Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1066826
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 DECEMBER 2018 FILM ENVIRONMENT TERNS are a group of seabirds closely related to the gulls and looking very much like them too. They are, however, generally smaller and less robust than their cousins, and have a lighter, more buoyant flight. Up to nine species have been recorded in Malta, some of which are seen every year, others being extremely rare. One of the scarcer species is the Caspian tern (ċirlewwa prima), easy to tell from the rest on account of its large size – indeed it's the biggest tern in existence, as big as as one of the larger gulls. Like most terns it sports a neat black 'cap' but its most distinguishing fea- ture is the large pointed Ferrari-red bill, a magnificent fish- catching tool. In Malta Caspian terns occur more or less every year – generally seen singly – as they migrate between Europe and Africa and, like all terns, they are protected ani- mals. Best wishes for the new year. Text and Photo Victor Falzon 2 The Cloverfield Paradox Back to more cinematic universes, which are of course all the rage. The very loose 'Clover- field' franchise is essentially an inspired idea by blockbuster-wrangler J.J. Abrams, but this semi-official space-bound sequel -- retrofitted into the universe late in the day -- is a lazily filmed, badly edited dud that seriously puts into question Netflix's feature film selection process. 3 Solo: A Star Wars Story Speaking of embattled franchise-univers- es, this one is likely to hurt a lot more than most. Firing one's director/s late in the game is never a good idea, and even a stalwart like Ron Howard only just about manages to make this 'hunk of junk' float along to the finish line. What could have been an enjoyable ca- ter -- and, potentially, the Star Wars universe's answer to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy/ Thor: Ragnarok -- ends up being an utterly un- remarkable, and entirely unnecessary, re-treat, masquerading as a significant origin story. 4 The Nun While the idea of a Conjuring universe will be a delight to a sizeable coterie of horror fans, The Nun is a prequel of such low stakes and even lower quality, that its very existence begs the question: 'Why bother?'. Still, its box office takings were significant, proving that horror will always command a loyal-enough crowd. For better or for worse. 5 The Post Could this be Spielberg's worst film? The Post may have the best ethical intentions and Trump-inspired timeliness on its side, but the ensuing stew of a film is a dull display of the best American cinematic talent running on autopilot. Smug and drained of all narrative energy, this one should have been a mercy kill- ing. 641. CASPIAN TERN NO film of this budget range and production ca- liber should settle for a screenplay so spotty and devoid of life as J.K. Rowl- ing's second attempt at writing for cinema. Yet another casualty of the exigencies of 'shared uni- verses', this sequel to Fan- tastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is merely a fill- in exercise for future films in this planned five-feature franchise. Gods help us. 1 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 544: Give your friends and family a wonderful gift that's good for the planet www.foemalta.org/blog/christmashampers18/ 545 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS