It's a Mike Leigh film so it's never going to be a barrel of laughs. I went to see it today on the back of the trailer which made me chuckle two or three times. As is so often the case, the trailer laughs are pretty much all the laughs, and they happen in the first third of the film. After that it's pretty bleak and just gets bleaker.
It's well acted and the nieces provide some relief with their positivity, but you find yourself pulled down by the depression of the main character, which has infected her husband and son to the point of them giving up and closing down.
I came out feeling that I need to see another film pretty quick as a sort of cinematic palate cleanser. Worthy rather than enjoyable. On that basis, 6/10.
Saw a free pre release screening of "September 5".
"During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group".
Didn't think it was going to be my cup of tea, but actually my Wife and I both enjoyed it.
Went to see Love Hurts, what a complete turkey of a film, 5 people in the cinema, guy behind me was straight out of his seat, as soon as the credits came up.
A poor man’s Jackie Cham of a movie, so farcical and bad, you must go and see it.
Just watched ‘The Girl With the Needle’, Denmark’s Best International Feature nominee. Set at the end of WWI and based on a real case, it’s an extremely well crafted film with exceptional black and white cinematography. It’s not a horror film but it is a tough watch and not one for the faint hearted.
I also saw ‘The Brutalist’ this week. An interesting historical epic but I thought the second half was weaker and I could feel my empathy for the protagonist ebbing away. Its portrayal of vulgar, uber-wealthy Americans felt pretty accurate.
Just watched ‘The Girl With the Needle’, Denmark’s Best International Feature nominee. Set at the end of WWI and based on a real case, it’s an extremely well crafted film with exceptional black and white cinematography. It’s not a horror film but it is a tough watch and not one for the faint hearted.
I also saw ‘The Brutalist’ this week. An interesting historical epic but I thought the second half was weaker and I could feel my empathy for the protagonist ebbing away. Its portrayal of vulgar, uber-wealthy Americans felt pretty accurate.
The second half of the Brutalist is definitely weaker than the first. The length of the film feels self indulgent.
The Brutalist - Overlong but remained compelling throughout. Sound, cinematography and acting are all exceptional.
Nickel Boys - In spite of abysmal directing of the film, it somehow remained a very decent picture. Some tough scenes to watch at times.
A Complete Unknown - generic music biopic elevated by the brilliance of Chamalet (again - surely best actor out of Hollywood since, at least, DiCaprio).
A Real Pain - Low expectations going in but I thought it was brilliantly authentic, hugely enjoyable and Culkin's performance is Oscar worthy.
Also saw September 5 about the Munich Olympics / hostage situation.
Zips along at a good pace and a good watch. 7/10.
I watched it last night. A different view of what happened in Munich and how spur of the moment decisions without having the right information can have consequences. 8 out of 10
Marmite time, went to see Becoming Led Zeppelin last night, I enjoyed it although I'm sure plenty will criticise, I wasn't a massive fan but I enjoyed walking down memory lane.
I got through The Apprentice last night. I do want to see all the Oscar noms but that one was an issue because I just don't want to spend that much time with that man. I've switched off a lot of podcasts and TV shows over the last few month for that reason. And Sebastien Stan has done a fantastic job of impersonating him.
I really like the film's style. It has a documentary feel to it which I enjoy. It's tricky because the camera can break the suspension of disbelief if it's not done well. You can become aware that there's a camera in the room if the movements don't feel natural. Which is fine in a doc because you know a crew is there, but in a drama you don't want to think about it.
What impressed me most was that it only vaguely made him sympathetic. You get to understand how and why he has become who he is, without ever losing sight of him making his own choices. Although at times it's almost a little too blatant - you could watch one scene with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and get the message.
I am glad I watched it, and as good as Stan is, I don't think anyone should get an Oscar for portraying someone who already exists. It's far more impressive to see Kieran Culkin create his own character from a script than someone who can watch videos and copy mannerisms.
Watched Sing Sing the other night, inspired by recommendations on here. Really enjoyed it. A simple film but with great performances. The guy who played Divine Eye was phenomenal.
I got through The Apprentice last night. I do want to see all the Oscar noms but that one was an issue because I just don't want to spend that much time with that man. I've switched off a lot of podcasts and TV shows over the last few month for that reason. And Sebastien Stan has done a fantastic job of impersonating him.
I really like the film's style. It has a documentary feel to it which I enjoy. It's tricky because the camera can break the suspension of disbelief if it's not done well. You can become aware that there's a camera in the room if the movements don't feel natural. Which is fine in a doc because you know a crew is there, but in a drama you don't want to think about it.
What impressed me most was that it only vaguely made him sympathetic. You get to understand how and why he has become who he is, without ever losing sight of him making his own choices. Although at times it's almost a little too blatant - you could watch one scene with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and get the message.
I am glad I watched it, and as good as Stan is, I don't think anyone should get an Oscar for portraying someone who already exists. It's far more impressive to see Kieran Culkin create his own character from a script than someone who can watch videos and copy mannerisms.
4/6
I thought Jeremy Strong was exceptional in this. He completely changed his appearance and personality, what true acting talent is about.
Watched ‘better man’ last night. Wasn’t expecting much and not the biggest fan of Robbie Williams but thought it was brilliant. Both blubbing at the end
Yes good point I forgot to mention that - Strong is immense in that movie. Apparently he is a proper method actor, takes his craft very seriously!
I can't remember where I read it, but there's a great story about how when he was the head of his Drama Club at uni, he blew their budget inventing an award ceremony so that he could invite his idol Al Pacino to come and receive it. He got a really expensive pewter trophy made, that was meant to be used each year to award to different people, Al turned up for about 30 minutes gave a half arsed speech and took the trophy home.
Yes good point I forgot to mention that - Strong is immense in that movie. Apparently he is a proper method actor, takes his craft very seriously!
I agree. Strong was excellent.
I hadn’t appreciated that Roy Cohn was also Chief Counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led the House of committee on UnAmerican Activities and the witch-hunt against Communists as “the enemy within”.
Taken with his mentoring of Trump, Cohn has certainly been an influential figure in American political history.
September 5 was a solid News-desk drama. I'm just unsure why we needed it when 'One Day in September' is already out there, which was never going to be improved upon as a record of the events of that day.
Yes good point I forgot to mention that - Strong is immense in that movie. Apparently he is a proper method actor, takes his craft very seriously!
I agree. Strong was excellent.
I hadn’t appreciated that Roy Cohn was also Chief Counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led the House of committee on UnAmerican Activities and the witch-hunt against Communists as “the enemy within”.
Taken with his mentoring of Trump, Cohn has certainly been an influential figure in American political history.
interesting. First I had heard of him in the film, but a massive sphere of influence. Must have been in the illuminati. ...
Has anyone been to see the new Captain America film yet? Looking to take my 9 year old tomorrow
I have and would suggest you be aware that it has a fair few more realistic violent moments than most other Marvel movies, including blade stabbing, small blades hanging out of the upper chest/shoulder in a fight scene. If your 9 year old can handle movie violence, some bloodiness and facial disfigurement, should he ok.
To give a guide, this film is like a 2 hour long bigger budget version of The Falcon & the Winter soldier less the latter…and with the Falcon now owning the Cap America mantle.
It’s OK, but Phase 6 will need to improve further on this entry if it is to keep the Marvel fanbase let alone general cinema goers interested.
I have to admit to seeing the latest Bridget Jones film !
To be fair it’s quite decent and to my surprise hasn’t been the case of 1 sequel too many. Yes sentimental, yes predictable but that’s what you know before you start to watch.
I'm not sure Mike Leigh has made a single production to entertain since Abigail's Party. Most of his films have a political undertone and I can only support his kickback against mainstream media.
There's something I really liked about this film but I am struggling to understand what it is. I suppose maybe it was the journey she goes on, of realising what's happening and stuff. Hard to say without spoiling it. The lead is terrific, and I assume the Russian lad is as well because he's so unlikeable it's crazy. Rarely will any watcher of a movie want to punch a character as much as this.
I think we're supposed to side with Anora and Dickhead and assume it's going to be a Romeo & Juliet thing, and when the Russian heavies are telling us Dickhead is a flake and a child, we're like "Yeah but they're in love". Only for us to go on a journey with Anora to realise she has been screwed over by a selfish prick. That's what I really like about it - it's the perspective thing. We only know what she knows. What the Russians are all about is not relevant. She is the centre of every scene I think. At no point do we go off and see what someone else is up to. We are as naive and unaware as her.
And the one guy who really does care about her, who has her back and sympathises with her, eventually breaks through and gives her the one thing she needed more than anything else - a hug. Even though she tries to repay his kindness in the only way she's used to until she realises she doesn't have to.
It's like watching a film focussed on a Star Trek red shirt. We're used to seeing girls like Anora, nameless and naked, alongside lead characters who are on an unrelated journey. But this is her story. I get why Jessie thought the sex was overused, but I think it was crucial in painting the picture of their relationship and what Anora is all about, until she grows beyond that at the end.
Brilliant look and design. Direction is outstanding. First rate stuff from Moore and Qualley. Incredible gore and artistry on the effects. Absolutely nails what it's aiming for.
Absolutely not my kind of film, hated watching it.
Memoir of a Snail - From the makers of Mary and Max, the animation is outstanding, the film is a story very well told but my God, it is one of the darkest and most depressing things I've watched for a long time. It tried to be uplifting at the end but I had been plunged into such a dark cloud by the rest of the film that I left the cinema feeling mildly depressed. It's excellent but I'm not I'd recommend it to anyone.
Comments
"During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group".
Didn't think it was going to be my cup of tea, but actually my Wife and I both enjoyed it.
A poor man’s Jackie Cham of a movie, so farcical and bad, you must go and see it.
I also saw ‘The Brutalist’ this week. An interesting historical epic but I thought the second half was weaker and I could feel my empathy for the protagonist ebbing away. Its portrayal of vulgar, uber-wealthy Americans felt pretty accurate.
Nickel Boys - In spite of abysmal directing of the film, it somehow remained a very decent picture. Some tough scenes to watch at times.
A Complete Unknown - generic music biopic elevated by the brilliance of Chamalet (again - surely best actor out of Hollywood since, at least, DiCaprio).
A Real Pain - Low expectations going in but I thought it was brilliantly authentic, hugely enjoyable and Culkin's performance is Oscar worthy.
I really like the film's style. It has a documentary feel to it which I enjoy. It's tricky because the camera can break the suspension of disbelief if it's not done well. You can become aware that there's a camera in the room if the movements don't feel natural. Which is fine in a doc because you know a crew is there, but in a drama you don't want to think about it.
What impressed me most was that it only vaguely made him sympathetic. You get to understand how and why he has become who he is, without ever losing sight of him making his own choices. Although at times it's almost a little too blatant - you could watch one scene with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and get the message.
I am glad I watched it, and as good as Stan is, I don't think anyone should get an Oscar for portraying someone who already exists. It's far more impressive to see Kieran Culkin create his own character from a script than someone who can watch videos and copy mannerisms.
4/6
I hadn’t appreciated that Roy Cohn was also Chief Counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led the House of committee on UnAmerican Activities and the witch-hunt against Communists as “the enemy within”.
It’s OK, but Phase 6 will need to improve further on this entry if it is to keep the Marvel fanbase let alone general cinema goers interested.
To be fair it’s quite decent and to my surprise hasn’t been the case of 1 sequel too many. Yes sentimental, yes predictable but that’s what you know before you start to watch.
BTW Alison Steadman was extaordinary.
I think we're supposed to side with Anora and Dickhead and assume it's going to be a Romeo & Juliet thing, and when the Russian heavies are telling us Dickhead is a flake and a child, we're like "Yeah but they're in love". Only for us to go on a journey with Anora to realise she has been screwed over by a selfish prick. That's what I really like about it - it's the perspective thing. We only know what she knows. What the Russians are all about is not relevant. She is the centre of every scene I think. At no point do we go off and see what someone else is up to. We are as naive and unaware as her.
And the one guy who really does care about her, who has her back and sympathises with her, eventually breaks through and gives her the one thing she needed more than anything else - a hug. Even though she tries to repay his kindness in the only way she's used to until she realises she doesn't have to.
It's like watching a film focussed on a Star Trek red shirt. We're used to seeing girls like Anora, nameless and naked, alongside lead characters who are on an unrelated journey. But this is her story. I get why Jessie thought the sex was overused, but I think it was crucial in painting the picture of their relationship and what Anora is all about, until she grows beyond that at the end.
7/8
Watched Better Man and really enjoyed it, it being a monkey rather than a Robbie Williams lookalike really did make a difference.
Brilliant look and design. Direction is outstanding. First rate stuff from Moore and Qualley. Incredible gore and artistry on the effects. Absolutely nails what it's aiming for.
Absolutely not my kind of film, hated watching it.
1/10 enjoyment
10/10 respect