The Courier: Been Here Before

The Courier

2/5

Written by Luke Barnes

I had heard good things about this film, prior to seeing it, and was looking forward to my chance to see it on VOD. However, when it arrived I was left perplexed, whilst it is by no means bad, it is in fact very serviceable for what it is in terms of setting and genre. Yet there is something of a formula to it, it is very predictable and samey and that raises wider questions about historical dramas as a whole- namely is the genre played out?

In historical drama films set during the Cold War the narrative tends to go one of two ways, either the character, with an assumed western perspective as most of these films focus on western characters, defects to the Soviet Union after growing disillusioned with their own government, or the character tries to break into/ commit some sort of mission behind Soviet lines and ends up getting captured- this film is the latter.

I understand that the film was based on real people and events so there is only so much they can do with it, but honestly we have seen this story before and as such know where it is going. Viewing the genre for what it is, I question if this film even needed to be made, yes the actual person this film is based on deserves to have their story told, but on the other hand this film has nothing new to say so what does it contribute to the medium?

Cumberbatch is as strong as ever and manages to anchor the film, quickly becoming the only reason to continue on. Jessie Buckley is strong too, but sadly she is only given a few thin scenes and is mostly wasted.

Overall, nothing you haven’t seen before.

Pros.

Cumberbatch

Buckley

Cons.

Wasting Buckley

The generic nature of the plot

It is ease to lose interest in

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Concrete Cowboy: Would You Rather Be A Cowboy Or A Criminal, The Choice Is Obvious

Concrete Cowboy

2.5/5

Written by Luke Barnes

If nothing else this film made me aware of something I hadn’t been previously- the Fletcher Street Urban Cowboys of Pennsylvania. Reading into the organisation and the cause after the film, I am heartened by the fact that even though the film itself is very average maybe it can draw some attention to the youth outreach programs the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club provide and maybe make a difference for the community.

Anyway, the key issue with this film is that it is slow, there is a lot of emotions and interpersonal drama, but in actual events that move the plot forward there is a shortage. By the hour mark of the film I was finding myself bored and starting to switch off, the characters had not really progressed much from the opening few minutes despite over half the film being gone. The ending furthers this problem, as any growth that can be seen feels rushed to.

The acting is a mixed bag Caleb Laughlin, of Stranger Things fame, is very good and throws off the child like confines of his performance on that show to give a rousing dramatic performance that clearly bares both heart and soul. However, Idris Elba who plays Laughlin’s characters estranged father is not as strong. I am a big fan of Elba, I even enjoyed Turn Up Charlie which many didn’t, but he is not on good form here, his accent is patchy at best and noticeably fake at worst and he is frequently distracting.

Overall, though Laughlin gives one hell of a performance this film is destined to be forgotten about.

Pros.
The cause

Laughlin

Cons.

It is incredibly slow

Elba

The ending

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Pride: Fight For The Change You Want To See In The World

Pride

3/5

Written by Luke Barnes

This film made me both happy and sad, as paradoxical as that might be. On the one hand it was hopeful to see the miners embrace the LGBTQ+ activists, but on the other, seeing the horrible homophobia made me sad. I left the film feeling conflicted towards humanity.

This film can beautifully play with your emotions, as it did to me, and that is a testament to the writing, but also the real events that inspired the film. The film feels empowering to watch, inspiring you to make a change for the betterment of society.

The acting talent on display here is undeniable, Joe Gilgun, Dominic West, Andrew Scott and an always reliable Paddy Considine all perform well and leave an impression long after the film ends. George McKay is a little less strong and does drag down some of the scenes he is in, but thankfully he is not given much of the heavy lifting to do.

Furthermore, Pride does struggle with pacing and ends up feeling overly long and a little indulgent, by the time we reach the end the film is already starting to outstay its welcome.

A final note before concluding, Faye Marsay is terrific and should be cast in more films- a staggering young talent.

Overall, a good film that suffers with pace.

Pros.

The acting, bare McKay

The message

The empowering tone

Cons.

The Pace

George McKay

Rams: Shaun The Sheep’s Depressing Cousin

Written by Luke Barnes

Rams is an Australian comedy drama film directed by Jeremey Sims. The plot sees two ram breeder brothers, long estranged, come together to save their way of life when all of their livestock catches a deadly disease.

I think once again this is a classic example of miscategorisation, I don’t know if it is a national sense of humour that I just don’t get but this to me is in no way a comedy film. If you find scenes of animals being put down and then a mass burning grave of said animals anything other than wildly depressing then I am worried for you.

As such the film did not meet my expectations but viewed as a dramatic piece then it is a different conversation. I think as a drama film about the plight of farmers and how easily they can lose it all, this film has real merit. The film goes out of its way to really highlight the bond between these men and their animals as well as the bond between them as people. I found myself caring a lot about the characters as the film went on.

I thought Sam Neil was damn near perfect in the lead role, and this film proves to be yet another impressive feather in his cap.

Overall, miscategorised, this is not a comedy film, but it is a surprisingly emotional drama.

Pros.

Sam Neill

The emotions

The cinematography

Cons.

It is distressing

It is deeply depressing

3/5

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Boogie: Shooting Hoops And Quoting Classic Literature

Written by Luke Barnes

Boogie is a drama film directed by Eddie Huang. The plot centres around the titular Boogie (Taylor Takahashi), a young man with only one dream, to become a professional basketball player. We see Boogie, deal with life, family and growing up all whilst trying to improve his game and stay in control of his life.

I am fairly mixed on this one, on the one hand I thought that its quieter moments of character drama were excellent, especially when the film was focusing on Boogie’s parents relationship or how each try and control who he is. However, I thought the premise and the wider execution of the film let it down as it ended up becoming just another generic sports film.

Both Huang and Takahashi intrigued me, I think both have a lot of potential which is shown within this film and I am excited to see where both go next. Takahashi especially, managed the emotional weight of the film well, whilst still feeling relatable and human.

Overall, if you are prepared to dig beneath the generic sports movie premise there is some solid drama and character work to be moved by here.

Pros.

The character drama

Takahashi

The ending

Cons.

It is very generic

It is predictable

2.5/5

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Made In Italy: Who Knew Renovating Old Houses Could Be So Emotional

Written by Luke Barnes

Made In Italy is a comedy drama film directed by James D’Arcy. The plot sees an estranged father and son bond whilst renovating their derelict Italian home for sale.

I enjoy Liam Neeson, I think he is great as an action hero, he is great in his rare comedic roles and he is great as a dramatic actor- this film proves that last point. This film is so passionate and raw that it simply has to hit a nerve in those watching it, and Neeson is a big part of that.

The dynamic and bond between the father and son is so moving and beautiful that it brought a tear to my eye. The relationship is more than a little relatable, and I am sure many can agree on that point, and the scene when the two finally open up to each other and talk about their issues is particularly heart-breaking.

There are a few different romance subplots sown into the film, but where in other films this could prove to be an unwelcomed distraction here it only serve to boost the emotion of the film and at times provide some much needed comedic relief.

Overall, a beautiful and thoughtful film that reached me on an emotional level.

Pros.

The father son dynamic

Neeson as a dramatic actor

The emotion

The ending

The score is also very strong

Cons.

None

5/5

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Shiva Baby: You’ll Cringe Harder Then You Have Ever Done In Your Life

Written by Luke Barnes

Shiva Baby is a dark comedy film directed by Emma Seligman. The plot sees Danielle (Rachel Sennott), attend a Shiva which is packed with her family and people from her past, including her ex-girlfriend, if that wasn’t bad enough her sugar daddy is also there.

I’ve seen some people imply that this is a social horror film, and I can see where they are coming from, as I was watching this I was getting stressed especially as the drama escalated and escalated- my social anxiety was not thanking me for watching this film I’ll tell you that.

I think this film perfectly executes what it sets out to do, moreover, I think this film manages to capture the horror of the day to day, and weaponizes awkward cringe to the point of it being terrifying.

The characters are all perfectly formed, layered and deep and as nuanced as any person you would meet.

Overall, one of the most stressful and cringe (in a good way), films you will ever see. Definitely worth the watch.

Pros.

The characters

The interaction

The awkwardness

The premise and the execution

Cons.

It may be too awkward for some

4.5/5

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Coast: Running Away

Written by Luke Barnes

Coasts is a drama coming of age film directed by Jessica Hester and Derek Schweickart. The plot revolves around a young woman whose life changes when a traveling rock band is forced to stay in her small town for a while.

This film was a very stirring coming of age tale. It struck me as very personable and relatable, we have all been there before, we have all faced the reality of our small town life or grown board with our city if we are not from a small town, the urge to roam and be free is something that every human being can relate to.

I thought the drama of this film was very impactful. The idea of do you stay with what you know and what is comfortable and familiar, or do you take a chance that might never come again and go and be wild, I thought this premise raised a lot of philosophical questions and makes one reflect on their own life.

Overall, a very thoughtful and thought provoking film that nearly everyone can relate to.

Pros.

The relatability

It causes you to reflect

It is entertaining and engaging

Cons.

It has a few minor pacing issues

4/5

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Getting It: Modern Love

Written by Luke Barnes

Getting It is a romance film directed by Tom Heard. The plot sees a previously selfish man, who only ever cared about himself, opening his heart to others and finding love in the process.

I think there is something so needed about this film, I won’t go on at length about it as I have already covered the point I am about to make in other reviews, but there just aren’t enough romance films that feature solid LGBTQ+ representation. It is shocking to think that in 2021, in the society we live in, where all kinds of romances are common place, that the romantic genre is so heavily dominated by heterosexual romance.

Moreover, the romance in this film felt very real and personal. By that I mean, it doesn’t feel like you are watching a film it feels like you are just observing life around you and seeing people fall in love. Again, that speaks to the charisma and the believability of the leads who sell the romance entirely, and palpable their on screen chemistry.

This film really does run the emotional gambit, having moments to laugh with, moments to cheer to, and moments that will make you cry, it excels at all 3 which is a real testament to the power of the writing.

Overall, a sorely needed and well executed romance film.

Pros.

The chemistry

The believability of the story and the romance

The emotional resonance

The ending

Cons.

The side characters

A few pacing issues.

3/5

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Operation Varsity Blues: Matthew Modine Rocking The Bowl Cut

Written by Luke Barnes

Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal is a drama documentary film based on real events, told using dramatic recreations and talking head interviews with those involved. The film explores the issues surrounding the college admissions scandal that saw a number of rich and in some cases famous people face jail time after bribing college officials to allow their children entry into the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Much like Netflix’s Fyre documentary this film will see you laughing and taking a small amount of joy out of seeing these privileged people be reminded that the rules do apply to them, and that they can’t just do what they want.

Also much like Fyre this documentary is fairly trashy and salacious, making sure to cram in and shame as many famous faces as it possibly can during its runtime, which is not inherently a bad thing more so it places this film firmly in the category of junk food documentary.

Something that bothered me about this film is the way they structure the ending sequence. As is fairly common practice the ending of a documentary usually features some text about ongoing events or updates that have happened since filming. This film decides to list the legal sentences that each culprit got instead, which is a novel idea, however, where it goes wrong is that in some cases certain people hadn’t been convicted or tried by the time of filming, and as such when the film shows them in the end credits it just says how they pled and not the conviction, which becomes jarring and confusing quickly.

Another thing that is quite confusing about this film is the use of recreations and talking head interviews, as we will be shown the real perpetrators on screen in an image but then for the purpose of the film be shown an actor standing in for the person, as they clearly didn’t want anything to do with the documentary, this again becomes confusing. More so when the film starts to blend the lines of based on true events drama and a standard documentary.

Overall, Matthew Modine sinks into his role as the mastermind of the scheme, Rick Singer and there is a lot of interesting and infuriating fun to be had here, however, several artistic choices hurt the film and I think the concept as a whole should have been better refined and adapted, the talking heads and the recreations together don’t work.

Pros.

Modine

Trashy fun

A few interesting points raised

Cons.

An incomplete ending

The format doesn’t work as the recreations frequently clash with the talking heads

2.5/5

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