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Search: Starring John Shrapnel

  • The Awakening (2011)
    Review preview for The Awakening

    The Awakening is a film that will keep you guesing as multiple possible solutions to its puzzles appear and disappear.

    Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
    A woman devoted to exposing psychic hoaxes is invited to investigate ghostly sightings at a remote boarding school.
  • Chemical Wedding (2008)
    Review preview for Chemical Wedding

    One of the key plot developments in the film is a process by which you can reverse time and live a day all over again, sadly an option not available to filmgoers yet.

    Jeff Robson · 1 out of 5
    A mild-mannered academic takes part in a virtual reality experiment and is possessed by the spirit of notorious British occultist Aleister Crowley.
  • Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
    Review preview for Elizabeth: The Golden Age

    When Liz dons her breast plate and rallies the troops at Tilbury, you'll want to put down your paella and rush out and sink a few Spanish ships yourself.

    Tony Sullivan · 4.5 out of 5
    The ongoing saga of the Virgin Queen - this time tackling her relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh and Spain.
  • Gladiator (2000)
    Review preview for Gladiator

    Ridley Scott's 2nd century extravaganza dies during those pauses between blood, sweat and fear.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 2 out of 5
    The revenge of a disgraced Roman general turned gladiator.
  • How to Get Ahead In Advertising (1989)
    Review preview for How to Get Ahead In Advertising

    Robinson makes careful use of movement and perspective to keep us guessing whether the boil is real or a product of Bagley's disordered imagination.

    Jennie Kermode · 3 out of 5
    An advertising executive suffering a crisis of conscience grows a boil on his shoulder - and then it starts talking.
  • Mirrors (2008)
    Review preview for Mirrors

    Mirrors doesn't feel like an unfixed horror for an uncertain world, it comes across more as a broth for the appetites of focus groups.

    Andrew Robertson · 2 out of 5
    Something nasty is lurking through the looking glass...
  • Sparkle (2007)
    Review preview for Sparkle

    Despite the pantomime nature of the story, a collection of engaging performances really draws the viewer in.

    Max Crawford · 3.5 out of 5
    A young man and his mother move from Liverpool to London to pursue their dreams.

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Taking a ride into liminal spaces Katharine Round on making documentary Ghost Town

Flying blind Michael Woloson and Scott Tinkham on improvisation, experimental writing and Littermates

In deep water Dominic Curran on internet overexposure and A Little Learning Is A Dangerous Thing

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Festival coverage

Festivals
Cannes festival coverage, 2026

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the Cheltenham International Film Festival, the Leeds International Film Festival, the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and Tallinn Black Nights.



We're looking forward to the French Film Festival and DOC NYC.



We've recently brought you coverage of the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival, Newfest, the London Film Festival, the New York Film Festival and Grimmfest.



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