Thrash

 Shark movies have long been considered a sub-genre, whether its action, thriller or horror, sometimes even reducing films that aim to be something more substantial to just another shark film. Thrash is a survival thriller, bringing in severe weather and focusing on various characters in peril, but once the sharks start to appear the film very quickly enters the sub-genre as characters not only have to contend with mother nature on the weather front but also from vicious sharks taking advantage of the situation.

In South Carolina, when a Category 5 hurricane is predicted to hit coastal towns, residents evacuate. A few people remain behind, either because they believe they can ride out the storm or just too late to escape the wrath of the hurricane. Dakota, a young woman who has become agoraphobic since her mother died decides to stay home., Lisa, a heavily pregnant woman left by her fiance tries to leave town only to be swept up in the initial wave of damage and young siblings Dee, Ron and Will are forced to shelter by their foster parents.

With most survival stories, we usually focus on one or two people and watch them struggle to make it through whatever disaster is thrown at them. But here, Thrash follows various people through the storm and later, the sharks. This could have worked if the characters had been linked somehow or eventually ended up in the same place together, at least. Instead we get a disjointed fractured story, that is predictably surrounded by deaths of smaller characters that only provide blood and gore. The little information we have on each character also isn’t really enough for us to care who makes it to the end. Everyone is reduced to a stereotype, resulting in a lazy set up and making our real concern the sharks.

Aside from a very basic storyline, the effects are quite impressive and the stress factor is turns up to the max, especially during a rather horrific birth scene. As the water rises, so does our anxiety but at the back of our minds, we already know how this ordeal will end. Rescue is on the way, a predictable conclusion with no worry of a sequel looms.

Agatha Christie's Seven Dials

 

Courtesy of Netflix

With each Agatha Christie adaptation that is released, any fan of the author may hold their breath in anticipation or for what changes will be made. With the recent adaptations, stories that have not been given proper attention, such as Ordeal by Innocence (that was plagued with re-shoots due to an actor being ‘cancelled’), Murder Is Easy, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? and Towards Zero, these all followed a 3 episode pattern, that is arguable too long for the novel adaptations, especially with some being changed from the source. These were also previously adapted to include Miss Marple in the ITV series, and although she’s a fantastic character, doesn’t appear in the original books, so it was great to see these novels adapted, shall we say, correctly? But The Seven Dials Mystery, having been adapted into a TV movie back in the 80s, had yet to make its more recent significant debut, making its appearance on Netflix most intriguing. Though the book did not receive high praise, this adaptation does make rather large changes, including the end and possible extension into further possible stories. We are introduced to Bundle, or Lady Eileen Brent, who discovers the close family friend Gerry Wade, murdered in his bed after a party at her family’s home. This leads her to follow a trail as to how this happened and why, getting tangled up with her friends in the Foreign Office, as well as Superintendent Battle (who appears in other Christie novels) who starts to investigate the case as further bodies show up.

The Seven Dials, unlike the more recent Christie adaptations, is indeed a murder mystery but one that is more focused on espionage. There are several characters from the government involved and hints to the coming world war two despite everyone still healing from world war one. Murder mystery is the genre but this could very well fall into the ‘spy’ genre as well.

Having read the original book, it's very clear as to why changes were made. Though this story could have been far more effective with just two episodes, a delicious cliff-hanger in between. Though the initial story is intriguing but frustratingly paced, Bundle, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce is delightful, she is perfectly cast, balancing being the pseudo-detective as well as still grieving for her close friend and lost romance. Bundle skates through dangers and equally challenging social obligations with charm and courage, stealing the show entirely. Battle, played with a little less gusto than you’d hope for by Martin Freeman, is meant to be her official counterpart but doesn’t even appear until episode 2, which was slightly disappointing. Most of the excitement (and murders) happen before he even really gets involved. The two leads have an awkward start but soon fall into a rhythm you’d expect from a Christie unlikely duo, with mutual respect to follow.

However, the story doesn’t quite know what it really wants to be and doesn’t quite pull itself off as a blend of genres. The spy elements provide intrigue but then we are pulled into a stereotypical whodunnit setting that feels jarring. Bundle’s own investigation seems to lead somewhere, only for the story to throw in red herrings precisely where you really don’t want them. This all being said, it's the over dramatic climax that was the most disappointing. With three long episodes to go through, you would hope the build up would not be so predictable.

The ultimate end to the story at least provided some hope we’d see Bundle and Battle again, maybe solving another case, who knows, but the characters being the highlight, maybe a juicier story next time too!

Glass Onion

 

Benoit Blanc returns! This time we find him bored in need of a new case in the middle of lockdown. But luckily, with the arrival of a mysterious puzzle box, a new mystery is close at hand. 

This time around, Blanc becomes entangled with another group of wealthy individuals. They are influential, powerful, and somewhat talented friends who call themselves, ‘The Disruptors’. The dynamics of the friendships are like those of a family. There are secrets and lies that bind them and can have the ability to, disrupt, the group, potentially ruining everything they have ever accomplished. Blanc goes along for the ride as there is far more to this island getaway and old friends catching up that meets the eye.

Full post and Filmhounds Top 10 of 2022 HERE.

Is Aslan on the move?

 

The Chronicles of Narnia were my fantasy realm for years. Although I would proudly say that The Lord of the Rings are my favourite films now, but before December 2001, Narnia was my Middle Earth. I loved the books, loved the BBC adaptations of old, I used to the rent them on VHS from the library all the time. I couldn’t imagine the stories I grew up with being spun out on the big screen but when the years of fantasy ruling the box office were in power, it was inevitable that C.S Lewis’ series would eventually be adapted. It's quite surprising how long it took for the books to be adapted and given the blockbuster treatment but when they were, Hollywood decided to start with the most well-known book, ignoring the actual first in the story. But thankfully in storytelling terms, at least cinematic ones, to have the prequel later on, makes sense. The Magician’s Nephew, the first book will hopefully see its day on the big screen. The BBC TV series also never included this strange tale involving other worlds and the actual creation of Narnia. 

When Disney took up the helm, releasing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 2005, the stories literally came to life and were surprisingly loyal to the book, with added CGI flare of course. Shot in New Zealand and with WETA working their magic, it felt that fantasy stories were continuing to dominate the box office. This continued with Prince Caspian in 2008 and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010. But due to a contract expiring, the long awaited follow up, The Silver Chair, was never made. Although there was traction right up until 2018, Netflix announced their plan to adapt the book in their entirety that same year, so The Silver Chair was abandoned. 

Since the big announcement from Netflix in 2018, there have been a few more rumours circulating. Matthew Alrich, co-writer of Coco has joined the project as ‘creative architect’, whatever that means. Then more recently, that Greta Gerwig will direct 2 films in the franchise. With this new news, it feels that there is hope that the project will still go ahead.

Over the past 4 years, there has been plenty of speculation as to how the books will be adapted, whether they will be made in order or follow a similar pattern to the Disney films (which skipped two films). But there is a safe bet that all 7 books will be made into films. Netflix has also stated they want to create a Narnia universe, like Game of Thrones. Whether this means new stories (hope not) or they are referring to the prequel story, as it technically is, The Magician’s Nephew and The Horse and His Boy, which does not heavily feature any of the characters in the other books.

I embraced the Disney films, even though I’ll always love the BBC series from my childhood. I was disappointed that not all the films were made, especially as Will Poulter was cast as the perfect Eustace Scrubb. But at least one of my favourite books in the series, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was adapted. I’ve been waiting over 30 years to see The Magician’s Nephew though, my other favourite and I’m really hoping Netflix don’t let me down.

All I hope for is that they stick to the source material, no modern-day versions please, that would be dire and kill the entire series. Keep to the time periods the books are set in and the characters as described. It’s a fantasy series so go crazy in the fantasy parts of the stories not those set in ‘the real world’. If they need pointers on how to adapt a series well, just look to A Series of Unfortunate Events. Yes, they added a few bits but the makers stuck to the books, the characters and kept the essence and atmosphere of the source material. Yes, this was TV but the format worked for the stories. Narnia works better as films. But you can see what I’m trying to say. Stick to the source material and embellish smaller parts that will not ruin it all.

With such a rich tapestry to work from and so many great characters across the books, there is a lot of potential. Of course, there are going to those obvious religious undertones and allegories galore that might not appeal to everyone (at secondary school we were actually taught the books in RE (religious education) and we read the books in primary school). But at heart the books are fantasy that can be enjoyed by all. Fingers crossed Netflix gets them made!

Seal Team

Animated films are usually thrown into four different categories; those that are Disney/Pixar, those that are considered Anime, those from major studios and those that are none of the above. Just like independent film, animation also struggles to get a look in. When films appear on the streaming platforms you subscribe to, there is no doubt going to be a fair few animated films aimed at across the ages, unceremoniously dumped there alongside the latest films, TV series and documentaries. One of these films, caught my eye. 

Seal Team is about a colony of Cape Fur Seals (that look very much like sea lions, but fur seals are a separate species of pinnipeds) who go on a mission to defeat sharks threatening their home. But it plays out like an 80s action film and its actually really entertaining. 

Why am I writing about a film about command unit of seals? Firstly, I love seals but I’ll settle for an action film about fur seals. There’s even a basking shark that goes on the radio wanting to discuss how sharks are portrayed in the media. Plus, singer Seal is featured playing Seal Seal and as an added bonus Dolph Lundgren plays a dolphin named Dolph who smokes cigars and has ridiculous catchphrase. How could you resist this? 

When his best friend is taunted then eaten (off screen) by an extra evil great white shark named Grimes, Quinn stumbles about grizzled commando-esque Claggert who used to run navy missions (alongside humans) until he made an error blowing up the ship he now haunts. Quinn brings together a crack team of seals, with Claggert’s guidance, to defeat the sharks once and for all and defend their colony. 

As promised, this is an 80s action film, complete with weird ocean related gadgets, amusing backstories, fool proof plans and an over-the-top military plan that goes wrong until it goes spectacularly right. The comedy mixed with the comradery of the team works amazingly well. Each team member brings something bizarre and unique to the team and the film as a whole. Granted there are more laughs adults would get rather than the children watching who will just enjoy the seals being seals (but then, who doesn’t enjoy watching seals flop around on land?) but the smaller touches, more obvious jokes (Seal Seal of course and its actually him) and the homages to the typical action genre are for the older viewers. I would go as far to say this is a spoof but that would be taking away the essence that this film is, pure joy. 

Why aren’t there more films like this random gem?

Red Notice

As we’ve all come to know and either love/hate Hallmark films, so have we grown accustom to a Netflix film. There are those originals that leave the same taste in your mouth after watching, then there are those that Netflix have acquired. The latest to hit our small screen is Red Notice, about an art thief and FBI agent who team up to try and capture another art thief while trekking across the globe to various exciting places. But there is something that feels incredibly off about this blockbuster. It feels as if it was made several years ago and the no one, including Netflix got the memo that this type of action film was, old news. 

Apparently, the critics have been bashing the film but applauding the cast. But I think the cast are also part of the reason why this film isn’t good. On the surface, the film, the story, is very basic. FBI Agent tries to track down the ‘most wanted art thief in the world’ and succeeds but then is framed by an even better art thief, The Bishop. The code name I think is a Chess reference for some reason those who don’t play Chess won’t know. Then an unlikely buddy action comedy emerges as the real core plot. Then The Bishop swings in at every location to just to cause problems and snatch everything away from them at the last moment. As I’ve said, we’ve seen this sort of this before, many times and depending on how interesting the characters are its worth the ride. However, casting problematic Gal Gadot in the lead as the suave elegant pretty female might not have been the best casting. With Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds as the odd couple, there was a possibility that this could have been saved BUT over the years Reynolds has progressed far beyond the snarky slick sidekick-eques lead and this role feels like a major step backwards to the mid 2010s. As for Johnson, he just seems bored. Even when it comes to the twist that everyone saw a mile off. The story about the McGuffin’s that aren’t McGuffins, Cleopatra’s eggs feel oddly fake and of course these eggs are fictious. The fact that these Egyptian eggs could have been inspired by the famed Fabergé eggs of the Russian Tsars, really does make you wonder why they chose Cleopatra and her possible treasure. I’d rather see that film. 

 Globe trotting stories about thieves chasing a fake treasure overall seems old hat but there are several moments throughout the film that recycled or not executed well. Such as the one-dimensional Interpol agent, Das who is not developed, she is just there to chase everyone else which is a missed opportunity. The twist we all saw coming, Johnson and Gadot are actually working together which is what the film leads up to and is crashes and burns like the Nazi car they gang drives through mine shafts. The fact that Nazis are somehow involved, even if its just all the art and treasure they stole, they made an appearance. Even the way plans are made with the heists planned out using overly exaggerated technology that doesn’t screw up. The weird billionaire who has a theatrical voice and likes to make a point how he murdered his father in every interaction. The list goes on, sadly. 

 However, amidst this stale film, some of the jokes Reynolds comes out with is actually funny, but that’s it. If I were to critique this film in depth, I would go on to say that Reynold’s character, Booth is actually the greatest art thief as he does all the stealing and planning. The Bishops just wonder in at the end and steal it, without really doing any work. The director, Rawson Marshall Thurber knows how to follow a formula, going by his filmography. It’s a shame that left-field choices for these generic films are given a chance as they could really create something, interesting. Thurber is as basic as his films and that’s all we’re treated to. I wonder what Netflix will bring out next.

Passing - BFI London Film Festival

 

There is beautiful imagery throughout with some innovative framing, looking and feeling elegant throughout with a story that is, unfortunately timeless, Passing is a solid debut from Rebecca Hall. 

 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Watch List: May & June

Luca

Pixar and Disney's latest about two sea monster pals who dream of running away and exploring the world is adorable. The sea monsters themselves are intricate characters who feel more than just legends of the deep. When curious Luca meets confident Alberto, another sea monster living alone on an island, the two immediately bond over their desire to explore. Once the boys make their way to mainland, set in Italy, their story really begins. They meet Giulia, a little girl who's Dad is a fisherman with a cat that finds the boys very suspicious. The story it seems is about friendship and knowing when to let go and move on, but of course with Pixar there always has to be statements. The film morphs from one lesson to another, accepting others, trustung your friends and about family. One aspect which is neglected is the reason why Alberto is alone on an island when we first meet him. We get a slight insight but nothing more than one tear soaked scene and nothing more, which is shame. Overall, its an adorable story set by the idyllic Italian coast, a sweet getaway when you can't travel. 3/5

Shiva Baby

 

Full review HERE 4/5

The United States vs 

Billie Holiday

 

Full review HERE 

Summerland

 

Having missed this film, the first time round last year, I caught up with the sweet story about a reclusive writer of folklore and young boy separated from his family, far from home. Although there is heartfelt story of lost love in flashbacks and a revelation at the climax of the film, this is really all about two lost people needing comfort, one knowing and other not realising they missed it. Gemma Arterton is brilliant as the moody writer who has shut herself away from the world to the annoyance of the village, but this role suits Arterton perfectly. Adding the beautiful location, this sweet story by the coast during wartime is a delight. 3/5

Dinner in America

 

Full review HERE

When Marnie was there

 

Adapted from the book of the same name, the film brilliantly exports the story from its origianl location to a small country town in Japan. Anna is sent away to stay with relatives of her foster mother so that she can get well again. While in the town Anna becomes obsessed with a house that sits away from the town across a marsh. She has dreams about a girl named Marnie until she actually meets her in person. But its very clear the two girls are from different times but somehow can interact with each other at certain times. Over her stay, Anna tries to find out the mystery of their connection and who Marnie really is. The story is very on brand for Studio Ghibli, feeling grounded in the real world and the spirit world. The friendship between the girls is developed very quickly as if they already had a predetermined connection. Capturing pure joy and lonliness is the art that Ghibli has created so well over the years and this is no different. 4/5

God's Waiting Room

 

Full review HERE 

Nomadland

 

There was such a lowkey hype about Nomadland at festivals that I didn'y may close attention. There is no clear storyline or plot, just a year in the life of Fern, a nomad who drives from site to site taking on seasonal work in different states. We get to see her with her fellow nomad friends, on own adventure, with her sister who doesn't understand her lifestyle and in her town that no longer exists. Not only a comment on how the recession affected certain people and age groups, its showing that there are other ways to live but there is an underlying comment on how town can be so reliant on a factory to keep everything turning but within a blink of an eye that town can just disappear. Beautifully shot, a sombre character piece that is full of sadness and joy at the same time. 4/5

Watch List: April

 

Undine

Full review is over at Filmhounds and can be read HERE. 3/5

 

Slaxx

Full review can be read HERE. 3/5

 

Willy's Wonderland 

 

A film where Nicholas Cage doesn’t utter a single word and fight a load of animatronic robots who have been possessed by the souls of serial killers? Well of course I am going to watch it, even if the murderous robots are terrifying. I don’t understand why children’s places like Willy Wonderland exist as I think they are far too scary for children, and me. But I’ve been told that these are all over the US, they are aren’t a ‘thing’ in the UK, thankfully. The story premise is basic and beautiful. Cage is stranger driving through town and his car breaks down and he’s offered to work of the cost to fix the car in an abandoned theme restaurant. At the same time, a group of stereotype teenagers are planning on burning down the restaurant to get rid of the evil souls within. These two stories collide while chaos rages on throughout the night as each robot attacks and Cage fights back. It’s ridiculous and I loved it. Every single horror trope is hit on the head while also offering something I haven’t seen before. I’ve also been told this is the same premise to a video game but as that isn’t my area of expertise, I’m happy to say I enjoyed the originality in parts of the film. 4/5

Effie Gray 

Full review is over at Filmhounds and can be read HERE. 2/5

 

Into the Labyrinth

Full review is over at Filmhounds and can be read HERE.3/5

 

High Heels and Low Lifes

 

The early 2000s, hanging off the end of the 90s were a mix bag of questionable CGI, mash ups and hybrid productions that were very hit and miss, of course with some great films too, but so does every era. British films went through a trend of including a token American to try and seem like they could sell the film to the US and that was the only way to do it. High Heels and Low Lifes was just such one of these films. Weird comedy crime caper where two friends, Minnie Driver, slightly uptight nurse and Mary McCormack, down on her luck actress, decide to outwit gangsters when they over hear a robbery taking place. The premise is ridiculous but the film was actually enjoyable. Driver and McCormack make a pretty damn good duo and if you can overlook a lot of the plot, its entertaining and not bad for when it was made. 3/5

 

 

Things Seen and Heard

 

First off, the title is very dull. Secondly, I wish I had read the book. The film has that feel to it as if it were adapted and there’s no escaping it, mostly due to the feeling that not everything is being explained here and how George goes from passably average guy to absolute bastard, with no hint in previous years, seems odd. Like horror thrillers before it, there is a continuous ominous feeling that things are not right from the opening scene and this neck tingling unsettlingly feeling never leaves. Some of the themes are also not explored fully which is disappointing, including spirituality, ghosts and the previous owners of the house. There just isn’t enough of the background context to flesh out the film so we’re left with uncomfortable shots of James Norton’s face looking pained, all the time. 2/5

Crisis

 

Full review is over at Filmhounds and can be read HERE. 3/5

 

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

Long Live the Physical Media!!

 

Last year, right at the start of the first Lockdown I had the idea to start making zines. Not the film ones I make from time to time but real pen and paper and photocopy zines. I managed to put together a few pages but, in all honesty, it wasn't my best work. I salvaged the best pages and will be adding them to something I'm putting together for my 10-year anniversary of this blog. One page that I kept was a rant, a train of thought, relevant for the time, about owning DVDs and Blu rays. Apologies for the scattered handwriting. This reveals how crazy my handwriting is.

Despite streaming services being the go-to for most people, including myself, to watch films, TV, music and the odd audiobook, physical media is being kept alive by the collectors. The ‘old’ media that entertained us when we were young is always looked upon fondly now and resurrected for a nostalgia trip. As we’ve all been kept inside away from everything, these nostalgia trips are happening quite frequently. I’d love to go through the boxes still at my parents that I know contain cassette tapes, videos and there’s even a shoe box with the last of my CD collection I couldn’t get rid of. I used to be the proud owner of a large audiobook collection, mostly children’s and young adult books, quite a few Jaqueline Wilson tapes and a few Jane Austen tapes, as well as a few odd ones that I never heard of anywhere else, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen anyone? With only a few videos surviving, half of which are recorded, I had tried to convert this collection to DVDs but some I couldn’t find. Without these boxes of nostalgia to pour over, I’ve looked to collection that I moved with.

 

It’s been said that the Millennials are the ones keeping physical media alive, having grown up in an age without everything at our fingertips or having the ease of streaming services for anything you could dream of. But I also think there has been a resurgence of the ‘special/limited edition’ that has caught the eye of those who collect. Distributors like Arrow and the Criterion collection are going strong with these releases, bringing cult classics into the new era and those long-forgotten gems out of the dark for new audiences to discover. Other labels such as Indicator, Vintage Classics and 101 Films focusing different genres, also offering extra features and physical extras too. Bringing out new releases to celebrate an anniversary or even just a ‘first time’ release is an opportunity. These are all for the collectors, of which I thought there were few but after a search on Instagram with the right hashtags, I find that I am most definitely not alone or at least it’s not just film writers and Film Twitter out there. The appeal of physical media is not a niche thing as I had thought.

 

My scribbles from last year were in frustrated response to digital copies being deleted as and when companies wish rendering bought digital copies useless. For anyone who loves to own the real thing, there will always be DVD/Blu ray and now 4K releases. Vinyl made its way back from being 50p in a charity shop to back on the shelves, cassette tapes are also having a mini comeback. CDs might not have the same appeal, but, you never know.

 

Merry Christmas

Every year I watch a Christmas film I’ve never seen before, may be old or new. The added tradition now is I add the latest Netflix Christmas film too, but this year only a series caught my eye, Dash & Lily which was exactly what I had expected from Netflix. Wholesome, teen orientated romantic, family drama with a smattering of comedy. It got me in the Christmas mood at least. Instead of adding one more film to the mix, I ended watching several Christmas films I had never seen before. In these times, what else was there to do? I can at least savour the fact that I got to watch two favourites in the cinema before we were all deprived of that joy.

 

One film in particular has stayed with me throughout the month as I saw it in the first week of December. Released last year, on Netflix BUT not the typical Netflix film, Klaus. No idea how I missed this film last year. It is one of the most beautiful animated films I’ve seen in a very long time (Wolfwalkers aside here, this is Christmas). It tells the story of how Christmas was started or at least how the myth, the legend, the story of how Father Christmas was created and not from his point of view but from a spoilt arrogant postman sent to the back of beyond as a punishment. Rolling into one film a Scrooge type character who begins his quest to post 6,000 letters in a year by getting the children to send letters to the reclusive, woodsman who makes toys. The story isn’t forced or cliché as it unfolds, its magical, heart-warming and doesn’t go over the top. Even the side plot about the rivalry between two families in the town doesn’t derail this very wholesome tale of friendship, gift giving and yes, letters. The filmmakers even manage to include folklore and the Sami people too.

 

How on earth did this film lost out at the Oscars to Toy Story 4, which wasn’t the greatest, I’ll never understand. But at least the film will get a lease of life every Christmas season and hopefully more people will enjoy and know the wonder that is Klaus.

 

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas wherever you are!

 

Watch List: July

EuroVision

In all honesty, I am not the biggest Will Ferrell fan but I do love Eurovision so I thought, what's to lose watching a comedy written by an American who doesn't really understand the European singing contest as, yes, it is, very European. Despite Australia literally buying its way into a contest it has no place in. Euro, it’s in the title of the contest. For a Netflix original, the quality is very good as those originals tend you have a certain aesthetic now. Icelandic singing duo, Fire Saga have big dreams of representing Iceland at Eurovison and despite their home town not being the biggest fans and through a series of strange events, they make it to the promised land, Scotland as that is where the contest is being held. On their way to stardom, humiliation and triumph they both realise that they had the wrong priorities. The music is amazing, the costumes and supporting cast are also very entertaining and amusing, even Pierce Brosnan’s very dodgy accent is entertaining. If you love Euroviosn, you’ll love this and if you don’t, you will be the end. Even though there are some liberties taken such as, Iceland being bankrupt, that is very untrue and the contest would never be held in Scotland as they are part of the UK and its VERY unlikely that the UK will ever win again AND the semi-finals are not televised. I had to get that out as that bothered me.  4/5

Paradise Hills

A fantastical science fiction story about classes, beauty, oppression and deception all wrapped up in a very extravagantly visual film. Everything about this film is visually intriguing or disturbing, in particular the carousel horse ‘therapy’ sessions and the opening wedding scene. There is so much detail that it was actually quite difficult to hone in on one genre this film could be and on ways prepares you for the knife twist even though you may suspect it. Set in a futuristic society where the upper classes send their disobedient young women to be taught how to act. However, there is something more sinister on the island, ruled over by a striking and again, disturbing being played by Milla Jovovich. The style is so bizarre and, in some ways, misleading in terms of narrative, it reminds me of Tarsem’s films (which I loved). As director Alice Waddington’s previous work is a short film, I’m hoping we see more of her work. 3/5

The Beach House

Full review can be read HERE. 3/5

The Old Guard

My post about the film can be read HERE. 3/5

Mission Impossible: Fallout

Ethan Hunt is at it again and ‘it’ I mean taking on another impossible mission and going against his boss again too. Seeing how brilliantly executed Rogue Nation was, I was eagerly awaiting to see what happening next. But I was very disappointed. The plot is only created when Ethan makes a mistake that could have been avoided and then from there, the story, along with new and old characters, very weak and only as entertaining as it is to watch Henry Cavill in fight scenes, which is usually entertaining but this time, even Cavill couldn’t save the MI crew. 2/5

Desperados

Just when you needed a fun ridiculous rom-com, Netflix provides. This time round, the story is the same old same old. Down on her luck Westly (best name for a girl) is without a job, behind on bills and all she really wants is a boyfriend. She meets a ‘perfect guy’ but instead of being herself, she holds back her personality, don’t try this at home girls and believes she’s happy. But the real story begins when she thinks she’s been ghosted by the perfect guy so sends him a horrible email (don’t know why email – that’s just odd) but it turns out he didn’t ghost her, he was in an accident, in Mexico. So she drags her two friends to Mexico to delete the email. That’s it, that’s the premise. The two friends get a fair share of story but its dull, one wants a kid, the other wants sex, the end. It is funny and silly and you can get carried away with it but it’s nothing ground-breaking. The script is not worthy of the cast’s talent either. 2/5

Come As You Are

My full review is over at Vulturehound and can be read HERE. 4/5

Black Rainbow

A gem from the cusp of the 90s about a spiritual medium who can communicate with the dead but things take a disturbing turn when she starts predicting deaths. Having worked as a medium for years, a gift inherited by her mother, Martha travels the country with her alcoholic father from town to town connecting people with loved ones. She spends her nights at engagements and days hooking up with random strangers, including the very eager sceptic journalist looking for a story. Not quite a murder mystery or crime thriller but a spiritual thriller where ghosts don’t appear but their presence is felt. Sounds more like buzz words but the character of Martha is fascinating, a true dark horse that never really reveals how she does what she does, her powers go beyond speaking to the dead and maybe even time. 3/5

How to Build a Girl

My post about the film can be read HERE. 3/5

The Truth

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s first non-Japanese language film is not quite a story about living in the shadow of a successful parent but more about coming to terms with the emotions that one builds up over time. The bitterness and painful memories cloud over the true intentions someone is trying to convey. Screenwriter Lumir arrives back in France with her daughter and husband to visit her very famous actress mother, Fabienne. They are distant yet close with each other, the daughter still not able to forgive her mother for neglecting her all those years and her mother not caring about being a bad mother only being a good actress. All set against the release of a Fabienne’s memoir which is full of lies and the set of her latest role. Its wonderful mother daughter relationship story that flows with anger and resentment as well as an emotional bond that won’t break. With two fantastic leads, Catherine Deneuve and Juilette Binoche, the film is a delight. 3/5