The Lobster. (Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman) Now I like a weird film more than most, but this one tested me. First half enjoyably odd with some very dark lough out loud moments, second half simply weird. Very hard to mark out of 10, many will hate it. 6/10? I'm still bemused by the whole thing.
The Lobster. (Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman) Now I like a weird film more than most, but this one tested me. First half enjoyably odd with some very dark lough out loud moments, second half simply weird. Very hard to mark out of 10, many will hate it. 6/10? I'm still bemused by the whole thing.
I was very disappointed in this film, it was too long, the first half good, second a little dull. 5/10
I first remember seeing Ian McKellen in a Channel Four film called Walter that I think was shown the week the Channel started. He was brilliant in that and has been ever since. He has got lots of praise for his role as an aged Sherlock Holmes and quite rightly so . He is a magnificent actor and he owns the screen in this . The film itself is a little too gentle for my liking Not a great deal happens regarding the plot other than a slightly dull last case for Holmes but i suppose this is more of a character portrayal more than anything else. Child actor Milo Parker is very good too and looks like someone to keep an eye on in the future.
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by it. I think Daniel Craig is a really good Bond but this film just didn't know what it wanted to be. It was even more disappointing given the set ups skyfall had given it but the clichés were all over the place bearing in mind since Daniel Craig has been Bond he's played it a lot more gritty. I agree with whoever said he actually looked bored at some parts
Skyfall and Casino Royale were far better and if this is the last outing for Daniel Craig it's a poor way to finish
I'm going to see kill your friends on Thursday, I'm under no illusions that it will be anywhere near as good as the book but I'm still looking forward to seeing if a few scenes look anything like how I pictured them
Saw Spectre last night. Great fun and brilliant entertainment. I go to the pictures to be entertained and not craving to see a 100% watertight plot where things happen like they do in real life! How boring would that be? Too many Mark Kermode wannabes around these days. Sam Smiths song when played at the cinema along with the opening titles is completely different then when it is played on the radio, comes over brilliantly. A lot more use of the James Bond Theme in this film too, love it. I sat through the end credits (thousands of people worked on this film!) just to confirm what I hoped; James Bond WILL return!
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
How many of you went????
We were sat there and we had a group of about 30-40 come in all wearing dinner suits / evening dresses. All very bizarre.
Concur with the majority of comments on Spectre. My first time at cinema since Skyfall. I thought Skyfall was outstanding, and this although a very decent watch, never reached those heights. Have slowly warned to Craig as Bond, and thought the camera work and structure for the opening scene was excellent.
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
How many of you went????
We were sat there and we had a group of about 30-40 come in all wearing dinner suits / evening dresses. All very bizarre.
Concur with the majority of comments on Spectre. My first time at cinema since Skyfall. I thought Skyfall was outstanding, and this although a very decent watch, never reached those heights. Have slowly warned to Craig as Bond, and thought the camera work and structure for the opening scene was excellent.
Made from just video clips and TV recordings , this is the tragic story of Amy Winehouse and her short but fascinating life. Director , Asif Kapadia has managed to capture Amy brilliantly without having to shoot anything himself. Just like with Senna he has got friends and family to tell that story along with archive footage and it works really well. I learned many thing while watching this. I learned that she had an amazing talent for righting songs. Lyrically she was brilliant. I learnt that she had an addictive personality and her addiction helped her deal with fame yet ultimately killed her. Another thing is clear is that she had people around her who were using her. Her father being a main culprit and you can see why he didn't want this film to be made. Even if you are a not a fan her music this is well worth watching.
Went to see Steve Jobs last night. Much anticipated by me and the missus, since it's directed by Danny Boyle, and while in NYC last month I'd heard a critic on the radio saying it was the best of the 4 films about him (4???).
Well you certainly won't be left in any doubt about what a grade A asshole he was, and the film is a bit relentless in portraying that, but on reflection you end up with a feeling of what it must have been like to work for him. It is also a film about him and not Apple, so you may be surprised at where the story ends.
Definitely a film worth seeing, surprisingly bleak in many ways and with some insights that we weren't aware of. In particular my wife noted that the character played by Kate Winslet, ostensibly his marketing director, but in fact a constant in his life, is somebody we'd not been aware of in the story of Apple. The film also suggests that the biggest personal explosions between Jobs and his colleagues (and family) tended to come in the minutes leading up to his legendary keynote product launch presentations. Mind boggling, if true . I'd be interested to know how accurate the depiction overall is considered to be.
But generally I reckon this will be seen as another strong contribution from Danny Boyle.
Just as a side note I'm often complaining about the idiotic distribution of films in the Czech market, we miss so many good ones. But in Prague the indy cinemas seem to be flourishing, and we saw this neo- premiere in a 9 row indy with a nice little cafe bar, with plush double seats, for exactly £3 a person. Worth noting if you are visiting.
If there was ever any doubt that director Eli Roth is a misogynist then Knock Knock absolutely confirms it. His portrayal of women in his films have been appalling in the past but what we see in this movie is staggering . This is the story of family man Evan Webber ( Keanu Reeves ) , who while his wife and kids are away , has a knock on the door from two young woman looking for help . The turn out to be Evan's worst nightmare. Despite Keanu Reeves typically wooden acting I actually didn't mind the first forty minutes of this. It's only when the girls start to go nuts that film immediately falls apart. The problem is Why? What is the motive of these girls? It's never explained despite a spurious " catch a predator" line ( which makes no sense ) as to why these girls terrorise Webber. Eli Roth not only turns these female characters into nasty , violent , sex machines he also treats the audience like idiots . This is classed as a Horror film but I would describe it as horrible.
Went to see Steve Jobs last night. Much anticipated by me and the missus, since it's directed by Danny Boyle, and while in NYC last month I'd heard a critic on the radio saying it was the best of the 4 films about him (4???).
Well you certainly won't be left in any doubt about what a grade A asshole he was, and the film is a bit relentless in portraying that, but on reflection you end up with a feeling of what it must have been like to work for him. It is also a film about him and not Apple, so you may be surprised at where the story ends.
Definitely a film worth seeing, surprisingly bleak in many ways and with some insights that we weren't aware of. In particular my wife noted that the character played by Kate Winslet, ostensibly his marketing director, but in fact a constant in his life, is somebody we'd not been aware of in the story of Apple. The film also suggests that the biggest personal explosions between Jobs and his colleagues (and family) tended to come in the minutes leading up to his legendary keynote product launch presentations. Mind boggling, if true . I'd be interested to know how accurate the depiction overall is considered to be.
But generally I reckon this will be seen as another strong contribution from Danny Boyle.
Just as a side note I'm often complaining about the idiotic distribution of films in the Czech market, we miss so many good ones. But in Prague the indy cinemas seem to be flourishing, and we saw this neo- premiere in a 9 row indy with a nice little cafe bar, with plush double seats, for exactly £3 a person. Worth noting if you are visiting.
Watched this last night (thanks Kodi) I struggled to keep up, but then Ive only just learnt to email using my phone. Difficult to understand how easily "friends" come and went in the name of business.
If there was ever any doubt that director Eli Roth is a misogynist then Knock Knock absolutely confirms it. His portrayal of women in his films have been appalling in the past but what we see in this movie is staggering . This is the story of family man Evan Webber ( Keanu Reeves ) , who while his wife and kids are away , has a knock on the door from two young woman looking for help . The turn out to be Evan's worst nightmare. Despite Keanu Reeves typically wooden acting I actually didn't mind the first forty minutes of this. It's only when the girls start to go nuts that film immediately falls apart. The problem is Why? What is the motive of these girls? It's never explained despite a spurious " catch a predator" line ( which makes no sense ) as to why these girls terrorise Webber. Eli Roth not only turns these female characters into nasty , violent , sex machines he also treats the audience like idiots . This is classed as a Horror film but I would describe it as horrible.
Went to see Steve Jobs last night. Much anticipated by me and the missus, since it's directed by Danny Boyle, and while in NYC last month I'd heard a critic on the radio saying it was the best of the 4 films about him (4???).
Well you certainly won't be left in any doubt about what a grade A asshole he was, and the film is a bit relentless in portraying that, but on reflection you end up with a feeling of what it must have been like to work for him. It is also a film about him and not Apple, so you may be surprised at where the story ends.
Definitely a film worth seeing, surprisingly bleak in many ways and with some insights that we weren't aware of. In particular my wife noted that the character played by Kate Winslet, ostensibly his marketing director, but in fact a constant in his life, is somebody we'd not been aware of in the story of Apple. The film also suggests that the biggest personal explosions between Jobs and his colleagues (and family) tended to come in the minutes leading up to his legendary keynote product launch presentations. Mind boggling, if true . I'd be interested to know how accurate the depiction overall is considered to be.
But generally I reckon this will be seen as another strong contribution from Danny Boyle.
Just as a side note I'm often complaining about the idiotic distribution of films in the Czech market, we miss so many good ones. But in Prague the indy cinemas seem to be flourishing, and we saw this neo- premiere in a 9 row indy with a nice little cafe bar, with plush double seats, for exactly £3 a person. Worth noting if you are visiting.
I saw this on Friday. I also read the biography written by Walter Issacson and published soon after his death. I think Jobs invited Issacson to spend a lot of time with him in the last year of his life so it may have become too sympathetic an account of his life even though Jobs did not want that to be the case. The use of the keynote address events to convey major conflict moments between him and his friends and family was purely a device in the film from what I can remember of Issacsson's biography. I was a bit disappointed in the film. Firstly because it made no reference to his wife and two kids, with whom Lisa, his daughter, spent time living with. Secondly, it made very little reference to his adoptive parents. Thirdly, it did not cover the last year of his life when he knew he was dying which, from what I remember in Issacsons's book, was a very interesting and reflective time for Jobs. I know a film can't include everything but these were all important strands in the complex story of Steve Jobs.
Most people of a certain age will know who Edwyn Collins is even if it's just because they know the 1994 song "I've never met a girl like you before" but not everyone will know his recent life story and a very sad one it is. in 2005, Collins said he felt unwell , two days later he suffered a major cerebral haemorrhage to his brain and his life completely changed . This documentary follows him and his wonderfully supportive partner Grace on part of the long hard road to recovery. Although the story is sad it's quite an uplifting documentary. It's obvious that due to the massive brain injury that Collins will never be the same as he was but that isn't stopping him doing what he loves best. Playing music. This does suffer from being a little bit too arty at times but nonetheless is still a film you should see.
It's a western-set tale of an innocent young Scottish lad (Kodi Smit-McPhee) on his way across the States to find his true love. He's lucky to have made it as far as he has when he stumbles across a cowboy (Michael Fassbender), who offers to escort him through the dangers ahead. Turns out the cowboy is a bounty hunter and the young lady is his latest target.
It's an off-beat movie, that's almost whimsical. I really, really liked its tone. Slow and deliberate but with an acidic sense of humour. Went straight into my favourites of the year, although I suspect it's not for everyone. A visual joke towards the end had me bursting out in laughter when really I should have been shedding a tear. Really nicely done.
Eli Roth not only turns these female characters into nasty , violent , sex machines he also treats the audience like idiots . 4 out of 10
Interesting take on it. Hadn't spent much time thinking about Roth's feministic outlook (I don't pay attention to his brand of horror much). But it's a very fair point.
It's a western-set tale of an innocent young Scottish lad (Kodi Smit-McPhee) on his way across the States to find his true love. He's lucky to have made it as far as he has when he stumbles across a cowboy (Michael Fassbender), who offers to escort him through the dangers ahead. Turns out the cowboy is a bounty hunter and the young lady is his latest target.
It's an off-beat movie, that's almost whimsical. I really, really liked its tone. Slow and deliberate but with an acidic sense of humour. Went straight into my favourites of the year, although I suspect it's not for everyone. A visual joke towards the end had me bursting out in laughter when really I should have been shedding a tear. Really nicely done.
I really liked this too. The Western is a genre that is rarely seen in recent years. Slow West made me want to see more.
It's archetypal Bond, with spectaculare action, scenery and members of the fairer sex, but it's also so much more than just that. If this is Mendes and Craig's swansong, they've gone out on a high.
A guy called Brian Mills ('Movies by Mills') produces a free online weekly newsletter and monthly magazine. He covers the quality end of the mainstream commercial market, as well as art house and world cinema etc. The latest edition has a feature on the recent London Film Festival. Here's a link in case anyone is interested - http://www.moviesbymills.com/
Comments
Now I like a weird film more than most, but this one tested me. First half enjoyably odd with some very dark lough out loud moments, second half simply weird. Very hard to mark out of 10, many will hate it. 6/10? I'm still bemused by the whole thing.
I was very disappointed in this film, it was too long, the first half good, second a little dull. 5/10
Mr Holmes
I first remember seeing Ian McKellen in a Channel Four film called Walter that I think was shown the week the Channel started. He was brilliant in that and has been ever since.
He has got lots of praise for his role as an aged Sherlock Holmes and quite rightly so . He is a magnificent actor and he owns the screen in this . The film itself is a little too gentle for my liking Not a great deal happens regarding the plot other than a slightly dull last case for Holmes but i suppose this is more of a character portrayal more than anything else. Child actor Milo Parker is very good too and looks like someone to keep an eye on in the future.
7 out of 10
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by it. I think Daniel Craig is a really good Bond but this film just didn't know what it wanted to be. It was even more disappointing given the set ups skyfall had given it but the clichés were all over the place bearing in mind since Daniel Craig has been Bond he's played it a lot more gritty. I agree with whoever said he actually looked bored at some parts
Skyfall and Casino Royale were far better and if this is the last outing for Daniel Craig it's a poor way to finish
Sam Smiths song when played at the cinema along with the opening titles is completely different then when it is played on the radio, comes over brilliantly. A lot more use of the James Bond Theme in this film too, love it.
I sat through the end credits (thousands of people worked on this film!) just to confirm what I hoped; James Bond WILL return!
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
Concur with the majority of comments on Spectre. My first time at cinema since Skyfall. I thought Skyfall was outstanding, and this although a very decent watch, never reached those heights. Have slowly warned to Craig as Bond, and thought the camera work and structure for the opening scene was excellent.
Amy
Made from just video clips and TV recordings , this is the tragic story of Amy Winehouse and her short but fascinating life.
Director , Asif Kapadia has managed to capture Amy brilliantly without having to shoot anything himself. Just like with Senna he has got friends and family to tell that story along with archive footage and it works really well.
I learned many thing while watching this. I learned that she had an amazing talent for righting songs. Lyrically she was brilliant. I learnt that she had an addictive personality and her addiction helped her deal with fame yet ultimately killed her.
Another thing is clear is that she had people around her who were using her. Her father being a main culprit and you can see why he didn't want this film to be made. Even if you are a not a fan her music this is well worth watching.
8 out of 10
Well you certainly won't be left in any doubt about what a grade A asshole he was, and the film is a bit relentless in portraying that, but on reflection you end up with a feeling of what it must have been like to work for him. It is also a film about him and not Apple, so you may be surprised at where the story ends.
Definitely a film worth seeing, surprisingly bleak in many ways and with some insights that we weren't aware of. In particular my wife noted that the character played by Kate Winslet, ostensibly his marketing director, but in fact a constant in his life, is somebody we'd not been aware of in the story of Apple. The film also suggests that the biggest personal explosions between Jobs and his colleagues (and family) tended to come in the minutes leading up to his legendary keynote product launch presentations. Mind boggling, if true . I'd be interested to know how accurate the depiction overall is considered to be.
But generally I reckon this will be seen as another strong contribution from Danny Boyle.
Just as a side note I'm often complaining about the idiotic distribution of films in the Czech market, we miss so many good ones. But in Prague the indy cinemas seem to be flourishing, and we saw this neo- premiere in a 9 row indy with a nice little cafe bar, with plush double seats, for exactly £3 a person. Worth noting if you are visiting.
If there was ever any doubt that director Eli Roth is a misogynist then Knock Knock absolutely confirms it. His portrayal of women in his films have been appalling in the past but what we see in this movie is staggering .
This is the story of family man Evan Webber ( Keanu Reeves ) , who while his wife and kids are away , has a knock on the door from two young woman looking for help . The turn out to be Evan's worst nightmare.
Despite Keanu Reeves typically wooden acting I actually didn't mind the first forty minutes of this. It's only when the girls start to go nuts that film immediately falls apart. The problem is Why? What is the motive of these girls? It's never explained despite a spurious " catch a predator" line ( which makes no sense ) as to why these girls terrorise Webber.
Eli Roth not only turns these female characters into nasty , violent , sex machines he also treats the audience like idiots .
This is classed as a Horror film but I would describe it as horrible.
4 out of 10
The Possibilities Are Endless
Most people of a certain age will know who Edwyn Collins is even if it's just because they know the 1994 song "I've never met a girl like you before" but not everyone will know his recent life story and a very sad one it is.
in 2005, Collins said he felt unwell , two days later he suffered a major cerebral haemorrhage to his brain and his life completely changed .
This documentary follows him and his wonderfully supportive partner Grace on part of the long hard road to recovery.
Although the story is sad it's quite an uplifting documentary. It's obvious that due to the massive brain injury that Collins will never be the same as he was but that isn't stopping him doing what he loves best. Playing music.
This does suffer from being a little bit too arty at times but nonetheless is still a film you should see.
7 out of 10
It's a western-set tale of an innocent young Scottish lad (Kodi Smit-McPhee) on his way across the States to find his true love. He's lucky to have made it as far as he has when he stumbles across a cowboy (Michael Fassbender), who offers to escort him through the dangers ahead. Turns out the cowboy is a bounty hunter and the young lady is his latest target.
It's an off-beat movie, that's almost whimsical. I really, really liked its tone. Slow and deliberate but with an acidic sense of humour. Went straight into my favourites of the year, although I suspect it's not for everyone. A visual joke towards the end had me bursting out in laughter when really I should have been shedding a tear. Really nicely done.
It's archetypal Bond, with spectaculare action, scenery and members of the fairer sex, but it's also so much more than just that. If this is Mendes and Craig's swansong, they've gone out on a high.