Reviewing every film I watched in February
Monthly Film Roundup: February 2021
Tag: Biopic
“Sometimes we have to ask for help… and that’s okay…” (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood review)
Starring Matthew Rhys and Tom Hanks, 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' is a semi-biopic telling the story of cynical Esquire journalist who is sent to meet the legendary American star Fred Rogers. With a delicate tone, charming performances and a heart-warming message, it’s a fitting film for today’s climate. The film is based on … Continue reading “Sometimes we have to ask for help… and that’s okay…” (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood review)
“Someone has to speak up. Someone has to get mad…” (Bombshell review)
In an age where sexual harassment is finally beginning to be addressed in the highest places, ‘Bombshell’ tells the accounts of several women at Fox News who set out to expose CEO Roger Ailes for misconduct. Shot like a documentary, it’s a film that is stylistically reminiscent of last years ‘Vice’, though it’s not quite … Continue reading “Someone has to speak up. Someone has to get mad…” (Bombshell review)
“I Heard You Paint Houses” (The Irishman review)
Years in the making and decades in the narrative, The Irishman (titled onscreen as “I Heard You Paint Houses”) is Martin Scorsese’s latest epic crime drama, telling the life and confessions of Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran. Though it doesn’t feel it’s 3 ½ hour run time and the drama is beefy enough to fill it, it also never feels like enough excitement or emotion occurs within the film to justify it’s length.
Streets of Luton (Blinded by the Light review)
In the latest 2019 film based on some famous songs by a specific artist, 'Blinded by the Light' puts the struggles of 1980’s racial tension against a Bruce Springsteen soundtrack. The result is as disorientating as you’d expect, and while it delivers a sweetly uplifting story, it suffers from too many clichés and a lack of clear intention.
“Burning out his fuse up here alone” (Rocketman review)
Reginald Kenneth Dwight is widely regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. Of course, that isn’t his stage name; his stage name is Elton Hercules John, and ‘Rocketman’ tells the troubled life that he had before and during his fame. After Bohemian Rhapsody broke box office records while remaining a mediocre film, … Continue reading “Burning out his fuse up here alone” (Rocketman review)
Rock Solid Entertainment (Fighting with My Family review)
I’ve never seen a boxing match, but I enjoyed Rocky. I don’t watch Skiing, but I like Eddie The Eagle. And now, Stephen Merchant has added Wrestling to sports I don’t watch, despite enjoying films about them. Fighting with My Family does what every great sports film does. It concentrates on the characters and story rather than the sport. And boy does it work.
A Hart-felt comedy-drama (The Upside review)
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.
Hollywood’s most dynamic duo return (Stan & Ollie review)
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.
Christian Bale acts like a big fat Dick (Vice review)
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.
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 