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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Check them out below:

10. John Wick 2

It’s never a wise move to stab the devil in the back, and that’s exactly what happens to Keanu Reeves legendary assassin John Wick. And that leads to plenty of PAYBACK! Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves cranked the adrenaline up again, and the results were amazing. Reeves again showed off his skilled gun-fu moves as he spun, bullets, blades and even a pencil or two to eliminate his targets. And let’s not forget the film’s intense museum shootout or it’s shocking climatic scene! Yep, John Wick 2 was one phenomenal piece of action cinema and made for a wicked time out at the movies.

9. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

She’s one of the 20th Century’s most defining pop culture symbols and director Angela Robinson made a bold attempt to tell the untold story of Wonder Woman’s creation which really paid off. Stars Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall and Bella Heathcote were all in top form and crafted an incredible multi-dimensional relationship between the three of them. And did we mention that Professor Marston and the Wonder Women was one hot watch? Robinson and her performers embraced the underlying sensuality and sexuality of Wonder Woman’s kinky past, and there was plenty of hot tie and tease action up on screen. Love and creation were firmly at the core of this magnificent picture and it really made an impression on us.

8. The Lost City of Z

What does it mean to step out into the unknown and walk into legend? Lauded director James Grey and star Charlie Hunnam set out to answer this question in The Lost City of Z, a bold throwback to the giant epics of the past which examines one man’s obsessive pursuit for glory and accomplishment. Charlie Hunnam was completely committed as Col. Percy Fawcett, and his performance is nothing short of masterful. Hunnam balances Fawcett’s fanatical dream of uncovering Z with a clear and strict devotion to his beloved wife Nina who suffers greatly from his prolonged absences. Grey’s direction is astonishing and his daring use of cinematography and score evokes an unexplored, dangerous and mythical landscape. The Lost City of Z sears its mighty vision into your mind and was fearless filmmaking at its best.

7. Baby Driver

Cult film icon Edgar Wright cranked the volume and revved up his engine for the zany and off-beat Baby Driver which was fun, fun, fun. Telling the story of a love-struck and musically powered getaway driver caught at a crossroads in his life, Baby Driver spun its audience at every turn. The narrative was slick, the casting was spot on and the action was in-your-face. Stars Ansel Elgort and Lily James made a very cute couple as Baby and Debora and evoked the pairing of James Dean and Natalie Wood in Rebel Without a Cause. But if you wanted a scene stealer then it most definitely came in the form of Jamie Foxx’s crazed gangster Bats who had a talent for compromising everything. Baby Driver was a rush from beginning to end and Wright really took the filmmaking medium and brought it to a whole new edge.

6. The Greatest Showman

Hugh Jackman lets his voice be heard in this magical and imaginative musical that stirs plenty of feelings and emotions in its audience. Powered by a collection of impressive songs from musical geniuses Pasek and Paul, The Greatest Showman makes its audience feel alive and magnificently brings to life the stunning ambience and larger than life deeds of P.T. Barnum. Everything here is in top form and star Hugh Jackman is joined by an amazing supporting cast including Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya. For end of the year movie magic there was no better film than The Greatest Showman and Jackman indeed did audiences proud.

5. American Made

Sometimes you’ve just gotta be a rebel and that’s exactly what megastar Tom Cruise does with the larger than life true story of drug smuggling pilot Barry Seal in American Made. Cruise was in his element and took to the skies in audacious style as the maverick pilot who finds himself running drugs, guns and money for both the Columbian cartels and the CIA, playing both off against the other and growing mega rich in the process. Decked out in a very cool pair of aviators Cruise’s Seal made for one very smooth rogue and his quest to make it big in ‘the greatest country in the world’ made for one crazy adventure of a life lived on the edge. American Made proved that it’s better to fly high and shoot for the skies.

4. Thor: Ragnarok

New Zealand directing sensation Taika Waititi again proved why he is a genius as he stepped into the big time with the loud and colourful Thor: Ragnarok! Waititi took Asgard’s mightiest hero to a whole other place with plenty of wicked throwback 80s flair and injected a healthy dose of outlandish comedy. Bright, dashing and energetic, Thor: Ragnarok was a joy to watch and it was awesome to see the mighty Thor come into his full power and rise up to become King! Stars Chris Hemsworth and Cate Blanchett had an intense showdown and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk did indeed SMASH! Where Thor goes next we can only imagine, but we hope Taika will be along for the ride because he did one incredible job here.

3. Atomic Blonde

Stepping into a world of clandestine secrets and neon light Charlize Theron proved that girls can indeed fight as she shook up the screen with in-your-face spy thriller Atomic Blonde. This completely unapologetic piece of action cinema kicked you straight in the face from its very first frame and threw in plenty of shady twists and turns. Theron’s MI6 operative Lorraine Broughton was scintillating in her sexuality and downright lethal in her combat and paired next to James McAvoy’s scheevy shitbag handler David Percival the fireworks flew. Packed out with brazen sexuality, bone-crunching action and possibly the coolest scene of this entire year, the ambitious ‘hallway fight’, Atomic Blonde was totally lit and proved that action cinema is better when it’s moving at full kinetic speed!

2. Dunkirk

The word masterpiece gets thrown around a lot these days but lauded filmmaker Christopher Nolan made them come true with his stunning vision of hope’s last breath in Dunkirk. Shot with glorious IMAX cameras Dunkirk was as big as blockbusters come and it’s unique structure and point-of-view of land, sea and air told a harrowing and heroic story of the fight to survive and of the Allies greatest hour. A stunning cast including Sir Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Sir Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy, James D’Arcy and Harry Styles helped bring this great vision to life and all of them were spot on in their acting. Then there was Hans Zimmer’s thumping orchestral score that was guaranteed to set you on edge as the action unfolded before you. Dunkirk was indeed an utter masterpiece.

1. Logan

Everything comes to an end, and director James Mangold and star Hugh Jackman gave audiences an utterly compelling one with the fierce Logan. The final chapter of the X-Men’s greatest hero, Logan took audiences to a bleak and brutal future with the famed clawed mutant had failed and now found himself with one last chance for redemption. The action was brutal, and the violence was bloody, as claws cut through flesh and bone. No one was spared, and nothing could stop the carnage. But next to the excellent action was the heartfelt journey of Jackman’s Logan and sensational newcomer Dafne Keen as Laura. Their’s was a tale of long lost father and daughter who had now found each other and now faced the most arduous journey to freedom. By the time the credits began to roll the tears were indeed flowing and we knew we had witnessed something extraordinary. They don’t get more raw or emotional than Logan, and it was a privilege to see Jackman and Logan’s final ride.

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

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So sets the scene for Christopher Nolan’s new WWII epic Dunkirk, which blows all expectations away. Whether it be cinematography, sound, music, costuming, set design or the performances of a diverse group of actors, Nolan transports audiences to one of the most dangerous and heroic moments of the 20th century.

Basing his narrative on a triptych, Nolan follows the events of Operation Dynamo from land, sea and air.

While his approach to telling his story keeps with his usual grandiose style of filmmaking, he forgoes the normal three-act structure and instead lets the film unfold in real-time.

This almost documentary style really amps up the tension and suspense of the narrative where every decision has a consequence. I found that my mind would begin to spin analytically as I was trying to decipher where each individual decision would take the characters and just what kind of outcome would arrive for each of them.

I stress that if you are going to watch Dunkirk then make sure that you watch it in IMAX. This is a necessity as 75% of the film was shot with IMAX cameras and the resulting footage is truly beautiful and immersive. The scope and size of the IMAX footage hits you full on, and you can’t help but feel sucked into the screen. Its scope is so grand that you truly feel like you could be on the wing of an actual Supermarine Spitfire as it climbs through the white of the clouds before diving down to attack a Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Praise must be lauded on cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who breaks away from the standard profile and stationary shots of regular IMAX filmmaking and does something totally unique. If you’ve ever seen an IMAX camera you know that this is quite a task, but somehow Hoytema and his team pulled it off. I have no doubt that the limits of these cameras were truly pushed on Dunkirk, and the resulting footage is spectacular.

Also, prepare for things to get loud. Really loud. Especially in IMAX, because editor Lee Smith and his specialised audio mixing team crank up the volume. From the crashing of the waves on The Mole to the roar of a Spitfire engine to the scattered clang and crack of enemy bullet fire, everything individual sound explodes with power. Used collectively they add to the tension and suspense of the film and bring to life the harrowing atmosphere of the Dunkirk landscape.

Hans Zimmer’s supercharged score also plays an enormous role in Dunkirk’s success. While I can’t comment on the film’s dialogue without going into spoiler territory, Zimmer’s synthesised and mechanical score becomes, in a way, the film’s largest piece of dialogue. The music not only intertwines with the underlying themes of the movie but also speaks to the images that are unfolding on screen. I truly felt that Zimmer’s score was talking to me, for example in a harrowing sinking scene the brutal riffs of the audio add to the horror and the desperate fight to escape the hull of the wreckage before it sinks.

I was also particularly impressed in Nolan’s adherence to history and his mission to not ‘Hollywood’ the film by going for a cast of high-end stars who physically do not look the part. Instead, the director cast a group of young, unknown actors that helps you to believe that these young soldiers are just normal people caught up in an event bigger than them. This also extends to the wider extra casting, which is again littered with teenage boys who appear overwhelmed at what faces them and keeps with real historical precedent.

While I can’t discuss the cast without leading to spoilers I will say that I was very impressed by Harry Styles performance, and I hope he continues to pursue more film projects because he sure has the talent.

But the question remains is Dunkirk Christopher Nolan’s literal masterpiece?

With each new project, the revered British filmmaker has continued to push the limits of what the cinematic experience can be. I myself have viewed all of his films on multiple occasions, and have spent hours letting their narratives and images wash over me. But after seeing Dunkirk I can say that without a doubt it is truly his masterpiece. Both intimate and epic at the same time, Dunkirk brings together all aspects of the filmmaking process in flawless perfection to tell its harrowing and heroic story. Not a frame, note, or mannerism is wasted up on screen and as the film comes to a close you will be left saying wow.

Image: Roadshow Films

The post ‘Dunkirk’ – Review appeared first on SpicyPulp.

Master filmmaker Christopher Nolan is returning to the big screen with the phenomenal true story of courage in the face of overwhelming odds with Dunkirk.

The new trailer has just been released, and is a completely mesmerising watch. Check it out below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

May 1940. The British Army and their Allies find themselves surrounded on the edge of the French Peninsula under threat of annihilation by the German Wehrmacht. With mounting casualties, a miraculous operation codenamed Dynamo is utilised and everything from warships to motorboats is used to get the troops back home safely.

Joining Nolan in this courageous story is a group of Britain’s best performers including Sir Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Sir Mark Rylance, James D’Arcy and Harry Styles.

Dunkirk will be released in cinemas on July 20 in New Zealand and Australia, and on July 21 in the US and UK.

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