"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

"The Happytime Murders"

Anyone who has grown up watching beloved characters like 'Kermit', 'Miss. Piggy', 'Big Bird' or Oscar the Grouch may be completely outraged by this new comedy, or you could be of the same opinion as me, and absolutely love it.

The film is set in world where puppets and people live together.
We get introduced to Private Detective Phil Philips, who is working on a case but ends up getting involved in a mass shooting in a Porno store. He ends up working with his former Police Partner to try and figure why the stars of a 90's kids show are being bumped off. Hostilities rise up between the Cop and Private Dick, and Melissa McCarthy is well matched to take on anything coming her way, whether warm blooded or hand stitched.

It's a great concept, and the story works well. The puppets are brilliantly done, there is a nice little video during the end credits which gives insight into how they were brought to life.
The best way to describe it is it is like watching "Sesame Street" but an after 10pm special, so there are no holds barred, and thats definitely the case here.

Despite the mauling that some critics have given it, if you go in knowing what to expect, then like me you will find it to be highly entertaining, laugh out loud comedy.....7 out of 10

"St. Vincent"

Vincent is far from being a Saint, in fact anything but.
A little down on his luck, he drinks, gambles, is usually in a permanant sombre mood. His disposition does not improve when new neighbours arrive, a Mom and her young boy Oliver.

He drinks to forget his problems, most of which are a combination of his mounting gambling debts, and that his beloved Wife is in a care home that he cannot maintain the payments on.
In order to try and get some more stake money for the dog track, he finds himself the most unlikely babysitter. So Oliver finds himself being taken to all of Vincent's regular haunts, the Bar, the Race track, and frequenting with his Stripper friend too.
Oliver finds himself getting bullied at school, so as an unlikely father figure Vincent steps in with guidance on how Oliver can defend himself. But alas time is running out for Vincent what with his money worries, and a loan shark breathing down his back. Also unbeknownst to Oliver, his Father has filed for full custody, something which terrifies his loving mother.

Oliver and Vincent do strike up the most unlikely of friendships, but it does work, for two reasons, the great writing from Theodore Melfi, who also directed the movie, and from the great performances courtesy fo Bill Murray and newcomer Jaeden Lieberher.
It also especially nice to see a dramatic turn from comedy queen Melissa McCarthy, who proves she is not just for laughs, and I for one would like to see her doing more drama.

If Vincent is not bitter enough, things are not helped when he suffers a stroke. And whilst recovering from this condition, he receives the most devastating news. And it is in these scenes that Bill Murray reminds us all what a great actor he is.

All in all it is a highly enjoyable film, whilst not in the same league as my all time favourite Murray film - "Lost In Translation" - it is still a great movie and a delight to watch, and this despite a slightly over sentimental ending..................7 out of 10