Skip to main content
Games Radar
  • Newsarama
  • Total Film
  • Edge
  • Retro Gamer
  • SFX
Total Film The smarter take on movies
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Subscribe
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
View
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best Netflix Shows

Recommended reading

Lost in Starlight
Streaming Services 6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (May 30 - June 1)
Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale in Poker Face.
Streaming Services The best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more
Alexander Skarsgård in Murderbot
Streaming Services 6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (May 16 - 18)
Millie Bobby Brown in The Electric State
Streaming Services 6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (March 14 - 16)
Blood of Zeus season 3
Streaming Services 6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (May 9 - 11)
Anthony Mackie as Captain America Sam Wilson, in a dark room holding his famous shield, in Captain America: Brave New World.
Streaming Services The best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more
Ne Zha 2
Animated Movies After 10 years, a new animated movie has beaten a box office record set by Star Wars: The Force Awakens
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Sci-Fi Movies

Movies to watch this week at the cinema: Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Mountains May Depart, and more

Features
By Total Film Staff published December 11, 2017

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Out on Friday December 15

Out on Friday December 15

A certain Star Wars movie finally flies into cinemas. Jia Zhangke’s time-spanning epic takes on the long-term damage of capitalism.

Yes, here's this week's new releases. Click on for our reviews of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Mountain, Mountains May Depart, The Unseen, The Prince of Nothingwood, Shot Caller, and Bingo: The King of the Mornings.

For the best movie reviews, subscribe to Total Film.

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What the hell has happened to Luke Skywalker? That was the question that haunted all two-hours-and-16-minutes of Star Wars: Episode 7 – The Force Awakens, and never more so than in the last couple of minutes, when Luke (Mark Hamill) finally pitched up on the far-flung oceanic planet of Ahch-To not as the self-assured, optimistic Jedi Knight we left partying on Endor at the close of Return of the Jedi, but as a grey-bearded monk who’s retreated from the world(s). Eyes hooded and haunted, face as craggy as the cliff beneath his feet, he turned to suspiciously eye new heroine Rey (Daisy Ridley) as she offered the thrilling invitation – to viewers, if not to him – of once more clutching his lightsaber.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the eighth canonical episode in the saga, is the first to continue right from where its predecessor left off. But before we get to the little matter of whether Luke accepts or rejects Rey’s offer, we first see General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) lead the First Order in an attack on a secret base that harbours General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and the last of the Resistance. 

Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and BB-8 take the fight straight back to Hux, piloting an X-Wing at a Dreadnaught cruiser to neutralise its surface cannons. They return to base just as Stormtrooper-turned-Resistance fighter Finn (John Boyega) awakens from the coma that claimed him at the end of Episode 7. “Where’s Rey?” he asks.

And so it’s back to Ahch-To, where Rey is determined to tag everyone’s favourite Jedi Master back into the galactic wrestling match, or to at least twist his robot arm into training her in the ways of the Force, as Yoda once trained him. All she knows of said Force is “It’s a power that lets you control people and makes things float,” so she sure needs a little mentoring – and besides, as she succinctly puts it, “I’ve seen your daily routine and you’re not busy.”

Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) is no longer hiding behind a giant hologram but instead seated in a starkly modernist chamber painted a strikingly fascistic shade of red, scolding Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) for losing his Starkiller Base lightsaber duel to Rey. “You’re just a child in a mask,” he snarls, fixing his apprentice with wonky eyes as the crevasse in his forehead twists in a furious frown. Kylo must win back Snoke’s trust, and killing Rey, his ex-mentor Luke, and every last Resistance fighter is the way to do it.

This is all just the first 30 minutes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and is actually the slowest part of the movie. The next two hours zip by like the Millennium Falcon acing the Kessel Run, as writer/director Rian Johnson – something of a Padawan when it comes to films of this scale, having previously made Brick, The Brothers Bloom, and Looper – crosscuts between sub-plots like a magician executing an immaculate riffle-shuffle. 

Everyone’s favourites have key parts to play, with the aforementioned characters joined by Chewie (Joonas Suotamo), BB-8, R2-D2, C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and, with more impact this time, Stormtrooper commander Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie). Hell, even pirate queen Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o) rocks up… as do a host of famous fans and guest stars, but we’ll leave you to discover those ones for yourselves.

The new characters, meanwhile, are attention-grabbers – and we don’t just mean the cute Porgs (mercifully not overused), crystal foxes, and a veritable menagerie of creatures and droids. Best of the bunch is Leia’s right-hand woman Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern, giving the galaxy a shock of purple hair and its sharpest cheekbones since Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin), whose tactics to keep the Resistance out of the First Order’s iron fist are not to the liking of Poe, whom she labels “a trigger-happy flyboy”. 

Maintenance worker Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) teams up with Finn to undertake a death-defying mission that recalls a cheeky operation conducted by Luke and Han in Episode 4. And helping, or perhaps hindering, them is ace hacker DJ (Benicio Del Toro), a conniving chancer they track down on the casino planet of Canto Bight (think Star Wars’ cantina writ large and spliced with a scene of a tuxedoed Bond seated at the tables).

Johnson, as we know from all three of his previous movies, is a master of misdirection, oh-so dexterous when it comes to sleight-of-hand storytelling full of breakneck twists and hairpin turns. The Last Jedi is no different, packed with subterfuge and shocks. If J.J. Abrams’ The Force Awakens was exactly what everyone needed after George Lucas’ plastic prequels – a glorious love letter to the original trilogy that dotted every ‘I’ and crossed every ‘T’ in a familiar hand – then The Last Jedi, though every inch a Star Wars movie, propels the saga forward in unexpected ways. 

It’s not so much darker, à la The Empire Strikes Back, for it’s the funniest Star Wars film by far, and Johnson was vocal about wishing to avoid “heaviosity”. But it is deeper, delving into the nature of the Force and what it means to be a Jedi, a religion that is thousands of generations old, and concentrating intently on themes of family, myth, identity, treachery, loyalty, and sacrifice.

There are astonishing set-pieces, including at least three up-there-with-the-best ‘saber duels (one has more than a hint of Kill Bill’s House of Blue Leaves rip-roaring carnage) and the climactic battle, glimpsed in the trailer, which hurls TIE fighters, the Millennium Falcon, AT-M6s (the new AT-ATs) and more at each other over a desert-scape that churns up the red stain of violence. But the real drama is in the faces, as Johnson locks in his unwavering close-ups to explore the cloudy planets of Luke’s eyes, the glimmering lakes of Rey and Kylo’s tears.

Who are Rey’s parents? Will Kylo walk into the light, or Rey be swallowed by darkness? And what really happened when Ben Solo spurned Luke’s tutelage and fled to Snoke? This last is revisited several times from different perspectives – surely a nod to Akira Kurosawa’s truth-prodding Rashomon, just as Lucas took so much of his iconography, wipe-and-swipe edits (again in evidence here) and the relationship between C-3PO and R2-D2, from the Japanese master.

But the final word must go to Leia, to whom the film is movingly dedicated. Carrie Fisher here gives a performance of tremendous dignity, wisdom, and love, and is awarded at least three scenes that serve as a fitting goodbye to the fans’ Princess. Her journey from princess to senator to rebel to general of the Resistance is now done and, in a movie that discusses myth-making and the differences between a legend and a relatable, everyday person with hopes and dreams, weaknesses and tenacity, she proves again that she is both. The Force is with her.

THE VERDICT: An excellent middle chapter bursting with wit, wisdom, emotion, shocks, old-fashioned derring-do, state-of-the-art tech, and stonking set-pieces.

Director: Rian Johnson; Starring: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017 

Jamie Graham

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Mountain

Mountain

Majestically scored by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and evocatively narrated by Willem Dafoe, this spectacular docu-essay from Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa) explores why mountains exert such a hold on our collective imagination.

Tracing how the world’s peaks came to be viewed as playgrounds, it needs to be seen on the big screen for its vertiginous images of high-altitude adventurers.

Director: Jennifer Peedom; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017

Tom Dawson

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
 Mountains May Depart

Mountains May Depart

Over three time periods (and three aspect ratios), Jia Zhangke charts China’s growing pains  via a modern melodrama about capitalism, cancer and the Pet Shop Boys’ cover of ‘Go West’.

It’s mostly a piercing study of haves and have nots, but its vision of progress falls apart in the final third, not least because Jia suddenly sidelines his muse, the brilliant Tao Zhao.

Director: Jia Zhangke; Starring: Zhao Tao, Zhang Yi, Liang Jin Dong; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017

Simon Kinnear

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
The Unseen

The Unseen

Following the death of their child, Gemma (Jasmine Hyde) and Will (Richard Flood) try to escape their grief at a lakeside cottage run by new friend Paul (Simon Cotton), while also being haunted by their dead son’s voice.

Taking Don’t Look Now as a reference point, Gary Sinyor’s film is turgid, flabby and – despite some committed performances and great ideas – toothless, with neither tension nor bite.

Director: Geoff Redknap; Starring: Aden Young, Camille Sullivan, Julia Sarah Stone; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017

Tim Coleman

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
The Prince of Nothingwood

The Prince of Nothingwood

‘Nothingwood’ is the nickname for Afghanistan’s film industry, seemingly powered by one man: Salim Shaheen, who’s produced, directed and starred in more than 100 features.

While it fascinates to see this force of nature in full flow, Sonia Kronlund’s doc fails to fully explore issues that might contradict his self-made image. The result’s more entertaining oddity than revelation.

Director: Sonia Kronlund; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017

Tom Bond

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Shot Caller

Shot Caller

Fans of gritty prison dramas will want to spend time with this hard-hitting tale of a happily married stockbroker (Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) whose drink driving-prompted stint behind bars turns him into a ruthless, tattoo-covered hardnut.

Ric Roman Waugh’s film conveys the kill-or-be-killed rationalism that inexorably draws Coster-Waldau’s ‘Money’ towards a life of violent crime.

Director: Ric Roman Waugh; Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jon Bernthal, Lake Bell, Benjamin Bratt; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017

Neil Smith

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Bingo: The King of the Mornings

Bingo: The King of the Mornings

Acclaimed editor Daniel Rezende (City of God) makes his directorial debut with Brazil’s submission for the Best Foreign Film Oscar.

Vladamir Brichta captivates as porn star Augusto, who finds success as a clown on Saturday morning kids’ TV. The catch? He can’t reveal his true identity. Dripping with ’80s neon, drugs and clown sex, it’s Boogie Nights with funny shoes.

Director: Daniel Rezende; Starring: Vladimir Brichta, Emanuelle Araújo, Raul Barreto; Theatrical release: December 15, 2017

Tim Coleman

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Total Film Staff

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine. 

See more Movies Features
Read more
Lost in Starlight
6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (May 30 - June 1)
Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale in Poker Face.
The best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more
Alexander Skarsgård in Murderbot
6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (May 16 - 18)
Millie Bobby Brown in The Electric State
6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (March 14 - 16)
Blood of Zeus season 3
6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (May 9 - 11)
Anthony Mackie as Captain America Sam Wilson, in a dark room holding his famous shield, in Captain America: Brave New World.
The best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more
Latest in Sci-Fi Movies
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford in Star Wars: A New Hope
Mark Hamill once tried to hide his Star Wars credit, but Carrie Fisher talked him out of it: "Hey, get over yourself. You're Luke Skywalker. I'm Princess Leia. Embrace it."
The Yautja in Dan Trachtenberg's animated movie Predator: Killer of Killers
Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
3 years since we last saw Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill definitively rules out a Star Wars return: "There's no way I'm gonna appear naked as a Force ghost"
David Sandberg in Kung Fury
Cult director of unreleased Michael Fassbender and Arnold Schwarzenegger movie announces next project: a "fantasy punk" film that's a "crazy mishmash" of Star Wars, Mad Max, and Lord of the Rings
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars fans have spotted a Death Star detail in Rogue One that makes a Princess Leia moment in A New Hope even more upsetting
ryan reynolds appearing at comic-con 2024
Ryan Reynolds had an R-rated Star Wars story he pitched to Disney that might've gotten emotional
Latest in Features
Assassin's Creed Shadows Yasuke getting kicked in the face by an NPC
With Ubisoft Forward looking unlikely this year, here's what I'm still expecting from the publisher at Summer Game Fest 2025
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
From arduous to glorious: How Oblivion Remastered saved the Siege of Kvatch
Mario Kart World screenshot showing Toad elated after hitting a boost pad on a bike
"We can't fully imagine all the types of ways that people will play": Like Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Kart World is going to thrive on player imagination
Mario Kart World screenshot featuring Toad
Mario Kart World takes every possible advantage of its giant connected map, which has somehow turned me into a collectible fiend
Digital Dragons 2025 photograph of the large sign outside the Krakow International Conference Center
With creators of Cyberpunk 2077, Frostpunk 2, and award-winning indies under one roof, Digital Dragons is helping Polish game developers "catch up to the West"
Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, standing in the TARDIS, in Doctor Who: The Reality War.
I’m sad to see Ncuti Gatwa go but a surprise Doctor Who regeneration is something I’ve always wanted
  1. The Battle for the Deep box on a white surface
    1
    Battle for the Deep review: "A new and unique take on the long-running, beloved Axis &^ Allies franchise"
  2. 2
    Elden Ring Nightreign review: "An uncharacteristically frantic and fast-paced ride that boils down the core Elden Ring experience"
  3. 3
    To a T review: "Like standing in a warm spill of sunbeams and eating your favorite home-cooked meal all at once"
  4. 4
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown review: "Radically slick brawls barely feel turn-based, but I'm left wanting more depth"
  5. 5
    Monster Train 2 review: "A truly first class ride through deckbuilder roguelike heaven, and I'm already going off the rails"
  1. The Yautja in Dan Trachtenberg's animated movie Predator: Killer of Killers
    1
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  2. 2
    From the World of John Wick: Ballerina review: "Brilliant action, even if the plot gives you a sense of déjà vu"
  3. 3
    Karate Kid: Legends review: "Better than Karate Kid (2010), nothing on Karate Kid (1984)"
  4. 4
    Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning review: "Wraps up this spy franchise in spectacular style with Tom Cruise in peak condition, even if its villain lacks terror"
  5. 5
    Final Destination Bloodlines Review: "Meticulous murderous mayhem"
  1. Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim, Ruth Madeley as Shirley, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge Stewart, Varada Sethu as Belinda, Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, Millie Gibson as Ruby, Bonnie Langford as Mel, Susan Twist as Susan Triad, and Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble in Doctor Who: 'The Reality War.'
    1
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  2. 2
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision
  3. 3
    Rick and Morty season 8 review: "Largely plays it too safe after years of crossing boundaries"
  4. 4
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 6 spoiler review: 'The Interstellar Song Contest' is "a blast and sets the stage for a thrilling season finale"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 5 spoiler review: 'The Story & The Engine' is "one of the most original and ambitious episodes this show has produced in years"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers
  • Do not sell or share my personal information

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...