While I was away from blogging for a while, I started building up a long list of films I had seen and wanted to review. So much time has gone past now that I thought I’d whittle them down into mini reviews here. Having a quiet night in this week? Here are my recommendations:
One for fans of New Girl, bromances and buddy cop flicks. Ever wanted to see more of Nick and Coach? Let’s Be Cops lets you into what life would have been like for these two had they matured slightly less! Pretty funny the first time round but I reckon it wouldn’t hold up on repeat viewings.
You might also know this one as Live Die Repeat, the action flick starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. I’ve gone off Cruise in recent years but will see Blunt in anything so I gave it a go. It seems Cruise still has what it takes to carry an action film. I was worried the age difference between the two leads might come across as a bit try-hard on Cruise’s part but it really worked. Highly engaging stuff!
Wow! I think Chris Nolan has now overtaken Michel Gondry as my favourite director – that could change by the time I get around to watching Mood Indigo though. Watch this space. Considering the film is just shy of three hours long, it’s well paced and kept me hooked from beginning to end. I have to admit to having a couple of questions over dinner afterwards, as I couldn’t quite suspend my disbelief that far, but the boyfriend reckons it could all totally happen…
My favourite cinema experience of the year as we saw it in the mahoosive screen in Bristol. I wish we’d gone back and re-watched Interstellar now and we’ll make a point of seeing something there every time we visit. I haven’t read the book yet as I like that I don’t know what to expect when I go into the cinema, so I’m already excited for the final film. Jennifer Lawrence is undoubtedly the current Queen of Cinema and carries these films so well. Great cliffhanger ending.
One of those rare occasions where the sequel is as good as its predecessor. Incredibly well choreographed and always leaving you guessing as to who you can trust.
Voted by many as the best film of last year and it’s easy to see why. Writer-director Richard Linklater really pushed the boat out, embarking on a feature film not only set over the course of more than a decade but also filmed across the same space of time. Initial casting must have been an immense task, as whodda thunk his young cast would have been able to carry the film for so long. Again, a longer than average film but well-paced and deeply engrossing. One to watch.
I had read the book first and was intrigued when I heard that Fincher and Affleck were teaming up for the big screen. It’s a pretty faithful adaptation and a great thriller; I just found it less shocking having known what was going to happen every step of the way. And despite my love for Rosamund Pike, I don’t think her performance deserves all the awards hype.
This film really surprised me with its humour and charm. If I told you to watch a film about an old man whose son buys him a robot to keep him company and act as chef and cleaner, you’d likely not be keen. But this film is so endearing that it makes you want to tell the rest of the world to watch it.
Ah, The Siri Film. Another oddball, with a loner falling in love with his self-aware operating system. What I liked about the story is that it’s written in a way that, although the relationship isn’t seen as ‘normal’, it’s not shocking. Characters engage in conversations about it, he goes on a double date with a ‘normal’ couple… It’s surprisngly interesting. And beautifully shot. Plus any film which stars Amy Adams and Chris Pratt…
The weirdest of the bunch. I likely wouldn’t have seen this if it didn’t star Ethan Hawke and a couple of weeks later I still don’t know what I think of it. If you want a mind fuck, check it out and let me know what you think!
If you want them ranked in order of preference, in ascending order, it would have to go:
10. Predestination
9. Let’s Be Cops
8. The Raid 2
7. Gone Girl
6. Mockingjay Part One
5. Edge of Tomorrow
4. Robot and Frank
3. Interstellar
2. Boyhood
1. Her