re.VIEW
FILM
Bronson
Fantastic performance from Tom Hardy and all-round excellent filmmaking, although I found the central character of diminishing interest.
Little Women
Utterly fantastic, with scintillating turns from Saorise Ronan, Timothee Chamalet and Florence Pugh. Loved every second. Greatly surprised to see Gerwig overlooked during awards season.
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The Road
An honest and faithful adaptation of a magnificent book, if not quite achieving the same emotional depth.
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The Gentlemen
Never quite reaches the heights of Lock Stock, Snatch or even Rock'n'Rolla, but a great big feast of entertainment nonetheless. Although the odd, indelicate turn of phrase a little jarring. Colin Farrell a real highlight.
The Irishman
An outstanding piece of cinema, with stunning performances from a stellar ensemble cast. Pesci and Pacino rightly receiving the plaudits, with de Niro giving an underrated, subtle performance.
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Goodfellas
First viewing of a classic. Scorsese brings to life the brutal world of a gangster, forging a tight air of suspense and outright mania.
What We Do in the Shadows
"Werewolves, not swearwolves". Taika Waititi an undeniable genius. This film takes a fresh, hilarious turn into a rather saturated genre and dazzles on all the right notes.
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1917
What it does well, it does spectacularly. At its best when dialogue is minimal, with the stunning staging, cinematography and soundtrack generating a relentless pace of tension and strain. Excellent performance from MacKay, with Scott the highlight of the cameos.
Uncut Gems
The Safdie brothers do it again after the phenomenal Good Time. Uncut Gems is a tense, breathless work of art, with Sandler perfectly personifying charisma, hysteria and outright desperation.
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Roma
Unquestionably a masterful piece of cinema, with some truly heartbreaking scenes. It did, at times, feel a little indulgent, taking me away from the powerful storytelling.
My Neighbor Totoro
An enchanting, charming and whimsical tale of childhood, love and family.
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What Happened, Miss Simone?
Having known little of Nina Simone's life and music, this documentary was an absorbing discovery, even if her own voice was somewhat missing.
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Peanut Butter Falcon
A film oozing in feel-good, joyful charm, interspersed with some rather tender moments. A favourite of the year so far.
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Jojo Rabbit
Satirical genius, and surprisingly endearing at that. Waititi and Johansson obvious scene stealers, with Sam Rockwell a real shining light.
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Barry Lyndon
Kubrick delivers an absolute masterclass in filmmaking. Each and every shot of this film is simply gorgeous. Cinematography, lighting, score, script, staging, costumes, acting. I adored it all.
Dr. Strangelove
Sheathed in satire, this story reaches into the soul of mankind to expose our foolishness and our pride. Hysterical, intelligent and daring.
Full Metal Jacket
Undeniably at its best in the first act, this film offers up an almost comical look at the horrors of war. A fine piece of cinema that warrants a second viewing.
Eyes Wide Shut
Kubrick's last slams together all of those qualities that made his name, conveying tension, horror, farcical comedy and downright beauty. One can begin to see why Kubrick believed this to be his best, although perhaps not an opinion I personally share.
地久天长 So Long, My Son
Such a beautiful, heartbreaking film, that sails along with a wonderful sense of grace and intimacy, despite the grandeur of the film's storytelling.
2001: A Space Odyssey
Visually stunning, with a soundscape that crafts such an atmospheric experience, bringing the viewer into an almost trance-like state. It is hard to believe this comes from 1968. Viewed at home, and eager to see this on the big screen.
McQueen
This expertly made documentary gives us an emotional, honest and funny look at the young, passionate designer, who felt such impact from a demanding life.
The Farewell
Beautifully conceived cinematography and screenwriting presents a rich and gorgeous story. A wonderful film.
Les Mans '66
Christian Bale is simply fantastic in a film full of swagger and verve. The soundtrack and cinematography bring the racing scenes hurtling to life.
Arrietty
As expected, Studio Ghibli deliver a visually stunning experience of this beautifully developed world. Ultimately, I found myself wanting more, with the second act failing to progress on a wonderful start.
Athlete A
Brilliantly structured, this documentary presents such shocking deceit and betrayal, and the need for continued investigation and reform.