2021 Releases (UK) - Films Watched and to Watch
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- DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandZendayaBenedict CumberbatchWith Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.8.8 (8.7)
The greatest Spider-Man movie ever made. A Marvel fans' wet dream and directorial lesson in utilising nostalgia as an narrative tool, not a mere cash-grab.
The whole MCU team, Feige, Watts and co. deserve our absolute adulation for pulling this off - a blast from start to finish; a nostalgia trip that gives retribution to characters that needed it (and new life to some you didn't realise needed it). You'll laugh, you'll cry; you'll gaze in awe at how it seamlessly binds together the various worlds of the multiverse with heart-warming, heart-wrenching brilliance. - DirectorCary Joji FukunagaStarsDaniel CraigAna de ArmasRami MalekJames Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.8.7 (8.6)
Devastating. Craig's send off is a magnificent conclusion to his 007 tenure. A love story which plays flawlessly throughout its thrilling set-pieces and one-liners, only emphasised by its simply stupendous score.
A truly great film is heralded by great performances and multiple distinguishing scenes. 'No Time' had countless. Edge of your seat action that will excite you and remind you why you love the big screen experience. Ana de Armas was phenomenal. The plot was weaved together fabulously. The score was stupendous. The classic Bond villain island and sadism was perfect.
If I was to nit-pick, I'd criticise the handling of Lynch's character - who follows some needless tropes, and how, in some ways, Malek's villain underwhelms. Not because his character isn't captivating - but due to him being side-lined for the majority of the runtime as his actions take centre stage (he was probably lacking just one more thrilling scene to be great). But by the films end, even its flaws are repaired. Nomi is a franchise player and Safin meets his most dastardly end at the cost of our hero.
The ending...[takes a moment to exhale] is emotionally devastating. A tear-inducing ride of the acting prowess of Craig and Seydoux, who flawlessly put their love on the centre stage as Bond faces his end. Standing strong in the face of his fate - never again able to touch the woman he loves, and destined for decimation at the hands of his beloved secret service. And then, they actually do it. There's no fake out on this one. A bookend of Bond entries truly worthy of its 25th film celebration - and the film that could just be the saviour of cinemas. - DirectorLana WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesCarrie-Anne MossYahya Abdul-Mateen IIReturn to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.8.4 (8.5)
Forget everything you know and embrace what's new. Its bold. Its exciting. Its pretty damn fantastic.
Consider 'Resurrections' an evolution of the Matrix franchise. A sequel/reboot that's going to be divisive for the risks it takes. It's completely self aware - mocks convention and suggests we should stop drinking the coo lade. It is packed with nostalgia - and actually uses it as a narrative device, tossing Neo back into the Matrix he never truly left.
The action, set pieces and visual effects are phenomenal as you would expect - though not quite revolutionary in the way the original was for the cinematic experience. But brilliant all the same.
View it with an open mind and you'll see the divisive response for what it is - misunderstood. 'Resurrections' is not a conventional sequel. It is a love story at heart; nostalgic, yet bold enough to reconceptualise everything that came before. Transportive. - DirectorZack SnyderStarsHenry CavillBen AffleckGal GadotDetermined to ensure that Superman's ultimate sacrifice wasn't in vain, Bruce Wayne recruits a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.8.4 (7.6)
Top 250 #147
This, is the dark vision we deserve. Zack Snyder's unapologetic, R-rated monstrous masterpiece. This true version of Justice League is nothing like its Avengers counterpart - don't go in expecting it to be. The DCEU was never meant to be light-hearted and funny. Embrace this dark vision and try to see it through Snyder's eyes and you'll stumble upon something all the more empowering.
Restoring the heart of the movie in Cyborg is one of the many areas that the movie excels. The backstories; the assembly of our heroes; the epilogue scenes - it's all fantastic.
The 4:3 ratio makes this film distinct. Although it took a little getting used to, it makes sense for the tone of the film, and more so allows all the action to stay within the frame of the scope of your eyes. At times, it doesn't completely flow, but the separation into six parts makes for distinctly unique viewing.
Where the Avengers are a light in a bright world, the Justice League are a light in a very dark, bleak world. It's its own kind of cool, and I'm completely on-board for it (and even excited for the future of the DCEU - should they follow his vision).
PR 8.3 | HP 147 | HR 8.4 | OV 1 | FV 2021 | LV 2021 - DirectorEnrico CasarosaStarsJacob TremblayJack Dylan GrazerEmma BermanOn the Italian Riviera, an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human.7.8 (8.2)
A heart-warming tale that will teach you to accept people for who they are. 'Luca' may well be Pixar's first gay film, though it could also be viewed as a story of the kind of friendship that pushes you beyond the limits you set on yourself.
Some of the plot follows a somewhat unsurprising, even uninspired, route, but its central lesson is gorgeously handled to ensure it stands tall alongside Pixar's other pillars of positivity.
Years from now, this film may stand elevated for its cultural influences too, with several quotable moments and characters, not to mention the magnificent world it creates. For now, it does enough that you'll come out of the experience feeling lighter. - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsGemma ChanRichard MaddenAngelina JolieThe saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations.7.3 (8.0)
Massive in scale, yet uninspired in storytelling nous. It's certainly not the MCU's worst movie - it does achieve excellence in its character work - it just may be its most underwhelming.
It's the MCUs least MCU film yet - which handled better could've been evolutionary for the series by breaking formula to deliver a new experience. And for much of the runtime, it was. However, there is a huge disconnect with the feel of the general MCU that it doesn't feel like a bold new direction, but a misstep. The severe lack of universe signature breadcrumbs to set up the events of 'Eternals' felt jarring instead of refreshing. Not to mention the outrageous nature of a Celestial bursting through the Earth - that despite the phenomenal visuals and build, seemed confusingly nonconsequential when more realistically (where the MCU is grounded) it would have caused irreversible damage to our planets core and inevitable extreme weather events. Without a grounding in these realities it just felt fake. Another example of this was its juggled response to why they didn't interrupt Thanos' infinity stone destruction. Given that he has deviant genes (in the comics at least) and literally wiped out half of existence, you think they'd get brought in on that one.
That said, despite my rants there are positives to be gained. Even if not fully fulfilled on, the span of its plot was inspired. Most notably, the handling of its introduction of a multiracial, multigendered, multisexuality group of super beings didn't just feel like pandering to the Gen-Z crowd in a tick box exercise. It felt like finally a major film hit the nail on the head of introducing and including characters of differing descent without it feeling forced. Instead, it felt representative of our species, which was beautiful. And while Zhao's direction didn't fit, I felt, within the overall vibe of the MCU - her character work was as impressive as you would imagine. Characters like the mostly side-lined Dane Whitman built a personality that we will likely discover further for years to come.
To say 'Eternals' felt like a multiversial story may go some way to encapsulating how odd it was. Maybe, in time, it will indeed prove to be of another universe entirely (not just as a way to divert the mixed reception to its direction in real life). Maybe, in time we will realise how well it has sown the seeds for further Marvel titles down the line. But in the meantime, 'Eternals' done something I never expected of a Marvel title - underwhelmed. - DirectorJustin LinStarsVin DieselMichelle RodriguezJordana BrewsterDom and the crew must take on an international terrorist who turns out to be Dom and Mia's estranged brother.5.5 (7.5)
It's official - 'Fast' has become a self-indulgent parody of itself. Easily the most ridiculous of the series so far - it may have actually been fun if it didn't take itself so seriously.
There was a point during the film (I think just after Vin Diesel pulled down an entire building with his bare hands) that I genuinely hoped that they actually were invincible (as teased near the start after Roman survived a truck falling on top of him...) At least then if they acknowledged they had some sort of powers, it could explain some of the eye-rolling stunts they 'pulled off' that I, and many others in the theatre, were nearly falling off our chairs laughing at. The stunts were that absurd that they weren't even enjoyable from an action standpoint - since they had no basis in reality or physics (yet acted so seriously like they were) I just couldn't enjoy it as intended.
But here's the thing - if this is the route they want to take these films (I wish it wasn't), all they have to do is embrace the stupidity fully and as ridiculous as it would be, at least then it may be enjoyable on some level. Right now, its serious tone is proving detrimental to it reaching the levels of its predecessors. After this instalment, I've been drained of any optimism I had left after the similarly terrible 'Fast 8'. - DirectorCate ShortlandStarsScarlett JohanssonFlorence PughDavid HarbourNatasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.7.9 (7.9)
An excellent action flick; a homage to classic spy thrillers that crafts its own legacy with the introduction of an excellent supporting cast, giving a newfound depth to Nat's character after her death. Though it will have its critics for its handling of Taskmaster (who sadly wound up nothing more than a plot device, more underutilised cameo than central villain) - it did help divert attention from Dreykov's masterful performance. - DirectorJames GunnStarsMargot RobbieIdris ElbaJohn CenaSupervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.8.0 (8.1)
Mad as hell and as gorey as you would hope, Gunn has crafted the perfect redo to 2016's disastrous attempt. A redemption that could be DC's jumping off point to success that Guardian's was to the tone of the MCU - revolutionary. The whole cast stand strong - highlights being Elba's surprisingly interesting Bloodsport, Cena's comedic, anti-Cap, Peacemaker and Robbie's always amazing Harley Quinn. It's colourful and bloodthirsty, the music is fabulous - going one step to further prove what can be achieved by a director in full creative control. - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsFrances McDormandDavid StrathairnLinda MayA woman in her sixties, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.7.6 (7.8)
Slightly underwhelming as an Oscar best picture winner. It cuts deep, no doubt, as the story of a lost soul trying to find some kind of peace. McDormand's performance is excellent; human in it's delivery so that in combination with Zhao's subtle direction, they together create a distinct emotional passage; putting us in our nomad's shoes as we are taken on this journey with her.
As a whole, it is a film which exists without much need for a beginning or end. It, like our protagonist, exists with a somber perspective on who we are, as defined by but our hardest of experiences. It's an almost film that doesn't quite tick the boxes to make me want to watch it again. - DirectorAdam McKayStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJennifer LawrenceMeryl StreepTwo low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn humankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.7.6 (7.8)
Slightly overrun, yet still, a devastatingly accurate social satire that demonstrates the reality of being a climate activist in a world that would rather profiteer than take scientists seriously.
Go in expecting a mirror of the stupidity of our political power structure when it comes to topics they don't have expertise on. I didn't expect that, I thought I was getting a silly comedy about the end of the world - not one with something real to say. It doesn't hit perfectly, but by god it's timely. And in retrospect, it's pretty damn good. - DirectorJohn KrasinskiStarsEmily BluntMillicent SimmondsCillian MurphyFollowing the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.8.0 (7.7)
A heart-pulsating horror that admirably blends terrifying jumps with breathless tension in the mould of classics like 'Alien'. Surprisingly, it manages the rare feat of being an upgrade on its predecessor - deepening the backstory and expanding its horizons, with just enough audio to avoid the novelty of the first becoming tedious.
Experience each of these as stated - they are unmistakably chapters of a broader story, an episodic experience whereby we are gradually discovering more about this world and its new inhabitants, as our characters do. The reveal they are an alien species (and the entire cold open) is so enticing, I hope they continue to reveal more as this story continues. It's the hottest horror property around right now. Bring on Part III. - DirectorRussell NormanBen WinstonStarsJennifer AnistonCourteney CoxLisa Kudrow"Friends (1994)" reunion special hosted by James Corden in which the main cast revisit the sets of the original show, meet with celebrity guests, do table reads and re-enactments of episodes, and share behind-the-scenes footage.8.3 (8.2)
Though in parts its much like a regular revisit style of aftershow - the fact it takes place 17 YEARS later makes it all the more emotional (particularly given one HUGE reveal that will recontextualise your entire understanding of Ross + Rachel's arc). It's a whole lot of fun to spend another hour with them, I'd recommend it to any Friends fan. - DirectorShawn LevyStarsRyan ReynoldsJodie ComerTaika WaititiWhen Guy, a bank teller, learns that he is a non-player character in a bloodthirsty, open-world video game, he goes on to become the hero of the story and takes the responsibility of saving the world.8.2 (6.7)
The biggest surprise of the summer. Filled with heart and an inspiring, thought-provoking message throughout. 'Free Guy' is a creative combination of Ryan Reynolds signature brilliance and a director handed the reigns. Think Truman Show meets Grand Theft Auto meets Groundhog Day. Finally a video game-based blockbuster done right. - DirectorJared BushByron HowardCharise Castro SmithStarsStephanie BeatrizMaría Cecilia BoteroJohn LeguizamoA Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.7.7 (7.6)
Singing may be nothing new to Disney movies, yet it has perhaps never been so prevalent as a storytelling device as it is here.
'Encanto' provides an important lesson for kids (and reminder for adults) that everyone isn't necessarily the person they show on the outside - that something totally unexpected could be brewing under the surface. I just wish there was a little more depth added to the reason of their miracle - and more playful use of the magic! (Though in retrospect, I realise that's simply a preference problem - 'Encanto' targets and delivers on powerful themes memorably to make it one of the best Disney movies in recent times.) - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.8.5 (8.5)
An epic cinematic experience that will stand with the greats - so long as its story is completed in Part Two.
With breath-taking visuals and an A-list cast, 'Dune' brings a gravitas to its space opera that will have you glued to the screen from start to finish.
PR 8.4 | HP 116 | HR 8.5 | OV 2 | FV 2021 | LV 2024 - DirectorDavid Gordon GreenStarsJamie Lee CurtisJudy GreerAndi MatichakSurviving victims of Michael Myers form a vigilante mob and vow to end his reign of terror.5.4 (7.6)
An all over the place sequel without direction or plot - unless you qualify the only dialogue spoken (at least 300 times) that wasn't some eye-rolling sob story - 'evil dies tonight'. Given their trilogy plan of filming back to back, its surprising it feels so muddled. If 'Ends' is any good you'll only watch 'Kills' again when binging the set. The best thing about it was the burned mask. No insight into his character (or seeming invincibility...) whatsoever. Totally, disappointingly, missable. - DirectorAndy SerkisStarsTom HardyWoody HarrelsonMichelle WilliamsEddie Brock attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady, who becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage and escapes prison after a failed execution.6.6 (7.5)
Fun and carefree. It feels like an old Spider-Man film at times. It has a good story but takes a little too long to develop its characters in comparison to how much time it actually spends with Carnage. - DirectorJaume Collet-SerraStarsDwayne JohnsonEmily BluntEdgar RamírezBased on Disneyland's theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.7.5 (7.3)
A fun adventure film with some quirky chemistry and a great twist, if not any real stand out moments throughout. Turn off your brain and enjoy this on the big screen, it could have huge potential as a series! - DirectorLisa JoyStarsHugh JackmanRebecca FergusonThandiwe NewtonNick Bannister, a private investigator of the mind, navigates the alluring world of the past when his life is changed by new client Mae. A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.6.6 (7.8)
An undercooked thriller that had all the makings of a sci-fi epic. An excellent cast, wonderful world-building and visuals are let down by a lacklustre script. - DirectorDarren Lynn BousmanStarsChris RockSamuel L. JacksonMax MinghellaA criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw.4.2 (7.0)
I love the Saw films - but this was just awful. The acting is stiff, the new doll voice isn't scary, the traps are hardly shown - more like an afterthought- the build is poor and the outrage to these revolting crimes just isn't there.
'Spiral' attempts to take the Saw franchise in a new, woke, direction and doesn't succeed at all. The twist has some inspiration, which in better hands could have been great. But the ironic imagery and its social commentary on police brutality is, though timely, pretty poorly handled as despite what happened to the killer - there is no way we can feel onside with them given the extremity of their crimes on people who were closer to bystanders than perpetrators.
It is especially a shame given my hype at the initial trailer; which teased the notion that this film may be aiming for a higher level of quality than its predecessors. They could have created a real, sadistic serial-killer thriller to the vein of 'Se7en' - instead, they make a diluted version of what made the gore of of the originals so enjoyable. A ridiculous, unrequired revival. The best part? The camera work near the end in which a staircase is shown from above in spiral form, as its namesake - a tease of what could've been. - DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsDenzel WashingtonRami MalekJared LetoKern County Deputy Sheriff Joe Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing the city.6.5 (8.4)
The most disappointing film of the year. The marketing and trailer footage was excellent. I was hoping, with this cast and blunt plot description would lead to a modern classic - it did not. And, I take no pleasure in saying this as I love Washington, but any favourable comparisons to 'Se7en' are insulting to that iconic film.
If you've read other reviews beforehand you'll note that 'the point is policework isn't ever as simple as the cinema shows'. This approach would be fine, in better hands. Especially with this cast, developing an unresolved mystery akin to 'No Country For Old Men' or 'Zodiac', could have led to a lingering, thought-provoking cinematic experience. Unfortunately, it is not executed nearly well enough to pull off this kind of feat.
The editing is choppy which doesn't flow with the murky direction, making the film feel tonally inconsistent throughout. The score doesn't fit, and to that point neither does Rami Malek who gives a one dimensional performance in a role he was sadly just not made for. There are two highlights - Washington's performance is typically powered, his haunting backstory is the only thing that will keep you engaged. The other, is Leto, who sinks his teeth into the role, developing a character I wanted to see more of and find out more about - I again have the distinct feeling he may have had some great scenes cut.
Despite having a statement to make about the frustration of police work, and the devastating psychological effects which can often push officers over the edge - 'The Little Things' never fulfils its premise or intention to provoke thought in its audience. Ultimately, it feels like an imitation of a great film. - DirectorAlan TaylorStarsAlessandro NivolaLeslie Odom Jr.Jon BernthalWitness the making of Tony Soprano. The story that reveals the humanity behind Tony's struggles and the influence his family - especially his uncle, Dickie Moltisanti - had over him becoming the most iconic mob boss of all time.7.8 (7.8)
Methodically paced, like a mixture between 'The Irishman' and 'The Sopranos', 'Saints' isn't the explosive action-packed backstory for the small screens biggest mobster you may have hoped for. What it is instead is something even more ambitious - a masterful choreography of how a trickle of minor decisions manufacture the kind of complex mobster that needs to see a shrink. Once you've taken a moment to breathe it all in you'll realise how excellent an origin story it is. Years from now it will be looked back on as great. - DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsRalph FiennesGemma ArtertonRhys IfansIn the early years of the 20th century, the Kingsman agency is formed to stand against a cabal plotting a war to wipe out millions.6.2 (7.7)
A missed opportunity and one of the most disappointing films of the year. A convoluted story, confused tone and lack of its signature funny OTT action hamper its potential, despite some strong plot points, surprises and a very funny character in Rasputin (who was much more interesting than the final baddie - that dance scene and his general demeanour was hilarious). - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsAnsel ElgortRachel ZeglerAriana DeBoseAn adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.7.7 (8.0)
A joyfully overzealous, unapologetic musical that won't convert any naysayers, but may help them appreciate it through the eyes of a theatre lover.
Spielberg's 'West Side Story' is packed with complex characters that you can't really side with either way. The tragedy of its story is told very well, with some minor holes and some surprising direction. If there were such a thing as a cheese-ometer it would rank very high - ridiculous in the best way, if you're into that kind of thing.