Monthly Film Roundup: March 2022

Films Watched: 11

How Many Were First-Time Watches: 7

Best Films: The Batman (2022), The Apartment (1960), Quiz Show (1994)

New Releases: The Batman, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Ambulance

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FULL LIST AND REVIEWS

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Despite the second film being the strongest in the trilogy, this film is by far the grandest in narrative ambition, cinematic scale and gut-wrenching emotion. A stunning ending to Nolan’s Batman films, it’s the sequel we needed, even if it’s not the one some wanted
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Batman (2022)
Matt Reeves has ambitiously crafted a stylish and gritty new take on Gotham that I’m excited to return to, but that’s partly because this first instalment didn’t quite scratch the itch I wanted it to. The unfolding mystery is thrilling to watch, and Robert Pattinson is the best Bruce Wayne we’ve ever had; but the film’s ‘potboiler’ style means the action never quite maintains the almost 3hr runtime
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
The Lonely Island present a hilarious mockumentary lampooning the modern music industry. Great songs and entertainingly surreal jokes make up for an admittedly predictable plot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shallow Grave (1994)
An entertainingly macabre feature debut from Danny Boyle that plays on the psychosis that follows the disposing of a body. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Eccleston perform brilliant early roles and the tension is palpable throughout
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Apartment (1960)
An absolutely glorious romantic comedy drama that expertly juggles laughs and pathos in equal measure. Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine deliver fantastic performances, and Billy Wilders direction is as strong as ever
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gravity (2013)
Truly one of the most visceral cinematic experiences you can have, Gravity is still a total thrill. Tight tension, bold emotion and potentially the greatest CGI ever seen on film, it remains a masterpiece of blockbuster moviemaking
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Quiz Show (1994)
A shocking true scandal is brought to life in an excellent film directed by Robert Redford. The ensemble cast deliver entertaining performances in a film that sees a lawyer attempt to expose corruption on a 1950’s quiz show
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First Blood (1982)
A fascinating film that highlights the mistreatment of Vietnam war veterans in an accessible way. Stallone makes a fantastic morally ambiguous hero in a stripped down action thriller 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Martin McDonagh’s difficult second album isn’t quite as successful as his 1st or 3rd films, but Seven Psychopaths still stands well above most of Hollywood’s output. Joyfully self-aware and filled with creative story choices, it’s a wildly entertaining ride
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
Jessica Chastain’s beautifully sympathetic performance keeps this sometimes predictable biopic afloat. Entertainingly crafted, and with a fantastic supporting performance from Andrew Garfield, it’s an interesting story for those unfamiliar with the American TV personality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ambulance (2022)
Despite falling into many of his same pitfalls, this might be Michael Bay’s best movie in decades. All of his genre-defining style remains: Huge set pieces, insane melodrama, and terrible dialogue between underwritten characters. But this time, he made a career first. He made the hero female 
⭐️⭐️⭐️