Saw MI:Fallout on an IMAX screen.
It is a film very well suited to the IMAX experience: absolutely no subtlety at all - just a giant wall of images and loud blaring sounds.
A proper brain-off popcorn muncher movie.
I enjoyed it.
I'm a bit late to this but I've just read the up the thread where someone said that Black Panther had a bit of cultural stereotyping.
I can understand the feeling (felt a bit thrown watching it myself) but thinking about it afterwards (and having a bit of a google) I found that there was a deliberate attempt by the makers to make Wakanda reflect various African traditions, languages, cultures & styles of dress and to celebrate them.
The whole world was carefully designed to bring together bits of African culture, but without being based entirely on any single one.
I think that the fact that its easy to see stereotyping in what should be a celebration might just be because we're not used to seeing these cultural references in movies made by Africans (or people of African extraction).
It shouldn't be necessary to think about stuff like that in order to enjoy a movie, but maybe Africa is the exception to that rule?
Do people watching Bollywood or kung fu movies feel uncomfortable with the stereotyping?
You might not like the style, but the stereotypes are at least chosen by people who are from those cultures and choose to emphasise certain aspects, and thats whats happening in BP.
To sum up;
You might not feel comfortable with the way those cultural elements are displayed, but they're not yours, and your discomfort might say more about the history of films about Africa than it does about this particular movie.
Also, the movie went down very well _in_ Africa :O)
PS, I personally thought it could have been a better movie, but they were trying to do an awful lot in one movie, and did it pretty well. Roll on Black Panther 2, there are a lot of characters I want to see more of (if anyone ever makes it back after Infinity war, which was great by the way).
Blackkklansman .. very good film solid 8 out of 10
Took the family to see Christopher Robin last night.
I wasn't holding out much hope for this - but it was actually really well done and had a nice message.
Ewan McGregor was really good as were Pooh and Tigger.....
I personally thought it could have been a better movie
That was mostly my complaint. It was pretty poor. And everyone putting on a variation of the African-speaking-English accent reminded me of the old war films with English actors being German "Ve haf vays off mekking you talk!" kind of thing. Overall it was just a bit naff.
Just seen Ocean's 8. Pleasant enough film that ambled along. Anne Hathaway helped it be watchable but how did they come up with a plot that had zero suspense? Did anyone feel at any moment that bad things could happen?
Very strange but an easy evening on the sofa sharing nachos.
I saw Deadpool 2 last night.
ill admit to HATING comic book films, but the first one won me over thanks to its crass humour and violence, but the joke wore a bit thin on the second, for me, someone who hates the genre It was just the same story as all the other comic book films stretched over a slightly different premise again. Watched about half of it before I realised I’d nodded off.
BlacKKKlansman today, really enjoyed it. Spike Lee on form, the last 5 minutes left the cinema deathly silent.
Well I’ll worth a watch
Hereditary
WTAF, it’s not like the trailer, I suspected a creepy jump fest like ‘Insidious’ but it’s darker and more twisted than that.
Its good in a disturbing kind of way.
Blackkklansman .. very good film solid 8 out of 10
very much this. Usual Spike Lee half assed cinematography (he's very much still a 1 take man) but excellent movie, funny and shocking in equal measure. have to remind yourself that it's a real story. Slightly over egged message, but not overwhelmed by it. worth the trip to the cine-plex
Finally got to see Skyscraper.
Disclosure: I find Dwayne Johnson a watchable character.
Back to the film. A good enough plot with loads of stupid moments, good action and a few suspenseful moments even though you know he probably isn't going to die. And when you see he has his left leg missing below the knee (its in the trailers folks!) and then he has a fire axe and duct tape and the bad guys only have shedloads of guns - well the outcome is inevitable. Poor old bad guys...
A pleasant enough evening.
Predator....weird
Ok, Points for : It has all the things you want from a Pred movie Wise cracking assholes, multiple gory death, sense of macabre humour Ugly MF aliens Technology etc etc
Points away..It tries to take itself waaaay too seriously, the 3rd act plot twist is just silly. I'm aware of the absurd nature of that criticism, but a film, even one that asks you to suspend your disbelief as much as SCI-FI/ Alien movies do, have to work within the nature of it's given universe, and it sort of doesn't because of the convoluted set up it needs to achieve because; Franchise.
But as a Friday night popcorn movie..perfect.
Watched "Beast" last night. From 2017, but a top quality British film. Not many laughs, but worth seeing.
Can't muster the energy to bother with The Predator.
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">The original was awesome.</span>
3 most recent for me:
Jurassic World Lost Kingdom
Lost plot more like, story is a mess and sadly they’ve run out of new ideas, absolutely nothing original about it. Ties with JP3 for worst Jurassic film
Solo a Star Wars story.
Actually very good imho, after the horrific Star Wars 8 and all the hassles of 3 directors and a near 100% reshoot it’s more than watchable and no ones childhood get shat on for the sake of it.
Sicario 2
More of a spin-off than a sequel per se. Violent, shady CIA chaps do shady violent things to protect the home of the brave and all that. Not as good as the first, less self aware of how the actions of th characters might be seen out of the US, but still very good.
Went to see Nae Pasaran, great film, fantastic story and definitely worth a watch if it gets widespread release
Den of Thieves last night. enjoyed that very much!! although the twist was easy to spot a mile off...
not normally the type of film id go for reading the blurb, and featuring Gerard Butler! but it came heavily recommended and they were right. makes you think how many other good films we dismiss before even giving them a shot...
Had very low expectations for Solo but was pleasantly surprised. I'd watch it again. Hope they leave that character alone now though.
A Star is born.
I was very much looking forward to this remake of a remake, helmed by Bradley Cooper who also stars alongside Lady Gaga.
First half is terrific and almost exhilarating - but second half of the movie is handled badly and needed some serious editing. Chemistry is good and Ga Ga is great at handling the average struggling girl role.
The mumble fest between Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliott , outdoes even Jeff Bridges for inaudible authenticity - and certainly devalues some of the scenes. Also, some of the incessant swearing seemed forced rather than saved for impact.
Not a bad film, just not a five star film that the press are all over.
Finished 'the square' last night on Netflix. What a curious film full of questions and thoughtful moments. I would suggest it's worth a watch
TBH, feeling very non-plussed about most Hollywood offerings ... as they are all ultra bland. I hate the endless Marvel / DC comics stuff ... they are all the same story just with more characters i them.
Mission Impossible left me cold ... I just found it trite with very cliche in the book ... and a wafer thin attaempt at a story.
Lots of bangs and crashes so great for 16 year old boys ...
Looked last night, as the Meerkat voucher was in the offing. BlackKKlansmen not on round here ...
BlackKKlansmen not on round here …
Too late, it did the rounds about a month ago. Shame, I missed it too.
Agree on the Hollywood films. Apart from The Incredibles 2, which was just fantastic fun. Oh and Deadpool 2.
I like watching the Marvel stuff with my son, but wouldn't bother otherwise.
This year needs a Three Billboards.
Black 47 might be worth a viewing.
This year needs a Three Billboards.
I thought that was this year?
Last film I watched was 'The Man from Mo Wax' a documentary about James Lavelle. Was interesting, but could've definitely been a bit shorter. Was good watching in the cinema tho.
I thought that was this year?
Blimey, yeah January 2018! It's been a great year! 😆
I tried to hate Rampage but couldn't.
Bruce Willis in the remake of Death Wish was weird though.
I was going to see Venom (this was where Spiderman got interesting) this Friday but the reviews have really put me off. It sounds like the film company destroyed it and left the best bits on the editing floor. However, I am looking forward to seeing First Man and Bad Times at El Royale.
I tried to hate Rampage but couldn’t.
Same for Jumanji for us - even my notoriously fickle wife liked it...and the kids thought it was brilliant!
I tried to hate Rampage but couldn’t.
I watched that last night - silly but great fun!
Good to see Negan from Walking Dead - just a shame he didn't have Lucille with him!
"Sorry to bother you" - a film for all the family.
I watched Apostle on Netflix, the other day. It was alright, but pretty forgetful, except for one particularly grim scene. Imagine the original Wicker Man, made my the people who brought us Saw, Hostel and other such modern nastyrama.
Will most probably go and see the Nicolas Cage vehicle Mandy. Pretty patchy lead actor who has been in some absolute stinkers, this one might suit his stilted style!
Enjoyed the new Halloween film. A couple of daft plot points in the middle aside this delivers a decent updating/sequel to the 40 year old classic.
Has a little bit of Terminator 2 about it.
Well shot and directed with a strong turn in violence and suspense.
Saw the new Halloween last night, really enjoyed it. Some good call backs to the original film & a really enjoyable 3rd act.
A prayer before dawn, 99p rental on itunes at the moment.
Watched Black 47 the other night.
good film, quite a brutal tale highlighting the attitude of english landlords at the time of the potato famine in Ireland.
Worth a watch I'd say. A suitably dark film, measured and unpolished.
I really rate Hugo Weaving as an actor, he tends to go for quite interesting roles, outwith LOTR and Matrix..
Saw Bohemian Rhapsody at the Curzon in Clevedon over the weekend. The reason the cinema is mentioned is because its the oldest independent in the country. You can take drinks to your ancient velour seats and the bar is frequented by patrons throughout most films. This may have been a factor in people clapping, stamping and singing all the way through. Even a few dancing at the front and in the aisles.
The film is very involving and emotional, and a very good watch.
It was a fab night out!
I watched Bohemian Rhapsody last night, the first non-kids film I've watched at the cinema in over 3 years. My parents were Queen fans so their songs were always being played in the house and I still listen to the early stuff so I enjoyed the film. The music was great and the actors playing the member of Queen, especially Freddie, were amazingly convincing. I'm not there was much for non-fans, many things were conveniently changed or added for the film and the partying and Freddies sexuality were glossed over. I can't help thinking that Brian and Rogers versions suit their agenda.
There was no singing or dancing in the multiplex.
Saw 'The Hate U Give' last night. Very involving and draws you in.
sounds like it's more for casuals than proper fans, who would surely realise that it's a load of old shite 😀 It's a real shame that May/Rogers disappeared up their own arses long ago (and I say that with the greatest of respect as I'm a massive fan of them both!!) Still there are loads of great Queen docs available if you want to see how it really happened.many things were conveniently changed or added for the film and the partying and Freddies sexuality were glossed over. I can’t help thinking that Brian and Rogers versions suit their agenda.
Another vote for Halloween here. Not remotely scary and a couple of pointless side plots, but shot so well. A great homage to / continuation of the first one with some great shots that hark back to other films in the series. Nice to see The Shape return to form.
Well easy going choice was venom fitted the on in the next 10mins on the way back from town yesterday but messy but some fun effects and a bit of mild peril
Took Jr to see Venom on the weekend. Was much better than I expected. Only the big CGI fight near then end was a bit crap, but overall a decent, fun Marvel film and Tom Hardy was excellent.
I left Venom alone. Might give it a go now after these couple of reports.
It's a millions times better than Antman & the Wasp!
Boooo!
Watched Alpha last night. Well rated and good reviews, but I wasn't convinced from the description it'd be for me to be honest. Thought it'd be a bit half arsed.
Pleasantly surprised. It's actually well done. 'coming of ice-age' movie, about a young hunter cut off from his tribe, befriending a wolf. Kept me watching anyway. I enjoyed it.
Anyone seen Portaloo.....I mean Peterloo yet?
Oh my Lordy. Todays DVD release means 2018 just got awesome.
The Last Sharknado: It's about time…
Fin, the protagonist of the film, resorts to time travel in order to prevent the first sharknado from happening. Guided by the desire to bring his family back to life, Fin fights notable figures from different time periods such as cowboys, dinosaurs, and knights. There is no telling when Fin will pop up along the time line. He must do everything possible to bring his family back, even if it means changing history.
Good grief - I have a mate into his crappy B movies.
Oh.
Seen Hereditary now. Wish I'd seen it at the cinema, in silence and darkness, but you don't get that at cinemas really do you -would've been brilliant, as it's pretty different and freaky.
As it was, saw it on my telly with a chatty lady (well, it was in the middle of finding out I had hereditary problems of my own. lol.) in 2 sittings. So couldn't really engage with it. Still decent though.
Can't decide if Widows is worth a cinema visit.
Possum looks like it is, but is only on one day round here, then it's on streaming services.
Yeah Widows looks like it might be ok and will be interesting to see how Steve McQueen does blockbuster.
Got round to watching The Girl on the Train last night .
Strange watch but Emily Blunt is good as an out of control alcoholic.
Widows - classic Lynda la Plante done via a skilled film maker.
Slow build up and slightly too much sub plot aside - this is a decent heist turned on its head picture. Strong performances and some superb cinematography make it all worth while.
Not completely convinced about one particular plot point, but there is plenty of depth and engagement to the story.
I particularly enjoyed Colin Farrell's character, and his Dad played by an ageing Robert Duvall. (Who I haven't see in a long while.)
Also, on Netflix very much worth watching - The Land of Steady Habits with Ben Mendelsohn, and a great supporting cast. If you want a pre-xmas wry downer with thick black humour, this is your ticket.
I wish Suspiria would turn up at my local!
The Land of Steady Habits with Ben Mendelsohn, and a great supporting cast. If you want a pre-xmas wry downer with thick black humour, this is your ticket.
Sounds interesting, I must give that a watch. I really like Nicole Holofcener's other films but they can't usually be described as downers.
Yeah, it's a fair hike from Enough Said.
Blackkklansmen. tough to watch at times, but great film. quality soundtrack too.
Watched Apostle last night (netflix exclusive).
Bit wickerman, bit general horror. Probably a 7/10.
I rented Deadpool2 off Sky the other day, I lasted about 13mins..
What a crock.
The Bill Murray Stories. Saw it Saturday night at Liverpool Film Festival. Very interesting and uplifting. Does he do random things realising 10 minutes of his time can give someone a life enhancing experience and they can centre him to “normality”? Interesting character in world on banal celebrities.
Oh, big fan of Bill Murray.
New film is it?
Deadpool2... What a crock
Odd, so you liked the first one and hated the (first 14 minutes of) the second one??
Bikebouy
As far as I know it is. Think it was first UK showing.
Overlord last night, in the comfy reclining odeon luxe seats.
it's quite intense watching it at the cinema. The soundtrack carries it along well.
Silly film though, but well done.
Mrs Wookie didn't get on with it.
Odd, so you liked the first one and hated the (first 14 minutes of) the second one??
Yeah, I didn’t like the graphic Coke fulled degrading scenes.. that start about 3mins in and continue to ... well I don’t know... I turned it off.
I enjoyed the first Deadpool, graphic I know but it started off mild enough for me to be engaged in it.
Thanks for the Bill Murray update, that’s one I will look out for.
As ever, am a bit behind here as much of my film watching takes place on flights, of which I've had a few recently. Also, as ever, I pick dreadful films to watch on flights!
Mission Impossible Fallout - the usual popcorn silliness, but the franchise is feeling very tired now.
Rampage - The Rock gives good film but this was a bit of a mess really.
The Meg - Stath and a big shark! What's not to like. Oh, apart from it feeling like it was edited by Edward Scissorhands and it was clearly made to satisfy the Chinese market in a way that made it feel stilted to me.
Avenger Infinity War. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
oh man two of the biggest films of the year on 9" Screens!
I actually avoid most films on flights that need the cinematic canvas.
The Spy Who Dumped Me. No brains required, formulaic but pretty well done. And has Mila Kunis.
Hereditary - Not bad. We will all be worshipping Paimon up in the treehouse.
Portaloo - Seemed like a hastily put together series of speeches, not enough about the characters lives and interactions. Some iffy/over acting and poorly realised/tacked on scenes; the singing bit seemed to be in there just for the trailer and what happened to the lads that got a good shoeing. The last act of the film, the best bit, apart from the dodgy prop that got stomped on. Overall not terrible with some good scenes and sense of scale, but could have been so much more. For me it lacked detail, could easily have been fleshed out, expanded upon and longer, contrary to popular opinion. The aftermath of the event might make a better film!
Just seen Free Solo, about Alex Honnold's climb of El Capitan
Simply incredible. I was aware I was watching greatness.
Christopher Robin was quite charming
Incredibles 2 standard pixar fair and the same script as the first one but with role reversal
Mission impossible too long and too predictable
Peterloo was excellent
Bohemian rhapsody - entertaining enough. Would've preferred SBC in the role. Found the whole thing a bit uneven veering from pantomime to almost proper biopic in the same scenes. Definitely a reflection of production troubles. Felt the live-aid climax was too CGI/lens flare-up for me. Still impressive though.
Widows - some great moments and characters but too protracted in its story-telling. The pace wasn't kept up. Colin Farrell is great as is Elizabeth Debicki. (They are all good actually and there's plenty of them)
Mandy - arthouse horror with Nic Cage gone even more bonkers. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great atmosphere and creepy/original mash-up of ideas. Explores lots of dark stuff. Different to anything I've ever really seen.
When the title of the film appears about a third of the way in you know things aren't right.
Looking forward to watching Mowgli tonight on Netflix.
Aye,agree with you on Widows rone.
Still worth a watch.
Shoplifters - Interesting wee film with some beautiful moments.
I really enjoyed it.
Bought Leave No Trace (missed it at the cinema), so looking forward to that tonight.
Deadpool2… What a crock
Odd, so you liked the first one and hated the (first 14 minutes of) the second one??
Pretty much how I felt about it, tbh I hate comic book films, but the first was at least full of crass humour which I do like so seemed a original. The second one lost that originality for me.
The Predator
Toss. The story is a total mess and makes little sense. The characters have to make what are quite wild assumptions to explain the plot to each other for the benefit of the audience. The monster isn’t scary. for the sake of 2018 they have to explain several times that whilst the monster is called ‘Predator’ it’s actually more like a Hunter, until it’s not and there’s actually a reason for... oh I don’t know I gave up caring by that point, blah blah blah everything’s perfect now Disney ending.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is amazing. I implore anyone to watch it - full of action, fun, suspense and the animation is stunning. I want to watch it in slo-mo to take all the graphics in. Every frame of the 2 hour film is a work of art.
Rain compelled me and kid to go to cinema, Odeon is now £5 which is damn good news. We saw Bumblebee (kid rejected my Spiderverse & Aquaman suggestions!). It was ...oook.. The Transformers are great, much better than the Michael Bay mess. Story/script is very Disney, aimed at 10 year olds. But then it's a PG, so to be expected. Some funny moments, far more cringy ones though.
Incredibles 2 standard pixar fair and the same script as the first one but with role reversal
Ohh, I thought that was a very poor film indeed. The first I can watch over and over again (as I have on numerous occasions) but this I2 I thought was very old in its storyline and very slow and not engaging at all.
In fact, I can’t remember a single scene of it.
I watched the Maze Runner 3rd. It came on Sky and as I’m a fan I was eager to see it. The filming has improved and the script a little more adventurous, the storyline though was lacking and yet still Brain Off watchable. I dooo think they could have made more of the Script, the dichotomy of whether the cure was for the good of all... or just the few. Guess we’ll never really know now.
I did enjoy it.
Alfonso Cuarón's ROMA on Netflix is worth a look for those of a patient discipline, who also like to take in great composition of frame and slow build character rather than plot.
It wouldn't quite make film of the year for me but as an under-your-skin exercise of what being both a connected and disconnected human being feels like on the big screen - this is your film.
Drama without melodrama, and a stunning canvas. Director (Children of Men) also did the cinematography too. Easy top ten.
