Masterclass in tension

A Quiet Place (15)

Saying more with actions, atmosphere and anxiety than most films do with thousands of words, A Quiet Place is one of the year’s finest flicks.

It’s a simple premise but more than just a gimmick as real-life husbandandJohn Krasinski and Emily Blunt shine. Right from the brutal opening, there’s no chance to relax.

Terminal (15)

Not even another memorable turn from Margot Robbie can save this odd mishmash of genres.

For large spells next to nothing happens and when it does, it can’t make its mind whether it wants to be a black comedy, noir or thriller.

A twisty, surprising story does just about hold your attention, though.

Death Wish (18)

This update of the 1974 thriller is criminally dull, dumb and redundant.

The basic premise is the same as Bruce Willis’ surgeon embarks on his own brand of justice after his wife and daughter are brutally attacked.

Willis’ mumbling, sedate display is a world away from swinging off skyscrapers as Die Hard’s John Mcclane. The speed of his transition to shoot-first killing machine is jarring and far-fetched and there’s a weird undercurrent of humour in the script.

Considering it’s directed by Hostel’s Eli Roth, there’s a lack of true bloody violence and gore.

While the original spawned four sequels, this clichéd, unimaginative remake is likely to be a one-and-done affair.