Freda Cooper
Film critic, radio presenter, blogger .... the list goes on but the important thing is that I've been a movie fan all my life which is the best qualification for the job! I write for several movie websites, produce and present my own weekly movie podcast, Talking Pictures, and write my own my own movie blog of the same name. Both have been shortlisted for several awards. You can even hear me burbling on about films on BBC Surrey and Sussex every Friday morning!
Okja Review
The Cannes audience may have booed Okja back in May, but they got it wrong. This story of a genetically modified porker is much...
The Lego Batman Movie – DVD Review
The follow up the plastic phenomenon that was The Lego Movie arrives on DVD this week. Can the ever-serious Lego Batman deliver the laughs...
Berlin Syndrome Review
Holiday romances aren’t all they’re cracked up to be in Berlin Syndrome.If you were lucky enough to see last year’s German single-take sensation, Victoria,...
Baywatch Review
Cue the slo-mo and skimpy red cossies – Baywatch is back! But you might wonder why ……It’s not so long ago that a certain...
Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge Review
The Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise reaches number five with Salazar’s Revenge. But is it time for the ol’ heave-ho, me hearties?Hang on! Wasn’t...
Live By Night DVD Review
Ben Affleck’s rollercoaster career has hit the heights and plumbed the depths. So where does his gangster flick, Live By Night, fit in? Related: The...
King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword Review
It’s unceremoniously tanked in the States, so what kind of reception can Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword expect as it arrives...
Remembering The Man DVD Review
A real-life gay love story set in 80s Australia was one of the most moving cinematic experiences of last year. But can a documentary...
Salt And Fire DVD Review
Take an ecological disaster, missing luggage and a tablet with possibly the longest battery life in the world, and what have you got? The...
Their Finest Review
Morale boosting movies for the home front, romance and a scene-stealing ham actor. But do they turn Their Finest into British film making’s finest...
Aftermath Review
Arnie Schwarzenegger’s adventures in indieland continue this week with the arrival of Aftermath, based on the true story of a plane crash. Are we...
Exclusive Interview: Director Pete Travis on City Of Tiny Lights
London takes on the shades of noir this Friday with the arrival in cinemas of thriller City Of Tiny Lights. Based on the best-seller of...
Going in Style Review
In Going In Style, a trio of A-list pensioners decide to rob a bank. But can the film get away with it?There’s a moment...
Ghost in the Shell Review
Under tight wraps for months, Ghost In The Shell emerges into the daylight this week. But does it give us an original take on...
Free Fire Review
British director Ben Wheatley has never shied away from controversy or dividing audiences. Has he hit the target with his latest, Free Fire? Ben Wheatley...
Elle Review
Can you make a comedy about rape? Controversial director Paul Verhoeven has, in the shape of Elle. How much you laugh at it depends...
Oscar Winners 2017
With the BAFTAs behind us, there’s just one more awards ceremony to go – but it’s The Big One. Those little gold men going...
A Cure for Wellness Review
Writhing eels, flotation tanks and something iffy in the water. But is A Cure For Wellness a tonic or just another placebo? That blue bottle...
The Fits Review
After a warm reception at this year’s Sundance, The Fits gets a limited UK release this week. Its story may sound familiar, but the...
Moonlight Review
Despite leaving the BAFTAs empty handed, Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight could still be the film to upset La La Land at the Oscars later this...
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk Review
In Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, director Ang Lee tries something radically different. But why make a film that nobody can see in the...
20th Century Women Review
Growing older is inevitable. But in the 1970s, 60 was a long way from being the new 40, as Annette Bening discovers in 20th...
East Side Sushi Review
Freshness counts for everything when it comes to sushi. And, even if you’re not keen on the cuisine, it’s hard to dislike digital release...
Bafta Announces EE Rising Star Nominees with A Special Message from...
When Noel Clarke won BAFTA’s Rising Star Award in 2009, it was orange (with and without the capital O). The trophy’s colour now the...
Marauders Review
In an ideal world, every movie would start with at least a wee spark of creativity. But we don’t live in an ideal world...