Just watched this . One of the most intelligent serial killer movies I’ve seen In years . Brilliant performance from Willa Fitzgerald. Highly recommended
Really looking forward to seeing this, where did you watch it?
It will be out to digitally rent or buy in early November.
Hardly a latest film but saw Carrie again last night at the local Odeon after nearly 50 years. Worth seeing the final scenes on the big screen. Obviously I knew what to expect but the last bit still made me jump. Times have clearly changed as what was an X rated movie is now classified as a 15.
Almodovar's latest, out now. I generally find his films interesting but the quality varies.
This is his first film in English, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. It concerns a terminally ill woman who wants to manage her own death but have her friend nearby when she does it.
Its about 110 minutes, which passes easily enough but I didnt find the characters particularly engaging or sympathetic, and some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. A film considering the implications of ageing, illness and mortality is never going to be a riot, but I was glad when it ended and I could go for a Brakspears down the road. Worthy rather than enjoyable.
Almodovar's latest, out now. I generally find his films interesting but the quality varies.
This is his first film in English, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. It concerns a terminally ill woman who wants to manage her own death but have her friend nearby when she does it.
Its about 110 minutes, which passes easily enough but I didnt find the characters particularly engaging or sympathetic, and some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. A film considering the implications of ageing, illness and mortality is never going to be a riot, but I was glad when it ended and I could go for a Brakspears down the road. Worthy rather than enjoyable.
5.5/10
I'm a fan of his work generally but I found this a bit disappointing. The film is really a chamber piece featuring discussions between two intellectuals, against a backcloth of euthanasia. As you'd expect, there were decent performances from Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton but, notwithstanding its Golden Lion Award at this year’s Venice Film Festival, I felt that this was a long way short of Almodóvar’s best work.
Just watched this . One of the most intelligent serial killer movies I’ve seen In years . Brilliant performance from Willa Fitzgerald. Highly recommended
Really looking forward to seeing this, where did you watch it?
It will be out to digitally rent or buy in early November.
Our best film of the year !
@supaclive could you explain what you mean by ‘our’, please?
Almodovar's latest, out now. I generally find his films interesting but the quality varies.
This is his first film in English, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. It concerns a terminally ill woman who wants to manage her own death but have her friend nearby when she does it.
Its about 110 minutes, which passes easily enough but I didnt find the characters particularly engaging or sympathetic, and some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. A film considering the implications of ageing, illness and mortality is never going to be a riot, but I was glad when it ended and I could go for a Brakspears down the road. Worthy rather than enjoyable.
5.5/10
Two things: Ms AA thought it an interesting film was some amazing fashion.
I saw a raft of films at the London Film Festival last month. It was not, in my view, a vintage year - unlike 2023, where there were a number of films with the 'wow' factor, such as The Holdovers and The Zone of Interest. Of those I saw, these were my five favourites:
Thank You for Banking With Us (Palestine)
Under Islamic and Sharia inheritance laws, males are entitled to double the share of their female siblings in their parent’s estate. Against that backcloth, two sisters must put aside their differences and find a way to ensure they get their hands on the money their recently deceased father left in the bank, before their US-based brother - entitled to half the funds owing to his gender - finds out.
Very well written, with excellent performances from the two sisters, whose repartee was a real feature of the film. Some nice touches of humour and a story and which held the interest throughout.
I’m Still Here (Brazil)
A powerful depiction of life under the Brazilian military junta in 1970 and the impact of ‘the disappeared’ on their families. At 2 hours 17 minutes, it could perhaps have been edited down a shade but this is a serious film of real depth from Walter Salles, the director who gave us Central Station and The Motorbike Diaries. I think it is likely to be nominated for the Best International Feature Oscar.
It's UK release date is 7 February 2025.
Three Kilometres to the End of the World (Romania)
A very well constructed drama and a window into a homophobic rural village in Romania. Institutional corruption is a very familiar theme in Romanian films but it was very well portrayed here.
The film is Romania’s entry for the Best International Feature Oscar.
Hard Truths (UK)
An uncompromising but compassionate ensemble drama about a black British family in South London and the thorny familial ties that bind us. It’s Mike Leigh’s first film set in contemporary times since the 2010 classic Another Year and reunites him with Marianne Jean-Baptiste for the first time since the multiple Oscar-nominated Secrets and Lies.
I found it a very intelligent and interesting film, dealing with the anguish of the central character - a woman at war with the world - and its impact upon her family. The flashes of humour and the humanity of the characters prevented the film from becoming too downbeat and one dimensional.
Its UK release date is 31 January 2025.
Joy (UK)
The true story of three British pioneers who challenged societal norms and defied the odds to realise the world’s first IVF baby. Working principally in a hospital in Oldham, they faced the rancour of the Church, the medical and the political establishment, who saw their work as an aberration.
An important story that deserves to be told. Excellent performances, especially from Thomasin Mackenzie, and some nice moments of humour. A really nice film which far exceeded my expectations. A Netflix production.
Its UK release is later this month on 22 November and I believe it is due to appear on Netflix at the same time.
Finally saw Joker 2 last night. Finding it really hard to explain my reaction to it, especially after a lot of what I've read about it. I've read that writer/ director Todd Phillips intentionally made a terrible film. That it's a total 'fuck you' to comic book fans. And that it's better than the original.
I do think the fuss over the original was a bit much. It's basically a remake of King of Comedy, and while I found it interesting I never felt like watching it a second time.
This film is a good continuation of the lead character's story but it steers away from being the origin story that the first one seemed to be, and in doing so has increased my appreciation of the first film. I don't think Phillips was every particularly interested in telling a comic book story. It's kind of comic book adjacent. And I don't think I understood that with the original until now. Maybe that's a retcon, but I don't think so.
As @Pavoren007 pointed out, this is a story that mixes perspectives, and unlike the first movie, we're very much aware of that this time. As such, we're never quite sure if we're seeing what's in the world's reality and his arc (spoilers from here) is probably what pissed a lot of people off - he rejects the Joker thing and accepts that he's not larger than life.
As I watched the sequence where he defends himself in court I was thinking, this is really stupid. But that was the point I suppose - he didn't have a plan. He couldn't outwit the world. He's not very smart. He was just an idiot in make-up trying to blag his way through while people around him wanted to believe he was something much more. And I suppose that includes us as the audience. We thought he would end up free, like a villainous Scarlet Pimpernel, ready to face down the only man who could take him on - Bruce Wayne. And perhaps the guy he meets in the final scene is that character. Maybe Arthur was the proto Joker.
I am not a fan of musicals. Outside of Grease I can't handle them. And I think that's because I struggle to suspend my disbelief that people can sing and dance before suddenly going back to normal like the song never happened. Joker 2 has a get-out - The songs aren't really happening, or if they are, they are not dance numbers - just a couple of disturbed people doing crazy shit.
The more I think about it, the more this film has grown on me. And I went in expecting it to be horrifically bad. But I actually think it was really smart, and a good antidote to Marvel and DC's usual fare.
Almodovar's latest, out now. I generally find his films interesting but the quality varies.
This is his first film in English, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. It concerns a terminally ill woman who wants to manage her own death but have her friend nearby when she does it.
Its about 110 minutes, which passes easily enough but I didnt find the characters particularly engaging or sympathetic, and some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. A film considering the implications of ageing, illness and mortality is never going to be a riot, but I was glad when it ended and I could go for a Brakspears down the road. Worthy rather than enjoyable.
5.5/10
Two things: Ms AA thought it an interesting film was some amazing fashion.
You have Brakspears? You lucky, lucky bleeder.
Luck has nothing to do with it - I don't live near Henley by accident
I'm a sucker for zombie films and apocalypse event films. This one is zombie/infected shit scary running things that provide the shit-your-pants moments
The lead actor was very decent and ably supported by his pet cat who I spent a lot of the film worried about. Its a well trodden patch and there are some nice bits of humanity weaved into the story. It seems to be building to a sequel which is kind of fair enough. I enjoyed it
Watched ‘And Mrs’ on Netflix last night. Was ok, an easy watch, a few laughs.
But two things struck me, firstly I realised I feel sorry for Colin Hanks because he’s just a younger version of his Dad in everything I’ve ever seen him in. And then secondly I stopped feeling sorry for him because his syrup completely distracted me from the film…….ffs!
Jeez, I was about to reply to this and realised it was my own post.
No but I read today (in The Guardian) that it's been ranked as Spielberg's best ever film and the 3rd best film of this century overall by French film critics.
Which says more about the French than anything else if they think it’s better than Jaws , Close Encounters, Schindlers List , ET , Saving Private Ryan , Minority Report , Jurassic Park etc…
The Fablemans is a good film but it’s way , way down on the list of his best films .
I just watched it for a second time on Saturday and although I like it, I wouldn’t put it higher than 5th amongst your short list. French film critics like to look/sound clever.
I went to see Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy at the weekend, a pretty sombre moving but quite touching. Based on a short story by Claire Keegan that my gf has read - Keegan also wrote Foster, which was turned into 'The Quiet Girl' a couple years back which I think won a few awards. Based in Ireland, I think it is meant to be Waterford, Murphy's character Bill Furlong struggles with conditions at the local convent in town which makes him reflect on his own upbringing - quite a touching story though not a happy Christmas tale even though it is set at Christmas.
I also watched Endurance on Disney+ on Friday night. Fascinating story, thoroughly enjoyed this with the mix of them telling the story of the hardships and struggles of the team, and the modern team trying to find the ship after it was swallowed by the sea. Would recommend if you have any interest in these expedition stories to watch if you can.
Wow, I can categorically say that both my wife & I thought it was the worst and most ridiculous film that we've ever seen. (not dissing your opinion).
That’s fine . I’ve spoken to people who thought the same as you but I’ve also talked to people who loved it like me . I think it will feature highly in awards season which isn’t actually saying anything because they normally get it disastrously wrong .
Just got home from seeing The Substance, a film that’s desperately trying to make a statement of some substance but grotesquely fails.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
I went to see Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy at the weekend, a pretty sombre moving but quite touching. Based on a short story by Claire Keegan that my gf has read - Keegan also wrote Foster, which was turned into 'The Quiet Girl' a couple years back which I think won a few awards. Based in Ireland, I think it is meant to be Waterford, Murphy's character Bill Furlong struggles with conditions at the local convent in town which makes him reflect on his own upbringing - quite a touching story though not a happy Christmas tale even though it is set at Christmas.
I also watched Endurance on Disney+ on Friday night. Fascinating story, thoroughly enjoyed this with the mix of them telling the story of the hardships and struggles of the team, and the modern team trying to find the ship after it was swallowed by the sea. Would recommend if you have any interest in these expedition stories to watch if you can.
Thanks for heads up on Endurance, didn't know they'd made it.
Frank Hurley, the photographer on the original expedition, was a genius, and his surviving film footage and photos are incredible.
Just got home from seeing The Substance, a film that’s desperately trying to make a statement of some substance but grotesquely fails.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
That’s my issue with the Substance. It’s a good idea (although slightly predictable) and I thought the performances from the leads were good but it drags on far too long. There were a couple of moments about 30-45 mins before the finish when I assumed the film was ending, but no, on it goes with scenes that really add nothing to the story or the “message”.
Another nod to Gladiator, thought the lead guy was excellent, one or two daft moments in the filmwithout giving stuff away, they made me laugh.
And I did google one or two things that looked far fetched in the film, and stretched the boundaries a bit, but actually did happen.
Worth a watch, make your own mind up, loved the opening scenes.
I think the film actually started 39 minutes, after all the ads and trailers, the longest I can remember, sods law, you go in to see it after 30 minutes, and it’s already started! 🙄
Just got home from seeing The Substance, a film that’s desperately trying to make a statement of some substance but grotesquely fails.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
That’s my issue with the Substance. It’s a good idea (although slightly predictable) and I thought the performances from the leads were good but it drags on far too long. There were a couple of moments about 30-45 mins before the finish when I assumed the film was ending, but no, on it goes with scenes that really add nothing to the story or the “message”.
If you look at Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 most of the public say something along the lines of this whereas the critics are largely gushing praise.
I think this makes a good illustration of the difference between public and critics: Is the public looking for entertainment and the critics looking for artistic merit?
I’m simplifying it somewhat but I see an ever increasing divide. Personally I want a logical storyline that’s believable. This for me is the bones of any book or film. A book then adds the flesh by good writing and a film by good acting and directing.
The Substance has good acting, directing that looks like 3 different directors have stepped in at different points, and a storyline that makes no sense in an effort to be artistic and clever. Not since AI has a film made me feel this annoyance.
Comments
Our best film of the year !
oh my days, best film I have seen in ages………..how much shit must fall on your head before you get a hat? 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Absolute brilliant acting by Keanu & Winona 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ms AA thought it an interesting film was some amazing fashion.
Was expecting some kind of hackett job but it was a masterpiece that was shot incredibly and captured 70s New York perfectly.
Jeremy Strong deserves a beat supporting actor oscar nomination but probably won't get it for the obvious.
Thank You for Banking With Us (Palestine)
Under Islamic and Sharia inheritance laws, males are entitled to double the share of their female siblings in their parent’s estate. Against that backcloth, two sisters must put aside their differences and find a way to ensure they get their hands on the money their recently deceased father left in the bank, before their US-based brother - entitled to half the funds owing to his gender - finds out.
Very well written, with excellent performances from the two sisters, whose repartee was a real feature of the film. Some nice touches of humour and a story and which held the interest throughout.
I’m Still Here (Brazil)
A powerful depiction of life under the Brazilian military junta in 1970 and the impact of ‘the disappeared’ on their families. At 2 hours 17 minutes, it could perhaps have been edited down a shade but this is a serious film of real depth from Walter Salles, the director who gave us Central Station and The Motorbike Diaries. I think it is likely to be nominated for the Best International Feature Oscar.
It's UK release date is 7 February 2025.
Three Kilometres to the End of the World (Romania)
A very well constructed drama and a window into a homophobic rural village in Romania. Institutional corruption is a very familiar theme in Romanian films but it was very well portrayed here.
The film is Romania’s entry for the Best International Feature Oscar.
Hard Truths (UK)
An uncompromising but compassionate ensemble drama about a black British family in South London and the thorny familial ties that bind us. It’s Mike Leigh’s first film set in contemporary times since the 2010 classic Another Year and reunites him with Marianne Jean-Baptiste for the first time since the multiple Oscar-nominated Secrets and Lies.
I found it a very intelligent and interesting film, dealing with the anguish of the central character - a woman at war with the world - and its impact upon her family. The flashes of humour and the humanity of the characters prevented the film from becoming too downbeat and one dimensional.
Its UK release date is 31 January 2025.
Joy (UK)
The true story of three British pioneers who challenged societal norms and defied the odds to realise the world’s first IVF baby. Working principally in a hospital in Oldham, they faced the rancour of the Church, the medical and the political establishment, who saw their work as an aberration.
An important story that deserves to be told. Excellent performances, especially from Thomasin Mackenzie, and some nice moments of humour. A really nice film which far exceeded my expectations. A Netflix production.
Its UK release is later this month on 22 November and I believe it is due to appear on Netflix at the same time.I do think the fuss over the original was a bit much. It's basically a remake of King of Comedy, and while I found it interesting I never felt like watching it a second time.
This film is a good continuation of the lead character's story but it steers away from being the origin story that the first one seemed to be, and in doing so has increased my appreciation of the first film. I don't think Phillips was every particularly interested in telling a comic book story. It's kind of comic book adjacent. And I don't think I understood that with the original until now. Maybe that's a retcon, but I don't think so.
As @Pavoren007 pointed out, this is a story that mixes perspectives, and unlike the first movie, we're very much aware of that this time. As such, we're never quite sure if we're seeing what's in the world's reality and his arc (spoilers from here) is probably what pissed a lot of people off - he rejects the Joker thing and accepts that he's not larger than life.
As I watched the sequence where he defends himself in court I was thinking, this is really stupid. But that was the point I suppose - he didn't have a plan. He couldn't outwit the world. He's not very smart. He was just an idiot in make-up trying to blag his way through while people around him wanted to believe he was something much more. And I suppose that includes us as the audience. We thought he would end up free, like a villainous Scarlet Pimpernel, ready to face down the only man who could take him on - Bruce Wayne. And perhaps the guy he meets in the final scene is that character. Maybe Arthur was the proto Joker.
I am not a fan of musicals. Outside of Grease I can't handle them. And I think that's because I struggle to suspend my disbelief that people can sing and dance before suddenly going back to normal like the song never happened. Joker 2 has a get-out - The songs aren't really happening, or if they are, they are not dance numbers - just a couple of disturbed people doing crazy shit.
The more I think about it, the more this film has grown on me. And I went in expecting it to be horrifically bad. But I actually think it was really smart, and a good antidote to Marvel and DC's usual fare.
Equally, what are these Aliens doing? Just hanging around on abandoned space craft hoping someone might show up?
Didn’t enjoy.
Perhaps I should post this on the, Things that make you feel old, thread.
What an epic piece of filmmaking. Incredible and really wish I’d got to see it in a cinema.
My Favourite film of 2024 so far. Not for the faint hearted
My Review is here
https://boxd.it/7LbMKR
In Spanish with English subtitles
I'm a sucker for zombie films and apocalypse event films. This one is zombie/infected shit scary running things that provide the shit-your-pants moments
The lead actor was very decent and ably supported by his pet cat who I spent a lot of the film worried about. Its a well trodden patch and there are some nice bits of humanity weaved into the story. It seems to be building to a sequel which is kind of fair enough. I enjoyed it
7/10
Was ok, an easy watch, a few laughs.
But two things struck me, firstly I realised I feel sorry for Colin Hanks because he’s just a younger version of his Dad in everything I’ve ever seen him in. And then secondly I stopped feeling sorry for him because his syrup completely distracted me from the film…….ffs!
French film critics like to look/sound clever.
Love the first two but reviews haven't been great.
Cinema trips with the kids next 3 weekends I suspect, Paddington, Wicked and Moana 2.
I also watched Endurance on Disney+ on Friday night. Fascinating story, thoroughly enjoyed this with the mix of them telling the story of the hardships and struggles of the team, and the modern team trying to find the ship after it was swallowed by the sea. Would recommend if you have any interest in these expedition stories to watch if you can.
Excellent 10/10.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
Here’s a suitable review:
https://www.miamiartzine.com/Features.php?op=Article_17268292937334
And I did google one or two things that looked far fetched in the film, and stretched the boundaries a bit, but actually did happen.
Worth a watch, make your own mind up, loved the opening scenes.
I think the film actually started 39 minutes, after all the ads and trailers, the longest I can remember, sods law, you go in to see it after 30 minutes, and it’s already started! 🙄
I think this makes a good illustration of the difference between public and critics:
Is the public looking for entertainment and the critics looking for artistic merit?
I’m simplifying it somewhat but I see an ever increasing divide. Personally I want a logical storyline that’s believable. This for me is the bones of any book or film. A book then adds the flesh by good writing and a film by good acting and directing.
The Substance has good acting, directing that looks like 3 different directors have stepped in at different points, and a storyline that makes no sense in an effort to be artistic and clever.
Not since AI has a film made me feel this annoyance.