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Reviews
Argylle (2024)
Garbage.
Thank god I had a free ticket to see this last night because if I had paid I would've been really annoyed. What an absolute terrible movie.
What were the cast thinking jumping aboard this train wreck.
There was a point towards the end where I found myself laughing, not because it was funny or entertaining, but because I'd sat through it and was just laughing at myself for wasting two hours of my life.
It's utter garbage. Cavill is literally in it for ten minutes- it's slightly reminiscent of another film where the title lead is in the movie for an eye-blink "Godzilla!" He just turns up periodically, has a fight and goes back into oblivion.
I'm flabbergasted that it has such a solid cast.
The standout moment for me was literally the first ten mins that feature this absolute goddess in Dua Lipa, then it goes downhill faster than an Olympic skier covered in grease.
I'm gonna give her 10/10 and minus 10/10 for the rest of it. Avoid.
Poor Things (2023)
A Cinematic Triumph
'Poor Things'
I love Emma Stone; she cannot do anything wrong in my eyes.
I loved her in La La Land, and I adore that film. She is incredible in 'Poor Things' and must be up for an Oscar for this outstanding performance. I loved this film, and here is my review.
"Poor Things" is an absolute cinematic delight that showcases Emma Stone's unparalleled talent in a role as bold as it is mesmerising.
Directed by visionary filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, this darkly comedic masterpiece weaves together a tapestry of eccentricity, wit, and unexpected tenderness, leaving audiences with an unforgettable viewing experience.
Emma Stone delivers a tour de force performance as Bella Baxter, a character as complex as the narrative. Stone effortlessly navigates the film's tonal shifts, seamlessly transitioning from moments of biting satire to heartfelt emotion. Her portrayal of Bella, a woman resurrected with a brilliant mind but a troubled past, is captivating. Stone's ability to balance the character's vulnerability with her sharp intelligence adds depth to the film, elevating it beyond mere entertainment.
Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unique storytelling and distinctive visual style, brings his signature touch to "Poor Things." The film's cinematography is a visual feast, with each frame meticulously composed to enhance the surreal atmosphere of the narrative. Lanthimos's ability to blend dark humour with poignant moments creates a viewing experience that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
The supporting cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and Ramy Youssef, deliver stellar performances that complement Stone's brilliance. Ruffalo's portrayal of the enigmatic Dr. Godwin Baxter adds a layer of mystery to the film, while Dafoe's charismatic presence and Youssef's comedic timing contribute to the overall richness of the ensemble.
The screenplay, penned by Tony McNamara, is a triumph of storytelling. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of unpredictability and coherence, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. McNamara's sharp and witty dialogue adds to the film's overall charm, creating moments of humour that cut through the darkness of the plot.
"Poor Things" is a cinematic journey that challenges genre conventions, blending fantasy, comedy, and drama into a seamless narrative. The film explores themes such as identity, morality, and the consequences of playing god and is thought-provoking and entertaining. It's like a retelling of Frankenstein, with Bella Baxter being a monster of sorts. There's a line in the film that made me laugh, and it is probably my favourite line of dialogue from a movie in some time. When Mark Ruffalo's character, Duncan Wedderburn, is at his wit's end with Bella, he says, "You have caused so much trouble, even Jesus would smash your f**g head in with a bat!" Genius.
"Poor Things" is a testament to filmmaking's power when paired with exceptional performances and visionary direction. Emma Stone's portrayal of Bella Baxter is a career-defining moment, and Yorgos Lanthimos's unique vision ensures that "Poor Things" is a film that will be remembered for years to come. This is not just a movie; it's an experience that transcends the screen, leaving audiences both enchanted and contemplative. WOW!!!
Merry Little Batman (2023)
Great fun.
This was so much fun. Loved the animation style and the whole thing just made me smile. Damian was so funny and was a perfect character and they got the tone bang on for an 8 year old kid whose full of mischief and wanting to follow in his dad's footsteps.
The vocal talents shine and Yonas Kibreab as Damian Wayne was perfect.
Seeing his face having so much fun riding the bat bike was an absolute joy and both myself and my grandson really enjoyed it and laughed along together. This was a really cool little festive treat and I hope they bring out more or at least a follow up for next Christmas.
Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance (2023)
Really enjoyed it.
I've enjoyed all the films in this U. K. franchise and this one is really well made. It's quite different to the others and on a higher level of quality compared to the cheeky boy banter style of the previous movies. I was actually rooting for Pat and saw his good guy. There's a nice little twist towards the end and the action is decent. Craig Fairbrass really raised his acting chops in this one and the whole cast shone.
I'm down for more of these so as long as they keep making them with this quality in mind, I'll watch them. This was a lot of fun. Definitely worth a look and yeah, more please!
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Avatar: The Way of Water - Non-Spoiler Review.
This isn't so much of a review but more of my overall thoughts about the film. I don't want to review it and add plot points. Best to go in blind and enjoy the spectacle.
So, we've been waiting 13 years for this film and was it worth the wait? In my opinion, 100% YES!
This is a James Cameron flex of the highest order. First of all, let me get all gooey-eyed about the visuals. In a world where CGI is the mainstream, and we've seen so much done in Marvel and DC movies, James Cameron has delivered a masterclass in eye-popping visuals that will leave your jaw on the floor. It is the most incredible eye candy I've ever seen on screen. The 3D is used so expertly here that you are sucked into the world of Pandora and the Navi. Overall, there are only two words that I can use, and they are "F@cking Beautiful!" Prepare to have your eyeballs massaged with the most incredible-looking visuals put to film.
We all knew it would look good, but the billion-dollar question is, is the story good enough to go beyond the delicious visuals and add some gravitas to this already stunning-looking movie?
Again, for me, the answer is YES!
I've purposely not read any reviews for the film, but I am aware of a few negative reviews doing the rounds, and I'm scratching my head, trying to understand where this negativity comes from. I can't understand it.
This film focuses so much more on family, and anyone with a family they love will get it. It's an emotionally charged rollercoaster ride, and the stakes are high. It's not very often I get super emotional with films, but when the credits rolled, I had to sit there for five minutes to compose myself. I was, essentially, an absolute emotional wreck, and that tells me all I need to know about how good I felt the story was. Cameron is a masterful director, and he pulled me in hook, line and sinker. I felt totally connected with the characters, why Jake was doing what he was doing for his family and the story's overall arc.
This film is 3 hours long, and I wasn't bored for one second; I was that into it, although I feel that 15 mins could have been trimmed from the middle act; that's my only major nitpicking.
The final hour is Cameron flexing his action movie muscle to the maximum. It's glorious, and we see a side to Neytiri that left me with my mouth open wide. It's both emotional and mind-blowing. That's all I'll say about that. I loved all the characters, and the new water tribe of the Navi are really cool. I particularly enjoyed Sigourney Weaver's role as Kiri, who delivers a memorable part of the film; again, I don't want to spoil it, but I thought it was such an incredible moment.
If Avatar was Ridley Scott's Alien, then The Way of Water is Aliens.
I loved this film, and I'll be thinking about it for days. 10/10.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Well, after 50 years, we get a live action Werewolf By Night
Well, finally after 50 years we get a live action Werewolf By Night and I thought it was...great fun!
If you love the old universal horror movies this is for you. It's essentially a full on homage to those movies with the marvel twist.
It's stylish, it's fun, it has some cool action and it's pretty gory and I had a blast watching it.
It doesn't follow the comics at all, aside from a little nod to a particular vampire, but as a stand-alone special, it's perfect Spooktober fodder.
Without going into too much detail, as in the trailer, it's shot in black and white to give it that nostalgia of the original universal monster movies and it's about a gathering of monster hunters brought together to hunt a creature and kill it. The hunter who kills the monster first will inherit the Bloodstone fortune and become monster killer elite. What could go wrong?
As a Werewolf by Night comic book guy, I thought it was great and one of the most interesting things the MCU has done in ages.
More please!!!!
Elvis (2022)
Wow!
I really loved this film. I can't really speak highly enough of Austin Butler's performance. I felt he had become Elvis and everything was on point. Uncanny and definitely Oscar worthy. A lot has been said about Tom Hanks and his accent, but i found nothing wrong with it and i thought he did a great job as Col Tom Parker. Baz Lurman's film doesnt go in too deep but covers the 'King's' life in a highly kinetic way, it feels bright and slightly breezy but has everything there that needs to be shown. Butler's vocals are extraordinary and I closed my eyes a few times and felt it was Elvis singing. The 69 comeback special scenes were amazing and it felt so real. I really loved this film. The whole cinema burst into applause at the end so it seems I wasnt the only one!!
Love, Death & Robots (2019)
Simply Sublime Animated Series
This series has simply blown my mind. I dont tend to rave too much these days about television shows so if I do it's something that's really stirred me enough to want to say something.
I can't speak highly enough of this series. There's not one animated short I didn't love. There's a few stand outs but overall everyone was on point from the animation to the writing, each one delivers something unique and fresh.
Stop what you're doing and watch this highly creative series, you won't be disappointed.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Amazing and breathtaking, the Avengers: Infinity War is the real deal!
I've just seen the greatest comic book movie ever made!!!! I'm not overhyping this film but that was breathtaking, beautiful, dramatic, deep, poetic, funny, emotional and action packed in ways I can't even describe. Believe the hype, the s**t just got real. Avengers: Infinity War stands head and shoulders above anything that's gone before it and yes, that includes DC. Perfection!!
Ready Player One (2018)
Absolutely Fantastic
Geeks rejoice. Spielberg is back to form!! I was privileged to see Ready Player One last night and I still can't stop smiling about it. It's very strange to feel this energised after a film and I've not felt like this since Avatar. I can honestly say with hand on heart that for me, that was the best cinematic experience I've had in years. Oh my God, it's a wonderful piece of filmmaking. Not only are there so many references to geek culture including films and TV shows we all love and hold dear but the overall story, pacing, character development, FX and score are simply perfect. Spielberg is in total command here and flexing his muscles. There's many imitators to his throne (remain nameless) but no one can touch him when he's doing what he does best. There's not one single scene in RP1 that felt flat or shouldn't be there and everything flows so perfectly the 2 hrs and 40 mins flies by. I'm still smiling over one scene that made me lose my mind. Lol.
If you can find fault with RP1 you cannot be a film lover but please don't even try to find fault with it. Just go on and let this stunning and fun and loving piece of cinema wash over you. You'll be glad you did!!!!