Crazy Rich Asians is making headlines because of its transgressive production. It is the first major Hollywood film since 1993 to have a majority Asian-American cast, and the joy of this movie is that it proves this is inconsequential to the film. It delivers enough laughs and heart to stand alongside most rom-coms, though it does fall short of true greatness.
Plans (and desires) for a standalone Joker movie have been rife for many years. Those plans will finally be coming to fruition in October of next year when Todd Phillips takes the directing and co-writing job on ‘Joker’ (catchy title). With Joaquin Phoenix’s first make-up test being released, I thought I’d look into what we know about what is already one of the most anticipated films of 2019.
Directed by Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman is a biographical comedy-drama that interprets the true story of an African-American police officer infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan. Using great performances, interesting ideas and timely themes, Lee’s ‘comedy’ is more of a dark social satire turned horror film.
Telling a shockingly true story of four friends planning to rob their university library of a book worth $8 million, American Animals is the heist film this year deserved after letting us down with Oceans 8. Combining documentary and drama into one fantastic film, American Animals is a triumph.
When it was announced that Sony were producing a thriller film shot entirely on phone and laptop screens, I was initially skeptical. It seemed to be a gimmick that was being used as the next level of ‘found footage’ movies, like 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'Cloverfield'. How wrong I was, because this unique premise has been perfectly executed. Not since Gone Girl has there been such a deviously gripping thriller.
What a bunch of Muppets that were involved in making this film! They took a fantastic original concept, and totally ruined it. What could have been a brilliant comedy in a new world has in fact just become another R rated shocker that mainly relies of puppets telling each other to F*** Off.
Hitting us right in the nostalgia bone, Christopher Robin is a seemingly cold film with a massively warm heart. Despite a fairly bog-standard plot, the film saves itself with adorable performances from lovable heroes.
The Spy Who Dumped Me, with the clue in its name, is a Spy Action Comedy. However, it is actually not a comedy due to it having no funny jokes. I also would suggest that a spy flick needs espionage, thrills and believable plot twists. It doesn't count just because your lead characters are CIA agents. So now it's just an action film. And boy is it a rubbish action film.
A spiritual (though unrelated) sequel to The Inbetweeners, The Festival is directed by Iain Morris (the series creator) and stars Joe Thomas, one quarter of The Inbetweeners gang. Unfortunately, it seems that having only one quarter of the gang means that the comedy only shares a quarter of the success rate.
Based on real-life events of middle aged men who decided to protest against the monotony of life and start a synchronised swimming team, ‘Swimming with Men’ is a wonderful brit-com with a big heart. Led by Rob Brydon, the ensemble cast are all superb and each have their moment of both hilarity and poignancy. The … Continue reading Brit-com makes a big splash (Swimming with Men review)
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 