Contributor Callie Petch

Two men performing on stage, one holding a microphone and the other playing a keyboard. The image uses a blue and white tone.
Incoming

The great biopic brain drain

by Callie Petch

In an age of Walk Hard knock-offs, why are the biopics that continue to play it safe the biggest success stories?
Cartoon character in yellow and blue outfit holding a microphone and wearing a crown, surrounded by a vibrant, colourful urban setting.
Review

Dog Man review – zippy, beautifully constructed family fun

by Callie Petch

DreamWorks’ second feature-length Dav Pilkey adaptation is a lot of bark and solid bite.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two men talking by the ocean, one wearing a green jacket and the other a blue plaid shirt and cap.
Review

blur: To The End review – flails for a sense of narrative closure

by Callie Petch

The latest documentary about the Britpop comeback kings sadly doesn't reveal much that we didn't already know from previous film outings.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Stuffed animals with black-and-white X-shaped eyes and mouths, arranged in a cage-like setting.
Review

Hundreds of Beavers review – the best live-action Looney Tunes movie ever

by Callie Petch

A ruined applejack maker attempts to become a successful fur trapper in Mike Cheslik’s hysterical and inventive love letter to slapstick cinema.

3
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Four men wearing suits and ties, one with a large scar on his face, standing together.
Acting Up

The irrepressible screen presence of Jason Statham

by Callie Petch

One of cinema's leading hard men, the former model and Commonwealth diver has carved out a dependable – and at times greatly entertaining – niche.
A person in a white jacket stands in front of two people sitting on a wooden bench, embracing each other.
Interviews

Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace: ‘We picked up enough detective skills that we could work for Bellingcat’

by Callie Petch

The music documentarians discuss piecing together a history of the LES scene which birthed LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Three medical staff members examining a patient, all wearing scrubs and a lab coat. The patient appears surprised, with a shocked expression on their face.
The Oscar Goes To...

Why Jackass Forever deserves the Best Editing Academy Award

by Callie Petch

Comedy is a frequently overlooked genre when it comes to prestigious awards, but Jackass Forever proves that it takes a lot of effort to effortlessly look foolish.
Four women of various ages, some with glasses and one wearing sunglasses, in a room with warm lighting and furniture. The composition features their facial expressions and interactions.

A new batch of films explore the importance of whisper networks in protecting women

by Callie Petch

She Said, Call Jane, Hidden Letters and Women Talking form a quartet that depicts how women have worked to create their own means of rebelling against abuses from the patriarchy.
Stylised illustrations of a young girl and a small creature sitting on a tree branch, surrounded by a round orange background with colourful patterns.
In Praise Of

The non-binary subtext of Wolfwalkers

by Callie Petch

The twin journeys of Robyn and Mebh toward self-acceptance reflect the real-life journey of many queer and gender-nonconforming people toward embracing their identity.
Shocked cartoon characters in a car, expressions of fear and surprise.
Interviews

Chris Butler on ParaNorman: ‘We wanted it to feel like a rollercoaster’

by Callie Petch

The co-director of the weird and wonderful stop motion modern classic ParaNorman reflects on the film's legacy a decade later.
A man with a serious expression, wearing a dark jacket, looking towards the camera.
Festivals

I Love My Dad – first-look review

by Callie Petch

A father impersonates a young woman online in a bid to get closer to his son in James Morosini's promising but frustrating debut.
Smiling boy in red and green costume hugging large green dinosaur with red horns against yellow background.
Festivals

My Father’s Dragon – first-look review

by Callie Petch

Cartoon Saloon return with a poignant tale of a boy who sets out on a quest to find a dragon in peril.

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