Destination Wedding: Keanu Goes To A Wedding

‘Destination Wedding’ is a romantic comedy-drama film about two very messed up people, who find out they’re attending the same wedding. The premise may seem simple and, cliche enough but, there is something about this film, a charm, a heart, that kept me smiling throughout and, made me laugh out loud several times; this film is far better than it had any right to be.

First off it is nice to see Winona Ryder, (Lindsey) and Keanu Reeves, (Frank) on-screen together, it has been too long, they have always had great on-screen chemistry together and, this film proves that it is still here all these years later. Both give utterly fantastic performances Reeves made me laugh out loud multiple times, this film shows just how well he does comedy. While, Ryder is also fantastic she is so relatable and, very endearing, you understand that her character and Reeves have been through a lot and, both want to be happy however, they’re too afraid or, stubborn to take a chance, both actors give wonderfully vulnerable performances.

The best thing about ‘Destination Wedding’ is that it doesn’t feel like a rom-com would normally feel; there are times where it feels like the opposite. I love romantic comedies a lot, but I am glad to see this film try and, have its own spin on the genre to do something new, the originality of this film is refreshing. This film gave me notes of The Favourite I think it was something to do with the style and, the comedy of the film, both seemed familiar to me.

The romance of the film is heartwarming as you can see these two very inwardly protective people slowly start to open up, bit by bit, to each other. There is something about the way both actors play it that makes it seem almost real in a sense, needless to say by the end of the film, you will be clamouring, just as I was, to see these two embrace the love they have for each other and, become a couple. Another thing I will tip my hat to is that this film doesn’t show them become a couple, it is not straightforward like that, the way the film chooses to end is filled with ambiguity and, you are left thinking after the credits roll; will they stay together, will they be happy.

Overall I think this film is a gem, I think it was incredibly overlooked when it came out in 2018 and, that it deserves far far more love than it got, there is something special about this film and, if you give it a chance I promise you won’t be disappointed, in every aspect this film is superb.

5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Klaus: Claus As You Have Never Seen Him Before

‘Klaus’ is an animated Christmas comedy film the plot follows a postman, the worst at the academy, called Jesper, (Jason Schwartzman, who is tasked with setting up a post office in Smeernsburg, a northern settlement that is torn between two rival families. While there Jesper befriends a reclusive old toymaker Klaus, (J.K Simmons), and the two of them join forces to try and, bring happiness to the children of the town.

The thing that this film does the best is its reinvention of the Santa Claus, or Father Christmas mythology. All of the traditional aspects are there the sleigh, the reindeer, the going to every house in one night, but they are all done in a new way. ‘Klaus’ explains away all the fantastical elements of Santa Claus, in fun and inventive ways. What the film does with the Mrs Claus character is not only touching and, sweet but, also helps to give Klaus as a character better motivation and serves to drive the plot forward.

Another thing I like about ‘Klaus’ is the friendship between Jesper and Margu, (Neda Margrethe Labba), a local Sami girl, the friendship between the two is deeply endearing and, it is nice to see The Sami community get more representation in film.

The animation style of ‘Klaus’ is beautiful as well, each scene seems like a painting, with vivid use of colour to a masterful degree. It is easily the best looking animated film I have seen all year, even surpassing the animation master class of last year’s ‘Into The Spiderverse’. The town of Smeernsburg is stunningly realised it has a distinctive look showcasing the slight beauty than can be found in a nightmarish hellscape. The character models are also really well done, Klaus himself has the gentle giant look down to a tee, and the members of the rival families are all very uniquely drawn each having a distinctive look.

The voice cast are all giving it their all, Schwartzman perfectly expresses Jesper’s character arc: as he goes from spoiled stuck up rich kid to a responsible caring young man, who genuinely cares about the kids he and Klaus are helping. J.K Simmons gives a reserved and, measured approach to Klaus himself, showcasing a man who is dealing with grief and, finding a way to carry one. Klaus may only say a few words throughout the runtime of the film, but he gives off so much emotion, and a lot of that is through the animation, that he doesn’t need to, easily becoming the highlight of the film.

Overall ‘Klaus’ is a thoughtful reinvention of the Santa Claus mythology, it has a good heart and, wears it on its sleeve. It is a testament to the power of animation and, a new Christmas classic. A must watch.

5/5

Reviewed by Luke

The Polar Express: Catching The Midnight Express

‘The Polar Express’ is an animated adventure film, the plot follows a young boy named Hero Boy, (Daryl Sabara) who takes a trip onboard the Polar Express, a special train that takes children to see Santa Clause at the North Pole.

Rewatching ‘The Polar Express’ had the opposite effect on me that rewatching The Nightmare Before Christmas did, by that I mean when I originally watched ‘The Polar Express’ when I was a kid I thought it was horrifying, more on that later, but when I watched it again recently I found it to be quite the enjoyable romp.

The reason I thought it was terrifying as a kid is that the facial animation is off, I don’t know if that was by design or if the technology wasn’t there, but the faces of all the characters in the film have moments where they look like something found in the worst part of the uncanny valley. Upon rewatching it in 2019, I found it wasn’t as bad as I remembered it being however, it still remains an issue with the film.

One of the things that I like the most about this film is that despite being a happy children’s film, it has dark moments; a lot of these moments aren’t obvious, but when you think about them for a second you realise just what the film is implying. The story of ‘The Polar Express’ is it’s the biggest asset as it works on multiple levels it works as a Christmas film, with the usual message of all you need to do is believe and, the spirit of Christmas. It also works really well as an adventure film, the world and, the characters are all very well-formed, they’re both dense and detailed. The mythology of the train itself is fascinating as well and, all the sequences that feature it prominently are excellent.

The main reason why these sequences are excellent is a stellar performance by Tom Hanks. This is very much Tom Hank’s film, he plays Hero Boy’s dad, the Conductor of the Polar Express, The Hobo that gives Hero Boy advice, Santa Clause, The Scrouge Puppet and, the Narrator; as well as doing motion capture for Hero Boy. As a result of this long list of performances, this film was going to live or die based on Hank’s ability to make all of these characters feel not only real but, different from one another; he does this rather magnificently. At no point in the film do you think oh that’s Tom Hanks and, that’s Tom Hanks again you see these different characters and, you know they’re distinct and, different despite all looking facially like Hanks.

To conclude ‘The Polar Express’ is a wonderful Christmas film that has a great sense of imagination, this is boosted nicely by Hanks’ multilayered performance and, a wonderful message as well. A Christmas must watch.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

Jingle All The Way: Those Are My Cookies, Bad Relations Between Neighbors

‘Jingle All The Way’ is a family comedy Christmas film, focusing on the battle to get a Turbo Man action figure for each of their child’s Christmas present, between two rival fathers; Howard, (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and, Myron, (Sinbad).

Jingle all the way surprised me in a lot of ways, mainly that Schwarzenegger lends himself well to comedy, before this point he was mainly seen as a serious macho action hero, so seeing him play against type and, play a bumbling but, well-intentioned suburban dad was interesting. He also does really well in this role being charming and, relatable; it is a strange duality as he plays the lovable misguided father well, but also the campy super dad/ superhero which makes for a larger than life performances.

Another surprising thing about this film is its plot, which often veers into strange and, wacky territory. In some ways, this film is almost like a live-action cartoon, a good example of this point would be there is a scene in the film where Sinbad’s character blows himself up with a postal bomb, you didn’t see that coming did you, but rather than have this be a serious bit of drama in the film it is played for laughs and, rather than be mangled from the blast Myron and, the other characters around him look like they have just been covered in soot. Though I suppose I am overthinking the plot of a children’s film.

‘Jingle All The Way’ also has an odd plotline where Howard’s neighbour Ted, (Phil Hartman), is trying to replace him and, steal his wife, this is a plotline the film keeps coming back to and, Ted is the real antagonist of the film. This is strange when you consider it is supposed to be about the rivalry between Howard and Myron and, the climax of the film is the fight between those two and, Ted is nowhere in sight. It almost feels like Sinbad’s Myron is bad into a secondary villain, as the plotline with Ted is constantly stressed over and, over again.

The climax of the film is basically a superhero showdown between Turbo Man, which is Howard dressed up and, Dementor, Turbo Man’s arch-enemy that Myron is dressed as; this is to me where I think the plot goes off the rails and, things happen without any real reason. Also, the CGI and visual effects during this sequence are horribly dated, but that adds to the campy fun.

Overall ‘Jingle All The Way’ could have been a very generic Christmas film, but by adding all these larger than life and, sometimes downright strange elements to the mix you have something truly memorable. Overall this film isn’t going to knock your socks off, but it is dumb campy fun.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Krampus: Wait that’s not Santa Claus

‘Krampus’ is a dark fantasy horror comedy film based on the infamous character from Bavarian and, Germanic folklore. The plot follows a family at Christmas that have lost the real meaning of the season and, when Max, (Emjay Anthony), says ‘he hates Christmas and his family’ and, tears up his letter to Santa Claus; they evoke Krampus’ wrath.

This film is from Micheal Dougherty the director behind Trick or, Treat, as such it features creative creatures and, monster; some of which are incredibly original while others are rather familiar to the horror genre. Krampus himself is menacing straddling the line between monstrous and campy at times; his look isn’t 100 per cent accurate to how he is depicted in most of the folklore surrounding him, but he is still scary despite this.

The scares are all pretty good, however ‘Krampus’ does lean on the humour over the scares a lot of the time; this is most definitely more of a comedy film than a horror. The issue with this is that the humour of the film is all pretty weak, it makes you smile a few times, but there are no laugh out loud moments; some of the jokes are even painful.

The acting is on the better side of average, most of the actors are serviceable if not memorable; these include our leading boy Emjay Antony. Adam Scott of Park and Recreation fame in this film as Max’s father Tom, he has some good moments and, a few strong jokes, the only ones of the film, however, he isn’t given much to do and, it feels like a waste of his considerable talents.

Toni Collette is also in this film this is before her game-changing role in Hereditary and, she gives a decent performance not a scene-stealer, but she does a good job with what she has to work with. Allison Tolman of Fargo fame is also in this, but just like everyone else in the cast doesn’t blow you away with her performance.

It is nice to see ‘Krampus’ remind people that Christmas can be scary, it carries the torch on from things like Gremlins, check out my review, and Black Christmas. These films will always serve as a reminder that horror does have a place at Christmas, also this scary bent helps these films stick out from all the other happy, mushy, Christmas fluff.

Overall this film isn’t my favourite Christmas horror film, but it is nice to see some variety in Christmas films that make it out and, despite the fact it doesn’t change the game it has some genuinely good scares and, is wonderfully unique. Check ‘Krampus’ out if you don’t like traditional Christmas films and, have a desire for something new.

4/5 simply for originality

Reviewed by Luke

Nativity: Time For The Annual Christmas Play

‘Nativity’ is a British Christmas Comedy film the plot follows Paul Maddens, (Martin Freeman), a failed actor who has now become a teacher; the story details his struggle as he tries to upstage his drama school rival Gordon Shakespeare, (Jason Watkins), who is also now a teacher at a private school, the two men go to great lengths to see who can produce the best nativity play.

The cast reads like a who’s who of B and, C list British celebrities of the time, with many famous faces making an appearance. However, despite a lot of celebrity cameos, the cast is mostly wasted and, underused; Freeman is the only one who’s performance borders on okay. The worst offender is Mr Poppy, (Marc Wootton), he is dumb and, annoying a lot of the time having a lot of energy but not much charm or, charisma; his inclusion is meant to appeal to kids as his humour is on their level. Poppy becomes a much bigger part of the series, yes there is a series of ‘Nativity’ films, however Wootton’s performance is much better in these later instalments.

Freeman is the best performer here as he captures the down on his luck but, well-intentioned lead to great effect. When he realises how much the kids care about him and, want him to be happy there is a genuinely great emotional moment; which I challenge you to say didn’t bring a tear to your eye. You can tell that Mr Maddens does genuinely care about the children and, it is all thanks to Freeman’s performance.

The children of St Bernadette’s are all suitably cute and, endearing and they play off Freeman’s character well; the relationship between them and him really help with Paul’s character development helping to show him in a more sympathetic light.

In terms of Christmas films, this is nice and inoffensive if you’re not very discerning then this is a great switch your brain off and enjoy kind of film. The message is very wholesome and, festive and, it is very nice to see Paul get back together with his ex-girlfriend who left to go to Hollywood; it does appeal to my romantic heart.

Overall this is great holiday junk food: generating that feel-good quality that a lot of these sort of films have. The sequences set during the actual nativity performance are well done, the songs are catchy and, the whole thing itself will be very relatable to anyone who has ever been in a Christmas play before. Overall this is fine but, it is far far from a Christmas classic like Home Alone or, Gremlins.

3/5

Reviewed by Luke

Ps. More Christmas film reviews are incoming.

Jumanji, The Next Level: Level Up!

‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ is a fantasy adventure comedy film and, sequel to the 2017 film ‘Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle; also serving as the fourth film in the franchise. The plot follows on from the last entry, the core group have drifted apart and, Spencer, (Alex Wolff), decides to go back into Jumanji once again, to try and recapture the Bravestone feeling; the others discover this and, then go into to rescue him. The twist this time around is that Spencer’s uncle Eddie, (Danny Devito), and his former business partner Milo, (Danny Glover), get sucked into the game too.

Director Jake Kasdan achieves something very special with ‘The Next Level’ a sequel that is far better than the films in the series before it. In almost every aspect this film succeeds the previous film, in terms of comedy, in terms of character development, in terms of world-building; all-round ‘The Next Level’ is a treat.

This time around Bravestone, (Dwayne Johnson), is the in-game avatar of Danny Devito’s Eddie, and Moose Finbar, (Kevin Hart), is the avatar of Danny Glover’s Milo. Both actors do a great impression of their older counterparts: but it is Kevin Hart that really shines in this style of comedy, his impression of Danny Glover is hilarious and he easily has the best jokes of the film.

The rest of the in-game avatars are also a welcome return, Professor Oberon, (Jack Black), played by Ser’ Darius Blain’s Fridge this time around is equally as hilarious as he was in the first film; it is nice to see Jack Black back in a big-budget film. Ruby Roundhouse, (Karen Gillian), and Seaplane, (Joe Jonas), are featured and, they do have some great moments but, they are very much pushed to the sidelines and, underused. Awkwafina is also in this film for all of 15 minutes, so she is not really given any time to shine.

The world of Jumanji is nicely explored this time around, we get to see some new locations that helped to set this film apart from the previous entry this is also done by their being new rules brought in which allow characters to do a variety of different things, including switching bodies. The one issue with all of this is that ‘The Next Level’ feels less like a videogame adaption/homage, which is one of the things that makes the first film so good.

Overall ‘The Next Level’ is a step up from ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ which was already a great film. Devito, Black, Hart and Johnson are all on terrific form here and, make this one of the best films of the year. The romantic development between Spencer and, Martha, (Morgan Turner) is also incredibly endearing and, the end stinger is definitely one to stick around for. I can’t wait for the next film in this fantastic franchise.

5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Gremlins 2: Gizmo Is Back For Blood, First Blood.

‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ is a horror-comedy film and, follow up to the 1984 Gremlins film. The story continues the journey of Gizmo, (Howie Mandel), who this time gets wet and, multiplies inside a skyscraper in New York City; can you guess who works in the same skyscraper?

That’s right it’s Billy, (Zach Galligan), the main character from the first film, he is now working in a soul-crushing job at the Clamp Centre, dreaming of being able to draw the things he wants to. Gizmo is captured and, brought to the Clamp centre following the death of his owner Mr Wing, (Keye Luke), meeting back up with Billy in the process.

‘The New Batch’ seems to believe strongly in the concept of more is better, the wackiness of the original film is turned up to 100, with the evil gremlins this time around getting superpowers, as they’re effectively the result of genetic experimentation. These superpowers include the ability to talk and, for one very memorable character wings. The effects of the flight sequence are horrific and, really stand out when compared to today however, it really helps to add to the campy charm of the film.

The campy charm is another thing that this sequel greatly plays up, there are multiple meta jokes and, jabs at other films which serve this purpose. ‘The New Batch’ almost plays like a charming B movie in many ways, this is one of the things I really like about the sequel. Tony Randall as the Brain Gremlin is inspired, he is constantly hilarious and, every moment he is on the screen is a treat; the best lines of the film are all his.

To go back to this idea of meta-commentary this time around Gizmo has seen Rambo and, he uses these skills once again to save Billy; also seeing Gizmo in a little red headband is something I never knew I needed. Gizmo is just as charming and, endearing this time around and, there are real moments of peril for Gizmo wherein you’re genuinely scared for him.

My only real criticism for this film is that in terms of filmmaking and, narrative things aren’t as tight this time around, they feel messy to an extent: as though the creatives and director Joe Dante were just throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks; which to an extent they were as this film had far less time in production than the previous film.

Overall, despite being a little rushed this is still more of the same fantastic gremlins action. This is a gloriously campy, B movie esque, horror-comedy and is definitely worth the watch. It will make you smile and, it will solidify Gizmo as one of cinemas all-time best, and most adorable icons.

4.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Gremlins: Gizmo The Christmas Icon

‘Gremlins’ is a horror comedy film, written by Chris Columbus and, directed by Joe Dante, two legends of the 1980’s film industry. The plot follows Billy, (Zach Gilligan), a young man who gets a Christmas present of his father, a little furry creature called Gizmo. Gizmo is a gremlin a mystical creature that comes with a very specific set of rules, don’t expose it to sunlight, don’t get it wet and, finally and most importantly don’t feed it after midnight. Obviously, all these rules are broken throughout the course of the film, leading to the creation of new gremlins, who unlike Gizmo aren’t cute and cuddly, rather menacing and evil.

Many people have a soft spot in their hearts for ‘Gremlins’ and, many view it as a Christmas classic. This down to, in no small part, Gizmo himself, not only is he memorable but, he is also cute and, endearing and, whenever there is a moment where things look bad for him you almost say out loud, “No not Gizmo”, or maybe that’s just me. What the puppetry team accomplished with him is outstanding and, the choice to give him a voice, (Howie Mandel), is inspired, as it really helps to sell the emotion of the character.

Steven Spielberg’s fingerprints are all over this film and, it shows; it perfectly toes the line between goofy Christmas film and actually good horror. The horror elements are surprisingly strong with the design of the evil gremlins being really quite scary and, unpleasant. Also, there is a lot of fantastic gore in the film, mainly during a scene when Billy’s mum, (Frances Lee McCain), kills three of the evil gremlins, putting one in the microwave and, one in a blender. At the time it came out this level of gore in what was extensively a children’s film, was shocking. This combined with the release of Spielberg’s Temple of Doom lead to the creation of the R rating in America.

‘Gremlins’ is dripping in 80’s goodness it does feel very of that era however, that is not to say that it doesn’t age well; ‘ Gremlins’ is just as perfect now as it was then. The relationship between Billy and Gizmo is a thing of beauty and, the scene in the final act where Gizmo drives a little toy car to save Billy is the most heartwarming, life-affirming thing you might see all year. This film is guaranteed to make you smile.

One last thing to mention is that the final shot of this film, the original owner of Gizmo walking away with him, is one of the most beautifully shot and, most iconic shots not just in horror films but, in cinema in general.

‘Gremlins’ is one of those films that everyone should see at least once, I can promise you it is worthy of your time, and that it will make you smile.

5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Home Alone: And So Christmas Begins

Home Alone is a comedy film and world-renown Christmas classic. The plot follows a young boy Kevin McCallister, (Macaulay Culkin), who is left Home Alone by his parents when they go away on a Christmas holiday; while being on his own Kevin is terrorised by a pair of burglars called the Wet Bandits. The film deals with themes of family and societal judgments.

For me, Home Alone one and two have become somewhat of a Christmas institution; every year I will gather around the television and, watch them. This is because the films are so heartwarming and sweet they are feel-good films in the truest sense; holiday junk food.

Culkin gives one of the best performances, for a child actor, ever, not only is he likeable and charismatic, but he is also funny. These first two Home Alone films wouldn’t be half as good as they are without Culkin in the lead; he brings so much youthful energy and, heart to these films and his role can not be understated.

Furthermore, the behind the scenes duo of two of the best 1980s directors, Chris Columbus and John Hughes, the director and producer respectively; really add to the film being what it is, memorable and quotable long after it was released, as well as add to the timeless nature of this film.

The villains of the piece the Wet Bandits are also a treat, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern do a fantastic job, being able to be both menacing at times while also being funny and comical. In this regard, the final showdown between Kevin and the Bandits is a thing of beauty, yes this is where I am going to talk about the traps.
Once the Bandits break into Kevin’s house, they soon find out that he is far from a frightened little kid and, in a rather Jigsaw like way, has in fact designed a series of traps for them. The traps become a hallmark of the Home Alone series, with each entry using them as the centrepiece of the film. The traps are all incredibly entertaining to watch, and this is helped in no small part by Pesci and Stern’s great comedic timing and delivery.

My one issue with the first two films is that they include subplots whereby Kevin makes friends with someone he at first judges but, then by the third act realises that they are in fact alright. Both films do this and, to me, it comes across as a little repetitive and a little bit forced; I understand what the films were trying to do, but I personally could have done without it.

Overall A Christmas classic that holds up and is a must-see this time of year!

5/5

Reviewed by Luke