"Escape Room" (Preview Screening)

A group of starngers each receive a gift, seemingly from a friend, associate or family member. Inside is a puzzle box, upon cracking thye secret of the box, they get an invite to attend an Escape Room, where if they solve the mysteries of the room, they could win $10,000.

So we meet a group of six people, contestants for want of a better phrase, as they congregate in this waiting room, eager for the contest to begin. As is usually the case with these things, there is a mixed bag of people. One of whom is a major gaming nerd, and seemingly quite the expert, having been in several rooms in the past. Will he be the key to the groups success?

As time passes by it becomes clear that this is not a game, and that things can be rather deadly.
Who will win and thus survive?  Do we care?

It is not exactly an original idea, as it seems to take aspects of "Saw", "Cube" and "Final Destination", and despite the pedigree of those three films, it falls well short of anything really good. It's ok, and yes I've seen far worse.....5 out of 10

PS - Surprised that they took part for so little money

"Destroyer"

When I saw the trailer for this film, I thought it has got "my kind of film" written all over it. I was blown away by it, so it was inevitable that I would see this latest film for Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman.

The film opens with Erin Bell in her car, not looking her best. She is an LAPD officer. Though you would not think it to look at her.
She visits a crime scene, a body has been found, and upon seeing a dye stained bank note, it is a message that someone from her past is back.
We then jump back about 17 years to when Erin and her Partner Chris are on an undercover assignment. They have worked their way into a group of nefarious characters, headed by Leader Silas.  Trust is created and they are part of the team, a team that is going to carry out a bank job.
The film jumps about between the two time periods. We see Erin and Chris getting close, and in the present day Erin a ghost of her former self, seemingly self destructive and dealing with a rebellious teen daughter. Certainly in present day she is spiralling out of control, and this is illustrated with a tour de force performance from Nicole Kidman.

Knowing that her past is catching up with her, Erin hopes to settle an old score and may be redeem herself. We get to know more about her relationship with Chris, what became of him, and the events that no doubt began her downfall.

It may not have helped that I fell asleep through this film, so maybe I was not giving my full 100% attention, but I was not as enthralled with the film as I was with the trailer. It is still a good film, dominated by a truly outstanding performance from, at times, an almost unrecognisable Kidman.

The Ladies are out in force with excellent Direction from Karyn Kusama and great Cinematography from Julie Kirkwood. But just as a whole film, I felt it was lacking something, or maybe it was my inability to stay awake,a second viewing may some day be in order.......7 out of 10

"Can You Ever Forgive Me?" (Preview Screening)

This latest film, which opens in the UK on Feb 1st, has been the toast of so many recent Film Festivals, and rightly so.

The film is about Lee Israel, a Biographer who is going through a bit of a rough patch. Her last book can be found in the bargain bin, and her Publicist is far from interested in what she is currently working on. She gets invited to a get together hy her Agent, but she does not stay long....it is fair to say that she is not a people person, much prefering the company of her lovable Cat. When not at home, she can either be found researching her new book, or found in a local bar, where she makes the acquaintance of  Jack Hock, a wise talking man of the Street. He's gay, HIV positive, and on occasion deals drugs, but oh so charming.

Whilst going through a reference book on Fanny Brice, the subject of her new book, she finds a typed letter from Fanny, Lee promptly pockets the letter, and then sells it to a local Book Seller. She discovers that there is a quite a market for literary memorabilia. So she gets herself an old typewriter, and starts to produce a few of her own, but in the style of the author she is imitating.
Life has once more become sweet for Lee, rent is getting paid on time, and she can enjoy herself. Unfortunately for her, the World of literary memorabilia has something of an inner circle, and dealers start talking to one another, and it becomes clear what is afoot. When the FBI start to investigate Lee has to take drastic action, and so goes into partnership with Jack, a fresh face who can carry on her good work.  As to how it all pans out, you'll have to watch the film.

Needless to say that the film is as much fun as it sounds, it is a truly delightful story, and whilst no one would wish to commend Lee for what she did, you have got to hand it to her for an ingenious way to pay her bills. Although there is much humour in the film, there is also some drama, and again this proves that Comedy actors can make an excellent job of drama, with both Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant on top form, what a great double act they make, such a delight to watch.

 And the main question from the film......is the word "starfucker" one or two words???  8 out of 10

"Mary Queen of Scots"

At one point it was looking like this film was a favourite for serious Oscar contention. It may still bag an Oscar nod for Lead Actress for Saoirse Ronan, and possibly the odd craft nomination but that will be about it.

Despite having seen two previous films about the Virgin Queen, brilliantly played by Cate Blanchett, this film unsurprisingly concentrates more on the Queen of Scotland, and there is a lot to learn, also I was surprised how little Margot Robbie appears in the film. We got the usual brief overview to cover Mary's early years. And we first see her as she arrives in Scotland.
With the Protestants and Catholics  at war with each other, it is essentially a race between the two Queens to see who can provide an Heir first, and thus hopefully become Monarch of both Countries.
Mary having to also deal with plotting from within her own Subjects, as well as her scheming Husband, Lord Darnley.

I have to say that one of the best scenes in the film is where the two Queens meet, having a meeting in private to try and reach an amicable agreement, and yet in history, it never actually took place, as Mary and Elizabeth never met. It does piss me off when writers need to fabricate scenes for dramatic purposes especially in a history biopic.

The whole cast do an excellent job, and there are many familiar faces from Timelords to staff Members of Downton Abbey. Margot Robbie is good as Elizabeth but this really is Saoirse Ronan's film. She really is outstanding as Mary. If she does get an nomination, it will be her fourth, of which three will have been for Lead Actress. It will only be a matter of time before she does have an Academy Award.

The Direction is fairly solid, and comes courtesy of Josie Rourke, and if it is a name you are not familiar with, then this is her feature debut, and most impressive it is too.
As I say, it is a good film, just not one that I would watch over and over. It is questionable if I would buy it, but what I saw I enjoyed.....7 out of 10

"Glass" (Preview Screening)

Who would have thought that almost 20 years after the release of the smash hit "Unbreakable" that we would now be watching this third film in the planned trilogy?
I have to say that I never knew that this was planned as a trilogy. The first inkling I got was possibly like many others when seeing the very closing shots of "Split" and the surprise appearance of 'David Dunn', the Bruce Willis character from "Unbreakable".

The two worlds of "Unbreakable" and "Split" collide as we see characters from both films all gear up for the battle of Good Vs Evil, David trying to track down 'The Beast', one of the many split personalities of Kevin Wendall Crumb.
Entering into the fray is 'Doctor Ellie Staple', who believes that she can explain away the so called super powers of Kevin, David and Elijah Price.

Are these three characters deluded and that there is nothing actually at all special about them?
Do they actually possess great powers?

I am not sure whether I missed any reference to when the film is set in relation to "Split" but I read one review which said it was four weeks later, so let's go with that.
David has his own Home Security firm, and is working with his Son, Joseph, and in a nice touch the role is reprised by Spencer Treat Clark, who I always thought gave an astonishing performance in "Unbreakable". They are trying to track down 'The Beast' as four local girls are missing. Using his powers, David does indeed find Kevin, but before a showdown ensues they are both apprehended by the authorities, and put in an institution, under the charge of 'Doctor Staple', along with 'Elijah Price'.
The remainder of the film is pretty in the grounds of the Hospital as the good Doctor tries to explain away their powers. And yes it can get a bit bogged down at times, but one always gets a sense that there will be a big pay-off, that unfortunately never comes.
It is hard to go into too much detail without giving away key plot details.Samuel L. Jackson has recently said that due to world events that the original ending was changed. Would that have improved the finale?  Guess we'll never know.

One thing is certain is that once again James McAvoy gives an astonishing performance. It's not just about finding the right voice and characteristics for each of this personalities, but he changes his body language too in the flick of a switch. It's really impressive to watch. Sadly Willis and Jackson are given very little to do, both performances pale to what we saw in "Unbreakable".

It's a good film, and worth watching for McAvoy alone, and nice to see Willis and Treat Clark together again, but does it have a twist ending?????
I won't shatter your expectations, you need to go see the film......6 out of 10

"Vice" (Preview Screening)

The creative force behind this latest biopic, Adam McKay and I do not have the best track record.  He produced "Daddy's Home" and its sequel. He was executive Producer on "Grimsby" and "The Dictator". He Directed & Co-wrote "The Big Short". And most unforgivable of all is that he Produced "Holmes & Watson".

But all that being said, I am prepared to overlook all that has gone before, for McKay has created a TRUE masterpiece with "Vice", a compelling look at the life of Vice President Dick Cheney.

Dick Cheney is a loser, at least he is when first we see him in the film, during an arrest in Wyoming in 1963. His Wife basically tells him to shape up or ship out. History tells us the answer to that one.
No matter what your politics or thoughts on the man, this is a totally 100% compelling film which gives us a real insight into the second, and some would argue, the most powerful man on Earth. From his early beginnings as a family man, to his various roles at The White House, to becoming Vice President under President Bush. From Health scares to Weapons of Mass Destruction, from dealing with a Lesbian daughter to the Oil business, it's all here.

The style of the film is similar to that used in "The Big Short", but where that film got bogged down in financial jargon, this is an almost addictive look at the man's life. You keep wanting to know more and more.
There are some amazing performances. Amy Adams excels as Lynne Cheney, as does Steve Carrell as Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Also worthy of note is Sam Rockwell as President Bush.

Over the years, I have seen many films, and so therefore have seen many performances. And some of those have been truly exceptional. I think it is fair to say that the performance by Christian Bale is one of the best that I have ever seen. And that is quite some statement. Naturally the performance is helped by the great make-up work, under the legendary Greg Cannom, but make-up only goes so far. It still has to rely on an acting talent to deliver a great performance.
I still think that an actor from a biopic will take home the Leading Actor Oscar, but now it could be more to do with President than Queen.
And of course I have to commend Director and Writer Adam McKay for such a punchy screenplay that keeps one constantly looking at the screen. 135 minutes just flies by.

If I had been given the opportunity by the Cinema to sit and watch the film again, right there, I would not have hesitated, It IS that good.
It's dramatic, funny, brilliantly told, and at the forefront is one of the finest performances you will ever see.......10 out of 10

2018 - "This Year In Film"

Well, another Cinematic year has come to a close...and what of it?  Well for me it has been another bumper year of Cinema viewing, with my screenings up on 2017.
The quantity may be up, but is the quality?
I think for me it has been a mixed bag. When the film is good, it's really good, but then when it is bad, Bernard Matthews comes calling !!!

We shall start with a selection of the Turkeys....

 Still not completely sure what either of these two films were about, and I won't be watching again to help me find out !!

 Two examples of British comedy.....at its very worst. Despite some great British stars attached to both films, they completely failed to raise a titter

 I have yet to walk out of a film, but I came remarkably close with both of these two films. There has been much in the press about the complete failure of "Holmes & Watson" but I was surprised as to how bored I was with "The Seagull", and that despite starring one of my favourite actresses, Annette Bening.

 And Woody Allen clearly losing his way, which this dire film, which explains, amongst other things, why Amazon was keen to severe its ties with him.




Here is a selection of films that really were on top form....

From an ice-skating drama to a knock-out sequel







From a Teen love story to the third remake at a classic story of fame and love

Or a film which looks at our love the four legged canine, from the mind of Wes Anderson

There are a few films which on any normal year would have been crowned Best Picture, they were oh so close....

 I was blown away by the armchair grabbing brilliance of "A Quiet Place", and also one of the best thrillers I have seen in some time, namely "Searching"

And then there was the film that SHOULD have taken home the Oscar for Best Picture, and this is of course "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

 There were also a few movies which seemed to come out of nowhere and really took me by surprise

 These three films just really made my day when watching them. To be honest, I had no intention of watching two of them, it was only by pure fluke that I got to see them, and I am so glad that I did. All three will soon be added to my DVD / Blu Ray collection, and are definitely for watching.

And likewise, there are a number of films that seemed to promise to be on the Top Ten List of 2018 and yet fell well short

After a huge success with "Deadpool", the sequel fell well short of repeating that success.
"Aquaman" I put into the same category as "Black Panther" in that I don't see what all the fuss is about or why either have done so well at the Box Office

 Not every horror film can do as well as either "A Quiet Place" or "Overlord". Two films which promised much, but delivered very little were "Hereditary" and much talked about sequel "Halloween"

And I think that "Solo: A Star Wars Story" proved you can have too much Star Wars in your life, when this film well and truly flopped earlier in 2018

Two films, both sequels, both to highly successful originals, and both featuring small roles from multi Oscar winner Meryl Streep.
I think it is fair to say that in both cases, they should have left well alone

And there were two horror films in 2018, which were both worthy of the title horror, as they are truly awful, and they are....

Over four hours of my life were wasted watching these two entries for worst films of the Year.

 

But before we get to the Big Award and that of Best Picture, let us look at some of those who have given the best performances throughout 2018....

BEST SUPPORTING ROLES

There have been numerous actors and actresses who have supported their leading cast members this year, and here are some examples of the very best.....

Allison Janney was rather scary as the mother of Tonya Harding in "I, Tonya", and Timothee Charlamet shows what a phenomenal young actor he is with brilliant work in "Beautiful Boy".

Fionn Whitehead tugged at the heart strings with his role "The Children Act", and for me Woody Harrelson should have gotten the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his great work on "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

 

BEST  ACTOR

In a great year for biopics, and a year when both John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan could have been added for their amazing work in  "Stan & Ollie", I have decided that I could not choose between Rami Malek for his brilliant performance as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and to the amazing Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour".

BEST ACTRESS

 

On any normal year, any of these three outstanding performances would have bagged the award for Best Actress.

But the Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role goes to.....

Emma Thompson for her powerful and gripping performance in "The Children Act"

THE ROBERT REDFORD AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

An actor who has been directed by some great talent over the last few years, and has clearly been taking notes, especially when watching his Directorial debut of "A Star Is Born", and the Winner is...

Bradley Cooper

BEST PICTURE

Last year there were four films that I could not seperate, so I had a four way tie. Thankfully that has not happened again this year. 

For me there were two films that really stood out for both moving me, and entertaining me, as well as telling a great story. I also got to see both twice at the Cinema, and had time permitted, I am sure a third viewing for each I would have done. 

The two films that I am awarding the honour of Best Films of 2018 are.....

"The Front Runner" (Preview Screening)

Ever since I saw the trailer for this film, I have been keen to see it, and thanks to a preview screening, I got to do so early.

Some of us here in the UK do follow American Politics, so we have seen the likes of Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis and Geraldine Ferraro come and go. One name that might not be overly familiar is that of Gary Hart, a charming and charismatic Democrat who was the front runner for the Party nomination, and would therefore run for President in 1988.

And why did he never get to sit in The White House as Commander in Chief?  A news report broke of an extra-marital affair, and the house of cards came tumbling down.
A some of you know, films involving Politics and The White House have always caught my attention, so this was a must see film, especially as it is based on true events.

But like Donald Trump at a 'We Love Mexico' Rally, it fails to deliver.
We get a little of his back story, seeing how he did not get the nomination in 1984, and then we join him and his team as they look to get the Democrat nomination for 1988, and then the events that cause his fall from grace.

Overall the film lacks any real tension. For want of a better choice of words, I was bored. Some say its poses questions that are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago, and yes that may be the case, but if those questions get bogged down in a dull film, then what is the point?
Many are raving about Hugh Jackman's performance, as you will see from the poster. He smiles, then he looks mean and moody, and shouts quite a lot. That about sums it up. And I'm sorry but I would have thought that with Studio money behind the film, you would have thought they would have forked out for a more realistic wig for Jackman to wear!!!!
A great actress like Vera Farmiga, who plays Harts wife is given little to do.
J. K. Simmons does fare better as we see him as the equivalent of a Campaign Manager.

Like some school reports say.....Could do better......5 out of 10

"Colette" (Preview Screening)

This film has everyone talking about how great Keira Knightley is in the title role, a role that sees her playing French novellist Colette, who was one of several ghost writers used by her well known Husband 'Willy'. She creates a series of nevels which become a huge success, and understandably she wants to have her name added to the book, but her Husband refuses saying that it will impact sales, and He is the face behind the book.

From humble Country life beginnings to the hustle and bustle of Paris, Colette becomes aware of their lack of funds, not only is Willy frittering away their money on wine and song, but women also. Colette finds solace in the kindred spirit of 'Missy'. They embark on a relationship, one that lasted for many years.

Naturally given recent events with all the MeToo campaign, and gender pay equality, the film has a great deal of relevance, and I'm sure that there is much that people can relate to. It seems that things have not changed much over the last 120 years.

Keira Knightley is very enchancting as Colette, and is her best performance for some time. I did see one review that said "It is the performance that Keira will be remembered for some time". Well I wouldn't go quite that far, but certainly it is an excellent piece of work. Dominic West is ok as Husband Willy.
One actress who is always a delight to watch is Fiona Shaw, and she is on top form playing Colette's Mother. Another great peformance is from Denise Gough as Missy, the love interest.

It is a good film, enjoyable enough. It just did not have that punch to make it an extraordinary film.

7 out of 10

"Mary Poppins Returns"

A very brave move by Disney to make a sequel to such a beloved film, especially over 50 years after the original came out.
But then again possibly enough time has passed by to revisit the flying Nanny.

Jane and Michael Banks are now grown up, and Michael has a family of his own. But his wife passed away a year ago, and he is all set to lose the family home. Just when their need is the greatest, in comes Mary Poppins. Aside from learning the children how to have a sense of fun, it is never really clear what purpose she is there to serve.
It is a slightly different interpretation of Mary Poppins, at times walking round the Banks house more  like a Sergeant Major than a Nanny. If anyone was to play the role then I can think of no one better than Emily Emily, who does a decent enough job.
Panto season is in full swing with Colin Firth doing his moustache twirling villainy as the evil Bank Manager.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is excellent as Candle snuffer Jack, and does a great job of exorcising the Cockney accent of original star Dick Van Dyke.
For me the worst written character is Michael Banks, who seems very wishy washy, and you just want to shout at him to grow a pair.

It's enjoyable enough, and fans young and old will be entertained. Will this still be being watched in 50 years time, like the original? 6 out of 10