Contributor Paul Fairclough

Three characters in Star Trek uniforms sitting at control panels in the bridge of a starship.

How fandom took Star Trek beyond the final frontier

by Paul Fairclough

When Star Trek finally slipped from our screens in 2005, there were some among the 25 million Trekkers worldwide who refused to let the matter lie.
Chimpanzee with fierce expression, red markings on face, surrounded by greenery.
Review

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

by Paul Fairclough

This latest instalment in the Apes franchise, about the preservation of humanity, lacks any genuine human characters.

4
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Man in black standing in heavy rain and forest.
Review

Noah

by Paul Fairclough

Russell Crowe’s surly survivalist fails to keep this Biblical blockbuster from Darren Aronofsky afloat.

1
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Soldiers in military gear carrying an injured comrade through a wooded, rocky terrain with smoke and debris in the background.
Review

Lone Survivor

by Paul Fairclough

There are nuggets of honesty amid the gung-ho jingoism in Peter Berg’s starry-eyed war story.

2
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
An elderly man wearing a yellow suit and glasses, sitting with his arms resting on his legs.
Review

The Great Beauty

by Paul Fairclough

Shades of Fellini elevate Paolo Sorrentino’s spirited, deeply affecting drama.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A woman with long, dark hair and a serious expression looking directly at the camera.
Review

360

by Paul Fairclough

Fernando Meirelles globetrotting ensemble drama is a contrived, bubble-wrapped portrait of the global village.

4
Anticipation
1
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Crowded parliamentary chamber with arguing politicians, gesturing animatedly.
Review

Il Divo

by Paul Fairclough

Visually overwhelming and intellectually exhilarating – just don’t expect to understand Italian politics.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect

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