Eight films seen this month, there are a few more out I would like to catch up with if I find the time. Although I enjoyed all the films this month, the movie of the month shone out by a mile, I think you may spot it when you read my comments:
Suicide Squad – On the plus side, Margot Robbie, Will Smith and Viola Davis are all excellent and perfectly cast. On the negative side; DC has all the best villains, if you are going to turn them into heroes you are left with a rubbish villain. When you add to this a disjointed story you are left with a decent film that should have been a great film. You can’t help thinking how much better Marvel would have handled it.
Nerve – Emma Roberts is 25, it’s about time she stopped playing 17 year olds and developed a career. The film is largely disposable fun, best not to think too much about the plot and it massive holes.
The Shallows – Entertaining but silly woman against shark movie elevated by a strong, largely solo performance from Blake Lively. Shot with a lustful gave on its female lead that falls somewhere between shampoo commercial and the pornographic gaze of Michael Bay. You could argue that it is gratuitous, or that it is the point of the movie, who am I to say.
Julieta – Pedro Almodóvar returns to the family drama focusing on female characters. While I love The Skin I Live In, this is what Almodóvar does best, and possibly better than any other Auteur. A treat for fans of Almodóvar or just fans of cinema.
Lights Out – Effective horror with a great concept, a perfect, short run time and some great performances particularly from Maria Bello.
Swallows and Amazons – Enjoyable version of Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s book. The introduction of the spy story subplot works surprisingly well. The unknown child cast are good, Kelly Macdonald, Rafe Spall and Andrew Scott are all good in the adult roles. Purists will bemoan both the lack of sailing and how poorly the sailing scenes are filmed.
The Purge: Election Year – A direct sequel to the second Purge film ” Anarchy ” with Frank Grillo reprising his role. The only criticism is that where the second film moved things on, this third film offers nothing new.
The Mechanic: Resurrection – Unnecessary sequel to an unnecessary remake. There is some good action, Jason Statham is fun as you would expect. Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones and Michelle Yeoh are all wasted. The makeup department should have given Sam Hazeldine an moustache to twirl.
An easy choice, movie of the month is:
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