I feel like mother! has been quite well publicised and advertised, I've seen the trailer at the cinema, I've heard it being spoken about on the radio, and there even was an advert for it in a podcast I listen to, My Favorite Murder. Incidentally, if you are fascinated by true crime, you need to listen to My Favorite Murder, it's great! Anyway, from what I could see, I needed to watch this film. Psychological thrillers are definitely my jam. Ali Plumb's review on radio 1 gave it simultaneously a 2 and 4 out of 5. I was even more intrigued.
mother! is the story of Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem's relationship, and the house they live in. And yes, it is as strange as it sounds. None of the character's in the film are named, and I only realised this towards the end, but actually I think it is quite effective. The acting by both Lawrence and Bardem was so great (as to be expected) that you feel feelings towards the characters, without knowing very much about them at all. One day a stranger arrives at the house, thinking it is a B&B, and Bardem insists he stays as it is night time. Strange things happen with his arrival, and the following day, his wife invites herself in as well. She is quite bolshy, brash and rude, and rubs Lawrence up the wrong way. Next the two sons arrive, and things take a completely different turn.
Now I don't want to ruin the film, but from this point, the whole plot goes a bit mad. Completely wild and mad and I have no idea what went on. We know Lawrence has a connection with the house and hates the visitors disturbing it and it only becomes clear at the very end what the connection is. The film becomes very abstract and I can see why people wouldn't like the film, and why it really is an arthouse movie.
I did like the questions the film throws up, about fame, family and celebrity. I also think it was quite political and asked some religious questions as well. And with that, I can understand why it may be controversial. I really don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil the film, but it really is bizarre.
The acting in the film was great, I really enjoyed the first half of the film, and I like the fact I left the cinema wondering what the hell was going on. You really want to know what's coming next throughout the whole film. Incidentally, the film isn't particularly scary or jumpy, as you may guess from the trailer. It's neither of those things, it's just plain weird.
I kind of want to copy Ali Plumb and give it a 4 and a 7 out of 10, but I'm going to lean towards 7/10 because in all fairness, I was entertained, and I did enjoy it. I'm glad I went to see it, and if you've been umming and ahhing about going, I think it is worth a watch. Just be aware it's weird as hell and you'll have no idea what's going on by 1hr 45!
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
36. American Assassin
From the trailer for American Assassin, I was really excited to see the film. The trailer makes it look like an action filled film with an exciting and interesting plot. In all honesty, I don't think this is going to be a very good review, because I wasn't as consumed by the film as I expected to be.
So much so that I've had to read a plot summary to remind me the jist of the film. Now to give me credit I started uni last week (Hi guys I'm doing a masters. I'm going to be a Master. How great is that. I mean it will be great at the end, but right now it seems like i'm just going to have to do a lot of work. A lot of last week was filled with me being told what a Student's Union is -or the Union of Students, Thanks Derby- despite already spending 3 years of my life in a Student's Union on pound pints. So please excuse me for how uninformative this review is)
The film centres around Mitch Rapp (Dylan O'Brien) after being part of a terrorist attack on holiday, and losing his wife to be. Rapp is out for revenge, interacting with terrorists online, and trying to get his retribution through undercover work. After he meets with one of the terrorists, and it comes to a head, Rapp moves from a CIA safe house, to being offered the chance to be trained to become a Black Ops agent. From here we follow him through training, and we learn about a nuclear weapons plan the team need to intercept.
I did like the realism in the film, and it is quite scary to think about similar things happening in different parts of the world right now, in terms of nuclear weapons. Maybe because I am terrified of these things happening, my memory subconsciously erased how I experienced the film...
Overall, from my none review, the first thing I said when I left the cinema was "what a bang average film" so it is only fair to award the movie a bang average 5/10. I feel the film was too long and I ended up doing a bit of clock watching, the plot wasn't completely gripping, and I went in with quite high expectations from seeing it advertised. At the moment there are quite a few interesting looking films out, and I wouldn't perceive this as one of them. That said, maybe I would be more into it if I wasn't full of information about Continuing Professional Development, or how to use Blackboard...
So much so that I've had to read a plot summary to remind me the jist of the film. Now to give me credit I started uni last week (Hi guys I'm doing a masters. I'm going to be a Master. How great is that. I mean it will be great at the end, but right now it seems like i'm just going to have to do a lot of work. A lot of last week was filled with me being told what a Student's Union is -or the Union of Students, Thanks Derby- despite already spending 3 years of my life in a Student's Union on pound pints. So please excuse me for how uninformative this review is)
The film centres around Mitch Rapp (Dylan O'Brien) after being part of a terrorist attack on holiday, and losing his wife to be. Rapp is out for revenge, interacting with terrorists online, and trying to get his retribution through undercover work. After he meets with one of the terrorists, and it comes to a head, Rapp moves from a CIA safe house, to being offered the chance to be trained to become a Black Ops agent. From here we follow him through training, and we learn about a nuclear weapons plan the team need to intercept.
I did like the realism in the film, and it is quite scary to think about similar things happening in different parts of the world right now, in terms of nuclear weapons. Maybe because I am terrified of these things happening, my memory subconsciously erased how I experienced the film...
Overall, from my none review, the first thing I said when I left the cinema was "what a bang average film" so it is only fair to award the movie a bang average 5/10. I feel the film was too long and I ended up doing a bit of clock watching, the plot wasn't completely gripping, and I went in with quite high expectations from seeing it advertised. At the moment there are quite a few interesting looking films out, and I wouldn't perceive this as one of them. That said, maybe I would be more into it if I wasn't full of information about Continuing Professional Development, or how to use Blackboard...
Sunday, 17 September 2017
35. The Hitman's Bodyguard
Seeing The Hitman's Bodyguard was an accident. There was a crash on the M6 meaning we couldn't make it to see Detroit and have tea beforehand, and as it happens, we were all rather hangry. The Hitman's Bodyguard started at 9pm, so we had a cheeky Nando's and were away.
We had no idea what the film was about, I haven't seen loads of advertising for it, and Rotten Tomatoes suggested it was a 36% film. Rotten Tomatoes was right. The film follows Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), a former 'triple A' bodyguard, after being called at the last minute to protect Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). Kincaid is a notorious hitman, but also Interpol's last chance to prosecute a world leader for crimes against humanity. Bryce must ensure Kincaid is safely escorted from the UK to the Netherlands. As you can probably guess, along the way there are many hiccups - people trying to kill Kincaid, and Kincaid trying to escape.
From the plot summary above, the storyline doesn't actually sound that bad, it seems like it could be quite captivating, and exciting. However, in reality, it is an obvious story throughout, and the execution of it is not the best either. The film is 2hrs long, which is far too long for a movie you could guess the ending from the first 20 minutes, leaving the audience bored in places.
The film is by no means serious, and the elements of comedy do work in some places, but it isn't the funniest action comedy either. I watched Kingsman: The Secret Service last night (revision for the sequel, out next week), and found it far more humorous and exciting.
The only redeeming feature of the film was the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson, and the way it develops through the film. From the initial relationship as prisoner and bodyguard, to them working together to survive in situations, teasing each other, and possibly even friendship. I think the acting skill here really enhanced the storyline, it's just a shame the storyline was so weak. From that initial review on Rotten Tomatoes, I think it is clear that my view is probably the view of many.
The Hitman's Bodyguard worked in one way for me, it allowed me to have my chicken, and cured my hangriness. But on reflection, if it wasn't for the M6, I wouldn't have seen this film, and I wouldn't have felt that I was missing out. When we pick a film at the cinema, it's often based on adverts, what's popular in the media, the occasional Ali Plumb review on Radio 1, but more often than not, a quick score check on IMDb and RT. The Hitman's Bodyguard wouldn't even reach my radar. Maybe that is for me to open my horizons a bit more, and read more and see more less commercial films, but on this occasion, our system was right. The Hitman's Bodyguard gets a 4.5/10. I've seen worst, but not worth the 2hrs of your life really.
We had no idea what the film was about, I haven't seen loads of advertising for it, and Rotten Tomatoes suggested it was a 36% film. Rotten Tomatoes was right. The film follows Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), a former 'triple A' bodyguard, after being called at the last minute to protect Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). Kincaid is a notorious hitman, but also Interpol's last chance to prosecute a world leader for crimes against humanity. Bryce must ensure Kincaid is safely escorted from the UK to the Netherlands. As you can probably guess, along the way there are many hiccups - people trying to kill Kincaid, and Kincaid trying to escape.
From the plot summary above, the storyline doesn't actually sound that bad, it seems like it could be quite captivating, and exciting. However, in reality, it is an obvious story throughout, and the execution of it is not the best either. The film is 2hrs long, which is far too long for a movie you could guess the ending from the first 20 minutes, leaving the audience bored in places.
The film is by no means serious, and the elements of comedy do work in some places, but it isn't the funniest action comedy either. I watched Kingsman: The Secret Service last night (revision for the sequel, out next week), and found it far more humorous and exciting.
The only redeeming feature of the film was the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson, and the way it develops through the film. From the initial relationship as prisoner and bodyguard, to them working together to survive in situations, teasing each other, and possibly even friendship. I think the acting skill here really enhanced the storyline, it's just a shame the storyline was so weak. From that initial review on Rotten Tomatoes, I think it is clear that my view is probably the view of many.
The Hitman's Bodyguard worked in one way for me, it allowed me to have my chicken, and cured my hangriness. But on reflection, if it wasn't for the M6, I wouldn't have seen this film, and I wouldn't have felt that I was missing out. When we pick a film at the cinema, it's often based on adverts, what's popular in the media, the occasional Ali Plumb review on Radio 1, but more often than not, a quick score check on IMDb and RT. The Hitman's Bodyguard wouldn't even reach my radar. Maybe that is for me to open my horizons a bit more, and read more and see more less commercial films, but on this occasion, our system was right. The Hitman's Bodyguard gets a 4.5/10. I've seen worst, but not worth the 2hrs of your life really.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
34. Logan Lucky
As soon as I saw the trailer for this film, I was excited to see it. It's no secret I love films about crime, and this heist looked excited, and Channing Tatum was involved (our lead, Jimmy Logan). The film lives up to expectations, and I really enjoyed it. It's a heist movie, but there is something extra that makes it exciting and enjoyable, as opposed to predictable and boring.
Jimmy has a rocky relationship with his ex-wife Bobbie Jo (Katie Holmes), who he has daughter Sadie (Farrah Mackenzie) with. Sadie is Jimmy's pride and joy, but he somehow always ends up being late (or turning up on the wrong day), angering Bobbie Jo. She decides to up sticks and move away from Jimmy, to an amazing mansion with her new husband.
Jimmy enlists the help of his brother Clyde (Adam Driver) and decides to spice up his life a bit, by deciding to steal the prize money from a big NASCAR event. He decides to win the support of Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) to help break into the safe. Joe is incarcerated for using explosives to open safes.
The plot follows how Jimmy ends up smuggling Joe out of prison for the main event, how they steal the money, and the aftermath. As with most films like this, it's incredibly clever and interesting, and it really keeps the audience captivated in how they will pull it off.
The film is interesting as it looks at family relationships, and inter family relationships, looking at different bonds, and how people work well (or not) together. It also has elements of comedy, which again, kept the interest; it's not a serious film, but it is clever. Tatum played the character of Jimmy really well, although it is within the roles he usually goes for, there is no doubt that he can play it well. Driver was excellent at playing Clyde, he's very mysterious, and quite surprising at times - you're not sure how much Clyde is in it, or just following orders from his brother, and this is played really well. As well as this, I thought Craig was excellent. I feel we all know Craig as James Bond, but I think here he proved he can play varied roles. I was actually surprisingly impressed by his Southern American accent, and also his good-baddie role, if that makes sense.
The film finishes with an open ending, setting up for a sequel, so if that comes to light, I think it will be interesting to see if it is forced, or if there is more on the creators minds. That said, I did quite like the open ending, even if there isn't a second film.
A really entertaining film, I think it's absolutely worth the watch, and would encourage you to see it on the big screen. I give Logan Lucky 8.5/10 for its great lead actors, engaging plot, comedic script, and for making heist movies good again!
Jimmy has a rocky relationship with his ex-wife Bobbie Jo (Katie Holmes), who he has daughter Sadie (Farrah Mackenzie) with. Sadie is Jimmy's pride and joy, but he somehow always ends up being late (or turning up on the wrong day), angering Bobbie Jo. She decides to up sticks and move away from Jimmy, to an amazing mansion with her new husband.
Jimmy enlists the help of his brother Clyde (Adam Driver) and decides to spice up his life a bit, by deciding to steal the prize money from a big NASCAR event. He decides to win the support of Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) to help break into the safe. Joe is incarcerated for using explosives to open safes.
The plot follows how Jimmy ends up smuggling Joe out of prison for the main event, how they steal the money, and the aftermath. As with most films like this, it's incredibly clever and interesting, and it really keeps the audience captivated in how they will pull it off.
The film is interesting as it looks at family relationships, and inter family relationships, looking at different bonds, and how people work well (or not) together. It also has elements of comedy, which again, kept the interest; it's not a serious film, but it is clever. Tatum played the character of Jimmy really well, although it is within the roles he usually goes for, there is no doubt that he can play it well. Driver was excellent at playing Clyde, he's very mysterious, and quite surprising at times - you're not sure how much Clyde is in it, or just following orders from his brother, and this is played really well. As well as this, I thought Craig was excellent. I feel we all know Craig as James Bond, but I think here he proved he can play varied roles. I was actually surprisingly impressed by his Southern American accent, and also his good-baddie role, if that makes sense.
The film finishes with an open ending, setting up for a sequel, so if that comes to light, I think it will be interesting to see if it is forced, or if there is more on the creators minds. That said, I did quite like the open ending, even if there isn't a second film.
A really entertaining film, I think it's absolutely worth the watch, and would encourage you to see it on the big screen. I give Logan Lucky 8.5/10 for its great lead actors, engaging plot, comedic script, and for making heist movies good again!
33. Girls Trip
I think I sabotaged myself with this film, I had heard really good stuff about it, and maybe expected too much. Now Girls Trip is not a bad film, in fact it does exactly what it says in the tin. It's a classic chick flick comedy, a little rude in places, but with a good story line.
The Flossy Posse is formed by Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett-Smith) and Dina (Tiffany Haddish), and the girls set off on a get together after not seeing each other for years. They hit New Orleans, where Essence Music Festival is taking place, and also where a company wants to make a big deal with Ryan. Ryan is a big celebrity, writing books about how to have the perfect relationship.
With everything in everyones personal lives, the weekend seems to be a turning point for the girls, getting back together and having some respite from work, family, and relationship troubles. As you can imagine, when we get into the weekend, all is not what it seems. Ryan's relationship is far from perfect, Lisa's life as a single mum gives her no time for romance, and so on.
The film continues with love rivals, cat fights, weeing on a zip wire, and everything else you can imagine, with lots of appearances and cameos from impressive celebrities- Ne-Yo, P.Diddy, Estelle; to name a few. The film is wacky and wild, but it is genuinely funny, and I think would appeal to most people. I had it in my head that the film addressed social and racial issues in a comedic way, and that is not what the film is. What it is, is a really easy watch. It does have some messages, and I think Ryan's situation regarding her love life, and money, is actually quiet thought provoking.
The film is something perfect for a lazy evening, or hungover morning. There are laughs for all, and the storyline on the whole is okay. I just don't think it was very memorable. There are no quotes, funny one liners, and the plot wasn't overly interesting. I feel like it is a film similar to last years Sisters- a comedy with Amy Poehler. I remember enjoying the film, but it's not memorable. I can't remember any plot lines, or any jokes, and I don't feel overly enthused to watch it again.
For this reason, I'll give Girls Trip at 6.5/10. It does what it says on the tin, and would provide light relief after a heavy Saturday night, but it's not a ground breaking comedy, and it's not going to win any awards.
The Flossy Posse is formed by Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett-Smith) and Dina (Tiffany Haddish), and the girls set off on a get together after not seeing each other for years. They hit New Orleans, where Essence Music Festival is taking place, and also where a company wants to make a big deal with Ryan. Ryan is a big celebrity, writing books about how to have the perfect relationship.
With everything in everyones personal lives, the weekend seems to be a turning point for the girls, getting back together and having some respite from work, family, and relationship troubles. As you can imagine, when we get into the weekend, all is not what it seems. Ryan's relationship is far from perfect, Lisa's life as a single mum gives her no time for romance, and so on.
The film continues with love rivals, cat fights, weeing on a zip wire, and everything else you can imagine, with lots of appearances and cameos from impressive celebrities- Ne-Yo, P.Diddy, Estelle; to name a few. The film is wacky and wild, but it is genuinely funny, and I think would appeal to most people. I had it in my head that the film addressed social and racial issues in a comedic way, and that is not what the film is. What it is, is a really easy watch. It does have some messages, and I think Ryan's situation regarding her love life, and money, is actually quiet thought provoking.
The film is something perfect for a lazy evening, or hungover morning. There are laughs for all, and the storyline on the whole is okay. I just don't think it was very memorable. There are no quotes, funny one liners, and the plot wasn't overly interesting. I feel like it is a film similar to last years Sisters- a comedy with Amy Poehler. I remember enjoying the film, but it's not memorable. I can't remember any plot lines, or any jokes, and I don't feel overly enthused to watch it again.
For this reason, I'll give Girls Trip at 6.5/10. It does what it says on the tin, and would provide light relief after a heavy Saturday night, but it's not a ground breaking comedy, and it's not going to win any awards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)