WonderWoman

WonderWoman

Suicide squad, the previous movie created by the comic book giant DC, received a ranking of 6.2 from the IMDB. In contrast, their rival’s most recent film (Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. II) received a score of 8.1 – almost a full two points greater.  In my opinion, DC needed a smash hit to get back in the game. Was WonderWoman this masterpiece? Not quite.

WonderWoman seems like the kind of film you are obliged to see and enjoy – it’s an action film blockbuster, akin to the Avengers, which most of the western teen world is meant to rave about. The main character a strong willed and battle-ready heroine, making a first stab for “equality for the sexes” in Hollywood. I’ll admit, WonderWoman ticked all the boxes, it had witty comebacks, plenty of action scenes and a blossoming romance.

The main heroine, Diana, played by Gal Gadot, was stunning. She was everything an Amazonian should be, with a slight accent and blunt, open manners that rendered her endearing to the audience. We were rooting for her from square one. Chris Pine played his part well, and together they made up for the other more misplaced characters. The manner of the movie was charmingly tongue in cheek at times, and the ending seemed fitting. However, there wasn’t anything deeper than that: it was perfectly satisfying, but lacking a complexity of plot or character that would have given the film an edge. So, overall, it’s a cheerful addition to the perhaps overrated superhero genre, but it lacks quality of plot to make it a universal must-see.

Recommended from ages 12 and up.

Thirty Word Reviews: 2016

Wasn't this year ...wonderful? Aside from being the year of the Trump, 2016 produced a world record number of block busters, thrilling audiences again and again. Naturally, some were mind-blowing, and others stunk like a three week old pizza... we all know I'm looking at you, Suicide Squad. Anyway, what does a year of films mean for us the year after? Yes, that's right! Netflix binging! To help you decide what to watch for your movie marathon, here's eight capsule reviews (thirty words, no less) on the ones worth seeing. 

Now you see me 2

Despite buckets of magic tricks and humour, it’s a complete copy of the first film. A good villain and several stunning scenes. A dramatic crowd pleaser but light on plot. 12+

Zootopia / Zootropolis

What seems like a lightweight Disney film actually turns into an absorbing and heartfelt tale, about friendship, fitting in and identity. A good plot and likeable characters. 9+

Suicide Squad

DC's attempt at a Marvel comeback. Terrible. It was only Will Smith's acting and the soundtrack that made me watch the first 30 minutes. Buckets of explicit content. 15+

Starwars: Rogue One

This film sets the standard for prequels. Great character development, awe-inspiring GCI and an ending to beat all endings. Good quality acting, and an interesting heroine. Go watch it! 12+

Fantastic Beasts and where to find them

Rowling has done it again! The Harry Potter series has grown up, left school and become a beauty all on its own. Redmayne and Waterston (Newt and Porpentina) played their parts perfectly. 11+

Startrek: Beyond

Good film, good villain, but a bit average on the whole. Didn't leave any lasting impressions. Made a satisfying experiences, but didn't make me love it. Wait for Netflix, I'd suggest. 12+

X Men: Apocalypse

Funny and filled with action, but fell a little flat. Cookie-cutter villain, but it was wonderful seeing all of our old friends back in action. Fassbender and McAvoy back at it again. 13+

Dr Strange (Marvel)

Wonderful film, made notable by the mind-blowing CGI. A flat villain, but why complain when you're entertained with two whole hours of magic fights and slapstick humour? 12+

Film Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Facts for the Film:
Directed by: David Yates
Genre: Fantasy
Sequel to: The great Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling
Protagonist: Eddie Redmayne
Five Stars

Before I start, I should confess that I am a great Harry Potter fan - I've read the books, visited the studios, made my own wand, and memorized a great many spells, so I can't promise my review won't be biased! That said, I hope you'll believe me when I say this film is as fantastic as the beasts themselves. To me, it was like the franchise has finally grown up, left the school environment and has made a name for itself in its own right. The director, David Yates, has effortlessly blended in all the lore from the HP Universe whilst still retaining originality. Whilst this could be attributed purely to the change of country - Fantastic Beasts is set in America - I personally believe it was down to Rowling's astounding level of creativity, that made it a completely different setting.

The plot, in a nutshell, revolves around an English wizard, called Newt, who's magical suitcase of rare creatures has gone missing. Soon, monsters of all sizes are wreaking havoc in New York - but not all of them are his.

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Boom Bust Boom - Film Review

Boom Bust Boom - Directed by Terry and Bill Jones, and Benjamin Timlett. Recommended Age: 13+

I have to admit, Boom Bust Boom wouldn't normally be on my "watch list". I only saw it because of the Into Film week, a festival encouraging young teens to explore different types of film. However, to my surprise, it was actually well worth the trip.

I should start by explaining what kind of documentary it was. It was made up of an hour and 14 minutes of sheer politics - covering the credit crunch of 2008, the great depression, Neo-Classical economics and finally free markets. It had such a potential to be boring - even twenty minutes of economics is enough for me - but managed to be funny and entertaining.

If this film catches your fancy, and you'd like to keep reading, clicky "read more" below!

Dr Strange (12a)

A thrilling journey exploring time and sorcery. Suitable for ages twelve and above (12a rating), but with several close ups of wounds or operations. A mild swearword is employed here and there.

Yes, another marvel film, I know. I've given up counting at this point, what with the avengers series, guardians of the galaxies, agents of shield... you get my point. However, this film was a breath of fresh air in the heavy marvel franchise.

It follows the story of Dr. Strange, (Benedict Cumberbatch) a brilliant surgeon with ego problems. After a devastating car accident, his hands, the most crucial tool for a doctor, are ruined. Due to the fact he can't even hold a pen, he is fired from his job and descends into a state of depression. He's so desperate to be able to work again, he's willing to try anything, including journeying far into the mountains in search of a mystical healer. But he gets much more than he bargained for, and is roped into a world of time bending, magic wielding and generally fighting the forces of evil.

If you'd like to have a peek at the rest of the review, clicky "read more" below.

Movie Review: Suffragette directed by Sarah Gavron

A brief synopsis

We wiwl break the winders!
We are in every 'ome, we are 'alf the population!
You cannot crush us!

I enjoyed all aspects of this film: the characterisation, the plot, the history references... everything!

The film follows the journey of Maud - a normal woman who works in a factory in Edwardian London, who, to begin with, is content with her life. She didn't want anything to do with the suffragette movement, but grudgingly agrees to accompany her friend (Violet) to court, and support her as she gives a testimony of her life in the factory. She's dead set against the whole movement, and seeks to leave as quickly as she can. But, as she speaks, a hope is kindled in her heart that things can change, and she decides to visit more Suffragette talks and marches. Slowly, events and people nudge her down an ever sharper downwards spiral, until all she has left is her desire for gender equality. 

If this film catches your fancy, then clicky "read more" below.

Film Review: The King's Speech

The Kings Speech directed by Tom Hooper

The King's Speech has been on my must watch list for a very long time, but I always decided against watching it right before a movie night. However, this film was interesting and funny, without a hint of violence or any sexual scenes.

Although, before you continue reading, I have to say there was a large collection of swearwords, used several times throughout the film. In fact, there was one scene when Lionel, the speech therapist says "Swear for all you're worth", which as expected, results in a varied collection of mild to moderate curse words. So, if you are looking for a film to share with your family, then I'd advise you keep looking. (I'd recommend 12-13+, but it does depend on how wide your /your teen's "vocabulary" and/or tolerance to swear words is.)



The story follows Prince George the IV, (Played excellently by Colin Firth) on his journey to becoming king.

The film starts with him as a prince, second in line to the throne (to his brother) and happy with that. He is an introvert, and prefers not to travel out of the comfort of his palace, seeing no need, other than to speak the occasional speech here and there. Unfortunately, when he does speak, he can hardly get the words out, due to a severe stammer.

After trying several batty speech therapists, and getting thoroughly disillusioned with the whole process, he decides to give up, and face the fact he cant get rid of it. But, his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) had other plans. She booked one last appointment with an Australian language therapist (played by Geoffrey Rush) and sends her grumpy husband off to meet him.

 Lionel Louge(The therapist) starts the session by making the prince recite a play with headphones on, to which the prince in question tries to back out of it, knowing there was no point trying. The appointment goes badly, to say the least, and soon after, George storms out, stopped only to be handed a recording of his progress by Lionel, before flinging himself down the lift and out into his cab.

However, later, out of sheer curiosity, he decided to play the record, just to see how bad he really was. Bracing himself for the worst, George turns up the sound, but to his confusion, there wasn't so much as a hint of a stammer in the speech at all!

I found the film interesting and bright, and rather easily accessible, due to the lack of complicated politics. Aside from the language, I'd recommend this to anyone wanting a different style of film than the average shoot-'em-up flicks.

Fim Review: Invictus

Invictus directed by Clint Eastwood

A feel-good, cheerful film.

Invictus was on my must-see list for a long time. I mean, how could it be bad if it had Morgan Freeman in it? However, when given the choice of Invictus or a Bond film, I'm afraid I would have chosen the latter, but, when I finally settled down to it, I quickly found this film a pleasant and rewarding watch!

There was no sexual or rude scenes, with absolutely zero violence (with only one vague reference), and the language was mild to non-existent. Not something a James Bond flick could promise!

It is set in South Africa, following the life and decisions of the newly-elected Nelson Mandela (played by Freeman, naturally) as he tries to pull his struggling country together, through Rugby. It is actually a lot more exciting than it sounds.

The one downside, is that you will need to know a little of South Africa's history (racial segregation, etc) before watching, although it is pretty self-explanatory. Young children might struggle with it, so I'd suggest an audience who is interested in the topic, or is mature enough to pick it up from the film.

It was cheerful, with flashes of humour, and viewers will be cheering for Mandela from square one. Definitely a sweet and salty popcorn.