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Rocketman (2019)
excellent - from a non-fan
I'm not fussed for Elton John. He is an incredible talent that I, quite incorrectly as it happens, don't have a view on.
Until I saw this film. It is a rollercoaster from the opening scene, and doesn't let up. It reminded of what a fool I am. This film portrays his story in a really imaginative way, almost cartoonesque, and I loved it for that.
I preferred it to Bohemian Rhapsody. i know they are different stories, but come on, similar timelines, similar lifestyles, sex drugs and rock and roll, and released at broadly the same time.
This is a far superior piece of cinema to Bohemian Rhapsody. It reminded me of those Hollywood spectactulars from the 50s, which suits the tale.
Well worth a watch. I will happily watch it again.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Fantastic film, dodgy timeline
I grew up with Queen in the mid 70s, and have been looking forward to this film for ever.
It doesn't disappoint. Great performances, and reminds you how phenomenal Freddie Mercury was; it is easy to forget with the passage of time.
I listened to nothing but Queen albums for a week after watching, so it did its job.
Except.....If you're a bit of Queen nerd like me, and know when certain songs were released or certain events happened, you'll know know, and it may irritate. However, if you're normal, and either don't know, and don't care, it really doesn't matter.
Green Book (2018)
Outstanding. A top 10 film
Many other people have written great things about this film. I need add nothing, except watch it all costs.
I liked it so much, I went to the cinema again the following week to see it again.
Fisherman's Friends (2019)
An unexpected delight
I really didn't want to see this film. My wife and mother in law did. I lost. I went along because Daniel Mays is in it and he is great.
Yes of course, it's a bit corny, and there is the usual love interest and stranger from out of town (fish out of water) conflict, but hey, you know what. This film is great.
It's based on a true story. If it hadn't been, and somebody came up with the story, it would have been dire, because life simply isn't like that. Except every now and again, something unexpected and unusual happens to ordinary people, and who can knock that?
I loved the story, and felt really pleased for the people involved. My wife and MiL hated it. They're wrong. Watch it with someone you like, and a nice drink, and I think you'll enjoy it. Just remember.....It actually happened.
Yesterday (2019)
Typical Richard Curtis
I so wanted to love this film. It has Danny Boyle, Richard Curtis, and the Beatles. It should be massive.
Don't get me wrong; I left the cinema having enjoyed it, but 24 hours later I felt disappointed.
Richard Curtis knows how to write a hit. Every credit to him. The trouble is, you know what you are going to get (Love Actually kind of ended it for me). It was just all a bit too formulaic. There is a big difference in my mind between a film with a great story and a film made to be a hit. This is the latter. A bit slushy. You will have seen the story a hundred times.
Everyone did a great job, but I have yet to meet anyone who is raving about it, or can be bothered going to see it.
My wife hated every minute of it.
Stockholm (2018)
good, but not great. Worth a watch
I like Ethan Hawke. I will quite happily watch anything with him in. He did not disappoint in this film. Mark Strong gave his usual strong performance.
I knew the story, and enjoyed the film. But....., there was just something lacking. I can't nail it down, but it just didn't wow me.
I'm not sure how it could have been improved, and it was probably 5% away from bing great.
My wife really enjoyed it. I expected her to find it average at best, so there you go.
Vita & Virginia (2018)
Dull, Dull, Dull
I will acknowledge that I wasn't massively bothered about this film, however my wife wanted to see, and she has to put up with my choices, so fair is fair.
I really can't understand why this film was made, and also, why, after it was finished, it was released. It really was one of the most tedious experiences that i have ever had.
Nothing happened. Then nothing else happened. Followed by nothing else. The end. Hurrah.
The rush to exit the cinema by the majority of the audience was the most exciting part of the evening.
I have given it 3 stars simply because I heard some people laughing occasionally, so figured that they must be enjoying it.
Avoid at all costs
The Favourite (2018)
Like watching an episode of Blackadder
Firstly, let me clear that I have no issues with the actors in this film, as they all did a fine job. I just find that this film has irritated me. It seems as though someone has taken the story, and realising that this might not be enough to get anyone to watch the film, decided to add in the "humour" and swearing, to make it a bit edgy, and get people talking. It clearly worked, and I wish everyone involved tremendous success from it.
But, come on. Richard Curtis did all of this 25 years ago with Blackadder The Third, and the cast of that series could easily have slotted in here, with probably about 30 minutes rehearsal to review their original scripts from that time.
Other audience members where I was seemed to share a broadly similar disappointment. A case of "don't believe the hype". In fairness, the guy behind me laughed all of the way through the film, at every line. Easily pleased I guess.
Forget this piece of crap, and go and watch A Private War instead. Now there's a story worth telling, in more ways than one.