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Gravity (2013)
Not The Best Space Film Ever Made
It is spectacular. I cannot think of another film that so brilliantly depicts what it might feel like to be in space. It feels surreal, beautiful and terrifying. It is such an imperious joy to watch, especially in the first 30 - 45 mins that it feels gut wrenching when you're exposed to the final 2/3rds of the movie where endless "will she? won't she?" survival moments end with last ditch escapes. I think it becomes a sort of hyperbolic, mad parody of itself: which is either incredibly brave of the filmmakers or incredibly lazy.
I am yet to come to terms with the juddering, jarring discordance between first and second half but I do think everyone should see this movie. Unfortunately it feels like an opportunity lost...
Orange Is the New Black (2013)
Not a perfect show, but some seriously impressive performances
This show is rightly getting some excellent reviews, and it's easy to see why, it's a glossy, clever, drama-comedy with some great performances. Strangely enough, it's not the "main" characters that are the one's that really grabbed me.
Watch out for Pablo Schreiber playing 'Pornstache' Mendez, a gruesome, evil, sarcastic character of interesting depth and excellent comedic timing.
Similarly, Laverne Cox is absolutely epic as transgendered fireman turned credit card fraudster Sophia Burset. She adds a dynamic to the prison by interlinking many of the different narratives with aplomb.
And finally, Danielle Brooks playing 'Taystee' Jefferson absolutely rocks the screen when she's on it soaking up the applause as a sweet, yet sad, performer
I for one hope we get to see more of these actors in coming years as they really make the difference in this show. Unfortunately some of the scripting tales off in later episodes and some moments to truly connect with the audience go missing. But all-in-all as eclectic a set of performances as you could hope to see in an American drama.
Sleepwalk with Me (2012)
Bafflingly awful
I was so shocked by this film because it seemed to come with great reviews and a lot of people singing it's praises. Maybe I don't get Mike Birbiglia's comedy, maybe it doesn't translate on film. Whatever the reasons this is what I thought:
Poor comedian treats his long term girlfriend with total disrespect or honesty and becomes famous, but remains a terrible comedian. The only joke in this film is on the audience for sticking it out.
Indie standards are employed to keep you watching even though it becomes clear after a while that this film is going no where.
The only redeeming character in it is the father, who can be pretty funny at times with his insistent over-fathering.
The character I was most frustrated by was Abby. She goes from being a clearly intelligent, intriguing and honest character to one with little depth or courage. A real shame.