Honestly the worst film I've seen. A complete and utter disrespect to the imagination of Roald Dahl.
Reviews
8 Reviews
The Mule
(2018)
Clint's still got it
25 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It's a return to form from Clint Eastwood after the debacle that was 'The 15:17 to Paris'. This could go down as one of the most underrated films of the year in my honest opinion, and after all the years of being a filmmaker - Eastwood shows he's still got it.
The Mule follows Earl Stone, a horticulturist in his late 80s. He's had a falling out between the majority of his closest family members; only his granddaughter still maintains in contact with him. He is presented with the opportunity to make some money, which he takes, but what he doesn't know is that he's a mule - transporting drugs for a cartel. The money which he makes is put to use by repaying the family in ways such as covering his granddaughter's wedding, etc.
Eastwood's strongest point in regards to his filmmaking has always been the storytelling. Here, it's displayed brilliantly by the way in which he's directed and performed in the film. In terms of his acting, it's the perfect role for him at this stage of his life, and it's clear to see that he had done an awful lot of research in the subject material.
I was pleasantly surprised with this film, and it's defintely his best since 'Sully' in 2016. The film is a great example of Eastwood's storytelling prowess. Would highly recommend.
The Mule follows Earl Stone, a horticulturist in his late 80s. He's had a falling out between the majority of his closest family members; only his granddaughter still maintains in contact with him. He is presented with the opportunity to make some money, which he takes, but what he doesn't know is that he's a mule - transporting drugs for a cartel. The money which he makes is put to use by repaying the family in ways such as covering his granddaughter's wedding, etc.
Eastwood's strongest point in regards to his filmmaking has always been the storytelling. Here, it's displayed brilliantly by the way in which he's directed and performed in the film. In terms of his acting, it's the perfect role for him at this stage of his life, and it's clear to see that he had done an awful lot of research in the subject material.
I was pleasantly surprised with this film, and it's defintely his best since 'Sully' in 2016. The film is a great example of Eastwood's storytelling prowess. Would highly recommend.
Vice
(I) (2018)
Terrible editing dismantles this film
14 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I was certainly not expecting that. This is a strangely odd biographical film based upon the infamous Vice President - Dick Cheney. A peculiar choice to make a film about given the secrecy that surrounds him (they even make mention of it during the opening titles). Before I talk about some aspects of the film I want to say: it seriously had potential to be an Oscar contender, but won't be.
The film's strongest point is the acting - it is phenomenal! The quartet of leads which are: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell really shine in this movie, and it wouldn't surprise me if they feature heavily during awards season. However, Bale is in a class of his own. Hands down one of the best performances I've seen in a long time, not just by him, by anyone. He brought so much depth to the character, and it was clear he completed a conscientious study of the figure. Give him the Oscar now! Rockwell could easily go back-to-back with his exceptional portrayal of George W. Bush - Rockwell was born to play this part. Adam McKay as director and writer also deserves credit for creating, and visualising an intriguing story.
Despite these positives, the editing is atrocious. Hank Corwin and his team have completely destroyed the movie. It really feels, and looks like a giant mess. Dramatised moments from Cheney's life are placed in a non-chronological order which completely confuse the audience. It doesn't feel like a proper movie.
This film is a great example of a strong film ruined by editing. It really is disappointing to see, and shows everyone of the importance of this post-production element. Could've been a 10/10, editing alone dropped the score down to 6/10. I felt really frustrated after viewing this.
The film's strongest point is the acting - it is phenomenal! The quartet of leads which are: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell really shine in this movie, and it wouldn't surprise me if they feature heavily during awards season. However, Bale is in a class of his own. Hands down one of the best performances I've seen in a long time, not just by him, by anyone. He brought so much depth to the character, and it was clear he completed a conscientious study of the figure. Give him the Oscar now! Rockwell could easily go back-to-back with his exceptional portrayal of George W. Bush - Rockwell was born to play this part. Adam McKay as director and writer also deserves credit for creating, and visualising an intriguing story.
Despite these positives, the editing is atrocious. Hank Corwin and his team have completely destroyed the movie. It really feels, and looks like a giant mess. Dramatised moments from Cheney's life are placed in a non-chronological order which completely confuse the audience. It doesn't feel like a proper movie.
This film is a great example of a strong film ruined by editing. It really is disappointing to see, and shows everyone of the importance of this post-production element. Could've been a 10/10, editing alone dropped the score down to 6/10. I felt really frustrated after viewing this.
Colette
(I) (2018)
A fairly enjoyable movie
10 January 2019
The tale of Gabrielle Colette is a fascinating one, as it turns out. I was completely unaware of her story before seeing the film, and emerged from the cinema feeling as though I had learnt a lot about this literary legend.
Keira Knightley is remarkable in the title role. This is career-best form from her. She carries the film wonderfully. Denise Gough is also great in the role of 'Missy'. The direction from Wash Westmoreland was also superb. He was able to successfully take the script, and deliver it in the best way possible.
However, the film lets itself down from a weaker story/script where it constantly struggles to find and execute more positive moments from Colette's story. Instead, it focuses on the more gloomy moments from her life, leaving the happier moments sidelined. Some of the supporting characters lack depth, including: Eleanor Tomlinson's 'Georgie' and Aiysha Hart's 'Polaire'. These characters play an integral part in Colette's story, but, their lack of screen time, and the way in which they're written in to the story makes the characters have no real impact in driving the film forward.
This movie does have a few flaws which, overall, lets it down. But, it was still an enjoyable movie.
Keira Knightley is remarkable in the title role. This is career-best form from her. She carries the film wonderfully. Denise Gough is also great in the role of 'Missy'. The direction from Wash Westmoreland was also superb. He was able to successfully take the script, and deliver it in the best way possible.
However, the film lets itself down from a weaker story/script where it constantly struggles to find and execute more positive moments from Colette's story. Instead, it focuses on the more gloomy moments from her life, leaving the happier moments sidelined. Some of the supporting characters lack depth, including: Eleanor Tomlinson's 'Georgie' and Aiysha Hart's 'Polaire'. These characters play an integral part in Colette's story, but, their lack of screen time, and the way in which they're written in to the story makes the characters have no real impact in driving the film forward.
This movie does have a few flaws which, overall, lets it down. But, it was still an enjoyable movie.
The Favourite
(2018)
I was expecting more...
6 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I've been a huge fan of Olivia Colman and Emma Stone's previous works like Broadchurch and La La Land. This, however, does not make that list.
The overall story was broken up in eight little vignettes which contributed to the main plot. While it was compelling at times, tended to become quite dull.
The performances were one of more positive aspects. The lead female trio of Colman, Weisz and Stone are all exceptional in their respective roles. It was great to see the rise of Stone's Abigail and subsequent of fall of Weisz's Sarah.
Despite the great performances, there really isn't a lot to be desired about this movie. If you like period dramas - you might get some enjoyment out of it, but, I was expecting a lot more.
The overall story was broken up in eight little vignettes which contributed to the main plot. While it was compelling at times, tended to become quite dull.
The performances were one of more positive aspects. The lead female trio of Colman, Weisz and Stone are all exceptional in their respective roles. It was great to see the rise of Stone's Abigail and subsequent of fall of Weisz's Sarah.
Despite the great performances, there really isn't a lot to be desired about this movie. If you like period dramas - you might get some enjoyment out of it, but, I was expecting a lot more.
La La Land
(2016)
A cinematic masterpiece
5 January 2019
This is my all-time favourite film.
The performances, the music, the script, the direction - it's all phenomenal. Emma Stone is in top form in the role of Mia. Ryan Gosling equally as good in the role of Sebastian.
There's so much to love with La La Land. Would highly recommend to anyone.
The performances, the music, the script, the direction - it's all phenomenal. Emma Stone is in top form in the role of Mia. Ryan Gosling equally as good in the role of Sebastian.
There's so much to love with La La Land. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Mary Poppins Returns
(2018)
A magical Disney masterpiece
5 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I've already seen this film twice, and would definitely go a third time.
There's so much to love with the picture. The story, the acting, the music, etc. My personal favourite character was Michael. The vulnerability after the death of his wife was portrayed beautifully by Ben Whishaw. We see hints of him transforming into the shadow of his father from the original movie, however, during one of the final songs he realises what it was like to be a child again. Further performances from Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer and Colin Firth were all first rate. Special mention to Dick Van Dyke, his cameo is worth the price of entry - he is a joy to behold.
The animation section was treated with meticulous care, and the songs suited the story quite nicely.
This is a movie anyone of any age can enjoy. It's a great film for the whole family. I really can't remember the last time I came out of a movie theatre feeling quite happy. Would highly recommend.
There's so much to love with the picture. The story, the acting, the music, etc. My personal favourite character was Michael. The vulnerability after the death of his wife was portrayed beautifully by Ben Whishaw. We see hints of him transforming into the shadow of his father from the original movie, however, during one of the final songs he realises what it was like to be a child again. Further performances from Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer and Colin Firth were all first rate. Special mention to Dick Van Dyke, his cameo is worth the price of entry - he is a joy to behold.
The animation section was treated with meticulous care, and the songs suited the story quite nicely.
This is a movie anyone of any age can enjoy. It's a great film for the whole family. I really can't remember the last time I came out of a movie theatre feeling quite happy. Would highly recommend.
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