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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Just go see it PLEASE!
This deserves to be in the top 5 Marvel movies ever made. Really. Go see it.
It's sheer perfection.
It made me from from ear to ear. The action is fabulous. The visuals are breathtaking.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Not essential sadly. Nice works of art though!
So the previous directors movie involving Jake was NIGHTCRAWLER which led me on a shady, dark edgy rollercoaster ride. Driven by greed and adrenaline. That was quite a movie. Relevant. Edgy. It left me shook. That movie had purpose and drive.
Velvet Buzzsaw has very little OOMPH. I read a couple of reviews previous to watching. Some said it would benefit from being more insane, a little more adrenaline filled.
You are given a glimpse into the big money making side of art galleries. Introduced to a few characters who are not likeable but hold attention. It feels a little like a made for TV movie in a bad way.
The most glorious thing about the movie is the pieces of art work shown. I would happily pay to view most of the work shown at any of these galleries. Is this film about the art world and critics and their greedy motivations behind that (greed)? Is this about a tortured artist with mental health issues who haunts those after his demise? Damned if I got what was being said.
Some visual flair. As a horror film it failed. As a comedy it failed.
Velvet Buzzsaw has these ridiculous gore filled death scenes that are put in with a 'jump scare' quality. So is this trying to be a horror movie? If so. Again. fail.
What is being said was not clear to me. the performances were all very average.
Not essential. But the artwork and the galleries and the whole artistic world is quite mesmerising.
The story itself is badly executed and confused.
Maybe. Just maybe this film is a grower and deserves a 2nd chance. but not in a hurry. There are many many more films deserving of your attention right now.
Russian Doll (2019)
'friend of Bill' or any 12 stepper - ESSENTIAL. Dont be afraid tho its hilarious
Throughout Russian Doll I laughed so much. I was also profoundly moved.
You NEED to see this. Its a 10/10 based on performance and script alone before I even begin to analyse how it moved me.
This is a show that knows exactly what it wants and the message to deliver.
I personally just turned 42 yrs old. Right now I feel 82. Life is kicking me in the nuts repeatedly and Russian Doll is a reminder that you need to take life seriously. But not too damn seriously you know. Laughs are there. But acceptance of ones selfish nature and a desire for change can only come about by a desire to help others. So Russian Doll I believe is a perfect guide to the fundamentals for any person struggling and going through a 12 step programme. Hell just for anyone struggling with life.
That's what I took from it. Others may see it differently but to me the message was clear as crystal. Russian Doll is a genius razor sharp 8 part series condensing one of lifes struggles for so many.
A simple message to let go of 'self'. To help yourself you need to help others... that is a HUGE achievement.
I would go as far as saying this should be essential. Hell, even mandatory for everyone in rehab or any 12 step prog. Seriously. It is THAT profound.
By the end of Russian Doll last night my day was back at 'acceptance'. The understanding that you CAN change and your will to change needs to be REAL. From the sincerest heartfelt real. To exist sanely with your demons you need to give it away. Give it away sincerely. Honestly.
As a 'friend of Bill' I get this message many times over. By the end Russian Doll I was reminded again of my fragile state 24 hours a day if I don't stay humbled and try to help others. Putting that into practice is another ball game. With repetition comes acceptance and maybe the courage to help someone who has been through similar wretched torment. Maybe you can help guide that person. Bounce off each other. Or you can die every day of your life and live in agony. Its your choice, but also with luck and maybe a twinkling of a higher power that remains unseen someone special will come along and help you out.
Cleverly written damn funny and the perfect start to 2019.
Now.
If I can put into practice what I have learned...
Today could be special and I might see another 24 hours.
Thank you Russian Doll.
The Favourite (2018)
If you love film you should recognse this IS a masterpiece.
I have seen this movie twice now.
Anyone who gives this less than a 9 - please ignore their view. They are not into movies. That simple. That might sound completely pretentious of me but truly. Anyone giving this a bad review... it is beyond my understanding. You can dislike it sure. But you cannot as a film fan hate this.
What you have here is a masterpiece.
The Favourite is not at all a comedy. It absolutely DOES have comedy liners of genius delivered by a female trio who all deserve the highest of praise. It is not a comedy though. This movie is deadly serious. I don't hear enough praise for this film from the feminist crowd complaining there are not enough strong female leads. This has three. Quite possibly three of the finest most powerful figures to grace cinema. and oh how they mock the men. and boy do the men deserve to be mocked.
Quite why the Golden Globes placed this in the comedy/musical category will forever be a mystery and a big mistake.
It is very very hard to pick which actress gives the best performance. Rachel Weisz probably but only by the tiniest of margins.
My first viewing I was captivated. Mesmerized. I was in a small crowd. some people laughed at the oddest moments. Everyone seemed to find a different section hilarious. My favourite comedic line was about 'bathing in cream to soothe haemorrhoids' but there are so many swift sharp comedy blows. The script is magnificent. Again I stress this is not a comedy. I don't even want to gategorize or pick a genre. A period piece, a drama? A comedy...
The Favourite is so many things.
On my first viewing I left the cinema feeling like I had quite possibly watched the most perfect film. Genuinely a film of perfection. Is that possible? Certainly the best movie of 2019 and 2018. By a long long way.
The Directors last work 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' unsettled me so so much. I have watched that twice and on second viewing again it shook me to the core. The Favourite excels though in every way. It is way more accessible than any of Yorgos Lanthimos previous work. The historic elements are plainly and clearly stated yet never overstated. Characters are introduced with such ease and lines of such power. The glorious mesmerising spectacle of it all made me feel gluttonous. Greedy. I felt a passion and desire for the spectacle of it all. and felt shamed. Which I believe is the point. Queen Anne tries as she might to enjoy simple pleasures but all they do is bring back the panic of loss. Watch her face as she begins to enjoy a piece of dance, or music. Then watch as the pure panic sets in. She is terrified of a simple life pleasure dare it be taken away. I think Olivia Coleman said something about Anne being absolutely allowed to act however she pleases. Anyone going through such suffering is justified to act mad, eccentric, greedy and naughty. Of course they are. The Queen Anne of whom I knew nothing about before this movie is not a pathetic figure however. She has strength. Assuredly. She is not someone to be mocked and laughed at.
You have three main characters all striving to forget their pains through pleasure and power. A never ending life struggle. We all have this struggle and the message sent here is power obviously corrupts. Greed, love and lust will never conquer the pain you feel. No one ever truly wins. Manipulation to get what you want is a prominent theme and again providing the same result. Temporary pleasure then deep loss and pain.
This film caught me at a very sombre melancholic period of my life and I felt every single intimate agonizing second. This will be a movie I watch into double or maybe even triple figures. Laugh with the script and madness of it all. Bathe in its beauty for as long as you can and possibly quite possibly you will never reach such dizzying heights again. The ending was glorious and made complete sense to me. What you make of it... well that's for you. I am sure many people will take many different things from this masterpiece.
A bad review should never be one of them. Ignore them and get to the cinema as soon as you possibly can.
Masterpiece.
Cult of Chucky (2017)
Boring, slow - for Chucky fans only!
Managed to sit down and watch this last night. Ice cream in hand - had great expectations as the reviews here were generally favourable.
I have watched a LOT of horror the past 30 years. A LOT. This new instalment of Chucky was, just... so... boring.
Fans of the Chucky series may enjoy getting old characters back. Mostly the film is set in one of two mental asylums. Chucky dolls (yes two of them) turn up. The usual 'is he alive or just a doll' madness goes on and on until finally, Chucky starts to torment Nica and kills a few people with a menacing laugh and a funny comment. Nothing new here folks and it takes too much time wallowing in older characters, reminding us all of what happened. About 40 minutes had past and nothing remotely exciting had happened.
Cult of Chucky is a film that teases. When the kills start there is the gore, but no real fear. I believe Cult of Chucky was trying to get back to the horror roots, removing the comedy element.... sadly it has failed and delivered a below average horror.
Die hards only folks. There is nothing here that will be lingering in my mind.
The acting is average. Nothing wrong there. So much more could have been done with this film. If you are new to the series go watch Childs Play 1 and 2 (maybe 3 also)...
David Lynch: The Art Life (2016)
ESSENTIAL for Lynch fans and creative artistic souls
I have to give this a 10 - big Lynch fan here and since season 3 of Twin Peaks has ended my admiration for his work his sky rocketed! This wonderful documentary which I believe was funded with a Kickstarter campaign gives you an essential look into David's childhood, creative process and glimpses of how he thinks. He really does invite you into his brain - personally I found the documentary to be raw, edgy and quite disturbing too. Lynch can unease you with his stories - just the way he talks and the stories - you are given a gift albeit a strange one with a touch of humour and a just a little light - Mr Lynch lives a fascinating life.
As he talks about his upbringing - people surrounding him who guided and helped him - he talks so fondly of his early childhood, family, his brush with the dark side and most importantly (for me) his move to Philadelphia which he initially found so dark, depressing - yet this brought out his most creative dark side which, being a Lynch fan absolutely fascinates me.
Without Lynch receiving a grant from the American Film Institute allowing him to create Eraserhead where would he be now? Lynch ponders this and is seriously moved - you will be too.
So much more I could say about this - but leaving it there - Oh no - one more thing (doing my Columbo) -- you get to see so much of his very personal art work, and archived art work as a younger man..... and the work is breath taking.
Watch ASAP - peace all!
It Comes at Night (2017)
Superb! Intelligent and intense CHECK IT OUT
First off PLEASE IGNORE THE HATERS. This is a raw emotional, tense thriller and not purely a horror film - though there are many horrific moments.
I can only assume people expected a film with a monster in it -- T hat my friends is the films main problem here. The film title.
What you get here is a tense, raw, powerful movie - a close knit family are forced to make life changing decisions - Joel Edgerton who plays the father is truly proves he is a solid terrific talent.
There are no monsters - loose plot -- a deadly virus has broken out (presumably worldwide) and a family of three are living in a big log cabin out in the woods - security is paramount. Gas masks, gloves are worn regularly. Presumably the virus is not airborn and can only be passed on through touch.
Another family join the household and that is where things get a little trickier - they both try to bond yet paranoia is in the air. They cannot trust each other 100%
I suspect this film will not profit, or be watched because of all the negativity but if you are a true film buff I hope you check it out and appreciate what a special piece of work this is.
Think Fear The Walking Dead/Cabin Fever.... no monsters --- a few very good jump scares and the film should keep you on edge throughout.
I will be watching it again for sure.
NieR: Automata (2017)
Probably - maybe, the best game ever
Keep it sweet and short - Nier Automata has THE most beautiful music, gameplay, and is so so replayable. It is a masterpiece -- for me up there with Zelda, Okami and the Final Fantasy series. GENIUS and please please do invest in it. You will be rewarded again and again - and the emotional impact.... it made me cry twice.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Unbearably stupid or a pure joy?
Quick review here.
It was nice to be in space this afternoon seeing much more of the alien progressing from birth to full grown (lots of baby aliens attacking which was cool). a sublime performance by Michael Fassbander.
To enjoy COVENANT though you have to be able to ignore and I mean COMPLETELY ignore and accept the outrageously stupid decisions the crew make.
I understand this is a horror film, set in space... it is. ALIEN was just that - SO people will go wandering off. People will make ridiculous decisions. The crew could be stupider than characters from the collective Friday 13th series. Ridley tries to convince us that these decisions are made because the crew working together are partners (never work with your husband/wife/partner folks!)..
Without Michael this film would not have worked, of that much I am convinced. His screen presence... playing two characters - much applause to him.
As for Ridley well - thanks for making this. You do give us some answers, you give us some good amount of blood and gore and action so thanks. Leaving the world with Prometheus would have been BAD.
I had a blast really... but do not overthink it.... if he does decide, and Ridley said he plans to make one or TWO more then OK.. no doubt I will attend and turn my IQ down a little.
Go find a very large screen sit back and enjoy it. No need to feel guilty :)
Colossal (2016)
A big monstrous mess (was that the point?)
Colossal - what is about? Abuse, alcoholism, bullying, stalking - running away from your fears...
Anne Hathayways character gets chucked out by her boyfriend for being a late night party animal and borderline alcoholic - She then goes home to drink every single night, and day it appears as do the other main characters (did anyone drink anything non alcoholic?) On arriving home she meets her old school 'friend' who now owns a bar - they get drunk, a lot, she works for him (in a bar great choice)... meanwhile in Seoul a giant monster is attacking and smashing the odd building and stomping on people.
This she discovers is a direct link to her own actions - at 8:05am on a school playground...
Whilst drunk (they are always drunk did I mention that) she tells her three main bar friends this....
I cannot go on much longer.
Now if you have a drink problem, an AA member or have been a bully in your past then you may relate to some of this. The feminism part is chucked in there (her old school friend is just a psycho with controlling issues - oh and also an alcoholic).
If the films message is a constant battle to control your demons and fight them, become better, then maybe Colossal works - slightly.
But it is messy overall and should you never ever see it - you will not have missed out on much I promise you.
Phantasm: Ravager (2016)
Emotional and messy yet well worth it!
Phantasm means a LOT to me. the video cover scared the hell out of me as a kid, as did the movie when viewed about 7 or 8 yrs old... the soundtrack, the tall man, the orbs, the humour - the whole damned eeriness of the other dimension when passing through those metallic poles. Hell yes I am a fan. I enjoyed parts 2 and 3 which upped the gore and played about with more humour. Seen the original many many times, parts 2 and 3 not so much but intend to go back and re-watch
Now onto RAVAGER - this is a jumbled messy incoherent fever dream from Reggies frazzled mind. Is Reggie demented or stuck in a loop being toyed with by the Tall Man?? HUGE respect and RIP to Angus Scrimm for being such a towering actor and presence - Ravager I believe was originally supposed to be a series of sorts so what you get with this movie is very messy - lots of jumping from past to future, from Reggies care home to hell - just all over the damned place. Some may find that a weakness but somehow it works.. it just works.
What Ravager has is a HUGE heart. I will take Ravager for what it is - a farewell. Entertaining enough with a goodbye that leaves more questions than answers.
Maybe some years ago Phantasm could have been a mini series - alas this is too late and we get this finale - Part V. RAVAGER.. I will take it.
Now I gotta get my hands on a t-shirt and poster for Christmas Signed by Don.
Dear Santa...
Wolf Creek (2016)
Sadly - very very average :(
Being a huge fan of Wolf Creek and part 2 the movies - then just last week discovering a MINI SERIES had been made..... I was absolutely jumping for joy. I binge watched this yesterday.
Mick is back and (had to be) played by the incredible John Jarrett. His one liners, gory kills and general nastiness makes Wolf Creek. He is a terrific nasty piece of work you love to hate.... a true bad guy in every sense.
So this is a mini series - six parts. That my friends is one flaw to start with - the six parts are muddled and full of unnecessary filler material.
The kicker is it starts off with SUCH promise - Mick is introduced within the first 10 minutes with a BANG - from then on the story of one survivor recovering from that ordeal then slowly seeking revenge begins.
Along the way this portrays the Ozzie outback in a very nasty crude way - by god if you plan to travel there NEVER speak to ANY man at all - according to the writers and director ALL men are murderous vile inbred rapists - or members of gangs with a below zero IQ. This does not paint a nice picture of the outback. Should the Australia tourist board watch this they should be enraged. God forbid if they endorsed this?
Forgetting the tourist side of things the problem with Wolf Creek the series is you could easily have condensed it into a 3 parter. Filler and side plots with silly characters and for me personally not enough of MICK.
To sum up begins well - lots of ridiculous filler - On a positive note it ties things up nicely and you do get some flashback footage on Mick as a child and why he became a savage ill feeling cold blooded killer.
Maybe just a Wolf Creek 3 would have been a better idea?
Jason Bourne (2016)
Decent - just end it now thanks Paul
OK - First question - was this next installment necessary? Answer - YES That does not make this a good film however - but it does give some closure - and with the emphasis on CLOSURE - this has to be it.
I was never once bored throughout this movie - if you have seen the Bourne movies by now you will be used to the shaky camera work - it is particularly shaky in Jason Bourne.
Somehow I feel Paul made this as a finale - god I hope so - to show what he wanted to achieve with an action movie Director and how his camera work can thrill like a roller coaster ride - that mixture of adreneline and sickness...
It works - but nothing new in conception happens. Jason Bourne uses the same ol tactics - meet somewhere - create a public panic and use that as a false flag to meet someone and gather info.
Great car chases (expected) - some great fight scenes (expected) - you learn about his past (hoped for) and you end up with a wrap..
If Paul or Damon EVER make another one I will NOT go. This was a wrap - a finale - and I enjoyed it. A masterpiece it is not - a good movie sure... but Paul has shown what he can do now. No repeat is necessary.
High-Rise (2015)
Now I must read the book...
High Rise has some incredible set pieces and stunning visuals. It SCREAMS of Kubrick although I am aware Ben has not set out to copy the Kubrick style it just happens from the film poster reminiscent of Clockwork Orange to the use of music and certain delirious drugged out party sets - The Director has managed to create a 70s vibe so magnificently awards should be handed out immediately to set designers. The film looks incredible. The cast are stellar. The film is a mixed bag though - very mixed. A reviewer on IMDb stated the film gets a message across and then continues to flog the dead horse, even when the skeleton is all that remains - and that is somewhat true. The film is certainly too long and I as yet have not read Ballards book but intend to ASAP.
The message is unclear to me - a power struggle? Corruption at the top tearing society apart? The film almost obsessively shows extreme hedonism, drink, drugs, sex, orgies all gradually getting bigger and dirtier as the building rots and the ideal of living in one place that can fulfill your needs spirals badly, quickly into violence and degradation.... living at the top or the bottom of the High Rise matters not it would seem - you will still be a drunken hedonistic lunatic grasping for something better at any cost.
The film certainly leaves you with no hope for society to live as one if a class system remains -- is the film trying to have a go at capitalism and social structure? Is it attacking the Thatcher years? I shall watch this again at some point soon, but not before I read the book.
Ben Wheatley continues to impress me and if he is making some cinematic scenes as art for arts sake then go for it - he makes some incredible scenes that assault the senses.
Oh and again the cast are bloody marvelous.
The Boy (2016)
Well above average and worth your time!
This is a slow paced film but the Director does a great job engaging you.
Greta takes on a nanny job in England - creepy old English mansion. Turns out she will be looking after a porcelain lifelike doll. Now firstly you question OK GET OUT OF THAT NUTTY CREEPY HOUSE! But.... the Direction and performances are so darned solid you believe this is possible. She NEEDS the job badly and is running away from a bad situation in America. So hell why not take the job and just go along with it. What is the worst that could happen?
The Boy is slow paced to start but compelling enough.... the first few jump scares are OK but jump scares are old hat and nothing new.
The plot borrows many ideas from different horror films which I shall not name as it would spoil the little twist to come.... more than just a little twist actually! Some reviewers say the twist is absurd but I found myself going along with the last 30 minute ride and thoroughly enjoying it.
Not perfect but polished nicely enough for a horror fan to enjoy.
Creepy doll creepy movie and good to see a solid performance from Lauren Cohen proving she really can act outside of The Walking Dead.
The X Files (1993)
Rushed---- Anderson stunning - Duchovny dodgy.
OK first things first - I liked it.
BUT -- As cosy and warm the opening episode felt god damn everything was SO SO rushed.
Mulder's opening speech before the credits was like some kind of word speed test. He managed to condense the X-file premise into a one minute garbled speech... not a bad thing, it just felt rushed. As did the whole episode. Old characters were brought back conveniently with a script that felt very very awkward. Duchovny is an odd actor. Sometimes he convinces, even impresses with his portrayal of Mulder. Then in another scene it is like watching a teenager ad lib very very badly.
Nice flashback to the Roswell crash. Loved the AVR scene.
I am IN as far as this six episode series goes. But far from totally happy. Hopefully be the end of the sixth episode that lovely glowing warm cosy feeling that Mulder and Scully are back again will remain.
Anomalisa (2015)
Unique - surprisingly unique - thumbs up!
An odd film kept me awake last night - ANOMALISA - animated movie using stop animation technique (you know wallace n gromit etc etc). For some reason this style of animation kind of gives me the creeps. The work that goes into it astounds me - the patience required... Not entirely sure why - something about certain animation feels dark and a bit supernatural to me and makes me anxious. go figure. This animated wonder took over 7 years to make and reportedly cost 8 million dollars - the animation process, facial features, clothing, subtle movements all look wonderful. The lighting is used beautifully just to emphasize minute details.
This film is written and Directed by Charlie Kaufman who most will know for Being John Malkovich. I disliked that movie (I quite enjoyed ADAPTATION however) but Being John Malkovich was a bizarre idea and somewhere I missed the depth and a lot of the humour most people found within. ANOMALISA is a very very unique film. The main character Michael Stone is a motivational speaker and best selling author about customer service. He is visiting L.A. for a one day conference.. An odd career for Michael to have as he is not exactly a barrel of laughs at this time in his life. Maybe a mid life crisis? Michael is a very moody impatient guy who does not suffer small talk or fools gladly. His mind is somewhere else, he hates small talk (he makes wonderful facial expressions to reflect this) but he is searching for something. Constantly. He checks into a fairly plush hotel and proceeds to do the usual mundane things like turning on the tele switching channels with remote, ordering food, goes to the bar- boring mundane stuff and honestly it FEELS boring. About fifteen minutes into the film after the impressive eye candy animation wore off a bit I was questioning just why this animation picture was even made? Was Charlie Kaufman just trying to be clever here? Not to say this film is humourless but I almost stopped watching.. The mundane existence of Michael's evening was having the desired effect. Which is kind of the point.
You are following one persons night, one particularly ordinary guy.... yet the intrigue is there - why is Michael the way he is? Why does everyone he speak to have the same vocal tone, the same voice be they male or female. After mulling about his hotel room for a while he decides to call an ex partner. An ex he abruptly and seemingly finished with for selfish reasons. This ex relationship is worrying him. He is still searching for something. The missing piece.. HIS missing piece, his joy, his reason for being. Now for the most part I felt Michael was not just introverted but a very selfish man seeking only his pleasure. I could relate to that - that longing for something whilst everything around is a dark irritable distraction. The night takes a huge U turn for Michael when he meets a special lady who SOUNDS different and moves him profoundly - could she be his missing piece? I have said FAR more than required about this film - let me just say it lingers, it deserves repeat viewings and today I am thinking it could be a wee masterpiece. Not just a marvelous animated feature, but a bloody profound film. You will get a lot out of it. Probably the day after though...
Special mention goes to a lengthy sex scene which anyone could relate to (unless you have only EVER slept with one person). A panic attack during breakfast and a barmy feverish dream sequence. Oh and finally the vocal talents by Jennifer Jason Leigh and David Thewlis (you might not know his name but you will know the actor).
Check it out - stick it out.
Victoria (2015)
Believe it - a masterpiece
Mind. blown.
This movie should be seen knowing as little as possible.
Contender for my movie of the year.
Ambitious INTENSE moving courageous and highly original. Do yourself a favour and read as little about the plot as possible - please!
I had read a couple of glowing reviews but knew little of the plot beforehand. I did know the movie was shot in one continious sequence - an astounding achievement.
The movie never goes where you think it will. To start there is a sense of dread, that something terrible is about to happen and you will so so hard for it not to happen.
Tell your friends to see it. Tell them this is groundbreaking cinema and they will not regret it.
10 outa 10
Bet your ass USA already want to remake this.
Amy (2015)
Blew me away. essential
AMY was quite something, really affected me. 10 out of 10.
Tony Bennett quoted in this outstanding documentary. ''Slow down, you are too important. Life teaches you really how to live it if you can live long enough''.
That quote is something I intend to follow. The scene where Amy sings with Tony is remarkable, her singing with her idol. really touching.
I always felt Amy's voice and now I can see her shining talent as a lyricist too. Such a strong mature voice yet such a fragile person. Love, drink, drugs just shook her to the core. You see how nasty and deranged she turned when high. Not pleasant to see, but you also see her shining witty side.
Her dad came across as someone who jumped in to Manage her life far too late - only when fame and money came along. He did come across as a nasty piece of work.
AMY holds SO much footage of her from an early age you find yourself growing with her. Her bouts of madness were just tangible... Maddening to see the glare of fame tear her apart. Paparazzi/media scum being an evil she could not tolerate. As Tony Bennett nails it - she was a natural, true Jazz singer.
Why would anyone want to become famous, to be in that limelight, being stalked by press and fans alike. madness!
Oh to sum up this is ESSENTIAL. Amy Winehouse fan or not her story WILL affect you. Personally I felt privileged to follow her life and immensely saddened to see such a talented soul leave us so young.
Second Coming (2014)
Hard to fault. Engaging. Highly recommend.
I just watched Second Coming. Been on my 'to do' list since Mark Kermode placed it in his top ten films of 2015. As Mark says, the film leaves you to interpret much of the story. Performances are so very very good here. Award winning quality. The family moments are so touching especially the close relationship between Mark and Jax. They radiated a true special love that made me beam from ear to ear. All is not glowing domestically but what exactly is wrong is never spelled out to you. Interpretations will vary but I felt definite hints of domestic violence, mental illness, PTSD from previous abortions... there is a lot to think about here. It demands and I think will shine even more with repeated viewings.
Visions (2015)
Intriguing and satisfying! Perfectly paced.
After watching a few disappointing horror films the past couple of weeks this came as a pleasant surprise. The horror element is there but really this is more of a psychological thriller. Special mention goes to the orchestral music score which works well to set the mood throughout.
Quite a short movie at around 75 minutes yet probably to the films advantage. Red herrings are thrown in here and there, the plot twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Some of you may figure out what is going on but the reveal is not entirely obvious.
I was never bored, not once. Is the house haunted? Is she going mad? Are the neighbours stalking her? Could the husband be up to something? As the intrigue builds you feel very included searching for the answer. The ending satisfied. No gore required. No silly ridiculous twists that make no sense, just a satisfying conclusion to a very enjoyable film.
As a cinematic release this may not do very well. As a film to watch cuddled up on the sofa at home it is a first class thriller that dare I say Hitchcock would approved of.