monirose Reviews

Journey to Bethlehem (2023)

Musical Nativity story with Antonio Banderas as Herod

[10/10 · 19 November 2023]

Solid musical based on the Nativity.

Clever lyrics, Very catchy songs - strong singers.

Mary and Joseph are central but the true protagonist is Antepater, Herod's first born son who becomes appalled and anguished at the increasing violent mad outbursts and orders of his Papa His story cleverly offers the opportunity later to reveal Mary's strength of Grace.

It is a unique take that clearly involved genuine faith.

Joel Smallbone is excellent both in vocal chops and acting ability, convincing as the tormented son of Antonio Banderas' power hungry Herod.

Lecrae has a small yet effective part as Gabriel. Strewn throughout is a lighthearted humour in the 3 wise guys, Gabriel, and Fig, Mary's donkey, who pretty much steals every scene he is in.

Most costumes and settings are lovely. Spain fills in reasonably as Israel and surrounding area. There are some very beautiful scenes. It is a film which will surely become a Christmas Classic.

The expertise of songwriter and director Anders and his 10 years dedication to this project shows.

The Menu (2022)

Cardboard cutouts have more depth.

[2/10 · 27 November 2022]

Mediocre at best, The Menu story is Illogical, with plot holes, flat stereotypical unmotivated ignorant characters, and mostly dull cinematography. Waste of time if you want a smart film; this isn't. There is no worthwhile message or subtext.

Food movies are meant to be at least mouth-watering and sumptuous, but no, this one is just meh.

How did hugely talented actors Ralph Fiennes, John Leguizano, Anna Taylor Joy, and Judith Light end up in this poorly written movie?

The story depicts disgusting perverse twisted scenes and graphic horror, so if you are into those maybe there is some appeal.

Marketed as horror comedy but the story lacks wit or humour.

The Northman (2022)

OMG just go! Amazing!

[10/10 · 19 April 2022]

Full throttle immersion into Viking revenge story from sagas that became source material for a play known to us as Hamlet.

The auditory experience of the soundscapes, the stunning stark landscapes, the fantastical yet archaeologist researched shamanic clothing the awesome overall production design bring us to a deeper level of filmmaking that is as if a camera was present within the time and place of ancient epic lives with epic battles.

In the Heights (2021)

Exceptional and rich entertainment

[10/10 · 13 June 2021]

When I was in college I lived awhile in Washington Heights. Lin Manuel Miranda was a small boy a few blocks away. This movie provides the essence of that Washington Heights vibe including the all night outdoor fiestas that kinda drove me mad when I wanted to sleep.

It's a wonderful movie that somehow manages to succeed in being surprising. Beautiful music, beautiful energy. The dancing and performances are riveting. And it's like the song says, about beautiful details.

Cats (2019)

Wonderful movie despite unsettling CGI, superb dancing and singing.

[9/10 · 20 December 2019]

The awesome thing about the musical Cats was the mix of dance and acrobatics of varying disciplines depicting feline physicality. The CGI reduces instead of enhances this but the movie still will be a classic favorite due to extraordinary dance performances of Stephen McRae and Francesca Hayward as well as exquisite singing by Taylor Swift, Jason Derulo and Jennifer Hudson, and the accomplished acting of literally nobles Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen. Choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) and directed by Tom Hooper (Les Mis), there is a huge array of high caliber talent here in this Film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats. It all started with some TS Elliott poems...

Halal Daddy (2017)

Brilliant fun, laughs, charm, drama, & characters you care about.

[10/10 · 2 July 2017]

Watched it 3 times and going again, this is just loads of fun. Shows off some of the best of Sligo. Colm Meaney and Art Malik lead a strong and quirky cast with Many great bit parts, lots of distinct personalities in the mix, a culture clash comedy that offers hope and the humanness of us all.

There are running themes of serious issues bubbling under the surface always at play, unemployment, diverse new communities, family and home versus travel...

Brilliant ensemble performances in montages. Mark O Halloran and Conor McDermottroe deliver a story that has layers and is touching yet very very funny. Kylie Minogue song was written especially for the film. Sligo's mystical landscape is revealed in lovely cinematography.