Bend It Like Beckham: David Beckham Really Is In Every Film

Written by Luke Barnes

Bend It Like Beckham is a sport coming of age comedy film directed by Gurinder Chadha. The plot sees Jess (Parminder Nagra), try to pursue a career in football despite her parents wishes.

I enjoyed this films depiction of ‘football mad England’, its approach is far more subtle and thoughtful than films like Football Factories or Green Streets would have you believe. I thought Jess as a character was very easy to warm to, and also very relatable. We could see the identity crisis she was facing, and we sympathise as the character almost becomes like a friend to us over the course of the film.

I thought the ending of the film were she gets to go and become a professional footballer in America is heart warming and just the right amount of feel good resolution that makes you think ‘hey maybe things will be okay’.

My main issue with the film would be that the central romance between Joe (Johnathan Rhys Meyers), and Jess is troublesome on several levels. Firstly, the love triangle between Jess, Jules (Keira Knightly), and Joe feels a bit too male fantasy, and secondly because he is the coach of the team and both of his female love interests are players on the team, meaning the power dynamic is icky.

A bigger question not just for this film, but also applicable more generally, was a romance plot line actually needed at all?

Overall, a feel good film on the surface but troublesome underneath.

Pros.

Nagra

Knightley

The ending

Cons.

The romance plot line

Some of the wider messages

2.5/5

Slaxx: Skinny Jeans Really Will Be The Death Of You

Written by Luke Barnes

Slaxx is a horror comedy film directed Elza Kephart. The plot sees the workers of a fashion store come under attack when a possessed pair of jeans goes on a murderous rampage.

This is one of the best surprises I’ve had recently. Though this film’s premise sounds absurd it is actually surprisingly well executed, and actually quite thoughtful as well. The backstory of how the jeans came to be possessed, and yes there is a significant backstory put in place for this, which I won’t spoil as this is a fairly new film is actually inspired and has a spot on message behind it.

The jean kills, are hilarious in the best way. A few made me laugh out loud, and the rest made me chuckle, they are so comically over the top and gory it is perfect. The unique nature of watching a pair of jeans kill someone is something that really hasn’t been covered much in the horror genre and this film makes up for that in a big way.

The acting is serviceable, and they manage to sell the serious threat of the possessed jeans rather than breaking down laughing so I will give them props for that.

Overall, a hilariously silly horror comedy film that you should definitely check out.

Pros.

The hilarious premise

A surprisingly deep backstory for the jeans

The jean kills

The gore

Cons.

The characters are a bit thin

4.5/5

Tom And Jerry: Cat On A Hot Hotel Roof

Written by Luke Barnes

Tom And Jerry is a live action hybrid animation film directed by Tim Story. The film serves to bring back the classic cartoon duo, but now in the real world fighting over hotel rooms. Yes, that’s right.

So before, I get into this I just want to acknowledge that this film is aimed at kids, you can tell it is in several ways such as the constant references to youth culture (that feel very much hello there fellow kids), and just the whole vibe of the film, and that’s fine maybe kids would enjoy the mindlessness of it, but anyone else would be a much harder sell.

I did not think that this film was bad, nor did I think it was good, if anything I thought that it was painfully average to the point of being a bit boring. If you compare the spectacle of the old cartoons, and the escalating fight scenes that Tom and Jerry used to have this film feels even tamer. The best sequence would probably be when Tom is trying to get into Jerry’s room for the very first time and things escalate to them wrecking the room, but even then it feels basic.

Perhaps most damning of all is that I actually preferred the human characters to Tom and Jerry. Chloe Grace Mortez as Kayla was a lot of fun and had quite a few great moments: I hope Mortez hitches her wagon to this franchise and appears in any sequels going forward, as she has a good emotional rapport with the characters which is hard to establish as they don’t talk- yet she finds a way. Likewise Michael Pena is entertaining as the film’s villain Terrence, though Pena gets stuck with most of the hello fellow kids dialogue he also manages to have a few funny moments, and actually makes the film bearable.

Overall, if you need something to show your kids that’s bland, stick them in front of Raya and the Last Dragon (which is actually better than this), but if you don’t want to pay for premium access on Disney + then I guess this will do. Though don’t try and watch this if you are over the age of 10 as it might put you to sleep.

Pros.

Mortez

Pena

Cons.

The cartoon was better

This feels overly tame

The soundtrack is distracting

It is mind-numbing

2/5

The Edge Of Seventeen: High Fidelity In A Classroom

Written by Luke Barnes

Edge Of Seventeen is a coming of age comedy film directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. The plot sees socially awkward teen Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), navigate a world of depression, rejection and family strife, all whilst figuring out who she wants to be- I promise it is happier than that sounds.

I enjoyed this film so much, that it has quickly supplanted its way into my top ten films of all time.

For me, this is one of the best if not the best teen film of all time. There is something so painfully true about this film that really reached me and felt reflective of my own high school experience. The idea of teenage mental health is not something that you often see come up in coming of age fare beyond the usual idea of angst, however, it is really done justice here.
Where this film pips something like Lady Bird, is that it is more relatable. There is a quiet middle class privilege to Lady Bird, yes I said it, that though present here also is lessened to a point whereby it feels like a closer mirror to how a lot of people actually experience highschool.

Steinfeld is terrific here truly. I know True Grit was the film that put her on the map for a lot of people, but this was the film for me that made me stand up and take notice. She makes the characters so complex, but also so likeable, so charming and yet so self-destructive. Moreover, the level of chemistry she has with Woody Harrelson, who plays her teacher, is off the charts- they must be cast together in more films.

Overall, a film that spoke to me on a personal level and reminded me why I love film.

Pros.

Focusing on teenage mental health

Steinfeld

Harrelson

The writing is sharp and witty

It feels painfully true

5/5

Enchanted: In The Real World Disney Princesses Are Surprisingly Boring

Written by Luke Barnes

Enchanted is a family fantasy film directed by Kevin Lima. The plot sees fairy-tale princess Giselle (Amy Adams), become trapped in our world, after suffering a deadly trick from the Evil Queen (Susan Sarandon).

Amy Adams really does prove her range here, we already know that she can do heavy dramatic fare well, but this proves she can also pull of family friendly comedy too; she really is a multi-talented performer.

Adams definitely is the acting highlight of this film, as the rest of the cast range from serviceable, Patrick Dempsey, to underused, James Marsden, to confusingly handled, Susan Sarandon. Adams and Dempsey have good chemistry and it is nice to see a wholesome romance, that doesn’t actually have any toxic elements, from a Disney film.

Marsden is underused, but it more than that- there is no need for his whole character. Marsden plays the Prince Charming character and quests after Giselle into our world, falsely believing she is his soul mate; though this film doesn’t call it soulmates, instead something weird and vaguely annoying. Anyway, his whole character serves no real purpose beside a slight threat to the central romance and even then not really. Everything around his character and those parts of the plot are weak.

Sarandon seems woefully miscast and takes the role way to over the top in terms of camp.

The premise itself, the idea of an animated princess coming into our world is in itself strong and ripe for exploring, and the film does use it for several good jokes and moments, though I would say the ultimate execution of ideas does leave something to be desired.

Overall, a strong idea and performance from Adams, sadly the rest of the cast drag the film down.

Pros.

Adams

The premise

Cons.

The cast are either underused or miscast

The villain is awful

It is repetitive

2/5

Interview With Ethan Cvitanic: Writer/ Director/ Producer Of Hit Record

Written by Luke Barnes

Hey Everyone! Recently I had the chance to chat with Ethan Cvitanic about his mockumentary film Hit Record, which follows a young women attempting to become the next huge, global pop star and in order to make that happen she agrees to be the subject of a documentary. In the interview we talk about the current ideas surrounding what makes a mockumentary, celebrity culture, and the price of fame. Enjoy!

Q: If you had to sum the film up in one word what would it be?

A: Delusion.

Q: What was the message you were trying to get across in the film? And why was it important to you?

A: Art is less about the outcome and more about the process. It’s difficult, it’s scary, but always fulfilling, so don’t be scared, just go for it! For a long time I wasn’t sure if I was qualified to become a screenwriter or make a movie, and then I just went for it and it was one of the best experiences of my life and I want others to go for it too.

Q: Who is your filmmaking inspiration?

A: I have so many, but I think Curtis Hanson is a big one. He’s done films in every genre and I really admire that adventurousness. LA Confidential is one of my favorite movies.

Q: If you could go back to the start of your filmmaking career and give your younger self some advice what would it be?

A: Be sure to storyboard before you start shooting (just to save time), but more importantly, don’t forget you’re making the movie for yourself. If it makes you laugh, cry, etc that’s the best you can do.

Q: Do you have any funny production stories?

A: There were a few close encounters with the cops, mainly when we were filming on top of a moving car, but we’re all actors so we could talk our way out of it 🙂

Q: How do you view the mockumentary genre?

A: Mockumentaries are best when they are pretty realistic. I don’t think many are anymore, but Blair Witch, Waiting For Guffman and a few others really nail that fine line. I hope they make a comeback because it’s my favorite genre.

Q: What comment does your film make on celebrity culture and do you view it favourably or negatively?

A: I think of celebrities as people who are more known for their personality than their art, and, instead of fighting it, just keep using that perception to make money. We can’t all be Adele or Meryl Streep so it exists for a reason, but I wish we could focus more on the music or the film that they’re in.

Q: What is the price of fame? and do you want to be famous yourself?

A: Fame means having less privacy and I love my privacy, so the obvious answer is no. But if I do become famous it would probably be really fun for about a week.

Q: What inspired you to make this film, what was your catalyst?

A: Shug and I both love mockumentaries and grew up in Oklahoma, so we wanted to make something that included our favorite places and people (most of the cast are our family). The catalyst for going for it was me finally raising $6K and having 6 weeks free over the summer, so I figured that’s not too much to lose in the grand scheme of life.

Q: If you were to win an award for this film who would you thank in your acceptance speech?

A: My three best friends – Shug, Alex and Michael.

You can watch Hit Record now, on Amazon Prime in the US and other online store fronts in you are elsewhere. As always my review is now on site now, so check that out too!

Hit Record: Everyone Wants To Be Famous

Written by Luke Barnes

Hit Record is a comedy mockumentary film directed by Ethan Cvitanic. The plot sees aspiring pop star Shug Cherney (Shug Cvitanic), agree to take part in a documentary in hopes of boosting her fame.

This might be the perfect mockumentary for these modern times. Every other weeks there is another big documentary about a famous singer releasing on one steaming platform or another, we’ve had Taylor Swift, we’ve had Billie Eilish, but were they went wrong is that they took the documentary formatting too seriously and didn’t have fun with it.

Therefore it is quite refreshing to see a mockumentary come out, that is having fun with it, and is poking a little bit of fun at these other films expense. This film reminded me of the sort of thing that would play on MTV in the late 90s early 00’s, which I would later see on repeat years later and it would form a part of my young adolescent brain- and I mean that as a compliment.

The thing I like most of all about this film is that it is just fun, that’s all. It is not trying to teach me something, it is not trying to make me think about the world or an issue, it is just trying to entertain me, and it does that well.

I would say I was laughing a good 80% of time, and when I wasn’t I was smiling, so as far as comedy films go this film is on top form.

Overall, a terrific mockumentary film that provides solid entertainment value and sits nicely next to films like Pop Star.

Pros.

A lot of fun

It’s funny

Strong commentary

That MTV late 90s appeal

Cons.

The characters are a little thin

4.5/5

Locked Down: Has Lockdown Boredom Lead You To Get Into A Police Chase Just For The Hell Of It.

Reviewed by Luke Barnes

Locked Down is a comedy drama heist film directed by Doug Liman. The plot follows a recently separated couple as they are forced to spend lockdown together, eventually the two get wrapped up in a heist that could change their lives forever.

I have been aware of this film for quite a while, but I have never really felt the urge to watch it… That should be indicative as to where this review is going. Personally, I am of two minds as to whether films about the pandemic should be made, seeing as we are still living in one- is it too soon? When does it become bad taste?

Having now watched it, I can say it is very ‘meh’. I don’t feel in any way enriched for having seen it, it left my mind immediately. That said it is entertaining enough and is not a bad film.

The way the film tries to portray the lived reality of lockdown is very Hollywood-ized, they are supposed to be regular people, but I don’t know any who has gone for a motor bike race with the police as a means of finding something to do with themselves during the lockdown, though hey maybe I don’t know ‘cool’ people.

The lead performances from Hathaway and Ejiofor, are both good and do anchor the film in something watchable, but even they can’t liven the film up and struggle against an all too familiar script.

Overall, maybe it is too soon for lockdown films.

Pros.

The performances

It is watchable

Cons.

It is too soon for films about lockdown

The script is weak

The cameos are weak and don’t add anything

2/5.

Friendsgiving: Malin Akerman The New Queen Of Comedy

Friendsgiving is a comedy film directed by Nicol Paone. The film sees a recently single mum (Malin Akerman), settle in to host a family thanksgiving with just her, her son and her best friend who is more like her sister (Kat Dennings), however, as the day goes on more and more people get invited and gradually the occasion spirals out of control.

I have been enjoying Akerman comedy film output recently, between this, Chick Fight and a few others Akerman is really finding a nice niche for herself. I think this film has a good emotional centre, the traumas of Akerman’s characters divorce and Denning’s character pursuit of a new girlfriend make for interesting journeys to observe and they are finished with a satisfying emotional pay off.

I wouldn’t say this film is hugely funny, it made me laugh a few times, but I would say it is more of a smile inducing feel-good film that anything else. The central performances from Dennings and Akerman are both strong, this might be my favourite Kat Dennings performance yet. I also enjoyed the cameos and supporting work from a slew of other famous faces that all have their respective moments to shine.

Overall, though this film won’t set the world on fire it is a nice feel good comedy film that will put a smile on your face on a long winter night.

Pros.

Akerman

Dennings

Surprisingly insightful

Infectious smiling

Cons.

The jokes mostly don’t land/ the comedic writing is weak

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

Moxie: Inclusive, Until It Isn’t

Written by Luke Barnes

Moxie is a comedy, coming of age film directed by Amy Poehler. The film sees high school student Vivian (Hadley Robinson), become bored with the sexist statis quo of her highschool and with a little punk rock guidance from her mum (played by Poehler), decides to bring about a feminist revolution at her school. It is based on the book of the same name by Jennifer Mathieu.

I am not going to lie; this one was hard to get through. When I heard the early in the film line of why should we care about The Great Gatsby “it was written by an old white dude, about an old white dude”, I cringed so hard I turned the film off. However, as I intended to review it I put it back on later; also whilst I have you I just want to say it is heavily debated that F. Scott Fitzgerald did not in fact write The Great Gatsby, with some believing it to be the work of his wife Zelda- so yeah.

That one line speaks for the entire tone of the film. I applaud the ideas on display here, the film does make some solid points, but it also beats you over the head with them again and again and takes any of the fun out of the film, instead making it feel like a lecture. Feminist ideas have been conveyed in tons of films, in a more accessible and lets face it better written way, Booksmart and Misbehaviour both come to mind, but much like the comedy films of Will Ferrell this film thinks loud and brash is the way forward.

Overall, I will be blunt this film is deeply contrived in the writing department. The cringe factor gets unbearable as the film goes on. Which is sad because if you turn off the holier than thou politics for a second, there is actually quite a wholesome coming of age story buried somewhere deep down. The struggles that Vivian and her friends go through, are very familiar to anyone who has ever been outcasted before or made to feel lesser, this film could have been a rallying moment for the outsider a moment to seize your power and reclaim your life. However, in its incredibly over the top efforts to seem inclusive, it ignores and excludes others who might feel the same.

It’s ironic.

Pros.

Hadley Robinson is a strong newcomer

Poehler has a few funny jokes and honestly this film could probably do with more of her as she is the best thing about it (in an acting sense, to be stressed).

An important message of empowerment

Cons.

Ignoring others who might feel left out and excluded from the awful highschool experience

Focusing far, far too much on politics

Forcing its message down your throat, rather than trying to actually handle it in a meaningful way

Some of the cringiest dialogue I have ever heard in my life.

1.5/5