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Conclave (2024)
The performances are its biggest strength.
'Conclave' has a lot to enjoy about it, even if it is slightly overlong.
The performances are its biggest strength, which is an element that is critical to get correct for talky films like this - and thankfully this one does get it right. Ralph Fiennes is terrific, you know what you're going to get from Fiennes and I mean that entirely positively. John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati and Sergio Castellitto merit praise too.
I love the score, while the cinematography is splendid. The story is very watchable, even for someone like me who has zero interest in religion. I will say that the film does last a bit longer than it needs to, I wasn't ever bored or anything close but across the final chunk I was awaiting the end credits. It feels like a two-hour movie - not negatively, just noticeably.
Wicked: Part I (2024)
I have no real complaints.
Very good! I enjoyed 'Wicked'.
Always impressive when a long run time flashes by - no doubt a sign of a sturdy movie. 2hr 40mins is how long this one lasts, I thought I might have felt that whilst watching but, honestly, I didn't. Since sharing my reviews online I have appreciated musicals much more, to the point that when I learn a film is from this genre it barely registers.
I have never seen the stage musical, in fact the only detail I knew for certain was that it was from the world of 'The Wizard of Oz' - which, in turn, I only know from the 1939 and 2013 movies, as well as one or two other flicks. As such, I wasn't actually sure where they were heading with the Wicked Witch of the West - but I approve.
Cynthia Erivo impresses as the aforementioned. I have to say, mind, that Ariana Grande is the person onscreen that stood out most. She does an excellent job at making her character's self-centered quirks so convincing, while also producing a few amusing moments too. Jonathan Bailey and Peter Dinklage are good, while Jeff Goldblum certainly fits his role.
The ending, whilst perfectly fine and pleasing, is possibly a bit rushed/abrupt, though that's to be expected given it's only part one. The same can be said for most films that are split into multiple productions, to be fair. I am intrigued to see where part two goes, bring on this time next year.
The music is, as one would expect, also a positive. Granted I don't think I'll be adding any of the tracks to my playlist, but I still had a pleasant time hearing all the songs come and go - not one sticks out like a sore thumb, so that's good. Elsewhere, visually and plot-wise I have no real complaints.
Red One (2024)
Something worth viewing.
Pretty solid festive fare, this.
'Red One' is perhaps slightly overlong and I didn't sense much chemistry between the cast, though those onscreen still give enjoyable performances and the plot is suitably entertaining whilst giving the necessary Xmas vibes. I was quite impressed with the special effects, I personally thought that side of this flick looked pretty neat.
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans are fun enough in this. Johnson is a bit more serious than usual and I liked that, while Evans' character ends up being the heart of the movie. J. K. Simmons, more than Johnson, plays against type, it's actually unnerving seeing him portray a true good guy - was almost waiting for him to shout down someone's neck, as per.
Kiernan Shipka is decent, as is Kristofer Hivju - I rate their characters. Lucy Liu is underused, mind. Bonnie Hunt too, I guess. I can't really fault anyone from the cast though, they all do solid work. If I'm honest, I don't see this film having much of a lifespan in the old memory bank but, nevertheless, I'd still classify it as something worth viewing.
The Courier (2019)
It's just all unconvincing.
Olga Kurylenko almost makes it work. Almost.
'The Courier' makes for disappointing viewing, there isn't an element of it that I personally could file under 'good'. The aforementioned Kurylenko does try and her character is almost cool enough to make things watchable, but ultimately it's just all unconvincing.
The, for the most part, one location is also an hindrance, for both Kurylenko's side of the story and for Gary Oldman's bit. Oldham's character is very lame, I at least had minimal interest in watching the lead but everything involving Mannings utterly bored me, to be honest.
The iffy performances from Amit Shah and William Moseley don't help events either, while any Dermot Mulroney fans will be unhappy as that man gets a minuscule amount of screen time; I know it's none of my business, but I would be fascinated to see how much he got paid for this.
The editing is also quite whiplash-y, particularly across the opening half of the movie. The music is OK, if only due to the opening and closing credits. Safe to see, this title got served far greater stuff from the 2020 namesake with Dominic Cooke and Benedict Cumberbatch!
A Score to Settle (2019)
Cage is the only plus point I have for this film.
That poster makes it look way more crazy that it actually is, I gotta say.
'A Score to Settle' isn't one I'd personally recommend. It does attempt to portray some interesting things with the lead character, though all in all it is quite meekly done and doesn't quite come out right; in my opinion, of course. Nicolas Cage is at least a good screen presence, naturally. He is the only plus point I have for this film.
The rest of the cast aren't the best, they are all rather disappointing in fact - no-one behind Cage sticks in my memory. The biggest negative I have for this movie, though, is the lack of entertainment. For an "action thriller" built on a revenge storyline, barely anything happens until the very end - and even then, it's quite underwhelming.
There are far better productions from this genre and from this lead actor out there, no doubt about it.
Gladiator II (2024)
Awesome!
'Gladiator II' is awesome!
I only watched the original three years ago, almost to the day in fact, but I was anticipating this follow-up after thoroughly loving the Russell Crowe film. Honestly, I think I kinda enjoyed this sequel more - at worst, the two are on the same level, for me anyway. Crowe is missed, though everyone in this movie more than makes up for his (obvious) absence.
This is the first time I've seen Paul Mescal act, despite knowing of him for quite a while now. I'm impressed! He delivers a showing of great strength (pardon the pun). Pedro Pascal is very good too, as is Joseph Quinn; I wasn't instantly sold on the latter when he appeared onscreen, though when all is said and done I rate his performance positively.
Denzel Washington... what a geezer. I'll never tire or turn down the chance at seeing that man act. Needless to say, given he's one of two favourite actors of mine, I loved his performance all the way through. The likes of Fred Hechinger and Connie Nielsen merit fair praise as well, interesting to see Rory McCann and Matt Lucas in there too.
Oh, and the score... superb! Deafeningly grand.
Juror #2 (2024)
Impressive enough.
'Juror #2' is very, very good!
Clint Eastwood just keeps pumping out movies, gotta respect the hustle. As someone who has seen every film of his, evidently now including this 40th (and final?) directorial piece, I'd say that this is one of his best works. He has done much better too, of course, but this 2024 release is impressive enough.
It's a clear Eastwood picture, so obviously made by someone from the old days as opposed to something that is undoubtedly made by today's market. It's supremely crafted in most areas, it relies of its fair share of convenience and isn't perfect (e.g. Some, only some, of the dialogue is iffy). However, the attention-hooking plot means things never get dull.
It does feel like a two hour movie, but I don't necessarily mean that negatively - again, I was never uninterested in what I was watching. The cast are excellent. They are spearheaded by Nicholas Hoult, someone I've found quite meh in other productions but here he merits praise.
Chris Messina and Toni Collette are enjoyable in their respective roles, while in more minor parts the likes of J. K. Simmons, Amy Aquino and Cedric Yarbrough are solid. Another plus, away from the faces, is the very pleasing score, so credit to Mark Mancina for the music.
Insert joke here about how I missed Juror #1, yet anticipating Juror #3.
Small Things Like These (2024)
A supremely well made picture - one I'd recommend!
'Small Things Like These' is absorbing.
I basically got exactly what I expected from this one. It's a slow burn, quiet film featuring a stellar, if somewhat understated, Cillian Murphy performance. The pacing is spot on and the story is undoubtedly engrossing, it's one that holds plenty of emotion behind it.
It does conclude rather abruptly, I in fact overheard someone nearby remark "that can't be it" when the cut to black happens. That isn't, for me anyway, a bad thing though. Again, I kinda anticipated it being a movie that would simply tell its tale and end, which is certainly what it does.
It is very much Murphy that stands out from these 98 minutes, but credit is still due for the likes of Eileen Walsh, Emily Watson and Zara Devlin in their respective supporting roles. No-one onscreen puts a foot wrong. All in all, it's evidently a supremely well made picture - one I'd recommend!
Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
Tom Hardy remains the key element of these films.
A solid enough send off for this 'Venom' trilogy.
'Venom: The Last Dance' is decently amusing and produces enough entertainment with its plot. I didn't personally find it overly funny, though the person a few seats across from me had an absolute blast - never a bad thing seeing people enjoy themselves!
Tom Hardy remains the key element of these films, they would be far less enjoyable without his presence. There's a nice montage of sorts towards the end, it admittedly didn't 'hit' all that much for me but I imagine it's effective for proper fans of the series. Rhys Ifans and Chiwetel Ejiofor stick out most from the other characters.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
It does have some good moments.
Just as violent, just not as entertaining.
It's better than 'Terrifier', though falls slightly below 'Terrifier 2'. 'Terrifier 3' is thankfully a little shorter than the prior installment, though the story isn't quite as watchable as before. It does have some good moments though, while Lauren LaVera and David Howard Thornton again bring strong onscreen showings.
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Terrifier 3 is a 2024 American Christmas supernatural slasher film written and directed by Damien Leone and starring Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Elliott Fullam, Samantha Scaffidi, Antonella Rose, Margaret Anne Florence, and Bryce Johnson.
Terrifier 2 (2022)
A sizeable improvement on the first film.
A sizeable improvement on the first film.
'Terrifier 2' features a very good lead performance from Lauren LaVera, who is the major plus point for this movie. David Howard Thornton merits praise, of course, as Art the Clown too. I noted in my review of the original that I wanted more from Art and this certainly gives more. Everything does feel stepped up a notch.
I must say, though, that the run time is too long. I did lose interest towards the conclusion, a length similar to its predecessor would've been perfect; two hours plus really isn't necessary for a film like this, with respect. At least we get some good ol' gory violence throughout.
Terrifier (2016)
I still respect this original attempt, but...
'Terrifier' is a mixed bag.
The gory stuff is done to a decent degree, even if those moments are a bit too few and far between. Art the Clown certainly looks and acts the part, even if I wanted more from the character - giving him a voice would've made him more creepy in my opinion, rather than complete silence.
This 2016 flick was made on a tiny budget, something that is very evident throughout, but given that you do have to hold appreciation for the filmmakers. I will say, though, that the level of acting is iffy and the dialogue is rather terrible, at least for the most part. The former is understandable given the aforementioned, though the latter is a negative.
I am anticipating better from 'Terrifier 2' and 'Terrifier 3', given the presumption of a larger budget and all that comes with that. I still respect this original attempt, but I personally wouldn't class it as anything that is strongly worth watching.
Smile 2 (2024)
Naomi Scott's performance is outstanding!
An improvement on the (good) original.
Naomi Scott's performance is outstanding, she is so convincing and fully committed to the role all the way through - to the point that she elevates the film as a whole up a notch. The rest of the cast are good, e.g. Rosemarie DeWitt, but 'Smile 2' is very much Scott's movie.
The run time is perhaps a little longer than it needs to be, though to be honest that is only a minor criticism in the grand scheme of things. Much of what is onscreen helps nullify any potential (minor) pacing issues, the violence and gore is quite graphic but it is nicely done and is exactly what we want to see from a production of this sort, let's be real.
I will say this does feature a few too many cheap jump scares, something I'm not a big fan of, but just like the above it isn't a notion that hinders the overall quality of the end result. Based on the ending, the next sequel could be a lot of fun - here's hoping!
Smile (2022)
A good movie.
Suitably creepy, even if it does lose effectiveness as its progresses.
2022's 'Smile' is still, all in all, a good movie. The premise ought to bring entertainment and I'm pleased to say that it does, at least for me. I like the trajectory of how and why the thing works the way it does, the scene with Rob Morgan is particularly well done in that regard.
Sosie Bacon gives a fairly strong performance in the lead role, with Kyle Gallner supporting ably. Caitlin Stasey naturally steals the show a bit with that face - certainly unsettling! As noted, it does become less and less unnerving as the run time ticks on. However, thankfully, the film wraps up before it gets tiresome or anything close.
Eager to see what the sequel brings.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
I had a positive time viewing it, so I can't harbour any noteworthy complaints.
Great title, great movie.
I had heard tiny bits about 'Joker: Folie à Deux' falling below expectations since its release, though they weren't substantial enough to know if the film was any good or not. I have to say, I really enjoyed watching it all play out. It admittedly isn't on the same level as the phenomenal predecessor, but that's OK - I wasn't expecting it to be.
I will say that making this a musical of sorts was a bold choice, it wouldn't have been the direction that I would've went with it but to be honest I thought they executed it nicely. I presume that is one reason many didn't like this, as well as possibly the lack of craziness that seemed like it was on the horizon based on the 2019 flick. For me, mind, it all works.
Joaquin Phoenix is as excellent as anticipated in his reprisal as Joker, while Lady Gaga is a neat piece of casting for Lee - obviously her music chops for one, though I do enjoy her acting too. Lee perhaps could've been used more, but what we got is more than sufficient in my opinion. Brendan Gleeson, elsewhere, does well in a more minor role.
Is is slightly overlong? Possibly. Did we need a sequel? Probably not. All I can confirm is that I had a positive time viewing it, so I can't harbour any noteworthy complaints. It's a shame to now read that this film has seemingly bombed in more ways than one. C'est la vie.
Salem's Lot (2024)
Narrowly passable.
Overstays its welcome and isn't as interesting as it could've been, but what's there is still serviceable.
I really enjoyed the cast, I think every member does a neat job - without that being the case, I'd probably be rating this film a touch lower. Lewis Pullman leads events well, while Makenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard and Bill Camp are able supports. The kid actors are solid as well, the standout evidently being Jordan Preston Carter. Good to see Pilou Asbæk, too.
As noted at the top, this does overrun. It felt a fair bit longer than 113 minutes, a more fitting run time may have worked wonders. I did like how, aside from the obvious, no cast member had major plot armour, admittedly one of the young ones does seem a tad overpowered in regards to what he achieves throughout.
All in all, I'd consider 'Salem's Lot' a narrowly passable horror flick.
The Substance (2024)
Certainly an experience!
Certainly an experience!
'The Substance' is a lot. It's one of those sorta movies that I needed to let settle in my mind before I even started to think about reviewing it. I'm not even sure where to start. It's insane from pretty much the beginning to the very end of its 140 minute run time, some scenes are particularly rough to watch unfold!
I think the only body horror flick I've seen up until this point is David Cronenberg's 'Crimes of the Future' from 2022, which I found to be solid enough but it came across, at least to me, as a bit too forced for shock value. This 2024 release has plenty of that, if not more, but it somehow feels totally at home with what surrounds it.
The story itself is fascinating, even taking out all the craziness with the gore et al. So by no means is this a film that is style over substance (sorry). It isn't anything actually overly original in terms of the base plotline, though the way it is portrayed and brought to life is astounding - every inch is expertly crafted.
Demi Moore is outstanding in this! I haven't seen her in much, at least anything released post-2002, but here she is top quality throughout. Margaret Qualley is obviously the opposite in terms of the former, though is just as fantastic in regards to the latter - great performance!
If you see anyone giving warnings ahead of watching this, they are very much warranted! Even with all the graphic twistedness, which will turn many away, this is an impressively enthralling picture. I may need a lie-down though.
Strange Darling (2023)
The performances of Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are excellent.
Visually, 'Strange Darling' is a treat.
It's an extremely stylish movie, the film features some excellent shots as well as great music. I'm not fully sold on the base story, I feel like if you stripped every other element back then you'd be left with a real mid plot. On the other hand, though, when all is said and done I think I did get a good amount of entertainment from it.
I don't believe it needed to be told in nonlinear order, you could've portrayed events more traditionally and I don't think it wouldn't changed much (if anything) in terms of the viewing experience. With that said, it is easy to keep up with the jumps and it doesn't hinder the flick whatsoever. So, I guess, if it works, why not?
The performances of Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are excellent, to be fair. They both fit their respective roles and each play their part in keeping the movie marching along nicely. The support cast merit relative praise as well, notable to see Ed Begley Jr. And Steven Michael Quezada involved - a 'Better Call Saul' reunion, of sorts.
Quentin Tarantino ought to enjoy this, albeit for an overabundance of smoking rather than trotters.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Isn't any good.
Quite an underwhelming end to the DCEU.
I actually like the DC Extended Universe, only 'Justice League' failed to get a thumbs up from me. That is until now, because 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' isn't any good. I admittedly only mildly enjoyed the original - I had to watch a recap because I had forgotten basically everything about it since viewing it in May 2021.
The cast are hit-and-miss. I have no negatives for Jason Momoa, he is more than satisfactory from start to end. I did find his eyes distracting (wait, not like that) with the effects used, I don't remember them being so in-your-face (pardon the pun) in the 2018 film - but I could be totally misremembering, to be fair. Either way, Momoa is the obvious star.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's character is one I can barely remember, but the actor himself is good - I am a fan. The rest of those onscreen are fine acting-wise, but I really wasn't invested in any of them whatsoever; from Patrick Wilson (especially) to Amber Heard to Dolph Lundgren to Nicole Kidman. I think it's their character designs that I find most uninteresting.
I am kinda looking forward to seeing what James Gunn and Peter Safran produce with the DC Universe come 2025, on paper with those two in charge it should be a success - just depends how much so, I guess.
The Liability (2012)
I just didn't really find it interesting.
Good concept, half-baked execution.
Tim Roth, Jack O'Connell and Talulah Riley give alright performances, though their characters aren't developed enough to care about nor to be entertained by. There's definitely a good story hidden, though I just didn't really find it interesting. The rushed ending doesn't help, either.
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The Liability (also known as The Hitman's Apprentice) is a 2013 British black comedy crime-thriller film directed by Craig Viveiros and written by John Wrathall. Produced by Rupert Jermyn and Richard Johns. I watched this production on Netflix (UK/Ireland).
Philadelphia (1993)
It certainly makes you feel uncomfortable in parts and saddened in many others.
Very good. I did think I'd enjoy 'Philadelphia' much more though, solely based on who appears on the poster.
The performances of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are impressive enough, though I'd say they have done greater in other productions. The story they portray here is a sizeable one and it is well told, it certainly makes you feel uncomfortable in parts and saddened in many others.
I do feel like the pacing could've been better, a shorter run time perhaps would've helped. Overall, if I'm honest, my interest in this wasn't all that strong throughout, I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting something more from it. I can still acknowledge it's objective quality, of course.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Morgan Freeman is terrific, as is Jessica Tandy.
Bit of an odd one, though it does end up leaving a mark.
'Driving Miss Daisy' perhaps skirts around the larger picture in regards to the discrimination it alludes to, but all in all it's a charming tale about unlikely friendships. I do like when movies follow characters across an extended amount of time, in this case we see events stretch across 25 years; seeing characters grow and develop as they age is a cool thing.
Morgan Freeman is terrific, as is Jessica Tandy. Dan Aykroyd and Esther Rolle play their part too. Hans Zimmer is on music and to be honest (as much as I rate that guy) I'm not convinced the score, which is good, fits particularly well here. By the end it probably does, though at the beginning the in-your-face nature of it feels a bit out of place.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
It has an excellent cast and an engaging/well written plot.
Brilliant!
I think I had seen that 'Rebel Ridge' was one of the most watched (?) movies on Netflix recently, though you never really know what to expect with that because viewership doesn't necessarily equal greatness (I think 'The Wrong Missy' shudder had the same thing). I am pleased to say, though, that this is great. I enjoyed every bit.
It has an excellent cast, an engaging and well written plot, some pleasing sequences and a nice score. This is the first time I've ever seen Aaron Pierre act and I'm seriously impressed, also didn't even realise he was a fellow Englishman until post-watch. Hope to see much more of him! Away from Pierre, Don Johnson and AnnaSophia Robb are very good.
Watership Down (1978)
The voice cast are very good.
It sure lives up to its reputation!
The sole thing I knew about 'Watership Down' pre-watch was that it's relatively graphic and had an impact on children at the time of its release. Well, I can certainly see why! Heck, even by today's standards it's still pretty out there in terms of how it portrays the violence.
The animation, for its time, is absolutely splendid - super effective! The music is also noteworthy. I will say that I don't think the characters are anything above solid, like post-watch I can't really remember any of them individually; visually at least, because the voice cast are very good.
Lee (2023)
Expertly acted.
Fascinating viewing. 'Lee' is very well made and expertly acted.
As others have noted, it's quite the thing that fellow 2024 flick 'Civil War' has a character inspired by Lee Miller, then this comes along with a plot directly about the incredible photojournalist. Kate Winslet portrays Miller supremely, not that that would ever be in doubt; she is excellent at every single moment of this near two hour film.
About time this biopic was produced, it is one that does get dark but it's undoubtedly an important story to tell.
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Lee is a 2023 British biographical drama film directed by Ellen Kuras.