From there it only grew as we continued to share our love for all things film, television and pop culture, presenting entertainment in all its spicy goodness and to celebrate this milestone we wanted to celebrate seven of our favourite films from the last seven years.

This is a simple round up of some of our favourite films of the last seven years and ones which we reckon make for an awesome session of binge watching.

Check them out below:

The Great Gatsby – 2013

It all began for us in 2013 with Marvel Studios Iron Man 3, and after that we were off and running. An amazing variety of incredible cinema came our way that year and Baz Luhrman’s glittering and lavish adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus, The Great Gatsby, certainly caught our eye. A gorgeous film to look at in every single frame and packing flawless performances from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Joel Edgerton, The Great Gatsby is a film that makes your heart beat faster and you can’t be caught up in the glamour and emotion of it’s jazz age story.

Nightcrawler – 2014

We got serious in 2014 with our movie watching and one of the coolest, most original releases of that year was Dan Gillroy’s hard-edged anti-hero tale Nightcrawler. Chronicling the rise to power of Los Angeles stringer Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), Nightcrawler was the tale told from the villains perspective as this hungry, jackal of a character does anything to succeed in a modern capitalist society. From beginning to end, Nightcrawler had it’s audience on edge, and this is what we classify as utterly addictive viewing. Told with breathtaking originality and lightening speed, Nightcrawler was a film

The Hateful Eight – 2015

Quentin Tarantino’s eighth film was a very big deal and it certainly wasn’t what we were expecting. This western-mystery-horror-comedy-action-thriller was a complete backhander that took you by surprise at every turn and introduced to a group of the most despicable mercs, bounty killers, outlaws, liars, cheats, double-crossers and villains ever committed to the big screen! This was QT at his most outlandish and The Hateful Eight delivered one hell of a wallop when it came to the body count and blood splatter of the piece. Tarantino was firing on all cylinders with this one and The Hateful Eight certainly ranked up there as one of 2015’s most memorable releases.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople – 2016

Trust it to the good old vibes of Taika Waititi to give us all the feels with the instant cult classic that is Hunt for the Wilderpeople. A classic film bound by ‘kiwi as’ goodness, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is the perfect story of teenage delinquent Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) and his ‘Uncle’ Hec (Sam Niell), who set off into the bush and embark on a strange, humorous and ultimately enjoyable journey together. Waititi gave this film a whole lot of heart and spirit, and everyone who saw it was sure to crack a smile.

Dunkirk – 2017

2017 was one definitely epic year for cinemas lovers, and it didn’t get much grander than Christopher Nolan’s wartime masterpiece Dunkirk. This gripping thrill ride of a blockbuster had your pulse pounding at every second as Nolan presented the story of the British Armed Forces desperate retreat from the shores of Dunkirk, France in 1940 as the Nazi war machine advanced on them with the single purpose of utterly annihilating more than 300,000 men. From land, air and sea this story was told, and with Nolan’s ambitious narrative, a breathtaking accurate sense of production design and costuming, a cast of Britain’s best, the magnificent cinematography of Hoyte van Hoytema and the pulse pounding score of Hans Zimmer led to one of the most exciting and visceral cinematic experiences of the decade.

First Man – 2018

Damian Chazelle had made a name for himself as a Hollywood whizz kid with amazing works like Whiplash and La La Land had made him a filmmaker to watch and his 2018 historical-space drama First Man was one incredible watch. Documenting the Apollo space program and the journey of astronaut Neill Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) to the lunar surface, First Man was a breathtaking piece of cinema and it certainly took audiences to the edge. Both the intense performance from Gosling and the force of Chazelle’s filmmaking where on full display here and the result was something truly magnificent.

Avengers: Endgame – 2019

2019 was a massive year for film fans, and when it came to blockbusters they certainly didn’t get much bigger than Avengers: Endgame, the culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Infinity Saga’, and it made for one of the most awe-inspiring pieces of cinema ever committed to the big screen. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) were all assembled for this one and they were ready to do whatever it took to restore hope and order back to the universe. The story was gripping, the visuals striking, the visual effects amazing and the emotion marvelous in a story that was testament to the power of the blockbuster and for these stories to resonate with audiences the world over, they truly don’t get any better than this.

There you go, seven films for seven years, and while 2020 is still very much up in the air with what awaits due to all the uncertainty that is going on in the world right now, we can still hold to the fact that cinema still reigns and that one day soon cinemas will be opened and we can all take in these bold technicolour masterpieces once more.

In the meantime we hope you all stay safe and well, and thank you once again for all your support for the SpicyPulp experience….here’s to what comes next.

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10. Tolkien

The life and legacy of one of literature’s greatest ever storytellers, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, was brought to the screen in a tale of beauty and magic in Tolkien and the partnership of director Dome Karukoski and stars Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins made for something very special. Shot with an enchanting eye for the lavish, Tolkien brought together gorgeous imagery with a powerful story of passion, friendship and love and explored how these themes and experiences shape our lives and make us into who we are as individuals. It was a tribute to the power of creativity and after watching this film you couldn’t help but be inspired to create something by it.

9. Aladdin

When it comes to live-action adaptations of classic Disney films, Guy Ritchie’s loud and action-packed rendition of Aladdin certainly takes poll position as being the best adaptation so far. Will Smith brought all of his considerable blockbuster star appeal to this cinematic work and absolutely shined in his performance as The Genie with plenty of light and energy. Newcomers Mena Moussad and Naomi Scott had undeniable chemistry as star-crossed lovers Aladdin and Jasmine, and their charming performance and magical vocals put the sparkle into this tale. Packed together with Ritchie’s trademark rock n’ roll flair and bursting with colour, Aladdin sprinkled plenty of magic for audiences and it was an absolute wish come true.

8. Ad Astra

Director James Gray journeyed to the very edge of our solar system and into the soul of one man in this introspective and breathtaking science fiction film that demanded to be seen on the biggest screen possible. A slow-burn tale of man’s quest for knowledge and his truest self, Ad Astra enchanted its viewers with the phenomenal cinematography of Hoyte van Hoytema, and Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt has never been better with a character that tested every part of himself as a performer. Ad Astra was a film in the grandest scheme of things and was bound together with innovative and thought-provoking ideas related to man’s search for meaning and a desire to explore the cosmos. It has been some time since I can remember seeing a science fiction film of such power, and Ad Astra certainly achieved its mission of delivering the extraordinary.

7. Ford v Ferrari

The adrenaline kicked in at over 7000 RPM here in Ford v Ferrari and all-star director James Mangold captured the passion, competitiveness and brotherhood of the track in a perfect tribute to the golden age of racing. Stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale were perfectly paired together as racing legends Carrol Shelby and Ken Miles, and their joint pursuit of glory on the track absolutely amped up audiences. The film’s racing scenes were wild and uncontrollable and literally put audiences in the driver’s seat and captured the essence of what it means to go fast.

6. Booksmart

When it came to cinematic originality this year it doesn’t get more impressive than actress turned director Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart. Packed full of original ideas and some of the best comedy delivered all year, it was a riot of a watch from beginning to end and you were sure to rock out in your seat here. Starring the genius combination of Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever as over-achieving know it all’s Molly and Amy who realise that they’ve done high school all wrong and decide to go crazy for one night only, Booksmart delivered all the goods and then some, re-writing the teen comedy genre in the process. Every single frame of this incredible film was packed full of entertaining goodness and you most definitely found your groove with this one.

5. Hustlers

The hustle was on in this flashy, loud and outrageous true story of a group of women who decided to use their very unique talents to make their own version of the American Dream come true. Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu were super-fly in this one and whether they were strutting about the stage, or staging their own unique enrichment schemes you couldn’t look away. Fun, smart, clever, scandalous and incredibly sexy, Hustlers was a film that absolutely took its audience by surprise and made for one of this year’s most memorable film experiences. 

4. Avengers: Endgame

When it comes to blockbuster films that will define this last decade then it is easily Avengers: Endgame that will reign as the gold standard of what a blockbuster movie experience is. As the culminating event of just over a decade and 22 feature presentations from Marvel Studios films, Avengers: Endgame was the defining moment of one of modern cinema’s greatest ever sagas. Epic moment after epic moment was brought together in this incredible piece of cinema and when our heroes finally assembled, in one of the great moments of cinema history, we knew we had witnessed the extraordinary. They don’t get much bolder or grander than this and this was a film that tugged at all of your emotions and pulled every string of your heart. It was utterly marvellous in every sense of the word.

3. Long Shot

They say opposites attract and they certainly don’t get more different than Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen and these two phenomenal performers were an absolute hoot to watch in 2019’s standout romantic comedy Long Shot. Packed together with incredible laughs and plenty of flirtatious moments, Long Shot was a love story that had plenty to say about both attraction and what we should look for in the ones we love…along with that classic comedy that we’ve come to love from Rogen and director Jonathan Levine. Packed full of light and warmth, this one had me in a fit of uncontrollable laughter and I absolutely loved the journey that Charlotte and Fred underwent to find their own special kind of love. Long Shot was a hilarious and impactful watch from beginning to end and it was sure to leave a smile on your face.

2. Jojo Rabbit

Taika Waititi is a director of incredible spirit and warmth and his work on the sensational Jojo Rabbit proves that he is a filmmaker who rapidly deserves to take over Hollywood thanks to his incredible talents. While on the surface Jojo Rabbit presented itself as a light-hearted comedy, there was much more driving this cinematic feat and at its core was a film of amazing depth and power with a strong focus on themes of love, tolerance, acceptance and freedom. It presented a powerful and sincere message in our very turbulent era and is one of the most powerful statements to come from any working artist in Hollywood today. In my opinion, it was far and away the most important film of the year and its impactful story was sure to strike a chord with all who watched it.

1. Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood

But now, the moment that everyone has been waiting for, when it comes to the best film of 2019 there is only one answer…and that answer is of-course Quentin Tarantino’s ninth feature film, Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood. This tribute to the end of Hollywood’s Golden Age tracked the fortune of two fading stars in an age of rapid change and was packed full of swinging style and bound together by one incredible narrative. It was a piece of cinema that demanded to be seen on the biggest screen possible. In all, I saw this film four separate times at the cinema and it was a thrilling experience each and every time. Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood is a revelatory piece of cinema and Tarantino was working at the top of his game with this one. It’s as if every part of his career was pointing him in the direction of this masterwork and the revered filmmaker, along with his dynamic duo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt absolutely delivered with this incredible feat of filmmaking. They just don’t get much better than this.

Images: Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Studio Canal, Roadshow Films

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Following the events of Avengers: Infinity War, with half of the universe killed in an event dubbed “The Decimation”, the universe lies in shambles and the remaining Avengers and their allies must reassemble to repair the damage caused by Thanos and bring harmony back to the universe

Be forewarned. This review will be written to be completely spoiler free and so in keeping with this I will not be delving into any specific plot points. As an experience, it’s far better to go into Avengers: Endgame completely blind and just let the entire film experience wash over you with it’s amazing collection of characters who find themselves facing the biggest fight of their lives.

For Joe and Anthony Russo, Avengers: Endgame is the culmination of a journey that has been a long time in the making and it completely takes you by surprise. There’s no way that you can expect what is coming here and the narrative is particularly clever. Weaving in and out of the events of a post Infinity War universe, while also calling back to the past 21 MCU films that have come before it. All of it makes Avengers: Endgame a very seamless watch and you’ll be absolutely wired into the events that play out on screen.

One thing that I absolutely loved about Avengers: Endgame was how we were witnessing the way in which the events of Infinity War changed the core Avengers roster of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and just how each of these individuals reacted to Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) mighty snap. The growth and change in our heroes is definitely interesting, and their new status in a changed universe provides an interesting foundation for their heroism to grow from again.

The Russo’s pack this film to the brim with incredible action sequences and some astounding visual effects that really bring out the inner-Marvelness of Endgame, but through all of this the film feels like a distinctly character driven drama. While I would use the word epic to describe the events of Avengers: Endgame in detail, it was great to go on this journey with these characters as their heroism is tested to the limit and together this combination of epic visual spectacle, and intimate character storytelling makes for a very beautiful film to watch.

Narrative, spectacle and character are all parts of the filmmaking process, and Avengers: Endgame is the ultimate example of this art form coming together in perfect symphony. Cast and crew give their all to this production and it shows in every single frame of film. From the Russo Brothers narrative and direction to the cast’s commitment to performance to the gorgeous cinematography of Trent Opaloch, the kinetic pacing of editing by Jeffrey Ford and Matthew Schmidt and the heart pounding and emotive score provided by the great Alan Silvestri, Avengers: Endgame comes together perfectly and the result is simply incredible to behold. This film is a true testament to to the passion and energy of so many people with a desire to deliver something truly marvelous.

Avengers: Endgame is a film heavy with emotions and it touches on many important themes throughout its narrative. Love, loss, family and above all else heroism are explored to their fullest in this three hour long extravaganza and the Russo Brothers really deliver on the depth of the MCU, along with all the visual fanfare that we’ve come to expect from Marvel. The core idea at the heart of Avengers: Endgame is heroism and how no matter how broken or beaten down we may be we can always rise to the challenge when we are called upon, just as the Avengers do time and time again. While we thought that Infinity War would have been their greatest test, it is in Endgame that they really find their strength most challenged and their will to meet it and do the right thing is an extremely powerful message. With each new Marvel film we find out just what it means to be a hero and Avengers: Endgame is the ultimate thesis on this idea.

I never thought I could see a film bigger than Avengers: Infinity War. Well I did and that film was Avengers: Endgame. A true cinematic marvel that delivers on every single level and provides a fitting closure to Marvel Studios Phase Three and the past 11 years. This is the film that every single Marvel fan has long waited for and everyone involved in it delivers a hundred and ten percent to its success. They don’t get much better than this. Excelsior.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

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Picking up the actin of both of the first teaser and this year’s Super Bowl spot, the action moves both backwards and forwards as our heroes trace both their pasts and their new mission to re-write what Thanos did and save the universe for good.

Watch this amazing new trailer below:

Here’s the full synopsis:

Following the events of Avengers: Infinity War, with half of the universe killed in an event dubbed “The Decimation”, the universe lies in shambles and the remaining Avengers and their allies must reassemble to repair the damage caused by Thanos and bring harmony back to the universe

This new trailer really gets to the heart of who the Avengers are and how their heroic nature cannot be tamed and now more than ever these heroes are ready to stand up and fight for what is right.

The new footage on display is just amazing, not only do we see the return of the original core Avengers who include Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and the likes of Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), Nebula (Karen Gillan), War Machine (Don Cheadle), Okoye (Danai Gurira), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) now also join their ranks. And this time they’re coming for Thanos with a fury to avenge the universe, as well as sporting all-new white and red suits, which has me thinking that our heroes might be taking their fight to the cosmos.

Get ready for the epic final showdown that is Avengers: Endgame where our heroes will do whatever it takes to save the universe, and which will arrive in cinemas on April 24.

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