liamnoble1 Reviews

Poor Things (2023)

One of the best 'weird' films ever made

[10/10 · 13 March 2024]

Prepare to be transported into a mesmerizing world of gothic fantasy and surrealism with "Poor Things," a film that defies categorization and delivers a cinematic experience like no other. Directed by Yargos Lanthimos, this masterpiece takes viewers on a journey through a bizarre Victorian fever dream that is as captivating as it is unforgettable.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poor Things" is its exceptional visual style. From the moment the film begins, you're plunged into a world that feels like a waking dream, filled with hauntingly beautiful landscapes and intricately designed sets. Every frame is meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of wonder and unease that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

But it's not just the visuals that dazzle in "Poor Things" - the performances are equally outstanding. The main ensemble cast delivers powerhouse performances, each one fully committed to their roles in a way that is both ridiculous and utterly believable. From the darkly charismatic Willem Dafoe to the eccentric supporting characters (Mark Ruffelo in particular), every actor brings their A-game, immersing you further into the film's strange and wonderful universe.

What sets "Poor Things" apart, however, are its unforgettable one-liners and hilarious moments of comedic brilliance. The script is peppered with gems of dialogue that are sure to become legendary quotable lines among cinephiles. It's rare to find a film that can blend dark humor with genuine heart, but "Poor Things" does so effortlessly, leaving you laughing one moment and pondering the complexities of life the next.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about "Poor Things" is its sheer originality. In a landscape dominated by sequels, reboots, and remakes, this film stands out as a breath of fresh air, offering a wholly unique and innovative cinematic experience. It's a testament to the power of creativity and imagination, and a reminder of the magic that can happen when filmmakers dare to think outside the box.

In conclusion, "Poor Things" is a triumph of cinema that deserves to be seen by audiences around the world. With its mesmerizing visuals, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments of humor, it's a film that transcends genre and defies expectations. If you consider yourself a fan of cinema, then "Poor Things" is a must-watch for its world-building alone. Don't miss out on this extraordinary cinematic journey.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

A big come down in quality compared to Part 1

[6/10 · 13 March 2024]

"Dune: Part 2" had the weight of expectation upon its shoulders, following the success of its predecessor. However, this highly anticipated sequel falls short of achieving the same level of excellence. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film struggles with uneven pacing, lackluster character development, and a narrative that feels rushed and heavy-handed.

One of the glaring issues with "Dune: Part 2" is its pacing, which oscillates between dragging in the middle third and rushing through the final third. The film spends too much time on inconsequential events, leaving little room for character arcs to develop organically. Paul's transformation from a reluctant leader to a megalomaniac zealot feels particularly rushed and lacking in depth, robbing the audience of the opportunity to truly empathize with his journey. Having attended a late evening showing there were times I was actually checking my watch, unbelievably so, but I have to admit myself bored particularly past the first hour mark.

Rather than feeling a drama play out in real time, we're simply told drama 'is' playing out. Its a subtle but important difference, but one which needs to be acknowledged. Unfortunately there is no sense of stakes here, instead its just characters accomplishing one task after the other until Paul can eventually become 'The Messiah'. At no point did I ever feel this was under threat, yet apparently according to what the characters are saying, that's EXACTLY how I should be feeling.

Another one of my main complaints was the love story between Paul and Chani, with it feeling forced and clichéd to the nth degree. The lack of chemistry between the two actors was distracting and the on-again, off-again nature of their romance detracted from the emotional weight their relationship is apparently supposed to carry. It's a narrative thread that we've seen countless times before, yet done better in other movies, leaving viewers feeling indifferent rather than invested; I had no real reason to care about these two, other than I was told I was supposed to by the plot. We can call Dune Part 2 a masterpiece all we want, but when the main romance and arguably main backdrop of the second installment feels corny, then we know we've got problems.

The introduction of Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha character also feels unnecessary and cartoonish. His role usurps that of Dave Bautista's Beast Rabban from the world-building of the first film, only to be disposed of by the end of the sequel. This decision undermines the tension that could and probably SHOULD have been built with Bautista's character and leaves audiences questioning the purpose of Butler's inclusion. Feyd Rautha felt 'evil for the sake of evil' and a mere device to give the hero's of Paul and Chani something to aim at, whilst not actually threatening to alter the plot.

Despite these shortcomings, "Dune: Part 2" does have its strengths, particularly in its visual effects, framing, and atmosphere. Denis Villeneuve once again proves himself a master of his craft, creating stunning visuals that transport audiences to the world of Arrakis. However, these moments of visual brilliance can sometimes feel overindulgent, with scenes of desert landscapes and thumpers dragging on for longer than necessary. Credit where credit is due however....

Ultimately, "Dune: Part 2" fails to deliver a satisfying payoff, with the Emperor's defeat feeling anticlimactic and Christopher Walken's portrayal lacking the gravitas it deserves. While the film runs for a lengthy time, almost none of it is given towards developing his character and giving the audience a reason to care about his potential affect and inclusion in the narrative. Unfortunately he just exists here as a confused looking old man, and the film is poorer for it.

In conclusion, "Dune: Part 2" is a visually impressive but a narratively underwhelming sequel. While it may have been hailed as a masterpiece by some, it ultimately fails to live up to its potential. Those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of "Dune" would be better off sticking to the books, as the film leaves much to be desired, particularly given its lengthy runtime. As a non book reader myself, I sure know where I'll be heading now to get my Dune fix.

Spaceman (I) (2024)

Needs more cowbell.

[5/10 · 13 March 2024]

"Spaceman" had all the potential to be an out-of-this-world experience, but unfortunately, it barely manages to take off. Directed by Johan Renck starring Adam Sandler, this 2023 film promised to be a captivating journey into the cosmos. However, what unfolds on the screen is a lackluster attempt at blending some light comedy, with drama and science fiction, ultimately falling short of delivering a truly engaging cinematic experience.

From the outset, it's clear that "Spaceman" struggles to find its footing in the realm of science fiction. While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. Instead of immersing viewers in a captivating futuristic world, the film feels more like a mundane drama with occasional nods to space travel. The sci-fi elements are disappointingly sparse, failing to provide the awe-inspiring spectacle that one would expect from a movie set in outer space.

Despite the star power of Adam Sandler, whose talents are undeniable, his performance in "Spaceman" fails to elevate the material. While he delivers his lines with his trademark gusto, there's a sense of detachment that pervades his portrayal of the titular character. Yes, understandly thats the whole 'point' of his character, but it also puts up a barrier between Sandler and the audience which is never quite negotiated. Screen presence alone isn't enough to salvage a lackluster script and uninspired direction. Unfortunately the exact same can be said for Paul Dano's Hanush, which is a rare feat indeed for an actor of his quality.

One of the biggest disappointments of "Spaceman" is its inability to evoke any real emotional resonance. While there are moments that attempt to delve into deeper themes, they feel superficial and underdeveloped. The characters lack depth, making it difficult for audiences to truly invest in their journeys. As a result, the film's runtime feels unnecessarily long, dragging on without offering any compelling reasons to keep viewers engaged.

While "Spaceman" may elicit a few chuckles and vague feelings here and there, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. Its lack of substantial sci-fi elements and uninspired storytelling make it difficult to recommend to anyone other than die-hard Adam Sandler fans. Despite the best efforts of its cast, this film remains grounded when it should have soared to new heights.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

They Don't Make These Anymore For A Reason

[3/10 · 15 February 2024]

A Disappointing and Outdated Affair.

"The Hudsucker Proxy" is a film that falls short of its potential, offering little more than visually appealing cinematography. While it may be well shot, this is not enough to salvage a movie that feels like a one-note production stuck in the past.

One of the major shortcomings of "The Hudsucker Proxy" lies in its characters. Rather than presenting well-developed and engaging individuals, the film relies heavily on tired templates. The characters lack depth, making it difficult for the audience to form any meaningful connection with them. This absence of genuine, relatable characters hampers the overall enjoyment of the film and leaves viewers feeling detached and disinterested.

The movie's foundation in the "screwball" genre, a now-dead format, adds to its inherent problem of feeling outdated - there is just no reason to care here, and not enough strong laughs to stay around. In short, while the screwball comedy genre was popular during its time, its conventions and tropes have become stale and predictable to modern audiences and it feels corny as a result. Unfortunately, "The Hudsucker Proxy" fails to inject any fresh ideas or innovative approaches into the genre, resulting in a lackluster and uninspiring experience. We don't really see a Tim Robbins performance...merely Tim Robbins hamming it up. Maybe that's the entire point of the movie, but it just wasn't for me.

Despite its flaws, it is important to acknowledge the film's visual aesthetics. The cinematography in "The Hudsucker Proxy" is undeniably well-executed, with visually striking scenes and meticulous attention to detail. The film captures a period aesthetic with precision, but sadly, this technical prowess cannot compensate for the film's other shortcomings.

In conclusion, while the movie may be visually appealing, this alone cannot save it from being a forgettable and underwhelming experience devoid of relatable and interesting characters.

The Iron Claw (2023)

Amazing, Emotional and Gripping Whether You're a Wrestling Fan or Not.

[10/10 · 15 February 2024]

"The Iron Claw" is a cinematic masterpiece that flawlessly combines the world of wrestling with compelling human drama. From the perfectly cast ensemble to its tight and well-shot execution, this film stands as the definitive wrestling movie of all time, even beating out 'The Wrestler' of 2008.

One of the standout aspects of "The Iron Claw" is its exceptional casting. Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. Efron's portrayal is charismatic and captivating, showcasing his versatility as an actor particularly in light of where his career first began. Its noticeable in recent years how much range he's begun to show, with his turn as Ted Bundy sticking out in my mind.. and now this excellent role which is surely his best to date. He seamlessly embraces the physicality of the wrestling world while also delving deep into the emotional journey of his character. White, on the other hand, brings a raw intensity and vulnerability to his role, creating a character that audiences can deeply connect with, the sorrow yet intensity flows throigh every scene and together, Efron and White form a remarkable duo. Props to the other cast members too who portray the rest of the family... those boys really looked and felt like brothers, and hell does it help elevate and sell what we see on screen.

The movie's tight and well-shot execution is a testament to the skillful direction and cinematography. Every frame is meticulously crafted, capturing the energy and intensity of the wrestling matches with remarkable precision. The use of close-ups and dynamic camera movements immerses the audience in the action, making them feel like they are right in the ring. The visual aesthetic is complemented by a well-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The film strikes a perfect balance between exhilarating wrestling sequences and poignant character moments, ensuring that even non-wrestling fans can appreciate the human drama at its core.

"The Iron Claw" transcends its wrestling backdrop to explore universal themes of ambition, redemption, and the pursuit of personal identity. The characters' struggles and triumphs are relatable, and their emotional arcs are beautifully developed throughout the film. This accessibility is a testament to the exceptional screenplay, which manages to strike a delicate balance between excitement and introspection.

In conclusion, "The Iron Claw" is a cinematic gem that deserves the highest praise. With its perfectly cast ensemble, led by the remarkable performances of Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, the film showcases the best of both the wrestling world and the human drama it presents. Its tight execution, well-shot sequences, and ideal pacing make it a must-watch, even for those who aren't wrestling enthusiasts. "The Iron Claw" is a masterpiece that will leave you entertained, moved, and in awe.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Another Solid Entry In The Series Which Is Now Better Than Bond

[8/10 · 23 July 2023]

First and foremost - Tom Cruise is an action legend. At this point its not even controversial to call him the best action movie star to have ever existed - its factual. No matter which way you cut it, Arnie and Stallone never dirt biked off a mountain range into a base jump. And that just covers the main stunt in this movie. You only have to look back at the previous entries in the series to see the kind of crazy impressive stunts Tom Cruise has done. Sure, maybe hes a weirdo in his private life, but credit where credit is due... hes basically BECOME Ethan Hunt for real at this point.

To talk about the actual movie, what can I say? Its Mission Impossible. Definitely ridiculous, undeniably watchable. Personally, I think this has better action than the last few movies, but previous films in the series make far more sense and have a better plot.

That said, its another impressive installment into a franchise which is remained strong since the late 90s (Mission Impossible 2 not withstanding obviously). Of course everybody has a favorite from the series (1 and 3 being my own choices) but this stands deservedly among the best M:I has to offer.

This is the summer blockbuster of yesteryear audiences have been crying out for. No politics, no wokeism, just good old fashioned action. No wonder its killing at the box office.

Another Round (2020)

Entertaining

[9/10 · 23 July 2023]

Mads Mikkelsen serves up yet another great performance to match those from his previous movies such as The Hunt, Red Eye, and Pusher.

The premise of this movie is light-hearted and a bit ridiculous, but therein lies the magic- you want to keep watching to find out where this rag tag band of over the hill teachers end up, and how stupid things could get. In this regard, the movie doesn't disappoint.

However despite the 'all fun and games' tone, the movie inevitably grows much darker as the runtime progresses, matching the story and revelations the characters themselves stumble upon. You may have come for the fun, but I can guarantee you'll stay for the drama.

The Phantom of the Open (2021)

The Best Golf FIlm Ever Made

[9/10 · 13 May 2023]

I can't believe I almost missed this one. If it wasn't for me having just taken up the sport of golf and having a friend joke about how terrible I am, I would never of heard of this movie.

But therein lies the charm of this film- its not for golfers, just in the same way Happy GiImore is not for golfers. The sport is merely a vessel to explore what at its heart is a movie about family, commitment, and the strife that goes into a pursuit that is incredibly difficult to master.

As an audience you can't help but root for the lovable underdog that is Maurice G Flintcroft - he is simply everybody's favourite Granddad, Uncle, or kind elderly neighbour rolled into one and is expertly played by the superbly talented Mark Rylance.

You might come for the golf and the insane story this is based upon, but you will stay for the character, the charm and the heart this movie has to offer.

This really is British Cinema at its finest.

Eddie the Eagle (2015)

A Great British Movie

[9/10 · 13 May 2023]

Eddie the Eagle is one of those rare movies that caters to a wide audience and will leave all of them satisfied upon the credits rolling. Whether you're old enough to remember the events firsthand on which the movie is based, or a young film enthusiast who needs something outside of the Marvel schlock currently rammed down our throats, this film will see you right.

Taron Edgerton is a revelation in the title role, managing to convey a plucky underdog whom is impossible to dislike. You can see the care and attention taken to embody the mannerisms of the real life Eddie Edwards, and I'm sure those viewers who came for a true to life biopic will leave impressed.

That said, this is probably the only part where the movie falters. Hugh Jackmans character I feel seems out of place and unnecessary in a plot largely based on reality. Sure, the film needed another protagonist to help our main character along in their arc, but 'Bronson Peary' just feels a bit wrong; almost as if the studio got a bit angsty about the movie lacking 'star power'.

Overall however, is film is bringing a lot to the table. Come for the biopic, but stay for a true underdog story wrought carefully with emotion, sentimentality, and some good old British humour.

Holy Spider (2022)

A Must Watch For Middle Eastern Cinema

[9/10 · 29 April 2023]

If you're into World Cinema, Crime Thrillers, or hard hitting subject matter, then this film is absolutely for you.

With brilliant performances all round, the film takes its time to set the scene, give a chance for its characters to breath and let you really see and feel the dark underbelly of an often 'brushed under the rug' lifestyle. This movie is by no means a comfortable watch, but my god, it nails the dark subject matter in an unflinchingly relentless way.

With that said, this is not the kind of film accessible for everyone. You need patience to get through this, and perhaps it could be accused of being fairly 'one paced' throughout (even in its moments of high tension). It does feel its runtime, although it don't necessarily bring that up as a criticism.

In conclusion, this is real world cinema at its finest, and I felt fortunate to have heard about this movie and got the chance to watch it. In an age of CGI Superhero nonsense, sequels and remakes, you owe it to yourself to watch something real, gritty, and down to earth.

Acidman (2022)

A Slow Burning, Yet Well Shot Drama

[7/10 · 29 April 2023]

Firstly, I'd just like to point out how beautiful this film looks, especially with its opening establishing shots. The camerawork and mise-en scene are on point throughout and really give an accurate sense of place and time.

However, whilst entertaining (if not a little slow) this movie does have some flaws baked into its script. For me, the Father is a well acted character with a lot to be uncovered, but his arc just doesn't progress as the film goes on, and too much is left unsaid about what is actually going on with him. Its arguable that the director leaves this up to the viewer to decide, but considering the films runtime and lack of any other subplots, its hard to excuse this lack of character development and closure by the time the credits roll.

I'd recommend this movie to anyone who likes a slower paced character driven drama, but isn't expecting too much by the films conclusion. Acidman is a perfect lazy Sunday watch when things to do are light on the ground.

Crimes of the Future (2022)

The best weird movie I've seen in a good long while

[9/10 · 18 March 2023]

Okay, first and foremost I can understand the relatively low user review score. This movie isn't an accessible watch by any means, and I think its worsened further by the fact that this movie is just plain uncomfortable to look at at times.

But! If you can stomach the visuals, if you can be bothered to let the plot unfold and orientate yourself to the world and the scenario - there is much value to be seen here.

I'd be writing a small novel if I tried to delve into the themes and questions this movie raises over its runtime, and I think if you enjoyed it, you probably have you own opinions about what everything means, but for the uninitiated let me just say - if you like films which explore humanity, question our nature, present moral quandaries, then this film might be for you. (I'd also like to add this is the first movie I found Kirsten Stewart watchable in.. so that itself is a minor miracle!)

That's not to say its not without its faults, if anything, the ending leaves too much unresolved, too much unclear, and its feels rushed as if Cronenberg didn't know where to go with it. Its maybe a tough sell for a general audience however, but over time I think this could become somewhat of a cult movie.

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

A Fine Movie

[8/10 · 18 March 2023]

I feel like its not often these days that a decent movie comes into theaters which isn't some kind of franchise kick starter, sequel, prequel, or comic book flick.

The Pale Blue eyes is a damn fine movie, well shot, well paced, has enough character development and intrigue to keep us guessing, and doesn't outstay its welcome.

As always, Christian Bale puts on an acting masterclass which being honest, is par for the course when it comes to his talents. The real revelation however is Harry Melling, who not only goes toe to toe with Bale whenever they share the screen, but he sometimes steals the scene entirely when (no disrespect) he has no right too, considering his career thus far. After seeing this, I'll certainly be keeping my eye out for him in future.

Overall, if you want a bit of mystery, period drama, and something original, then I would definitely recommend this movie.

The Whale (2022)

We're All Happy Brendans Back...But C'mon

[4/10 · 1 March 2023]

I'd been anticipating watching this movie for a while. After all the fanfare at movie festivals and award shows, coupled with the addition of Brendan Fraser being back in a leading role, it seemed almost impossible that this movie could be anything other than memorable masterpiece.

And then I watched it.

First and foremost - I can't take anything away from Fraser's performance. Not only is he believable in his role as a morbidly obese homosexual, but if anything the film needs more of him in and less focus on the auxiliary cast who are mediocre at best in both acting and intrigue.

To be brief, the films problems are numerous- for one, its uninteresting. Not enough happens throughout the course of the movie and the characters feel like they are missing an arc. Secondly, I failed to root for any of them. The daughter is an irredeemable mess, and Charlie is both physically and mentally immovable from his current predicament. I didn't have enough reason to be invested or care about the outcome once the credits began to roll. The movie isn't that long, but it really felt like the last third dragged itself over the finish.

To conclude, watch this movie if you really really like Brendan Fraser, but don't bother watching it if you actually want to see a good film.

The Fountain (2006)

A Slog To Get Through

[4/10 · 1 March 2023]

I feel like on paper, this is a film I should love. The themes of love and death, loss, struggle, dealing with grief, obsession, the meaning of life, and the mortality of man are baked into this script. For all intents and purposes, if done well, this movie should be a reflective home run.

I *should* love this film...but I don't.

The problem is, the film tries too hard to come across as deep. It spends most of its time trying to look and sound deep, everything from the monologues, the rhyming camera-work, and the vague intonations of deeper unsaid dialogue are all..well, just conceited.

There is no through line, no conclusion, and what we see on screen is all flash without any actual substance. Its quite a boring journey with no insight or culmination.

I appreciate this film wanted to do something different, but for me, it fell flat.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

A solid movie, but nothing we haven't seen before

[7/10 · 7 November 2022]

This movie is pretty good, the camerawork is nice,the sets look very authetic and the film has a nice level of polish to really help draw you into the hellish world that these characters inhabit. I can't complain about the action either - its on per with any of the other top tier WW1/WW2 movies that most avid movie-goers/ film buffs would be able to reference.

However, I think in about 6 months I'll probably have forgotten I've seen this film, why? Because whilst it doesn't have any major problems and is pretty entertaining, it also fails to deliver something different to what is already well trodden ground.

Unfortunately we don't get to spend enough time developing a bond with our main characters and we don't see enough of their lives before the war, its a shame, because I was left thinking (in what were supposed to be impactful moments) 'which one is that again'?

Pacing is definitely an issue here as some character moments should have been longer and more built up, and other scenes could have been way shorter or felt unneccessery. I felt like I didn't have much of a reason to care about these young men other than thinking 'oh thats horrible...' 'oh poor guy' 'war is hell' etc.

1917 for example, pulled off an amazing 'long take' throughout the entire movie and was a marvel for doing so. Come and See is more intensely frightening and graphic, even My Boy Jack better tugged at our heartstrings over the needless death of young mislead 'men'.

Please, see this film (anything that isn't an Avengers movie should be applauded at this point), but know that other movies perhaps bring more to the table in this kind of genre.

Boiling Point (I) (2021)

A tense and realistic view of a thankless workplace

[8/10 · 5 November 2022]

I think if you've ever worked in a restaurant kitchen before then you'll appreciate the unflinching reality presented in Boiling Point.

The tension as well as the teamwork and the essence of the restaurant business is captured perfectly in the long uncomfortable camerwork, whereby we really feel the claustrophobic stress of working in a busy kitchen.

Stephen Graham is again excellent in his role as a troubled chef trying to hold it all together whilst essentially his private life has collapsed into a mess of debt and strained relationships.

The film could have done with another 10 minutes and a fully fleshed out conclusion ( I want to know what happened to the business, the customer, and Stephen Graham) but overall I came away with an effective impression and snapshot into the high pressure world of elite culinary.

House of the Dragon (2022– )

At Least As Good As Game Of Thrones Season 1

[8/10 · 30 October 2022]

Has the king of television returned?

With the disasterous ending of G. O. T Season 8, and the rightly deserved fan backlash, it was doubtful H. O. T. D could ever win over hearts and minds of scorned Game of Thrones fans. I was one such person. The bitter taste leftover from seasons 5-8 had really killed off any interest I had in revisiting Westeros in any form... however....

Its undeniable this show (at least for Season 1) is pretty damn good. The sets, characters, slow burning political intrigue, tension and action, are back to the quality G. O. T set in its heyday.

If I had any complaints, I'd say that there wasn't one particular character I found myself rooting for or became very invested in, but the potential has been laid for that to develop in future. As long has they don't mess up Season 2, this show has every chance of reigniting peoples love of the GOT universe, and who knows? Maybe even become just as big as its predecessor once was.

Marriage (2022)

Different, but misses the mark. Should have been a stage play.

[6/10 · 11 September 2022]

This isn't a bad mini series, in fact its a great snapshot into the lives of an aging married couple who experience their ups and downs nestled in the relative quiet of middle class suburbia. However...

Cracks do appear in this show. The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic at times. Whilst clearly intentional to showcase the awkward staleness of being around people or relatives you've nothing to say to, the times when the dialogue *should* flow, it still doesn't.

Additionally, the show also lacks emotional and situational closure. Particularly the moments with the family talking about sensitive past events between each other, the scenes felt undercooked and lacking in payoff. The times multiple times when the show needed another 2 minutes to properly round out a dialogue/plot point never came.

For a drama that is clearly supposed to be a slow burning thinker, the overall through line of what the show is about is never brought to fruition. Theres much social commentary to pick at here and there, but all we ever get is scraps. It left me longing for a more meaty look at one or two issues raised by the plot in more depth; but sadly they never came.

The show is worth watching, but it had more potential than it ends up delivering. The two leads, Sean Bean and Nicola Walker need to take a bow as they are fantastic throughout.

P. S - This has the most annoying credits theme tune I've ever heard.

Midnight Mass (2021)

Smarter And Deeper Than What You Might Expect

[9/10 · 31 July 2022]

Midnight Mass is a deeply thematical show. If you like philosophical debates about life and death, an examination of how science and religion can almost intertwine one minute, then seem poles apart the next, then this show and its rich subtext is for you.

Watch as good people do terrible things in the name of faith, jaded people find courage in the face of adversity, and misguided believers show just how far they'll go to realise salvation. The performances are fantastic, the tension high, and the filler is kept to a minimum. This show really is a first-class example on how to do horror right by only producing the number of episodes you have first rate content for. After seeing this you can't fail to become a lifelong fan of these actors who've shown such range to elevate the material to a special and memorable level.

A pinnacle of the genre!

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021)

A Fine Animated Movie That Has Its Heart In The Right Place

[7/10 · 30 June 2022]

This film is kind of one of those movies about nothing in particular, sure its narrative is strung along by the worries and growing pains of its female teenage protogonist; but you could easily miss 5 or 10 minutes at a time and still understand perfectly whats going on.

However the simplistic beauty is all part of the charm. The characters and wonderfully drawn animation provide a powerful, and somehow nostalgic sense of place and time. To some degree, we've all experienced the the feelings and emotions this film conjures so subtly throughout its runtime.

Be prepared to smile, laugh and probably cry, over this sweet and heartfelt snapshot into the life Lady Nikuko.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Maybe The King of Unreliable Narrative Movies - But Dated.

[7/10 · 30 June 2022]

The film sets things up so you expect they'll go one way, but at the start of the 2nd act its revealed that its entirely a different premise. Its a big twist that does well to revive a narrative thats already begun to sag, but unfortunately once the big twist is revealed the film soon falls into another narrative lull.

The conclusion failed to move me as it felt the screenplay was simply going through the motions to pull off a climax that was never really established for me. That said, its an okay film to while away a few hours on a boring weeknight. It gets a 7/10.

Capernaum (2018)

An Unflinching Look At Life In The Slums

[8/10 · 17 June 2022]

By no means is this an easy film to watch, especially if you're a particularly compassionate individual. However, if you do make it through a viewing, you will have gained a grounded, realistic and undoctored look at slum life - possibly one of the most important ever put to film.

I feel I should point out how magnificent Zain Al Rafeea is in this movie, except for that would potentially be doing him a disservice because this is no performance - he lived this streetlife for real before being discovered and 'cast' in this role. The gravitas he brings to the screen is worth watching for this fact alone.

A well deserved Top 250 film, and what real cinema is all about.

Gone Girl (2014)

Keeps You Guessing

[8/10 · 4 June 2022]

Gone Girl is a good movie which will leave you wanting more once the credits role, thats a compliment, but also the movies biggest flaw.

The narrative keeps you guessing the whole runtime, and leads on many twists and turns. However the final third feels undercooked, a bit rushed and lacking a narrative.

A film that is so strong throughout 2/3rds of its runtime deserves a better climax. However it is a solid 8/10 and rightly sits in the top 250 movies on IMDB.

The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse (2005)

Ahead Of Its Time

[7/10 · 2 June 2022]

The League of Gentlemen was a fantastic comedy series set in the fictional town of Roston Vasey, it was very weird and very dark humour, but it translated well for the odd British sense of humour.

The League Of Gentlemen Apocalypse is a follow on from the hit show, carrying on in the same weird, dark and bizzare vein. The comedy struggles to translate through an extended runtime, and its not helped by a muddled script which feels a little half baked.

Additionally, some of the shows most memorable characters are missing from this jaunt, and whilst the film does have some funny moments, its not the best content these creations have to offer. Unless you're a die-hard fan of the show, I'd recommend sticking to the TV show for your laughs. However, more staunch 'Gentlemen' fans will find something to enjoy here.

I can't shake the feeling having recently rewatched this, that perhaps it was a little too meta and clever for its time. With modern audiences being a bit more savvy I think the reception of this film could have been far more positive in present day. Who knows? 7/10.