Fantasy Reviews and Features | Little White Lies

Genre Fantasy

Animated illustration of a young Asian woman in a green polka dot kimono holding a fan in front of urban buildings.
Review

In This Corner of the World

by Michael Leader

This Japan­ese ani­mé from Sunao Katabuchi doesn’t quite reach the dizzy heights of Stu­dio Ghibli.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Two children wearing sweaters and goggles, one with a striped top and the other with a plain green jumper, standing in a room with shelves and a window.
Review

The Book of Henry

by David Jenkins

The direc­tor of Juras­sic World skids off the rails in this baf­fling­ly mis­guid­ed kid­die revenge fantasia.

3
Anticipation
1
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
Two people, a man and a woman, standing in a dark setting.
Review

The Mummy

by David Jenkins

The twin­kling ins­ta-charm of Tom Cruise can’t save this man­gled mutt of a movie epic.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
Sepia-toned image of a hooded figure holding a wooden cross amid ornate stone architecture.
Review

Destiny (1921)

by David Jenkins

A damsel accepts a chal­lenge offered to her by Death in Fritz Lang’s daz­zling­ly inven­tive 1921 masterpiece.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Female superhero in black and gold costume wielding sword, with serious expression on face.
Review

Wonder Woman

by David Jenkins

A com­pelling sto­ry, neat­ly-drawn char­ac­ters and an inspir­ing lead help this DC com­ic book movie to soar.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Man with long dreadlocks, wearing a pirate costume and hat, standing in a crowded marketplace scene.
Review

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge

by Adam Woodward

The fifth instal­ment in Disney’s swash­buck­ling fran­chise is scup­pered by a cer­tain Mr Depp.

1
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
A man in a white jacket standing in a wooded setting, surrounded by other people.
Review

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

by Adam Woodward

Guy Ritchie’s blokes-n-blades epic is big on style but light on substance.

2
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
A woman in a flowing, bright yellow ballgown twirling in a grand, ornate ballroom.
Review

Beauty and the Beast

by David Jenkins

This lux­u­ri­ant live-action refit of the beloved ani­mat­ed fea­ture sees Dis­ney extend its recent win­ning streak.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Four people with guns in a grassy field, surrounded by mountains in the background.
Review

Kong: Skull Island

by Adam Woodward

Tom Hid­dle­ston on Apoc­a­lypse Now, ​‘Heart of Dark­ness’, and great blockbusters.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Bare-chested person reclining in a bathtub, hands covering face.
Review

A Cure for Wellness

by Anton Bitel

Gore Verbinski’s macabre asy­lum thriller offers an intox­i­cat­ing blend of mys­tery and surrealism.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect