Contributions from David Jenkins | Little White Lies

Contributor David Jenkins

Two blue animated characters with white hats, one with long blonde hair, standing on rocky ground with dappled sunlight.
Review

Smurfs review – a drab exercise in IP filler material

by David Jenkins

Another animated incarnation of Peyo’s beloved, blue Belgian beauties; unfortunately Chris Miller’s film absolutely sucks.

2
Anticipation
1
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
Coloured pencil portrait of woman with grey hat, pink collar, and white cardigan on wooden surface beside black, beige, and red pencils.
Interviews

Athina Rachel Tsangari: 'It’s about how easily the narcissism of artists can turn into a tool in the hands of power'

by David Jenkins

The industrious and passionate Greek filmmaker on her subtly apocalyptic new work, Harvest.
Man in light blue shirt and woman with curly red hair in dark top having conversation in front of bookshelf filled with books.
Review

The Other Way Around review – a new type of break-up movie

by David Jenkins

Jonás Trueba’s wry and articulate neo-screwball relationship comedy sees a couple organising a party for their impending break-up.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two women sitting at outdoor café table under umbrellas, one in dark top, one in white shirt, Spanish flag visible on wall behind.
Review

Hot Milk review – never properly gels

by David Jenkins

Rebecca Lenkiewicz adapts Deb­o­rah Levy’s best-selling novel, but the result is lacklustre.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey in Jurassic World: Rebirth
Review

Jurassic World: Rebirth review – struggles to find a justification for its existence

by David Jenkins

There’s just too much that’s wrong and sil­ly and deriv­a­tive about this tired, tired run-out.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Two men standing amongst concrete construction materials and metal posts on grass with modern glass building in background.
Review

The Shrouds review – precision filmmaking of the highest stripe

by David Jenkins

David Cronenberg’s melan­choly explo­ration of how we retain our con­nec­tion with the dead makes for one of his most beau­ti­ful love stories.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Three people walking through a dense, overgrown landscape surrounded by tangled branches and foliage.
Review

28 Years Later review – Danny Boyle is finally back

by David Jenkins

Danny Boyle kickstarts a new zombie trilogy with this genuinely anarchic exploration of isolationism with superb turns from Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor Johnson.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A close-up of a shirtless man with a bloodied and bruised face, his expression stern and intense.
Review

Protein review – nasty, funny, soulful

by David Jenkins

A gang of small-town drug dealing gym rats are set upon by a murderous stranger in this satisfying Welsh genre piece.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A person in a dark grey cloak holding a sword stands in a forested area with tall trees.
Review

Tornado review – tries a bit too hard to be different

by David Jenkins

John Maclean aims for Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa, but this 18th century samurai western leaves only a superficial impression.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Two people lying on grass against mountainous backdrop.
Review

Falling Into Place review – Sally Rooney-core for the big screen

by David Jenkins

Aylin Tezel writes, directs and stars alongside Chris Fulton in this meet-cute romantic drama set between London and the Isle of Skye.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Black and white image of a person lying in a bed, surrounded by snow-covered furniture and decor.
Review

Bogancloch review – film and landscape are as one

by David Jenkins

The lure of the Scottish wilderness was too much to resist as Ben Rivers returns there for his latest feature.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A woman in a long, red floral dress stands in front of a building with a "Gym's" sign. A car is visible in the background.
Festivals

Honey Don’t! – first-look review

by David Jenkins

The second instalment of Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s lesbian genre film trilogy manages to just about snag a passing grade.