X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Posted on June 14, 2019 by C966939529

They gave up. That’s it.

I have to admit I am a fan of the original X-men films, I’m talking with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Since the reboot they haven’t lived up to expectations, and unfortunately, I think they lost their way with this film as well. Even before the film was released the marketing has been completely off.

I watched the trailer and it appears that Jean Grey has gone bad…that is it. Throughout the film it is a lot more emotional, which I liked, but it seems that they just seem this movie as a means to an end.

We only met Jean in X-Men Apocalypse and now we suddenly reach the crescendo of her journey? In Apocalypse I felt we didn’t get to see the full potential of the character and felt Sophie Turner’s performance was a bit flat. Now we can see the full potential realised as well as Turner’s portrayal.

I feel a bit bad for Simon Kinberg who has his directing debut on this film because taking a franchise as a first film is very difficult as you don’t want it to be so drastically different in style from the other films. I would like to see him director freely allowing him to discover his true style.

Right, so here we go SPOILER ALERT!

Time to stop reading if you don’t want to get it ruined.

If you have seen Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, you will completely understand this betrayal.

Aliens, they used fucking Aliens!

This was a massive screw up. If you read the comics, you know that Phoenix is a cosmic force. But just because its cosmic doesn’t mean you have to bring aliens into it!!!!

This idea is sloppy writing and really grinds my gears! The story is lazy and the only saving grace was Turner really bringing in the emotion, but nothing could save this. Even the idea of killing off Raven / Mystique was well done but the emotional change of the other character was so sudden it really takes you out of the story.

It starts out that everyone wants to help and save Jean but as soon as she kills Raven, accidentally in a beautiful scene by the way, everyone changes to pure rage and hatred. You can understand it with Hank as he loves Raven, but Erik’s rage was too out of character. Jean goes to him for help and he tried to help but as soon as he learns of Raven’s death, she needs to die. Then as quick as he sees Charles, he changes he mind yet again! Magneto getting to the rage is absolutely on point but giving up so easily? No way!

Overall this film is below par. I found the story lacking and even though there were some good acting and big names, nothing was going to save it. It is almost like they gave up before they even released the film.

2/5

Director: Simon Kinberg

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Jessica Chastain

Crew: Hans Zimmer (Music), Mauro Fiore (Cinematography)

Genre: American Superhero

Rating: 12A

Hereditary

Posted on June 28, 2018 by C966939529

Frightening, Fun and Fantastic!

This film has been hailed as this generations “The Exorcist” and “The Shining”, the biggest compliment a horror film can get. As two of my favourite movies I was holding so much expectation for this film and boy did it deliver.

Just like the other films this is a slow burn, this builds up the tension and suspense. Aster admit this was a deliberate choice. “I wanted to make a film that demanded a certain amount of patience from the audience, but one that intended to pay that off. The challenge for the audience is to sit tight, and the challenge for me is to make sure that they’re satisfied at the end.” (Wilner, 2018)

Ari Aster on Set

Even the way it is shot with slow panning shots gets the audience on the edge of their seats waiting to see what is revealed. The director, Ari Aster, has done a fantastic job especially as this is his directorial debut. In a way it reminds me of James Wan and SAW. SAW started out as a small project that excelled Wan into cinematic history. Since then he has gone on to so many projects which use his distinct style. I can foresee the same happening to Aster.

James Wan on The Conjuring Set

So back to the film! This film revolves around a family who turns out has a dark secret and almost a prophecy to fulfil. I don’t want to give too much away because you have to experience it for yourselves! So, this is a SPOILER FREE REVIEW!

This film is a typical horror yet not a typical horror at the same time. Let me explain, you have a low light, use of candlelight, quick flashes of light, and the teenagers being the centre of the action. Although it may not be a typical jump scare film it does constantly have you thinking and trying to jump to the punchline before the end of the film. This shows how entranced the audience is, they are hanging on every word, not just a good thing from a horror film but just from movies in general.

In many horror films you don’t get to understand the characters because they are basically just pieces of meat waiting to die. The actors really draw you into the characters and you care about them. This can only be done with clever writing – well done Aster!

The last thing I want to discuss is the symbolism used throughout the film. I am a massive fan of hidden easter eggs and films and just like in many horror films foreshadowing is big here.

Number 1: The miniatures of the families lives – symbolism of no escape, everything has been predetermined

Number 2: The symbol on the necklace – don’t want to give anything away but it is important!

Number 3: Pictures with eyes crossed out – eyes are the window to the soul

Number 4: Family dynamics – and you thought you had it bad!

Number 5: Charlie….just Charlie….

For the rest you have to see it for yourself!

This is a clever, entertaining film that I already can’t wait to again. If you love horror see this film! I can’t wait to see what else this director has in his back pocket!

5/5

Director: Ari Aster

Cast: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, and Gabriel Byrne.

Crew: Ari Aster (Screenwriter), Colin Stetson (Music)

Genre: Supernatural Horror

Rating: 15

Works Cited

Wilner, N. (2018, June 8). Interview: Hereditary director Ari Aster talks horror influences. Retrieved from Now Toronto: https://nowtoronto.com/movies/features/interview-hereditary-director-ari-aster/

Ocean’s 8

Posted on June 28, 2018 by C966939529

Sloppy, poorly executed and boring.

I love a good heist film and the original Ocean’s trilogy by Steven Soderbergh are some of my favourites. It is clever, funny and I never see the twists coming (no matter how ridiculous it may be …ahem…Julia Roberts playing Julia Roberts…) They are an enjoyable watch. The same cannot be said for this.

I have the same feelings about this film as I did with them remaking Ghostbusters, it is unnecessary. As a woman I personally find it personally insulting that great actresses are just rehashing something that a male cast has already done. Why can’t they just come up with original storylines that can let them shine in their own right. #StopRemakes

Considering the cast this film has I was expecting a lot, but the marketing and story-line ruined it. For instance, if you look at the poster it is obvious that Anne Hathaway is a part of the plan in some way. So when this comes to light, the surprise is taken away leaving it flat.

The one scene that made me laugh was Anne Hathaway looking at herself in the mirror trying on the necklace….which is in the trailer! Nothing was there to keep me guessing and took me by surprise. I guessed what was going to happen and it was very apparent I was watching a film. Even the secret exchanges were sloppy and if that was the best take they could get, god knows what the other takes were like.

The one thing I like about the film is how they have updated it in the techniques, such as Facebook stalking and having throw backs to the original films, as in the opening. But I would not recommend this to any fan of the original.

Sloppy, poorly executed and boring.

1/5

Director: Gary Ross

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, and Awkwafina.

Crew: Ross and Olivia Milch (Screenwriters)

Genre: American Heist Comedy

Rating: 15

Secret Screening: Incredibles 2

Posted on June 21, 2018 by C966939529

It’s not good, it’s super!

I have waited 14 years for this film to be released and I got to see it before the 13^th July release! Thank you, Cineworld for Secret Screening number 8! Writer and Director Brad Bird said he would only do a sequel if he could come up with a story as good as, or better than the original, and I am so glad he waited because this is perfection.

The Parr Family is back in action!

In the cinema when it came up on the screen a full cinema of adults started cheering. Bearing in mind, that nobody under 15 was allowed in the screening shows how much excitement there is just with adults!

The film is set just 3 months after the first film and is picked up with Tony, the boy Violet likes in the first film. I really like how they keep the continuation from the first film, as it is always a worry when there is such a gap between sequels. The majority of the original cast have returned except for the role of Dash. The original voice actor Spencer Fox was 11 when he was in the first film , but now at 25 and puberty it is understandable why a younger actor got the role. Enter Huck Milner! Kim Renfro states in her article,

“it’s very hard to distinguish between Milner’s performance as Dash and Fox’s take on the character in 2004. They sound essentially identical.” (Renfro, 2018)

I completely agree! I didn’t know it was different actors!

The antagonist of the film Screen Slaver reflects a lot about our society.

How many times do you go out to dinner with people and they are glued to their phones? How many people actually speak to people these days instead of sending a message on Facebook or WhatsApp? We are slaves to our screens and we are missing real life. Just like Screen Slavers says,

“You don’t talk you watch talk shows.”

Instead of the villain hijacking our screens, maybe we are already hijacked by them?

I am not going to give anything away this is a SPOILER FREE ZONE!!!

Doesn’t mean I won’t give you anything! Here are a couple of Easter Eggs to wet your appetite:

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR – See if you can spot them!

A113 – Classroom of the California Institute of the Arts – appears 2 times!
Insuricare – Where Bob used to work – check the background 😉
Baby V Raccoon – that is all I’m going to say

All I can say is how funny this film is. On numerous occasions the entire screen was in a ruckus laughing out loud, and here is a tip: Keep your cookies on stand by 😉

5/5

Director: Brad Bird

Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Eli Fucile, Samuel L Jackson

Crew: Brad Bird

Genre: Animated Superhero

Rating: PG

Works Cited

Renfro, K. (2018, February 15). ‘Incredibles 2’ swapped out one of the stars in the main cast — but you probably missed it. Retrieved from Business Insider UK: http://uk.businessinsider.com/incredibles-2-dash-new-voice-actor-recast-2018-2

Bird, Brad (Director). (2018). Incredibles 2 [Motion Picture].

Bird, Brad (Director). (2004). The Incredibles [Motion Picture].

Solo: A Star Wars Story 3D

Posted on June 8, 2018 by C966939529

Better than I imagined.

I was on tenterhooks when it was announced that they were doing a Solo film as I am a traditionalist and cannot see anyone accept Harrison Ford in the role. Obviously, I know you can’t have a 75-year-old playing someone in their 20s but considering he has been playing the role for the last 40 years, it is hard to imagine anyone else stepping into his shoes. I have to admit I was wrong. Alden Ehrenreich is amazing! Not only do they look similar it is the mannerisms Ehrenreich has nailed!

Another character that was nailed was Lando Calrissian. I am in love with Donald Glover, and his many capes. The cast have clearly studied the previous films and really kept consistent with the mannerisms, making it a really believable.

The storywriters, Jonathan Kasdan and Lawrence Kasdan, names should sound familiar to Star Wars nerds. Lawrence Kasdan was one of the writers of The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This time he has teamed up with his son Jonathan to continue the Star Wars story, or rather revisit its past. I love a good continuation of crew as it makes the story flow right from A New Hope up to now. Even in the story you can see these influences, such as the Sabacc dice.

The story has been set up ready for a sequel and Ehrenreich has been contracted for a further 2 movies, but Ron Howard the director has said nothing has been confirmed.

So watch this space!!

Sci-Fi pun intended 😊

Overall, I loved the film and it was OK in 3D, (still could have been used better in my opinion,) but I loved the story and how it impacts my view of Solo in previous films. Typical Star Wars film, lots of comedy, especially with the Droids, and you can see why characters are the way they are.

4/5

Director: Ron Howard

Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover and Paul Bettany

Crew: Kathleen Kennedy (producer), Jonathan Kasdan and Lawrence Kasdan (Writers)

Genre: American Space Western

Rating: 12A

4/5

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 3D

Posted on June 8, 2018 by C966939529

Jurassic Fans Rejoice!

I’m a big fan of the Jurassic Park franchise and have been since I was a child. I am that nerd in museums obsessed with dinosaurs. (The Brontosaurs is my favourite, love a gentle giant!) My Grandad Ron used to try and help me understand the size of them and telling me stories about them all the time…but I digress.

Because of this obsession when the Jurassic World trilogy was announced I was super excited. With the first one and the Indominous Rex.

What a beauty!

But of course, the Velociraptors are the real stars of the show and I was devastated by the lost of Charlie, Delta and Echo. Luckily Blue was left alive and so was our Alpha Owen Grady. (Chris Pratt can be my Alpha any day 😉)

As much as I love the character of Owen, I can’t say the same for Claire. She annoyed the hell out of me, so she had some ground to cover to catch up. So, I was excited to see the next instalment. The second film of a trilogy is notorious for falling below expectations but not done that bad!

The film itself has a good story and you can see how it has developed over the 3 years since the last film. It is written by Colin Trevorrow, who was also the director of Jurassic World and Derek Connolly. They are well known to have a good working dynamic and Trevorrow is in line to director the next film. Having this continuity is beneficial to the story because it keeps up consistency and you can see the direction they are taking the characters in.

I love how in these films they have throwbacks to previous Jurassic Park films. In this film we see the return of old characters and symbols such as the amber cane.

(Hammond in Jurassic Park) (Lockwood in Jurassic World)

We also see the infamous yellow jacket make a comeback!

It takes a more horror twist than other films due to the Director J A Bayona. When he was bought onto the project Trevorrow had a conversation with Bayona about the direction of the story.

“The first thing that he told me was that he thought about me because of The Orphanage, and I was very surprised about it and I was very intrigued. And then he told me that story, that the second half would play more like a haunted house movie. I fell in love with that idea.” (Edwards, 2018)

Although it may not be the most cinematic film or add anything ground-breaking to film as an art film, this film has got me really excited about the franchise once again. I love the story and the character development and can’t wait for 2021.

TOP TIP:

DO NOT SEE IN 3D!!

THERE IS NO POINT IT WONT ADD ANYTHING TO YOUR EXPERIENCE!!!

4/5

Works Cited

Edwards, M. (2018, June 4). J A Bayona interview: directing Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Retrieved from Den Of Geek: http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom/58049/j-a-bayona-interview-directing-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom

Director: J. A. Bayona

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, B. D. Wong, and Jeff Goldblum

Crew: Colin Trevorrow (Writer), Derek Connolly (Writer), Óscar Faura (Cinematography)

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 12A

Money Monster

Posted on June 7, 2016 by C966939529

Magical, Meaningful, Majestic

I am in love. This is my kind of film hands down! From when I first heard about the premise of this film I knew it was going to be on my To Watch List. The first thing I noticed was the cast. Clooney (Lee Gates) and Roberts (Patty Fenn) have a great on screen chemistry anyway but add to that Jack O’Connell (Kyle Budwell), Lenny Venito (Lenny), and Caitriona Balfe (Diane Lester) performances I was so drawn into the characters. I mean Brit Jack O’Connell’s American accent was on point. If it hadn’t it would have drawn me out of the story.

The cinematography was really well constructed. I noticed that at the beginning whenever you saw Kyle it was a low shot and even cut his head out of the shot. Once he took over the studio suddenly the shots were higher and more focused. This gave a great sense of the illusion of status.

Kyle is comparing himself to Lee and Lee even sets up a scoreboard.

It makes a point that everyone values different things in life. Lee has the money but not the family and Kyle has the opposite. I also like the contrast between the light and dark reflecting the truth being sought and discovered.

*SPOILER ALERT*

The ending shocked me, I did not expect Kyle to get shot because of the story development I guess I was thinking there was a way out for him but then reality set in. Even Kyle himself says “I came in here knowing I wasn’t walking out”. I felt a real connection to O’Connell’s character as he is my age (24) struggling to keep his head above water and trying to save money for his child. This reminded me of many a talk I have had with my Dad. He has always said his generation are the “lucky generation” because they were able to leave school and walk straight into a job. I mean my Dad has been working for the same company since he was 18. Today it doesn’t work like that.

When my parents were my age they were married, both had jobs, and had bought their own house. How many 24 year olds could say that nowadays? I work as hard as I can to save money to get my own place but it is a struggle as the house prices are so much higher.

I think that is why this film and the character of Kyle resonates with me so much.

As well have having tense moments there is also a lot of comedic moments like between Patty and Lee right at the beginning of the film.

“Patty Fenn: Do you have the revisions for the opening?
Lee Gates: We’re still making changes.
Patty Fenn: Am I going to get the changes before the show or after the show?
Lee Gates: You know the drill. You just point the camera in my direction and we’ll figure it out together.
Patty Fenn: It always sounds so simple and yet so moronic.”

My favourite quote though was when someone says “Did he just say fucking on the air”, as if that is the main problem going on right now.

Ultimately this is a tense thriller with real life issues that makes you think and reflect on your own situation and relationship with money, a real thought provoker.

4 stars from me.

Director: Jodie Foster

Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell, Lenny Venito, Caitriona Balfe

Crew: Alan Di Fiore (Writer), Matthew Libatique (Cinematographer)

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 15

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