Made In Dagenham: Fight For What’s Right!

Made In Dagenham is a British biopic drama film directed by Nigel Cole. It tells the real-life story of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham Car Plant and the fight for equal pay.

I think this film is riveting, I can’t say how close it keeps to reality, but I would assume quite close as the real people were involved. Watching it I learnt about events that I had no idea about, I feel like this part of British history doesn’t get much attention when it comes to films, so I am glad this got made. I think this film raises a lot of key questions about our society and the petty arbitrary divisions within it; with the takeaway being if you want change you need to fight for it.

I think from a characterization position the only character that is done well is Rita (Sally Hawkins), not only do we root for her to win, we get to see through her eyes just how unfair and plain wrong the world was, and to some extent still is. However, the other characters aren’t so rounded and that would be my major criticism of the film. Rosamund Pike’s character Lisa only really exists to give Rita a pep talk when things seem their darkest, outside of that she is not developed at all; she might not a played a vital role in the real events so that might be why she has so little development, but then why include her at all? The same can be said for a number of other characters as well.

Overall, I think the lack of character development doesn’t hold this film back as the main character feels rounded and it is through her eyes that we see this world. I think this is a must watch as it highlights parts of history we might be unaware of and exposes issues that we need to face. I think Hawkins is at her best here and I really recommend you check this one out!

Pros.

Highlight maybe forgotten history.

Hawkins.

Gripping to watch.

You care about the struggle.

Cons.

A lot of the characters other than Rita exist souly to push the story along.

4.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Love, Wedding, Repeat: Time To Move On

Love, Wedding, Repeat is a romantic comedy film directed by Dean Craig. The plot sees two almost lovers forced back together at a wedding, but will they be able to seize their moment this time around? Will there by some timey whimey shenanigans? Will none of it make sense? That’s a yes to all three.

So first off the bat, I really don’t like this film’s approach to relationships, I think it is tonally bio-polar; one minute the film will be saying how bad they are and then the next it will be saying they’re what gives life meaning. Get it straight, pick one or the other and stick with it.

Secondly the romantic leads in this film Jack (Sam Claflin) and Dina (Olivia Munn), have no on-screen chemistry together at all. None, not a drop. Whenever they interact together it feels cold and impersonal and then when they kiss at the end it seems awkward and forced, unwanted by both parties.

Thirdly, midway through the film someone dies, and the film resets itself, I am not going to go into the time bending too much because it was confusing and even after watching it, I don’t understand it. Clearly, someone over at Netflix HQ was like “we need a gimmick, you there, write one in”. No thought was given to it.

Finally, the side characters are awful just awful. This works in two senses, they’re awful people who do bad things and you actively root against and also, they’re awfully written at best they’re a collection of mean spirted clichés.

Overall, this film proves that just about anything can be green lit at Netflix and that is why they will continue to put out junk like this. Stay far away from this movie!

Pros.

I’m struggling to come up with something.

Cons.

The leads have no chemistry.

The time stuff feels gimmicky and forced in.

The side characters are awful.

It is not a joy to watch.

It feels too long.

0.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

The Look Of Love: Coogan Takes On The King Of Soho Sleaze

The Look Of Love is a British biopic about the life of pornography/ real estate mogul Paul Raymond (Steve Coogan), directed by Michael Winterbottom. The film charts his life, the highs and the lows, the trials and tribulations. It is a cautionary tale.

This film is a testament to having it all, but also being fundamentally empty. Raymond might be rich, but he isn’t happy, he is never happy. I think this film plays out almost like a tragedy because it shows us how this incredibly wealthy man is just trying to make himself feel something and he just can’t. I think this biopic could easily have just been showy and it is to an extent, I will get back to that, but more so it dives deep it analyse the mind of this man, that is what it sets out to do.

When I say this film is showy it is a critique. This film can be gratuitous at points, I understand the nature of Raymond’s work, but the nudity is constant and not really done in a tasteful way. It almost feels a bit creepy and voyeuristic at points, almost as though it is fantasy fulfilment. I understand that it was probably done to show how the character has everything, however, I thought it could have been done better.

Coogan is on top form here. He is trying to play the character in far more of a dramatic way than he normally does, there are a few comedic moments, but Coogan mostly plays the character straight and it works. Crucially the centrepiece of this film is Raymond’s relationship with his daughter (played by Imogen Poots), and I am glad to say that is strong. Both nails the drama and craft characters we end up caring about; even though they’re terrible people.

Overall, this is more thoughtful drama than comedy it is helped by great performances from Coogan and Poots but let down by over the top nudity.

Pros

Steve Coogan.

Nails the drama.

It makes you care about the characters.

The relationship between father and daughter.

Cons.

The nudity is too much.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

The Royal Tenenbaums: Family stands together

The Royal Tenenbaums is a quirky comedy film directed by Wes Anderson. The film follows the Tenenbaum family and their associates as their often-absent father appears back in their lives claiming to be dying, but actually wanting to reconnect.

This is the best film I have seen in a while; it rivals The Darjeeling Limited for my favourite Wes Anderson film. There is just something so warm about it even in its sadder moments, we the audience can relate to the Tenenbaums, they’re not perfect and there are issues a plenty, yet they try and be better people and I think there is something heart-warming about that. As cliché as it might be to say, this film has a lot of heart.

The comedy of this film was also spot on for me. It made me laugh a good few time and smile throughout. I particularly liked Gwyneth Paltrow’s character, I thought she was the funniest and had the best scenes overall.

The best thing about this film are the performances. This film managed to do the impossible and make me like Gwyneth Paltrow even if it was just for a few hours, it also boasts fantastic performances from everyone else involved; particularly the Wilson Brothers and a short but sweet turn from Bill Murray.

My one issue with the film, was Ben Stiller. I like Stiller and I think this character grew on me overtime, but he and his performance are in nowhere near the same league as everyone else; he is completely blown out of the water, but then again he always was going to be.

Overall, I can’t recommend this one highly enough, just terrific from start to finish.

Pros.

The heart.

The comedy.

Making me like the snake oil saleswoman that is Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Wilson Brothers.

Cons.

Ben Stiller.

5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Scooby Doo And The Witches Ghost: The Classics

Scooby Doo and The Witches Ghost is an animated family horror comedy film directed by Jim Stenstrum. The plot sees the gang travel to New England to meet up with famous author Ben Ravencroft (Tim Curry); a not so subtle play on real life horror novelists like Stephen King. The town believes the witch that is plaguing them is actually the ancestor of Ravencroft, he denies the claim, so the gang set out to get to the bottom of it.

After watching the monstrosity that is Scoob the other night I needed this, I needed to watch the good Scooby Doo; the Scooby Doo I grew up on. The animated straight to video Scooby Doo films of the late 90’s early 2000s will always have a special place in my heart and this is chief among them for several reasons.

The first is that for once in Scooby Doo lore the monster turns out to be real, yes, this isn’t an old man in a mask this is a real witch and real magic. Personally, I don’t mind this deviation from the norm if anything I think it gives these films an edge; this would come to become a staple of these animated films.

The other reason this film is a tour de force when it comes to Scooby Doo films is simple, The Hex Girls (Jennifer Hale, Jane Wiedlin and Kimberly Brooks respectively) . The Hex Girls feel like they belong in the world of Scooby Doo, they feel organic and baked in. Of the new characters created for these films The Hex Girls are easily the most memorable and their song at the end is a terrific way to end the film.

My one note would be, because Ravencroft and The Hex Girls have such big parts it can leave the gang at a bit of an end. Scooby and Shaggy (Scott Innes voices both), have something to do, but what are Daphne (Mary Kay Bergman), Fred (Frank Welker) and Velma (B.J Ward) doing?

Overall, good classic Scooby Doo that reminded me why I cared about the characters.

Pros.

The real witch.

The Hex Girls.

Scooby and Shaggy.

Nice animation and a distinct tone.

Cons.

The gang outside of Shaggy and Scooby aren’t used meaningfully.

4.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Freaky Friday: A Modern Disney Classic?

Freaky Friday is a fantasy comedy film directed by Mark Waters, based on the 1972 novel of the same name. The plot sees Mother and Daughter duo, Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna Coleman (Lindsey Lohan), switch bodies for a few days so they can each grow to understand the others perspective.

In my mind this is a Disney classic, this is to me what something like Beauty and The Beast is to people who grew up with that classic animated film; maybe that shows my age. Anyway I grew up with this film I watched it many times, there is something of a comfort food angel about this one for me, so recently I decided to watch it again.

I have to say it holds up, there are some not so stellar parts of the film in terms of race relations that I didn’t notice when I was a kid that I really could have done without, but other than that it is still a fun, whimsical good time. I think fun is the word I would use to describe this film because that is what it is, it basically boils down to Lohan pretending to be Curtis and vice versa for an hour and a half. It is dumb, turn your brain off fun.

I think both leads do a great job. Lohan especially. I think Lohan is really promising in this film and you could practically see her movie star future stretching out ahead of her, however that was never meant to be. Curtis is as fantastic as always; she is always a very reliable person to cast.

Overall, it is films like this that remind me there was a time when Disney magic still existed, call it fond nostalgia if you want to, but I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

Pros.

The Disney magic.

The Dumb fun.

Lohan.

Curtis.

Cons.

It does use stereotypes and some questionable depictions of race which could be viewed by some as offensive.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

How To Build A Girl: The Teenage Condition

How To Build A Girl is a comedy film directed by Coky Giedroyc; based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Catlin Moran. The plot sees Nerdy shy girl Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein), transform herself into a badass rock reviewer in an effort to escape her hometown and have it all.

I have to say I enjoyed this one more than I thought I was going to; I went in with pretty average expectations as I didn’t know what it was about, Feldstein drew me to it. I recently rewatched Book Smart and thought Feldstein was the highlight of that film. I also enjoyed her small part on the What We Do In The Shadows TV series, so I decided to give his ago and it was a surprisingly sweet, charming film.

Firstly, I want to say Feldstein was terrific I completely bought her performance and I thought she captured the idea of a girl wanting to escape her circumstance, but then not knowing what to do once she had very well. She sold the inner conflict. Also I thought for an American her accent was quite good, quite convincing. Yes, it might have been a bit broad and there might have been times when she sounded as though she was from Liverpool rather than Wolverhampton, but I still thought it was a valiant effort.

Secondly, I thought Alfie Allen was a triumph as John Kite Johanna’s significantly older love interest. The character is supposed to be a deeply tragic one and I think Allen portrays that really well, I think he really shines in the films dramatic scenes. I thought the relationship between them was done just right, with them ending as friends; no icky age troubling romance.

Overall, I thought this film felt very human, it felt very real. By that I mean nothing outlandish happened, you bought that these characters could easily be real people, maybe you could even relate. I think this film is very good and something you should defiantly check out as it proves what a talent on the rise Beanie Feldstein is.

Pros.

Beanie Feldstein.

Alfie Allen.

It was very relatable.

The side characters particularly Paddy Constantine were superb.

Cons.

A little cliché at times.

4.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Scoob: Scooby Doobie Don’t Watch This Film

Scoob is a computer animated family film directed by Tony Cervone. The film serves as a reboot of the Scooby Doo franchise and tries to establish a wider Hanna-Barbera shared universe. The film details the beginnings of the gang with a particular focus on Shaggy (Will Forte), and Scooby’s (Frank Welker), relationship. Then the plot just takes a dive of a cliff and everything becomes very confusing and weirdly jarring.

So, it is pretty safe to say I didn’t like this film. If you asked me how to make the worst Scooby Doo film, you possibly could I would have probably suggested a lot of the things that this film does. First, right off the bat this franchise doesn’t need to be a shared universe. I know that is the hot thing right now, but very few studios are doing it right and with the poor reception this film seems to be getting this is year another failed cinematic universe.

This film is the first in their shared universe so it should set up Scooby Doo and its characters, but this film doesn’t do that. No, no it jumps the gun and tries to include as many Hanna-Barbera characters as it can. The film kind of expects you to know who a lot of these characters are, these characters that haven’t really been relevant in like 40 years. Playing into that might work if you this film was aimed at the adults who grew up with these characters, but it is not.

My major issue with the shared universe thing is that this film is not a Scooby Doo film, it simply isn’t. There is no mystery, no investigating, it is just cameo after cameo. Also none of these new characters feel developed at all they just feel forced in for the sake of setting up a shared universe; the Dark Universe immediately springs to mind.

The other thing I loathed about this film is the references and blatant product placement. Now I need to ask you a question, do kids care about Simon Cowell? I don’t think so, but this film begs to differ. He is not the worst of it. The product placement in this film is worse than the last Power Rangers film. An example of what I am talking about, there is a scene early on in the movie where the gang are all dressed up for Halloween. One is dressed like Wonder Woman another is dressed like Harry Potter, they make a point of naming the characters as well, why is this bad? Well because they’re both other Warner Brother franchises that they decided to promote in the film, it is not meta or tongue in cheek, no it is blatant and sickening.

If you want to watch a film where a group of kids talk about Netflix and Warner Brother owned brands at length and go on an adventure with characters that are only their to set up a shared universe and aren’t developed to the point where you don’t remember their name then this the film for you. Don’t watch this, it is not worth your money in any way.

Pros.

Will Forte is okay as Shaggy.

Cons.

It spits on what Scooby Doo is.

It tries too hard to be trendy.

The product placement.

The needless shared universe that ultimate kills the film.

1/5 and that is being generous.

Reviewed by Luke

The Addams Family: A Friend To The Outsider

The Addams Family is a comedy fantasy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld; it is based on the cartoon of the same name. It revolves around a strange quirky family that goes on dark often monstrous adventures; the humour of these film comes from how different the family are from the rest of the world. The plot this time around sees Fester Addams (Christopher Lloyd), return to the family after a 25-year absence, only is that really Fester Addams?

The Addams family are almost an oddball institution, most everybody knows who they are and has seen them in one form or another. This film was my first introduction to them when I was younger and watching it again now, I am pleased to say it stands the test of time in so many ways.

Each of the characters are iconic in their own way, each stands out and grabs your attention; especially Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams. This film highlights the important of getting the casting process right: because these actors so perfectly encapsulate the characters that you can’t seem them played by anyone else. There is a reason they chose to do an animated follow up.

I think the reason these films speak to people so much is because they embody outsider culture, they’re something that anyone who has ever felt a bit different or a bit alien can relate to and find some companionship in. That at least is the enduring appeal as I perceive it.

Overall, I think as far as family movies go, this has some nice messages, some great characters and a few good cheer worthy moments. A nice film to watch for everyone!

Pros.

The message.

The characters.

The goofy fun.

The early 90s charm.

Cons.

It could be shorter.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

The Wrong Missy: Spade Steals Sandler’s Romantic Comedies

The Wrong Missy is a romantic comedy film directed by Tyler Spindel. The plot follows Tim (David Spade), a man who goes on a corporate retreat with a girl who he thinks is the one. However, the girl who shows up is not the girl he thought he invited; the mismatched romance begins.

This film is by no means great it is a low-rent rom com it lives up to the incredibly low standards set by Happy Madison (Otherwise known as The Adam Sandler company), but it is by no means bad either. There are a few laughs to be had, depending on your sense of humour, the romance feels quite real and earned and there is a whole lot worse out there.

This is by all means Lauren Lapkus’ film, she plays Missy the off the wall type to Spade’s straight man how the film is was always going to come down to her. I have to say for a character that could very easily have been annoying and obnoxious she is surprisingly charming and endearing over the course of the film. Her brand of zany comedy plays much better off Spade then say if it were him and Sandler.

All of the usual suspects turn up in cameo roles, the best would probably be Rob Schneider who plays a shark diving instructor who is a bit of a card as you can imagine. Schneider sticks to his usual routine and actually manages to get some laughs. It is not just Sandler’s pals that turn up in this oh no, this goes a step further and gives his wife a role as the antagonist; nepotism at its finest.

Overall, this is pretty inoffensive, the romance is sweet and there are a few good jokes. Will it be the best film you ever see no, but there is a lot worse out there!

Pros.

Spade and Lapkus

The romance.

A few good laughs.

Cons.

It is very forgettable.

It is nothing you haven’t seen before.

3/5

Reviewed by Luke