"The Whale" (Preview Screening)

 

Like "Empire of Light", the trailer for this film had me hooked, and moved me every time I saw it. 

We are introduced to Charlie, an obese online teacher, who is spending his last few days on this mortal coil, and in those last few days he seeks to reconnect with his Daughter, who he has been estranged from since leaving both her and her Mother for one of his male Students some years earlier.

Given his size, he is housebound, and struggles to most everyday tasks for himself. He does have a Carer, who visits him daily, and she is the Sister of his former male Partner. She is doing her best to keep him alive, but clearly Charlie has a plan.

Ellie is  a very troubled teen, in fact that is beinbg polite. I would almost describe her as loathsome, and if I were Charlie, I would want to keep as far away from her a possible, but being the kind hearted soul that he is, he sees the good in everyone and everything. 

Also coming into the mix is Latter day Saint Thomas, who is trying to convey that a better World is going to be forthcoming, etc etc. Quite frankly I am not sure of what purpose his character serves, although well played by Ty Simpkins. Sadie Sink is equally as good as his repugnant Daughter.

The relationship between Charlie and his Carer Liz is well done, with great work from both Fraser and Hong Chau. You can clearly see the love between, and the love that she knows he still has for his former Partner and her Brother. I had expected to be an emotional wreck by the end of the film, and I wasn't. I would say it is a very good film, but not truly exceptional. But what is at the heart of the film is a phenomenal performance from Brendan Fraser as Charlie. People talk about this resurgence in his career, and that it is a once in a lifetime performance. But he has always had this level of performance in him. Go and check some of his earlier great work on films like "School Ties", "With Honors" and of course his role as the love interest of Sir Ian McKellen in "Gods And Monsters". 

The performance is truly amazing, as is the make-up used to bring Charlie and his obsesity to life. There is much talk of an Oscar, and yes I would be delighted to see him win. Whether he will do so is another matter, we shall see next month......8 out of 10

"M3gan"

 

Here we have the latest thriller from the Blumhouse team. A young girl is orphaned, and goes to live with her Aunt, who is a robotics genius. Struggling to cope with her grief, the Aunt creates a new play friend for her Niece, a piece of AI robotic wizardry, and called Megan. 

Given that her primary keeper is Cady (the Niece), Megan will do all it must to look after her, and more importantly to protect her. You can clearly see where this is going.

From the Neighbours dog, to a local bully, all become the target of Megan, as she engages on a psychotic journey from teacher and saviour to your worst nightmare. 

The plot is wafer thin, incredibly predictable, and with very little tension. And when all looks lost for Aunt and Niece, their rescuer is all too obvious. The Android itself looks and is rather creepy, but should have been used more effectively.

Despite my low praise, I clearly know very little, as the film has been a hit and a sequel has already been given the green light. Dull and predictable...............4 out of 10

"Empire of Light"

 

To say that I had been looking forward to this film for some time would be an understatement. From the first time I saw the trailer on the big screen, I was hooked, and could not wait. Thanks to those lovely people at Cineworld, there was a preview screening.

The film is Directed by Sam Mendes, the Award winning Director of such greats as "Skyfall" and "1917", and as in both those cases, this latest film is shot by Oscar winner Roger Deakins. It is a multi stranded story, dealing with mental illness, racism, a beautiful love story, and the wonder of Cinema. Set at the start of the 1980's we are in Margate, at a local Cinema, where the day to day showing of the latest films takes place. The love story between Hilary (Olivia Colman) and Stephen (Micheal Ward) is beautifully told, and her fall back into depression and dealing with her mental illness is so real and brilliantly done. We also see Stephen having to endure racist abuse. It is a powerful film, very well shot by Deakins. There is a wonderfully understated score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.       

Given the majority of the films location, there is an undeniable love to the Cinema, the big screen experience, and it is at the highpoint when projectionist Norman (Toby Jones) illuminates Stephen as to how the moving image is put on to the big screen. 

There has been much said of Cate Blanchett's performance in "Tár", and that she is nailed on to win the Best Lead Actress Oscar this year. Yes I have seen that performance, and whilst very good, it does not come close to the brilliance of Olivia Colman. The fact that she is not even nominated is a great crime. 

I have seen the film twice, so far. It has a compelling story, great performances, and if you love Cinema and the Big Screen, then there is no better film to see. 2023 gets off to the very best start....10 out of 10

"No Time To Die"

It seems like a lifetime ago since I last reviewed a film. Because of World events, we sadly saw Cinemas around the Globe close. But thankfully things are getting back to normal, well cinematically at the very least. Giving us all a much needed escape from every day life. And despite some success with films being streamed, there will only ever be one place to watch a film, especially for the first time and that is at the Cinema. The big screen experience. There is nothing like it. 

So after several false starts we have the release of Bond 25 or "No Time To Die". There is always a fanfare with the release of a Bond film but this latest Film was a whole different ball game. The arrival of a James Bond film is still a big cinema event, and that coupled with this being the final outing for Daniel Craig in the lead role makes it all the more anticipated. 

There have been so many stories in the Press from ankle injuries to quitting Directors, a possible female Bond to is Dr. No back. 

The main question is....

Is the film any good?

The answer is a resounding yes. But first let's discuss the film itself. The film opens with Bond and Madeleine Swann enjoying an idyllic life together, having driven off into the sunset at the end of "Spectre". 

Both are revisiting their past and it certainly comes back to haunt them. Bond felt betrayed by Vesper Lynd and is history repeating itself? 

An action packed sequence unfolds in the longest pre title sequence in the history of the franchise. It is brilliantly directed and contains some excellent action, very well shot and edited, a far cry from the horror that we had to endure in the opening of "Quantum of Solace". 

This then takes us to the title sequence and the theme from Billie Eillish. I have to admit that when I first heard it I was not at all impressed. I just felt it was a very non sounding Bond song. But given what unfolds at the start of the film, and the song lyrics, it is a perfect mix. As one watches the imagery of the title sequence, one is reminded of another classic Bond film. 

Then we jump forward five years, and the World has moved on. Bond has retired, living a relaxing life in Jamaica, MI6 are making the ultimate weapon to deal the World's bad guys, and naturally someone wants to get their hands on it, and of course does. With a little tinkering the said weapon can go from being the perfect assassination device to causing death on a huge scale. 

Bond is brought back into active service but by not by her Majesty's Secret Service. He comes to the aid of longtime CIA Allie Felix Letter, expressing concern that the powers that be are not playing nicely together. Besides during his retirement Bond has been replaced by Nomi, a new 00 Agent. And boy is she everything his equal. 

Bond, with the help of Paloma, crosses paths with Letter and Nomi in Cuba, trying to locate a missing Russian scientist who holds the key to Heracles, a stolen biological weapon. What follows is a brilliant action sequence, wonderfully choreographed, and features a scene stealing Ana de Amas who just lights up the screen. It is a crying shame that we see so little of her character. 

Loyalties get tested and not everyone is who they seem. 

With Christoph Waltz returning as Blofeld you would expect him to be our main villain, but he takes a side step to the real villain of the piece, Safin, who wants revenge for the death of his family by SPECTRE. But not only does he want to take Spectre suffer but lessen the World's population, with a plot not too dissimilar to "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". In fact there are quite a few nods to that great Bond film. 

As with 007 there are some excellent action sequences, Inc a great shootout in Norway. But all these events lead to the inevitable showdown and the big finale.  

Many diehard fans have been appalled by the ending, but I loved it. I think it brought the Craig Bond era to a fitting close. It was both moving and well executed. 

As ever Daniel Craig excels as Bond. He has made the role his own and is up there as a truly great 007. I felt a vast improvement by Lea Seydoux in her performance as Madeline Swann. All the usual crew (Fiennes, Harris Kinnear & Whishaw) were great. But as mentioned, the two new ladies (Lynch & de Amas) were really top notch and played string female characters in a male dominated World. 

I do think that Rami Malek as Safin didn't quite delivery a memorable performance. I thought he was more chilling in the pre-credit sequence than what followed afterwards. I loved what he planned to do as his masterplan, but just felt he lacked any real menace. 

At almost three hours it is the longest Bond film but the time flies by, there are quite a few surprises along the way, but all in all it will stand the test of time as a great Bond film....9 out of 10

"The 92nd Annual Academy Awards" - My Predictions

It does not seem five minutes since Olivia Colman stole the show at last years Oscars, but the last 12 months have flown by, and here we are with the 92nd Annual Academy Awards.
As always, when the nominations were announced, there was the usual argument, about lack of diversity and gender. I will not add my own personal opinions here, as I will be dealing with those that are nominated. For me, as a big fan of both film, and the Oscars, I do not think that I can ever recall a more star packed category than that of Best Supporting Actor. And the funniest thing is, that two heavy weight actors like Tom Hanks and Sir Anthony Hopkins are the outsiders lol.

As usual for each of the main 8 categories I shall name the nominee who I think will win, and also who I would like to see win, Sometimes they will be the same, and sometimes they will differ.
Of the main 8, which garner a total of 44 nominations, as of typing this, I have seen 42, which I think is the best I have ever managed, so definitely in a good position to pass comment.

As usual, my list will consist of the following:-

Best Original Screenplay
Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Director
Best Picture

So...let's get started, and the first category is....

Best Original Screenplay

At one point this was set in stone, but more recently a possible contender to steal Tarantino's thunder is "Parasite". But there is a lot of love for Tarantino in the Academy, and I think it is highly unlikely that he will bag Best Director, so if there is one opportunity to award him with an Oscar for this movie, then this is it.
And of the five nominees this is also the one that I would like to see win, and that despite not being a huge fan of the film.








Best Screenplay Based on material Previously Produced or Published

Another category that I don't think is straight forward to call. Like the above, I think at one point it was Steven Zaillian all the way for "The Irishman", but now for me that is doubtful. "Joker" could possibly bag it, as could Greta Gerwig for "Little Women", but I think that there is a good chance that Taika Waititi will prevail, despite mixed reactions to the film. And I would also be equally happy if it wins.










Best Actress in a Supporting Role




Given that Laura Dern has won most of the Supporting Actress Awards going, it is a fairly safe bet that she will be adding an Academy Award to her Trophy cabinet.

Is it the best performance? No, there is better work out there. One has to look no further than the brilliant performance from Oscar Winner Kathy Bates in "Richard Jewell".
I think that in the case of Laura it is honouring not only this performance, which is an ok one, but also her career as a whole, and her parentage.





Best Actor in a Supporting Role

This is a true veterans category, with all five actors having been previously nominated for Academy Awards, and four of this years nominees have been past winners.
Whilst I do not necessarily think that Brad Pitt gives the best performance, I do think he will win, and to be honest, I would be equally pleased to see him win, as he has given some wonderful films and performances over a 30+ year career. I think that it is safe to say that it is his time.



Best Actress in a Leading Role

I think after last year, I have been a little twitchy with some predictions, especially as everyone thought that Glenn Close was a near certainty for Best Leading Actress, and we all know what followed, although if anyone was going to nab that Oscar last year, it was going to be Olivia Colman.
I think I can say that I am on safer ground by declaring that Renee Zellweger will take the honour for her amazing work as Judy Garland, and YES , she does deserve it. Truly oustanding.


Best Actor in a Leading Role

Much has been said of the film "Joker", whether you love it or hate, which does seem to be the extent of peoples emotion on this movie, most consensus is that Joaquin Phoenix gives a brilliant performance. And yes I do think it is very good....but Oscar worthy?  No, not for me, but it pains me to say that I think he will win.






Of all the categories that acting talent has been snubbed, for me this is the big one, as both Eddie Murphy and especially Paul Walter Hauser should both have been nominated. I do question whether Jonathan  Pryce should have been included, its a nice performance but not enough to warrant a win or a nomination. Similarly I think the same of Leonardo DiCaprio.
But as to who I would prefer to see win, well that is easy to answer. Antonio Banderas for his career best Performance in "Pain And Glory".


Best Director

Some time ago, it was safe to say that the one film that was going to dominate the Oscars was "The Irishman" including a 2nd Best Director Oscar for Martin Scorsese. I think it will be a 2nd Oscar but for Sam Mendes for his brilliant work on "1917".

I know I have already said that "Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood" is not my favourite Tarantino movie, but I would so love to see him awarded a Best Director Oscar, and he is long overdue, and given what we know, there may not be many more opportunities.




Best Picture

Again this year we have nine nominees, which certanly makes for a more interesting evening, as a film you would normally not expect to win could slip through, given that the votes are spread over a greater number of films. For me, that is the only way that "The Revenant" did not win Best Picture a few years ago, surely the biggest Oscar crime in recent memory. Yes, more so than "Brokeback Mountain".

For me, there are 3 films that I feel, whilst being good, do not deserve a Best Picture nomination.

For the technical achievement, and given what the story is about, I feel that "1917" will take the top prize. I would say that it is not set in stone, not like some of the acting awards, so we could certainly have an upset here. But I think it will win the top prize.
On a personal level I hope it does also, as I have a decent wager on it winning said prize.

Of all the nine films nominated, and I have been fortunate to see them all, the one that I felt that was the Best Picture, that told the best story, and from start to finish took me on the best journey... it is no contest. It has to be "Le Mans '66".













So just to recap, here are my thoughts on what I think WILL Win

Best Original Screenplay - "ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD"
Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published - "JOJO RABBIT"
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - "LAURA DERN"
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - "BRAD PITT"
Best Actress in a Leading Role - "RENEE ZELLWEGER"
Best Actor in a Leading Role - "JOAQUIN PHOENIX"
Best Director - "SAM MENDES"
Best Picture - "1917"

It was a pretty slick show last year without a host, though I have to say I do miss an opening monologue. When you look at the magic from the likes of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson and Billy Crystal, it is a shame we don't at the very least get to enjoy some choice words about Hollywood.

Well, here is to the 92nd Oscars....

2019 - "This Year In Film"

The start of a new year means the inevitable look back at the last 12 months.
So how have the last 365 cinematic days fared?  Yet again the quantity has gone up, and the quality does seem to have improved, with far less turkeys this year.

Speaking of which, let us take a look at the films that were in dire need of stuffing...

Worst Films of the Year:-

"Us" - Jordan Peele proving that "Get Out" was not a one trick turkey
"Midsommar" - Whilst "Hereditary" was not the great horror we were expecting, this 150 minute snooze fest will certainly make me question watching anything else by Ari Aster.
 "Godzilla King of Monsters" -Aside from Ken Watanabe, there is very little to commend about this monster movie
"The Hustle" - of the four this truly is a TURKEY, the biggest of the year.  There was no comedy at all in this laughless film. Avoid at all costs.

Showed Great Promise, But.....:-

"The Front Runner" - Political Scandal movie about US Senator Gary Hart, starring Hugh Jackman. It was good, but it just did not compel. Could have been a really great film
"Destroyer" - Yes it had a great performance by Nicole Kidman, but I just felt that the film wandered around alot.
"If Beale Street Could Talk" - A critics favourite, and big Award winner, but not for me. And I will say that I think there were more deserving Best Supporting Actress winners than Regina King.
"Rambo Last Blood" - If it had carried on in the same style as "Rambo" then I would have loved it, but it was a lacklustre way to round off the franchise.

What Went Wrong:-

Sometimes a film looks good, sounds good, and indeed should be good, but whatever is in the stars, something with this selection just wasn't quite right.

"Glass" - After the brilliant "Split", and its connection to "Unbreakable", we all waited for the big finale....alas it was something of a letdown.
"X-Men Dark Phoenix" - No greater argument can one have for saying that Comic Book movies are too many, too often than with this, one of the worst Marvel films ever, yes its up there with "Fantastic Four".
"Ad Astra" - Critics were so in love with this movie, was it this years "Gravity"? Definitely not, though its handy if you have insomnia.
"The Aeronauts" - Similarly this film should not be viewed whilst operating machinery or taking medication.

This last entry in this category really pains me, as I am a HUGE fan of the Director. In fact prior to this film, he was the only Director who had a 100% track record of delivering films that I really like, love or truly adore.
"Once Upon A Time....In Hollywood" - I can't believe that I am putting a Quentin Tarantino film in this category, but there you have it. I just did not get on with it, it was good, and had some nice QT moments but it wasn't a great film. I know there are extended versions coming out, and maybe this will enhance my pleasure of the film, who knows.

What A Surprise:-

All too often you go to the Cinema to watch a film, not knowing much if anything at all about it. You sit in that darkened room, and you then get really surprised with a great film that seems to come out of nowhere. We have had quite a few this year, and they are....

"The Prodigy" - All right, yes one could argue it is a rip off of "The Omen" but I just really enjoyed it.
"Out of Blue" - Loved it
"Good Boys" - I saw this hysterically funny film twice, and would highly recommend it.
"Tucked" - A great British comedy drama about an ageing drag queen, taking under their wings a young and upcoming act. Worth the price of admission for an exemplary performance from Derren Nesbitt.
"Countdown" - Like "The Prodigy" I am sure that there are many horror fans who would take great pleasure in bashing both these films, but like the former, again this really worked for me, lots of chills, and not OTT with gore, the way a real horror should be.
"Last Christmas" - This film is like marmite, you either love it or hate it. And I really enjoyed it. And judging by how many went to see it, despite the comments of critics, many others enjoyed it too.

A Welcome Return:-

"The Mule" - After 12 years Clint Eastwood returned to the front of the camera with this wonderful drama based on a true story. A real delight.
"Downton Abbey" - Fans of the TV series were so happy to get to go back to Grantham, and I for one made the journey twice.
"Terminator Dark Fate" - Although this film has probably killed off the franchise for good, I did enjoy it, more so than the films that followed "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
"Angel Has Fallen" - Mike Banning is back, and on top form, in a film that alongside "John Wick 3" are the two best action films of the year.
"The Irishman" - Scorsese, De Niro, Pacino and Pesci are back. It has been a long wait, and there has been controversy. It's not the best from Scorsese, but even a very good film from him is better than most Director's best efforts.

Sight & Sound:-

I love the visual splendour of seeing something truly gobsmacking on the big screen, especially IMAX. And I have been privileged to see and also to hear some amazing things this year. Three really stand out for me. (Only "Apollo 11" was seen on IMAX)

"Apollo 11" - This compelling documentary is a must. I saw it on the IMAX and the moment when the rocket takes off is one that I will not forget in a hurry. It is a moment like this, which shows why IMAX is THE way to watch movies.
"Pavarotti" - Again, another great documentary, and the moment when the great Tenor sings Nessun Dorma will leave you speechless.
"Cats" - I always knew that there would be one stand out moment from this much talked about film, and it was listening to one of the greatest female voices on the planet, namely Jennifer Hudson sing "Memory".

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:-

Like so many, I loved this film, and I could seperate their two brilliant performances, I would have been deligted to see either bag a second Academy Award.

So for Best Actress In A Supporting Role, the award goers to.......
Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone for "The Favourite"



Best Actor in a Supporting Role:-

Like the previous category, we have a tie. I just cannot pick between these two great performances, both of whcih have had me glued to the screen.

For a welcome return to the screen alongside his great friend Robert de Niro, Joe Pesci shone in a subdued and quiet performance.

Also working an equally impressive double act, alongside Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant gave one of the finest comedy perfomances of the year.





So the Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role goes to.......

Joe Pesci in "The Irishman"
Richard E. Grant in "Can You Ever Forgive Me"

Best Actress in a Leading Role:-

There have been some great performances from Leading Ladies this year, so much so, we almost had a seven way tie, but I felt that stretched things a little too far. But those worthy of note are Melissa McCarthy in "Can You Ever Forgive Me",  Jessie Buckley in "Wild Rose", Jennifer Lopez in "Hustlers", Vanessa Redgrave in "Mrs. Lowry & Son" and Lesley Manville in "Ordinary Love".

It's ironic the timing of this award, and that I go from January to December in a calendar year, so there are all too often overlaps, especially with the Oscars. And in this category, we have an example of past and those yet to win...

She was simply phenomenal as Queen Anne, and rightly stole the show at the 91st Oscars.









Renee Zellweger IS Judy Garland...enough said.








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

Olivia Colman in "The Favourite"
Renee Zellweger in "Judy"


Best Actor in a Leading Role:-

Like the ladies, there have been many outstanding Leading Men this year, those who could eadily have bagged the top prize include Lucas Hedges in "Boy Erased", Derren Nesbitt in "Tucked", Taron Egerton in "Rocket Man", Antonio Banderas in "Pain And Glory", and Timothy Spall in "Mrs. Lowry & Son".

To start the year with a truly fine biopic and a compelling performance is one thing. To then end the year with another rousing and thoroughly entertaining biopic is quite something. I refer of course to Oscar winner Christian Bale. He exceled alongside Matt Damon in "Le Mans 66".

His performance as Dick Cheney in "Vice" has to be a career best for the versatile actor.






The Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role goes to.......

Christian Bale in "Vice"

Best Picture:-

And so to the big one, the best film of 2019. As I mentioned there have been some great films this year, and here is a selection of movies that I scored either 8 or 9 out of 10

But at the end of the day there can only be one Best Film of the year, well unless you count 2017, when there was a tie of four Best Films. But this year it is easy, only one film scored the maximum ten out of ten. And it came out back in January.

And the Award for Best Picture goes to........

 

"Judy"

It does seem at the moment that the latest trend to hit Hollywood is the Music star biopic. We have already had films about Freddie Mercury and Elton John, there is also one on the way featuring David Bowie.
But to make a film about Judy Garland....now that is Brave.
She is a TRUE icon, a legendary music and screen figure, her songs and performances are beloved across the globe, and it takes a phenomenal actress to want to step into those shoes.

The film is similar in style to a big hit from the end of last year, which also looked at two true comedy icons, namely "Stan & Ollie", cutting from a time when the star is at the very height of their fame, and then to when they make a visit to London towards the end of their career.

Judy has been busy touring the States, making what money she can, and by her side are two of her younger children, sometimes even joining her on stage. But as the job offers and money starts to dry up, the only way that she can continue to see her children, is to leave them with her ex-husband and go to England to do a variety of shows.
Is she up to it?  Can she still perform to please a London crowd?

I know that when "Bohemian Rhapsody" came out, many critics said that they loved Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, but thought that the film was average. I would say that the film is better than average, but did not quite wow me as much as "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Stan & Ollie", but it is still a really enjoyable film. There is one moment right towards the end of the film, that for me was a little too over sentimental. Now if it actually occured then so be it, but if it is fictionalised then it was a step too far. I would like to know one way or the other.

The supporting cast are all decent enough. But at the end of the day, the film belongs to one person and of course that is Renee Zellweger. In a similar way that John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan did with Stan & Ollie, Renee really does bring Judy Garland to life.

The film trailer proclaims that 'Renee Zellweger is Judy Garland' - well it's as close as we're ever going to get.....8 out of 10