Expectations would understandably be low for a film entitled Cocaine Bear. While this ‘nature on the rampage’ horror/comedy runs out of puff three quarters of the way in, it offers a little more entertainment and slightly higher production values than we might have expected. The story is very loosely based on real events that took place in 1985 when a
Read moreWomen Talking, which is written and directed by Sarah Polley and based on the 2018 novel by Miriam Toews, powerfully and confrontingly explores the impact of sexist social structures on the status of women. A remarkable cast that includes, Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Frances McDormand and Ben Wishaw bring to life this unusual and important story. Set in
Read moreBelgian coming of age drama Close, which has been nominated for the Best International Feature Film at this year’s Oscars, is destined to be hailed one of the year’s most important and affecting films. Beautifully shot and superbly acted, this is a devastating study of guilt, grief, homophobia, destructive teenage social rules, the roots of toxic masculinity and the end
Read moreWith its contemporary catchphrase title, Spoiler Alert sounds like it should be a snarky teen comedy. Instead, this romantic comedy/drama ,which is based on memoir of the same name by Michael Ausiello, is a sensitive, at times very moving but also tonally erratic film about the impermanence of life and the short time we have with one another. Jim Parsons,
Read moreA religious parable, a critique of a society poisoned by chatroom conspiracy theories, an endorsement of conspiracy theories or simply a loopy shaggy dog story, the meaning of M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film A Knock at the Cabin is a little too fuzzy and while some of the journey is worth it, its half-baked story makes for an often-irritating experience.
Read moreHi Built For Speed listeners, here’s my review of The Whale from Friday 3rd Feb 2023.
Read more