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)
In 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was launched with their bold new superhero, Iron Man. Over the next 11 years it has grown into a cultural phenomenon rivalled only by Star Wars. I, personally, have never been mad on Star Wars. I enjoy the films, I’m just not bothered much about the mythology or overarching … Continue reading “Part of the journey is the end” (Avengers: Endgame *Spoiler Free* review)
Directed by Tom Harper, ‘Wild Rose’ is a musical drama that tells the story of a Scottish ex-con with Nashville country singer aspirations. While it doesn’t add much new to the genre, and does feel like a Scottish reworking of ‘A Star is Born’, it’s still a wonderfully uplifting and enjoyable affair. By a 'country' … Continue reading Jessie Buckley’s star is born (Wild Rose review)
Tim Burton has been the mind behind some of the most unique films ever made. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. The first of four Disney live action remakes this year(!), Dumbo adapts from the 1941 animated classic, and though Burton brings a wonderful cast and attempts his usual visual flare, the end result … Continue reading Flying Elephant remake fails to soar (Dumbo 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.
You might remember how surprised I was when I watched Instant Family. After watching the, frankly, dreadful trailers, I was surprised to find that the comedy was actually a heartfelt drama with funny moments that really worked. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Second Act, which totally lives up to its trailer of consumerist trash with little merit.
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)
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.
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 