I must set the scene of my screening. The guy sitting next to me was definitely high. He (noisily) ate a large portion of nachos, a packet of Munchies and a packet of Sour Babies. He was drinking a huge can of Monster with the bizarre fruity smell drifting across, mixing with the odour of … Continue reading The Beale Street Blues (If Beale Street Could Talk review)
10 years after last directing and staring in the same film (Gran Torino), and six years after his last acting role (Trouble with the Curve), Clint Eastwood is finally back. Inspired by true events (surprise surprise), The Mule tells the story of a 90-year-old man who decides to get some money in by becoming a drug mule for the Mexican cartel. It’s problematic, the drama is a little underwhelming, but my god is it charming.
Based on a true story flashes up on screen. I wince. Once again, we have to sit through a true comedy drama, “whoopee”. The trailers made this film look like absolute rubbish, but the marketers should be fired. They totally mis-sold this as a daft slapstick comedy, when in actual fact it’s a beautifully heartwarming … Continue reading “You’ve gotta laugh, or you’ll never make it through this” (Instant Family review)
So…the Oscar nominations have been released, and boy are they a mixed bag. Stan & Ollie has been completely ignored, while Bohemian Rhapsody has led in several categories. Here, I’ll run through the main list of nominations, while offering my thoughts on potential winners and definite snubs.
What’s that? Another film based on true events? During Awards Season?! What’re the chances of that! This one tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots and her rivalry to the throne of Queen Elizabeth 1st. It’s not entirely accurate, and becomes mildly tedious in places, but it’s still a thrilling Tudor Political drama.
Bringing together the characters of Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016), Glass is the final chapter in M. Night Shyamalan’s unlikely superhero trilogy, nineteen years in the making. Despite some minor narrative issues, Glass delivers the superhero thrills you’d expect, while also offering a lot more depth than the average comic book film.
Yet another true story film being released during Oscar season, The Upside is a remake of a 2011 French film ‘The Intouchables’. Telling the story of a paralysed billionaire who has an unlikely friendship with his new carer, an ex-convict on parole, the film's cliché narrative lets down what could be a great film with fantastic performances.
Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly return to our screens after appearing together last month in Holmes and Watson. A million miles away from that rubbish pile, they this time appear as Hollywood’s great comedy double act. Telling the story of Laurel and Hardy’s final tour together, Stan & Ollie is a beautifully sentimental tale of friendship and love.
Adam McKay is quickly becoming the one of the most unique writer/directors currently working. After creating classic comedies like ‘Anchorman’, ‘Step Brothers’ and ‘The Other Guys’, he turned his attention to more serious topics with ‘The Big Short’, using his comedy background to make the 2008 Financial Crisis entertaining. This time, McKay turns his attention to the White House during the Bush/Cheney administration, and it’s no overstatement to say that he has created a satirical masterpiece.
Based on the real-life memoirs of David and Nic Sheff, ‘Beautiful Boy’ tells the tragic story of a father and his drug-addicted teenage son, and the strain this puts on their relationship. Supported by two stellar performances, the film is a weighty and emotional ride with a dark truth at its heart.
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 