Thor: Love & Thunder

 

SPOILERS

There seems to be a not so universal love for Thor: Love & Thunder out there in the Marvel fan universe. This is surprising, due to the very warm welcome Thor: Ragnarok received. Applauded for the comedy, story and bringing Thor back from the brink of the Dark World debacle. Director Taika Waititi was an out the box choice for a Marvel film and it paid off. Giving the director a second chance at recreating that magic, plus picking up Thor’s character after all the grief and loss he experienced in the previous films was no easy challenge.

Including the trend of the last few Marvel films where other characters from the Avengers films make a more prominent appearance, so do the Guardians of the Galaxy, minus Gamora which isn’t talked about because rightly so, this isn’t their film. But with Star Lord and co there to ground the story in the universe, like the left fielders themselves, Thor is then transported to his own story. It’s a hilarious and a needed intro, bringing the focus to Thor and a hint to where the Guardians will be when we next see them, finally.

Similar to the Multiverse of Madness did before, Love & Thunder brings back an old flame from a previous film. Unlike the pointless and dull Dr Christine Palmer and Doctor Strange that have no chemistry, Dr Jane Foster and Thor did. The reappearance of Jane was either going to be a passing of the mantle or it was going to mean a farewell. From the minute its revealed (very early on) that she has stage 4 cancer, it was always going to be the latter. The twists and turns of her becoming the Mighty Thor were also going to be patchy and thin but it didn’t matter because it meant Jane was back and she was going to get a proper farewell. The grief and pain that Thor has had to go through is reaches the highest with the loss of the love of his life. But Jane’s death was needed in the grand scheme of things, even though some believe that that Valhalla scene means the dead could come back.

For a story that sits outside Phase 4 of the Marvelverse plan, a decent villain was needed. Gor the God-butcher seemed like a good choice; a man infected by the sword that kills gods in his thirst for revenge. Played with the utmost dedication by Christian Bale, he embodies a man who worshipped a god who did nothing for his followers, letting them perish and die. Gor actually brings up fair points in the god killing and how it could be justified but because Thor is a god himself, we can’t have the villain kill all gods. New Asgard is where the drama is set and stakes are not about saving Earth or the universe or whatever, the story is contained with Asgardians it feels like a huge relief that the story only expands to other gods. The comedy is also amped up just making this film more fun. The moments of seriousness and sadness, which are inevitable, are treated carefully and don’t over power nor feel out of place, there is a balance.

Thor is broken man, or space viking or god, he seeks clarity and in the end is given purpose which makes the film feel like a closed story which is far more refreshing that what the other films in Phase 4 are doing. The fact that this phase is far bigger and too vast to contain all the characters with their own shows and films and spin offs, its too much to take in. The picture is too wide and with no direction but this is why Thor: Love & Thunder works so well, stepping outside the chaos to deliver a great story which we’ve been missing.

What is the great MCU plan?

 

What is the great MCU plan? What do they have set out for us all? 

 Having just seen Eternals recently on Disney+ because I missed it at the cinemas, my thought about the film were not what they should be. Firstly, and personally, I felt the film was too wide, it felt as if it was stepping outside the last MCU phase and was observing from afar. I know this is what the Eternals were meant to be doing but it felt that there was yet another layer being added to the heavily padded out universe. Dare I say it that Marvel Studios had bitten off far more than they can chew and spit out. Secondly, I thought the film was, on the whole quite good, Chloe Zhao has a keen eye for visuals and I very much appreciated the variety of characters. But I also felt that the Eternals never should have been included in the MCU. 

Their purpose and involvement was too vast. Having them fight Deviants (lame name but you can’t win them all) just felt and turned out to be time wasting. Adding even more characters to the already over-crowded mix is mind bending. Not to mention with the arrival of the multiverse it’s going to become a hell of a lot more confusing. Before Phase Two began, the execs were worried that Guardians of the Galaxy was going to be too weird. But as that is literally a space story with aliens, guns and an 80s soundtrack, it was going to be a sure thing. BUT Eternals isn’t. Its set on Earth with a group of humanoid beings with powers. It could either be seen as more of the same or just too beyond the scope, especially with the celestials. 

The days of having the Defenders on Netflix, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and the MCU films feels so long ago. The Agent Carter series that had such promise then buckled under in season two also, seems so long ago. We also don’t talk about Inhumans. Now that Disney has literally SO many TV shows in the works makes me wonder whether when will this all end or will it be never ending considering the amount of comic book characters out there. Personally, I didn’t watch all the shows, I haven’t even caught up with the films yet (No Way Home, also missed at the cinema). I only watch what interests me and if it has Oscar Issac in it. 

Having gone back and rewatched AOS seasons 1-5, I remembered why I stopped. It wasn’t just that I wasn’t able to find the last two seasons to watch (the UK was a year behind on TV) but I felt that something had shifted to the point I wasn’t sure if I liked how the series was going. I will finish the whole thing as I really need to know exactly what happened not just the final few minutes. Season 6 marked the point where the series wasn’t acknowledging the films, made sense but also didn’t. One of the biggest mistakes was the films not acknowledging the series. Especially as it has the greatest love story in the MCU. 

There is a part of me that wished everything had ended with Endgame just for the sake of neatness and a story coming full circle. But there’s more, there’s always more. Of course, I want Guardians of the Galaxy Vol3 and to an extent Thor: Love and Thunder, but otherwise, I’ve stopped getting excited for the next release. Shang-chi was exciting as I loved the cast and on the whole, really enjoyed the film. But every film, set on Earth, seems to just be about the be all and end all. The smaller stories are no different. With Wandavision, Wanda threatened to tear reality apart, in Loki, the Time Variance Authority and a massive clue towards the multiverse and the new ‘big bad’. Honestly didn’t bother with Hawkeye and the other show, they really didn’t interest me. Despite the backlash that the series on Netflix got, I very much enjoyed some of the shows involving the Defenders. That intimacy is what’s missing but it looks like Moon Knight might capture this again. But knowing Marvel, it will be connected to a bigger picture, maybe, Secret Invasion involving MI-13 (the British S.H.I.E.L.D). 

Unlike before, there were Avengers films to collect everyone together but for Phase 4 there is no film that will have everyone together as there is no more Iron Man or Captain America to bring everyone together. But it still feels like everyone is being pulled in together. So far characters from Phase 2 & 3 are appearing in each other’s films and TV shows. There is no, sorry to use this, endgame. God knows what Phase 5 will be or if we’ll get there. I’ll be ok with that not happening. 

One of the theories my friend and I had was that multiverse was an opportunity to bring in mutants and the X-Men, now that that film franchise is dead. But with the way things were going in Wandavision, I thought House of M might make an appearance. Bu then again, the latter mostly affected mutants. Maybe all of the above will happen but as there has been no word, Disney might try and let that superhero chain cover over in dust. 

Its strange to think that this all started in 2007 with Iron Man, I never would have guessed this growth.

Watch List: February & March

 

The New Mutants 

 

After all the hype around this film, I had hoped for something brilliant, the last FOX X-Men film before Disney got their greedy hands on the franchise and potentially ruined it. But seeing the bad press round Dark Phoenix, the mutants were probably in need of a reboot. New Mutants doesn't really end of the franchise on a high but rather just throws a spanner into the void. With a few new characters to get to know, the whole story unfortunately revolves around trying to find out what or who is causing the weird events, bring out everyone's fears, SPOILER ALERT, its obviously the latest recuit/patient admitted last. There are some great characters here but the story doesn't really focus on them. The film spends too much time on a romantic pairing and too much screen time to Magik who prances around too much, its frankly annoying. But her purple dragon is cool. The film doesn't even conclude properly, most likely with the hope of another film but we'll just have to wait and see what Disney does next. 3/5

The Dig

British films sometimes falling into two catagories; cheap and cheerful (rom-coms or gritty gangster stories) or historical and stuffy, which takes in what the Brits are known for in the film world I'm sure. The Dig is most definitely the second catagory. Based on a true story about some mounds of earth in Suffolk that had hidden Medieval treasures inside. Archaeologist-excavator Basil Brown, who had worked on many digs but barely credited on the finds, is center stage here. Carey Mulligan is on had to provide more gravitas to the film. A few other British actors pepper the screen with a weak love story and bickering museum curators, the story seems light. But it is difficult to get really into a story about digging up historical artifacts unless you're very interested in the subject. The film on the whole feels lackluster. 2/5

The Stylist  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 4/5

 Mogul Mowgli  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 4/5

Van Helsing 

I sometimes wondered how I managed to miss this film when it first came out. It was on the cover of Empire magazine at a time when I would have tried to see as many films as possible BUT things weren't as accessible as they are now. Thank you streaming services. This was literally a monster mash, a Hollywood botch job that doesn't really make sense, coupled with awful CGI (when it was made gives it no excuse). Van Helsing works for a secret organisation run by priests, monks and holy people basically, where he hunts down monsters. The story mixes several classic gothic novels hoping anyone who can read won't notice. The story is confusing and at the same time predictable BUT I was entertained despite the many many flaws. 2/5

Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar 

This is one of the most biazrre films to have been released in recent years. Its rather reminiscent of the wacky comedies from the 90s that no one will talk about but its also thoroughly enjoyable. Half friendship film, half self discovery and half obsurd revenge action film, plus a few random musical numbers, it entertaining as hell. The film never goes where you think it will, some twists and turns throughout and double character bill for Kristen Wiig for some reason. As brilliant as she is, someone else could have stepped in for this part as there is no real reason for the dual role. Written and starring both Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who also co wrote Bridesmaids, make a great team. 3/5

They Came From Beyond Space 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 1/5

Dreams on Fire  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 3/5

Lucky  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 3/5

The Kid Detective 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 4/5

The Craft Legacy

 Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 2/5

Small Screen, BIg Wave

 

The age of superheroes dawned us not with the release of ‘X-Men’ and ‘Spiderman’ in the early 2000s but with the beginning of the master Marvel plan in 2007 with ‘Iron Man’. As I wasn’t reading comics (apart from Tintin and Oor Wullie) back then and only looking longingly at my local comic book shop when I was intimidated by the ‘what are you doing here?’ stare, these superheroes and by extension comic book films were all new to me. I had been completely enthralled by ‘Sin City’ in 2005 and sort out the original graphic novels, where I learnt just how graphic a comic styled book could be. Of course, the fact that the movies were turning towards to comics and graphic novels for stories was no new trend BUT the fact that we, the audience, are regularly fed our yearly superhero films has changed the landscape of film and now, TV as well.

Comics lend themselves to television structure that it always felt wrong that such characters and their blockbuster like stories were confined to limited timed films and their sequels and not given the time to develop and grow, like they do on the page. But the TV execs were paying attention. Seeing the opportunity to adapt more stories and characters for the small screen presented the opportunity to expand the comic universes. The CW has run with this idea with the likes of ‘Arrow’ and ‘The Flash’ and ABC with ‘Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D’ and Netflix too even had a slice of the Marvel pie before the announcement of the juggernaut (no I’m not referencing the mutant) Disney creating their own streaming service which meant shutting down shows on other platforms, although ‘Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D’ will bow out with their seventh and final season. But both Netflix and Amazon Prime have opted to venture further into the comics world and go for the more ‘adult’ themed comics or as they say on the trade paperbacks, ‘For Mature Readers’.

From Marvel to DC to Vertigo to Image to Dark Horse, the adaptations are endless. With hits like ‘Preacher’, ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and the newly minted ‘The Boys’, not only is the demand for comic adaptations out there, the desire for grittier and more graphic shows needs to be met. The latter two shows that came out this year, both renewed for second seasons have generally pleased the fandom and gain more followers. Both source materials could be considered as little to unknown in the grand scheme of things but with their superhero genre slapped on them, this attracts those who love the blockbuster films but also want to see their favourites for longer than a film. They also happen to be about superheroes. There is no escaping this genre which has become arguably in its own right. Actually, escape can be found in the Archie comics adaptations such as the eternal teen haven, ‘Riverdale’ and its spin off ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. But both have gone darker, especially the latter.

The shows will keep coming and it may or may not feel like overkill but if shows such as ‘The Walking Dead’ and keep on walking for multiple seasons and news shows such as ‘Y: The Last Man’ and the legendary ‘Sandman’ have been slated to be made, at least we’re in for a variety of weird and wonderful stories to look forward to. BUT there will come a time when, just like me and comics, there’s just too many to keep up with.

Watch List: April/May

The Missing Link

I love Laika Studios because their films are not just beautifully made, they are intricate and the details are amazing, but they're stories are heart warming as well breaking. They are afraid to end on a sad tone or realisation, they make realistic stories that children can enjoy and pick up on their messages, for everyone else, they get to enjoy the wonder. When explorer Sir Lionel Frost recieves a mysterious letter about a Sasquatch he comes face to face with the real deal who is actually a big fan of his work. The two go on a journey to the other side of the world so that Susan (that's the Sasquatch's name he gave himself) to meet his cousins, the yeti. But things don't always turn out how you imagine. 4/5

Eighth Grade

I think this is looking like my favourite film of the year (not seen Booksmart yet though). I wrote all about how much I loved this film and everything its about HERE.  5/5

Hellboy

My best mate made me watch this. Or rather, I was enjoying cocktails while we laughed/felt sick throughout the film. So much gore, so much pointless gore. When Merlin showed up in a cave, that's when I mentally checked out of the film. 1/5

Guardians

Superheroes, the Russian way. More info soon.

Avengers: Endgame

In all honesty, not quite the 'end of an era' film I thought it would be. I had no idea they were going to use time travel, or a rather a time heist to 'fix' everything. But they ended two character's stories well, Black Widow deserved much better, Thor is not done yet and how the hell are they are going to solve the time travel **** ups with Guardians of the Galaxy because their time line is all over the place?! More on this HERE 3/5

High Life

So much has been said about Claire Denis' science fiction slightly horror toned drama where Robert Pattinson looks after a baby, at least that's putting it lightly. Death row inmates are given the chance to serve science by journeying into space to extract energy from a black hole. Aboard this particular ship is Dr Dibs, who is obsessed with making babies. She collectes sperm from the willing male inmates and tries to impregnate the female inmates. There is also the terrifyingly shot 'fuck box' which the crew uses to masturbate, all except Monte, nicknamed, the monk. Existence on the ship shifts from sedative induced nights to bleak days, some of the crew finds solace in the ship's garden, others stare into the vast space around them. The mystery unfolds of how Monte comes to be the only crew member left, plus a baby to care for but the true myteries are left unanswered. Such as why were they sent there, what crimes brought them to the ship (only two inmates' backgrounds are revealed) and are there more ships apart from the one with stray dogs? It's a science fiction peice of art that you can dwell on for days. Horror, is other people and the feeling that you're not in control seeps into the cracks of the ship and story and never really leaves you, as well as that damn 'fuck box'. 4/5

Detective Pikachu

I was never really into Pokemon, I had a couple of the cards (which I found in the school car park) and the show never really caught my attention long enough for me to feel invested BUT the fact that Ryan Reynolds voice was coming out of an adorable Pikachu and actually was very funny, the trailer had me at 'that's very twisty'. As someone who knows nothing about the Pokemon world I felt invested in the characters, mostly because the pokemon are either cute or ridiculous (the duck who's head explodes - loved him) and the story of a missing father and conspiracy, even though it was predictable, I still enjoyed it. 3/5

Rocketman

Its about how Reg Dwight became Elton John, with music and musical numbers thrown in. My review is over on Vulturehound HERE. 4/5

Someone Great

Film about friends and growing up are usually a safe space where you can sit back and relate to the characters, enjoy the hijinx and think about your own life, at least thats some of the thoughts going through my head with this type of film. I love the main cast, they all have their issues going on, they have great chemistry and there are geniune funny moments BUT the fact they are all meant to be 'almost 30' was something that bothered me. Maybe because I'm almost 30 and do not have everything together. My own insecurites coming out here. I was saving this film for another day and maybe I watched it in the wrong head space, after I had recieved terrible and sad news or that something had ended the day before and I was just accepting it but, all these things aside, the film was ok but it was more about the end of a nine year relationship than about friends. 3/5

The Tribe

When a horrible corporate HR director fires 300 people, THEN gets caught cheating when he gets stuck inside a woman, only to be dragged out in front of the whole office and phone cameras, he loses his job, his wife and when he goes to meet with his biological mother, his memory too when he gets hit by a bus, Fidel is not having a great time. His mother takes him in, taking care of him even after she finds out who he is. She intriduces him to her dance class and as they say, that's that. Turns out he's a great dancer and makes an impression on the class as well as the teacher. Very funny at time, at others truely bizarre but the dancing is fun. 3/5

Watch List March

Captain Marvel

 No one expected a cat named Goose would be such a hit but the Captain herself was great fun. There were flaws yes but on the whole, Marvel finally making a superhero film with a female character front and centre was long overdue. That's of course if you discount Ant-Man and The Wasp. My post about the film and the media hell around it can be read HERE. 4/5

The Girl in the Spider's Web

My review of the adaptation of the fourth book in the Millenium series but a weird side stepped not quite a sequel to David Fincher's remake (doesn't make sense as the film references things that happened after that film) can be read over at VultureHound HERE. 3/5

Incredibles 2

Missed this at the cinema first time round, caught it on Blu-ray. Many films do not require a sequel, including The Incredibles and I stand by this. But I love the characters and the other side of superheros so I enjoyed this one. A great and interesting turn from the ending of the first film where the family are living in a motel after their house was destroyed and they make a mess of trying to capture a villain. A secretive, worth millions company who's CEO loves superheros recruits the family to help change the law, making superheros legal again but this time, its Elastigirl who is the one fighting crime, while Mr Incredible takes care of the family. Its a fun story, with a mystety and actually genuine scary moments (well, I was scared) as well as some 'real' family time issues, plus discovery of all baby Jack's powers, which are insane!! 4/5

Tabloid

Having seen this documentary float around the film-sphere for years, I finally got to see this tale of true love, rumours, Mormon cults and the media circus that ruined lives. There are two sides to this story, both shown in the film, telling the tale about young American beauty queen Joyce McKinney who falls in love with Mormon missionary Kirk Anderson and follows him to the UK after he is forced to leave. It's bizarre and actually quite sad, as Joyce talks about the love of her life who is brainwashed away from her and does seem hard to imgaine thar media version of her kidnapping him. Either way, everything is laid out so you can make up your own mind. 3/5

The Honey Pot 

So, I went a little over the top buying up a bunch of cheap DVDs, ones from DogWoof and from Signal One Entertainment. This was the latter. An early 70s comedy (?) and later murder mystery about a wealthy old man who pretends to be dying in order to bring three of his past lovers back to him, hinting that he will leave his fortune to one of them. It really rather silly, self indulgent and the plot is all over the place but Maggie Smith is in it so it was worth it for that as she is the only half sain person in the film. 2/5

Black Widow

Another Signal One Entertainment purchase. This time a late 80s thriller about a woman who kills her wealthy husbands soon after marrying them. Hot headed FBI Agent Alexandra is hot on the spider's heels, even going as far as befriending the killer to try and save her next victim. Its actually pretty good, if a little cheap around the edges (which I love!).  3/5

Us

I first saw the trailer late at night while clicking through various posts and immediately regretted and was excited by it. Using a classic hip hop song to lure you in to the hellscape that await you - genius. A simple story at the core of the film, a family goes on vacation to the beach and are then terrorised by their distorted doubles, leaves so much room for the bigger issues being explored. Appreciating every aspect of the film and how much actual detail in the film is actually enjoyable, inbetween stuffing my mouth with my jacket to stop me yelling out in fear of course. The fact that Jordan Peele's horror film(s) are grounded in the horrific nature of human beings mkaes the horror feel much closer to home, even if a little bit of sci-fi is used to enhance the premise. With creepy twists and turns throughout as well as forehsadowing galore, its much more than I expected. 4/5

O Captain My Captain

There are hundreds of reviews floating round the internetsphere so I won't take up your time with mine, instead I'll share a few thoughts and then dive into, why the media circus?

SPOILERS AHEAD

I haven't read the comics. I should start that for every Marvel film I write about, although I used to read a bit of Xmen. Back to Capatin Marvel. Serving as an origin story for Captain Marvel aka Carol Danvers as well as side flashback to when Fury wasn't the head of S.H.I.E.L.D and was inpired by his encounter with Danvers and the all the other, aliens, to start his avengers inititive. This really makes Danvers the centre of of the whole universe so its only appropriate that shes there in Endgame to save it.

Starting with her day to day solidering with the Kree where they make sure she keeps her powers in check, answers to her superiors and encourage her to ignore her memory flashbacks, she is in deep with this life. Although their enemy are the shape shifting Skrulls, the Kree have never been the 'good guys' so it's not so difficult to see what comes later, despite the opening group banter, which was funny. Danvers or 'Vers' as she is affectionately known as literally crash land back home after escaping the sinister Skrulls ships and memory contraption. This is a homecoming that sets the whole 'but who am I' journey in motion, while at the same time uncovering the true deception of the Kree and switching the Skrulls to the innocent party.

Captain Marvel is a superhero film so it will hit the same beats as the films before it, but it also goes against the grain. She is superpowered thanks to an accident or rather act of bravery; trying to destroy technology that is literally from another planet and honour her mentor. The origin stories of Danvers have apparently been different and usually involving a man, soilder giving him her powers, BUT in this story, her mentor is Mar-Vell, a Kree scientist trying to stop war and its Annette Benning. Fantastic cast choice, in fact the Captain is surrounded by great characters/cast, which can make or break a film.
 
There were several times where I rolled my eyes but with homages to previous superhero films and even an Indiana Jones moment, the film was what I hoped to see. A fun, comic book film with an amazing and on point 90s soundtrack, featuring a fair amount of female artists and unexpected surprise in the form of a cat that provided comedic bits galore, I was entertained. It didn't excede my expectations but I enjoyed the outcome.

------------------------

There have been a great show of support between female film critics, sharing each others reviews on Twitter. I didn't read them all but the ones I did show a variety of reactions to the film. Some loved it, others didn't, some had strong feelings about different aspects surrounding the film, others championed it, and some, well, really hated it. Even amongst the positive praise and justified critiques, I was disappointed by the circus of attention that wasn't about the character and story.

The bigger picture is that, yes, there was quite a bit of the Marvel franchise riding on whether this film would be successful or not. But looking back at the previous films, there hasn't be a film thats been attacked (both positively and negatively) in this way before. I suppose there was a fair amount of speculation around the first Guardians of the Galaxy as it was purely space set and had three main characters that were CGI but that was because there hadn't be such a heavily sci-fi Marvel film, when really, if you strip it down, its a science fiction film with a great group of characters that just so happens to be within the Marvel universe. Also, its my favourite Marvel film. But apart from GOTG, the hype has been normal. I can't be the only person to have said this, but all this fuss is just because the main character, main superhero is female and to be honest, there shouldnt be this sort of hype just because of that fact. Extra pressure is mounted on this fact alone as to whether its good or not and if it isn't its because its a women front and centre and if its good, its only because theres finally a female superhero as the main character.

This is the death that practically killed Ghostbusters back in 2016. This is the death that buried Oceans 8, although granted the hype was not big for this film, which I don't understand, that film is amazing and I'm just saying that because I watched it 5 times in a row (no joke). This the possible death that Wonder Woman defeated, but because the rest of the DC films sunk (apart from Aquaman I hear) after the sequel, who knows what will happen to her. All these film were built up with everyone half hoping they'll fail. The malicious half anyway.

There has also been a cloud of disgust surrounding critics. A barrage of outraged critics who believe what they have to say is more important. Then the backlash that women only like the film because there's a woman in it! Its reached ridiculous heights. But, again, seeing the threads of female critics sharing each others work, no judgement, no arguments, just sharing and championing each other, gives me hope that we can do this for any film and not just when there a female superheo on the poster, alone.

January/February Watch List

Stan & Ollie

A story of legends and one of the greatest love stories ever told. 4/5 My post about the film is HERE for your reading pleasure.

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

This one crept up and made a huge impact on all comic book fans. Its the best comic book film I've seen, maybe even better than my beloved Guardians of the Galaxy. This Spider-Man film not only manages to side step some of the terrible films that came out, it even pokes fun at them. The fact that there are multiple universes and each one there is a Spider-Person must mean that there are multiple versions of all the Marvel characters. In this film, this is Miles' time to shine. The film introduces a new Spider-Man, passes the baton, gives him a worthy story to work with, gives him THE best mentor a would be hero could ask (Peter B. Parker perfectly cast/voiced by Jake Johnson) for AND even has time to introduce 4 other great Spider characters from multiple universes AND bring villain King Pin back to his original place, fighting Spidey as well make Dr Oct a woman voiced by the amazing Kathryn Hahn, literally all my dreams came true with this film. Story and characters aside, the film is brilliantly animated, making it look like a comic literally came to life, with the voiceover, speech bubbles, the black lines of the panels. This film is so brilliantly constructed, it shows up all the previous efforts, this film is pure comic book heart. 5/5

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden Kingdom

A satisfying and emotional close on a fantastic franchise. My review is over at VultureHound and can be read HERE 4/5

Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte

Whatever happened to Baby Jane? Well, she made this film with the bare bones similarities but then her sister left the set so Olivia De Havilland stepped in. 3/5 My review is over at VultureHound and can be read HERE. 

The Lady Eve

One the best screwball comedies, I laughed so much out loud. They really don't make 'em like they used to. 5/5 My review is over at VultureHound and can he read HERE.

Burning

 I missed this at LFF due to scheduling clashes BUT with the hype that grew during and after the festival, I knew I couldn't miss it again. With a pace slower than pain drying, this thriller doesn't have any scare moments, there are no 'big reveals' but instead plagues your mind as you try to put the very few clues together. Lonely would be writer Lee Jong-su bumps into old school fellow Shin Hae-mi after years. At first it seems this is going to be a not so romantic story about two lonely people who used to know each other but instead flips what you except of this mysterious story. She leaves for a trip and returns with the mysterious, handsome and wealthy Ben. Jong-su ends being the third wheel to the couple. He observes them, suspicous of Ben and his beahviour, remarking that Ben is a Gatsby. No one knows how he makes his money or where it comes from. A mystery unfolds as pieces start to fall into place, we are left to draw our own conclusions despite what happens on screen. The story unpeels itself, creating unease from the moment Ben is introduced, giving a whole new meaning to a slow burner thriller. 4/5

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Amongst the Oscar darlings there was a hidden gem directed by Marielle Heller, based on the true story of how literally down on her luck writer Lee Israel forged thousands of letters from famous writers. It takes a while for Lee to get going in her new venture which proves to be lucrative and along with her down his luck friend Jack, they live a little, that is, until they are found out. The story isn't a huge story as in there is no over the top dramatics, except from Richard E. Grant as Jack but that's who he is. Deservingly so, both Grant and Melissa McCarthy were nominated at the Oscars. Both great roles in what I'd describe as a quiet film which reflects on how far you'd go to pay the bills and be able to sleep at night. 3/5

Polar

I love a good hitman story and even more so when its crazy and ridiculous, think Smokin' Aces but without the police side plot and undercover bit. The infamous Black Kaiser is about to retire which means the company he works for, even hitmen have a boss, will owe him 8 million, which they clearly don't want to pay so his wacky clothed boss gets his hit sqaud out to kill him. In the meantime hes settled into a cabin and even made friends with his neighbour. What follows is a spectacular bloodbath of bullets and mayhem and Mads Mikkelsen, the Kaiser himself, barely flinches. 3/5

Velvet Buzzsaw

There was little hype except for a trailer that arrived a month before it appeared on Netflix but since there was so much hate and misunderstanding about this film, it deserves a post of its own. 4/5

Piercing

What the hell was that? I asked myself throughout this film even though I knew exactly what I was walking into. A man who has the desire to kill someone with an ice pick casually books a hotel room and arranges for a call girl who does S&M to come to his room where he plans to kill her. He has it all sorted and written in detail in his notebook. BUT when she shows up, she's even crazier than he is. A brilliant two hander from the very beautiful Christopher Abbott and the fascinating as ever Mia Wasikowska who dance around each other is a strange and sometimes even erotic way. Biazrre to say the least but again, expected as the film is based on a novel written by the same guy who wrote Audition, which the film was based on. There's something so desparate and immaculate about the two characters and in another time and place, they could have made each other so happy, if they weren't so deranged. 3/5

The Guilty

This is one of those, just one person on screen throughout the film while he makes lots of calls and like the others, its one hell of a suspensful thriller. 4/5 My review is over VultureHound and can be read HERE.