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Emilia Pérez (2024)
Brilliantly unique and engaging piece of cinema
Out of all the films I've seen in recent years, Emilia Perez feels like the one that is the most creatively risky. The plot alone must have been quite an interesting pitch, but throw in the fact that it's a musical? It's a wonder it even got made, but I'm very glad that it did.
I think the various plot synopses from IMDb and other sites probably give away the big plot point, but I shan't repeat it here in case you're able to go in cold. I will just say that it follows Mexico City lawyer Rita, who is enlisted by a cartel boss to execute a particularly singular task. What follows is a tale of discovery, empowerment, friendship, violence, and much more as the lives of these people intertwine and clash.
From a story perspective I think this film is quite remarkable and groundbreaking. It feels so unique and is an absolute breath of fresh air. I was hooked from the start and got lost in the lives of the characters and the emotional arc I was taken on. It covers so much ground and so many different themes and handles them all so well. I also love that given the subject matter, it doesn't feel heavy handed at all. The fact that it feels organic makes it so much better.
Now... as much as I adore the story of this film, was a musical the best medium for this? Probably not. Without this I think it would have worked much better. That's not to say the musical elements are without merit. They did at times contribute to the emotion of the piece and help us to enter the minds of the characters, but some of them were also a bit jarring and bizarre. I appreciate the creative risk that was taken with this though.
In terms of the performances I think they all hit the mark perfectly. Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon and Selena Gomez as the central trio are on fire. I can't really argue with the shared Cannes film festival prize they received. The emotion that they all manage to capture is just superb.
Emilia Perez is such a creative swing but it manages to pretty much knock it out of the park. The musical element hampers it slightly, but the thoroughly original and engaging story, great performances, and emotional essence of the film all make it a must watch.
Paddington in Peru (2024)
A perfectly pleasant film
Paddington in Peru is a fairly lovely if unremarkable film. It doesn't reach the heights of Paddington 2 of course, but is probably about on par with the first one.
With a different director at the helm, this film also takes on a different angle as it lifts the action out of London and places it in the jungles of Peru. This is probably a wise choice as it helps the film feel fresh and different compared to the other two. It also gives room for a slightly different type of story, with this one feeling perhaps more adventurous and exciting. It makes for an interesting enough story that flows pretty well and keeps a decent pace.
The humour is a bit mediocre, but it is definitely aimed more at kids so that's just reflective of my age more than anything. I do also think the emotional side is lacking a bit. I remember Paddington 2 having me in tears, but this one feels a bit more gentle.
In fact, I think that word sums this film up. It is nice and gentle. Everything from Paddington 2 is dialled down a notch or two, but it still makes for a perfectly enjoyable and pleasant experience.
Red One (2024)
If you're in a pinch this film could kill a couple of hours
Red One is an interesting beast in that I'm not really sure who it is aimed at. Maybe as a 12 year old I could imagine quite enjoying this? But as a 29 year old it just feels awfully cliche and borderline cringe at times.
The concept is ludicrous but fairly creative and not entirely without merit. When Santa / 'Red One' (J. K Simmons) is kidnapped, his head of security Cal (The Rock, of course) sets out to find him with the help of expert tracker Jack (Chris Evans).
There's actually some fun and creative world building and some enjoyable inclusion of Christmas related myths and stories. However the whole thing is just played far too straight for my liking. Lines such as "The North Pole has been taken" are said far too earnestly and straight faced, whereas they should be said in the cheesy tone with which they were written. The comedy just needed to be dialled up big time whereas it all feels far too sincere.
A big part of this problem is The Rock, who just doesn't seem interested in this film at all. Stories of him being 8 hours late to set and creating a difficult production really translate to the finished product. Something about his performance just feels off. It's a shame because Evans plays the comedy part of the duo well enough, but The Rock just drags the whole thing down. When the central buddy team up doesn't work, the whole film falls apart around it.
I do also think despite everything, the film doesn't feel particularly Christmassy. Maybe that's because I watched it in mid November and I'm not feeling the Christmas spirit yet, but I'd still expect a film about Santa getting kidnapped to be a bit more on it with the Christmas vibes.
Still, if you're lounging around one evening, you've got the Christmas tree up, and you fancy sticking on a mildly enjoyable, low brain power actiony Christmas film, this will just about do the trick.
Wicked: Part I (2024)
Good but not quite Wonderful
There are a few things about this film that just really didn't work for me, but there is also lots to enjoy. On balance it makes for a perfectly watchable and entertaining enough experience, but it could have and should have been so much better.
To start with the positives, Ariana Grande is absolutely magnificent as Glinda. I was sceptical about her as a leading actress but she really smashes it out of the park. Vocally she is spot on. Her mannerisms and dialogue delivery are perfect. She truly eclipses every other cast member and just is Glinda in every way.
Aesthetically in terms of costuming and set design, again I think this film nails it. The commitment to practical sets and a reduction in green screen technology is noticeable and it does create a more engaging look to the film.
Finally the production value of the music numbers is all really solid. Apart from dragging out Defying Gravity for a bit too long, I think the songs are all brilliantly performed and well choreographed.
Now for my gripes...
The whole thing is just far, far too long. Two hours and forty minutes? There is simply no need. Not only this but somehow, despite all this extra breathing room, the film doesn't carry as much emotion in its story as the theatre production. I felt like the plot points around the animals and also of Elphaba wanting to meet the wizard, just didn't carry as much weight as they should. There was just too much time between the emotional beats of the story due to the added run time, which lessened their impact.
I can't argue that she has a great voice (and she nails Defying Gravity), but I just wasn't convinced by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Perhaps this is on the director's shoulders, but she was just played a little too reserved and shy and was incredibly hard to connect to. I know this is part of the character of Elphaba, but even still the whole performance was just too muted. It doesn't help that she was performing across from a great Glinda.
Another annoyance is the colour palette of the film which is disappointingly dull. Given the technicolor wonder of The Wizard of Oz, I was hoping this film would pop a little more on the screen. Glinda's pink dresses, Elphaba's green skin, even the Emerald City itself... they just all felt a bit dull.
Still, none of these gripes are terminal. If you enjoyed the stage show of Wicked you will love this film. If you love musicals you will enjoy this film. Even if you are just a casual movie goer you will find plenty to enjoy here. I do just think given the source material there was maybe a better attempt to be had here.
Blitz (2024)
Top notch war film
Blitz is a really punchy film that is full of emotion and impact.
It follows young boy George, who evacuates his evacuation and tries to return home to Stepney, facing the trials and tribulations of a Blitz ridden London. It's a compelling and very human tale, centred around the love between a mother and her child. This is what makes the film work for me. It's a very zoomed in war story. There's no historical exposition or big sweeping ideas. It just focuses on the people of London as they try to survive the night and carry on into the next day. Side stories about female factory workers, criminal gangs, and air raid shelters all add some flavour, but it is the emotion between George and mother Rita that drives the film.
Speaking of, both performers are great. Saoirse Ronan is superb as always and brings so much heart to the film. Newcomer Elliott Heffernan is a strong lead in a solid debut performance. The supporting cast with the likes of Stephen Graham, Paul Weller, Harris Dickinson and more are all spot on.
Steve McQueen's direction is spot on too. He manages to capture the chaos and dread of the Blitz without making it overly Hollywood. It all feels very real and grounded, which is aided by the brilliant set and costume design. It looks and feels like London in 1940.
Overall Blitz is a top notch war film with a delicate and poignant human element. It looks and feels real and grounded and makes for a punchy and powerful film.
Juror #2 (2024)
Thoroughly gripping and entertaining
I would implore anybody who is reading this and knows nothing about the plot of Juror #2 to keep it that way! I watched this not having seen a trailer or read anything about the plot, and it was all the better for it. Therefore this review will contain no plot hints or spoilers at all!
All I will say is that it presents such an interesting moral conundrum whereby you can so easily see both sides of the fence and it makes for such an interesting and gripping concept. What seems like it will be a relatively straightforward courtroom drama takes a big turn and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Nicholas Hoult as always puts in a brilliant performance in the lead role, and really draws the audience in. A supporting cast with the likes of Toni Collette, Chris Messina, and J. K Simmons doesn't put a foot wrong.
The direction from Eastwood is very crisp and clean, capturing the courtroom well and building suspense throughout.
Overall I thought this was a very effective and gripping film that took me by surprise and kept me hooked til the end.
The Wild Robot (2024)
A truly beautiful film
The Wild Robot is one of those films that comes along and just completely does a number on you out of the blue. I really wasn't expecting a film about a robot and a bunch of animals to carry such emotional weight. Yet there I was. Watching the credits roll. Barely able to move out of my seat as the emotion washed over me. Quite how this film manages this I don't even know.
It follows a robot (Roz) that ends up abandoned on an island, and finds itself tasked with rearing a goose to get him ready for the winter migration. All sounds rather pleasant right? In actuality there are numerous emotional gut punches, lessons to be learned on love, sacrifice, acceptance, friendship, and all sorts of warm and cuddly themes. It's the type of film that just gets inside you and plucks at your heartstrings and swells up emotions within you. It's just lovely really.
The animation style is thoroughly engaging, popping with colour and well crafted character designs. The voice acting is all perfect too, with the cast matching their animal forms to a tee. Lupita Nyong'o manages to inject a lot of heart into Roz despite the robotic tone of her voice, which gives the film a beautiful emotional core.
There isn't much more to say really other than The Wild Robot is a relentlessly sweet and endearing film that will warm you up inside. A real treat.
Carrie (1976)
A well executed horror classic
Watching Carrie for the first time nearly 50 years after its release, and somehow it still manages to feel fresh and sharp with a cutting edge to it.
The central performance from Sissy Spacek is pitch perfect. There's an unease and quietness to the whole thing underneath the surface that bubbles up gloriously. The supporting cast gives performances that maybe feel a tad dated in parts. They are hammed up a little too much at times but that does work within the context of the film.
The story is very simple but oh so effective. It has the themes that come to invade most of King's works, and they are well explored on screen in this film. It is easy to see how so many later films have been influenced and tried to poorly imitate this film.
A staple horror and probably the best King adaptation for the big screen.
Gladiator II (2024)
A worthy successor to Gladiator
Gladiator II is Ridley Scott's best film in years and a worthy successor to Gladiator.
I will say that the story isn't overly dissimilar to the first Gladiator in its general direction and themes. We are treated to an opening big battle scene, the trajectory of Mescal's character isn't entirely dissimilar to Crowe's, the motivations and machinations of the characters aren't too unfamiliar. However none of this is particularly a bad thing. Considering it is over 20 years since the first Gladiator it does still manage to feel fresh. The story also flows incredibly well and it paced brilliantly, never overstaying its welcome or feeling too long.
Paul Mescal fills Russell Crowe's shoes incredibly well, bringing rage, power and majesty to his leading role. Denzel Washington is magnificent as always, with his trademark swagger and confidence transposed to ancient Rome. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are also stand outs as the out of touch, mad emperors.
One thing you can always count on in a Ridley Scott film is exceptional production design, scale and that epic feeling, and that is abundantly true of Gladiator II. He creates a rich, expansive, and detailed world that looks and feels great. Visually this film is near flawless (aside from the odd bit of uncanny valley CGI on the animals). The battle scenes are all brilliantly constructed and hugely entertaining. For a couple of hours you will feel like you really are in ancient Rome.
It's always a dangerous thing revisiting a classic and attempting to build upon it, but have no fear as Ridley does a brilliant job here. Gladiator II is a more than worthy successor and delivers brilliant action, a solid story, and some top notch performances.
Conclave (2024)
Intriguing and suspenseful
Conclave has such a brilliant concept that hooks you immediately and keeps you gripped throughout. After the Pope's death, the cardinals gather and are sequestered to elect a new head of the church. What follows is a story of politicking, plotting, and investigation as the cardinals weigh up progressive and conservative candidates to decide the direction of the church.
The bones of the story aren't overly unique, as this kind of vying for position has been seen in many a film and TV show (House of Cards etc), but the setting and context make it so interesting and unique. It feels like a peek behind a seldom lifted curtain which brings a new twist to the genre. Perhaps it even creates a new genre of ecclesiastical thriller? It is full of twists and turns and has a brilliant dramatic and suspenseful tone to it all. The setting also adds to this as it is beautifully shot against the backdrop of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican grounds.
The performances all rise to the occasion, with a terrific Ralph Fiennes at the centre of it all, and great support from the likes of Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow. Fiennes in particular grapples with some great themes and he navigates them all brilliantly.
Conclave is a real stand out in its genre, bringing the politicking and plotting we usually see in the White House and dropping it into the Vatican. It is smartly written, brilliantly acted, and will keep you hooked throughout.
Megalopolis (2024)
Not an abject failure but decidedly mediocre to say the least
Megalopolis is a rather unwieldy beast but not one completely lacking in merit. If nothing else you can't really tear your eyes away from it (although this is more often a result of morbid curiosity, much like it is difficult to tear your eyes away from a car crash).
The story sees us in a fictionalised, futuristic America in the city of 'New Rome', as visionary architect Cesar Catalina attempts to see his utopian metropolis become reality despite the objections of Giancarlo Esposito's mayor. Oh, and for some reason he can also stop time. In truth its a bit all over the shop, with a myriad of subplots and characters that come and go with reckless abandon. It's a melting pot of ideas and they don't all stick. The ones that do are intriguing enough, but as a whole package the film just feels to unwieldy and overly ambitious.
The performances are respectable enough. Driver is solid as the lead, and a supporting cast of Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Laurence Fishburne and many more is most welcome (even if a lot of them are handed dross for dialogue and are criminally underused).
Stylistically this film didn't hit the mark for me. It felt quite retro but not in a good way. As if it was limited by budget when it came to the set design, which it really shouldn't have been.
Megalopolis is perhaps not the dire failure that some would suggest. It has its many flaws, but it is watchable and has some interesting ideas and a handful of entertaining scenes. But a messy story that feels too much like hard work and curiously crafted characters makes for a thoroughly mediocre film that I shan't be revisiting.
Heretic (2024)
Very intriguing and entertaining film
Heretic is certainly an intriguing film, although it does get a little too clever for its own good towards the end and the whole thing starts to unravel a little bit. This doesn't negate the good work done earlier in the film so it still makes for an enjoyable watch.
Hugh Grant plays against type excellently as the sinister presence in the film. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are great as well as the two Mormon missionaries attempting to convert Grant. The three of them nail the tone and vibe of the piece perfectly. The two women play the uncertainty and fear well, while Grant manages to make his smarmy charm and subtle comedy work in the context of this role.
As mentioned I do think the story gets away from itself a little bit. It sets up lots of intriguing questions and sends the audience down a seemingly tantalising path, but once you emerge you will maybe feel a tad underwhelmed. The set up is also a bit too overdrawn and could have been a bit tighter. The film has a great atmosphere to it though, and it will have you on edge and certainly looks and feels creepy.
So although it maybe could have been a bit tighter in the story department towards the end, this is still a very enjoyable and interesting film that boasts some really solid performances, making it well worth a watch.
Anora (2024)
Brilliant once again from Sean Baker!
Anora is another special film from Sean Baker and a thoroughly worthy Palm D'Or winner.
The story follows New York sex worker Anora (Ani), who finds herself entering a complex relationship with Russian rich kid Ivan. It's the classic Cinderella story mixed with Sean Bakers trademark authenticity and grittiness and it is an absolute blast.
Firstly, the performance from Mikey Madison is a star making, Oscar worthy, powerhouse of a lead performance. She's just phenomenal and is 100% completely the character of Ani. Every mannerism, every line delivery, every emotional beat, she just nails. It is perfect in every way. The entire cast is on fire too, but even then she still manages to climb head and shoulders above the rest.
The story is relatively simple but so effective because the characters are so well written and portrayed. They all feel so real and authentic and alive which makes it very interesting and exciting spending a couple of hours in this world with these characters.
Baker's direction of the whole piece is superb. He nails the varying tones, drifting from comedy to drama to hard hitting emotion perfectly. The soundtrack is put together brilliantly with some spot on needle drops. The look and feel of the whole piece is crisp yet gritty. You can tell he had more budget on this film than his previous directorial outings but he still retains his trademarks and style.
I've seen well over 100 films so far in 2024 and Anora is definitely in the running in the film of the year conversation for me. A brilliantly exiting and engaging tale that everybody should see!
The Outrun (2024)
Thoroughly engaging tale of addiction and recovery
The Outrun is a quietly powerful film that wraps you up in its story, character, and setting.
It follows recovering alcoholic Rona as she returns from London to the Orkney Islands to reflect on her life and reconnect with her family. It's a great character study of a broken but healing woman as she struggles with addiction, and it's rare to see such a grounded and impactful take on addiction like this.
The anchor of the whole thing is the stellar performance from Saoirse Ronan. She hits the light and dark notes perfectly, and never steps into the realm of being overly dramatic or hamming it up. It feels like a very real and accurate portrayal of a recovering alcoholic.
The look and feel of the film are all spot on. The natural landscapes of the Orkney Islands are captured beautifully and are used to great effect. The cuts to Rona's exploits in London, drip fed to us to explore her alcoholism, are well weaved into the narrative.
All in all this is a well executed and affecting film with a brilliant central performance.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)
At least it's finally over...
Once again I am astounded that these films became the phenomenon that they did. Now that I have finally wrapped up the Saga with this instalment, I can confidently say the whole series is a shambles.
This one in particular I feel especially let down by. Wrapping up the series there were at least a couple of half decent story threads left dangling to tie up nicely, but this just didn't happen at all.
As always, the performances were dire and really just didn't deliver any kind of passion or drive or excitement.
Then there is a big story 'twist' that is just incredibly annoying and frustrating and negates so much of the emotional stakes of the entire film and the series!
As I say, at least it's finally over and I never have to watch one of these films again!
Terrifier (2016)
Pushes the violence too far to the point it just becomes relentlessly bleak
There are certainly some things to admire about Terrifier.
The character design of Art the Clown is incredibly effective. Match this with the performance of David Howard Thornton and you end up with a pretty iconic and terrifying character that will stick in your mind. The story is also incredibly simple and effective, wasting no time getting going. It will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for it to be over at times (whether that is a good or bad thing is debatable).
However.... I do think this film strays far too much into the torture arena and the violence is too often sexual in nature which becomes very disturbing. I think there's a wider conversation to be had about sexual violence in horror and how these films are generally written and directed by men, but I shan't go into that here. What I will say is that it does make this an unnecessarily uncomfortable watch.
I don't mind when art pushes boundaries and i'm not usually against graphic violence, but in Terrifier it maybe goes too far. Strong character design and performance are slightly marred by the overly graphic violence, but it all comes down to personal preference.
Smile 2 (2024)
Surprisingly good sequel!
I'm struggling to remember the last time I enjoyed a horror sequel more than the original, but Smile 2 really manages to pull it out of the bag.
In terms of the story it isn't too dissimilar to the first film in its core concepts, yet somehow it still manages to feel quite fresh and inventive. This time we follow pop star Skye Riley who, after witnessing a suicide, suddenly find herself unable to determine reality from nightmare. All sounds quite familiar if you've seen the first film right? But Smile 2 introduces some new depth to the whole idea and produces an ending that really ties the whole thing together nicely. There was a constant feeling of dread and uncertainty which was very enjoyable.
The real highlight of this film though is Naomi Scott who is incredible. She is an absolute power house in this film, conveying the paranoia and uncertainty so well. I think people should flock to the cinema to watch this film based purely on this performance. You won't be let down.
I would file Smile 2 under a list of films that left me very surprised! So often horror sequels are just a cheap cash grab attempting to benefit of a previous decent box office, but Smile 2 actually manages to build on the franchise and somehow surpass the original. Most definitely worth a watch!
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
What's all the fuss about?
Joker: Folie a Deux really doesn't deserve the hate it's getting. Sure it has it's issues, but for the most part it is a very solid if slightly unnecessary sequel.
The biggest issue with this film is most definitely the story. It is painfully long considering it is devoid of any significant meaning or drive. I think it meanders far too much and doesn't add much to the first film. When it finally does get down to its point it is too rushed and as a result loses most of its impact. I was expecting a film bringing Harley and Joker together on screen in a grounded setting to lead to a more interesting story, and I think they missed a trick here.
What really can't be faulted with this film though are the performances of Phoenix and Gaga. This is no surprise as they are both brilliant, but the chemistry they share is also incredible. Everything they did with these characters from the design to the creative choices I thoroughly enjoyed.
Then there's the musical element. Perhaps people were unprepared for a musical? The patrons of the theatre I was in certainly were, as every song outbreak was greeted with audible signs and murmurs. Personally I thought this was one of the best parts! Lady Gaga singing? What's not to love. And the musical element just really works for these characters and the relationship they had and really complimented that well. A bold choice but one that really worked for me.
Aside from the lacklustre story I really don't understand the pile on for this film. Great characters and performances, inventive storytelling with the musical elements, and a good tone and vibe to the whole thing.
Tremors (1990)
Great fun
The creature feature genre is a real mixed bag but Tremors thankfully manages to hit the spot and deliver a great bit of fun.
Everything about it is very overacted and camp which is no bad thing. Kevin Bacon in particular is the stand out with an energetic performance.
The plot is refreshingly simple and very effective. There aren't any huge plot twists or complications or anything to write home about particularly, but it does what it says on the tin. A bunch of giant worms attacking some people. What's not to like?
Considering this is a 30 year old film, the effects hold up really quite well. It's a good looking film and the practical effects just add to the vibe of the whole thing.
So if you're looking for a solidly entertaining creature feature B-movie, look no further than Tremors as it will be sure to deliver!
My Old Ass (2024)
An instant classic coming of age story
Sometimes a film comes along that completely surprises you and just hits all the right notes, and My Old Ass is definitely that. I really can't remember the last time I saw such a sweet, inventive, poignant and endearing film.
It follows teen girl Elliot as she prepares to leave her quiet family farm and head to the big city for college. However, a mushroom induced trip causes her to meet her older self and reassess aspects of her life and her relationships.
I must say I do love a time warpy, twisty conceit like this. I think they always open up such creative ways to explore life and emotions and relationships, and it is done so effectively here. There are some huge emotional kickers and I defy anybody not to well up. Not to say that this is a doom and gloom story by any means. It is also full of such great humour, lots of heart, and just has that spot on coming of age vibe to it.
There really isn't much more to say about this film I don't think other than it is maybe the most surprised I've been by a film in as long as I can remember. I saw Aubrey Plaza in the cast list and thought I'd get a few decent laughs and a fairly average film. I was not expecting to be knocked off my feet and to fall in love with this film!
Blink Twice (2024)
Really solid debut from Kravitz
Blink Twice is a perfectly good film that certainly delivers some powerful punches. I do think that the pacing is a little off and it could have kept its secrets a little closer to its chest, but there are still plenty of surprising reveals.
The best part of this film is the commanding lead performance from Naomi Ackie who steals the show. She puts on many different faces in this role and pulls them all off remarkably well. The other women are all great as well, particularly Adria Arjona. Channing Tatum slips into a slightly different skin for this role which he also pulls off really well.
As a debutant director and writer Zoe Kravitz does really well, pulling together a solid story that has a lot of meaning and impact.
Blink Twice is definitely worth a watch for the strong performances and punchy story. It could have been a little tighter in runtime and maybe tried to be more coy about where it was going, but for the most part it is a commanding and impressive film.
The Crow (2024)
Not worthy of resurrection
I have never seen the original The Crow film, so this review is untarred by a desire to preserve the memory of that film. All of this aside, it's just quite a bland and boring experience.
I have no major qualms with the story. It largely follows a well trodden formula, that being the 'one man on a vendetta wiping out tons of bad guys' genre. In doing this, it does deliver some decent violence and some entertaining enough set pieces, but they wear a little bit thin. There are so many films out there doing similar things, that to stand out these sequences need to be particularly special or inventive, and they just weren't in The Crow.
A major gripe with this film would be the emotion of it all. This is really the driving force of the film and it was lacking for me. Bill Skarsgard is a great actor, but he didn't hit the mark here for me. His character just wasn't easy to connect to. Similarly with FKA twigs, I wasn't convinced by her performance either. When the two leads are lacking in a film like this, the violence loses all meaning and impact. It didn't feel like the emotional stakes were there.
With those stakes missing, the film ends up feeling a tad boring. It feels like it is going through the motions and the end was a welcome relief.
The Florida Project (2017)
Terrific once again from Baker
Sean Baker really is a master of his craft. It's hard to think of another filmmaker creating such compelling windows into the lives of those on the fringes of American society.
With the Florida Project, he plunges us into the life of a struggling single mother in Florida, as she raises her daughter in the shadow of Disney World. It's a great set up from Baker and pushes the daughter, Moonee, front and centre of the whole piece, which is inspired. Played by Brooklynn Prince, it's a firecracker of a role that has so much life, emotion, and reality to it. Her chemistry with Bria Vinaite as her mother Halley is spot on, and the two really shine, creating a compelling relationship. Willem Dafoe as the motel manager is superb, again giving emotion and grounding to the whole piece.
As with any Sean Baker film, the vibe is just so perfect. The way he captures dialogue, and how people go about their lives seems so simple but is so effective. He finds such subtle ways to bring in emotion and drama, but also allows for more charged moments.
If you have seen a Sean Baker film, or just fancy a smaller, grounded, emotional film, then The Florida Project will deliver.
Speak No Evil (2024)
Really solid and sinister thriller
Ignoring the fact that the trailers for this film ruined a lot of the surprise and suspense, I think this makes for a pretty gripping ride.
James McAvoy is the glue holding the whole thing together with a pitch perfect and terrific performance. Even before the penny drops and the films takes its inevitable turn, he brings such a subtle yet spiky edge to his character that only grows and grows. It's top stuff from him as always. He's joined by a great cast, all of whom deliver to create engaging character dynamics.
The plot is pretty solid if maybe a little too telegraphed (even without the overly revealing trailers). It is played out well if a tad too long for what it is. The climax is thrilling once we get there and makes the whole thing worth while.
I also really enjoyed the tone of this film. The way that the characters behave constantly wrongfoots you and keeps you on your toes which makes it quite an edgy and nervy experience at times. This sounds counterintuitive as the end game was always obvious, but its maybe a credit to McAvoy and the other actors that they manage to maintain this suspense.
So overall, a decent story is elevated by some great performances and a thrilling climax. Maybe a tad long and necessarily going to set the world alight, but a great way to spend a couple of hours for sure.
Never Let Go (2024)
Lacklustre
Never Let Go certainly has an interesting enough premise, but it doesn't really manage to cobble together a decent film out of this.
The film only really has three characters, and when this is the case they have to be compelling and engaging. Unfortunately I just didn't think they were. Halle Berry gives a solid but not remarkable performance, and does manage to bring some emotion to the film. The two children, played by Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B Jenkins were also pretty strong, so the fault doesn't lie with the performances. I just think something about the story didn't open up the emotion of the family and their dynamic enough. It felt a bit too underdeveloped in this area.
The story is a bit too slow, and when it does get going it doesn't really take off. There are a couple of surprising turns but you have to wade through a lot of cliches and formulaic story points to get to them.
Similarly, I think the atmosphere of the whole thing is a bit too mediocre. The film doesn't really have its own identity or anything stand out about it visually or creatively.
Ultimately this all makes Never Let Go a remarkably underwhelming film.