Posts

Showing posts from February, 2016

Film Review: Trumbo

In truth, I have been looking forward to this film since I first heard of it being casted. I have watched the documentary, released in 2007 (same title) many times before. From the first viewing, I was enthralled with this cautionary tale from history and the man brought to the forefront of so many others who were made to feel low for standing up for what was right. Is right. A group of powerful men were afraid and let that fear rule them. With a great script (John McNamara - based on the book by Bruce Cook) and superb direction (Jay Roach), the story of the blacklist, McCarthyism is beautifully illustrated in all its idiocy and farce. As it is so clearly stated in the film, the purpose of the committee hearings was to find communists working to bring down America, make laws to prevent international spies and other related work - none of which was achieved. All it did was make a very large amount of principled law abiding people unemployed and hated by their neighbours and friends

Film Review: Brooklyn

Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters have long been pillars in the British acting community and when a film has both of them in supporting roles, it is not just a piece of instant comfort to the main character, but also to the viewers. And it also says a lot about the acting ability of Saoirse Ronan, that she not only holds her own among such experienced people, but that her character shines above all others. The rest of the supporting cast are excellent too, including Emily Bett Rickards, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson and Eileen O'Higgins. This is an excellent film all round and thoroughly deserves all the nominations that have awarded to it. Nick Hornby once more proves that he is the master of book adaptations. And John Crowley's direction is greatly understated.

Film Review: Deadpool

There are a lot of films out there, where the conflict, or one of them, is based on what was not said, or understood. A lot of words are said, but in some cases, the character is not being completely honest with the others. Leads to a lot of "if you only told me the truth," and "I have to tell him how I really feel" endings. So, for a film like this one, where the main character doesn't say anything that he doesn't really mean, turns the genre on its side and pushes it in every other direction, except the one you expect. Wade Wilson/Deadpool, greatly portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, is completely unapologetic and has no filter, or any inhibitions. Mr Reynolds has a great gift for comedy, and in this film is allowed to completely let rip, breaking walls, literally and figuratively. Ed Skrein, Morrena Baccarin (people may recognise her from Homeland), Brianna Hildebrand, TJ Miller, Greg LaSalle and Gina Carano make up the rest of the cast. All give great pe