The dig tells the story of Basil Brown's (Ralph Fiennes) archaeological dig on Edith Pretty's (Carey Mulligan) land. It is a very slowly paced movie and is pleasant enough. There are various tensions and romantic interests throughout the movie as we see if Edith's suspicions are right about what lies beneath the soil. It is one of those movies which is very watchable without you ever really getting enthralled by any of the characters. I'm not entirely sure why that is as some of the storylines should carry a lot of emotion. The cast is strong and they all put in reasonable performances. I couldn't shake of the feeling that I should have been more engaged with the characters.
Reviews
440 Reviews
Endless
(I) (2020)
I don't think this is as bad as some other reviewers are suggesting.
19 January 2021
I've noticed a few reviewers suggesting that this movie was touted as Ghost for teenagers. Not sure if that was the way the film was promoted, but I can't really see why the 2 movies are being compared. I watched the movie a few days ago and was hard pushed to remember much about it. It is a paint by numbers movie which leaves you feeling frustrated because it could have been better. Having said that it isn't overly long and kept my interest for the 90 minutes running time. Would have been better if there was a bit more chemistry between the 2 leads.
A fine finale to the Small Axe series
21 December 2020
I've never really reviewed many tv productions in the past, but the Small Axe series are worthy of a movie release. The episodes are directed by Steve McQueen and they focus on the West Indian community in the late 20th century.
The Education episode examines the institutionalised racism that Kingsley Smith faces during his education. At school Kingsley is singled out for being a trouble causer even though he isn't really behaving any differently from the other children. Rather than addressing Kingsley's needs he his sent to Special school which is completely inappropriate. Kenyah Sandy is excellent in the main lead and you have a real emotional investment in the film by the end of it.
The Education episode examines the institutionalised racism that Kingsley Smith faces during his education. At school Kingsley is singled out for being a trouble causer even though he isn't really behaving any differently from the other children. Rather than addressing Kingsley's needs he his sent to Special school which is completely inappropriate. Kenyah Sandy is excellent in the main lead and you have a real emotional investment in the film by the end of it.
Not as strong as other episodes, but still worth a watch
21 December 2020
I've never really reviewed many tv productions in the past, but the Small Axe series are worthy of a movie release. The episodes are directed by Steve McQueen and they focus on the West Indian community in the late 20th century.
The Alex Wheatle episode highlights the struggles that Alex faces in prison via flash backs to his early life and how he came to be prosecuted. The issues that are confronted seem very realistic to me although I have a feeling that some of the characters are less scary on film than they would be in real life.
The Alex Wheatle episode highlights the struggles that Alex faces in prison via flash backs to his early life and how he came to be prosecuted. The issues that are confronted seem very realistic to me although I have a feeling that some of the characters are less scary on film than they would be in real life.
24 Hour Party People
(2002)
Finally got around to watching this
19 December 2020
I'n not entirely sure why it's taken me so long to watch 24 hour party people. Being from Manchester and born in the sixties I lived through this. Maybe that's part of the reason why Ive never seen it. I have the memories from the time where the film is set from the mid 70's through to the mid 90's.
The film is about Tony Wilson who was at the centre of the Manchester music scene throughout the period. The film follows Wilson's influence on the Manchester music scene and in particular the rise of Factory Records and Hacienda nightclub. In particular these were more successful artistically than they were commercially. I have to say that I wasn't impressed with Steve Coogan's portrayal of Tony Wilson. To me it just didn't ring true with the real Tony Wilson.
The acting in general is quite mixed with some of the characters feeling very real whilst others just don't ring true. I have to say that I was especially impressed with Sean Harris as Ian Curtis.
The film is about Tony Wilson who was at the centre of the Manchester music scene throughout the period. The film follows Wilson's influence on the Manchester music scene and in particular the rise of Factory Records and Hacienda nightclub. In particular these were more successful artistically than they were commercially. I have to say that I wasn't impressed with Steve Coogan's portrayal of Tony Wilson. To me it just didn't ring true with the real Tony Wilson.
The acting in general is quite mixed with some of the characters feeling very real whilst others just don't ring true. I have to say that I was especially impressed with Sean Harris as Ian Curtis.
Transported back in time
14 December 2020
I've never really reviewed many tv productions in the past, but the Small Axe series are worthy of a movie release. The episodes are directed by Steve McQueen and they focus on the West Indian community in the late 20th century.
Red, White and Blue stars John Boyega as Leroy Logan who decides to change the institutionalised racism in the police force by joining the police force. I worked in the police force around the time this was set and the movie certainly resonates with me. It is a very accurate representation of the attitudes at that time. Boyega is very good in the lead role and you certainly get a sense of him deciding which battles are worth fighting. You have to take your hat off to people like Leroy Logan who made sacrifices and faced incredible challenges to change things. There's obviously still a long way to go, but racism will eventually be consigned to history.
If you want to get a sense of what attitudes were like 40 or so years ago in the UK watch this movie.
Red, White and Blue stars John Boyega as Leroy Logan who decides to change the institutionalised racism in the police force by joining the police force. I worked in the police force around the time this was set and the movie certainly resonates with me. It is a very accurate representation of the attitudes at that time. Boyega is very good in the lead role and you certainly get a sense of him deciding which battles are worth fighting. You have to take your hat off to people like Leroy Logan who made sacrifices and faced incredible challenges to change things. There's obviously still a long way to go, but racism will eventually be consigned to history.
If you want to get a sense of what attitudes were like 40 or so years ago in the UK watch this movie.
For Live Music Lovers
13 December 2020
I've never really reviewed many tv productions in the past, but the Small Axe series are worthy of a movie release. The episodes are directed by Steve McQueen and they focus on the West Indian community in the late 20th century.
Lovers Rock is a story about a London House Party in the 1980's. I must admit that I loved the production, but am quite sure that it will leave some people cold. I am passionate about live music and this movie really gives you the feel for what it is like to experience music that moves your soul. You are progressively drawn in to an intense intimate feel of the dance floor. The soundtrack is amazing and if you like raggae music you are in for a treat. Whilst the music is the main focus of the movie there are underlying themes of sexism and violence being played out.
This movie probably will not appeal to everyone, but I loved it.
Lovers Rock is a story about a London House Party in the 1980's. I must admit that I loved the production, but am quite sure that it will leave some people cold. I am passionate about live music and this movie really gives you the feel for what it is like to experience music that moves your soul. You are progressively drawn in to an intense intimate feel of the dance floor. The soundtrack is amazing and if you like raggae music you are in for a treat. Whilst the music is the main focus of the movie there are underlying themes of sexism and violence being played out.
This movie probably will not appeal to everyone, but I loved it.
Gripping Film
13 December 2020
I've never really reviewed many tv productions in the past, but the Small Axe series are worthy of a movie release. The episodes are directed by Steve McQueen and they focus on the West Indian community in the late 20th century.
The first episode is Mangrove and tells the story of the Mangrove nine who were taken to court for allegedly attacking the police in 1970. Most of the story revolves around the court case and demonstrates the racial tensions that existed at the time. Having worked in the police force not too long after this was filmed I can certainly confirm that racism was endemic at the time.
Shaun Parkes plays Frank Critchlow who owns the Mangrove which serves West Indian cuisine. This is a place where locals gather and the police raid on a regular basis. Frank is an easy going character who just wants to be left alone to run his business. Letitia Wright play Altheia Jones who is an activist and fighting for equal rights. The other main character is Darcus Howe (Malachi Kirby) who along with Altheia defend themselves during the trial. The acting and direction are outstanding. You also feel like you are back in 1970 so much so that I wondered whether it was made in 1970 when I started watching.
If you like a good courtroom drama then you'll enjoy Mangrove. I was very entertained and the 135 mins running time fairly flew by which is always a sign that you've enjoyed the movie.
The first episode is Mangrove and tells the story of the Mangrove nine who were taken to court for allegedly attacking the police in 1970. Most of the story revolves around the court case and demonstrates the racial tensions that existed at the time. Having worked in the police force not too long after this was filmed I can certainly confirm that racism was endemic at the time.
Shaun Parkes plays Frank Critchlow who owns the Mangrove which serves West Indian cuisine. This is a place where locals gather and the police raid on a regular basis. Frank is an easy going character who just wants to be left alone to run his business. Letitia Wright play Altheia Jones who is an activist and fighting for equal rights. The other main character is Darcus Howe (Malachi Kirby) who along with Altheia defend themselves during the trial. The acting and direction are outstanding. You also feel like you are back in 1970 so much so that I wondered whether it was made in 1970 when I started watching.
If you like a good courtroom drama then you'll enjoy Mangrove. I was very entertained and the 135 mins running time fairly flew by which is always a sign that you've enjoyed the movie.
Rebecca
(I) (2020)
Disappointing
26 October 2020
I have to say that it always seems a bit questionable to me as to why you would want to remake a classic. If any films should be remade it is the ones that are disappointing. I'm sure that is good logic, but it isn't one that is followed by Hollywood.
For those people who aren't familiar with Rebecca it tells the story of the marriage of the De Winters and their home Manderley. Maxim's first marriage was to Rebecca who the new Mrs De Winter wants to know more about. The Manderley house keeper is the spooky Mrs Danvers. The leads are played by Armie Hammer, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas. Have to say that Kristin Scott Thomas is rather good as Mrs Danvers, but there isn't much chemistry between Hammer and James.
You can't help compare the movie to the classic original and my advice would be to watch the Hitchcock version and give this one a miss.
For those people who aren't familiar with Rebecca it tells the story of the marriage of the De Winters and their home Manderley. Maxim's first marriage was to Rebecca who the new Mrs De Winter wants to know more about. The Manderley house keeper is the spooky Mrs Danvers. The leads are played by Armie Hammer, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas. Have to say that Kristin Scott Thomas is rather good as Mrs Danvers, but there isn't much chemistry between Hammer and James.
You can't help compare the movie to the classic original and my advice would be to watch the Hitchcock version and give this one a miss.
The Trump Prophecy
(2018)
Awful
26 October 2020
This is the sixth movie (out of 930) that I've awarded a single star. It is truly awful.
I should point out that I'm not really a Trump fan and a lapsed Christian. I've always found the Christian support of Trump somewhat puzzling since he seems to me to be one of the least Christian people you could ever wish to meet.
Anyway the film tells the story of a firefighter Mark Taylor who suffering from PTSD has a prophecy that Trump will become president. This is played out through the first part of the movie and there is undoubtedly an interesting story in it. Anyway unfortunately that was ignored in favour of pushing christian and right wing rhetoric. The second half of the film was an uncomfortable watch and I have no doubt many people would struggle to make it to the end of the film. Anyway I did make it to the end of the film, so I'm comfortable with awarding it with 1 star.
I should point out that I'm not really a Trump fan and a lapsed Christian. I've always found the Christian support of Trump somewhat puzzling since he seems to me to be one of the least Christian people you could ever wish to meet.
Anyway the film tells the story of a firefighter Mark Taylor who suffering from PTSD has a prophecy that Trump will become president. This is played out through the first part of the movie and there is undoubtedly an interesting story in it. Anyway unfortunately that was ignored in favour of pushing christian and right wing rhetoric. The second half of the film was an uncomfortable watch and I have no doubt many people would struggle to make it to the end of the film. Anyway I did make it to the end of the film, so I'm comfortable with awarding it with 1 star.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
(2020)
Well worth a watch
25 October 2020
It seems 2020 is going to be the year of watching movies at home, so this is my first 'home movie' review. One of the great things about comedies at the cinema is that you can hear what everyone else thinks of the movie. This is especially the case with a movie like Borat where some of the comedy is very subtle.
Anyway overall the second Borat movie is an entertaining watch. At times you do wonder how politically correct some of the humour is, but comedy should push these boundaries. I suppose the stand out moment of the movie is the Rudy Giuliani scene which has got a lot of publicity. I'm sure this will have boosted the viewing figures and it doesn't look good. It seems his days of being regarded as one of the hero's of 9/11 are long behind.
Whatever your thoughts are on the original Borat film you're pretty certain to feel the same way about this movie.
Anyway overall the second Borat movie is an entertaining watch. At times you do wonder how politically correct some of the humour is, but comedy should push these boundaries. I suppose the stand out moment of the movie is the Rudy Giuliani scene which has got a lot of publicity. I'm sure this will have boosted the viewing figures and it doesn't look good. It seems his days of being regarded as one of the hero's of 9/11 are long behind.
Whatever your thoughts are on the original Borat film you're pretty certain to feel the same way about this movie.
Dark Waters
(2019)
My Kind of Film
27 March 2020
I have to confess a liking to this type of film. Dark Waters tells the story of a lawyer taking on a big corporation. The Insider is definitely one of my favourite films and Dark Waters has a very similar theme.
Mark Ruffalo plays Rob Bilott who is the lawyer taking on the lawsuit in a seemingly small case. He realizes that the case is much bigger and more important than he originally thought. The big corporation has unlimited resources to win the case though, so it places Bilott under incredible stress.
Whilst it isn't my favourite example of this genre I certainly enjoyed the movie. Anyone who likes the genre should enjoy Dark Waters.
Mark Ruffalo plays Rob Bilott who is the lawyer taking on the lawsuit in a seemingly small case. He realizes that the case is much bigger and more important than he originally thought. The big corporation has unlimited resources to win the case though, so it places Bilott under incredible stress.
Whilst it isn't my favourite example of this genre I certainly enjoyed the movie. Anyone who likes the genre should enjoy Dark Waters.
Emma.
(2020)
Faithful adaptation of book
4 March 2020
It was a bit of a change for me to see a film based on a book I'd read. Not the biggest reader ever, so this doesn't happen too often. Anyway the movie certainly captured the mood of the book.
The movie tells the story of Emma who enjoys sorting out other peoples love life presumably as a distraction from worrying about her own. Anya Taylor-Joy was very good in the lead role and is well supported by Johnny Flynn and Mia Goth as George Knightly and Harriet Smith. I have to confess that I've rather fallen out of love with Bill Nighy though. He seems to play the identical role in every film he features in.
If you enjoyed the book then there's a good chance you'll enjoy this movie. If you still enjoy the quirky Bill Nighy role then you'll enjoy it even more.
The movie tells the story of Emma who enjoys sorting out other peoples love life presumably as a distraction from worrying about her own. Anya Taylor-Joy was very good in the lead role and is well supported by Johnny Flynn and Mia Goth as George Knightly and Harriet Smith. I have to confess that I've rather fallen out of love with Bill Nighy though. He seems to play the identical role in every film he features in.
If you enjoyed the book then there's a good chance you'll enjoy this movie. If you still enjoy the quirky Bill Nighy role then you'll enjoy it even more.
Parasite
(2019)
If you are going to watch a foreign language film this is it
25 February 2020
I've never been a fan of watching sub titled foreign language film. It may be in part explained by not really associating with people who do enjoy foreign language films. Anyway with it's success at the Oscars, Parasite seemed to be deserving of a watch, so saw it on the big screen a couple of days ago.
Stylistically it seemed very similar to a Tarantino movie to me. The characters were gripping and the dialogue was excellent. Would have been so much more enjoyable if I understood Korean though. The movie explores the tensions in the class divide which is obviously a universal theme which everyone understands. The sets are excellent and so realistic you can imagine how you'd feel yourself yourself in the scenes.
It's well worth a watch and if you don't share my dislike of subtitles you'll probably love this movie.
Stylistically it seemed very similar to a Tarantino movie to me. The characters were gripping and the dialogue was excellent. Would have been so much more enjoyable if I understood Korean though. The movie explores the tensions in the class divide which is obviously a universal theme which everyone understands. The sets are excellent and so realistic you can imagine how you'd feel yourself yourself in the scenes.
It's well worth a watch and if you don't share my dislike of subtitles you'll probably love this movie.
Jojo Rabbit
(2019)
Surprising Awards Candidate
11 February 2020
A film featuring Adolf Hitler in a comedic role wouldn't be an obvious choice for the awards season. Jojo Rabbit did feature frequently in this years awards categories though. Not sure whether there was any controversy surrounding the subject matter, but guess it may have been a difficult one to get a green light into production.
The movie tells the tale of a nazi youth fanatic Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) and a young jewish girl Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie). The young Jojo daydreams about Adolf Hitler who is played by director Taika Waititi. The supporting cast are excellent and include Scarlet Johansson, Rebel Wilson, Sam Rockwell and Stephen Merchant.
The movie was obviously a labour of love for Waititi and it's good that he pulled it off so well. The movie is very funny in parts and also very touching as well. The two young actors aren't overshadowed by their elders and should have a fine future in the movies. Well worth a watch.
The movie tells the tale of a nazi youth fanatic Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) and a young jewish girl Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie). The young Jojo daydreams about Adolf Hitler who is played by director Taika Waititi. The supporting cast are excellent and include Scarlet Johansson, Rebel Wilson, Sam Rockwell and Stephen Merchant.
The movie was obviously a labour of love for Waititi and it's good that he pulled it off so well. The movie is very funny in parts and also very touching as well. The two young actors aren't overshadowed by their elders and should have a fine future in the movies. Well worth a watch.
The end of the saga
28 January 2020
Some 43 years ago I was one of many queuing to see the new Star Wars film. Turns out that was the fourth episode of the series, but finally got to see the concluding part of the saga.
Was worried going into the film that there might be a lot of needless scenes paying tribute to characters from the franchise. That certainly proved to be a true as there were a bunch of scenes in the movie that said a sad farewell to the characters we have loved over the years whilst contributing little to the plot. Having said that I'm sure that most people will be thrilled to see as many of the star wars characters as possible. There was certainly a lot more of Leia (Carrie Fisher RIP) in the film than imagined there would be.
I have to say that I really liked Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) in Episode 7. Never really felt that the chemistry was the same in episode 8 and for the first part of The Rise of Skywalker the characterisation of Rey seemed a bit off the mark. Anyway things improved and really enjoyed the climax of the movie.
Still think the original trio of films is the best, but the final trio was certainly a big improvement on the middle trio. Should stress that I'm talking about release sequence rather than the episode sequence!
Was worried going into the film that there might be a lot of needless scenes paying tribute to characters from the franchise. That certainly proved to be a true as there were a bunch of scenes in the movie that said a sad farewell to the characters we have loved over the years whilst contributing little to the plot. Having said that I'm sure that most people will be thrilled to see as many of the star wars characters as possible. There was certainly a lot more of Leia (Carrie Fisher RIP) in the film than imagined there would be.
I have to say that I really liked Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) in Episode 7. Never really felt that the chemistry was the same in episode 8 and for the first part of The Rise of Skywalker the characterisation of Rey seemed a bit off the mark. Anyway things improved and really enjoyed the climax of the movie.
Still think the original trio of films is the best, but the final trio was certainly a big improvement on the middle trio. Should stress that I'm talking about release sequence rather than the episode sequence!
1917
(2019)
Engrossing film
14 January 2020
1917 is a film which undoubtedly would have been ear marked for awards right from it's conception. The good news is that the film delivers on this potential. I'd be very surprised if it didn't win the Oscar for Cinematography and must have a good chance of taking away a few other gongs.
The film is set in the trenches of world war one. It tells the story of 2 men who are tasked with delivering a message to the commanding officer of another battalion. The film really conveys just how awful conditions were for the troops involved in the trenches. The film gives the effect of being one take, but there are significantly different scenes along the way. Blake (Dean Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are the soldiers tasked with delivering the message. They are excellent in the roles and aren't actors that I'm familiar with. None of the other actors have significant screen time, so if you are going along to see one of your favourites, don't expect them to be in it for long.
1917 is an engrossing film and well worth seeing on the big screen.
The film is set in the trenches of world war one. It tells the story of 2 men who are tasked with delivering a message to the commanding officer of another battalion. The film really conveys just how awful conditions were for the troops involved in the trenches. The film gives the effect of being one take, but there are significantly different scenes along the way. Blake (Dean Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are the soldiers tasked with delivering the message. They are excellent in the roles and aren't actors that I'm familiar with. None of the other actors have significant screen time, so if you are going along to see one of your favourites, don't expect them to be in it for long.
1917 is an engrossing film and well worth seeing on the big screen.
Little Women
(2019)
A nice family movie
9 January 2020
It's that time of the year again when all the Oscar movies start to hit the screens. Little Women is the first of this years Oscar movies that I've seen.
The movie cuts between 2 different timelines that are (or at least start) four years apart. The movie tells the story of the four March sisters who are quite different, but very closely bonded. Life is tough for the March family and even tougher for some of the families in the community. In terms of awards my guess is that Florence Pugh as Amy March probably as the best chance of a supporting award. Having said that Saoirse Ronan is also excellent as Jo March.
The movie is very watchable if you like good wholesome family entertainment.
The movie cuts between 2 different timelines that are (or at least start) four years apart. The movie tells the story of the four March sisters who are quite different, but very closely bonded. Life is tough for the March family and even tougher for some of the families in the community. In terms of awards my guess is that Florence Pugh as Amy March probably as the best chance of a supporting award. Having said that Saoirse Ronan is also excellent as Jo March.
The movie is very watchable if you like good wholesome family entertainment.
21 Bridges
(2019)
Don't expect bridges
9 January 2020
I generally avoid reviews and trailers before watching a movie for the first time. As such sitting down to 21 Bridges didn't really know what to expect. The one thing that I did expect was that the 21 Bridges were going to play a significant part in the movie. How wrong I Was!
For those people who do like to know a little about a movie before watching it the 21 Bridges in the title refer to the 21 Bridges that provide access to Manhattan. As mentioned the bridges don't really feature in the movie, but by closing the bridges in the small hours of night detective Davis (Chadwick Boseman) ensures that the criminals he's hunting down can't leave.
There's nothing in 21 Bridges that hasn't been done in many previous films. It's entertaining enough, but you'll struggle to remember too much about a few weeks later. That pretty much explains where I'm at now as it's a month since I saw it and can remember very little about it at all.
For those people who do like to know a little about a movie before watching it the 21 Bridges in the title refer to the 21 Bridges that provide access to Manhattan. As mentioned the bridges don't really feature in the movie, but by closing the bridges in the small hours of night detective Davis (Chadwick Boseman) ensures that the criminals he's hunting down can't leave.
There's nothing in 21 Bridges that hasn't been done in many previous films. It's entertaining enough, but you'll struggle to remember too much about a few weeks later. That pretty much explains where I'm at now as it's a month since I saw it and can remember very little about it at all.
Knives Out
(2019)
Interesting Murder Mystery
3 December 2019
Knives out is a murder mystery which is better than the average murder mystery.
For a start the cast list of Knives Out is excellent. This includes Daniel Craig as Benoit Blank who is hired to investigate the murder of the rich patriarch Harlon Thrombey played by the great Christopher Plummer. As you watch the movie you come up with your own ideas of who is behind the murder. I guyess some of my ideas were right and some were wrong, but the clues are all in the movie if you are clever enough to pick them up.
An enjoyable watch although the movie probably will not lose much when it is shown on the small screen.
For a start the cast list of Knives Out is excellent. This includes Daniel Craig as Benoit Blank who is hired to investigate the murder of the rich patriarch Harlon Thrombey played by the great Christopher Plummer. As you watch the movie you come up with your own ideas of who is behind the murder. I guyess some of my ideas were right and some were wrong, but the clues are all in the movie if you are clever enough to pick them up.
An enjoyable watch although the movie probably will not lose much when it is shown on the small screen.
Ford v Ferrari
(2019)
Thrilling Movie
21 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
There seem to have been a lot of movies in 2019 based on factual events. This movie looks at Ford motor company's attempt to conquer the motor racing awards in the 1960's. The company was in need of some good PR in order to restore it's reputation. As with all fact based movies you are always left wondering which parts are true and which are artistic license.
The movie tells the story of how the Ford team try to beat the all powerful Ferrari team. Matt Damon plays Carroll Shelby who heads up the team. His friend and lead driver is the rather unlikable Ken Miles played by Christian Bale. I've always been a big fan of Christian Bale and he's on form again here.
This is a great racing movie and well worth a watch.
The movie tells the story of how the Ford team try to beat the all powerful Ferrari team. Matt Damon plays Carroll Shelby who heads up the team. His friend and lead driver is the rather unlikable Ken Miles played by Christian Bale. I've always been a big fan of Christian Bale and he's on form again here.
This is a great racing movie and well worth a watch.
Zombieland: Double Tap
(2019)
Great Fun
21 November 2019
The first thing that surprised me when watching this movie was to realize that it was a sequel. Those in the know will know that the original Zombieland was out about 1 years ago. Whilst there's no doubt that a few of the nods to the previous film will have gone over my head anybody else who isn't familiar with the first film will be able to enjoy this as a standalone movie.
The one thing that I took away from the movie was an incredible sense of joy and fun. It's an enjoyable film to watch and you get a sense that the cast were having fun making the movie. Not really sure there's too much that needs to be said about it. The plot isn't up to much, but you wouldn't expect anything else. The action comes think and fast. Lots of enjoyable acting performances and I especially liked Zoey Deutch as Madison.
The one thing that I took away from the movie was an incredible sense of joy and fun. It's an enjoyable film to watch and you get a sense that the cast were having fun making the movie. Not really sure there's too much that needs to be said about it. The plot isn't up to much, but you wouldn't expect anything else. The action comes think and fast. Lots of enjoyable acting performances and I especially liked Zoey Deutch as Madison.
Official Secrets
(2019)
Really Enjoyable
23 October 2019
Official Secrets studies the events that are happening in intelligence during the run up to the second gulf war. Having lived through the times myself was aware of the background to the movie, but unaware of the specific story that it explores.
Keira Knightly plays Katharine Gun who works at GCHQ collecting intelligence for the UK. She is concerned about the accuracy of the intelligence that is being used to prove the case for war. The British and American government need a resolution passing at the United Nations to legitimize the war. A memo is distributed to collect intelligence on the United Nations members that can be used to coax them into voting for the resolution. She is shocked by this and wants to stop the war.
In the same way that Brexit dominates British news at the moment WMD's dominated the next back then. The movie is good and shows the pressure that everybody is under. You get the chance to wonder whether you would make the same decisions as Katharine and whether she was right to do it.
I've never been a big fan of Knightly, but she does a fine job in Official Secrets. Well worth a watch.
Keira Knightly plays Katharine Gun who works at GCHQ collecting intelligence for the UK. She is concerned about the accuracy of the intelligence that is being used to prove the case for war. The British and American government need a resolution passing at the United Nations to legitimize the war. A memo is distributed to collect intelligence on the United Nations members that can be used to coax them into voting for the resolution. She is shocked by this and wants to stop the war.
In the same way that Brexit dominates British news at the moment WMD's dominated the next back then. The movie is good and shows the pressure that everybody is under. You get the chance to wonder whether you would make the same decisions as Katharine and whether she was right to do it.
I've never been a big fan of Knightly, but she does a fine job in Official Secrets. Well worth a watch.
Yesterday
(III) (2019)
Pretty dire
23 October 2019
Yesterday tells the story of a world that suddenly loses all knowledge of the music of the Beatles. The exception to this is Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) who is a struggling musician who appeals to few people beyond his manager/groupie friend Ellie Appleton (Lily James). All of a sudden he is the only person who knows the back catalog of The Beatles. The film examines how he deals with this, but is mostly a rom/com.
The film is pleasant enough, but it's too stupid to really enjoy. To be fair I did hear someone say it was one of their films of the year, so maybe I'm just a little too old and cold to appreciate it's charms.
The film is pleasant enough, but it's too stupid to really enjoy. To be fair I did hear someone say it was one of their films of the year, so maybe I'm just a little too old and cold to appreciate it's charms.
Tolkien
(2019)
Not quite sure of the point of this movie
23 October 2019
Tolkien tells the story of the writers formative years and the friendships during college and onwards into the first world war. I was already aware that some of the mythology of the Lord of the Rings was based on his wartime experience. I guess most writers base their novels on their lifetime experience to some extent.
Tolkien forms a close bond with his friends at college and the movie plays out their relationships and experiences going forward. The movie shows Tolkien imagining scenes from his books during battle sequences. This doesn't really feel true to me. I wouldn't say the film was bad, but I couldn't really see the point of it either. As mentioned it was already common knowledge that the war influenced some of his books and I can't really see why we need to go further than that.
Tolkien forms a close bond with his friends at college and the movie plays out their relationships and experiences going forward. The movie shows Tolkien imagining scenes from his books during battle sequences. This doesn't really feel true to me. I wouldn't say the film was bad, but I couldn't really see the point of it either. As mentioned it was already common knowledge that the war influenced some of his books and I can't really see why we need to go further than that.
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