"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

"Foxcatcher"

As the true stories keep coming, here is one with ambition, power and Channing Tatum in a leotard.
Now if that doesn't get them queueing round the multiplexes then nothing will.

So leotards aside, I wish, what he have here is Mark Schultz, an Olmypic gold medal Wrestler, but for him he constantly spends life in the shadow of his older Brother David. But fortune smiles on Mark when he is given the opportunity of a lifetime to train with the famous Foxcatcher  team, and create an Olympic winning team that will take the US to the very top during the 1988 Games. Du Pont clearly sees great potential in Schultz, and makes him his new golden boy. All goes well for a while, but when standards start to slide, Du Pont has not alternative but to bring in David, much to Mark's annoyance.
Du Pont is a fascinating character, very complex, private, but determined, and having a great love for his country. He dotes on his Mother, and the fact that she finds wrestling a low sport must not sit well with him. One does wonder as to what is the attracion of the sport for Du Pont, and more so what is the attraction to Schultz?  There has been comment of an alleged closer relationship between Coach and Trainer.
Paranoia is a key part in Du Pont's downfall, but it is a shock when the act that causes his arrest occurs. There is no real hint of what was to come, and no reason as why he did what he did. 
But it is a dream part, so subtle, so quiet, so unnerving. And one has to question why the part was offered to a Comedy actor like Steve Carell. It is a very bizarre piece of casting, but one that pays off big time. He does give a career transformative performance, brilliantly played out, and he deserves every single Award nomination he receives. It would be nice to see him win as it is equally deserved.
Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo are equally excellent as the Schulz Brothers. Tatum especially is given the chance to show the versatile actor that he is, as opposed to starring in crowd pleasing movies.

I remember that when "The Iron Lady" opened, many said that it had amazing performances but was just an average film. I disagree as I thought it was outstanding, but that thought occured to me with regard to "Foxcatcher". It is worth watching for the remarkable acting on show from the three leads, but the film itself is average. I susepct I may have wanted more, or expected more of a revelation regarding the Du Pont Character.

Had the film been as good as the acting then it would have been close to a perfect film, however it still scores a worthwile 8 out of 10....