Film reviews part 22 (in order of viewing)

Boyhood (2014). 14-16.8.24. An intriguing, somewhat captivating first hour, but the absence of plot started to irk after that, and the script and characterisation weren’t quite interesting enough to compensate, despite a sprinkling of nice touches such as when the two kids talk together to compete for Mason Sr’s attention. And the constant bonhomie, the superficially messed-up but (of course) absolutely ideal father, the ‘we have to be tolerant and appreciate the gun-loving religious people’ message etc all started to rankle. I can see the (worthy) reasons why it won the Oscar though. 7½/10

Doctor Zhivago (1965). 22 & 25.8.24. A slick, stylish production very much of its time. More focused on the big sweeping picture than having an eye for detail, but some of the dialogue and the love triangle storyline were advanced for its time and impressive. One can see why it would have been highly thought of when it was released. No comparison with, say, Lean’s Brief Encounter though. 7/10

Strangers on a train (1951). 29&30.8.24. The first two-thirds were so much better than the action-heavy and melodramatic final third; this is a regular criticism of mine regarding films, especially perhaps older films. The incidental music was a hindrance. A few nice touches here and there, such as the mother character, just about make this a 7. 7/10

Meantime (1983). 2&3.9.24. Another spot-on Mike Leigh film in terms of dialogue and characterisation, although a few of the characters’ motivations were annoyingly but doubtless deliberately unexplained. Very similar in style and structure to (at least) Life is Sweet. All the cast are excellent but the performances from Phil Daniels and Marion Bailey stand out especially. 8½/10

Get Carter (1971). 7.9.24. An absolutely cracking, tight, first-rate film, and perhaps one of the first really raw, authentic crime films – of which the 1970s are famous – to come out of Britain or America? It needs to be seen at least twice though to really ‘get it’ as there is a lot going on. The scene where he is having ‘telephone sex’, while his landlady is obliged to listen, is captivating, and possibly the most erotic thing I’ve seen on film. 9/10

Waves (2019). 26&27.9.24. The overall message is strong and beautiful; the direction and pacing are good; there is originality, three-dimensional characters (which is kind of the point of the film) and pathos galore; but the dialogue is unexceptional which means it cannot raise its head above the rest. 7/10

Custody (2017). 4&5.10.24. After thinking about this film some time after watching it I am minded to give it a better review than I would have if writing just afterwards. The first hour was excellent in ramping up the suspense, and nuances in dialogue and direction mean there is a more to think about regarding the family dynamics than seems obvious. That said, this is essentially a simple film that does not need to be seen more than once to appreciate it more fully. 7½/10

Deliverance (1972). 21.11.24. I was captured right from the start with its realistic dialogue reminiscent of the Deer Hunter (NOT a favourite of mine) and characterisation, especially of the hillbillies which I would guess is authentic for the time. There is a straightforward and entertaining plot, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the scenes in the water are thrilling. My only gripe is that the film rather tailed off towards the end; it could have been punchier. Still, good entertainment. 8/10

Minari (2020). 5.12.24. Warm and engaging but didn’t fulfil its early promise, and with a damp squib ending (although ‘insightful’ no doubt). 7/10

The blue caftan (2022). 27.12.24. I was wary of watching this film because from (a) the title, (b) subject matter and (c) being Moroccan, I expected pretentiousness. But this was better than expected and – for once with this type of film – I tend to agree with the good reviews, or at least I think there is a lot here for the casual intelligent (not necessarily intellectual) viewer. Well-paced, and well-acted by the actors playing the married couple. 7/10

Planes, trains and automobiles (1987). 30.12.24. This was the first time I’d seen this classic. I am a fan of the more modern film Due Date – which was clearly heavily based on this – and prefer that movie. This is a bit loose, I don’t really feel for Steve Martin’s character (is he miscast?) and the laughs are too intermittent. Good fun though / it never seriously slacks. 7/10

I also started watching the following films, but they didn't interest me enough to keep watching.

Decision to leave (2022). 8.10.24. Watched half.

Memoria (2021). 8.11.24. Watched 45 minutes.

Anais in love (2021). 3.12.24. Watched first half and bits of second half.

 

 

 

Film reviews part 21 (in order of viewing)

Richard III (1955). 27&29.5.24. Perhaps the best filmed production of a Shakespeare play I’ve seen to date, although the rather haphazard, amateurish battle scenes at the end – filmed inexplicably in the Spanish countryside (and it shows)  - spoilt a little what had gone before (and why would a horseless Richard be drawing attention to himself in the way that he did!). 8/10 

A cock and bull story (2005). 4.6.24. A novel idea, which basically works. 7½/10

The big country (1958). 10-13.6.24. Intelligent nuanced Western with three-dimensional characters and situations. Right up there with The Gunfighter, High Noon and The Good the Bad and the Ugly. 9/10

Shiva Baby (2020). 13.6.24. Claustrophobic – which was doubtless the intention (to reflect the claustrophobia felt by Danielle). Anyway, this is all good stuff for what it is (which isn’t much), and wisely kept to a very short duration (78 minutes). 7/10

Close (2022). 14.6.24. After a boring start where I thought it might turn out to be yet another pretentious French-language film, this steadily improved and ticked all the right boxes but without great flair / becoming exceptional. An extremely poignant story and excellent performances. 8/10

Man for all seasons (1968). 15.6.24. A very worthy Best Film Oscar-winner, this is unusual, striking and ultimately outstanding (both in the literal and contemporary senses of that word), with a mesmerising lead performance from Paul Scofield. 9/10

Hit man (2023). 18.6.24. This is being written a week after watching which isn’t good, but from memory I thought it was solid entertainment (no more than that, and forgettable). 7/10

The Duke (2020). 2.7.24. Another “good”, ticks-all-the-right-boxes British film: light, bright and soon forgettable. Despite good jobs by Broadbent and Mirren, talented Geordie actors would have made things more believable and therefore spiced it up a bit, the dialogue often lacked flair – and the two sons and their girlfriends were very sketchy and underused. 7/10

Ali & Ava (2021) (early July 2024). A winning vibe and winning performances  ̶  especially Claire Rushbrook’s remarkable Ava – more than make up for the thin material. 7½/10

Chopper (2000). 21.7.24. Up until the final set-piece this was tight and literate; just short of being excellent. But the final quarter of the film becomes unnecessarily confusing. Still, very memorable. 7½/10

Film reviews part 20 (in order of viewing)

Elle (2016). 17.2.24. The main plot development of the film didn’t work for me while I was watching it. However, after reading the Wikipedia article and reflecting, I can grudgingly accept what the writer and director were getting at, and that Michelle’s actions – despite being on the face of it implausible – might be just about plausible for this particular woman. This point aside, there was a lot going on to maintain interest, and Huppert’s performance (and/or the script or direction maybe?) somehow managed to be borderline comic while still being completely realistic. 7½/10

Petite Maman (2021). 27.2.24. Short, low-key, pretty pointless, supernatural film. Quite relaxing to look at. [The professional or mainstream critics love this film however; no doubt they can see a whole range of artistic sensibility. The part of Mark Kermode’s review which is quoted in Wikipedia astonishes me!] 5½/10

Parallel mothers (2021). 2&3.3.24. To me, this was writing by numbers: the (literally!) monotonous dialogue does it no favours in terms of creating an atmosphere of dramatic potency. When the reveal comes, it is dealt with extremely neatly and logically which is nice in the sense that it is very realistic / there is no silly melodrama, but also disappointing as a filmic experience. The turn in the two women’s relationship in the middle of the film I really hoped wouldn’t happen despite the subtle indications, and was greatly disappointed when it did (an unnecessary contemporary cliché and which devalues the power of genuine uncomplicated female friendship). 7/10

Nomadland (2020). 11&12.3.24. A meandering journey, visiting several characters and not telling much of a story. Always watchable, always completely realistic, but not enough here for a Best Film Oscar. 7½/10

The Old Oak (2023). 22&23.3.24. Another mesmerising film from the Laverty / Loach team (apparently Loach’s last). Slight dragging in the middle and occasionally a little saccharine, but Laverty’s dialogue is exceptional in its realism; and his (a) three-dimensional approach generally to character, and (b) honest, humanistic, broadly apolitical script, are strongly commendable. 8½/10

Here we are (2020). 23&24.3.24. A slim story, but a nice and easy way to spend an hour and a half. 7/10

True things (2021). 2.4.24. This has less meaning than it seems to think it has, but is still quite engrossing. 7/10

Never rarely sometimes often (2020). 4&5.4.24. Something of a curio, with a very affecting / mesmerising scene at one of the clinics. Some off-the-boil direction during the New York scenes makes things a touch confusing but the documentary style works overall. As the reviewers on Wikipedia state, there are no didactics, no polemic, no “hidden” messages to the viewer. The “truth” is revealed through the cinematography alone. 7/10

In this world (2002). 19.5.24. Essentially a fictionalised docudrama: no space to get involved with the principal characters. Still worth watching for the (perhaps now outdated) information. 6½/10

Quo Vadis, Ada (2020). 22.5.24. A straightforward, limited but powerful portrayal of one event in the 1990s Yugoslav wars; however, reading about the Srebrenica massacre on Wikipedia after watching the film, it seems that what was portrayed was only the tip of the iceberg. I quite liked the character of the translator, who acted like most people would act in such situations, rather than someone who constantly made ethical judgements. Overall, the film’s limited scope means its potential was never quite realised. 7½/10

I also started watching the following films, but they didn't entertain me enough to keep watching.

The train (1964). 30&31.3.24. Watched 35 mins.

Funny face (1957). 6.4.24. Watched half.

Film reviews part 19 (in order of viewing)

Anatomy of a fall (2023). CINEMA. 7.12.23. Exceptional did-she-do-it. All elements of this film are superlative. One small criticism is that the quality and entertainment value of the final few scenes didn’t quite match what had gone before. As everyone else says, particular kudos for Sandra Hüller in the lead role. 9/10

Boiling point (2021). 18.12.23. Brilliant ensemble piece. Gripping and claustrophobic (in a good way) from start to finish. 9/10

The father (2020). 30.12.23. A one-trick-pony where time as a concept disappears. It works. 8/10

Witchfinder General (1968). 3.1.24. Very silly, two-dimensional pulp – but good enough for one viewing, especially as these horrors had a historical basis. 7/10

Drive my car (2021). 5-7.1.24. Very Art House French in style, self-indulgent, and unoriginal in both concept / message and story-telling – but nevertheless very good performances from the two leads help make it watchable, despite its 2h50 running time. Overall, a poor Best International Film Oscar winner. 6/10

By the grace of God (2018). 10&11.1.24. Not much in the way of intensity, or even drama; the mood is consistent throughout and there is no space for the characters to be really fleshed out. Something of a docudrama feel about it. But certainly passable. [Postscript: I see on Wikipedia that Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian has also mentioned the word “docudrama” in relation to this film]. 6½/10

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). 14&15.1.24. Clichéd mediocrity. 5½/10

Edward Scissorhands (1990). 18.1.24. A great story and made with lots of heart. 7½/10 (score applies to adult viewers).

Nine to five (1980). 21&22.1.24. Quaint (a dated style) and big-hearted, but after an ebullient start the film loses its way in the middle with silly plotlines involving a corpse and kidnap. However, it redeems itself somewhat near the end. 7/10

Sound of metal (2019). 4.2.24. For me, this worked more on an intellectual level than an emotional one. (The middle of the film dragged substantially, so muting the emotional response at the end.) Credit though for not being too mushy or predictable, and the final scenes were somewhat inspired. 7/10

I also started watching the following films, but they didn't entertain me enough to keep watching.

Hit the road (2021). 4.12.23. Watched half.

Planets of the Apes (1968). 8.12.23. Watched 35 minutes.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006). 5.1.24. Watched the start.

C’mon c’mon (2021). 20.1.24. Watched half.

Film reviews part 18 (in order of viewing)

Happening (2021). 12.8.23. Despite the potent subject matter, this was unoriginal, both as a story and a film (it was quite sketchy and matter-of-fact). I compare it unfavourably to Saturday Night and Sunday Morning which was actually made in the 1960s (the time this is set). 7/10

Gentlemen prefer blondes (1953). 17.8.23. Yet another old film with the same pattern: a really impressive – borderline brilliant - first half and a largely silly, unimaginative, throwaway second half. Jane Russell is outstanding throughout. 7½/10

Pride (2014). 23&24.8.23. Very much in the spirit of The Full Monty and Brassed Off (and probably some other UK film iterations of that period and later), this is completely formulaic with absolutely no surprises in terms of script or direction. It’s still highly competent and highly watchable though. 7/10

Pillow talk (1959). 25.8.23. Despite a thin plot, this gentle comedy maintains interest and fun throughout: it never drags and doesn’t become the usual silly farce towards the end. Rock Hudson as the leading man is superb. 8½/10

Beyond sunrise (1995) (watched 20.9.23) and Beyond sunset (2004) (watched 21.9.23). I marginally preferred the second film to the first. The characters looked just too perfect and the dialogue seemed too smooth in the first (he was less attractive in the second but she just as beautiful, and the contrast between the characters in the second was much more pronounced). Both films though are special and need at least one repeat viewing to absorb the supposed profundity of the dialogue. 8/10 (sunrise) and 8½/10 (sunset)

The worst person in the world (2021). 24 / 25.9.23. The film’s greatest asset is the central performance by Renate Reinsve which is utterly mesmerising. (Her co-star Anders Danielsen Lie seems equally skilled.) Add a nuanced delicate script and flawless direction and you have got a near-perfect film had there not been the blemish of the very incongruous final scene which was puzzling and disappointing - its arty nature at odds with the rest of the film - but I understand it a little more on reflection. The narration simultaneous with the action worked. (Looking on Wikipedia after writing the above, I see that critics were critical of the unimaginative and two-dimensional character of Julie, and that criticism does seem valid despite Reinsve’s astonishing portrayal.) 8½/10

Past lives (2023). CINEMA. 3.10.23. This currently has rave reviews, and while it is certainly somewhat captivating, believable, nuanced, even effortlessly tear-inducing on occasion, there is nothing that makes it truly great. 8/10

Rocks (2019). 20&21.10.23. Another film using amateur actors which is more convincing than most using professional ones! Impeccably directed and performed, and without being either preachy or contrived. 8½/10

Mean streets (1973). 13 & 14.11.23. Fascinating to see a very young De Niro and Harvey Keitel, but the film’s rawness is its most noteworthy quality. 6½/10 [After reading the Wikipedia entry, I realise I seem to be very much in a minority with this review.]

Sisters (1972). 17.11.23. A good, solid start, but unfortunately this short film loses its way in the middle and becomes increasingly camp and 70s-dated (in a bad way). 6½/10

I also started watching the following films, but they didn't entertain me enough to keep watching.

Good vibrations (2013). 30.7.23. Watched half.

Ghost Busters (1984). 26.8.23. Watched 2/3 and scrolled through rest.

The piano (1993). 6.9.23. Watched half.

Manhunter (1986). 24.9.23. Watched 25 minutes.

Us (2019). 8.11.23. Watched half.

Film reviews part 17 (in order of viewing)

Shadowlands (1993). 10&12.5.23. Very nonchalantly directed – admirably so - this would have been better if it had somehow managed to explicitly show the progression of the depth of feeling between the first wedding and the second (in a characteristically nuanced way of course). The absence of this means the viewer is not as invested in the love as they might have been, and is quite a major flaw to an otherwise gently agreeable production. 7½/10

I’m your man (2021). 18.3.23. Mildly amusing, laid-back film, with some nice touches and plot developments. An easy watch. 7/10

Eighth grade (2018). 26.5.23. Mesmerising and meticulous character and situational study, the awkward reality of it all making it a hard or jarring watch at times. Although this is about a teenage girl and her relationships, it is not a teen-flick; instead it is geared towards and can be appreciated by intelligent people of all ages. Extra kudos for a thoughtful ending. 8½/10

So long, my son (2019). 28&29.5.23. It might take a while for many or most Westerners to get to know the characters (and their names!) but this three-hour, low-key epic – clearly a labour of love – is well worth persevering with. There is not much explicit drama but the fundamental cohesion, pathos, exceptional acting (notably from Mei Yong) and alternating timeline ensure it is always far from boring. 8/10

Are you there God, it’s me Margaret (2023). CINEMA (twice!). 1.6.23 and 5.6.23. I liked this very much the first time (when on my own), but even more so the second time (with my girlfriend). Gentle, amiable, undemanding....and very often delightful. All the cast are winning, but Abby Ryder Fortson’s performance as Margaret is very special indeed. 8½/10 (comments and grade revised slightly after second viewing).

Do the right thing (1989). 10&11.6.23. What seemed like a fun and cosy, slightly corny watch became anything but that near the end. Intellectuals can doubtless talk about this film for ages, but even if you don’t analyse themes this is an excellent cinematic experience. 8/10

Clueless (1995). 13,14 and 17.6.23. I was aware of this film’s somewhat iconic status so thought it would be better. It has been superseded by funnier, sharper and smarter high-school films, so it feels dated and something like a prototype. Still, quite good fun, and the Emma allusions are a very worthy gimmick. 7/10

How to marry a millionaire (1953). 22&23.6.23. Lots of mildly-moderately amusing stuff here, with the occasional belly-laugh – such as when Bacall’s character refers to Bogart: Bacall’s real-life husband. There is further richness in the excellent (groundbreaking?) colour cinematography and what was, presumably, bang up-to-date dialogue. But all three women’s performances seem a little off (or maybe the casting was wrong?), and this contributes to the overall charm not being quite sufficient to make this really great. 7½/10

The Pink Panther (1963). 27.6.23. Somewhat broad comedy – you need to be in the mood for farce! - with a surprisingly understated Peter Sellers playing Clouseau (did he ham it up in the later PP films? I shall see....) and set in the most glamorous locations in Europe in a very glamorous era. The result is a chocolate-box visual feast (and aural feast – some beautiful music). And finally, the opening credits are perhaps the most beguiling of all time. 8/10

A shot in the dark (1964). 15.7.23. This was weaker than the first in the Pink Panther film series in every way: even Sellers’ slapstick seemed a little tired and this was just the second in the series. It substituted the elegance of the first film with even broader comedy so that it became more of a Carry-On-type experience.7/10

I also watched about half of the below films but did not get into them sufficiently to continue watching:

Personal history of David Copperfield (2019). 14.5.23. 

The magnificent seven (1960). 18&19.6.23. 

Film reviews part 16 (in order of viewing)

To Leslie (2022). 23.3.23. A thoroughly convincing slice of Americana with excellent performances all-round. A brilliant directorial debut. 8½/10

Pain and Glory (2019). 22 / 23.3.23. This is one for European-film-loving intellectuals, who are likely to see all sorts of allusions. For laymen like me, it was still very watchable apart from the final third – two dull contrivances which resolved the tension in Salvador’s character, but at the expense of entertainment. 6/10

Chariots of fire (1981). 26 / 27.3.23. Intelligent, mature, original, and possessing considerable flair, let down occasionally by some dialogue and situations seeming a touch two-dimensional. 8½/10

Clemency (2019). 28.3.23. Just ok. A touch worthy and ponderous. 7/10

Young offenders (2016). 30.3.23. Fresh, exciting and very funny. Not high art but a great film! 8½/10

Wildlife (2018). 1 / 2.4.23. Low-key, two-dimensional, claustrophobic drama. Good for one watch. 7/10

Airport (1970). 29.4.23. Radio Times apparently gives this three stars (as a rule, I only review films given 4* or 5* by the RT – see my “film reviews recommence” post of 4 November 2021) but this was a film I wanted to watch. The first half is low-key but superlative entertainment: intelligent, non-clichéd dialogue so different from most modern films, and so many plotlines (yet it never seems crammed). The sincerity of the action in the second half is spoilt for audiences who have seen the Airplane spoof films, things are perhaps just a little rushed towards the end, and Burt Lancaster doesn’t quite do it for me personally (he comes across a little stagey). But as far as I’m concerned – and many would disagree - this beautiful film is almost as good entertainment as you can get, and I would argue especially interesting for open-minded and unprejudiced modern audiences who might not have seen films with this sort of style and sophistication. Postscript: after reading the Wikipedia entry re “Critical response”, I seem to be very much in the minority about this film, but that’s ok and the reviews are contemporary; it deserves a reappraisal. 9/10

School for Scoundrels (1960). 29&30.4.23. I caught this film by accident. As with Airport, the RT gave it just three stars, and again as with Airport I think they got it very wrong! This is an absolute hoot from start to finish. 9/10

Disobedience (2017). 6.5.23. After the joy of Airport and School for Scoundrels this perfectly adequate, write-by-numbers film felt unimaginative and unoriginal, although I’m sure many critics have declared the opposite. The sex scene stood out for being gratuitous / unnecessary: we had already seen them passionately kiss! [I see it was directed by the same man as A Fantastic Woman, which I didn’t think much of either – see review above.] 7/10

The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023). CINEMA. 10.5.23. The “profound” and allegorical aspects were a turn-off and I didn’t like how the film skimmed over the practical aspects, e.g. where he ate and how he came by accommodation; and also all the people following him didn’t ring true. But the central performances were fantastic, as you’d expect, and there was more than enough to make it enjoyable. I somewhat agree with Peter Bradshaw’s Guardian review, as quoted in Wikipedia: "Whilst it was “impeccably acted, sincerely intended and often beautifully shot” there was something “unsatisfying” in the “solemn, self-conscious fantasy””. 7½/10

I also watched about half of the below films but did not get into them sufficiently to continue watching:

Children of men (2006). 10.4.23. 

Mean girls (2004). 8&9.5.23.