50. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

The original Jumanji is one of my favourite films. Amongst all the nightmares it gave me, it reminds me of my childhood, and was one of the most played videos, alongside The Witches, at my out of school club. Loved it. In fact I loved it so much that I got the DVD a few years ago whilst I was at uni, so we could watch it as a uni family. I'm sure most people my age would agree it is a seminal piece of cinema. When I saw there was a sequel, I was ecstatic. We were lucky enough to catch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on it's opening evening, and it was an absolute treat.

Jumanji is a jungle board game, updated in the new film, where it becomes, what seems to me, a Sega Mega Drive/N64 hybrid game. 4 high schoolers end up in detention, and unbeknownst to them, end up inside Jumanji. In order to escape the game, they must save Jumanji, and return a gem to the top of a giant jaguar statue.

I really enjoyed the references to gaming, for example, with the story telling characters that are not helpful at all. It bought back my frustration of trying to complete Zelda. I liked how each character's qualities and weaknesses all played into the film, and I thought it was really clever. There was also good development of characters, and the relationships between the characters. A fundamental part of Jumanji is the teamwork required to complete the game, which I felt was really pertinent in the storytelling.

I enjoyed the references back to the original film, I thought it was a lovely touch, especially following the death of Robin Williams in 2014. Just seeing the 'Jumanji house' bought back so many childhood memories.

I also enjoyed the fact Nick Jonas was in it. Very random.

The Rock was great, Kevin Hart was great, Karen Gillan was great, Jack Black was great. They clearly had a ball making the film, and it was so much fun to watch. It's not the most intellectual film, but it was really interesting to watch, and there were some really funny parts at all. Again, a lot of the best bits were shown in the trailer, but the film did have much more to give. It's a really easy watch, but the story has purpose and keeps you interested, as well as giving a message to the audience as well. I saw a few kids in the cinema, and thought it must be nice for both parents and children to be enjoying the film together. I think it was very good marketing to pitch the films over 20 years apart.

Overall, if Jumanji is as much a part of your childhood as it was to me, you will love this film regardless. If it wasn't, but you enjoyed the first film, or if you were intrigued by the trailer, definitley give it a go. It's a great little film to watch between Christmas and New Year, and I know Cineworld are also showing it in 4DX (That's the one with the wind and rain and snow and fog and smells etc). If you are reading this and know me in person, the Cineworld in Didsbury have just opened their 4DX screen this week. You're welcome. 8/10. Loved it.

49. Daddy's Home 2

In 2015, we saw Daddy's Home in between Christmas and New Year. There's always that weird bit in between those two days, where some people are at work, some people aren't. You feel strange because just as you've stopped feeling christmassy you are ready for New Year and there is more prep to do, and more excitement to be had. That's if you celebrate either of them, of course, but I love New Year so much. It's when you can spend an evening with your friends, we don't tend to go out as it's so expensive, but we play games and dance until we fall over or are sick. Anyway.

So when we saw Daddy's Home in 2015, it was a filler activity, and actually it was better than anticipated. It's definitely got that laddy humour, and it's definitely silly and daft, but it gave that light relief and is a bit of a feel good film. As much as I prefer tongue in cheek, or political, or 'clever' humour, there is no doubt in my mind that Will Ferrell is an absolute genius. Anchorman is one of my favourite films ever.

So back to our sequel. The adverts and trailers I'd seen reminded me of how much I enjoyed the first film, and I was looking forward to seeing the next chapter. Again, I knew what I was getting myself into, it was going to be silly and light hearted. This time, the story follows Brad (Ferrell) and Dusty's (Mark Wahlberg) Christmas, as their fathers join them. Brad is the stepfather to Dusty's children, but following the original film, the sort their differences and manage to share the care for the children without argument. Brad's father is overbearingly kind and loving, but there is something else going on behind this, and Dusty's dad is cold and cool, not understanding of the 'co-dad' arrangement between Dusty and Brad. Following the arrangement of a Christmas holiday for the entire family, the plot is littered with ridiculous disasters that happen as the fathers work out their differences.

Now whereas with The Disaster Artist I left saying 'that was fantastic', I left Daddy's Home 2 with 'that was ridiculous'. The plot was weak, the whole premise was almost exactly the same as the previous film, and there was nothing overly exciting about it. I did laugh throughout the film, but I can't tell you any of the jokes now. There was nothing memorable. It seemed like a film for a film's sake. All of the most humorous parts were previewed in the trailers. There was nothing new. I have to be honest and say that this is one of the poorer films I have seen this year.

If you like a silly film, and you just want something easy to watch, then it does the job. But why not watch Shrek instead. The marvellous masterpiece that is Shrek. Daddy's Home 2 gets a 4/10 from me.

47. The Disaster Artist

We went in blind seeing this film; we've saved Daddy's Home 2 (a sure fire classic, or aboslute twaddle) for a Christmas special, and this was the only thing left we hadn't seen. I'd seen reviews that had said the film was meant to be great. It had 97% on Rotten Tomatoes when we booked, but as we all know, as time goes on, RT ratings tend to fall. All I knew was the film was meant to be good.

The film starts and tells us it is based on a real story. My first reaction was: is it actually though. Cynical as I am, turns out it actually is. The film tells the story of Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and Greg Sestero (Dave Franco). Tommy is an mysterious aspiring actor with a seemingly bottomless pit of money. He enlists Greg, another budding actor, as they move to Hollywood to chase their dreams.

With a lack of success in acting circles, Tommy decides to write, direct and star in his own film 'The Room', writing a part for Greg as well. With his endless cash, Tommy is quite the maverick in the way he creates the film, buying equipment instead of hiring it, enlisting only the best of the best to help him produce the piece.

The Room actually became a cult classic film (see IMDb, 3.6/10, RT 26%), and lots of people in the cinema found the film hilarious, I assume there are lots of references to it. For someone who has never seen The Room, I still found the film really entertaining, and there were some excellent comedy moments. I do imagine that there is a certain type of humour the movie appeals to though, I don't think it is one for everyone.

I found the film quite emotionally interesting. There were parts of the film where I didn't know if Tommy had a motive, or was someone who just wanted to please, or if he had no motive at all. I found it quite interesting and the mystery behind his character is fascinating.

The film makes you want to know more, and after looking up some bits and bobs, I found that the film was not only based on the original, but also on a memoir written by Greg Sestero. I now really want to read the book! The story is so outlandish yet incredible, it makes you yearn for more. I really wasn't sure what we were expecting when booking the ticket, but the first thing I said as the credits started to roll was 'That was fantastic'.

As a little treat, at the end of the film there are some side-by-side shots of 'The Room' and The Disaster Artist’s interpretation. The comparisons are great, and shows the quality of acting from all parties, and also how terrible the original film was.

The film was fantastic, it was an unexpected treat, and I have to give it a 9/10. Probably would give it more but I think James Franco is a bit of a knob.

46. Paddington 2

Long time no see, today I'm blogging from the kitchen, halfway through making an absolute mess, halfway through making a bread and butter pudding. What a great pudding. For a christmassy twist, I've used panettone instead of bread. I've never made any type of bread and butter pudding before and I've made up the recipe so it could be an utter shambles. That's why I don't have a food blog.

Anyway, we're hear to talk about Paddington 2. I saw this last Tuesday, as although the film has been out for a while, there are still plenty of screenings, and there was one in the day at 2pm. I'm now a layabout student who has nothing to do Monday - Wednesday (she says this as she picks up extra shifts) so that just suited me fine.

For anyone who has seen the first film and loved it, this sequel is just as good. It's silly, funny and charming, and it has a decent plot line, as long as you are willing to let your imagination run away with you. There were parts of the film where I was trying to stifle laughter, as the only people in the cinema was me, and a mother and toddler combo, and I thought it would be a bit weird to have a 24 year old howling with laughter in the corner.

The plot follows Paddington as he tries to earn and save money to buy his Aunt Lucy a perfect 100th Birthday present. Paddington starts his own window cleaning business, but somehow ends up in a spot of bother, and gets sent to jail. Now he needs to get out, get justice, AND get Aunt Lucy a present.

The film is full of familiar faces, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Ben Miller, Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi, Joanna Lumley, to name but a few. The film was co-written by Simon Farnaby, who also has a cameo. I really like Farnaby's work, and comedy. If you are a fan of the Boosh, or this years absolute classic 'Mindhorn', you might recognise him. He also starred in 2009's 'The Bunny and the Bull', a rare film I saw pre-2015. Another great surprise was the brief yet fantastic appearance of Richard Ayoade, a man who could just stand still and do nothing, and I'd still be crying with laughter. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the cast is great and the acting is brilliant. It looks like a lot of fun was had on the set.

I've just put the bread and butter pudding in the oven. Keep reading this and the next reviews for updates.

The whole production of the film is surreal is not realistic by any stretch of the imagination. Many of you will know I love a true to life film, or a documentary, or an interesting but realistic plot. However, I do like things that are fantastical in this sort of way. If you forget about reality and rhyme and reason, and let the film capture your imagination, you will love it. It's a shame the film won't be out on DVD for a while, because it's definitely a film perfect for watching with the family around Christmas, appealing to all ages (Probably the reason why it's out now isn't it)

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film, and have to give it a 9/10. It was brilliant.

43. Bad Mom's Christmas

I am still alive, and this review is super late. In amongst deadlines, work, panic and partying, I have finally found a second to write some reviews. Yes I’m on the train. Perhaps now, as we edge towards December, it is a more appropriate time to discuss ‘Bad Mom’s Christmas’; my first festive film this year.

If you haven’t seen Bad Moms, I urge you to. Last year, we went to see Bad Moms as it was the only thing in the cinema – we’d seen trailers and it looked okay, nothing special, but something light hearted. Now I’m not going to kid you and say it’s the best comedy I’ve ever seen (that clearly goes to Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa) but it was a nice surprise. A really good, classic comedy.

Now this isn’t what you came here to read about. I just thought I’d give you a quick overview, as in 2016 I did not have a blog… instead I had a meticulous spreadsheet with a scoring system. Bad Mom’s Christmas follows the same vein: crude, silly but a good enough storyline.  Bad Mom’s Christmas doesn’t quite hit the mark for me, but it’s still a funny film, and it definitely got me in the mood for Christmas. However, the acting is average, the plot is okay, the jokes are as outlandish as you’d expect, and it just wasn’t quite as good as the original. I don’t doubt that if you enjoyed the original, you’ll enjoy this sequel, but I’m sure you’ll also agree that it doesn’t quite live up to expectations.

It also doesn’t have too much of the ‘christmassy feel good factor’ as I feel this is cancelled out by the crude and rude humour instead. It’s definitely not going to be a family favourite any time soon. But credit where credit is due, that’s not what the film set out to be.

I do like the ‘message’ of the film, if you can call it that. The film is based around being yourself and not conforming to others and I feel like it does a good job of portraying this throughout the film.

Overall, it’s never going to be the best Christmas film, but if you do fancy a light hearted Christmassy LOL then fill your boots while you can catch it. I’d give it a 6.5 for effort.

38. Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Firstly, again this is incredibly late. I have two films to
catch up on, this, and IT. I don’t feel so guilty about not catching up on
either. Kingsman is simply not great, and I feel everyone has seen IT. My
excuse for my lateness, is that I have started my Masters at uni, and been
juggling various types of work, uni timetabling, weekend activities. It turns
out that if you do a Masters, you have to do work outside of uni. Who knew! So
here we are. As you probably already know, my new years resolution was to write
my blog for every 2017 film I see, hence the catch up.

You might have seen me reference the original Kingsman film
in a previous review. I watched the first film for the first time a month or so
ago, in preparation for the sequel. I really enjoyed it. I found it a good
balance of comedy and action, and found the plot interesting. Predictable in
parts, but an easy watch. I found parts of the comedy sexist and dated, but I
attributed this to it being a slightly older film, and perhaps whenever it was
released, there wasn’t enough publicity around what is acceptable and what is
not. Not that that excuses it.

So coming into the sequel, I was actually really excited. I
was ready for an easy funny film that would keep my attention. What actually
happened, was that I was watching a really bizarre, silly and offensive film. I
feel the plot line was just quite silly, but not in a clever or surreal way.
The main idea is that Poppy (Julianne Moore) is trying to control population by killing off
anyone who takes drugs. A chemical is produced that when reacting with someone
who has taken drugs, they start a process in their body, starting with a purple
rash, moving to ‘mania’ and then freezing, and finally death. Here Eggsy (Taron Egerton) must save the day, and stop the chemical from being released throughout the
world. Obviously the film takes the stance that people who take drugs clearly
shouldn’t die (which probably still isn't the view of some people) but I felt the
film could have explored social issues and reasons why people may take drugs
more.

I also have problems with the way mental health was
perceived in the film. At one point I remember the main nemesis being described
as ‘having mental health issues as a child’. If that isn’t stigma, then I don’t
know what is. Also the so called ‘mania’ portrayed in the film is nothing like
mania, a medical term for a type of mental illness, or a symptom. Again, not
helping the stigma. My working background is in mental health, and I don’t
think some people who are hospitalised due to manic symptoms would be best
pleased to see their condition stereotyped as dancing around and listening to
loud music in a blockbuster film. It’s not particularly helping to educate the
audience, but more contributing to the stigma created by society.

Another strange thing about the film is the presence of
Elton John. He’s in the film loads and swears occasionally and is generally
made a spectacle out of. Why did he agree to being part of this??? It’s not
like he needs the money. I found it so strange, and it didn’t contribute to the
plot at all, except that robot dogs wouldn’t kill him as he was Elton John.
Very strange experience, I felt like I was on drugs myself just watching it.

I can understand why some people would enjoy the film, in a
similar way to how people would enjoy Zoolander 2. Actually I’m not that sure
why you would enjoy this film, but George and Bailey did. Maybe this is your
thing. It definitely did not live up to the original film, so I can only give
it a 5/10. I give it a 5/10 as Zoolander 2 got a 4 and it was marginally better
than that, and clearly, looking at the box office figures, this must be the
type of thing some people enjoy.

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.

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.

19. Going in Style

First off, apologies for the lack of blogging! If any of you read my original post you may be aware that the purpose of this blog is to record all the films I've seen in the cinema this year; unfortunately we had a break week last week. In the meantime I've become obsessed with an american law drama series 'How to Get Away with Murder', and BBC documentary 'Reported Missing' but that's not what any of you came to read about.

This week has been interesting - we went to see Going in Style, a film about 3 old men deciding to rob a bank. It all came a bit to close to the bone when an hour before the film started I had a call from the bank telling me that someone had cloned my card and emptied my account (it's not all bad as there wasn't much in there to start with), but I still managed to enjoy the film once I'd got over my initial frustration!

The film is actually a remake of a 1979 film of the same name - I wasn't aware of this until after I saw the film. Joe (Michael Caine), Willie (Morgan Freeman) and Albert (Alan Arkin), are all friends who work at the same company. The company gets bought out and pension schemes are scrapped, all at the same time as Joe is caught up in an armed robbery at his own bank. From here, the three men are annoyed at the situation they are left in and feel like it is unjust. Joe suggests robbing a bank, as he witnessed, as the criminals got away with it. Slowly all 3 come round to the idea and hatch a plan.

Along the way, we learn about the men's families, and their other motives for getting the money. We see them attempt robberies as practices along the way, with hilarious consequences. The movie is fun, and the ending is clever and interesting. It is your classic heist movie, with a small twist. If you like The Italian Job, Ocean's 11, Now You See Me, you'll probably enjoy this film. My only gripe here, is that I didn't think it was original enough (well it is a remake but work with me here). The USP of Going in Style is the comedy value; the fact it is 3 pensioners robbing a bank. For me, there weren't enough laugh out loud moments, and the story and plot didn't work hard enough to make this a stand out film. With Now You See Me, the element of magic makes the plot really interesting, Ocean's 11 you have 3 robberies and a whole mob of people and so on.

What I'm trying to say here, is that while Going in Style is no doubt a fun movie, it is nothing revolutionary or dramatically different that makes it special. Of course I enjoyed my self in the cinema, watching Caine, Freeman and Arkin literally having the best fun making this film, but it's not going to win any awards, and it's perhaps a film I'm not going to be itching to see again.

For that reason, I give Going in Style, a 6.5/10. It does what it says on the tin, and it's an easy watch for a lazy day or a hangover day, but it's nothing that I haven't seen before. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are still my heroes though.