Fans of Walt Disney’s animated original Dumbo have already seen an elephant fly, back in 1941. What more can a modern update bring to the big top? In the hands of Tim Burton – back on enchanting form after a duo of duds – the answer is a well considered story expansion and consistently gorgeous visuals. Disney’s digital Dumbo is every bit as adorable as one could hope and twice as empathetic. With the whole film apparently occurring either at dawn or dusk, this is hardly remarkable stuff but gosh it’s nice.
Homely, twee and only a little dark, The Keeper very quickly feels like Sunday evening fodder. Telling its affectionate tale of football versus prejudice, this is a tidy period affair, effectively designed and pleasingly dressed. The structure leaves much to be desired, particularly in the rushed final third, but gung-ho performances from a likeable cast do much to cement engagement.
Last Breath is Touching the Void meets Gravity but wetter. From directors Richard Da Costa and Alex Parkinson, the film yarns a gripping story of unfathomable survival, captured fathoms below and told through interviews, recreations and impressively intimate archive footage. Be sure to hold your heart tight as it thunders through your chest and into your mouth.
The Film Blog 