"'71"

The troubles in Ireland have been the basis for many great movies, and here is the latest.

During 1971, Gary Hook finds himself and the rest of his Army buddies being sent to Northern Ireland, to assist with Security for the Irish authorities. As well as having superior officers to deal with, the Lieutenant in charge of the unit also has to answer to the MRF (Military Reaction Force), which was a covert team working undercover in Belfast.

On the streets of Belfast they find themselves, as they have the unenviable job of keeping the peace whilst the Authorities search houses for weapons and suspects. During one such day, the Police get a little heavy handed and a mob promptly arrives. Tempers really start to rise, and things quickly get out of control, and it soon is clear that the Army is woefully outnumbered. As soon as the soldiers come under attack, and are getting injured, the pile into the truck to make their escape.
However, Gary and a fellow soldier are still on the Streets, and in a shocking attack, one of them is killed. So Gary finds himself badly injured, and on the streets alone, and in great fear for his life.

Right from the first frame, the film has a documentary feel to it, which really enhances the tension. The graininess of the print, the colours, the detail of recreating early 1970's Belfast is done with great precision, one might almost think it was shot at the time.

There are outstanding performances from all concerned, but special mention to Barry Keoghan, who with very litttle dialogue manages to instill a great sense of anger, and also to Corey McKinley who plays a cocky young Irish lad who befriends Gary, and is his salvation.
But ultimately it is Jack O'Connell who shines in another wonderfully brilliant example of why he is one of the finest young actors of his generation. Anyone who has seen "Eden Lake", "Starred Up" or "Harry Brown" will know exactly what I am referring to.

I did feel like I aged about 5 years watching this film, as the tension is remarkable. From the moment Gary is left behind, to the gripping finale, one really does fear for his life, and given that he has warring Irish to desl with, but also there is an equal threat from his own side, after he witnesses some of the MRF clearly working outside of their remit.
The wonderfully unplayed score adds to the gripping tension that slowly builds, as we see people trying to find Gary Hook, but whether they will help him or kill him I will leave you to wonder.
Directing this biopic docu movie is Yann Demange, and what a phenomenal job he does. And he has assembled a first class team to work on this film.

Powerful, tense, and a top notch example of truly fine British film making........9 out of 10

"A Walk Among The Tombstones"

Scott Frank is the writer and Director of this latest thriller, which sees Liam Neeson as an alcoholic Police Officer, who battles his demons, after a shoot out on thee streets gets an innocent bystander killed. Jump forward several years, and he is now on the wagon, attending meetings, and doing private Detective work. He is approached by Drug Trafficker Kenny Kristo, whose wife has been abducted, and is being help for ransom.

I could go on with the plot, but that is the gist of it. The characters are all either dispicable or have little to redeem them/ The plot is dull, cliched, and been visited upon many times before, and far more successfully.
For the most part I am enjoying the reinvention of Mr. Neeson, but sadly this is one film that just numbs the brain.

From Downton Abbey to this......such a shame Mr. Stevens.............3 out of 10

"Gone Girl"

Ever since I first saw the trailer, this film has really had my interest. From the subject matter, to the cast, to the first class Director, namely the man who brought us "Se7en", "Zodiac" and "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo", Mr. David Fincher.

It is the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, and Nick Dunne returns home from a brief trip out to find his wife not home, and there are signs of a struggle in the lounge. After an initial search finds no sign of his good lady, Amy, the Police are called in. The immediate area is searched but no clues are uncovered. A television appeal is made, involving Nick, and Amy's parents, desperate to all be reunited.

Intermingled with this tale is also the story of their marriage leading upto the events of when Amy goes missing, We see their initial meeting, and subsequent occurances, from job losses to moving house, and dealing with family loss.
We also find out that Amy has been the victim of harrassment on more than once occasion. Could this have something to do with her disappearance?  Eventually the finger of suspicion starts to the point to home, and that husband Nick has possibly murdered his beautiful wife.
More suspicion falls on Nick as further evidence incriminates him in the crime, even though there is no body, so technically the Police cannot charge him with murder, unless there is a confession.
His Sister stays ever loyal, constantly at his side. The media however is out for blood, especially one female Newscaster who sees it as her personal mission to destroy Nick and all he stands for. He is another example of a Man belittling, undermining, and ultimately killing his good lady.

The question as to whether Nick did or not kill his wife is answered about half way through the film, and this did initially surprise me. But there is a good reason why. To go into more detail would be to give away what happens, and of course I would never do that.
On the plus side there is as ever great Direction from Fincher, who slowly shows us the life of this couple, like peeling an onion, and revealing the many layers underneath. The film is beautifully shot, as one would expect, and comes with a nice subtle score from Fincher regulars Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
Performances across the board are excellent, Affleck is on good form as husband murder suspect Nick, but it is ultimately Rosamund Pike who really shines, giving a career best performance as Amy. There is a lot more to her character we discover as the film progresses, and it really gives her the opportunity to flex her acting muscle. Nice support too from Tyler Perry and especially Neil Patrick Harris as a former lover of Amy.

The way the media are portrayed in this film is fascinating, and very much mirrors real life. They clearly want their pound of flesh when they have a possible murderer, happy to tarnish his name, make accusastions against him and his family. And when they want to have him as a prime time guest interviewee, they are all over him like a rash. Anything to increase ratings, no matter what the cost, no matter whether guilty or not.

The truth being revealed makes for compelling viewing, however, I still feel that the film is slightly too long, and could have had about 20 minutes shaved off. Also, I am still undecided how I feel about the ending, and whether with what happened, I feel somehow cheated or that it should not have ended the way it did.

It is still a great film, but not the masterpiece I was expecting. It fell just a tad short, say of the superior "Prisoners" from last year.

Really good, but fell short at the end.............8 out of 10

Before I Go To Sleep

I am sure that in numerous of the reviews for this film, that a certain British Director is named, as the film will undoubtedly be compared to that of Alfred Hitchcock. The legendary Director has no fear that his toes are being stood upon, for this latest thriller is no threat at all to his reputation.

Christine wakes up each day, knowing that any memories of her previous days have been wiped from her mind, as she is an amnesiac. Have suffered an ordeal, and severe trauma to the head, this is the end result. Each morning she awakes to find her husband in bed next to her, not knowing who he is. She gets phone calls from her Doctor, telling her that they meet regularly, and to retrieve a camera, on which she has been recording thoughts and memories for herself, to know who she really is.

But who was behind the trauma that she sustained?  Does her physician Doctor Nash have some hidden secrets?  And who is the mysterious Claire?

By the time the answers to these questions start to appear, severe boredom has crept in, and one is not at all fussed about knowing the answers, and it is a shame as there is a nice little twist within the movie.
Clearly the two leads, Firth and Kidman, enjoy working together as this is at least the second time they have done so, previously playing together in "The Railway Man". And adding Mark Strong and Anne Marie Duff should make for a great thriller, but that is not the case, and the trailer promised so much, but alas so little was delivered.

Instead of "Before I Go To Sleep", the film actually put me to sleep.......4 out of 10

"What We Did On Our Holiday"

A warring couple on the brink of divorce, making the lengthy trip to Scotland for a 75th birthday party. The kids so used to seeing their parants spar verbally with each other. But appearances must be maintained, especially for the Birthday boy, Gordie (Billy Connolly) especially as he is dying of Cancer.
Once they eventually arrive in the Highlands, Brotherly rivalry begins between Doug (Tennant) and Gavin (Miller). This is offset by much humour from the honesty of the children. Grand-Dad tries to show the elder grandchild not to to take life so seriously.
The stress of organising the big event is taking its toll, on the whole family. So a much needed trip to the beach is called for by the children, and Grand-Dad. A trip they will never forget.

The script is wonderfully written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, who also Directed the film, so given their track record, you know that the movie is in save hands.
Performances are all very, but especially from Connelly and Tennant. The three juvenile are all played wonderfully too, especially the youngest. A delight to watch.

A nice little movie, entertaining and a good way to spend a couple of hours.......7 out of 10