films
Senna, 2010 - ★★★★
It’s been a while since I’ve watched a good documentary and this didn’t disappoint. Izzy’s pick for film night and it kept both of us non-F1 fans engaged and informed.
Hit Man, 2023 - ★★½
I enjoyed this from the comfort of my sofa on a random midweek evening. Had I paid to see it at the cinema I’d have been disappointed.
It was clearly the Glen Powell show with no depth given to any of the supporting characters. And what an odd way to end it - maybe just skip the last 5 minutes.
The Beautiful Game, 2024 - ★★
Enjoyable to watch but come the end I felt it could have been so much more. The characters deserved more depth and exploration of their stories.
Love Lies Bleeding, 2024 - ★★★★
A film of contrasts. Seedy and sexy. Tender and violent. Blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Horrific with a hint of humour running through it.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, 2022 - ★★★
Good fun… if you like Nicolas Cage. Dread to think what this might have been without the counterbalance of Pedro Pascal though who is the real star for me.
Bend It Like Beckham, 2002 - ★★★½
Take out all the scenes with the creepy coach and this could be a 5-star film.
How to Have Sex, 2023 - ★★★★
I’ve been trying to articulate how I felt come the end of this film. Helpless is one way to describe it - I could see what was coming and couldn’t do anything to stop it. I realise I also feel culpable, like so many of the so-called friends who aren’t looking out for each other.
I’d like every 16 year old to watch this before they head off for that holiday.
Past Lives, 2023 - ★★★★★
Just brilliant. Excellent script. Fantastic acting. Subtle directing. Keep having to remind myself this is a debut from Celine Song 🤯
Dune, 2021 - ★★★
I enjoyed the first half, but when the action moved out into the desert it all got a bit too broody for me. And as the foresight/dream sequences increased I started to get bored.
Young Adult, 2011 - ★★
This won’t be leaving a lasting impression, but it fitted my requirements for the evening’s entertaining - 90 minutes of uncomplicated entertainment.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, 2020 - ★★★½
A lot like a recorded theatre performance in terms of its staging and extended monologues. And on the whole I think that worked, largely as a result of stellar performances from David and Boseman.
Petite Maman, 2021 - ★★★★
Small and perfectly formed. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Celine Sciamma.
All of Us Strangers, 2023 - ★★★
There was a moment about three quarters of the way through the film when I became aware of the soundtrack of sobs in the cinema screen. I wondered briefly why my heart was so impenetrable today. Then Harry’s story reached its denouement and I felt my heartstrings being tugged.
This portrait of loneliness and grief made a lot more sense when the credits rolled and I saw it was based on a novel by a Japanese author.
Official Competition, 2021 - ★★★
I knew I was going to enjoy this as soon as Lola started flicking through her annotated script.
Maestro, 2023 - ★★
Lacking in chemistry, I got zero connection with the characters. Although very well acted, as you’d expect, it left me totally cold. Had I been watching on my own I reckon I’d have switched off before the hour.