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The Smashing Machine - starts brilliantly,Emily Blunt is outstanding as a slightly unhinged wife. Ends insipidly and leaves you wondering what the point in the film was. A shame as it showed great promise for 2/3 or 3/4 of the runtime.
One Battle After Another - Viewers are giving this 1 star or 5 stars. Never seen such widely divergent reviews for a film. I'm sat in the middle. Not a bad film, not a good one. Some great scenes but how it justifies 3 hours I'm unsure. I'm siding with those who question what the point in the film was. I'm not recommending it to anyone but can understand why some people praise it.
I Swear - Very good film, well acted, quite a heartfelt piece. Worth every second of your time and has an important message to it.1 -
Saw One Battle After Another at the weekend and although I enjoyed it, the first half hour felt strange compared to the rest and it was a bit overly long. Would give it a 7/10 myself and would suggest watching but don't think it quite deserved some of the rave reviews i've seen myself.
Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro were great and I thought the middle section of the film in particular was excellent.Â1 -
Saw a couple of premieres at London Film Festival today:
Blue Moon. Nothing to do with Man City. A biopic close-up on Larry Hart, lyricist of the title plus Funny Valentine and more, the creative partner to Rodgers before Hammerstein. Very strong performances and beautifully, claustrophobically filmed as if in an Edward Hopper painting. A little slow to begin with but became captivating.Rental Family. Japanese / American collaboration in more ways than one. Very enjoyable imo, gentle, emotional yet restrained. Uplifting rather than deep. Donât want to say too much - just go to see it if you have the chance.Â1 -
I'm really looking forward to this, feel like I've grown up with big John and am elated his story is being given the platform it deserves.ÂClem_Snide said:Saw I Swear yesterday. Absolutely brilliant. Cast were amazing. Highly recommend it.
I maintain that tourettes is a serious neurological condition and must be a nightmare to live with but there is no escaping it woukd be taken a lot more seriously that it is if it wasn't so funny. I think Keith Allen said that in Tourette de France.Â0 -
Saw it today - fabulous film. Very moving and great acting.Clem_Snide said:Saw I Swear yesterday. Absolutely brilliant. Cast were amazing. Highly recommend it.
Robert Aramayo is superb in the lead role.0 -
I had an acquaintance/mate with Tourettes, we'd call him Nick the Twitch. He was open about it and self-deprecating, mainly I guess because people would buy him drinks.ÂCarter said:
I'm really looking forward to this, feel like I've grown up with big John and am elated his story is being given the platform it deserves.ÂClem_Snide said:Saw I Swear yesterday. Absolutely brilliant. Cast were amazing. Highly recommend it.
I maintain that tourettes is a serious neurological condition and must be a nightmare to live with but there is no escaping it woukd be taken a lot more seriously that it is if it wasn't so funny. I think Keith Allen said that in Tourette de France.Â
But I have seen the other side, people that bring aggression with it.
Another guy, I assume so inflicted, would order say a drink and would repeat himself half a dozen times at least. He was often barred, I'm assuming not for boring the bar staff.
We are lucky to be normal (relatively)0 -
I also saw those two last Friday and agree with what you say.ÂWeegie Addick said:Saw a couple of premieres at London Film Festival today:
Blue Moon. Nothing to do with Man City. A biopic close-up on Larry Hart, lyricist of the title plus Funny Valentine and more, the creative partner to Rodgers before Hammerstein. Very strong performances and beautifully, claustrophobically filmed as if in an Edward Hopper painting. A little slow to begin with but became captivating.Rental Family. Japanese / American collaboration in more ways than one. Very enjoyable imo, gentle, emotional yet restrained. Uplifting rather than deep. Donât want to say too much - just go to see it if you have the chance.Â
I thought the script in Blue Moon was very strong, as was the lead performance of Ethan Hawke. The cast as a whole were very good, including Andrew Scott. Overall, an 8/10 for me.
I also enjoyed Rental Family, which had some nice moments of humour. A fine turn by Brendan Fraser and the film stayed just the right side of saccharine. A crowd-pleasing 7/10.Â2 -
I saw a raft of films at the London Film Festival earlier this month, a number of which are now on general release or due to be released very shortly.
The Choral (UK) - 8/10
In 1916, a Yorkshire villageâs choral society finds its ranks depleted as men head off to war. With the annual performance looming, the society is forced to change its entry rules to enlist some unlikely recruits and the musically gifted but socially scandalous Dr. Guthrie. Written by Alan Bennett and directed by Nicholas Hytner, the film has a fine ensemble cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Roger Alum, Alan Armstrong, Simon Russell Beale and Ron Cook.
Charming and poignant, with some amusing moments, it is released in UK cinemas on 7 November. Recommended.
Roofman (USA) - 7/10
A comedy-drama, loosely (probably very loosely) based on the real-life story of an army veteran and struggling father (Channing Tatum) who robbed over forty McDonald's restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs. After escaping prison, he lives undetected inside a Toys "R" Us for six months, but when he falls for a member of staff (Kirsten Dunst), he attempts to embark upon a double life.
Light, charming and entertaining, with a good cast. Currently on general release.
It Was Just an Accident (Iran) - 7/10
Following a minor traffic accident, a former Iranian political prisoner chances upon a man he believes to be his former torturer. However, faced with a fierce denial, he and three other former prisoners must decide whether this individual is, in fact, their tormentor and, if so, whether to exact revenge.
An engaging film from Jafar Panahi but a shade disappointing for a Palme dâOr winner. It is released into UK cinemas on 5 December.
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (USA) - 6/10
The film - which is now on general release - looks at look at a difficult period in Springsteenâs life and the creative crisis around his 'Nebraska' album - a quieter, more stripped-back set of ballads, with lyrics drawn loosely from his own traumatic childhood experiences. His manager and close friend Jon Landau trusts his judgement and works hard to convince the Columbia executives to release the album in its current state.Â
A decent enough film which, for me, was elevated by the performance of Jeremy Strong as Springsteenâs manager.
The Mastermind (USA) - 5/10
Josh OâConnor is the bungling âmastermindâ behind a local art heist, set in early 1970s America.
The film, which is currently on general release, has been critically acclaimed but I found it one-paced, predictable and lacking in any real substance. Disappointing for a Kelly Reichardt film for which I had high hopes.
Ballad of A Small Player (UK/Germany - Netflix) - 4/10
Visually good, with some interesting and vibrant scenes of Macau, but, whilst the film doesnât take itself too seriously, I found the story implausible and one dimensional. A disappointing offering from director, Edward Berger, following Conclave and All Quiet on the Western Front.
The film had a limited release in UK cinemas on 17 October and appears on Netflix on 29 October.
After The Hunt  (USA) - 4/10
A university professor (Julia Roberts) finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when one of her students levels an accusation of sexual assault against her colleague and close friend.
I thought this was glib, muddled, poorly scripted and badly cast. Nor did I have a shred of sympathy for a single character in the film. Avoid.
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Just watched 'A House of Dynamite'. As a Bigelow fan, I was hugely disappointed. I think the screenwriter should be blamed though. Bigelow did her best to make it intense and kept me interested.
*Spoiler Alert*
But the film is only intense for 1/3 of the time and after that it's just repetiveness. This is pretentious, not clever. My biggest issue with the film though is how unrealistic the characters all are. Having read many books and listened to podcasts on military in the past few years, I don't think the people in the film act like they deserve their positions, especially the SECDEF whose ending is an utter joke... Politicians and service members in those high ranking positions (and also the soldiers at the base) in real life can't possibly be that weak and stupid. They had no chance to get where they were if they were that vulnerable and indecisive. My parents watched the film with me and at the end they were like 'This is so made up. What a waste of time!'0 -
I found the ending very disappointing⊠obviously set up for a sequelÂCAFC_CAT said:Just watched 'A House of Dynamite'. As a Bigelow fan, I was hugely disappointed. I think the screenwriter should be blamed though. Bigelow did her best to make it intense and kept me interested.2 -
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Yes very disappointing ending. I'm not sure I'd be looking forward to a sequel because of the reasons I listed above but... I really liked Bigelow's previous works so I might give it a try just for the sake of it. IF there will be a sequel.stonemuse said:
I found the ending very disappointing⊠obviously set up for a sequelÂCAFC_CAT said:Just watched 'A House of Dynamite'. As a Bigelow fan, I was hugely disappointed. I think the screenwriter should be blamed though. Bigelow did her best to make it intense and kept me interested.1 -
Just got round to watching the substance.
Im a bit speechless with that last 20 minutes đ€Ł.
I actually quite liked it.0 -
Not happening .Âstonemuse said:
I found the ending very disappointing⊠obviously set up for a sequelÂCAFC_CAT said:Just watched 'A House of Dynamite'. As a Bigelow fan, I was hugely disappointed. I think the screenwriter should be blamed though. Bigelow did her best to make it intense and kept me interested.0 -
I enjoyed it and had no problem with the ending . I really liked the Rashomon aspect of it . Bigelow is a fantastic director. I just wish sheâd make more films.Âstonemuse said:
I found the ending very disappointing⊠obviously set up for a sequelÂCAFC_CAT said:Just watched 'A House of Dynamite'. As a Bigelow fan, I was hugely disappointed. I think the screenwriter should be blamed though. Bigelow did her best to make it intense and kept me interested.1 -
 A House of Dynamite was a bit of a disappointment in the end. A lot of hype surrounding it before it came out but found myself losing interest as it progressed with the repeated story from different view points.
Its definitely no Zero Dark Thirty which is one of my all time favourite films.0 -
Saw this last week with Mrs Idle. Agree with Clem, its really well acted and full of emotional downs and ups. Laugh out loud moments sprinkled throughout.ÂClem_Snide said:Saw I Swear yesterday. Absolutely brilliant. Cast were amazing. Highly recommend it.
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Saw the springsteen film last night. Obv great soundtrack and focus on a very specific and pivitol part of his life and deadling with childhood trauma. You can't go wrong with The bear + Jeremy Strong + Stephen Graham as main actors. Â0
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I really enjoyed this and âAtlantic Cityâ is one of my favourite Bruce songs of all time. But I can understand the lukewarm reviews; unless youâre a Bruce fan like me then I donât think thereâd be much in this for you. I agree âthe bearâ and Jeremy Strong were excellent: Jon Landau must be one of the few managers in the music business that has always had his clientâs best interests at heart.BalladMan said:Saw the springsteen film last night. Obv great soundtrack and focus on a very specific and pivitol part of his life and deadling with childhood trauma. You can't go wrong with The bear + Jeremy Strong + Stephen Graham as main actors. Â1 -
Saw 2 films recently
The Smashing Machine - Starts brilliantly & Emily Blunt is fantastic, but nothing really happens at the end & I was left wondering what the point was.
Springsteen - I was really looking forward to this, but as just a casual Springsteen fan, I was expecting more. It felt like I was watching the 2nd part of a 3 part documentary where I'd missed the first part & still waiting for the finale0 -
House of DynamiteÂ
Agree with anyone who felt a bit let down by the endingÂ
95% of it was fantastic, very convincingly acted and written. I always like Katherine Bigelow films this one is possibly a victim of hype. Some really solid performances and a great conceptÂ1 -
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I did like the approach and agree about Bigelow.ÂBedsaddick said:
I enjoyed it and had no problem with the ending . I really liked the Rashomon aspect of it . Bigelow is a fantastic director. I just wish sheâd make more films.Âstonemuse said:
I found the ending very disappointing⊠obviously set up for a sequelÂCAFC_CAT said:Just watched 'A House of Dynamite'. As a Bigelow fan, I was hugely disappointed. I think the screenwriter should be blamed though. Bigelow did her best to make it intense and kept me interested.The ending still frustrated me thoughÂ1 -
I went with a friend and she walked out 30 mins from end of After the Hunt, i stuck it out....Agreed Avoid hugely irriatating, one of worse musical scores i can remember, smug and one dimensional scriptBlucher said:I saw a raft of films at the London Film Festival earlier this month, a number of which are now on general release or due to be released very shortly.
The Choral (UK) - 8/10
In 1916, a Yorkshire villageâs choral society finds its ranks depleted as men head off to war. With the annual performance looming, the society is forced to change its entry rules to enlist some unlikely recruits and the musically gifted but socially scandalous Dr. Guthrie. Written by Alan Bennett and directed by Nicholas Hytner, the film has a fine ensemble cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Roger Alum, Alan Armstrong, Simon Russell Beale and Ron Cook.
Charming and poignant, with some amusing moments, it is released in UK cinemas on 7 November. Recommended.
Roofman (USA) - 7/10
A comedy-drama, loosely (probably very loosely) based on the real-life story of an army veteran and struggling father (Channing Tatum) who robbed over forty McDonald's restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs. After escaping prison, he lives undetected inside a Toys "R" Us for six months, but when he falls for a member of staff (Kirsten Dunst), he attempts to embark upon a double life.
Light, charming and entertaining, with a good cast. Currently on general release.
It Was Just an Accident (Iran) - 7/10
Following a minor traffic accident, a former Iranian political prisoner chances upon a man he believes to be his former torturer. However, faced with a fierce denial, he and three other former prisoners must decide whether this individual is, in fact, their tormentor and, if so, whether to exact revenge.
An engaging film from Jafar Panahi but a shade disappointing for a Palme dâOr winner. It is released into UK cinemas on 5 December.
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (USA) - 6/10
The film - which is now on general release - looks at look at a difficult period in Springsteenâs life and the creative crisis around his 'Nebraska' album - a quieter, more stripped-back set of ballads, with lyrics drawn loosely from his own traumatic childhood experiences. His manager and close friend Jon Landau trusts his judgement and works hard to convince the Columbia executives to release the album in its current state.Â
A decent enough film which, for me, was elevated by the performance of Jeremy Strong as Springsteenâs manager.
The Mastermind (USA) - 5/10
Josh OâConnor is the bungling âmastermindâ behind a local art heist, set in early 1970s America.
The film, which is currently on general release, has been critically acclaimed but I found it one-paced, predictable and lacking in any real substance. Disappointing for a Kelly Reichardt film for which I had high hopes.
Ballad of A Small Player (UK/Germany - Netflix) - 4/10
Visually good, with some interesting and vibrant scenes of Macau, but, whilst the film doesnât take itself too seriously, I found the story implausible and one dimensional. A disappointing offering from director, Edward Berger, following Conclave and All Quiet on the Western Front.
The film had a limited release in UK cinemas on 17 October and appears on Netflix on 29 October.
After The Hunt  (USA) - 4/10
A university professor (Julia Roberts) finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when one of her students levels an accusation of sexual assault against her colleague and close friend.
I thought this was glib, muddled, poorly scripted and badly cast. Nor did I have a shred of sympathy for a single character in the film. Avoid.
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I really enjoyed "She Walks in Darkness", Netflix movie (Spanish) about the terrorists ETA and an undercover police infiltration into ETA0
