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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Yes Day: Edgar Ramirez’s Time To Shine

Written by Luke Barnes

Yes Day is a comedy-drama film directed by Miguel Arteta. The plot follows a couple (played by Edgar Ramirez and Jennifer Garner), who used to say yes to life, however, since having kids no has become their word of choice. After a parent teacher night proves illuminating, they decide to give their kids a yes day: this is a day in which the parents have to say yes to whatever their kids ask of them.

When I put this film on I was expecting it to be bad, I wanted something mindless to switch off to yet still be happy enough to keep me entertained in the background. However, what I got was a surprisingly sweet film that made me smile quite a few times.

First off I want to say that this is Edgar Ramirez’s movie, he has made a few misses in recent years, but he is the life and soul of this film and his characters emotional arc spoke to me. I actually found myself becoming invested in his character throughout the film, I felt the same towards Garner though less so in terms of relatability.

I think the premise is comically inventive enough to be interesting whilst not being novel enough to shake the boat. Though it is always fairly obvious where the film is going, it is quite wholesome along the way and has a number of good messages and supporting characters; Arturo Castro was a particular delight.

In terms of the film’s comedy, I didn’t find myself laughing really at all, I had the odd chuckle here and there but for the most part I was smiling. I wouldn’t say this film is funny, but I would say it is entertaining.

Overall, a surprisingly good time.

Pros.

Ramirez

Garner

Castro

Wholesome fun

Cons.

Nothing you haven’t seen before

4/5

Hostiles: A New Draw For Westerns

Written by Luke Barnes

Hostiles is a revisionist western film directed by Scott Cooper based on a story by Donald E. Stewart. The plot sees Captain Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale), and his squad of soldiers escorting a Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their home in Montana during the final months of the Indian Wars.

This film really does feel different within the western sphere. It has familiar genre constructions that will be easily recognisable, but it also has a lot more nuance and depth going on under the surface.

The thoughtfulness of this film is best shown in it’s characters, we see Blocker start the film as a racist who hates Native Americans based on his own experiences from the war, right from the off he is not portrayed as a good or a bad character rather as a grey reflection of reality. As the film goes along Blocker forms a begrudging respect with the war chief he is protecting and the relationship furthers, and we see it from another dimension. Though this storyline has been done before, here it is used in a way to contextualise the western as a genre and show the evolution.

Moreover Rosamund Pike plays Roselee Quaid, a frontiers woman who loses it all. Through Quaid we are presented with the lived reality of frontiers life rather than the romanticised version we often see in westerns. Bad things happen to Quaid fairly regularly, and they are treated with a normality that becomes more and more troubling progressively, this causes you to think about other western films and characters therein and view them in a new light.

The film itself is very, very bleak, but the ending does bring with it a degree of hope that I think nicely compliments the film.

Overall, a pallet cleanser and recontextualised form for the western genre that feels incredibly honest and fresh.

Pros.

Bale

Pike

The character work and ambiguity

The ending

Cons.

It is incredibly bleak

4/5

The Mauritanian: Deeply Uncomfortable, But Needed Viewing

Written by Luke Barnes

The Mauritanian is a drama film directed by Kevin MacDonald. The film serves as an adaption of the Guantanamo Diaries by Mohamedou Ould Salahi, with the plot recounting the experiences of Salahi as he was detained by the United States Government, without a charge, for 16 years in Guantanamo Bay.

This is a powerful film. Tahar Rahim’s central performance is simply magnificent; it is no wonder that it is receiving so much awards attention. Rahim plays the character in a very human way, and that is fundamental to the film. We see the torture he endures, and it makes for very uncomfortable viewing but also very needed viewing, as it causes us to rethink our society and see where we are going wrong.

Jodie Foster has a supporting turn as Salahi’s Lawyer who spends the film fighting for his release and gives almost as good a performance as Rahim, but not quite. Foster commands the screen and makes for some very memorable scenes. The acting across the board in this film is great.

My one complaint of this film is that it is a little overly long, about 80% of this film is vital and is must watch, however there are a few scenes that run too long, or could have done with being cut out to make the film tighter.

Overall, a magnificent film that makes you rethink the world and that proves Rahim as a name to watch out for on the big screen for years to come.

Pros

Rahim

Foster

Showing the torture and doing it in an impactful way that provokes a strong response#

Recontextualising history

Cons.

A few pacing issues

4.5/5

Confessions Of A Haunting: Passing On

Written by Luke Barnes

Confessions of a Haunting is a horror, drama short film directed by Andre J.D Robinson. The plot sees a woman (Julie Mainville) talk into an online confessional about a recent loss she has suffered in her family, as she does a voice can be heard talking back- presumably a voice from the other-side.

I will never cease to be surprised by the wonders filmmakers are achieving during lockdown. Though the premise and set up of this film are quite simple, they are used to great effect, both in terms of horror and drama.

On the drama side of things, the monologue delivered by Mainville is deeply personal and touching. We have all lost someone in our lives, or most at least, and can relate to what she is going through. The dialogue manages to become affecting and have an emotional impact which is always a positive sign.

In terms of horror, when we first hear the voice from the other-side it is shocking, because as you approach the midpoint you think that the short will be about this person coming to terms with their loss and that the horror on display will be emotional. However, when it does take a supernatural turn it is surprising and unnerving and you being to question what is happening.

Overall, a sad and creepy affair that is made as strong as it is by the writing.

Pros.

It is well written

It makes you feel something

The supernatural turn is unexpected

Mainville

Cons.

Could do with further expansion, maybe a few extra minutes

4/5

Interview With Shaun Rose: The Star/ Co-Writer And Director Of Making And Unmaking

Written by Luke Barnes

Hey Everyone! I recently had the chance to have a chat with Shaun Rose, the writer/actor/director behind Making And Unmaking a very personal documentary film that chronicles Rose’s experiences within the film industry around the film of him making Upstate Story. We discuss the creative process, whether the toll of Hollywood is worth it, and mental health. I hope you enjoy.

Q: If you were to sum up Making and Unmaking in a word what would it be?

A Therapeutic. Another word would be extensive or exhausting.

Q: What was your message with this film? To inform? To share?

A: Initially it was just me trying to get so many feelings out in the midst of production of ‘Upstate Story’ as they both overlapped. I was in a deep crisis period. I will say that many who have watched the film consider it educational in regard to the creative process. Not just the no budget tier of filmmaking.

Q: What was the inspiration or catalyst for you making this film?

A: Just wanting to heal or get better. My mental and physical health were in pretty rough states due to so much I was going through. I wanted the film to act as a sort of journal or diary where I could vent.

Q: Would you describe the struggle you and other filmmakers go through to get films made as worth it?

A: Most of the time. There are horror stories out there. Mainly in Hollywood where filmmakers have expressed regret over certain projects. For myself, I have no regrets at all. It might be hard and at times frustratingly difficult, but the finished product has always been worth the hardship.

Q: What advice would you give to young filmmakers working in the industry right now?

A: Keep writing and filming. There are a plethora of affordable cam options out there for you. Even modern cell-phones are being used frequently. Go for whatever you want to do.

Q How did you find the production of Making and Unmaking different from that of your other projects?

A: I’ve only experimented with the documentary form in college so that was a departure from the norm. Many years in between. I also just started using DSLR’s too for the documentary so that was a learning curve. I was late to that party.

Q: Did you find the format of Making and Unmaking, freeing or constrictive?

A: Very freeing, but at times overwhelming. As a documentary, I feel the possibilities are endless or more flexible. Just stick to the truth no matter what. It’s the editing that becomes hard. Trying to keep the story moving along all the while keeping a smooth edit going is where it gets tricky. We only had 1 cam to use during the interview sections, so we had to film each interview 2 times at different angles. From there, try to splice it together. Trying to place the music by Jake was also tricky. Considering it’s a documentary, it was especially tricky. I just took his tracks and placed them in a way to compliment as opposed to overwhelm. I hope I did him justice.

Q: If you won an award who would you thank?

A: My children. Adrianna and Keenan. My co-creators on the film. My Father, Andrea, Jake and Charles. My family, critics who gave my work a chance. A bunch of my friends who have been very close to me in my darkest times. People to confide in during both personal and creative rants. And those that have passed who made a strong impact on me as a person. Gracelynn, Sue and Darlene.

Q: What are your closing thoughts on the film industry in general?

A: I’m concerned about where it seems that comedy is headed. For centuries, comedy has largely consisted of others laughing at the misfortune of others. It’s always been offensive to some degree or other. There are so many different realms of comedy as well and nowadays, I fear that we’re heading into territory that minimizes what we can laugh at. Perhaps I should say censorship in general.

Q: If you could go back in time to when you were young and just starting out in the film industry, would you tell yourself to go for it, or to rethink?

A: Go for it. It’s difficult, but getting your works out there, seen and appreciated, makes all the struggle worth it.

You can check out Making and Unmaking right now on Youtube, and as always you can find a review of the film on my site!

Body Brokers: The Human Trade

Written by Luke Barnes

Body Brokers is a crime thriller film directed by John Swab. The plot revolves around the for profit drug rehabilitation system in the United States, and the various predatory tricks and cons people within the industry are using to stay rich.

This film serves to do for the drug rehabilitation system what The Big Short did for the stock market. Providing us the audience with an in-depth, albeit it fictionalised, view into the world of body brokers, characters who prey off junkies going in and out of treatment centres to make their money through various contracts.

Honestly, the fact that this is a thing in the real world is terrifying, and it’s the same kind of terror that you had when you realised that I Care A Lot also has a lot of grounding in reality. Our systems are deeply flawed.

I thought the performances were all very good here, Frank Grillo was the stand out, but he was supported nicely by Michael Kenneth Williams and Jessica Rothe, who is definitely the scene stealer of the film. My one complaint on this front would be that the main protagonist Utah (Jack Kilmer), is fairly bland and predictable

Overall, this film is harrowing, and it opens your eyes to just how easily corrupted our systems are- filling you with even more existential dread and terror of the world around you.

Pros.

The premise

Exposing the injustices and the wrongs of the drug rehabilitation world

Making a few strong points

Rothe, Williams and Grillo

Cons.

Kilmer

The ending is manically depressing

4/5

Luz: Romance Behind Walls

Written by Luke Barnes

Luz (directed by Jon Garcia), is a romantic drama film about the friendship and romance between two men, which blossoms within the walls of a prison.

This is a heart wrenching film for so many reasons. It is both beautiful and soul crushing.

I think in terms of representation this film is very needed, as LGBTQ+ love stories are often sorely over looked in the romantic drama genre, and yes to a degree that is being rectified in recent years, but there is still a noticeable gap, and films like this are filling that- and I for one think that is commendable. Hopefully, soon the romance genre will be more reflective of all kinds of relationships.

The love story was very powerful and effecting, I thought the writing was just right as it managed to walk that line between expertly playing with your emotions, but also never feeling overly sentimental.

The leads have a great deal of chemistry, and you do believe that they are genuinely in love, which adds to the emotional impact of the film. I thought both performances, commanded my attention and impressed me.

Overall, a fantastic and powerful romance film, with a real heart and soul.

Pros.

The chemistry

The representation

The emotional weight

The performances

Cons.

The side characters are a little underdeveloped

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.