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Versusyours (757 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Dec 14, 2019
The slow paced deterioration of mental health (2 more)
Some terrific portrayals
Cgi sparse
Not your usual type of clowning around
After waiting longer than I should have I finally watched Joker and the delay left me with lots of other opinions and views of the impact it has generated.
It is no secret that this film takes a different approach to the comic book genre with no superpowers being gained and focuses more on loss and the power that grows from becoming mentally unstable and damaged by an unforgiving society. It also focused on the ability to become involved in the fame game not for being talented but as a source of ridicule and fun for others, thso is reflected in wider society and is a stark warning about encouraging those that are not near the level of the talented. Take note the Xfactor and other programmes that have advertising funded freak shows and gather round televisions to judge and mock. There are many factors that contribute to the descent into chaos and they are the socioeconomic factors of heriditary mental health, illegitimacy, funding cuts, street violence and the fear of the future.
The climax scenes are hard hitting but not unexpected, the impact at the time was shocking and left a lasting sense of my own unease at the future. My only thoughts on the negative side where the ability for this ending to have the lasting impact on repeat viewings and it's place in film history will be won or lost on how its seen in the upcoming years. Phoenix inhabited the role as Joker and his overall attention to detail allowed the character to form on deeper and emotion levels.
If there are others out there still waiting to see this do it before Xmas as it might be too much to take during the January blues
It is no secret that this film takes a different approach to the comic book genre with no superpowers being gained and focuses more on loss and the power that grows from becoming mentally unstable and damaged by an unforgiving society. It also focused on the ability to become involved in the fame game not for being talented but as a source of ridicule and fun for others, thso is reflected in wider society and is a stark warning about encouraging those that are not near the level of the talented. Take note the Xfactor and other programmes that have advertising funded freak shows and gather round televisions to judge and mock. There are many factors that contribute to the descent into chaos and they are the socioeconomic factors of heriditary mental health, illegitimacy, funding cuts, street violence and the fear of the future.
The climax scenes are hard hitting but not unexpected, the impact at the time was shocking and left a lasting sense of my own unease at the future. My only thoughts on the negative side where the ability for this ending to have the lasting impact on repeat viewings and it's place in film history will be won or lost on how its seen in the upcoming years. Phoenix inhabited the role as Joker and his overall attention to detail allowed the character to form on deeper and emotion levels.
If there are others out there still waiting to see this do it before Xmas as it might be too much to take during the January blues
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Cult Of Chucky (2017) in Movies
Jan 7, 2020 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)
Honestly - I genuinely enjoyed Cult of Chucky. Is it a guilty pleasure? Perhaps, but not as much as some of the other films in the franchise.
There are a few thing that set it apart from the others though - the way the whole thing is shot for a start. Don Mancini captures multiple great and memorable shots throughout (even verging on arty sometimes!) and his use of minimal colours and clinical white settings give it a very stand-out look when compared to the rest of the series. It also makes for some striking visuals when all the violence kicks off in the second half of the movie.
Here's another way it stands out - Cult of Chucky is easily the most gory Child's Play entry, making use of both great practical effects and questionable CGI to get the job done, but it ultimately achieves what it sets out to do.
That gore factor carries an element of horror with it, and Mancini is keen to prove that Chucky is way past the hammier Bride and Seed days.
The main human cast are pretty run of the mill, with exception of Fiona Dourif, once again, a really likable protagonist who is easy to root for.
In terms of pacing, Cult has a pretty slow building first half, but it's not much of a problem, as the closing half is just flat out ridiculous, to the point where it's hugely entertaining.
Throw in some solid links to characters from the original trilogy (with the same damn actors no less!) and you have a mostly decent slice of silly horror fun.
If the original Child's Play franchise indeed comes to a close with Cult, then it can be comfortable in the fact that's it bowed out nicely, although I do hope there's more to come.
I can just about found a handful of things to like about every film in the series (except Child's Play 3, fuck that film) so it would be a damn shame to.not see where the story goes.
There are a few thing that set it apart from the others though - the way the whole thing is shot for a start. Don Mancini captures multiple great and memorable shots throughout (even verging on arty sometimes!) and his use of minimal colours and clinical white settings give it a very stand-out look when compared to the rest of the series. It also makes for some striking visuals when all the violence kicks off in the second half of the movie.
Here's another way it stands out - Cult of Chucky is easily the most gory Child's Play entry, making use of both great practical effects and questionable CGI to get the job done, but it ultimately achieves what it sets out to do.
That gore factor carries an element of horror with it, and Mancini is keen to prove that Chucky is way past the hammier Bride and Seed days.
The main human cast are pretty run of the mill, with exception of Fiona Dourif, once again, a really likable protagonist who is easy to root for.
In terms of pacing, Cult has a pretty slow building first half, but it's not much of a problem, as the closing half is just flat out ridiculous, to the point where it's hugely entertaining.
Throw in some solid links to characters from the original trilogy (with the same damn actors no less!) and you have a mostly decent slice of silly horror fun.
If the original Child's Play franchise indeed comes to a close with Cult, then it can be comfortable in the fact that's it bowed out nicely, although I do hope there's more to come.
I can just about found a handful of things to like about every film in the series (except Child's Play 3, fuck that film) so it would be a damn shame to.not see where the story goes.
JT (287 KP) rated Anna (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Tell me if youâve heard this one before? A young woman is pulled from a life of drugs and abuse and given a fresh start as a deadly assassin. Once on the inside, she uses her skill set and good looks to complete various assignments while falling for her handler. She then decides that her new life is not for her after all and wants out.
Writer/director Luc Besson has pretty much rehashed the script for Nikita (aka La Femme Nikita). That film had a remake too, Point of No Return, which starred Bridget Fonda and Gabriel Byrne. This latest offering doesnât do anything new whatsoever. There are several well choreographed and extremely violent fight scenes as well as a car chase which seems to be a staple part of any Luc Besson film.
Itâs not the most intelligently written action thriller. And there are plot holes all over the place.
The sexual exploitation is not as fierce as Red Sparrow. Anna uses an array of colourful wigs and lingerie to entrap her victims before ultimately putting a bullet in them. This only seeks to justify her sex appeal. The supporting cast is OK but nothing special. Helen Mirren is probably the stand out of the bunch, although her character has a striking resemblance to Edna from The Incredibles â or maybe thatâs just me?
When Cillian Murphyâs CIA agent gets involved it becomes hard to know who is double crossing who, and the extra plot strand threatens to confuse things. What results is a kind of Cold War love triangle which gravitates towards an interesting finale only ruined by predictability.
Itâs not the most intelligently written action thriller. But it is fun and film fans should appreciate Bessonâs high energy and European flair. I prefer him as a writer than director. Anna doesnât shy away from bringing graphic violence in a Wick-esque style which is often lost with Hollywood blockbusters, so that gets a big tick. But itâs hard not to look past a regurgitated storyline.
Writer/director Luc Besson has pretty much rehashed the script for Nikita (aka La Femme Nikita). That film had a remake too, Point of No Return, which starred Bridget Fonda and Gabriel Byrne. This latest offering doesnât do anything new whatsoever. There are several well choreographed and extremely violent fight scenes as well as a car chase which seems to be a staple part of any Luc Besson film.
Itâs not the most intelligently written action thriller. And there are plot holes all over the place.
The sexual exploitation is not as fierce as Red Sparrow. Anna uses an array of colourful wigs and lingerie to entrap her victims before ultimately putting a bullet in them. This only seeks to justify her sex appeal. The supporting cast is OK but nothing special. Helen Mirren is probably the stand out of the bunch, although her character has a striking resemblance to Edna from The Incredibles â or maybe thatâs just me?
When Cillian Murphyâs CIA agent gets involved it becomes hard to know who is double crossing who, and the extra plot strand threatens to confuse things. What results is a kind of Cold War love triangle which gravitates towards an interesting finale only ruined by predictability.
Itâs not the most intelligently written action thriller. But it is fun and film fans should appreciate Bessonâs high energy and European flair. I prefer him as a writer than director. Anna doesnât shy away from bringing graphic violence in a Wick-esque style which is often lost with Hollywood blockbusters, so that gets a big tick. But itâs hard not to look past a regurgitated storyline.
JT (287 KP) rated Starred Up (2014) in Movies
Mar 16, 2020
Violent and to the point (1 more)
Great acting
Prison Isn't Suppoed To Be A Holiday Camp
Prison dramas donât get much grittier than this. Not since Scum has there been one with as much brutal tour de force. Eric (Jack OâConnell) is âstarred upâ. A term used to describe violent young offenders moved straight into an adult prison. Once he gets inside he comes face to face with the only person that might be able to control him, his father Neville (Ben Mendelsohn).
Itâs a major part of their relationship as Nevâs parental tactics involve the cruel to be kind method. Itâs the only way that Eric is going to survive and the only way he will walk out in one piece. Eric finds some solace in Oliver (Rupert Friend) whose anger management sessions are a place to unleash a tirade of resentment. It places him within a group where any other individual might find themselves out of their depth â Eric takes it full on.
The film is written by Jonathan Asser, a former prison psychotherapist who worked in HMP Wandsworth. So he more than anyone can inject the film with a massive sense of realism. The prison violence can be hard to watch but you donât find yourself turning away from the screen.
Itâs not shrouded in Hollywood gloss and is shot with graphic precision. Mendelsohnâs performance is excellent playing the psycho and his delivery is spot on. Friend is also a joy to watch and a real talent. The Homeland star-making imprints into the acting elite.
However, this is very much OâConnellâs film and itâs not hard to see why he is fast becoming a standout actor. Grabbing this role in a vice-like grip he battles with his personality, the adoration from his father and a corrupt system who want him eradicated. It doesnât paint the prison system in a particularly good light but then prison isnât supposed to be a holiday camp.
Itâs a major part of their relationship as Nevâs parental tactics involve the cruel to be kind method. Itâs the only way that Eric is going to survive and the only way he will walk out in one piece. Eric finds some solace in Oliver (Rupert Friend) whose anger management sessions are a place to unleash a tirade of resentment. It places him within a group where any other individual might find themselves out of their depth â Eric takes it full on.
The film is written by Jonathan Asser, a former prison psychotherapist who worked in HMP Wandsworth. So he more than anyone can inject the film with a massive sense of realism. The prison violence can be hard to watch but you donât find yourself turning away from the screen.
Itâs not shrouded in Hollywood gloss and is shot with graphic precision. Mendelsohnâs performance is excellent playing the psycho and his delivery is spot on. Friend is also a joy to watch and a real talent. The Homeland star-making imprints into the acting elite.
However, this is very much OâConnellâs film and itâs not hard to see why he is fast becoming a standout actor. Grabbing this role in a vice-like grip he battles with his personality, the adoration from his father and a corrupt system who want him eradicated. It doesnât paint the prison system in a particularly good light but then prison isnât supposed to be a holiday camp.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Good Girls Don't Die (D.I. Grace Fisher #1) in Books
Mar 28, 2020
This is another of the books that has been on my "to be read" pile for far too long ... January 2015 to be precise ... how bad is that but at least I finally got round to reading it and continuing on my quest to get my "to be read" pile down this year - only another few hundred to go đŹ
Anyway, this book is the first in the series featuring D.I. Grace Fisher; a complex and wounded character recently moved to Essex following a difficult set of traumatic events that are gradually revealed in and amongst the investigation into a missing person of one young lady and murder of another ... are they connected? What follows is an intricate plot with a number of suspects but told in a way that was logical and, I think, realistic. However, there is more to this book than the crimes, it skims the surface of office politics, bullying in the work place, obsession and domestic violence as well as freedom/intrusion of the press ... all of these threads work really well together and fit seamlessly into this story.
The characters are an interesting and eclectic bunch. I particularly liked Grace and fellow team member, Lance; I found them engaging and plausible and I got a sense of a really strong relationship building between them and am looking forward to getting to know them better in subsequent books in the series.
The writing is easy to read and flows well and although this book is not full of action or suspense, there is definitely an underlying darkness and threat that is ever present and that makes this book engaging and enjoyable and one I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a new series to read in this genre.
Belated thank you Quercus Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review and for introducing me to yet another great author.
Anyway, this book is the first in the series featuring D.I. Grace Fisher; a complex and wounded character recently moved to Essex following a difficult set of traumatic events that are gradually revealed in and amongst the investigation into a missing person of one young lady and murder of another ... are they connected? What follows is an intricate plot with a number of suspects but told in a way that was logical and, I think, realistic. However, there is more to this book than the crimes, it skims the surface of office politics, bullying in the work place, obsession and domestic violence as well as freedom/intrusion of the press ... all of these threads work really well together and fit seamlessly into this story.
The characters are an interesting and eclectic bunch. I particularly liked Grace and fellow team member, Lance; I found them engaging and plausible and I got a sense of a really strong relationship building between them and am looking forward to getting to know them better in subsequent books in the series.
The writing is easy to read and flows well and although this book is not full of action or suspense, there is definitely an underlying darkness and threat that is ever present and that makes this book engaging and enjoyable and one I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a new series to read in this genre.
Belated thank you Quercus Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review and for introducing me to yet another great author.
ClareR (5916 KP) rated One Year of Ugly in Books
Apr 3, 2020
A different look at refugees.
I didnât expect to like this book as much as I did, and I really didnât expect to laugh as much. Itâs not a particularly funny subject, when you consider that itâs about Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad. Honestly, I didnât know that there WERE Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad. The whole Palacio family have fled Venezuela and itâs corrupt regime, and have started a new life in Trinidad as refugees. The work they do is under the radar of the authorities. When their matriarch, Aunt Celia, suddenly dies, a rather flamboyant character, Ugly, turns up and demands his money. This is the point where they find out that theyâre actually illegal refugees, and that Aunt Celia hadnât actually secured them any legitimate, legal rights to be there. So theyâre now at the mercy of Ugly. He demands that they work off the debts that Celia incurred, by taking in fellow refugees as they pass through to nw lives in Trinidad. He leaves them under no misapprehension that if they donât comply to his wishes, violence will follow.
There is a real dark humour throughout this book. Parts are genuinely funny, but there are other parts, mainly those involving Ugly, which are really menacing. This isnât a fluffy âeverything works out for the bestâ type of story, and I think itâs really good that Mackenzie is highlighting something that a lot of us know nothing about. It seems universal that no matter where a refugee comes from, that their lives are constantly in danger and that they are preyed upon by the unscrupulous. Iâve read a couple of books about refugees that broke my heart, and while I did feel sympathy for the characters in this book, I appreciated the humour - after all, some people do deal with trauma with humour.
I was really pleasantly surprised by this book, and yes, I would recommend it. Iâm looking forward to seeing what the author will write about next.
There is a real dark humour throughout this book. Parts are genuinely funny, but there are other parts, mainly those involving Ugly, which are really menacing. This isnât a fluffy âeverything works out for the bestâ type of story, and I think itâs really good that Mackenzie is highlighting something that a lot of us know nothing about. It seems universal that no matter where a refugee comes from, that their lives are constantly in danger and that they are preyed upon by the unscrupulous. Iâve read a couple of books about refugees that broke my heart, and while I did feel sympathy for the characters in this book, I appreciated the humour - after all, some people do deal with trauma with humour.
I was really pleasantly surprised by this book, and yes, I would recommend it. Iâm looking forward to seeing what the author will write about next.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Transporter Refueled (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The suit, the car, and the keys have been handed over to Ed Skrein (Game of Thrones) as he takes over the role of Frank Martin, made popular by Jason Statham in the first three films of the Transporter franchise. In this iteration, Frank finds himself in the center of a storm of sex, money and violence. The formula is generally the same as the other films in that, Frank is tasked to perform a job that is more than what it seems to be.
In this film, he is hired by a group of prostitutes who are seeking vengeance on their bosses by robbing them of their fortunes. Transporter: Refueled is filled with great action sequences, dramatic car chases, and exciting fight scenes which would satisfy many fans of the franchise. Unfortunately, the story lacks any depth. There is a love story between Frank and one of the girls that seems heavily out of place, not for the franchise, but with the film itself.
Much of the interchange and exchanges between the characters seems forced and you find yourself not really caring about the âgood guysâ or have that much of a chance to hate the âbad guys.â At times, it seems as though it would be more of an extension of the Fast and the Furious films with the club scenes, scantily clad women, and its attempt to be younger and fresher.
There is much more of a focus on the stunts, some of which seem to bend the possibilities of physics, and the car chases which will have many people running to Audi dealerships after seeing this film. Transporter: Refueled has problems in establishing its identity in being a Transporter film. In an attempt to break away from its past, it creates an uncertain future and which is something that, for once, Frank Martin is on time for with this film.
In this film, he is hired by a group of prostitutes who are seeking vengeance on their bosses by robbing them of their fortunes. Transporter: Refueled is filled with great action sequences, dramatic car chases, and exciting fight scenes which would satisfy many fans of the franchise. Unfortunately, the story lacks any depth. There is a love story between Frank and one of the girls that seems heavily out of place, not for the franchise, but with the film itself.
Much of the interchange and exchanges between the characters seems forced and you find yourself not really caring about the âgood guysâ or have that much of a chance to hate the âbad guys.â At times, it seems as though it would be more of an extension of the Fast and the Furious films with the club scenes, scantily clad women, and its attempt to be younger and fresher.
There is much more of a focus on the stunts, some of which seem to bend the possibilities of physics, and the car chases which will have many people running to Audi dealerships after seeing this film. Transporter: Refueled has problems in establishing its identity in being a Transporter film. In an attempt to break away from its past, it creates an uncertain future and which is something that, for once, Frank Martin is on time for with this film.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Lawless (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Prohibition means profit to the bootlegging Bondurant brothers, until a new deputy appears wanting a cut of the action. When the family, led by oldest brother Forrest (Tom Hardy), refuses, it ignites a pattern of violent lawless retribution between the corrupt local authorities and the moonshine-selling brothers.
While adapted from the pages of a successful book, the plot of âLawlessâ portrays a familiar story. A young romance slated against the challenges of a family who is literally and metaphorically, sticking to their guns. The brilliance of the film exists in the vivid set work, understated characterization, and graphic portrayals of unbridled yet historically accurate punishments.
There are bullet holes everywhere in this wild land of violence. The depictions of torture, while not the most graphically intensive in cinema, are characterized by psychological malice. The result is a film that manages to entirely pull the viewer into a different, much less civilized, time.
Led and narrated by seasoned actor, Shia LaBeouf, as the youngest brother, Jack Bondurant, the role is hardly a challenge. Yet his performances only stands out when supported by other cast members, such as the gangster Floyd Banner, played by Gary Oldman. And while LaBeoufâs performance is not a great as it could be, it shines next to his lackluster costar, Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix the forbidden preacherâs daughter and object of young Jackâs eye.
The best performance in the film is not the lead, but that of his brother Forrest who dispenses well-timed wisdom or humor even in direst situations. Further helping in the films success are the supporting characters; the third Bondurant brother, Howard (Jason Clarke), mechanically gifted family friend, Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan), and city wise beauty Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain).
While not as impressive as expected, the slow but steady story and complex visceral nature of âLawlessâ, make it a film that is worth the price of a ticket, for anyone who can make it through the squeamish bits.
While adapted from the pages of a successful book, the plot of âLawlessâ portrays a familiar story. A young romance slated against the challenges of a family who is literally and metaphorically, sticking to their guns. The brilliance of the film exists in the vivid set work, understated characterization, and graphic portrayals of unbridled yet historically accurate punishments.
There are bullet holes everywhere in this wild land of violence. The depictions of torture, while not the most graphically intensive in cinema, are characterized by psychological malice. The result is a film that manages to entirely pull the viewer into a different, much less civilized, time.
Led and narrated by seasoned actor, Shia LaBeouf, as the youngest brother, Jack Bondurant, the role is hardly a challenge. Yet his performances only stands out when supported by other cast members, such as the gangster Floyd Banner, played by Gary Oldman. And while LaBeoufâs performance is not a great as it could be, it shines next to his lackluster costar, Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix the forbidden preacherâs daughter and object of young Jackâs eye.
The best performance in the film is not the lead, but that of his brother Forrest who dispenses well-timed wisdom or humor even in direst situations. Further helping in the films success are the supporting characters; the third Bondurant brother, Howard (Jason Clarke), mechanically gifted family friend, Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan), and city wise beauty Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain).
While not as impressive as expected, the slow but steady story and complex visceral nature of âLawlessâ, make it a film that is worth the price of a ticket, for anyone who can make it through the squeamish bits.
The Sweetness of Life
Book
The number one bestseller in France and Italy, from Francoise Heritier, The Sweetness of Life is a...
TS
Twenty-Six Seconds: A Personal History of the Zapruder Film
Book
On November 22, 1963, Abraham Zapruder left his office hoping for a glimpse of President John F....