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FilmAddictJenn
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Reviews
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
It's a beautiful way to pass your time
This is a film with no ultra scary or intense action thriller moments; in fact it's a film that couldn't be more opposite, but somehow in many ways much more likable than many of the mega blockbusters.
I initially came away thinking the story was slow and steady, but a pleasant way to pass the time.
The more I thought about the film, not least because the song/theme tune is constantly going around my head, the more, in hindsight, I like it, and smile thinking about it.
It's a wonderfully positive story about an inspirational person, Mr Rogers, who appreciates all aspects of life, and the cynical journalist who is told to write a piece on Mr Rogers. There's so much more to the story, but don't want to give away any spoilers.
Knowing it's inspired by a true story, the set, the music and Tom Hanks' portrayal of Mr Rogers made me curious, so I did a little bit of research after watching this film. Having found original footage of Mr Rogers singing and the set, I was incredibly surprised to see how accurate they all were, which has only gone to make the film even more endearing.
On YouTube I also found a beautiful version of Kelly Clarkson giving her interpretation of 'It's a Beautiful Day in The Neighbourhood'. That's also worth checking out.
From going in with mediocre expectations and, admittedly, some cynicism about the integrity of Mr Rogers, I find the film has left me with warm, fuzzy, positive feelings, partially it's shown me that there are some genuinely beautiful people people in this world.
Do a little research of your own after watching the film, and fill your head with the earworm, and you'll be sure to smile too.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Race down to the cinema for a darned good ride along
As I'm not a huge car racing fan I was a little hesitant about seeing Le Mans '66, but this is not a racing film, well it is and it isn't, so if I enjoyed it, despite the racing, I'm sure that most others would too, and racing fans even more so.
The mark of a good film is being so engrossed in it that you don't even realise how long it is, which is exactly the case with Le Mans '66. In fact I was astounded when I was told how long it was afterwards.
Unlike some other shorter films, which have occasionally dragged on, the two hours and 42 minutes of this film flew by leaving me completely sated.
It's a great story, especially knowing it's a true one, but bear in mind it's not a documentary but a movie, so there's going to be some artistic license.
Some incredible acting made me warm to some individuals and abhor some others, exclaiming out loud 'you bleep'. The intensity and rush of the race to race, and the racing itself drew me in and made me eager for them to achieve their goals.
The film succeeds in every way a retelling of an historic event should, making you care, informing you and entertaining you.
My advice, get yourself in gear, race down to your local cinema, and settle in for a for a darn good ride along.
Official Secrets (2019)
Today's All The President's Men, docudrama at it's best
Docudrama film at it's very best with a stellar cast, most of which are familiar faces, and led by Keira Knightly in one of her best roles yet (in my opinion).
There is no fancy make-up, hair or costumes (all of which I normally love), just great acting by all, great direction and a brilliantly written script based on a true story that's almost too incredible to believe, but we know it happened, and you'd think we'd know better now, but alas ...
It doesn't matter if you're not familiar with the events of the time; the story and people (as it's true story based on real people, not fictional characters) capture and carry you along from the start. I found it compelling viewing, calling out (under my breath) 'you B*'s' at one stage, when witnessing downright bullying and racism from the top!
Official Secrets will open your eyes to some of what goes on in the name of us, the public; showing the inconvenient truth, and how, by any means, illegal, manipulative, underhand, media puppetry, media-led and media-fed propaganda and hysteria, or otherwise, is used to push certain individual's, politician's, and political goals through, no matter the cost. I use 'is' as in the present tense, as we'd be fools to think that this kind of thing doesn't still go on today, in all levels of politics and business, domestic and worldwide.
Some may say this is an anti-war film and disrespects those who went to war. Others may say that there are disloyal aspects as Katherine Gun (the irony of her surname, hasn't passed me by) breached the 'official secret act', that that's treasonous and the law is the law, isn't it? No, it's not taking away anything away from who have fought. This is more of a we, the people and those who serve, have right to know the truth and make informed decisions film, and not be lied to or manipulated by those we elect and give our trust to. If you think otherwise, enjoy your shrouded, protected world; don't open your eyes or watch the film. I wouldn't blame you in a way.
This may not be the hyped up all entertaining popcorn blockbuster that you'd race to see, but I would urge everyone to see this film, who enjoys a well told, intellectual, meaningful story, and where you're interested in knowing facts rather than being kept in the dark.
This is today's equivalent of the classic 'All the President's Men'. Go be entertained and informed.
PS: No disrespect, but some younger people may well be confounded by the use of a banana shaped object connected to a base with a dial by a curly cord though 😉
Schindler's List (1993)
Incredible and perhaps one of the most meaningful and important films you could ever see
Just watched Schindler's List. It was being screened to mark its 25th anniversary and Holocaust Memorial Day.
This really is the worst kind of horror film you could wish to see; as you watch with the knowledge that human beings murdered six million Jews, as well as other minority groups picked out for not conforming to the 'norm', having different beliefs, looks or lifestyles. The credits at the end of the film lists the facts at the end.
It is utterly horrific in its contents, yet it is a story that must be retold lest anyone forget.
Not having watched it for many years, the tears and full sobs flooded as I saw the panicked, lost little girl in her red coat, and the atrocities, like the piles of shoes, clothes, personal effects and dead bodies growing.
It's difficult to even begin to try and comprehend what the feeling must have been like during this tragic era, yet the film manages to depict this with a stark clarity and, somehow, a sense of dignity.
The credits show that Oskar Schindler saved 1,200 lives. He was a remarkable man, awarded the the title of a Righteous person on 1958, and this is a truly remarkable film.
In my view, not only is Schindler's List a stand out Oscar winning film, brilliantly acted by its entire cast, especially Liam Neeson as Schindler himself, it's one of the best, most important and meaningful films ever to have been made.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Love the love, hate the hate. Strong characters, strong love, strong story
If Beale Street Could Talk - it just might ask why two surly looking white men chose to get up and walk out of the Screen Unseen cinema, just a few minutes after realising they were watching a film focusing on the appalling, bigoted, racist, treatment of young black men in 70's America?!!! Maybe they needed a popcorn type film? Who knows?
Anyway, the film follows the story of one particular couple, Fonny and Tish, whose close childhood friendship eventually flourished into an incredibly strong and binding love that goes on to withstand all the twisted injustices thrown their way by a corrupt, racist American 'justice' system.
Some might say it's not just a look back at recent history, but a sad reflection of some events becoming more prevalent once again in today's society, or that's never really gone away in some places.
Kiki Layne, playing Tish (who is stunning by the way), and Stephen James, playing Fonny, lead the cast with superb, believable, engaging performances, as you watch their love grow and strengthen.
The entire cast did themselves proud, with Teyonah Parris bringing much needed relief to break some of the tension as Tish's self-assured, witty, and supportive sister, and I barely recognised Ed Skrein as the vile Officer Bell, who's character epitomised the commonly practiced prejudices of that time.
It's a good film to watch, but not an easy one, as it's not a light popcorn entertainment movie, but a deep contemplative insight into the disgusting institutional treatment against a minority group.
Except for a few moments of artistic lingering, which I thought were a little self-indulgent and unnecessary, the filmography and directing was captivating, making you feel like you were there too; almost voyeuristic at times, albeit tastefully done.
If you want to walk out of a film smiling and joyous, perhaps this is not the film for you. Having said that to watch a friendship blossom into such a beautiful, faithful, unbreakable love, despite the adversities, makes it more than worthwhile.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Historical dramatisation at its best
I'm emotionally drained ... I know it's early days yet, but this might well be, most unexpectedly, my film of the year. It's beautifully shot, with fantastic actors wearing the most amazing outfits.
If you weren't a man-hating feminist before, it could turn you one; the men surrounding both queens had no integrity, and were such manipulative, two-faced, vile woman haters, it made me seethe.
It was fantastically directed, produced, edited and acted; I mean I never thought I could ever detest David Tenant, but in this I loathe the character he's portraying.
Margot Robbie, as Queen Elizabeth, and Saoirse Ronan, as Queen Mary, endeared me to them with their portrayals of strong, amazing, determined women in a men's world.
You absolutely have to watch this film. I enjoyed The Favourite, I loved Glass, but this was an incredible dramatised retelling of historic events at its best ... in my view anyway.
I'd happily watch it again ... although I suspect I'd still leak a few more tears as I watched history (with a little artistic licence) unfold before me on the big screen once more.
Somehow I forgot to mention costumes, make-up and hair. Absolutely phenomenal. Makes hair and clothing today look so very boring, even if it's generally much more practical.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Phenomenal Performances
Bohemian Rhapsody would be a great film if it was fictional, however, being a bio-pic based on a true story about one of the most talented singers and groups in music history made it an amazing film, and what made it a stand out film was the performances, both acting and musically.
Any zealots and critics out there who say this isn't an entirely accurate historical depiction of events, should remember that this is a bio-pic, not a documentary, so not all Queen or Freddie Mercury songs, music, events or incidents are included. Instead this film, with some artistic licence, highlights the rise to legendary status of the group, and in particular Freddie Mercury, to the epic Live Aid performance, a live performance possibly never to be surpassed by any other.
No-one in the film couldn't have been cast better, the actors portraying Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon made me soon forget they were acting. However, Remi Malek, whose resemblance to and accurate portrayal of Freddie's looks, mannerisms, characteristics, and voice was superb, and is a testament to his ability as an actor and performer, worthy of an oscar in my view.
Of course, you shouldn't forget the make-up artists, costume and designers, and so many more that went into making sure this film paid proper homage to this phenomenal group and lead singer, so much so that I found myself transported into their world, becoming emotionally immersed in the highs and lows, successes and frustrations, needing several tissues as a result.
I felt privileged to learn about Mary, the love of Freddie's life, a pure, beautiful and gentle love; and saddened to see the dark, devious love that surrounded him too, and I was moved to tears about how it took Freddie so long to really accept himself for who he truly was, the struggle he went through, and his relationship with his family too.
Maybe the story will mean more to those of us lucky enough to have been around when Freddie was alive. I am gutted that I never got to see Queen perform live with Freddie Mercury, but so thrilled I have at least seen Queen live with Adam Lambert.
On a broader, more philosophical note, I'm sure everyone who watched the film would agree that it was horrifying to watch when Freddie was called 'Paki' or vilified and hounded for his sexuality. I was reminded me how far most people have come in their attitudes since then. However, I can't help but think, if certain people had their way about immigration in the UK, then Freddie's family might not have been able to escape persecution and come to England, therefore, Freddie wouldn't have been who he was, Queen would never have existed, and the world would have been devoid of their creativity and talent. Their music and talent surpassed those artificial barriers. I can't help but wonder what all UK Queen fans would think about that.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Nope ... don't get it at
I'm usually very forgiving and generous when it comes to come, so at the risk of being controversial here goes... After being told by someone else how good Lego Star Wars was, I went with some friends to watch The Lego Batman Movie. What, can I say about this? The graphics were good. The graphics were good. Have I already said that? Erm, what else? OK, I stayed dry and warm as I was inside the Odeon, oh, and my friends and I had a lovely catch up. The film forewarned of rude language, so I expected some clever, subdued adult humour, but either it was so high level or so low level, it bypassed me completely, and left me wondering how best to regain my time on earth back. I also wondered throughout how much longer was left, and can I go home now, as expressed by a four-ish year old sat in the row in front, plus I couldn't help but wonder if the arrogant narcissistic Batman character, was really based on another satirically obnoxious character called Trump. However, Batman saw the error of his ways in the end, which Trump never will. Best part of the film, if I can say there was any best part, is the referencing to the classic TV Batman series 'Kerpow', 'Splat', 'Wham', etc, that and the moment we realised the film had finally ended. If anyone's got children and is a die hard Batman fan, you might like to go see, if not, go and jump around, paint walls, look in a mirror at yourself, learn the alphabet backwards, almost anything really, which will probably entertain you more than this film! Star rating ... A round blob. Afraid it wouldn't even get any pointy starry bits, but they don't do blobs