Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Film Review: You Were Never Really Here

A moody film which uses lots of clever camera angles and editing to hide the violence that's happening on the screen. The image of the aftermath is far more dramatic for it.

Joaquin Phoenix, Judith Roberts, Ekaterina Samsonov

Dir: Lynne Ramsay

Genre: Drama

Thursday, 15 March 2018

Film Review: Tomb Raider

I generally enjoyed this movie more than most reviewers, but then again I enjoy simple action movies. Generic story with lots of impossible CGI.

Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins

Dir: Roar Uthaug

Genre: Action

Film Review: Mom and Dad

Jet black comedy about parent going crazy and trying to kill their kids. Pretty poor and probably worth avoiding.

Nicolas Cage, Selma Blair, Anne Winters

Dir: Brian Taylor

Genre: Comedy

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

Film Review: Sweet Country

Crime drama set in the Australia outback story during the 1920's.

Focuses on the relationship between the powerful settlers and the Aboriginals, and provides some hard-hitting insight into how society lacked balance and fairness.

Bryan Brown, Matt Day, Tremayne Doolan

Dir: Warwick Thornton

"Inspired by true events"

Genre: Drama, Crime

Tuesday, 13 March 2018

Film Review: Kobiety Mafii

Translation: Women of Mafia

Moderate polish film which although having some reasonable characters, chops around too much between too many separate storylines. Acting and editing isn't always up to scratch.

Olga Boladz, Aleksandra Poplawska, Kasia Warnke

Dir: Patryk Vega

Genre: Action, Crime

Film Review: I Tonya

Story of figure skating great, Tonya Harding, who despite her skating talent was continually overlooked because of her deprived background.

Solid story and great acting bring this documentary style story to life.

Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney

Dir: Craig Gillespie

"There's no need to have class when you have talent."

Genre: Biography, Comedy

Saturday, 10 March 2018

Film Review: Gringo

Reasonable film which unfortunately just misses the mark.

Lead actor David Oyelowo puts in a great performance and story hops along at pace however it's not quite sure what it wants to be. Comedy is frequently a bit weak while not being strong enough story to be a successful thriller.

Joel Edgerton, Charlize Theron, David Oyelowo

Dir: Nash Edgerton

"An American Corporation, The Mexican Cartel, Chances Are This Won't End Well."

Genre: Action, Comedy

Wednesday, 7 March 2018

Film Review: Monster Hunter 2

Chinese blend of animation and real life actors provides a cute and joyful fix. The action, typical over-the-top Chinese spinning, jumping and improvised weapons ,is frequent and exciting. Kids will love it.

Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Baihe Bai, Boran Jing

Dir: Raman Hui

Genre: Animation

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Film Review: Operation Red Sea

Chinese Marine Corp story of bravery where our heroes defy the odds to save the day.

This big budget movie has obvious government backing (check out the military equipment involved!) but can push the propaganda a bit hard at times - not too dissimilar to some US films I could mention. Its let down occasionally by the acting but ultimately fine film that doesn't hide the brutality of war.

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Yi Zhang, Johnny Huang, Hai-Qing

Dir: Dante Lam

Genre: War, Action

Film Review: Game Night

Fun comedy with a dark under-tone. Highly recommended for a chilled night out with a giggle.

Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler

Dir: John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein

"This is not a game."

Genre: Comedy