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The Brutalist, 2024 - ★★★★
Visually impressive and enjoyable as a modernist architecture geek. The length which was one thing I was unsure about really wasn’t noticeable with the well-timed interval.
The main reason this isn’t getting a higher rating is that I felt no emotional connection to the characters. I feel there was also scope to develop the stories of some of the peripheral characters further especially Gordon and Zsofia.
The Brutalist, 2024 - ★★★½
Visually impressive and enjoyable as a modernist architecture geek. The length which was one thing I was unsure about really wasn’t noticeable with the well-timed interval.
The main reason this isn’t getting a higher rating is that I felt no emotional connection to the characters. I feel there was also scope to develop the stories of some of the peripheral characters further especially Gordon and Zsofia.
A Real Pain, 2024 - ★★★★★
I’ve been thinking about what to write about this for a week. And I’ve ended up with this… it’s got just the right amount of everything. I feared before going in it could be overly sentimental, but the script and performances are just spot on.
It’s a lean film with nothing more than it needs. Not trying to give us answers but more questions to ponder.
A Real Pain, 2024 - ★★★★★
I’ve been thinking about what to write about this for a week. And I’ve ended up with this… it’s got just the right amount of everything. I feared before going in it could be overly sentimental, but the script and performances are just spot on.
It’s a lean film with nothing more than it needs. Not trying to give us answers but more questions to ponder.
The Florida Project, 2017 - ★★★★
This took me by surprise a little. Felt very reminiscent of British social realist films like Fish Tank and The Selfish Giant.
Seen lots of reviews talking about seeing things from Moonee’s perspective, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like it was Bobby’s eyes I was looking through.
The Florida Project, 2017 - ★★★★
This took me by surprise a little. Felt very reminiscent of British social realist films like Fish Tank and The Selfish Giant.
Seen lots of reviews talking about seeing things from Moonee’s perspective, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like it was Bobby’s eyes I was looking through.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, 2024 - ★★★★
These days if you can hold my attention for a full 2.5 hours you’re likely to get 4 stars. And if you give me a main character who is someone competent and excessively resentful on top of that, it’s a lock in.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, 2024 - ★★★★
These days if you can hold my attention for a full 2.5 hours you’re likely to get 4 stars. And if you give me a main character who is someone competent and excessively resentful on top of that, it’s a lock in.
Anora, 2024 - ★★★★
Quite the rollercoaster. At times uncomfortable to watch, at times laugh out loud funny and then one final moment of gut wrenching despair.
Anora, 2024 - ★★★★
Quite the rollercoaster. At times uncomfortable to watch, at times laugh out loud funny and then one final moment of gut wrenching despair.
Frosty mornings
I much prefer the crisp cold morning we had yesterday to today’s slushy snow. We went for a walk along the River Derwent and it was magical.
Year in books for 2024
Here are the books I finished reading in 2024. I didn’t reach my goal, but who cares. I’ve read some outstanding books and abandoned a few that didn’t feel worth my time.
Perfect Days, 2023 - ★★★★★
Some films come along at just the right time, and this one I needed today. Now is now.
Perfect Days, 2023 - ★★★★★
Some films come along at just the right time, and this one I needed today. Now is now.
The Holdovers, 2023 - ★★★★★
An actual Christmas film that is actually very good. I enjoyed how it was set up to be one thing then turned into something entirely different. All three main actors were at the top of their game. And Payne’s touch is so subtle I was fully immersed in the story and the unfolding relationships.
The Holdovers, 2023 - ★★★★★
An actual Christmas film that is actually very good. I enjoyed how it was set up to be one thing then turned into something entirely different. All three main actors were at the top of their game. And Payne’s touch is so subtle I was fully immersed in the story and the unfolding relationships.