Paddington: AKA Marmalade, The Solution To All Of Life’s Problems

‘Paddington’ is a live-action animated comedy film based on the adventures of the iconic Peruvian bear. The plot this time around is an origin of sorts, in many ways a soft reboot of the franchise, it explains who Paddington (Ben Whishaw), is and details his first encounter with the Brown family.

‘Paddington Bear’ is a quintessentially British character, he has been a popular feature of media in our fair isles for well over 50 years as such he was bound to end up on the big screen sooner or, later. It pleases me to tell you that this is a fantastic reboot for the character reintroducing him to modern audiences, while still showing all the reasons he remains such a beloved character.

Paddington himself is handled in the same animated live-action way as something like Pikachu, in 2019’s ‘Detective Pikachu’. I believe that this is a good move as the animation always looks convincing, as in it looks like he is really there on screen with the other characters. However, the joy of this style of animation is that they can have this while still keeping the wacky over the top slapstickness of the character as well, a real best of both worlds situation. Ben Whishaw does a great job voicing Paddington, managing to capture the charm and, the innocence of the character, making him very lovable.

The human cast around the titular bear is like a who’s who of famous British actors including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent and Peter Capaldi. Each character has their own moment to shine whether it is Capaldi’s characters redemption or, Bonneville’s character growing to love Paddington over time. All of these individual moments are well done and, have a lot to offer the wider world of the film.

The standout for me amoungst the human cast is Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown. As the mother of the family, Mary gives off more warmth than the sun; she loves Paddington from the moment she sees him, the surrogate mother-son relationship they have is incredibly heartwarming.

My one fault with the film is that it never does much with its villain Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman), her motivation is that she is resentful because her family have become a laughing stock after having a run-in with Paddington’s family years prior. As such she seeks to kidnap Paddington so she can stuff him. There a few scenes where she is mildly threatening, but as the main antagonist, she is given very little to do.

Overall a stellar reimagining that brings Paddington lovingly into the 21st century.

Pros.
Paddington Himself.
The Animation.
Sally Hawkins.
This Being An Actual Good Reboot.

Cons.
Wasted Villain.

4.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Grinch Is Coming For Your Presents

‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ is a Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film based on the Dr. Seuss book of the same name. The plot of the film follows The Grinch, a character who has removed himself from the town of Whoville and, now lives in a lair up in the mountains. The Grinch hates the town’s people for laughing at him years ago and, the townspeople fear The Grinch because he is not like them. This mutual ill will comes to a head and, The Grinch plans to steal all the presents from the people of Whoville to teach them a lesson; effectively stealing Christmas from them.

Now before we get into the review in earnest, I want to say that I have never liked anything related to Dr. Seuss I find the need to have nearly everything rhyme off-putting, I feel likewise about the strange character designs. As such I never grew up with these stories, so before I watched this, I was unaware of who The Grinch was; yes I understood what he was in passing from pop culture, but I had never seen his film before.

The issues that I had mentioned before with the character designs and the need to constantly be rhyming are in full effect in this film, which lessens my enjoyment with it, but I have to say a near-perfect performance by the one and, only Jim Carrey wins me over.
Carrey plays the titular Grinch and, he is going full Carrey, by that I mean he is giving this his everything, all of his manic energy and, it really pays dividends.

The film works as a Christmas film in that it has a nice positive message of not judging other people and, that everyone can have a chance of redemption no matter how wicked; this film did make me feel the Christmas spirit. Not only does it works as a Christmas film but, also as a comedy film as it is quite funny at times, the musical number being an example of this, it should generate a chuckle or two.

My one issue with the film is the same issue I have with a lot of others, excluding The Grinch himself the rest of the characters aren’t developed at all, even Cindy Lou, (Taylor Momsen), who is a leading character isn’t given much to do except drive The Grinch’s character development along.

Overall, despite my own personal feelings on Dr Seuss, I can see why so many people love this film, Carrey is fantastic and, it is genuinely sweet and funny at times; it even managed to win round a Seuss hater like me.

Pros.
Carrey
The Spirit Of Christmas

Cons.
The Annoying Rhyming
The Weird Character designs.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

It’s A Wonderful Life: Everyone Needs A Guardian Angle

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a Christmas fantasy drama film, the plot follows George Bailey, (James Stewart), throughout his life as he endeavors to do good and, keep Bailey Savings and Loan afloat. The drama of the film comes when 8000 dollars goes missing and, George looks to be arrested, at this point George is on the edge of committing suicide, but when things seem bleakest he meets an Angel called Clarence, (Henry Travers), who shows George what the world would be like if he was never born.

This film very much like ‘A Miracle On 34th Street’ is widely regarded as a Christmas classic and, that is for a good reason.
The feel-good message that everyone, no matter your circumstance, can have a huge impact on the world by showing kindness to others is incredibly seasonally appropriate. It is a message that reminds us that we should always be happy with what we have and, that though cliche the greatest joys in life don’t come from wealth or things, but rather the people around us.

The acting in the film is all well done Stewart and, Travers are excellent as the two main characters, but there are also a lot of fantastic side and, background characters that have moments to shine. My one issue with this is that though they have their moments to shine these side characters often feel very one note, very much an afterthought.

The dramatic elements are strong in this film as George’s life is very up and, down and, he is put through the wringer. At no point do these dramatic moments feel manipulative or, melodramatic rather they hit the nail on the head and feel genuine and earnest; striking an emotional chord with us the audience.

My other and, more significant issue with this film is that it has quite severe pacing issues. The part of the film wherein George wishes he was never born and, meets Clarence and, goes to the alternative world doesn’t happen until about 50 minutes into the film. Therein for me lies the problem, I understand the need to set the scene and, introduce the characters, but 50 minutes seems like a bit much and, it really makes this opening section of the film feel too dragged out and, too long; feeling almost overindulgent at times.

Overall despite some minor faults, its too long and, the side characters aren’t developed enough, this still captures the real meaning of the season better than any other film and, is worthy of the title of a Christmas classic.

Pros.
Meaning For The Season.
Impactful Drama.
Good Leads.

Cons.
Underdeveloped Characters.
Pacing Issues.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Christmas With The Kranks: A Neighborhood Obsessed.

Christmas With The Kranks is a Christmas comedy film, the plot follows Luther,( Tim Allen) and Nora Krank, (Jamie Lee Curtis), as a couple who decide to skip Christmas and, go on a tropical getaway instead; this runs them afoul of a lot of people in their neighborhood who try and, get them to change their mind.

Narratively this film is a mess it makes absolutely no sense what so ever, whenever the film seems to be going one way it goes the other, almost as though it is trying to be perplexing; this means you can’t invest in the characters or, anything that is going on as you don’t understand and, therefore don’t care.

The characters and, their motivations range from strange to downright bizarre an example of this would be Dan Aykroyd’s character, Vic. Vic seems to have something about Christmas he is obsessed with it he wants Luther and, Nora to celebrate it so much he breaks several laws trying to force them into it. If this is supposed to be funny, it doesn’t come across that way; it is more like creepy and unsettling.

However, it wasn’t only Aykroyd’s character that is done a disservice here, most of the characters are intensely dislikable and, I get it this film is the mean spirited sort of Christmas comedy, but even still these are just the worst sort of people, self-obsessed, no regard for others, trying to enforce their personal world view onto other people and, worst of all our protagonists fall into these sort of character traits as well; making them very hard to root for.

As I said before this film is mean spirited through and through if you view it through the lens of what does it say about Christmas? Does it have a nice message? Then this film stands out drastically from a lot of the more wholesome fare, a lot of the film suggests the most important thing in the world is doing what you want, other people be damned. However, in the film’s third act it does try and, cram in that wholesome festive message, but the issue is that the rest of the film is so tonally opposite to this that the final Christmas message almost feels like a bad joke; cheap and meaningless.

Overall this film doesn’t make me feel any Christmas cheer if anything it makes me question the meaning of the season. Jamie Lee Curtis is trying her best but, not even she can save this mess of a film. This goes to show that the bar for holiday entertainment is set perilously low.

2/5

Reviewed by Luke

Deck The Halls: A Character Study Into One Of The Most Unlikable Characters In Cinema

‘Deck the Halls’ is a Christmas Comedy film about two neighbors who come into conflict over one of them having the goal to have so many Christmas lights on his house that it will be visible from space. A series of pranks and, hijinks ensue that escalates over time until the point both men lose everything; they then form an uneasy friendship.

Those 5 lines are the entire plot of this film. I don’t know if I have seen too many Christmas films at this point, or if this one is just incredibly generic, but I genuinely can’t tell this film apart from a slew of other Christmas films and, just comedy films in general, that have this same exact plot; but actually do something memorable with it.

The only memorable thing about this film is that never before in all my life have I ever hated the main character, that you are supposed to root for, more. Steve Finch, (Matthew Broderick), who’s name I never knew at any point during the film and, didn’t care to learn, is the most annoying, obsessive kill joy I have ever seen; it seems as though no one can have fun unless it suits him and, he can be involved. He involves himself in other peoples business religiously and, is thoroughly unlikable.

His warring rival is Buddy Hall, (Danny Devito), it is him that wants his house visible from space: because that would give his life meaning I guess. Buddy is a charismatic car salesman who can sell anyone on anything and, always gets what he wants. I would assume both men are supposed to be dicks at the start of the film, as this would allow them to grow into better people by the end, but the level of dickery is not equal. Yes, Devito’s Hall might have his nastier moments but, compared to the black hole of fun that is Broderick’s Steve Finch he is basically Santa Claus.

That was a major issue I had with the film, in many scenes where you’re are supposed to root for Finch and, hope he wins against Hall you don’t, Hall is so much easier to root for. Devito actually manages to make the audience smile a few times in this dumpster fire, unlike Broderick who has all the charm of a brick. If roles were reversed and, Devito’s Hall was the main protagonist we were all rooting for then the roles would be much better suited.

Overall this is a godawful Christmas film and, one that doesn’t age well either. Definitely keep away from this over the Christmas period, even the Internets sweetheart Danny Devito can’t save this. If it was a choice between catching a showing of this or, catching the plague I would probably pick the plague.

1/5 (Only Because Of For Devito)

Reviewed by Luke

Elf: The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer

‘Elf’ is a Christmas Comedy film that follows Buddy, (Will Ferrell), a human who was raised as an Elf at the North Pole, one day Buddy starts to question why he doesn’t look like everyone else and, find out that he is adopted; after learning this he quests to New York City to find his biological father and, a place to belong.

‘Elf’ is a lot of people’s favourite Christmas film and, the reason for this is because of how sweet it is to see this pure soul, Buddy, who isn’t bogged down by any of the pressures of modern life and, is just a jolly person who wants to make other people happy and, spread Christmas cheer. This film definitely came out when Ferrell was at his comedic peak, at this point in time all of his films were hits and, guaranteed to be good for at least a chuckle or two. Ferrell plays Buddy with all the innocence and, sweetness of a kid unwrapping their presents on Christmas morning; which is incredibly endearing to see, he definitely nails the tone of this film.

This film talks a lot about the meaning of the season and, the love of family. To this extent, it is heartbreaking when we see Buddy’s dad Walter Hobbs, (James Caan), reject him but, it is a cheer-worthy moment when Walter changes his mean and cold ways, and realises the power of family. Seeing Buddy, who is effectively a child, interact with his dad and his step mum is very sweet, it doesn’t come across in the same way Billy Madison does when it almost feels mean spirited.

My one issue with this film is that Buddy’s relationship with Jovie, (Zoey Deschanel), can feel a bit icky at times. Jovie works alongside Buddy in the department store and, they form a bond together. A lot of the scenes the two share are happy and, nice but, there are a few mainly the shower scene that feels a bit uncomfortable. What I mean by this is if we ignore the fact that Buddy has the mentality of a child and, view it for what it is a grown man hanging around the showers as a young woman sings it just feels off. Whatsmore the fact that we are supposed to think this scene is endearing and, wholesome makes it far worse. However, on the whole, their relationship is cute.

To conclude this a very good-natured film and, it will definitely make you smile if not laugh out loud, Ferrell and, Deschanel both to a good job; this should be on your Christmas viewing list.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

A Christmas Prince: Who Needs Kate and Will?

‘A Christmas Prince’ is a Christmas set rom-com the plot revolves around journalist Amber, (Rose Mciver), as she is sent to the fictional country of Aldovia to cover the coronation of the new King, Prince Richard. While there she starts posing as the princesses nanny, all in the hopes of finding some juicy gossip, but in a rather predictable turn, she starts to develop strong feelings for the King to be.

The romance is wholesome and, sweet yet exactly what you would expect; they grow more fond of each other, then it is revealed that Amber isn’t who she says she is and, finally there is a big romantic gesture at the end, all very formulaic and, as you would expect. These Christmas Prince films almost feel more like a made for TV sort of films and, that is more than half the charm. The plot is laughably predictable, the set and, costume design all look very cheap and, the drama almost feels straight out of a reality show, but rather than have these things be a bad thing ‘A Christmas Prince’ is very aware of what it is; it knows it is a trashy made for TV film that most people will watch when they are hungover and, it seems proud of it.

The monarchy of Aldovia seems more than a little inspired by the British monarchy over the years it surprises me to say this but, of Netflix’s two properties that feature a monarchy, the other being the Crown I like this one more. The monarchy of Aldovia can have a laugh at their own expense, treating the whole idea in a very tongue in cheek way.

Rose Mciver does the best she can with a very limited script; her Amber is very down to earth and, likeable and, she makes some great points about monarchies in the modern age. The rest of the performances are all serviceable, nothing to write home about, but they aren’t the worst performances either.

‘A Christmas Prince’ also expertly sets up the wider Netflix shared universe, the most unknown of the shared universes, which features the likes of ‘The Princess Switch’ and, to a lesser degree ‘The Knight Before Christmas’ as well as the flood of ‘Christmas Prince’ sequels. These films all tie together in a very nice subtle way, even going so far as to point out and become meta, that they are in fact films in ‘The Princess Switch’.

Overall these films are trashy Christmas set rom-coms and, they know that they’re good junk food to watch over the holidays and so I would say by all means check them out.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Nativity 2: A True Testament To David Tennant’s Acting Abilities

‘Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger’ is a British comedy Christmas film and, is the second film in the Nativity series. The plot this time around focuses on the children of St Bernadette’s as they enter the ‘A Song For Christmas’ competition, for the chance to have their song be a Christmas number 1. This time around the class is lead by anxious teacher Donald Peterson, (David Tennant), taking over from Mr Maddens, (Martin Freeman), and his character arc revolves around becoming comfortable being a father and, beating his twin brother at ‘A Song For Christmas’.

Nativity 2 is better than the first film, make no mistake these are still very average films, they’re both good films to turn your brain off and, zone out to, or to have on in the background while you are tiding; for a bit of holiday cheer. The thing that makes ‘Danger In The Manger’ better than the first film is that it throws all logic out of the window, very early on. The first film had fantastical suspend your disbelief moments, but by and large, it tried to maintain a sense of realism, that under the right albeit extreme circumstances that these things could happen in real life.

However, this approach was a crutch and, one that was holding the film back, by completely letting go and, giving in to the insanity and, the inherent obscured nature of the premise this film can give us both barrels; throwing everything at us and, not worrying about if it makes sense or, being coherent.

This new approach also helps to make Mr Poppy, (Marc Wootton), more bearable. Now for anyone who has read my review of the previous film, you will know that Mr Poppy was one of the major downsides for me, he makes the film loses any sense of adult appeal and, made it feel as though it was solely aimed at kids. This time around Wootton is better, not because he has given any better of a performance because believe me he doesn’t but, because the film knows how to use him better; or at least in a less grating way.
He is given less of the limelight which greatly helps and, his back and forth with Tennant is far, far better than it ever was with Freeman.

David Tennant for me makes this film he easily gives the best performance and, puts everyone else to shame. He manages to play both the loveable well-intentioned teacher as well as the evil sibling/ strict teacher effortlessly. He truly is a credit to this film.

To conclude ‘Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger’ is better for letting go of any notion of sense or, logic and Tennant as always elevates the film far beyond anything the script or, other performances can do. There are also some more cute songs, but you knew there would be going in.

3/5

Reviewed by Luke

Inside Out: A Peak Into The Mind Of A Child

‘Inside Out’ is an animated comedy-drama film, focusing on a young girl Riley, (Kaitlyn Dias), who moves away from all she knows and, ends up in a scary new land. The story is mostly told through the point of view of Riley’s emotions, who are all characters in their own right. The drama of the film comes when Joy, (Amy Poehler), and Sadness, (Phyllis Smith), lose Riley’s core memories, the memories that make her who she is, and, so have to go on a quest to get them back; going through everything from Imagination Land to Long Term Memory.

My issue with ‘Inside Out’ and, a lot of these sort of animated films is that they feel manipulative, by that I mean it feels as though they are designed to make you cry and, have a response; not to tell a story or, be entertaining, instead to pull on your heartstrings. Some moments do this well, tastefully, and had me tearing up a bit but, other moments felt so forced and, disingenuous that it left a bad taste in my mouth and, soured me on the film.

My other issue with the film is that Joy as a character is incredibly annoying. I understand that her character arc is supposed to be she thinks her way is the right and, the only way, which she then learns by the end of the film isn’t always correct, but in going through this arc she is just insufferable. Joy constantly forces her way on every single one of the other characters even when it is painfully clear to see she is wrong she goes on and, on and a lot of the time is actually quite unpleasant to the other characters. This isn’t the first film to feature an unlikable protagonist, but it is the first where I have actively wanted to turn it off because of it.

The one thing I will give ‘Inside Out’ credit for is that it captures what it is like having to face a change in your life really well. The filmmakers consulted with psychologists while making this film to try and, get Riley’s response just right and, you know what it works it works really well. All of the stages and, shifts in Riley’s emotions are very relatable and, easy to recognise from my own life.

Overall I think ‘Inside Out’ is deeply, deeply overrated, especially if you consider it won an Oscar, the plot often feels like it is trying too hard to make you feel something and, Joy as a character is unbearable from the moment she comes on screen. For anyone doing a Pixar films ranked list this belongs at the middling to the bottom end of it.

2.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Shrek Forever After: My Kind Of Fairytale

‘Shrek Forever After’ is an animated comedy film serving as both a concluding chapter in the Shrek franchise as well as a sequel to ‘Shrek 3’. The plot revolves around everyone’s favourite angry green ogre Shrek, (Mike Myers), who after the events of ‘Shrek 3’ has become a family man however, there is a part of him that yearns to be the feared ogre he once was again. Rumpelstiltskin, (Walt Dohrn), the villain this time around, tricks Shrek into signing a contract that would allow him to return to his glory days but, at a terrible cost.

The Shrek franchise is legendary not just for its films but, for its effect on the animated movie industry, the first Shrek film ripped up the rule book on fairy tale stories and, wrote something entirely new that took pop culture by storm. ‘Shrek’ and ‘Shrek 2’ were masterpieces in their own right they captured the idea of wanting to be someone else, but over time learning to love yourself as you are so so well this is what made a lot of people like them. Then ‘Shrek 3’ came out and, though I liked it personally a lot of people didn’t, a lot of people though the franchise should have ended after 2, so it could have gone out on a highnote; not being milked for all it was worth.

To those people, I say, “you want to check out ‘Shrek 4”, not only isn’t it a cynical corporate sellout, it arguably has the most soul of any of the films in the series. The plot of this film highlights how we all grow and, change as people as we get older, no doubt a nod to the audience that has grown up watching these films. As well as this ‘Forever After’ see the most character development for Shrek himself since the second film, Shrek realise the value of family and, what his life is without it; the choice to have true loves kiss not work the first time around is genius as it put Shrek in a real sense of danger, as well as uncharted territory narratively.

Also, this film finally gives Fiona, (Cameron Diaz), something to do, the other films had flirted with this idea in the past but, had mostly sidelined her character. It is nice to see her leading the resistance against Rumpelstiltskin as it finally gives her a purpose as a character beyond being a wife and mother and, occasional sidekick to Shrek.

‘Shrek Forever After’ lets the series go out on a high note, it has heart and, a much-needed message. A lot of people tuned out after ‘Shrek 3’ and, didn’t give this a chance but, that is a real tragedy, as this is a great instalment in the series and, one of the best-animated films of all time. I can’t wait for Shrek 5.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke