ewanfortune Reviews

The Invisible Man (I) (2020)

Tense

[9/10 · 4 March 2020]

This reboot of the classic horror villain begins with a very tense scene and doesn't let up from there. The film manages to feel both classic and modern, thanks to Leigh Whannell's script and direction.

The acting is very strong, with Elisabeth Moss in particular turning in a very strong performance. The tension is palpable throughout the film, aided by the pounding score from Benjamin Wallfisch. The movie doesn't opt for cheap scares either, each jump feeling earned at not just stuck in there for a reaction.

My favourite thing about the film is how it combines supernatural horror with real life horror. The Invisible Man is of course unrealistic, however combined with an abusive boyfriend the stakes feel higher and the fear is heightened. It's a unique investigation into domestic abuse and the effects that it has and elevates this film above a standard horror film. I definitely recommend seeing this film.

Dark Waters (2019)

Scary

[9/10 · 2 March 2020]

The story of Dark Waters is both astonishing and scary and is contained in an engaging and realistic package by director Todd Haynes. Mark Ruffalo gives a strong performance as Robert Bilott, a lawyer hired by a farmer who suspects that DuPont are responsible for the death of his herd of cattle because of dangerous chemicals they're putting in the water.

The results Bilott finds are shocking, made all the more terrifying by the fact that this story is based on real life events. Ruffalo is surrounded by talented actors, not least Anne Hathaway, who owns a couple scenes as Bilott's wife. The pacing of the film is just right, never dragging but never rushing either. Overall, this movie is enlightening and you won't be looking at your pans the same way again.

Parasite (2019)

Masterful

[10/10 · 26 February 2020]

Parasite is a masterpiece, worthy of all the praise and awards it has received. The title alone has about 4 different meanings depending on your interpretation of the story. "So metaphorical" as a certain character says multiple times. Every single performance is brilliant, from Kang-ho Song, Woo-sik Choi, So-dam Park and Hye-jin Jang as the Kims to Sun-kyun Lee and Yeo-jeung Jo as the parents of the Parks to everyone in between.

In fact, there isn't a single area that the film falters in. Production design, editing, score, cinematography; they are all top class. The script by Bong Joon-ho and Jin Won Han is superb, covering a spectrum from dark comedy to social commentary. The direction by Bong is absolutely brilliant too.

However, my absolute favourite thing about the film is the seamless tonal shifts. The film covers most genres that you could think of; from comedy and drama to thriller and even horror and it does all of this without feeling out of place for a second. Some of the tensest scenes I've seen in a film are contained here and they are utterly brilliant. No matter your interpretation, there's a clear message here, from an examination of money (or lack of) and beyond. The movie is spectacular and will undoubtedly go down as a classic.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Surprisingy Good

[8/10 · 19 February 2020]

Who'd have thought that this movie would not only NOT be a complete disaster, but actually good? Not me, yet here we are. Credit to the studio for listening to the feedback and to the animators for redesigning Sonic after the first trailer dropped. He actually looks really good now. It was well worth the delay and the movie is so much better for it. Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic is perfect, matching the character and, as basic as the script is, it's surprisingly funny.

Without a doubt, Jim Carrey steals the show as Dr. Robotnik. People might wonder if there's such a thing as too much Jim Carrey but this film shows that too much is just enough. From the way he talks to the way he moves to the way he dances, even when he's just there, he radiates hilarity. With some solid CGI and action set-pieces, this is a thoroughly enjoyable film. Here's hoping for a sequel.

Birds of Prey (2020)

Fantabulous Indeed

[10/10 · 10 February 2020]

The upward trend of the quality of DCEU films continues with Birds Of Prey. With some great movies such as Wonder Woman and Shazam!, they've hit a new height. A big reason for this is Margot Robbie's performance as Harley Quinn. She encapsulates the character brilliantly, switching from slightly depressed to absolutely crazy on a dime. The pacing is kinda all over the place, and while that's usually not a good thing, it fits this movie and the tone perfectly. The film also oozes style and contains some frantic editing, which again, fits right in.

Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis, aka the Black Hood, is the best villain of the DCEU so far. He's charismatic but menacing and you're never quite sure what he's going to do next. I got basically everything I wanted from this movie. Humour, great action sequences, very nice cinematography, costumes and production design. It's as in your face as a Harley Quinn movie should be. The supporting cast, the birds of prey, all put in good performances too. Any movie with a fight scene set to 'Barracuda' by Heart is gonna be a win in my book.

Richard Jewell (2019)

More Than Just Strong Performances

[9/10 · 3 February 2020]

This movie is a piercing commentary on the US government and the media. It highlights the problems with both and can be summed up in just 3 words; "F the payphone." Whether journalist or FBI Agent, the truth doesn't matter a lot of the time. It's about the story or the arrest. However, we are shown here how that impacts someone and the people close to them.

Paul Walter Hauser is excellent as Richard Jewell, a man that respects authority and genuinely just wants to do the right thing. His life is flipped upside down however when, after saving lives by reporting a suspicious package that turns out to be a bomb, he becomes the prime suspect in the case. As well as messing his life up, this also has an effect on his mother who is portrayed brilliantly by Kathy Bates. The plot never drags, the film maintaining a quick pace throughout its 2 hours+ runtime as Richard fights to clear his name. The dangers of the media are on display in its full glory here and you are rooting for Richard to win.

The cast is round out with some more great actors such as Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm (who's a smooth as always). Clint Eastwood's direction is as fresh as ever, doubly impressive for a man in his 90s, and his unmistakable style is present throughout too. The script is also very good, with the appropriate amount of humour and tragedy. Richard Jewell was a man whose story deserved to be told, and it has been given justice here.

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)

A Good Time

[9/10 · 28 January 2020]

The driving forces behind this movie are the performances and the characters. Each character has at least one oddity about them, from talking through her dog to a hatred of donkeys. Dev Patel as the titular Mr. Copperfield has great chemistry with the whole cast which helps to ensure that the jokes don't fall flat, and Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell's script is full of those.

The stand out performance of the film is, in my opinion, Hugh Laurie as Mr. Dick. He owns every scene he is in and many of the funniest moments of the film involve him. This is a film that depends entirely on its characters and, as well as Hugh Laurie, includes great performances from the likes of Tilda Swinton and Ben Whishaw. It's their individual quirks that lead to the best parts of the film. The costume and production design is also great, replicating the era and highlighting the difference in conditions poor people and rich people lived in.

Overall, this movie can simply be described as a good time.

Just Mercy (2019)

Very Moving

[10/10 · 21 January 2020]

Just Mercy is a powerful movie about the injustices and racism present in the justice system in America. It's anti-hate and against the death sentence and these messages are wrapped up in an inspiring and very moving story. Michael B. Jordan is excellent as Bryan Stevenson, a black lawyer that has graduated from Harvard. His goal is to provide legal assistance to people on death row that can't afford it. In doing so, he comes across Walter 'Johnny D' McMillian, who is played equally as brilliant by Jamie Foxx, and is accused of murder. Walter is very clearly innocent with no hard evidence against him yet the all-white jury has decided he'll be executed anyway.

Despite numerous setbacks, Stevenson continues to work on this case which should be cut and dry. However, the Sherriff in this town in Alabama is all too happy to frame a black man and the DA and Judges don't seem too bothered about finding out the truth either. Over the course of the film, there are many moments that make you reflect on how evil certain people are, thinking people are inferior to them because of the colour of their skin. It invokes anger and frustration and you are firmly behind Stevenson and McMillian. The supporting cast is very strong too with the likes of Brie Larson, Rob Morgan and Tim Blake Nelson.

It's a movie that is unfortunately all too real and will continue to be for some time. We need people like Bryan Stevenson to fight back and people to watch movies like this and learn from them.

Bombshell (I) (2019)

Quality

[9/10 · 19 January 2020]

This was a risky film to make. It's taking a sensitive topic and basing the story around true events that happened within the last 5 years, including stuff around Donald Trump. As well as this, the movie isn't strictly drama with a 'Vice' type vibe around it. However, at least in my opinion, they pulled it off. It balances the almost comic feel it has with serious moments and intentionally uncomfortable ones. It's a scathing look inside mega corporations and how sex is sold.

There's very strong performances all round, from Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly and Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson to John Lithgow as Roger Ailes and Margot Robbie as the made up Kayla Pospisil (although the scenarios she's placed in are no doubt based on fact). Perhaps the single most uncomfortable scene in the film involves Kayla as Roger insists she lifts her dress to show him her legs, urging her to go higher and higher as television is a "visual medium." It's the type of scene that would be uncomfortable in and of itself but Robbie portrays Kayla's clear distress masterfully and the feeling is heightened once again when you consider that this sort of stuff has happened in real life to real people. The film also spotlights casual sexism and objectification as the women working for Fox are told to wear short dresses and aren't allowed to wear pants. Most of the 'compliments' they receive are about how sexy they are rather than their skills as a journalist.

As well as a commentary on the sleaziness of higher ups in corporations, it also celebrates the courage shown by people like Carlson who speak up even when they know it could cost them everything. Theron displays her characters inner conflict brilliantly, working up to the stage where she's ready to speak out too. There's tension in the air and the camera-work adds to this with rapid cuts and dramatic zooms throughout.

Bombshell is a great movie standing alone but a movie that also feels relevant in this #MeToo era. It reinforces that the most powerful figures aren't invincible and, though not easily, can be brought down too.

A Hidden Life (2019)

Important

[9/10 · 17 January 2020]

A Hidden Life isn't for everyone but it feels important. It's almost 3 hours long and moves at a slow pace. However, I feel this works to the films benefit. It gives time to the two main characters, who are husband and wife, to really develop. These characters are Franz and Fani Jagerstatter, played excellently by August Diehl and Valerie Pachner. I felt invested in them and in their relationship, particularly the last time we see them together, when you really feel their love for each other.

Generally, the movie is very dark and you feel angry at most of the characters. "Don't they know evil when they see it?" one person remarks early on and that quote is relevant throughout the entire runtime. From ordinary farmers to guards to priests, nobody except for Franz stands up against Hitler's regime, fighting for what he believes is right. His faith in God goes unshaken the whole film. His tale is very human, and he represents the best of humanity. Surrounded by people who have allowed themselves to be brainwashed, he resists and suffers. While he's off in various prisons, Fani is at home in the village with her sister, taking care of their three daughters and she also suffers. She has to put up with abuse from her neighbours all because Franz won't fight. Despite this, she stands by his decision in the end. As her father puts it, "Better to suffer injustice than to do it." A quote that would make the world a better place if we were to follow it.

The movie is inspiring. It's a good movie about a brave man and shines a light on a part of World War 2 that we rarely, if ever, see represented in cinema. Complementing this are the beautiful locations and fantastic cinematography. There are many moments where you could just pause the movie and whatever's on screen looks like a painting. The score by James Newton Howard also adds to what you're seeing on screen. A movie that both celebrates faith while depicting a tragic love story, it's emotionally draining but easily worth viewing.

1917 (2019)

Astonishing

[10/10 · 10 January 2020]

Where to begin? Perhaps the magnificent performances, the superb editing, the chilling score? All worthy contenders, however I must start with the cinematography. Wow. The whole film seamlessly transitions from one area to the next looking like one extended shot, apart from one prolonged cut a little over half way through. The camera soars and dips, making circles around the action, following the soldiers through the trenches and swerving around walls. It's an exceptional piece of cinema that immerses you in the picture, never feeling like a cheap gimmick.

Apart from this, it's just a damn good war movie full of emotion and not shying away from the horrors of war. People die. People are wounded. As a Lieutenant sarcastically remarks early on, "Nothing like a scrap of ribbon to cheer up a widow." We experience a fragment of the war with our main characters, carried by a stand out performance by George MacKay. We feel what he's feeling and feel immense sympathy for him throughout. As well as MacKay, Richard Madden takes over the screen in his brief appearance.

Sam Mendes manages to craft scenes so tense and full of suspense (aided by a terrific score) that they wouldn't feel out of place in a great horror movie and it fits the tone perfectly. In the middle of all of this, there are also scenes of beauty that show humans at their best. A group of people pushing a car out of the mud may seem relatively insignificant but it leaves a lasting impression. There's also a wonderful scene between MacKay and a French woman. 1917 is a film that's both haunting and poignant while being expertly crafted.

The Witcher (2019– )

Not Just Another Fantasy Series

[8/10 · 6 January 2020]

*Review by someone who has never read the books or played the game but really enjoyed this series nonetheless* First of all, the polish in every aspect is fantastic. The effects, costumes and production are all top notch. The performances are also brilliant, particularly Henry Cavill as Geralt. This leaves two major things: Plot and Action. It delivers in both areas. Some of the choreography is phenomenal (end of episode 1 anyone?) and the use of magic leads to inventive strategies during battles. The monster designs are also varied and interesting. Plot and character wise, the show fully delivers on too once you realise it's three separate timelines unfolding at once. It has me invested in the fates of Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri, the over-arching storyline continuously developed within each episode. Overall, I highly recommend watching.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Stunning

[10/10 · 4 January 2020]

A single word can't do justice to this film but this is as close as you'll get. A hilarious satire full of heart and moments of gut-punching tragedy. Following movies such as 'What We Do In The Shadows' and 'Thor: Ragnarok', Taika Waititi has cemented his place as a master with 'Jojo Rabbit'. The writing is perfect and had me laughing throughout as well as my Mom who was still laughing while driving home at "His face looks like a Picasso painting", one of the many, many funny quotes throughout. Luckily she didn't crash and/or wet herself. Perhaps one of the funniest moments is Stephen Merchant's first scene, when an uproarious minute of "Heil Hitler-ing" takes place which includes a fantastic shot of Merchant towering over Sam Rockwell. The performances are fantastic from top to bottom, from younger stars Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie, whose relationship develops very nicely, to veterans like Scarlett Johansson who balance comedy and emotion beautifully. Rockwell is a scene stealer as the closeted Nazi and earns our sympathy by the films end. Taika Waititi is outrageous as Hitler, getting to the point where Mom was on the verge of tears by his mere presence on screen. For as funny as it is, the film isn't without its heart breaking moments. If you've seen the movie all I have to do is mention the shoes and you know what I'm talking about. It's a tragic moment that took my breath away. However, for a tone shift so drastic, it doesn't feel out of place thanks to Waititi's brilliant direction. When the German version of 'Heroes' kicks in at the end with a snap of Griffin Davis' fingers just before the credits roll, I knew I had just witnessed something special. A modern classic already.

Polar (I) (2019)

Fun

[8/10 · 26 January 2019]

Great fun. Stylish and smooth. The kills are nice. Mads Mikkelsen is excellent. Hope it gets a sequel. Definitely worth a watch.

The Guest (I) (2014)

Legend.

[10/10 · 12 February 2017]

Love this movie so much. Dan Stevens puts in a fantastic performance as David. Honestly this movie is worth a ten just for his character but the rest of the cast put in great performances and it's an entertaining movie throughout.

Love the main man David though.

I'm not going to spoil any of the movie as its worth watching and enjoying it yourself. Although it does get a bit predictable for the last 20 minutes or so, that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. David is such a bad ass too.

All in all, it's an incredibly entertaining movie full of action and a memorable character.