Saw Bridge of Spies last night - generally good, though Spielberg can't resist over-romanticising at times! Strong performance by Hanks, outstanding by Mark Rylance. Didn't realise the Coen Brothers were involved until the credits.
I think Black Mass suffers from being much like a combination of other movies, from the Departed to Goodfellas to Donnie Brasco. I was surprised how good it was despite the largely middling reviews.
I think Black Mass suffers from being much like a combination of other movies, from the Departed to Goodfellas to Donnie Brasco. I was surprised how good it was despite the largely middling reviews.
Me too. Many people said the film was too slow but I found it quite intense actually.
After Black Mass, I checked the director Scott Cooper's previous films and watched 'Out of Furnace'. In fact I was already looking forward to it last year but later decided not to bother because a) my mother watched it before me and said it was a waste of time, and b) it got a low rating on IMDB. Surprisingly (again) I liked the film very much - Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson were all superb. So I was really glad I didn't miss it although it had also been received poorly by the general public.
I think Black Mass suffers from being much like a combination of other movies, from the Departed to Goodfellas to Donnie Brasco. I was surprised how good it was despite the largely middling reviews.
Me too. Many people said the film was too slow but I found it quite intense actually.
After Black Mass, I checked the director Scott Cooper's previous films and watched 'Out of Furnace'. In fact I was already looking forward to it last year but later decided not to bother because a) my mother watched it before me and said it was a waste of time, and b) it got a low rating on IMDB. Surprisingly (again) I liked the film very much - Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson were all superb. So I was really glad I didn't miss it although it had also been received poorly by the general public.
Strong performances by the two leads and reasonably enjoyable, but I did find this film a little disappointing given the almost universal critical acclaim which it has received (I see that it also leads the way in terms of BAFTA nominations). The period detail is very polished, although as it focuses on the glamorous end of New York life, I felt a sense of déjà vu from watching programmes like 'Mad Men' (recognising that the latter is set a little later at the beginning of the 60s). Overall, I found 'Brooklyn' a more impressive period drama.
I Believe In Miracles
The story of Brian Clough and his double-European Cup winning team at Forest is told by the players themselves, without employing an external narrator and that approach works very well. The selection of match clips and interviews (some of which are very funny) is spot on, whilst the late 70s music is also very evocative of the period. A fascinating reminder of another era as well as recounting an achievement by a provincial club which will never be equalled. Interestingly, in 1978/79, Forest played 63 competitive games with a core of only 16 players and employed practically zero rotation; very interesting, especially when you see the state of the pitches in those days.
Overall, I found this extremely enjoyable and, at £9.99 from Amazon, the dvd is excellent value. Certainly worth sticking on your Christmas or birthday list.
This is the story of a young boy, Agu, who is forced to join a group of soldiers in an unnamed West African country after he is forced out of his village when government forces slaughter friends and family. This time two years ago there was lots of talk about Idris Elba winning big awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela but although a good performance the film itself disappointed. If this film doesn't win top awards , including Oscars , I will be astounded. This is without doubt one of the best films of the year. It's not only Idris Elba's best screen performance to date there is also another amazing display and this time from Abraham Attah , a 14 year old. This is brutal film . Director ,Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't hold back and that's what makes this film feel so real. Despite this being nearly two and a half hours long , it flew by and ever since I saw it a couple of days ago I can't seem to get it out of my head. Highly Recommended.
This is the story of a young boy, Agu, who is forced to join a group of soldiers in an unnamed West African country after he is forced out of his village when government forces slaughter friends and family. This time two years ago there was lots of talk about Idris Elba winning big awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela but although a good performance the film itself disappointed. If this film doesn't win top awards , including Oscars , I will be astounded. This is without doubt one of the best films of the year. It's not only Idris Elba's best screen performance to date there is also another amazing display and this time from Abraham Attah , a 14 year old. This is brutal film . Director ,Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't hold back and that's what makes this film feel so real. Despite this being nearly two and a half hours long , it flew by and ever since I saw it a couple of days ago I can't seem to get it out of my head. Highly Recommended.
This is about astronaut , Mark Watney , who is left stranded on the Mars after an accident , presumed dead and his fight to survive and ultimately be rescued. Having finally got around seeing The Martian I have to say I was left completely underwhelmed with what I saw. It's absolutely packed full of technical jargon that my eyes glassed over after a while . It's way too long and I was expecting a career defining performance from Matt Damon , having seen other reviews , but it was just Matt Damon being Matt Damon. Nothing new. There is also one of the worst bits of casting I have seen in years and that is Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson . He looks and sounds so out of place , in fact he stumbles through the film looking like he is suffering a massive hangover. This film was definitely not out of this world.
Star Wars. It's good. But it's not great. First half hour is brilliant. Last half hour has some great moments. Problem is, JJ rattles through the plot so fast, it just gets a bit silly.
Lots of cheers. Lots of laughs. One hair-on-neck scene. Lots of "hmmm...that was all a bit quick" plot moments. A modern day version of A New Hope mostly.
I must be the only one on the planet who has no desire to watch Star Wars. I will probably take the kids after Christmas if they ask me but otherwise I won't bother.
I thought Black Mass was pretty poor. By the end I was left wondering why they bothered to make a film about such a vile human being. The trick with successes like Goodfellas is you feel some empathy with Liota's character. You even like the bloke. But the guy Depp portrays is so unlikeable it left me questioning why they felt the need to make a film about his life.
I must be the only one on the planet who has no desire to watch Star Wars. I will probably take the kids after Christmas if they ask me but otherwise I won't bother.
I'm sort of with you on this @Bedsaddick although it sounds like you actively dislike the franchise? I never watched the first three until adulthood and that was just because my mate was so incredulous that he bought me the box set for christmas. I thought they were alright, I suppose. I saw the first of the new ones at some point, just because it was on, but then didn't bother with the other two. I've kind of seen all of them now, because I've just happened to have been in the room while the film was playing for the benefit of other people in the family. Probably at christmas, I don't know. I'll probably catch the new one one day. But maybe not.
When it comes to Star Wars, I can't think of anything as culturally significant to others that has left so little impression on me. I don't hate it, I just think it's all unremarkable.
I must be the only one on the planet who has no desire to watch Star Wars. I will probably take the kids after Christmas if they ask me but otherwise I won't bother.
I'm sort of with you on this @Bedsaddick although it sounds like you actively dislike the franchise? I never watched the first three until adulthood and that was just because my mate was so incredulous that he bought me the box set for christmas. I thought they were alright, I suppose. I saw the first of the new ones at some point, just because it was on, but then didn't bother with the other two. I've kind of seen all of them now, because I've just happened to have been in the room while the film was playing for the benefit of other people in the family. Probably at christmas, I don't know. I'll probably catch the new one one day. But maybe not.
When it comes to Star Wars, I can't think of anything as culturally significant to others that has left so little impression on me. I don't hate it, I just think it's all unremarkable.
I don't dislike the franchise, it just leaves me cold. I like the first film ( or whatever number they call it now) but the rest do nothing for me. Give me Star Trek over Star Wars anyday. I blame the Ewoks.
I asked a bloke I used to work with why he was so keen on star wars. He was in his mid forties at the time and this would have been about 3 maybe 4 years ago. He explained to me that as a youngster then films at the cinema were generally crap. Not to say they were all bad movies but when he saw the opening scene with a bloody great big spacecraft chasing another one and Darth vader he was hooked. I can appreciate and understand that.
As far as I'm concerned I think the first three were a good story with plenty of plotholes but the iconography and how influential within popular culture the films have been is huge.
I asked a bloke I used to work with why he was so keen on star wars. He was in his mid forties at the time and this would have been about 3 maybe 4 years ago. He explained to me that as a youngster then films at the cinema were generally crap. Not to say they were all bad movies but when he saw the opening scene with a bloody great big spacecraft chasing another one and Darth vader he was hooked. I can appreciate and understand that.
As far as I'm concerned I think the first three were a good story with plenty of plotholes but the iconography and how influential within popular culture the films have been is huge.
To be fair, I can appreciate that too and I recognise that maybe the shock and awe just passed me by at the time. I would never criticise anyone for being a big Star Wars fan, I just don't feel it in the way many others do.
Best of Enemies is a fascinating documentary film about a series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr. If that doesn't sound very interesting you couldn't be more wrong. This is a film about two men who absolutely hated each other. Two extremely clever men who fought each other live on television by debating and which eventually led to personal insults being thrown at each other and it's mesmerising viewing. I have to admit I had never heard of these men before and that's probably because these debates happened a couple of months before I was born but I do know now and I feel much better off for it.
Star Wars - some of the reviews have been a bit gushing, but it is a solid addition to the pantheon, there are some good jokes, and some of the new characters are excellent, especially Daisy Ridley as Rey. This isn't a spoiler - there's no need to wait for the end of the credits as there isn't a little snippet to reward the faithful.
Sicario could be described as grim , dark or even depressing at times. There is no joy in the story that is being told here but despite all that it is utterly brilliant. This is the story of an FBI agent ( Emily Blunt ) who is recruited into an elite unit that deals with the drug barons on the Mexican border but not is all it seems. She is told very little and what she does know she doesn't like. This film is intense. It really does grip you. The first half an hour , especially the scenes when we are in Mexico , are stunning . The director , Denis Villeneuve , pulls no punches whatsoever and along with some great performances from Blunt , Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro this is a visual and sensual treat. Highly Recommended.
Yeah watched Sicario tonight. Brilliant, well up towards the best film of the year for me. Benicio was outstanding as usual.
Funnily enough I watched Cartel Land a couple of nights ago. A documentary following two sets of vigilantes on each side of the border fighting the cartels. It was excellent, absolutely horrifying what is going on though.
Just watched The Revenant. Di Caprio and Hardy are brilliant yet again. Some of the action shots are almost as incredible as the films scenery. Did drag a little bit at times but all in all a good movie.
Really pleased to see the love for Sicario, it was my second favourite of the year after Whiplash. Can't wait to see it again.
THE GIFT
A middle class couple bump into a character from the husband's past, and things get a bit strange and life unravels.
Genuine surprise. Very much like an 90s stalker thriller (Pacific Heights or Unlawful Entry) but with a twist. Really classily put together by director Joel Edgerton who also plays a genuine weirdo. It's unsettling for a bit, then you realise how the character arcs are working and bam, the film takes a completely new shape. A really, really good thriller that avoids cliche and brings something new to the table. (Now on PPV services)
CREED
Adonis Johnson, a young boxer tries to make his way in the boxing world, is hiding his true parentage in order to make it on his own. But without any real support, he soon realises he needs to turn to the only family he's got - his dad's best mate, Rocky Balboa, who doesn't even know Adonis exists, and is no longer interested in the fight world... or is he?
Absolutely loved it. Much like Star Wars, it's an update-slash-remake. Only infinitely more satisfying. I'm not sure how Coogler did it, but he's given the franchise a new lease of life. Michael B Jordan is excellent as a next-generation Apollo Creed, the references to past movies are brilliantly handled, and even though it's the Rocky formula, there are enough changes and updates to make it seem fresh.
The fight scenes are amazingly well shot, and Tony Bellew is a surprisingly good actor, playing the part of the champ looking for a pay day. Great film.
Really pleased to see the love for Sicario, it was my second favourite of the year after Whiplash. Can't wait to see it again.
THE GIFT
A middle class couple bump into a character from the husband's past, and things get a bit strange and life unravels.
Genuine surprise. Very much like an 90s stalker thriller (Pacific Heights or Unlawful Entry) but with a twist. Really classily put together by director Joel Edgerton who also plays a genuine weirdo. It's unsettling for a bit, then you realise how the character arcs are working and bam, the film takes a completely new shape. A really, really good thriller that avoids cliche and brings something new to the table. (Now on PPV services)
CREED
Adonis Johnson, a young boxer tries to make his way in the boxing world, is hiding his true parentage in order to make it on his own. But without any real support, he soon realises he needs to turn to the only family he's got - his dad's best mate, Rocky Balboa, who doesn't even know Adonis exists, and is no longer interested in the fight world... or is he?
Absolutely loved it. Much like Star Wars, it's an update-slash-remake. Only infinitely more satisfying. I'm not sure how Coogler did it, but he's given the franchise a new lease of life. Michael B Jordan is excellent as a next-generation Apollo Creed, the references to past movies are brilliantly handled, and even though it's the Rocky formula, there are enough changes and updates to make it seem fresh.
The fight scenes are amazingly well shot, and Tony Bellew is a surprisingly good actor, playing the part of the champ looking for a pay day. Great film.
Agree with sicario superb film. Just sitting down to whiplash, should have watched before as my boy plays drums. Thanks for the shove
Comments
After Black Mass, I checked the director Scott Cooper's previous films and watched 'Out of Furnace'. In fact I was already looking forward to it last year but later decided not to bother because a) my mother watched it before me and said it was a waste of time, and b) it got a low rating on IMDB. Surprisingly (again) I liked the film very much - Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson were all superb. So I was really glad I didn't miss it although it had also been received poorly by the general public.
Depp's best to date, out-nicholsoned Jack Nicholson.
All the actors worked well. 9/10
Strong performances by the two leads and reasonably enjoyable, but I did find this film a little disappointing given the almost universal critical acclaim which it has received (I see that it also leads the way in terms of BAFTA nominations). The period detail is very polished, although as it focuses on the glamorous end of New York life, I felt a sense of déjà vu from watching programmes like 'Mad Men' (recognising that the latter is set a little later at the beginning of the 60s). Overall, I found 'Brooklyn' a more impressive period drama.
I Believe In Miracles
The story of Brian Clough and his double-European Cup winning team at Forest is told by the players themselves, without employing an external narrator and that approach works very well. The selection of match clips and interviews (some of which are very funny) is spot on, whilst the late 70s music is also very evocative of the period. A fascinating reminder of another era as well as recounting an achievement by a provincial club which will never be equalled. Interestingly, in 1978/79, Forest played 63 competitive games with a core of only 16 players and employed practically zero rotation; very interesting, especially when you see the state of the pitches in those days.
Overall, I found this extremely enjoyable and, at £9.99 from Amazon, the dvd is excellent value. Certainly worth sticking on your Christmas or birthday list.
Beasts of No Nation
This is the story of a young boy, Agu, who is forced to join a group of soldiers in an unnamed West African country after he is forced out of his village when government forces slaughter friends and family.
This time two years ago there was lots of talk about Idris Elba winning big awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela but although a good performance the film itself disappointed. If this film doesn't win top awards , including Oscars , I will be astounded.
This is without doubt one of the best films of the year. It's not only Idris Elba's best screen performance to date there is also another amazing display and this time from Abraham Attah , a 14 year old.
This is brutal film . Director ,Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't hold back and that's what makes this film feel so real.
Despite this being nearly two and a half hours long , it flew by and ever since I saw it a couple of days ago I can't seem to get it out of my head. Highly Recommended.
9 out of 10
It is such a good movie. It almost feels like what you would expect to see if you were there yourself.
The kid is outstanding.
I'd also give it a 9/10.
This is about astronaut , Mark Watney , who is left stranded on the Mars after an accident , presumed dead and his fight to survive and ultimately be rescued.
Having finally got around seeing The Martian I have to say I was left completely underwhelmed with what I saw.
It's absolutely packed full of technical jargon that my eyes glassed over after a while . It's way too long and I was expecting a career defining performance from Matt Damon , having seen other reviews , but it was just Matt Damon being Matt Damon. Nothing new.
There is also one of the worst bits of casting I have seen in years and that is Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson . He looks and sounds so out of place , in fact he stumbles through the film looking like he is suffering a massive hangover.
This film was definitely not out of this world.
6 out of 10
Lots of cheers. Lots of laughs. One hair-on-neck scene. Lots of "hmmm...that was all a bit quick" plot moments. A modern day version of A New Hope mostly.
3.5/5
But the guy Depp portrays is so unlikeable it left me questioning why they felt the need to make a film about his life.
I never watched the first three until adulthood and that was just because my mate was so incredulous that he bought me the box set for christmas. I thought they were alright, I suppose.
I saw the first of the new ones at some point, just because it was on, but then didn't bother with the other two. I've kind of seen all of them now, because I've just happened to have been in the room while the film was playing for the benefit of other people in the family. Probably at christmas, I don't know.
I'll probably catch the new one one day. But maybe not.
When it comes to Star Wars, I can't think of anything as culturally significant to others that has left so little impression on me. I don't hate it, I just think it's all unremarkable.
I blame the Ewoks.
As far as I'm concerned I think the first three were a good story with plenty of plotholes but the iconography and how influential within popular culture the films have been is huge.
A bit 'meh'. Cate is always a pleasure to watch, she's one of the finest actors around, but they didn't give her enough to do.
Star Wars tomorrow evening. I'm more excited than a Man Utd fan from Surrey off to his first stadium tour of Old Trafford.
Best of Enemies
Best of Enemies is a fascinating documentary film about a series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr.
If that doesn't sound very interesting you couldn't be more wrong.
This is a film about two men who absolutely hated each other. Two extremely clever men who fought each other live on television by debating and which eventually led to personal insults being thrown at each other and it's mesmerising viewing.
I have to admit I had never heard of these men before and that's probably because these debates happened a couple of months before I was born but I do know now and I feel much better off for it.
8 out of 10
Sicario could be described as grim , dark or even depressing at times. There is no joy in the story that is being told here but despite all that it is utterly brilliant.
This is the story of an FBI agent ( Emily Blunt ) who is recruited into an elite unit that deals with the drug barons on the Mexican border but not is all it seems. She is told very little and what she does know she doesn't like.
This film is intense. It really does grip you. The first half an hour , especially the scenes when we are in Mexico , are stunning . The director , Denis Villeneuve , pulls no punches whatsoever and along with some great performances from Blunt , Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro this is a visual and sensual treat. Highly Recommended.
9 out of 10
Tense thriller, Del Toro , Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin are excellent and a great supporting cast too.
Go watch this film.
Funnily enough I watched Cartel Land a couple of nights ago. A documentary following two sets of vigilantes on each side of the border fighting the cartels. It was excellent, absolutely horrifying what is going on though.
THE GIFT
A middle class couple bump into a character from the husband's past, and things get a bit strange and life unravels.
Genuine surprise. Very much like an 90s stalker thriller (Pacific Heights or Unlawful Entry) but with a twist. Really classily put together by director Joel Edgerton who also plays a genuine weirdo. It's unsettling for a bit, then you realise how the character arcs are working and bam, the film takes a completely new shape. A really, really good thriller that avoids cliche and brings something new to the table. (Now on PPV services)
CREED
Adonis Johnson, a young boxer tries to make his way in the boxing world, is hiding his true parentage in order to make it on his own. But without any real support, he soon realises he needs to turn to the only family he's got - his dad's best mate, Rocky Balboa, who doesn't even know Adonis exists, and is no longer interested in the fight world... or is he?
Absolutely loved it. Much like Star Wars, it's an update-slash-remake. Only infinitely more satisfying. I'm not sure how Coogler did it, but he's given the franchise a new lease of life. Michael B Jordan is excellent as a next-generation Apollo Creed, the references to past movies are brilliantly handled, and even though it's the Rocky formula, there are enough changes and updates to make it seem fresh.
The fight scenes are amazingly well shot, and Tony Bellew is a surprisingly good actor, playing the part of the champ looking for a pay day. Great film.
My son, who does like Star Wars, described it as one of his films of the year 9/10
Just sitting down to whiplash, should have watched before as my boy plays drums.
Thanks for the shove