ta-98251 Reviews

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Good but it has its issues

[7/10 · 27 May 2024]

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road one of my favourite action films of all time. Furiosa is good but it has its pros and cons.

What I liked about this film is that is gave us a strong background into Furiosa during her younger years and it builds on the world we saw in Mad Max: Fury Road. It was great to see the towns, biker gangs and of course to witness fun action scenes. It's clear that Furiosa tried to strike a balance between action and story which I usually prefer.

What I didn't like as much was the overuse of green screen and CGI which wasn't always well done and took me out of the film at times. Controversially, I wasn't the biggest fan of Chris Hemsworth's Dr Dementus. Admittedly, I wasn't a fan of Thor since his comedic turn in Ragnarock, nor was I a fan of Jason Momoa's Dante in Fast X and I can say that Dr Dementus fits the Mad Max world much more than those characters suited their worlds but I just wasn't a huge fan of the comedic portrayal of the character.

Overall, Furiosa is a good film and I'm keen to see more of Mad Max world but there were a few things that stopped me from REALLY liking it or comparing it to the first.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

A positive start to the new trilogy

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the 10th film in the series set 300 years after the most recent prequel trilogy. Apes are the dominant species whilst humans appear primitive and in low numbers. We meet an Eagle based Ape clan who come into conflict with are rival warrior based clan.

This was a fun entry into the series which saw the 2.5 hours sail by. The film managed to bring us up to speed with current affairs, introduce us to new clans and the position that humans fill in the food chain.

Whilst I enjoyed it, the film didn't reach the height of the first or second entries in the prequel trilogies. It lacked any compelling human characters and the apes weren't as compelling as Caesar and his clan whom we grew to know over three films. The resolution in the third act also felt like a bit of a reach given the circumstances but regardless it was still an enjoyable movie with cool action scenes. It felt more like a scene setting film but it did enough to stand alone in its own right.

The Fall Guy (2024)

I wanted to like it but it was a bit too silly and forced for me

[4/10 · 8 May 2024]

I was sucked in by Gosling and Blunt, two of my favourite actors but it felt like a film that should be streamed at home.

Down and out stuntman Colt receives a call to work on a film being directed by former flame Jody which he can't turn down. However, when he arrives on set, he finds himself embroiled in a criminal mystery that he attempts to solve. There are some okay action set pieces where Colt makes use of his stunt knowledge and some fun META movie references. It was also cool to see a film dedicated to stunt people in general - Outside of this, my favourite part of the film was the credits where we saw real life stuntmen perform the stunts in the film.

Physical: 100 (2023– )

Intense, respectful and inspiring competition!

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

Physical 100 is a South Korean Netflix show which gathers 100 of the fittest athletes in Korea to identify the best physique through a series of punishing physical challenges. Similar to season one, there are individuals from all over the sporting world and further afield including Olympians, cross fitters, MMA fighters, strong men and more.

Competitors take part in a series of one on one and team elimination matches until a final winner is crowed. This season's theme was underground which included cool set designs such as underground mazes and railroads. Apart from seeing super fit individuals compete against one another, we also see the spirit, respectfulness and sense of responsibility of the Korean athletes which is always a heart-warming part of the show.

I had two main issues with the season 1. Firstly, they overuse of multiple replays and gasps for any one situation. Whilst they still do it here, it seems less than the first season. Secondly, whilst the team games are great it sometimes leads to strong athletes being eliminated because they are on a weaker team. This is still the case in season 2 but they employ some exciting changes which somewhat helps to alleviate the issue.

My only other issue is that whilst it's great that we see men and women compete against each other, it's very unlikely a women can win under the current format. Therefore the show should crown two champions or alternate between all male and all female casts. Otherwise, physical 100 was another fun watch that made me want to drop marathons/triathlons and hit the gym.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Captivating and Unsettling - Sent frm mi Iphne!

[9/10 · 8 May 2024]

Wow, What a show!

Baby Reindeer is a fascinating and captivating watch which not only shines a light on one of the most debilitating crimes out there but one not often spoken about.

Baby Reindeer is based on the true story of Richard Gadd, who wrote and starred as Donny, the main character of the show. When Donny offers Martha (played by Jessica Gunning) a free drink in the pub, his life is changed forever as we witness an intense relationship and stalking campaign develop. You can barely hold your breath as each situation and interaction unfolds. You constantly find yourself questioning the motives of Martha and Donny. Their interactions shines a light on vulnerable members of society and the complicated nature of relationships and even fault in some one sided crimes.

What's great is that the story is told in a nonlinear manner and information that we gather from the past helps us to understand decisions made throughout the show. Baby Reindeer also shines a light on the ongoing impact that trauma has on individuals.

Gadd is fantastic is the lead role and credit to him for reliving everything that he went through. Gunning is also outstanding and absolutely terrifying at times. Her ability to portray different emotions and personalities in the blink of an eye is unreal. Baby Reindeer is an excellent show. It's a dark comedy and whilst there were moments where I laughed out loud I wouldn't say this was a 'fun' or 'enjoyable' watch. It's great but what keeps you coming back is the intensity and the desire to understand what happens next.

Challengers (2024)

A beautiful blend of sports, friendship and romance

[8/10 · 26 April 2024]

Challengers is one my most enjoyable films of the year so far, managing to smoothly blend sports, friendship and romance.

Lead Character Art (Mike Faist) plays in a challenger tennis tournament where he is coached by his wife Tashi, played by Zendaya. Art comes up against Patrick (Josh O'Connor) who is well known to the couple and the film flashes back and forth over a decade detailing the sporting and personal events leading to present day.

This works excellently as we are engrossed in the present day match but each flash back adds to the intensity of the game and also causes us to view the match in a different light.

The tennis shots were fantastic although some of the balls straight down the camera lens take some getting used to. The electronic soundtrack was unusual but worked great for the film at times. At first I was really put off by adult Zendaya as she looked really young and didn't convince as a mother with a kid but this was slightly alleviated after we flashed back to her younger days which gave us a measuring stick to at least convince us that she had grown.

All the performances were on point and the movie managed to blend in grey situations that could have easily been black and white. This helped to make Challengers a mature, fun, believable and intense ride.

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Glad I stayed up for the Late Night Show!

[7/10 · 26 April 2024]

Late Night With The Devil is a film that takes you on a real time talk show with Jack Delroy. There is a brief documentary like intro on the ups and downs of Delroy's career in the 1970s including some alleged rich and famous practices that he may be involved in.

We then spend the rest of the film watching a Halloween special of his late night show where Delroy goes all out to secure the coveted #1 rating he's been yearning for his entire career. You are sucked in by the guests after initially asking yourself is this talk show worth watching, should I flip the channel, or should I go to bed? The guests include an alleged medium, a comedic sceptic and an individual that can allegedly summon spirts inside of possessed people. Each guest has an intriguing story and causes you to question what is real.

It's a tense watch as you find yourself wondering what will happen on stage, especially as it's on live tv. It's very well acted and you are invested into the talk show setting. There are also some really cool backstage scenes with the usual live TV show business dealings.

Late Night with the Devil is worth watching for horror fans especially for those who are looking for something different. Yes it gets weird at times and I still don't know how I feel about certain parts of the ending but I enjoyed it overall and I'm glad I watched It.

Civil War (2024)

A slow burn drama with some intense action scenes

[7/10 · 17 April 2024]

I watched this film at the exact right time. I've just come back from Vietnam where I visited an exhibition dedicated to war journalists who lost their life in the Vietnam War. It was great to see the work they did and read their stories including their accounts of physical and ethical struggles.

Civil War is not an action movie. It's a film that brings to life the cold reality of what it's like to be a War Journalist on the front line. This includes a view of the motivations, dangers and ethical conflicts faced by war journalist as well as how their notion of the role changes over time. A lot of what I saw and read in the Ho Chi Minh War Remnants museum was reflected in this movie and that allowed me to connect with the film.

However, I just watched the trailer for the first time and I feel that some people will be disappointed. This is advertised as an action movie that has to be seen in IMAX. There is action and it's brutal but this serves mainly as the background setting to allow the films to explore its main narrative. In truth, the film is a slow burn drama. Whilst it's interesting, the misalignment of expectations may throw people off.

Monkey Man (2024)

Violent and Stylish

[7/10 · 17 April 2024]

Monkey Man is an action film directed by Dev Patel and produced by Jordan Peele. It tells the story of Kid, a guy that grew up in an Indian Forest Village where he witnessed the awful murder of his mother as a child, at the hands of a corrupt Police Chief being guided by a Spiritual Guru. Kid struggles mentally and materially as he seeks revenge on the individuals responsible for his Mother's death by infiltrating the criminal underbelly.

Monkey Man was a good time. The story is pretty straight forward as you might expect with an action movie although it does do some unique things linked to the name and location of the film but there are two things that set the film apart... Firstly it's violent and brutal, which means you really feel every hit which is satisfying. Secondly it's stylish with several cool shots. It's set in India, it's gritty and you have many scenes set at night, running on rooftops, through alleys, building and crowded areas. It was an enjoyable action film for fans of the genre.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Wow - An IMAX experience like few others

[8/10 · 3 March 2024]

I wasn't the biggest fan of Dune: Part One but I wanted Denis Villeneuve to have the opportunity to build on it and his sequel delivered in every single way.

The scene was set from Dune Part One and we picked up where we left off. To this end, Part Two benefits from the foundations laid by Part One. The factions are set, motivations clear and the movie is a direct consequence of everything that occurred in Part One, if not thousands of years before. That being said, this film isn't lazy when it comes to building the world deeper. Past characters evolve, new characters appear, motivations become clearer and we get a deeper understanding of how the world works including the different people, religions and weapons. I cared for the characters in a way that I didn't in the first film. Chalamet, Zendaya and the ensembled cast all have their moments to shine but that is another discussion.

However the story is only half of what made this one of the best IMAX experiences. The action set pieces and fight scenes were so well done. The visual are amazing, everything on screen looks real. It's as if somebody filmed a real life place. Set design, cinematography, costumes are all off the charts. It will sweep up a tonne of the technical awards at the 2025 Oscars. If you thought the Sandworm set piece in Part One was good, Part Two takes it no another level.

And despite all of that, the best part of the film might be the sound design. It was relentless and it enhances every second of the film. I don't recall a better sounded film. The desert, vehicles, weapons... Every second you hear something going on and it keeps the world alive.

It was a lot to pack into 2 hours and 46 minutes and certain parts move quicker than you would like, for example the third act, whilst others might feel some of the moments outside of the action scenes a little slower. I didn't have the highest expectations for Dune: Part Two but of course they were blow away as if they got hit by a Sandworm in the desert. This should be experienced on the biggest screen with the best speakers!

Bob Marley: One Love (2024)

A springboard into the life and times of Bob Marley

[7/10 · 28 February 2024]

I've heard mixed reviews of One Love but I enjoyed it. It opened my eyes to how little I knew about the life and times of Bob Marley beyond the music. One Love provides a springboard into Bob Marley's life including his childhood and parental background, the political tumultuous times he grew up in, his Rustafarai believes and how those believes influenced his music. In fact, he believed that his beliefs and his music were one and the same message. Those already familiar with Bob Marley's story may have wanted the film to go deeper into many aspects which were addressed in a light touch manner or not at all.

Learning about Marley's upbringing was interesting. It was also eye opening to see the huge role played by his wife Rita Marley. Some have called for her to get the "Pricilla" treatment with her own movie. She was clearly a big part of his life although they had a somewhat complicated relationship. Lashana Lynch played the role well, with presence and without dominating every scene. I also enjoyed Kingsley Ben Adir's performance as Bob Marley but I didn't necessarily feel the chemistry between them in the present day scenes.

The set design was well done especially that of Jamaica in the 1970s with predominantly Rastafarian flags (based on the Ethiopian flag) and few Jamaican flags mixed in. Most of the London interior felt like 1970s but the outside environments and the Underground didn't always feel that way which was distracting at times. Maybe it's because of my familiarity with London.

The political tension and division in Jamaica was apparent but it's a shame that the film didn't explore the background in intricate detail. I guess it wasn't necessary for the film makers given the overall message of the film. The film did help viewers to get a sense of Bob Marley attitude to the political unrest and to understand why he was looked at as a symbol of peace, love and unity.

Bob Marley: One Love was a film project launched by the Marley family as a celebration of Bob Marley and everything he achieved in his life. To that end, like the Whitney Houston movie we got to hear him create and play some of his most iconic songs . I like that these scenes were allowed to breath which in turn allowed the audience to enjoy the music. This will be appreciated by those who are particular familiar with his music catalogue.

Bob Marley: One Love was an enjoyable peak into Bob Marley's life and provides a springboard to those who want to know more about Bob Marley or indeed the roots of Jamaica's political conflicts. Whilst it may not have enough depth for those familiar within his story, I recommend it to music fans or anybody interested in getting some understanding of Bob Marley's story and how he came one of music's most iconic figures.

The Iron Claw (2023)

Wow, one One of the best and surely one of the saddest films of the year

[9/10 · 28 February 2024]

The Iron Claw is a 2023 US and 2024 UK release. It tells the true story of the Von Erich's, one of Professional Wrestling's first families back in the 70s. After a somewhat successful career as a wrestler in his own right, Fritz Von Erich trains his boys in many athletic disciplines which opens the door for their wrestling careers where they adopt his signature move 'The Iron Claw'. We witness their professional wrestling journey as they stive to progress from local Texas heroes to World Champions but they are inevitably faced with challenges in and outside of the ring.

The film is predominantly told through the eyes of, second eldest brother, Kevin Von Erich played by Zac Efron in his best role yet. Sorry, High School Musical fans - You'll believe me when you see it! He looks the part and his performance is on point at every turn. The film does a great job of placing you into the Von Erich's lives and showing the commodore, personalities and expectations that existed. The movie also provides an insight into how the wrestling business worked in the 70s.

Those of you familiar with the wrestling business might hazard a guess at some of the events that unfold in the movie but the scale is truly unimaginable. The events play out in a gripping manner even when certain aspects are heavily foreshadowed. With a film like this, ones first thought is to wonder how much creative liberty was taken to make the story more shocking for a Hollywood audience? The sad truth is that the film was toned down as there were two other brothers who were pretty much left out of the film to facilitate pacing amongst other things.

The Iron Claw is sad but it's very well made and is fascinating watch even for those of you who have never been fans of wrestling.

American Fiction (2023)

Funny and Refreshing

[8/10 · 10 February 2024]

This was a refreshing film! It took a while to see where it was going, having entered the screening armed with nothing but the movie title, but its message hit loud and clear by the time the credits rolled. It's also a rare comedy/satire that I actually found to be genuinely funny at points.

American Fiction tells the story of Monk, a black teacher who is fed up with the way black stories are told in the media, be it related to black suffering or stories of stereotypical gang violence which serve to entertain those who have no idea of the true diversity of black stories. In an act of rebellion he writes a piece of troll literature which ignites an unforeseen chain of events. In the midst of all this, we also follow Monk's personal story including his professional, personal and family life.

American Fiction is a dark comedy and whilst it isn't always moving at pace, especially during some of family plot lines, it manages to bring its message home with a unique third act. It also leaves us to with questions to ponder. Namly, what type of Black stories should be told and consumed. Moreover, how are such stories being received by different audiences?

There were many strong performances amongst the ensemble cast including Jeffrey Writght, Issa Rae and Sterling K Brown to name a few.

Overall, American Fiction is a refreshing, funny and enjoyable film even though it has some rushed edges. It's also pleasing to see the movie amongst the Oscar contenders. 7.5.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Wish I enjoyed this as much others!

[5/10 · 10 February 2024]

All of us Strangers tells the story of screenwriter Adam who has a chance encounter with Harry from his tower block during a fire alarm. What follows is an exploration of Adam's life, namely the impact of losing his parents at a young age and growing up with a secret that he withheld from his parents and those close to him. The story is told through Adam seemingly visiting his childhood home and speaking to his parents about the life he has lived as well as through present day conversations with Harry. The way this is portrayed may confuse some audience members.

The film touches on loss, loneliness, acceptance and grief. It's well acted and I enjoyed that the film was shot in a local London area that I'm familiar with. Seeing familiar spots, train journeys and local shopping centres was a cool touch for such a well-received film. I appreciate the film's themes however I wasn't as engrossed or touched the film as most films goers were which is a shame. It is one of those films where if it pulls you in, it will take you on deep ride but if it doesn't, it can become a bit of a slog due to its testing pace. This was surprising as it's was the first sub two hour theatre experience of the year but it felt just as long as most of the Oscar contenders. The cinematography was cool but there are many creative choices the audience may question. Ultimately it's a film I can appreciate whilst also admitting that I was never really invested in it nor did I particularly enjoy it. Have you seen it? Will you see it? What did you think?

The Color Purple (2023)

Incredibly sad but somehow uplifting and certainly thought provoking

[8/10 · 28 January 2024]

The Colour Purple (TCP) is the new film come musical directed by Blitz Bazawule, produced by names including Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg a and starring Taraji P Henson, Colman Domingo and Halle Bailey amongst others. It's based on the 2005 musical, which adapted the 1985 film which based on the 1963 Pulitzer Prize winning book by Alice Walker of the same name.

The Colour Purple follows African American teenager in the early 1900s through her household struggles growing up and in later life. I haven't consumed previous material related to TCP, which will impact my views, but I knew that I was in for something sad which made it an anxious watch. It didn't take long for some the difficult scenes to begin however the bright cinematography helped to alleviate some of the darker scenes and moments that persisted throughout the film. Whilst this a musical, it songs didn't feel overwhelming as they were well spread out although they did push what should have been a 2 hour movie to 2 hours and 20 minutes. I the musical numbers also helped to uplift the film at times.

Whilst I enjoyed the acting and the dancing, what really stood out for me is the story as it leaves you with several thoughts to digest and think about. Similar to Past Lives and La La Land, it's a film with strong exit momentum. That is to say, the ending in is incredibly powerful and it causes you to reflect on the film as a whole. Whilst parts of the ending are predictable they are no less impact when they arrive. It hits like a ton of bricks as you cycle through the emotions. The Colour Purple is incredibly sad and heart-warmingly beautiful all at the same time. Whilst there are some pacing issues, it's worth watching for the final scenes alone.

The Holdovers (2023)

It's a shame that it didn't get a UK holiday release

[7/10 · 28 January 2024]

The Holdovers is the latest film directed by Alexander Payne set in a New England Prep School in the 1970s. The Holdovers refers to students who remain in boarding school over the holiday period, in this case the Christmas holidays. The initial set up might remind audiences of The Breakfast Club but the film takes a unique turn early on.

Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a disgruntled classics teacher who is fed up with the politics of schooling and the need to appease individuals who are linked to wealthy donors. He is dedicated to his craft and tough on every student that walks through his door. Giamatti's performance will have you recalling several teachers from your past. He's great.

Hunham is unexpectedly required to remain in school over the holidays with the holdovers and the Head Cook played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph who is also excellent in her role. First time actor Dominic Sessa, who obtained his role via a school addition, looks far from somebody making his big film debut as a complicated school boy. Whilst these characters seem worlds apart they find some commonality in their journeys throughout the movie.

My favourite parts of the film were the cinematography, score and acting. At times I thought I was watching a documentary featuring real teachers and students. The film does a great job of transporting you back in time and creating a holiday feel notwithstanding the on screen mood and lack of Christmas decorations at times.

The Holdovers can be described as a feel good emotional drama however there is potential for audiences to find it long winded, boring and predictable. I wasn't pulled in either extreme direction on first watch which might partly be because I was focusing on keep awake during a late showing. So let me know you think.

Poor Things (2023)

A More Outrageous, nuanced and artistic Barbie

[8/10 · 15 January 2024]

Poor Things is a very strange film that won't be for everybody but I liked it and the performances were great.

Poor Things Tells the story of Bella Baxter, a seemingly mentally ill lady who is slowly raised and natured to health by a mad scientist type father figure. Having been nurtured by a scientist, when Bella develop more of a conscious mind, she sees the world empirically which sets the scene for her to discover how the world actually works leading her to question the men, and women, she meets on her journey. In a nutshell Poor Things is a can described as a sexual and mental coming of age story.

Emma Stones has long been one of the best actors in Hollywood and this role provides her with ample opportunity to show off her acting range from scary, awkward, funny, witty to sensitive. She does it all. William Defoe is excellent as the Dr Frankenstein type figure with emotional and physical scars from his past. Mark Ruffalo and Ramy Youssef deliver strong performances in their supporting roles. Whilst this isn't a comedy per se, Mark Ruffalo is the main comedic outlet and his character is great in several ways.

The run time is 2 hours and 22 minutes. You do feel this a couple of times. Firstly during the middle of the film and again at the end when you think the film is wrapping up before It tackles one last loose end leading to an additional 20 minutes which could have been cut elsewhere. Speaking of time, the first hour is in black and white before the film burst into colour. The cinematography and set design is very intriguing managing to combine old and futuristic looking sets whilst some of it is strange.

When I reflect on the film it's asks the viewer to question societal norms, ones predominantly set by men, and how we treat those that don't confirm. Furthermore I sense real similarities between Poor Things and Barbie however Poor Things portrays its message in a more subtle, artistic and cinematic way which works well but likely won't be as accessible to a wider audience.

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

One of the best and most surprising films of 2023

[9/10 · 31 December 2023]

Godzilla Minus One is a Japanese foreign language movie. I was hesitant going in as I'm not the biggest fan the Hollywood Godzilla movies post 2000. I recently watched Godzilla: King of Monsters and couldn't convince myself to squeeze in Godzilla v King Kong before watching Godzilla Minus One.

Fortunately, Godzilla Minus One is the best Godzilla movie I've seen and it's completely unlike any of the others. Like 2019's Joker, it feels like a movie that is much greater than its genre, using the Godzilla skin as a vessel to tell a bigger story.

Godzilla Minus One is set in Japan at the end of World War II. We meet Shikishima, a Kamikaze pilot who survived the war but for several reasons believes he has failed as a man and as a representative of the Japanese Army.

During this time, Godzilla appears and we follow the Army's attempt to stop Godzilla. These two plot lines intertwine and complement each other throughout the film as we are given a window into the Japanese war mentality.

The scenes with Godzilla are epic. It's the best and most menacing I've ever seen Godzilla look. Unlike in recent films, Godzilla feels majestic and absolutely terrifying. The Godzilla laser beam was crafted amazingly. Each laser beam felt as big a deal as the explosion scene in Oppenheimer.

I had heard good things but this generally surprised me. I was captivated throughout. Captivated with Godzilla, Japanese war mentality, post war Japan and with the story of an individual that constantly fails to live up to standards he and society has set for himself.

Let's hope the next Hollywood Godzilla Movie from Legendary captures some of this magic.

La La Land (2016)

Rewatched in live concert with Justin Hurwitz

[10/10 · 28 December 2023]

It was amazing to see a Maestro at work. The La La Land original score is beautiful. Its lyrics takes you on a subtle journey through the movie whilst its catchy melodies inspire hope, grief and an abundance of energy.

There should be nothing more to say about La La Land at this point but I fear that isn't the case... La La Land is a musical drama rom com that follows two individuals pursuing their dreams and the inevitable trials and tribulations that ensues when trying to make it as an actress or follow ones passion for Jazz in Hollywood.

The soundtrack accompanies outstanding cinematography and set designs that creates a stunning Los Angeles awash with beautiful colours, harking back to the golden age of cinema and theatre.

La La Land is beautifully made and beautifully told. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are outstanding in their roles. There isn't a second that their performances aren't convincing and captivating and the simple plot will have you cycling through your emotions.

This was the first time I've rewatched La La Land since its original theatrical release and I enjoyed it much more having already explored the key themes and of course having listened to the original score on several occasions.

Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023)

I think I enjoyed the film more than the live concert!

[8/10 · 4 December 2023]

Having attended the Renaissance World Tour in May, I wasn't sure whether I would watch Renaissance: A Film By Beyonce but then I remember how much I enjoyed the Homecoming documentary on Netflix. Not only did I watch it in the end, but I saw it from the balcony of Cineworld's Superscreen which boasts an incredible wall to wall screen, immersive Dolby Atmos sound and two floors which made feel like I was in the a stadium all over again but a little closer and with better sound. This was the perfect screen to soak up a 2 hour and 48 minute spectacle.

Firstly, reliving the performances on the big screen was amazing. Viewers feel Beyonce's energy up close and personal as well as that of her dancers, many of whom have become recognisable names and faces over the years. We also see close shots of fan reactions and sometimes see the performance from their vantage point which drives home how mesmeric Beyonce's on screen presence has become. The Renaissance 'tourdrobe' is on full display as we flash between difference performances of the same song which allows the audience to revel in the Beyonce's outstanding wardrobe (Uncle Johnny made it). One of the best things about the 'tourdrobe', is that it's easy to recognise the location you attended based on the outfit Beyonce was wearing, if not the stadium architecture. London was easy to spot! Those who didn't attend live will recognise several outfits from viral clips.

Whilst the performances are stunning and worth the admission price, it's the behind the scenes content and commentary from Beyonce that adds the cherry on top without ever feeling that they were taking away from the show. As per usual, Beyonce sweats over each miniscule detail of the show. She praises everybody from the stage crew to the backing dancers, highlighting how important their role is. The is an emotional segment where we witness Blue Ivy's first performance and its aftermath. This is one of many moments that we get to witness between Beyonce and a family member, friend or tour family. Importantly, Beyonce speaks of the motivation and inspiration for the album. A Renaissance, a new beginning where everybody can and should be comfortable in their own skin.

This was an entertaining, energetic and insight look into the Renaissance tour.

The Marvels (2023)

Better Than Expected Despite Obvious Flaws

[7/10 · 26 November 2023]

Despite my low expectations, The Marvels was an enjoyable watch for two main reasons. First, the dynamic between the leads. I wasn't sure if they could carry the film but Ms Marvel, Monica Rambeau and Captain Marvel had good on screen chemistry and the movie massively benefited from having all three of them around.

Secondly, it felt slightly different to other Marvel Films. We had three female protagonist who had their own personal and interwoven issues and desires. There was heart to the characters and their individual development and relationship was a lot more interesting than the overarching story which wasn't ground breaking but it managed to serve its purpose notwithstanding a terrible villain. We also saw some unique action sequences. Whilst the likes of Black Widow, Thor Love & Thunder and Eternals tried to do a lot and fell short, the Marvels knew its lane and experimented within it. We even saw new communities that communicated through song. This immediately gave me heart palpitations for Joker 2 but it was nice to see Marvel try something different.

Overall, I went into this with the lowest of expectations but surprisingly and maybe in part due to my expectations, I ended up having a fun and somewhat heartfelt time. And there is also the little matter of the post credit scene...

Napoleon (2023)

Fails to draw any sort of emotional connection

[7/10 · 25 November 2023]

Napoleon is directed by Ridley Scott, who has directed some of my favourite films and stars Joaquin Phoenix one of my all-time favourite actors, so I was excited for this one.

It's okay but it could have been more. Ultimately, it feels like a 2 hour and 38 minute whistle stop tour that prevents us from forming an emotional bond with the characters and events on screen.

It was a given that there would be some interesting costume and set designs given that the film is based in 18th and 19th century Europe and Africa. One of my favourite set pieces was the coronation of Napoleon partly because I was comparing it to the huge painting that I saw in the Louvre a few months ago. A painting which you see being sketched in the film.

Napoleon tells the story of one the greatest generals to ever live who at one point was the most powerful man in the continent and perhaps the world. We see Napoleon the general, the lover and the egoist leader. I enjoyed the film and it touched on many key moments in Napoleon's life but I didn't connect with it emotionally which is surprising given how much I enjoy a historical epic. And Napoleon's story is a historical epic!

So perhaps the lack of emotional connection is because we aren't quite sure how to feel about Napoleon when watching this film. Do you admire him? Do you hate him? Is he a great leader or a bit of a romantic clown with ego? I suspect it is more down to the fact that despite the 2 hours and 38 minutes runtime we don't get enough time to settle into Napoleon's biggest moments and this stops you from shaping the man and the key moments in his life. It feels like we are on long whilst stop tour and that ultimately harms the viewing experience. I'm not surprised to hear that there is a four hour plus version dropping on Apple TV.

Thanksgiving (I) (2023)

Why so unserious?

[5/10 · 22 November 2023]

I thought this may be an occasion where not watching the trailer hindered my experience but having watched the trailer retrospectively, it is clear that this movie advertised itself as a film that took itself seriously but that was certainly not the case...

Thanksgiving is a who dun it slasher in the vain of SCREAM. However, the violence was ridiculously over the top in the fashion of the Evil Dead Rise movies. Despite this, the film dialled the campiness all the way to 100% and that really messed with the tone of the movie. The jokes were shoe horned in all over the place and didn't work.

Moreover, I didn't find there to be any redeeming qualities. The characters who were predominantly a teenage school group, who were not interesting at best and at worst they were cliche and frustrating. They made several deleterious decisions and seemed to be incapable of doing anything to improve their situation.

I welcome scares and gore in horror movies but the extreme deaths felt wasted and gratuitous given the inconsistent tone of the film. Some of the death were so over the top that they seemed to be attempting comedy whilst others seem to focus on pure horror.

Whilst the likes of SCREAM or even Totally Killer manages to strike a perfect tonal balance and knows what it wants to do, Thanksgiving didn't have a clear direction which left me disinterested and confused. It's Thanksgiving so I'm thankfully for some of the unique kills scenes.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

A Ballard Worth Listening to

[8/10 · 18 November 2023]

The Hunger Games movies, for the most part, have been well made and faithful adaptations of the books. So when I turned the final page of Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes, I was looking forward to the movie much more than I expected to before I started reading the book.

Thankfully The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes is another strong and faithful adaptation. We return to the capital 65 years before the events of original Hunger Games films and a few years after the Panem Civil War. We meet a young Cornelius Snow shortly before he and his Capitol class mates mentor tributes in the 10th Annual Hunger Games. We then embark on a three part character study.

Firstly, the Capitol looked great. It's not the over the top, bright, excessive and indulgent Capitol we are used to. It's dark and gritty but also a futuristic city seeking to make technological advances. There are times when the CGI is shaky for example when we see cockroaches, rats or explosions but otherwise the film looks great. I especially enjoyed some of the camera work and the interesting use of angles that brought us closer to the action.

Viola Davis and Pinter Dinklage were excellent in their roles as Dr Gaul and Dean Highbottom whilst Jason Schwartzman was fantastic as Lucky Flickerman, the movie's only comic relief as weatherman and host of the Hunger Games. The two leads will likely draw several different opinions. They weren't perfect but still had aspects that worked. Tom Blyth played a good Cornelius Snow although it is hard not to think about how majestic Donald Sutherlund is as a older more Powerful Snow. Rachel Zeglar has a great voice which is fully on display as Songbird Lucy Grey Baird, the female tribute from District 12. I wasn't fully sold on other aspects of her performance. That being said, If I had to recast one character in the Hunger Games franchise it would still be Peeta. The chemistry between the leads was questionable at times but perhaps that is to be expected when a boy from the Capitol meets a girl from District 12?

I enjoyed the story when I read the book and it was represented well on screen. The movie builds on the lore of The Hunger Games and especially the background of Cornelius Snow in a way that helps us to interpret the originally trilogy in a much more profound way. Director Francis Lawrence originally wanted to split the movie in two but I'm glad it ended up being one movie. However, this resulted in a runtime of 2 hours 37 minutes. The movie squeezed a lot into this time which mostly worked well although there were a couple of instances where I questioned things which happened on screen which I didn't question when reading the book because I had more information available to me at the time. So those who haven't read the book may find it stuffed and the weight of certain scenes may not have the intended impact.

The action is fun and brutal at times. At no point did I feel as if they we were catering to a younger audience. This Hunger Games was set in standard oval stadium in the times before the elaborate settings of the future games. This resulted in a larger focus on close combat and hiding which I enjoyed.

Overall, The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes is another well adapted Hunger Games movie. Its dark, gritty and more importantly it tells a standalone story but also a story that enhances our understanding of Cornelius Snow and allows us to view the original trilogy in a way that adds additional layers to the viewing experience. It's a long film and has a lot going on which may not cater to everybody. Highly recommended to fans of the Hunger Games.

Totally Killer (2023)

Totally Here For It!

[7/10 · 10 November 2023]

Totally Killer is a the latest horror genre crossover from Blumhouse. This time its horror meets sci-fi time travel or better yet, Scream meets Back to the Future.

When the sweet 16 Killer returns to town 35 years after the first killings, 17 year old Jamie goes back to 1987 and attempts to prevent the original murders.

Totally Killer is a light hearted albeit violent horror comedy which manages to balance a consistent tone throughout, providing enough scares and laughs for all.

The initial act sets you up for a traditional slasher movie before there is an unexpected turn which sees Jamie transported back to 1987. The scenes in 1987 were enjoyable. Not only do we get to see a slasher film from the vantage point of somebody who knows what will happen but we also get to enjoy fish out of water moments, discussion on the dynamics of time travel and a critique of life and attitudes in the 80s. Whilst the jokes weren't necessarily laugh out loud moments, they managed to bring a smile to my face. Speaking of which there are several fun references to horror movies and pop culture.

The cast did a good job playing their stereo typical horror slasher movie roles and the high school teen setting was what you would expect from such a film.

Overall , Totally Killer was a fun watch for anybody looking for a horror comedy with a twist and is at least as good as similar entries such as Happy Death Day and Freaky, if not much better.