I asked a bloke I used to work with why he was so keen on star wars. He was in his mid forties at the time and this would have been about 3 maybe 4 years ago. He explained to me that as a youngster then films at the cinema were generally crap. Not to say they were all bad movies but when he saw the opening scene with a bloody great big spacecraft chasing another one and Darth vader he was hooked. I can appreciate and understand that.
As far as I'm concerned I think the first three were a good story with plenty of plotholes but the iconography and how influential within popular culture the films have been is huge.
I asked a bloke I used to work with why he was so keen on star wars. He was in his mid forties at the time and this would have been about 3 maybe 4 years ago. He explained to me that as a youngster then films at the cinema were generally crap. Not to say they were all bad movies but when he saw the opening scene with a bloody great big spacecraft chasing another one and Darth vader he was hooked. I can appreciate and understand that.
As far as I'm concerned I think the first three were a good story with plenty of plotholes but the iconography and how influential within popular culture the films have been is huge.
To be fair, I can appreciate that too and I recognise that maybe the shock and awe just passed me by at the time. I would never criticise anyone for being a big Star Wars fan, I just don't feel it in the way many others do.
Best of Enemies is a fascinating documentary film about a series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr. If that doesn't sound very interesting you couldn't be more wrong. This is a film about two men who absolutely hated each other. Two extremely clever men who fought each other live on television by debating and which eventually led to personal insults being thrown at each other and it's mesmerising viewing. I have to admit I had never heard of these men before and that's probably because these debates happened a couple of months before I was born but I do know now and I feel much better off for it.
Star Wars - some of the reviews have been a bit gushing, but it is a solid addition to the pantheon, there are some good jokes, and some of the new characters are excellent, especially Daisy Ridley as Rey. This isn't a spoiler - there's no need to wait for the end of the credits as there isn't a little snippet to reward the faithful.
Sicario could be described as grim , dark or even depressing at times. There is no joy in the story that is being told here but despite all that it is utterly brilliant. This is the story of an FBI agent ( Emily Blunt ) who is recruited into an elite unit that deals with the drug barons on the Mexican border but not is all it seems. She is told very little and what she does know she doesn't like. This film is intense. It really does grip you. The first half an hour , especially the scenes when we are in Mexico , are stunning . The director , Denis Villeneuve , pulls no punches whatsoever and along with some great performances from Blunt , Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro this is a visual and sensual treat. Highly Recommended.
Yeah watched Sicario tonight. Brilliant, well up towards the best film of the year for me. Benicio was outstanding as usual.
Funnily enough I watched Cartel Land a couple of nights ago. A documentary following two sets of vigilantes on each side of the border fighting the cartels. It was excellent, absolutely horrifying what is going on though.
Just watched The Revenant. Di Caprio and Hardy are brilliant yet again. Some of the action shots are almost as incredible as the films scenery. Did drag a little bit at times but all in all a good movie.
Really pleased to see the love for Sicario, it was my second favourite of the year after Whiplash. Can't wait to see it again.
THE GIFT
A middle class couple bump into a character from the husband's past, and things get a bit strange and life unravels.
Genuine surprise. Very much like an 90s stalker thriller (Pacific Heights or Unlawful Entry) but with a twist. Really classily put together by director Joel Edgerton who also plays a genuine weirdo. It's unsettling for a bit, then you realise how the character arcs are working and bam, the film takes a completely new shape. A really, really good thriller that avoids cliche and brings something new to the table. (Now on PPV services)
CREED
Adonis Johnson, a young boxer tries to make his way in the boxing world, is hiding his true parentage in order to make it on his own. But without any real support, he soon realises he needs to turn to the only family he's got - his dad's best mate, Rocky Balboa, who doesn't even know Adonis exists, and is no longer interested in the fight world... or is he?
Absolutely loved it. Much like Star Wars, it's an update-slash-remake. Only infinitely more satisfying. I'm not sure how Coogler did it, but he's given the franchise a new lease of life. Michael B Jordan is excellent as a next-generation Apollo Creed, the references to past movies are brilliantly handled, and even though it's the Rocky formula, there are enough changes and updates to make it seem fresh.
The fight scenes are amazingly well shot, and Tony Bellew is a surprisingly good actor, playing the part of the champ looking for a pay day. Great film.
Really pleased to see the love for Sicario, it was my second favourite of the year after Whiplash. Can't wait to see it again.
THE GIFT
A middle class couple bump into a character from the husband's past, and things get a bit strange and life unravels.
Genuine surprise. Very much like an 90s stalker thriller (Pacific Heights or Unlawful Entry) but with a twist. Really classily put together by director Joel Edgerton who also plays a genuine weirdo. It's unsettling for a bit, then you realise how the character arcs are working and bam, the film takes a completely new shape. A really, really good thriller that avoids cliche and brings something new to the table. (Now on PPV services)
CREED
Adonis Johnson, a young boxer tries to make his way in the boxing world, is hiding his true parentage in order to make it on his own. But without any real support, he soon realises he needs to turn to the only family he's got - his dad's best mate, Rocky Balboa, who doesn't even know Adonis exists, and is no longer interested in the fight world... or is he?
Absolutely loved it. Much like Star Wars, it's an update-slash-remake. Only infinitely more satisfying. I'm not sure how Coogler did it, but he's given the franchise a new lease of life. Michael B Jordan is excellent as a next-generation Apollo Creed, the references to past movies are brilliantly handled, and even though it's the Rocky formula, there are enough changes and updates to make it seem fresh.
The fight scenes are amazingly well shot, and Tony Bellew is a surprisingly good actor, playing the part of the champ looking for a pay day. Great film.
Agree with sicario superb film. Just sitting down to whiplash, should have watched before as my boy plays drums. Thanks for the shove
The Krays have become almost legendary in British folklore despite the fact that they were basically just a couple of thugs that ruled by fear. Legend just adds to the glamorisation of the brothers and glamorous is what this film is. Tom Hardy is absolutely brilliant as he plays both the Krays . Ronnie always wearing the glasses . The film follows just a small but significant period of their reign of terror and if you are familiar with their story you won't learn anything new . This looks fantastic. The director has got the 1960's period down to a tee and there is no doubting that this a very entertaining film but i could have done without the narration and it probably would benefit from having 20 minutes shaved off of the running time.
The Krays have become almost legendary in British folklore despite the fact that they were basically just a couple of thugs that ruled by fear. Legend just adds to the glamorisation of the brothers and glamorous is what this film is. Tom Hardy is absolutely brilliant as he plays both the Krays . Ronnie always wearing the glasses . The film follows just a small but significant period of their reign of terror and if you are familiar with their story you won't learn anything new . This looks fantastic. The director has got the 1960's period down to a tee and there is no doubting that this a very entertaining film but i could have done without the narration and it probably would benefit from having 20 minutes shaved off of the running time.
Bridge Of Spies Kermode put it best; it's master craftsmen doing what they do best. Not sure why I wouldn't give it 5/5 but there's not a lot wrong with it. I guess it sags a little by the third act. The performances carry it through. 4/5
Spotlight A team of investigative journalists at the Boston Globe get a new owner. He tells them what to investigate. They're not keen but they go with it. They start tugging on the threads of the Catholic church's alleged paedophilia ring. And find more than they expected.
As with any true story, it's tricky to find a cinematic plot to juxtapose against the story the writer wishes to tell. And while we get very little character development for the high-quality cast, we do get a great sense of how the story was built and how it broke. Fascinating and engaging, but rarely does it get beneath the surface of the people involved. 3.5/5
Bridge of Spies has the feel an old fashioned drama and has all the hallmarks of a Steven Spielberg film. The attention to detail , the charismatic leading man ( Hanks ) and the sentimentality . There's nothing not to like about this film but is that enough to make it great ? Probably not. Although Tom Hanks is excellent I think the standout performance is from Mark Rylance who plays the Russian spy , Rudolf Abel . His understated dour acting is brilliant to watch. If you are expecting an action thriller then you will be disappointed. It's not that type of film. This is pure drama and an enjoyable one at that.
I love watching Screen writer , Aaron Sorkin's work. The West Wing and The Newsroom are two of my favourite TV shows of all time and all I can say is thank god Sorkin was involved with this film because otherwise it could have been a disaster. This is not a biography of Steve Jobs more a character assassination of the man. It revolves around four product launches and the arguments he has at the time with nearly everyone around him. It feels like a redemption movie but Steve Jobs wasn't that bad as to make the point. He was a businessman and acted like most successful driven people do. The stand out performance is from Seth Rogan ( you won't here me say that too often!) who plays Steve Wozniak . I only wish Rogan would play straight roles more often, Overall this is watchable for the fast flowing , Sorkin Dialogue , but other than that , because of the strange format , it's not a film I can particularly recommend.
Revenant - great cinematography and strong performances from Di Caprio and the very busy Tom Hardy. A very well made and intense 'revenge Western', although it's very long and might have benefitted from some trimming back - 7/10.
I never liked the original Mad Max movies which is why I put off watching Fury Road. I finally got around to seeing it and although better than the Mel Gibson films I still didn't like it very much. I can see why this would appeal to people . The action sequences are spectacular and the special affects are top notch but that's just not enough for me. Is a plot too much to ask? I found the constant action irritating and was relieved when there was a rare gap in the ensuing pandemonium . Another irritation is Tom Hardy. He seems to be reviving his role as Bane ( Dark Knight Rises) by mumbling his lines. Sadly it has been announced that there will be another Mad Max film in a couple of years time. I hope I'm more successful in avoiding that one as I was with this.
This is the story of a young Irish woman who leaves rural Ireland to live in Brooklyn , New York. Despite her home sickness , she meets a man and falls in love but the lure of going back home threatens to scupper the relationship. Brooklyn is real old fashioned love story that could quite easily have been made in the 40's or 50's. Saoirse Ronan is brilliant and is turning into a very accomplished actress . There is also a very good cameo from Julie Walters who plays the very funny Mrs. Kehoe . Some critics have gushed over this film , I don't quite see that myself but none the less it was quite enjoyable.
Comments
As far as I'm concerned I think the first three were a good story with plenty of plotholes but the iconography and how influential within popular culture the films have been is huge.
A bit 'meh'. Cate is always a pleasure to watch, she's one of the finest actors around, but they didn't give her enough to do.
Star Wars tomorrow evening. I'm more excited than a Man Utd fan from Surrey off to his first stadium tour of Old Trafford.
Best of Enemies
Best of Enemies is a fascinating documentary film about a series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr.
If that doesn't sound very interesting you couldn't be more wrong.
This is a film about two men who absolutely hated each other. Two extremely clever men who fought each other live on television by debating and which eventually led to personal insults being thrown at each other and it's mesmerising viewing.
I have to admit I had never heard of these men before and that's probably because these debates happened a couple of months before I was born but I do know now and I feel much better off for it.
8 out of 10
Sicario could be described as grim , dark or even depressing at times. There is no joy in the story that is being told here but despite all that it is utterly brilliant.
This is the story of an FBI agent ( Emily Blunt ) who is recruited into an elite unit that deals with the drug barons on the Mexican border but not is all it seems. She is told very little and what she does know she doesn't like.
This film is intense. It really does grip you. The first half an hour , especially the scenes when we are in Mexico , are stunning . The director , Denis Villeneuve , pulls no punches whatsoever and along with some great performances from Blunt , Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro this is a visual and sensual treat. Highly Recommended.
9 out of 10
Tense thriller, Del Toro , Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin are excellent and a great supporting cast too.
Go watch this film.
Funnily enough I watched Cartel Land a couple of nights ago. A documentary following two sets of vigilantes on each side of the border fighting the cartels. It was excellent, absolutely horrifying what is going on though.
THE GIFT
A middle class couple bump into a character from the husband's past, and things get a bit strange and life unravels.
Genuine surprise. Very much like an 90s stalker thriller (Pacific Heights or Unlawful Entry) but with a twist. Really classily put together by director Joel Edgerton who also plays a genuine weirdo. It's unsettling for a bit, then you realise how the character arcs are working and bam, the film takes a completely new shape. A really, really good thriller that avoids cliche and brings something new to the table. (Now on PPV services)
CREED
Adonis Johnson, a young boxer tries to make his way in the boxing world, is hiding his true parentage in order to make it on his own. But without any real support, he soon realises he needs to turn to the only family he's got - his dad's best mate, Rocky Balboa, who doesn't even know Adonis exists, and is no longer interested in the fight world... or is he?
Absolutely loved it. Much like Star Wars, it's an update-slash-remake. Only infinitely more satisfying. I'm not sure how Coogler did it, but he's given the franchise a new lease of life. Michael B Jordan is excellent as a next-generation Apollo Creed, the references to past movies are brilliantly handled, and even though it's the Rocky formula, there are enough changes and updates to make it seem fresh.
The fight scenes are amazingly well shot, and Tony Bellew is a surprisingly good actor, playing the part of the champ looking for a pay day. Great film.
My son, who does like Star Wars, described it as one of his films of the year 9/10
Just sitting down to whiplash, should have watched before as my boy plays drums.
Thanks for the shove
Legend
The Krays have become almost legendary in British folklore despite the fact that they were basically just a couple of thugs that ruled by fear. Legend just adds to the glamorisation of the brothers and glamorous is what this film is.
Tom Hardy is absolutely brilliant as he plays both the Krays . Ronnie always wearing the glasses . The film follows just a small but significant period of their reign of terror and if you are familiar with their story you won't learn anything new .
This looks fantastic. The director has got the 1960's period down to a tee and there is no doubting that this a very entertaining film but i could have done without the narration and it probably would benefit from having 20 minutes shaved off of the running time.
7 out of 10
Kermode put it best; it's master craftsmen doing what they do best. Not sure why I wouldn't give it 5/5 but there's not a lot wrong with it. I guess it sags a little by the third act. The performances carry it through. 4/5
Spotlight
A team of investigative journalists at the Boston Globe get a new owner. He tells them what to investigate. They're not keen but they go with it. They start tugging on the threads of the Catholic church's alleged paedophilia ring. And find more than they expected.
As with any true story, it's tricky to find a cinematic plot to juxtapose against the story the writer wishes to tell. And while we get very little character development for the high-quality cast, we do get a great sense of how the story was built and how it broke. Fascinating and engaging, but rarely does it get beneath the surface of the people involved. 3.5/5
Bridge of Spies
Bridge of Spies has the feel an old fashioned drama and has all the hallmarks of a Steven Spielberg film. The attention to detail , the charismatic leading man ( Hanks ) and the sentimentality . There's nothing not to like about this film but is that enough to make it great ? Probably not.
Although Tom Hanks is excellent I think the standout performance is from Mark Rylance who plays the Russian spy , Rudolf Abel .
His understated dour acting is brilliant to watch.
If you are expecting an action thriller then you will be disappointed. It's not that type of film. This is pure drama and an enjoyable one at that.
7 out of 10
I love watching Screen writer , Aaron Sorkin's work. The West Wing and The Newsroom are two of my favourite TV shows of all time and all I can say is thank god Sorkin was involved with this film because otherwise it could have been a disaster.
This is not a biography of Steve Jobs more a character assassination of the man.
It revolves around four product launches and the arguments he has at the time with nearly everyone around him.
It feels like a redemption movie but Steve Jobs wasn't that bad as to make the point. He was a businessman and acted like most successful driven people do.
The stand out performance is from Seth Rogan ( you won't here me say that too often!) who plays Steve Wozniak . I only wish Rogan would play straight roles more often,
Overall this is watchable for the fast flowing , Sorkin Dialogue , but other than that , because of the strange format , it's not a film I can particularly recommend.
6 out of 10
I never liked the original Mad Max movies which is why I put off watching Fury Road. I finally got around to seeing it and although better than the Mel Gibson films I still didn't like it very much.
I can see why this would appeal to people . The action sequences are spectacular and the special affects are top notch but that's just not enough for me. Is a plot too much to ask?
I found the constant action irritating and was relieved when there was a rare gap in the ensuing pandemonium .
Another irritation is Tom Hardy. He seems to be reviving his role as Bane ( Dark Knight Rises) by mumbling his lines.
Sadly it has been announced that there will be another Mad Max film in a couple of years time. I hope I'm more successful in avoiding that one as I was with this.
4 out of 10
It's a terrible film; possibly the worst I've ever seen during my short 23 years on Earth.
1/10
Also went to see into the heart of the sea, I do love a sea movie , 8 out of 10.
Brooklyn
This is the story of a young Irish woman who leaves rural Ireland to live in Brooklyn , New York. Despite her home sickness , she meets a man and falls in love but the lure of going back home threatens to scupper the relationship.
Brooklyn is real old fashioned love story that could quite easily have been made in the 40's or 50's.
Saoirse Ronan is brilliant and is turning into a very accomplished actress . There is also a very good cameo from Julie Walters who plays the very funny Mrs. Kehoe .
Some critics have gushed over this film , I don't quite see that myself but none the less it was quite enjoyable.
6 out of 10
Has anyone seen the Program, the film about Lance Armstrong against David Walsh as the latter tries to prove that Armstrong was cheating?