The Breadwinner. As an animation and given the subject matter (life under the Taliban etc) thought this could be a hard 90 minute watch but this was quite enjoyable. Not completely sure what to make if it but glad to have seen it than not.
Saw this as well - simple story but very effective.
I saw two days of films at the Film Society Screenings at the end of April, although comments on websites or social media are embargoed pending their release:
Zama (Argentina)
Set in 18th century Paraguay, Zama is a South American born officer of the Spanish colony, who craves a transfer to join his wife and family in Argentina. With that objective in mind, he submissively accepts his lot for fear of prejudicing his position but finds himself frustrated at every turn and eventually (in the last third of the film) joins a band of soldiers to try and hunt down a dangerous brigand (who may, or may not, exist).
The cinematography is excellent and I found this an intriguing - if somewhat baffling film. Did the events towards the end of the film really happen or had Zama descended into madness ? As the director, Lucrecia Martel, has said “For me, a film is not telling a story, it is an artefact or representation of a way of perceiving things which aims to challenge one's own way of perceiving the world.....”. Get the picture ?
The film has been almost universally acclaimed by critics (garnering a raft of 5-star reviews and an 88% Metacritic score) but has, I believe, proved less popular with audiences. I personally liked it but can see that many would find it frustrating or an example of ‘the Emperor’s new clothes’ - 7/10.
The Ciambra (Italy)
The film is set in a Calambrian Romani community in Italy and is about a 14-year-old boy who steps up his level of criminal activity when he seeks to become the man of the house after his older brother is imprisoned. He moves easily between the Italian, African immigrant and his own Romani communities but finds himself torn between loyalties to family and friends.
The film has a social realist/documentary style and an entire Romani family make up the supporting cast of unprofessional actors. It certainly feels authentic and had some merit, although, overall, I found it a little predictable - 6/10.
The Happy Prince
A passion project for Rupert Everett - who wrote, directs and stars - the film covers the ignominy of Oscar Wilde’s final years in exile in Naples and Paris after his release from prison following his conviction for 'gross indecency'. It has received gushing reviews from many critics but I found it very average, rather overpumped costume drama. BBC Films part funded it, so it will be on TV within the next year or so - 5/10
Not the best Insidious, but it did make Kelly junp a few times. I was fine until the last minute, for those who watched Insidious Chapter 3 the only part that made me jump was the ending when Elise was in the kitchen and everything was normal until the red demon appeared behind her and the movie ended, well there was no mention of that demon until again the last scene when it appeared at the window off Dalton and Elise got a phone call from Renai and Elise said yell Josh I will be there tomorrow(setting up number 5 obviously) but again the red demon appearing was the only thing that made me jump, dreading number 5 if its about the demon but will be good to see Patrick Wilson reprise the role of Josh as an insidious without him wasnt right. It was interesting to see the childhood of Elise but her dad was a knob and I was hoping he died a painful death.
FIRST REFORMED Film starring Ethan Hawke as a pastor who is questioning his faith and coming to terms with the changing nature of religion. A very heavy and disturbing film which is not easy viewing. 7.5/10
INCREDIBLES 2 A very inventive and interesting film to watch - improves on the original. 8/10
Saw Ready Player One the other day as its now been released on DVD
Really enjoyed the film, one of my favourites directed by Spielberg for a while - Loved the whole concept of the story not to mention the homage to some great films / games, almost felt a bit like a modern day version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Well, the wife took me along to Mama Mia 2...All I can say is that the sunshine was nice, reminding me of my Greek hols in the 70s. Oh and Cher steals it at the end.
Well, the wife took me along to Mama Mia 2...All I can say is that the sunshine was nice, reminding me of my Greek hols in the 70s. Oh and Cher steals it at the end.
I also saw this a few days ago. Pretty enjoyable light entertainment and a good turn by Lily James, although I didn't think it was as good as the first film.
Starring Dwayne the Rock Johnson, who has his leg blown off in the line of duty, and ends up with a prosthetic.leg.
He retrains as a Buildings advisor, ends up trying to rescue his family from a burning skyscraper (clues in the title) you can probably guess the rest.
I wish ( in an ideal world) there were genuine actors / actresses with actual disabilities given prominent roles in films, seems to be something the industry is lacking..
Starring Dwayne the Rock Johnson, who has his leg blown off in the line of duty, and ends up with a prosthetic.leg.
He retrains as a Buildings advisor, ends up trying to rescue his family from a burning skyscraper (clues in the title) you can probably guess the rest.
I wish ( in an ideal world) there were genuine actors / actresses with actual disabilities given prominent roles in films, seems to be something the industry is lacking..
Starring Dwayne the Rock Johnson, who has his leg blown off in the line of duty, and ends up with a prosthetic.leg.
He retrains as a Buildings advisor, ends up trying to rescue his family from a burning skyscraper (clues in the title) you can probably guess the rest.
I wish ( in an ideal world) there were genuine actors / actresses with actual disabilities given prominent roles in films, seems to be something the industry is lacking..
Saw 'A Prayer before Dawn' the other night, a true story and well worth watching if you like boxing or martial arts (and probably worth a watch even if you don't). Some of the most realistic fight scenes i've ever seen in a movie and Joe Cole (from Peaky Blinders, not the footballer) was superb
Saw 'A Prayer before Dawn' the other night, a true story and well worth watching if you like boxing or martial arts (and probably worth a watch even if you don't). Some of the most realistic fight scenes i've ever seen in a movie and Joe Cole (from Peaky Blinders, not the footballer) was superb
I was listening to Joe Cole being interviewed about this. I liked the sound of it and shall be having a watch. I've got Walk Like a Panther to watch later.
Saw 'A Prayer before Dawn' the other night, a true story and well worth watching if you like boxing or martial arts (and probably worth a watch even if you don't). Some of the most realistic fight scenes i've ever seen in a movie and Joe Cole (from Peaky Blinders, not the footballer) was superb
Doesn't seem to be showing in many cinemas - was hoping to see it.
Caught a few films on long haul flights recently so I will offer in no particular order:
3 Billboards outside Ebbing /(spoiler) This wasn't what I expected. I expected a mother distraught by the loss of her daughter fighting for justice against an uncaring redneck sheriff and his posse of helpers. But the sheriff was actually doing the best he could in impossible circumstances. This was true drama, all shades of grey with no real black or white characters (bar the sheriff). Well acted by everyone, and gripping to watch, but a bit too near reality. I wouldn't watch it again, but once is well worth it. 8/10
Game Night This was a fun exercise with a few great twists and turns. Although I found both the lead characters irritating in the extreme. 7/10
Goodbye Christopher Robin This was tough going - I was persuadede by my wife to watch it on an overnight flight, and it just made the flight seem longer. Horrible story about a well intentioned dad who creates a fantasy world for his son and then uses him to publicise it. Very well acted but not fum viewing - I hope the upcoming Cristopher Robin is at least more cheerful. 6/10
Black Panther I'd have enjoyed this more if I hadn't gone in with such expectations from other reviews. It is good, but nothing new or extraordinary - a run of the mill fantasy/SF film which is well done but left me with a feeling of 'seen it all before'. 7/10
Ant Man and the Wasp Very camp and very funny - the special effects are not overdone. Two post credit scenes - first one is key to the film. Good cast and script. 8.5/10
RBG About icon of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. A bit fawning, but still enlightening. I had no idea she had argued 7 times infront of the Supreme Court as a lawyer (winning 6) before she joined them. Also was the first female high-power attorney in all of New York. 7.5/10
Won't You Be My Neighbor About Mr. Rogers. Most Americans my age grew up with his show as kids. Very interesting and it digs a bit deeper than RBG. Really useful documentary about our need to be nice, especially in the age of Trump. 8.0/10
Three Identical Strangers About triplets who did not know the others existed in NYC. How they found each other and how they grew apart. Plays like a detective story, as it turns out they were an experiments and essentially, lab rats for a secretive experiment. Makes one think about the roles of nature v. nurture. 8.5/10
A simple but very effective film about a couple whose marriage is in crisis. Gemma Arterton is excellent as the dissatisfied wife and Dominic Cooper plays the part of her confused husband very well.
The Incredibles II Great film - stuff for the jkids to enjoy and some teen angst to make the parents shudder. Like its predecesor, it has a nice plot line and while being Disney, you can imagine everything will turn out okay in the end, it keeps you hooked anyway. The cinema was sold out so we ended up three rows from the front which gave big screen a whole new meaning, and I had to turn my head to follow the chaarcters on the screen, but it's worth it. Very much Pixar at their best. 9/10
Saw 'A Prayer before Dawn' the other night, a true story and well worth watching if you like boxing or martial arts (and probably worth a watch even if you don't). Some of the most realistic fight scenes i've ever seen in a movie and Joe Cole (from Peaky Blinders, not the footballer) was superb
I was listening to Joe Cole being interviewed about this. I liked the sound of it and shall be having a watch. I've got Walk Like a Panther to watch later.
Really want to see this but can't see it in the cinemas. Might have to slip onto a shady website for this one!
Comments
Zama (Argentina)
Set in 18th century Paraguay, Zama is a South American born officer of the Spanish colony, who craves a transfer to join his wife and family in Argentina. With that objective in mind, he submissively accepts his lot for fear of prejudicing his position but finds himself frustrated at every turn and eventually (in the last third of the film) joins a band of soldiers to try and hunt down a dangerous brigand (who may, or may not, exist).
The cinematography is excellent and I found this an intriguing - if somewhat baffling film. Did the events towards the end of the film really happen or had Zama descended into madness ? As the director, Lucrecia Martel, has said “For me, a film is not telling a story, it is an artefact or representation of a way of perceiving things which aims to challenge one's own way of perceiving the world.....”. Get the picture ?
The film has been almost universally acclaimed by critics (garnering a raft of 5-star reviews and an 88% Metacritic score) but has, I believe, proved less popular with audiences. I personally liked it but can see that many would find it frustrating or an example of ‘the Emperor’s new clothes’ - 7/10.
The Ciambra (Italy)
The film is set in a Calambrian Romani community in Italy and is about a 14-year-old boy who steps up his level of criminal activity when he seeks to become the man of the house after his older brother is imprisoned. He moves easily between the Italian, African immigrant and his own Romani communities but finds himself torn between loyalties to family and friends.
The film has a social realist/documentary style and an entire Romani family make up the supporting cast of unprofessional actors. It certainly feels authentic and had some merit, although, overall, I found it a little predictable - 6/10.
The Happy Prince
A passion project for Rupert Everett - who wrote, directs and stars - the film covers the ignominy of Oscar Wilde’s final years in exile in Naples and Paris after his release from prison following his conviction for 'gross indecency'. It has received gushing reviews from many critics but I found it very average, rather overpumped costume drama. BBC Films part funded it, so it will be on TV within the next year or so - 5/10
Enjoyed it but not as good as the first film. Violent, dark and plot keeps you involved. The soundtrack adds to the suspense throughout the film.
Benicio Del Toro watchable as always.
Not the best Insidious, but it did make Kelly junp a few times.
I was fine until the last minute, for those who watched Insidious Chapter 3 the only part that made me jump was the ending when Elise was in the kitchen and everything was normal until the red demon appeared behind her and the movie ended, well there was no mention of that demon until again the last scene when it appeared at the window off Dalton and Elise got a phone call from Renai and Elise said yell Josh I will be there tomorrow(setting up number 5 obviously) but again the red demon appearing was the only thing that made me jump, dreading number 5 if its about the demon but will be good to see Patrick Wilson reprise the role of Josh as an insidious without him wasnt right.
It was interesting to see the childhood of Elise but her dad was a knob and I was hoping he died a painful death.
7.5/10
Outstanding sci-fi movie with lots of original ideas and casting. Have no idea how this snuck under my radar. Can be found on Amazon.
Agree about Del Toro.
Film starring Ethan Hawke as a pastor who is questioning his faith and coming to terms with the changing nature of religion. A very heavy and disturbing film which is not easy viewing. 7.5/10
INCREDIBLES 2
A very inventive and interesting film to watch - improves on the original. 8/10
Really enjoyed the film, one of my favourites directed by Spielberg for a while - Loved the whole concept of the story not to mention the homage to some great films / games, almost felt a bit like a modern day version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Good fun and Sean Harris is great again as the villain.
Not the best of the series but i enjoyed it. Don’t expect an intellectual challenge, just suspend belief, sit back and enjoy the action.
Starring Dwayne the Rock Johnson, who has his leg blown off in the line of duty, and ends up with a prosthetic.leg.
He retrains as a Buildings advisor, ends up trying to rescue his family from a burning skyscraper (clues in the title) you can probably guess the rest.
I wish ( in an ideal world) there were genuine actors / actresses with actual disabilities given prominent roles in films, seems to be something the industry is lacking..
3 Billboards outside Ebbing /(spoiler)
This wasn't what I expected. I expected a mother distraught by the loss of her daughter fighting for justice against an uncaring redneck sheriff and his posse of helpers. But the sheriff was actually doing the best he could in impossible circumstances. This was true drama, all shades of grey with no real black or white characters (bar the sheriff). Well acted by everyone, and gripping to watch, but a bit too near reality. I wouldn't watch it again, but once is well worth it.
8/10
Game Night
This was a fun exercise with a few great twists and turns. Although I found both the lead characters irritating in the extreme.
7/10
Goodbye Christopher Robin
This was tough going - I was persuadede by my wife to watch it on an overnight flight, and it just made the flight seem longer. Horrible story about a well intentioned dad who creates a fantasy world for his son and then uses him to publicise it. Very well acted but not fum viewing - I hope the upcoming Cristopher Robin is at least more cheerful.
6/10
Black Panther
I'd have enjoyed this more if I hadn't gone in with such expectations from other reviews. It is good, but nothing new or extraordinary - a run of the mill fantasy/SF film which is well done but left me with a feeling of 'seen it all before'.
7/10
Very camp and very funny - the special effects are not overdone. Two post credit scenes - first one is key to the film.
Good cast and script. 8.5/10
RBG
About icon of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. A bit fawning, but still enlightening. I had no idea she had argued 7 times infront of the Supreme Court as a lawyer (winning 6) before she joined them. Also was the first female high-power attorney in all of New York. 7.5/10
Won't You Be My Neighbor
About Mr. Rogers. Most Americans my age grew up with his show as kids. Very interesting and it digs a bit deeper than RBG. Really useful documentary about our need to be nice, especially in the age of Trump. 8.0/10
Three Identical Strangers
About triplets who did not know the others existed in NYC. How they found each other and how they grew apart. Plays like a detective story, as it turns out they were an experiments and essentially, lab rats for a secretive experiment. Makes one think about the roles of nature v. nurture. 8.5/10
A simple but very effective film about a couple whose marriage is in crisis. Gemma Arterton is excellent as the dissatisfied wife and Dominic Cooper plays the part of her confused husband very well.
Worth a watch but a very limited release.
8.5/10
Great film - stuff for the jkids to enjoy and some teen angst to make the parents shudder. Like its predecesor, it has a nice plot line and while being Disney, you can imagine everything will turn out okay in the end, it keeps you hooked anyway. The cinema was sold out so we ended up three rows from the front which gave big screen a whole new meaning, and I had to turn my head to follow the chaarcters on the screen, but it's worth it. Very much Pixar at their best.
9/10
It's a load of fun. Bonkers story and true!
Crazy!