Contributor Emma Simmonds

Glasses reflecting the American flag, worn by a person's face.
Review

Where to Invade Next

by Emma Simmonds

Michael Moore embarks on a globetrotting cultural gleaning tour in this entertaining pop doc.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Silhouetted figure raising flag against vibrant sky at sunset.
Review

The Club

by Emma Simmonds

Ace Chilean director Pablo Larraín delivers a brooding and provocative drama about disgraced priests.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Elderly couple seated at a bar, woman wearing ornate headdress, man in suit and glasses.
Review

Trumbo

by Emma Simmonds

Bryan Cranston charms his way through this breezy biopic centred around the Hollywood Blacklist scandal.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Three colleagues working together at a desk in an office, surrounded by papers and office equipment.
Review

Spotlight

by Emma Simmonds

Tom McCarthy delivers an old-school journalistic thriller with the help of a sensational all-star cast.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Black-and-white image depicting a person encircled by metal structures, emphasising geometric shapes and lines.
Review

Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict

by Emma Simmonds

Director Lisa Immordino Vreeland offers a fascinating and outrageously funny look at the New York bohemian.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A woman wearing a light-coloured dress stands on a gravel path surrounded by a vibrant green field.
Review

A Girl at My Door

by Emma Simmonds

Social justice underpins a gripping detective story in this highly impressive first work from South Korea’s July Jung.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A person crouched in a muddy puddle surrounded by fallen branches and debris.
Review

The Water Diviner

by Emma Simmonds

Russell Crowe is both in front of and behind the camera in this overegged historical saga.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
A man with a stern expression wearing a green military-style jacket, with another man visible in the background.
Review

Son of a Gun

by Emma Simmonds

Superficial pleasures aside, this sun-bleached buddy crime flick is too light for the long game.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Man wearing black and yellow exercising with earphones.
Review

The Armstrong Lie

by Emma Simmonds

On yer bike! One man doc machine Alex Gibney returns with a searing analysis of cyclist Lance Armstrong.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two people seated at a table, a man and a woman, looking contemplative in warm lighting.
Review

Testament of Youth

by Emma Simmonds

Kit Harrington and Alicia Vikander do the best to lift this underwhelming British heritage drama.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Two men in casual clothing huddled around a desk, examining something intently.
Review

Treacle Jr

by Emma Simmonds

In an already strong year for British film this isn’t quite ambitious enough to stand out.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Blonde woman in black outfit on steps.
Review

Sucker Punch

by Emma Simmonds

Zack Syder’s film is little more than glamorised sexual servitude presented as fun for the whole family.

3
Anticipation
1
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect

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