Wednesday 19 February 2020

Watch List January & February


The Gentlemen
Ever wondered what made Guy Ritchie the director he is? Some would argue that he's made some terrible films (Revolver, King Arthur) and some truely amazing films (Lock, Stock..., Snatch, RocknRolla) and when he's stepped out of his comfort zones, mixed reviews (Aladdin). But Ritchie is a creature of habbit. He is at his best in London making up stories about gangsters. That's literally what this is mixed in with a scandal. It's pure Brit grit classic gangster shenanigans with a witty script and even better weird characters that inhabit the grim ends of London. I enjoyed it for what it was but I think a lot of people were underwhelmed by Ritche's latest, saying it was the same old same old. True, it is. But its what he does best and I can appreciate him at his best. 3/5

Hustlers
Can't believe I overlooked this film when it first came out... and here I am dedicating an entire post to it. HERE.4/5

The Personal History of David Copperfield
Not my favourite Dickens as it is very depressing, however the amazing cast assembled was too good to miss and I was not disappointed. David goes from loved son to outcast to loved nephew to gentleman to poor man to author and its all mapped out through the eccentric characters he meets, collecting scraps of paper to remember each person and their mannerisms. Very funny and depressing as hell in places, but its as expected as it is Dickens. But this is one of the best adaptaions I've seen of his works. 4/5

Queen & Slim
Starts out like other films but takes the 'lovers on the run' genre trope and twists it on the head. Two fantastic characters in an extraordinary situation with only one way to end. Topical and socially adept, a brilliant film that I hope stretches as far as the characters in the film reach.  4/5

Weathering With You
Made by the creators of 'Your Name' so I knew I'd love it. The animation is beautiful, with dahses of fantasty one minutes and crashing reality on the streets of the city the next. Ultimately a heart warming and wrenching story at the same time throughout. The dramatics teenagers are going through is heightened to the skies when runaway Hodaka Morishima meets Hina Amano, a weather maiden who can stop the rain and pray for the sunshine. The story and the characters are even set in the same world as 'Your Name' characters but the film doesn't quite have the emotional punch the previous film had but its still a wonderfully animated film complete with indie rock soundtrack to keep you in the mood. 3/5

Parasite
Truely worthy of being the film to make Oscar history and be internationally celebrated. Without giving away the story, a family living in a basement level flat in poverty, trying to secure minimal paying jobs, work their way into a wealthy family's home. But even this small, reasonable ideal can come with a heavy price. There is so much subtext, with twists and shocks to keep you transfixed on the screen. A thriller with few thrills, a horror story with little blood and a drama that is subtle where it counts, its a fantastic film. As above, so below. 5/5

Birds of Prey
Absolutely loved this film. Far better than the other films in the DC cannon. Fun, funny and emotional. Plus now all I want is to find a sandwich that would be good enough for Harley Quin to nearly die for.  I wrote about the film in a bit more detail HERE in case you'd like to know more. 4/5

Ready or Not
The concept for this horror-esque thriller is brilliant and yet so simple. When Grace marries into the Le Domas, on her wedding night she has to pick a card to determine what game she plays to initiate her into the family. But instead they try to kill her. Its brilliant. These sort of things only happen with ridiculously wealthy people and usually Americans, lets face it. Its chilling but somehow fun at the same time along with a few laughs. Grace, is also refreshingly normal. She reacts the same way anyone would in her position, even punching a kid in the face (he deserves it, watch the film). Fun and games and the occult. 4/5

Greed
Steve Coogan playing a billionaire arsehole, its very dark, very funny and my gad does it have a gut punch third act. My full review will be over on Vulturehound HERE. 4/5