An absolute gem of a film, The Ballad of Wallis Island has achieved cult status already among fans of its heartwarming and off-beat British humour thanks to buzz that built immediately after its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January. Its premise of an eccentric millionaire attempting to reunite his favourite musical duo for a gig on a remote island is simple but expertly well-executed, thanks to the talents of long-time comedy duo Tim Key and Tom Basden, who wrote and star in it, alongside multiple Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan. Over 18 years in development, it's still showing in some cinemas following its UK release in May so make sure you pop along and see it; then you can be smug about catching this upon original release in years to come (Picture: Alistair Heap/Focus Features) Many people won't agree with me on this one, but I really enjoyed Netflix's irreverent (some would say blasphemous) take on Jane Austen's Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson, in 2022. Johnson's heartsick but knowing Anne Elliot, a spinster at 27, swigs rather more wine than I remembered from the novel, with the film featuring anachronistic language and features such as 'goss' and ghosting advice. Some fans were aghast at what was dubbed the 'Fleabagification' of Austen (Johnson breaks the fourth wall) but I think its value and entertainment lies in being a bold adaptation that surprised (Picture: Netflix) Rocketman got a pretty decent showing in 2019, earning impressive and near-matching critic and fan scores of 89% and 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and $195.2m at the box office. It also nabbed an Academy Award for best original song and other critical praise - but it feels like it didn't land as solidly as it should. This is in large part due to Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody the year before, which seemed to suck a lot of attention up in this genre thanks to overhype. Rocketman painted a more interesting and unflinching portrayal of its protagonist, Elton John, the musical arrangements and orchestrations were sensational - and Taron Egerton should have received an Oscar nomination for his performance (Picture: David Appleby/Paramount Pictures) The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is easy to overlook when it's part of Joel and Ethan Coen's stacked filmography, which also includes Raising Arizona, Fargo and No Country for Old Men. But their last collaboration to date offers a satisfying and action-packed collection of six Western-style shorts set out on the frontier and starring the likes of Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, Tim Blake Nelson, Tom Waits and Harry Melling. We've got singing gunslingers, bank robbers, gold prospectors and a young woman navigating the Oregon Trail. A Netflix original that made an impact on me when it showed at the BFI London Film Festival in 2018, it did win prizes including three Oscar nominations, but its week-long cinema run allowed it to fade into the obscurity of Netflix's vast back catalogue (Picture: Netflix) I could share several more examples of films that, in my book, should have earned more attention and admiration than they actually got. In the era of streaming, it's easier than ever for the smaller budgeted titles to get lost in the noise too - although there's also a healthy amount of subjective opinion to go with all my picks too (some more than others) (Picture: Alistair Heap/Focus Features)
UPI
a day ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Caitriona Balfe, Fiona Shaw, more join 'Sense and Sensibility' remake
1 of 5 | Caitriona Balfe, seen at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., has joined the cast of "Sense & Sensibility." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo July 21 (UPI) -- Focus Features announced additional cast for its new Sense and Sensibility film on Monday. Outlander's Caitriona Balfe, Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, Herbert Nordrum and Bodhi Rae Breathnach have joined the cast. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles star as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood in the Jane Austen adaptation. Focus announced the film in June and it is in production in Britain. Diana Reid wrote the adaptation, with Georgia Oakley as director. The Austen novel that inspired the film follows the Dashwoods, a widow and her three daughters, who are left poor by Mr. Dashwood's elder children. A 1995 film adaptation won an Oscar for Emma Thompson's screenplay adaptation. It was nominated for Best Picture, Thompson and Kate Winslet's performances, cinematography, costume design and musical score. Ang Lee directed that film. Focus re-released its 2005 Pride and Prejudice film earlier this year.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
‘Sense and Sensibility' remake already dividing fans after new cast additions announced
A fresh take on Sense and Sensibility has barely started filming, yet it's already igniting fierce debate among Jane Austen fans. The remake, led by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esme Creed-Miles as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, has divided audiences after its full cast announcement sparked heated reactions online. The film, produced by Focus Features and Working Title, boasts a high-profile ensemble. George MacKay is stepping into the role of Edward Ferrars, Caitríona Balfe is playing Mrs. Dashwood, and Fiona Shaw will portray the chatty London socialite Mrs. Jennings. Frank Dillane, known for more brooding roles, is cast as the infamous John Willoughby, while Herbert Nordrum and Bodhi Rae Breathnach complete the core lineup as Colonel Brandon and Margaret Dashwood, respectively. Despite the star power, many Austen purists are voicing concern. Critics on social media argue the casting choices feel 'too modern' and claim the production is shaping up to be another overly stylized period drama rather than a faithful adaptation. 'It looks like they're going for edgy instead of elegant,' one Austen fan wrote on X, while others fear the chemistry between the leads might not hold up to the legacy of the beloved 1995 version. Adding to the skepticism is the creative team. While director Georgia Oakley has earned praise for Blue Jean, and screenwriter Diana Reid is a bestselling author, fans are still wary of how much creative liberty they might take. The internet discourse has been especially unforgiving, with 'Elinor' and 'Willoughby' trending across multiple platforms as fans dissect every casting detail. The film is only in production, but the court of public opinion is already in session. Whether the final product will win over skeptics or deepen the divide remains to be seen.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
My dad was bludgeoned to death in bed in mystery random attack as I slept feet away – his killer was never caught
LIKE many little girls, Emma Childerley had a fear of things that go bump in the night. However, it wasn't the bogeyman she was terrified of, but a real-life monster who had bludgeoned her parents in the room next door when she was just five - and never been caught. 9 Emma Childerley was just 5 when her dad & mum were brutally attacked in the next room 9 Dad Kevin died in the attack, carried out with an axe or cleaver, while mum Denise suffered terrible injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Miraculously Denise survived but was left with life-changing injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Emma is still haunted by the killer Credit: Focus Features Her father Kevin, aged 30, died at the scene in Incredibly, she survived but has been left with life-changing injuries. With the killer still on the loose, Emma, 40, is now appealing for someone to come forward with information that will lead to the justice her family needs. It comes as cops confirmed they had arrested a woman in connection with the case and stepped up their investigation. Mum of three, Emma, now living in Blackburn, Lancashire, says: 'I was a daddy's girl. We were so close, and his murder tore our family apart. Robbed of memories 'We were robbed of a lifetime of memories, and instead I had a childhood filled with pain and fear. I missed him so much. 'Because Dad's killer was never caught, I became terrified that the murderer was hiding in my built-in bedroom wardrobes, or in the garage outside. 'Mum was so badly injured that I didn't even recognise her when she came out of hospital. 'Those months afterwards were hard, and though we've moved on with our lives, the pain never goes away. I think of my Dad every day. The Killer Clown: Murder On The Doorstep, Sundance 'I need justice and closure, for Dad and for me.' Before the horrific events of that night, Emma says she and her father were 'best friends'. She says: 'I remember watching Top of the Pops with him, singing along to Madonna's 'True Blue'. 'He was a miner; he worked hard for his family. He was a joker too; we'd play tricks on my mum and make her laugh. 'Dad took me to school on his motorbike each morning. We both wore helmets, but he'd keep his on as he walked through the playground, so all my friends thought he was an astronaut, which I loved. Happy normal family 'We were just a normal, happy family.' The attack took place on what seemed to be a regular evening, on which Emma's parents had gone out to a nearby social club while a babysitter had stayed with Emma and her five-month-old baby brother. Her parents had come home and gone to bed before the attack took place and hearing the comotion, neighbours called the police. 9 Emily (pictured with her dad and brother at the age of five) says that growing up she was a 'daddy's girl' Credit: Focus Features 9 She has a tattoo in honour of her late father on her back Credit: Focus Features 9 She and her mum Denise, now 69, are still desperate for answers about what happened that night Credit: Focus Features She says: 'I was woken in the night by a police officer telling me to get dressed, and not to switch on the light or open the bedroom door until he told me to. 'I did as he said, without questioning. 'I was taken to a neighbour's overnight. The next morning, I went to a police station for my fingerprints and hair samples to be taken, and later I was placed in a foster home. 'A social worker told me Mum had broken both her legs and Dad was looking after her so I couldn't go back home. 'I was only five years old, and I accepted that. But I hated being in the foster home. I was away from my family, and I missed them so much.' It was several weeks before a social worker informed Emma that her father was dead and her mother was in hospital. I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt Emily Childerley She says: 'I locked myself in the bathroom and sobbed. I couldn't take it in.' Eventually Emma was then told her mother was out of hospital and coming to take her home. She says: 'I was over the moon at first but the woman who arrived had a shaved head, an eye patch and scarring all across her face. 'I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt. It wasn't until she spoke that I realised who she was.' The family moved house to try to escape the memories and rarely spoke of their trauma. Family secrets Emma says: 'Nobody even told me dad had been murdered. 'I didn't want to ask Mum any details because I didn't want to upset her - she didn't remember much and didn't want to talk about it. I refused to go to Dad's funeral because I was in denial. 'I found a newspaper photo of a woman on life support, and I remember saying how poorly she looked. I didn't realise then it was a picture of my own mother. 'I was too young to be able to read the article.' Who are the UK's worst serial killers? THE UK's most prolific serial killer was actually a doctor. Here's a rundown of the worst offenders in the UK. After his death Jonathan Balls was accused of poisoning at least 22 people between 1824 and 1845. Amelia Sach and Annie Walters became known as the Finchley Baby Farmers after killing at least 20 babies between 1900 and 1902. The pair became the first women to be hanged at Holloway Prison on February 3, 1903. William Burke and William Hare killed 16 people and sold their bodies. The family moved home again, hoping for a fresh start. But aged 11, Emma came across newspaper cuttings that explained her father had been brutally murdered in a savage attack, with the motive unknown. Two men had been arrested at the time but the case against them was discontinued. Haunted childhood Emma says: 'I was horrified, and frightened that the killer was still out there. 'I wouldn't even flush the loo at night in case I alerted the murderer. 'I'd slept through the attack on my parents, and I was worried I might sleep through my own murder too. I became very anxious and defensive. 'If someone stared at Mum's injuries, I'd get annoyed and confront them, even though I was only a child. I had so much pent-up anger and grief.' The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations Emily Childerley In 2022, Emma contacted the police and pleaded with them to review the case. While Nottinghamshire Police say the case was never closed Emma says he hadn't heard anything in years. Kevin's murder case is now active and Emma is appealing for information. Cops have also urged anyone with information to come forward. They confirmed in April a 62-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and bailed after interview. Dad's legacy Emma now runs KC funeral services in Darwen, Lancashire, named in memory of her father. She says: 'I always regretted not going to dad's funeral and I decided I wanted to give dignity to people in death. 'I named my firm after him because this is his legacy. He lives on through me, and my three children, who I know he'd be so proud of. 'It breaks my heart that they never met him. He'd have been a wonderful grandfather. "The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations. I'd like people to think about that and, if they have information, please speak to the police. 'There will be no punishment for having waited so long, we will just be so grateful for any help you can give.' Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'This was a savage attack which took the life of a much-loved father and left his wife with lifelong injuries. 'Throughout our investigations we have been determined to get justice for both victims in this case, as well as for their two children and the grandchildren who never got to meet their grandad. 'Kevin was a much-loved family man described as a 'joker' with a great sense of humour by those who knew him. 'The attack tore apart the family and robbed Kevin's children of a lifetime of memories. 'The case has never been closed, and a dedicated team of detectives has been reinvestigating what happened that night using the latest investigative tools and technology. 'Following recent developments we have visited the neighbourhood to engage with a number of people we believe could help with our inquiries. 'It was a very positive exercise and I'd like to thank people for their cooperation. 'The arrest is also an important development and we have shared the news with Denise and other family members. 'We know the answer to Kevin's murder lies within the community and we also believe allegiances and loyalties will have changed after the passing of more than three decades. 'I'd continue to encourage anyone with any information, no matter how small, to please continue to get in touch with our officers or anonymously through Crimestoppers.' You can contact 9 Emma's precious keepsake of her with her dad 9 Emily is urging anyone who has any information about the attack to get in touch Credit: Focus Features
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
My dad was bludgeoned to death in bed in mystery random attack as I slept feet away – his killer was never caught
Emma Childerley was too afraid to even flush the loo at night in fear it might alert the killer 25 YEARS OF TERROR My dad was bludgeoned to death in bed in mystery random attack as I slept feet away – his killer was never caught Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIKE many little girls, Emma Childerley had a fear of things that go bump in the night. However, it wasn't the bogeyman she was terrified of, but a real-life monster who had bludgeoned her parents in the room next door when she was just five - and never been caught. 9 Emma Childerley was just 5 when her dad & mum were brutally attacked in the next room 9 Dad Kevin died in the attack, carried out with an axe or cleaver, while mum Denise suffered terrible injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Miraculously Denise survived but was left with life-changing injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Emma is still haunted by the killer Credit: Focus Features Her father Kevin, aged 30, died at the scene in Nottinghamshire in February 1990, while her mother Denise, then 32, was horrifically injured in what is thought to be an attack with an axe or a cleaver. Incredibly, she survived but has been left with life-changing injuries. With the killer still on the loose, Emma, 40, is now appealing for someone to come forward with information that will lead to the justice her family needs. It comes as cops confirmed they had arrested a woman in connection with the case and stepped up their investigation. Mum of three, Emma, now living in Blackburn, Lancashire, says: 'I was a daddy's girl. We were so close, and his murder tore our family apart. Robbed of memories 'We were robbed of a lifetime of memories, and instead I had a childhood filled with pain and fear. I missed him so much. 'Because Dad's killer was never caught, I became terrified that the murderer was hiding in my built-in bedroom wardrobes, or in the garage outside. 'Mum was so badly injured that I didn't even recognise her when she came out of hospital. 'Those months afterwards were hard, and though we've moved on with our lives, the pain never goes away. I think of my Dad every day. The Killer Clown: Murder On The Doorstep, Sundance 'I need justice and closure, for Dad and for me.' Before the horrific events of that night, Emma says she and her father were 'best friends'. She says: 'I remember watching Top of the Pops with him, singing along to Madonna's 'True Blue'. 'He was a miner; he worked hard for his family. He was a joker too; we'd play tricks on my mum and make her laugh. 'Dad took me to school on his motorbike each morning. We both wore helmets, but he'd keep his on as he walked through the playground, so all my friends thought he was an astronaut, which I loved. Happy normal family 'We were just a normal, happy family.' The attack took place on what seemed to be a regular evening, on which Emma's parents had gone out to a nearby social club while a babysitter had stayed with Emma and her five-month-old baby brother. Her parents had come home and gone to bed before the attack took place and hearing the comotion, neighbours called the police. 9 Emily (pictured with her dad and brother at the age of five) says that growing up she was a 'daddy's girl' Credit: Focus Features 9 She has a tattoo in honour of her late father on her back Credit: Focus Features 9 She and her mum Denise, now 69, are still desperate for answers about what happened that night Credit: Focus Features She says: 'I was woken in the night by a police officer telling me to get dressed, and not to switch on the light or open the bedroom door until he told me to. 'I did as he said, without questioning. 'I was taken to a neighbour's overnight. The next morning, I went to a police station for my fingerprints and hair samples to be taken, and later I was placed in a foster home. 'A social worker told me Mum had broken both her legs and Dad was looking after her so I couldn't go back home. 'I was only five years old, and I accepted that. But I hated being in the foster home. I was away from my family, and I missed them so much.' It was several weeks before a social worker informed Emma that her father was dead and her mother was in hospital. I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt Emily Childerley She says: 'I locked myself in the bathroom and sobbed. I couldn't take it in.' Eventually Emma was then told her mother was out of hospital and coming to take her home. She says: 'I was over the moon at first but the woman who arrived had a shaved head, an eye patch and scarring all across her face. 'I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt. It wasn't until she spoke that I realised who she was.' The family moved house to try to escape the memories and rarely spoke of their trauma. Family secrets Emma says: 'Nobody even told me dad had been murdered. 'I didn't want to ask Mum any details because I didn't want to upset her - she didn't remember much and didn't want to talk about it. I refused to go to Dad's funeral because I was in denial. 'I found a newspaper photo of a woman on life support, and I remember saying how poorly she looked. I didn't realise then it was a picture of my own mother. 'I was too young to be able to read the article.' Who are the UK's worst serial killers? THE UK's most prolific serial killer was actually a doctor. Here's a rundown of the worst offenders in the UK. British GP Harold Shipman is one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history. He was found guilty of murdering 15 patients in 2000, but the Shipman Inquiry examined his crimes and identified 218 victims, 80 per cent of whom were elderly women. After his death Jonathan Balls was accused of poisoning at least 22 people between 1824 and 1845. Mary Ann Cotton is suspected of murdering up to 21 people, including husbands, lovers and children. She is Britain's most prolific female serial killer. Her crimes were committed between 1852 and 1872, and she was hanged in March 1873. Amelia Sach and Annie Walters became known as the Finchley Baby Farmers after killing at least 20 babies between 1900 and 1902. The pair became the first women to be hanged at Holloway Prison on February 3, 1903. William Burke and William Hare killed 16 people and sold their bodies. Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe was found guilty in 1981 of murdering 13 women and attempting to kill seven others between 1975 and 1980. Dennis Nilsen was caged for life in 1983 after murdering up to 15 men when he picked them up from the streets. He was found guilty of six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder and was sentenced to life in jail. Fred West was found guilty of killing 12 but it's believed he was responsible for many more deaths. The family moved home again, hoping for a fresh start. But aged 11, Emma came across newspaper cuttings that explained her father had been brutally murdered in a savage attack, with the motive unknown. Two men had been arrested at the time but the case against them was discontinued. Haunted childhood Emma says: 'I was horrified, and frightened that the killer was still out there. 'I wouldn't even flush the loo at night in case I alerted the murderer. 'I'd slept through the attack on my parents, and I was worried I might sleep through my own murder too. I became very anxious and defensive. 'If someone stared at Mum's injuries, I'd get annoyed and confront them, even though I was only a child. I had so much pent-up anger and grief.' The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations Emily Childerley In 2022, Emma contacted the police and pleaded with them to review the case. While Nottinghamshire Police say the case was never closed Emma says he hadn't heard anything in years. Kevin's murder case is now active and Emma is appealing for information. Cops have also urged anyone with information to come forward. They confirmed in April a 62-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and bailed after interview. Dad's legacy Emma now runs KC funeral services in Darwen, Lancashire, named in memory of her father. She says: 'I always regretted not going to dad's funeral and I decided I wanted to give dignity to people in death. 'I named my firm after him because this is his legacy. He lives on through me, and my three children, who I know he'd be so proud of. 'It breaks my heart that they never met him. He'd have been a wonderful grandfather. "The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations. I'd like people to think about that and, if they have information, please speak to the police. 'There will be no punishment for having waited so long, we will just be so grateful for any help you can give.' Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'This was a savage attack which took the life of a much-loved father and left his wife with lifelong injuries. 'Throughout our investigations we have been determined to get justice for both victims in this case, as well as for their two children and the grandchildren who never got to meet their grandad. 'Kevin was a much-loved family man described as a 'joker' with a great sense of humour by those who knew him. 'The attack tore apart the family and robbed Kevin's children of a lifetime of memories. 'The case has never been closed, and a dedicated team of detectives has been reinvestigating what happened that night using the latest investigative tools and technology. 'Following recent developments we have visited the neighbourhood to engage with a number of people we believe could help with our inquiries. 'It was a very positive exercise and I'd like to thank people for their cooperation. 'The arrest is also an important development and we have shared the news with Denise and other family members. 'We know the answer to Kevin's murder lies within the community and we also believe allegiances and loyalties will have changed after the passing of more than three decades. 'I'd continue to encourage anyone with any information, no matter how small, to please continue to get in touch with our officers or anonymously through Crimestoppers.' You can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 9 Emma's precious keepsake of her with her dad
