Can't stand musicals and walked out of Wicked after half an hour because I forgot just how intolerable I find them (...also watching a painfully thin Ariana Grande was difficult on the eyes).
So it was with trepidation that I switched on Emilia Perez. I only went and enjoyed it. Key difference here is that there are next to zero set piece songs (a couple I mildly fast forwarded through as I got the gist early enough). Instead, about half the script that is put to song. I could handle that as the plot continued at a sensible pace, rather than have a chorus bleat on for five minutes repetitively. Somehow the voices fit the characters and I barely noticed they were singing at times. As for the script...yes it is far fetched but it is good, gritty and it is also coherent. Acting was strong from most of the cast.
Not sure it is '13 Academy nominations' good but it is worthy of a couple of awards.
Also watched 'Sing Sing' which covers a well trod cinematic theme but is still done very well. It has little new to say but it is well acted and a good film.
Still have 4 Best picture nominees to see but going against the grain on here it seems, I'm currently Team Anora.
Can't stand musicals and walked out of Wicked after half an hour because I forgot just how intolerable I find them (...also watching a painfully thin Ariana Grande was difficult on the eyes).
So it was with trepidation that I switched on Emilia Perez. I only went and enjoyed it. Key difference here is that there are next to zero set piece songs (a couple I mildly fast forwarded through as I got the gist early enough). Instead, about half the script that is put to song. I could handle that as the plot continued at a sensible pace, rather than have a chorus bleat on for five minutes repetitively. Somehow the voices fit the characters and I barely noticed they were singing at times. As for the script...yes it is far fetched but it is good, gritty and it is also coherent. Acting was strong from most of the cast.
Not sure it is '13 Academy nominations' good but it is worthy of a couple of awards.
Also watched 'Sing Sing' which covers a well trod cinematic theme but is still done very well. It has little new to say but it is well acted and a good film.
Still have 4 Best picture nominees to see but going against the grain on here it seems, I'm currently Team Anora.
What a lousy year for movies 2024 was if that’s the best they can come up with. I hope Conclave or The Substance win but somehow I don’t think either will .
I also really enjoyed Emilia Perez. If anyone hasn't seen A Prophet by the same director, it's a top drawer prison/gangster movie (with no singing). Think it's on Netflix at the moment.
I was back in the UK with my daughters and I suggested we try a West End show, and they opted for Wicked.
At the interval they thought it had finished and were furious when they found out they had around another hour to grind through and demanded to leave. i was happy to go - the songs were shite and the storeyline obvious and unamusing. No way would I consider watching the film.
I was back in the UK with my daughters and I suggested we try a West End show, and they opted for Wicked.
At the interval they thought it had finished and were furious when they found out they had around another hour to grind through and demanded to leave. i was happy to go - the songs were shite and the storeyline obvious and unamusing. No way would I consider watching the film.
And what's even worse with the film is you sit through over 2 hours of mind numbingingly shite songs and story arc only to find out they've split the pathetic excuse for a storyline into two parts and in my case, gf is going to expect for me to not only pay for her to watch the second half but also for myself and for me to sit through it.
Watched " Blitz" this afternoon at the Trinity theatre in TW.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the lad who was in 80% of the scenes. Remarkable. And a Must See.
I confess to being quite emotional when it ended and as we got back in the car, listened to the sentencing of someone whose name I can't even bear to utter.
One, showing the resilience & fortitude of Brits during the devastating war years when everyone came together, looking after one another against the unseen enemy .
The other, an example of the evil that walks among us in human form & is likely to be invisible until it strikes, like the bombing , without warning.
My tears were for the touching film I'd been fortunate to choose but also for those whose lives are shattered by the depraved actions of those intent on destruction of the innocent.
Watched Nosferatu at the weekend. Thought it was dreadful. I’m genuinely astounded by some of the glowing reports here. Don’t get me wrong, it looks beautiful - the cinematography is outstanding, but the film itself was a self indulgent borefest. I found the performances excruciating. It’s a bad sign when the best acting is from Chris Finch from The Office. It seemed everyone was vying for the “Chewing the Scenery” award. I love Willem Defoe, but for a while I thought he was playing for laughs. Nicholas Hoult and Lily Rose Depp were impossible to empathise with. And I can’t think of two characters I gave less of a toss about than the couple who were their friends. The less said about the boss at Nicholas Hoult’s office the better. Appalling. And I haven’t even got onto the risible setting of “Germany - years later” populated with faux cockney peasants yet. I’ve read that this was maybe a deliberate decision, which just stinks of pretension to me, but deliberate or not, it was ridiculous.
I’m sure many will like it and it does appear I’m in the minority here, but I’m of the opinion that if the best thing about a film is the cinematography, it’s probably not that good a movie. Pretty, yes. But not good. I found it uninteresting, badly acted, unconvincing, devoid of truly scary, exciting, funny or thought provoking moments and too long and slow. One thing I will say was that the Orlok character was very creepy. But to be fair, if he wasn’t, that’d be incredible.
A complete unknown was very enjoyable. Nothing groundbreaking and like much of Dylan’s interviews, made up / fiction / playing with the timeline but that ok as it’s a film, not a documentary.
The soundtrack is excellent and the singing by the leads very good. Chammalet can do no wrong.
It's a Mike Leigh film so it's never going to be a barrel of laughs. I went to see it today on the back of the trailer which made me chuckle two or three times. As is so often the case, the trailer laughs are pretty much all the laughs, and they happen in the first third of the film. After that it's pretty bleak and just gets bleaker.
It's well acted and the nieces provide some relief with their positivity, but you find yourself pulled down by the depression of the main character, which has infected her husband and son to the point of them giving up and closing down.
I came out feeling that I need to see another film pretty quick as a sort of cinematic palate cleanser. Worthy rather than enjoyable. On that basis, 6/10.
Saw a free pre release screening of "September 5".
"During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group".
Didn't think it was going to be my cup of tea, but actually my Wife and I both enjoyed it.
Went to see Love Hurts, what a complete turkey of a film, 5 people in the cinema, guy behind me was straight out of his seat, as soon as the credits came up.
A poor man’s Jackie Cham of a movie, so farcical and bad, you must go and see it.
Just watched ‘The Girl With the Needle’, Denmark’s Best International Feature nominee. Set at the end of WWI and based on a real case, it’s an extremely well crafted film with exceptional black and white cinematography. It’s not a horror film but it is a tough watch and not one for the faint hearted.
I also saw ‘The Brutalist’ this week. An interesting historical epic but I thought the second half was weaker and I could feel my empathy for the protagonist ebbing away. Its portrayal of vulgar, uber-wealthy Americans felt pretty accurate.
Just watched ‘The Girl With the Needle’, Denmark’s Best International Feature nominee. Set at the end of WWI and based on a real case, it’s an extremely well crafted film with exceptional black and white cinematography. It’s not a horror film but it is a tough watch and not one for the faint hearted.
I also saw ‘The Brutalist’ this week. An interesting historical epic but I thought the second half was weaker and I could feel my empathy for the protagonist ebbing away. Its portrayal of vulgar, uber-wealthy Americans felt pretty accurate.
The second half of the Brutalist is definitely weaker than the first. The length of the film feels self indulgent.
The Brutalist - Overlong but remained compelling throughout. Sound, cinematography and acting are all exceptional.
Nickel Boys - In spite of abysmal directing of the film, it somehow remained a very decent picture. Some tough scenes to watch at times.
A Complete Unknown - generic music biopic elevated by the brilliance of Chamalet (again - surely best actor out of Hollywood since, at least, DiCaprio).
A Real Pain - Low expectations going in but I thought it was brilliantly authentic, hugely enjoyable and Culkin's performance is Oscar worthy.
Also saw September 5 about the Munich Olympics / hostage situation.
Zips along at a good pace and a good watch. 7/10.
I watched it last night. A different view of what happened in Munich and how spur of the moment decisions without having the right information can have consequences. 8 out of 10
Marmite time, went to see Becoming Led Zeppelin last night, I enjoyed it although I'm sure plenty will criticise, I wasn't a massive fan but I enjoyed walking down memory lane.
I got through The Apprentice last night. I do want to see all the Oscar noms but that one was an issue because I just don't want to spend that much time with that man. I've switched off a lot of podcasts and TV shows over the last few month for that reason. And Sebastien Stan has done a fantastic job of impersonating him.
I really like the film's style. It has a documentary feel to it which I enjoy. It's tricky because the camera can break the suspension of disbelief if it's not done well. You can become aware that there's a camera in the room if the movements don't feel natural. Which is fine in a doc because you know a crew is there, but in a drama you don't want to think about it.
What impressed me most was that it only vaguely made him sympathetic. You get to understand how and why he has become who he is, without ever losing sight of him making his own choices. Although at times it's almost a little too blatant - you could watch one scene with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and get the message.
I am glad I watched it, and as good as Stan is, I don't think anyone should get an Oscar for portraying someone who already exists. It's far more impressive to see Kieran Culkin create his own character from a script than someone who can watch videos and copy mannerisms.
Watched Sing Sing the other night, inspired by recommendations on here. Really enjoyed it. A simple film but with great performances. The guy who played Divine Eye was phenomenal.
I got through The Apprentice last night. I do want to see all the Oscar noms but that one was an issue because I just don't want to spend that much time with that man. I've switched off a lot of podcasts and TV shows over the last few month for that reason. And Sebastien Stan has done a fantastic job of impersonating him.
I really like the film's style. It has a documentary feel to it which I enjoy. It's tricky because the camera can break the suspension of disbelief if it's not done well. You can become aware that there's a camera in the room if the movements don't feel natural. Which is fine in a doc because you know a crew is there, but in a drama you don't want to think about it.
What impressed me most was that it only vaguely made him sympathetic. You get to understand how and why he has become who he is, without ever losing sight of him making his own choices. Although at times it's almost a little too blatant - you could watch one scene with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and get the message.
I am glad I watched it, and as good as Stan is, I don't think anyone should get an Oscar for portraying someone who already exists. It's far more impressive to see Kieran Culkin create his own character from a script than someone who can watch videos and copy mannerisms.
4/6
I thought Jeremy Strong was exceptional in this. He completely changed his appearance and personality, what true acting talent is about.
Watched ‘better man’ last night. Wasn’t expecting much and not the biggest fan of Robbie Williams but thought it was brilliant. Both blubbing at the end
Yes good point I forgot to mention that - Strong is immense in that movie. Apparently he is a proper method actor, takes his craft very seriously!
I can't remember where I read it, but there's a great story about how when he was the head of his Drama Club at uni, he blew their budget inventing an award ceremony so that he could invite his idol Al Pacino to come and receive it. He got a really expensive pewter trophy made, that was meant to be used each year to award to different people, Al turned up for about 30 minutes gave a half arsed speech and took the trophy home.
Comments
So it was with trepidation that I switched on Emilia Perez. I only went and enjoyed it. Key difference here is that there are next to zero set piece songs (a couple I mildly fast forwarded through as I got the gist early enough). Instead, about half the script that is put to song. I could handle that as the plot continued at a sensible pace, rather than have a chorus bleat on for five minutes repetitively. Somehow the voices fit the characters and I barely noticed they were singing at times. As for the script...yes it is far fetched but it is good, gritty and it is also coherent. Acting was strong from most of the cast.
Not sure it is '13 Academy nominations' good but it is worthy of a couple of awards.
Also watched 'Sing Sing' which covers a well trod cinematic theme but is still done very well. It has little new to say but it is well acted and a good film.
Still have 4 Best picture nominees to see but going against the grain on here it seems, I'm currently Team Anora.
More A.I is bad if left unchecked, Good if kept in line.
An interesting idea, but to be honest this is more CGI war against the machines than it is story telling. J.Lo is still fit.
5/10
At the interval they thought it had finished and were furious when they found out they had around another hour to grind through and demanded to leave. i was happy to go - the songs were shite and the storeyline obvious and unamusing. No way would I consider watching the film.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the lad who was in 80% of the scenes. Remarkable. And a Must See.
I confess to being quite emotional when it ended and as we got back in the car, listened to the sentencing of someone whose name I can't even bear to utter.
One, showing the resilience & fortitude of Brits during the devastating war years when everyone came together, looking after one another against the unseen enemy .
The other, an example of the evil that walks among us in human form & is likely to be invisible until it strikes, like the bombing , without warning.
My tears were for the touching film I'd been fortunate to choose but also for those whose lives are shattered by the depraved actions of those intent on destruction of the innocent.
Don’t get me wrong, it looks beautiful - the cinematography is outstanding, but the film itself was a self indulgent borefest. I found the performances excruciating. It’s a bad sign when the best acting is from Chris Finch from The Office. It seemed everyone was vying for the “Chewing the Scenery” award. I love Willem Defoe, but for a while I thought he was playing for laughs. Nicholas Hoult and Lily Rose Depp were impossible to empathise with. And I can’t think of two characters I gave less of a toss about than the couple who were their friends. The less said about the boss at Nicholas Hoult’s office the better. Appalling.
And I haven’t even got onto the risible setting of “Germany - years later” populated with faux cockney peasants yet. I’ve read that this was maybe a deliberate decision, which just stinks of pretension to me, but deliberate or not, it was ridiculous.
I’m sure many will like it and it does appear I’m in the minority here, but I’m of the opinion that if the best thing about a film is the cinematography, it’s probably not that good a movie. Pretty, yes. But not good. I found it uninteresting, badly acted, unconvincing, devoid of truly scary, exciting, funny or thought provoking moments and too long and slow.
One thing I will say was that the Orlok character was very creepy. But to be fair, if he wasn’t, that’d be incredible.
Maybe I’ve just misunderstood it. 🤷🏻♂️
Its a scary movie that isn't scary.
Liked it. Didn't love it enough to push hard for it.
"During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group".
Didn't think it was going to be my cup of tea, but actually my Wife and I both enjoyed it.
A poor man’s Jackie Cham of a movie, so farcical and bad, you must go and see it.
I also saw ‘The Brutalist’ this week. An interesting historical epic but I thought the second half was weaker and I could feel my empathy for the protagonist ebbing away. Its portrayal of vulgar, uber-wealthy Americans felt pretty accurate.
Nickel Boys - In spite of abysmal directing of the film, it somehow remained a very decent picture. Some tough scenes to watch at times.
A Complete Unknown - generic music biopic elevated by the brilliance of Chamalet (again - surely best actor out of Hollywood since, at least, DiCaprio).
A Real Pain - Low expectations going in but I thought it was brilliantly authentic, hugely enjoyable and Culkin's performance is Oscar worthy.
I really like the film's style. It has a documentary feel to it which I enjoy. It's tricky because the camera can break the suspension of disbelief if it's not done well. You can become aware that there's a camera in the room if the movements don't feel natural. Which is fine in a doc because you know a crew is there, but in a drama you don't want to think about it.
What impressed me most was that it only vaguely made him sympathetic. You get to understand how and why he has become who he is, without ever losing sight of him making his own choices. Although at times it's almost a little too blatant - you could watch one scene with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and get the message.
I am glad I watched it, and as good as Stan is, I don't think anyone should get an Oscar for portraying someone who already exists. It's far more impressive to see Kieran Culkin create his own character from a script than someone who can watch videos and copy mannerisms.
4/6