Deadpool
Everybody seemed to adore this film when it was released, but I can't say it excited me that much. I enjoy meta humour as much as the next man, but Deadpool’s is never as clever as it thinks it is. The majority of the time it just consists of Ryan Reynolds acknowledging to the camera that something was “cliché” and then doing nothing particularly funny with it. Still, Reynolds is good, the action is grittier than your usual superhero blockbuster, and it doesn't end with a giant space beam shooting into the sky. 6.6/10
Sing Street
Absolutely wonderful from start to finish. The sharp dialogue combined with the gleefully ridiculous song numbers kept me laughing throughout. The acting is very strong, Jack Reynor delivering a particular compelling performance as the protagonist’s older brother. By the third act the tone shifts, becoming more poignant and less humorous. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it’s just a noticeable change that does allow the film to end on a thoughtful and emotional note. 8.7/10
The BFG
An adequately pleasant film. Mark Rylance is fantastic as the titular character, and the CGI is superb and surprisingly hefty. Ruby Barnhill nails the defiant nature of Sophie, even if she does verge on annoying sometimes. The main issue, however, is the rather meandering pace and general lack of plot. Still, that's more an issue with the source material, which Steven Spielberg manages to adapt with as much magic and whimsy as you'd hope. 7.4/10
Jason Bourne
It's essentially another Bourne film, but there's enough difference for it to not feel entirely unnecessary. Matt Damon delivers a brilliant physical performance, showcasing a Bourne that's more aged and world weary since his last outing. The plot itself adds some modern twists, tackling the ethicality of surveillance in a similar vein to Spectre. Admittedly, I don't need another one anytime soon, but it’s still the best action you’ll see on film this year. 7.8/10
Doctor Strange
A unique departure from the usual MCU outing. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a delightfully dry and sarcastic performance as the titular character, whilst Tilda Swinton adds an unusual amount of personality to the typically boring and pretentious teacher character. The plot is more narrowly focused than Civil War, though it is on a smaller and less significant scale. The action and visuals are spectacularly trippy and the third act is by far Marvel's most inventive. Plus, whilst I wish the rest of the score was as psychedelic as the credits theme, the soundtrack does include my favourite Pink Floyd song. 8.2/10
Arrival
A refreshingly smart sci-fi film that relies on a fascinating narrative and compelling characters over flashy visual effects and soulless spectacle. Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner play interesting leads, and the plot - whilst slower than blockbuster audiences are used to - asks important, relevant questions that challenge the current political climate without feeling preachy. There's also a fantastic twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan go weak at the knees. 8.6/10
I, Daniel Blake
Undoubtedly the most stirring film I’ve ever seen. Ken Loach’s filmmaking is grittily naturalistic, perfectly capturing the lives of those neglected by the current welfare state. Meanwhile, Dave Johns and Hayley Squires give a face to those people in two outstanding and empathetic performances. The best part of the film, however, is that it doesn’t just rile up anger, but celebrates the power of basic humanity and the importance of unity. It’s a passionate film with a significant impact. 8.4/10
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
About on par with the more average Potter films, like Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince. Eddie Redmayne is perfectly cast, playing Newt Scamander with lovable awkwardness. Ezra Miller's performance is also pretty unsettling, and the film isn't afraid to explore some impressively dark themes. Sadly, the plot isn't as tight as I'd want it to be, with slightly too many things going on at once, making it difficult to stay fully invested when you keep going back and forth. Still, it's a better start to a franchise than The Philosopher's Stone. 7.5/10
Passengers
It’s not as intelligent as Arrival, but it’s still decently entertaining. There appears to be one plot point that’s ruined the film for a lot of people, but I don’t really agree. The main issue with the film is it plays everything too safe; the ending is especially contrived and, as a result, the film’s ideas are never explored in as much depth as they deserve. On the other hand, Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence are as good as you’d expect, although I’m pretty sure I’m going to get bored of them soon. 6.6/10
Rogue One review coming soon, as well as the top 10 some point at the end of the year/start of next year.
Everybody seemed to adore this film when it was released, but I can't say it excited me that much. I enjoy meta humour as much as the next man, but Deadpool’s is never as clever as it thinks it is. The majority of the time it just consists of Ryan Reynolds acknowledging to the camera that something was “cliché” and then doing nothing particularly funny with it. Still, Reynolds is good, the action is grittier than your usual superhero blockbuster, and it doesn't end with a giant space beam shooting into the sky. 6.6/10
Sing Street
Absolutely wonderful from start to finish. The sharp dialogue combined with the gleefully ridiculous song numbers kept me laughing throughout. The acting is very strong, Jack Reynor delivering a particular compelling performance as the protagonist’s older brother. By the third act the tone shifts, becoming more poignant and less humorous. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it’s just a noticeable change that does allow the film to end on a thoughtful and emotional note. 8.7/10
The BFG
An adequately pleasant film. Mark Rylance is fantastic as the titular character, and the CGI is superb and surprisingly hefty. Ruby Barnhill nails the defiant nature of Sophie, even if she does verge on annoying sometimes. The main issue, however, is the rather meandering pace and general lack of plot. Still, that's more an issue with the source material, which Steven Spielberg manages to adapt with as much magic and whimsy as you'd hope. 7.4/10
Jason Bourne
It's essentially another Bourne film, but there's enough difference for it to not feel entirely unnecessary. Matt Damon delivers a brilliant physical performance, showcasing a Bourne that's more aged and world weary since his last outing. The plot itself adds some modern twists, tackling the ethicality of surveillance in a similar vein to Spectre. Admittedly, I don't need another one anytime soon, but it’s still the best action you’ll see on film this year. 7.8/10
Doctor Strange
A unique departure from the usual MCU outing. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a delightfully dry and sarcastic performance as the titular character, whilst Tilda Swinton adds an unusual amount of personality to the typically boring and pretentious teacher character. The plot is more narrowly focused than Civil War, though it is on a smaller and less significant scale. The action and visuals are spectacularly trippy and the third act is by far Marvel's most inventive. Plus, whilst I wish the rest of the score was as psychedelic as the credits theme, the soundtrack does include my favourite Pink Floyd song. 8.2/10
Arrival
A refreshingly smart sci-fi film that relies on a fascinating narrative and compelling characters over flashy visual effects and soulless spectacle. Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner play interesting leads, and the plot - whilst slower than blockbuster audiences are used to - asks important, relevant questions that challenge the current political climate without feeling preachy. There's also a fantastic twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan go weak at the knees. 8.6/10
I, Daniel Blake
Undoubtedly the most stirring film I’ve ever seen. Ken Loach’s filmmaking is grittily naturalistic, perfectly capturing the lives of those neglected by the current welfare state. Meanwhile, Dave Johns and Hayley Squires give a face to those people in two outstanding and empathetic performances. The best part of the film, however, is that it doesn’t just rile up anger, but celebrates the power of basic humanity and the importance of unity. It’s a passionate film with a significant impact. 8.4/10
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
About on par with the more average Potter films, like Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince. Eddie Redmayne is perfectly cast, playing Newt Scamander with lovable awkwardness. Ezra Miller's performance is also pretty unsettling, and the film isn't afraid to explore some impressively dark themes. Sadly, the plot isn't as tight as I'd want it to be, with slightly too many things going on at once, making it difficult to stay fully invested when you keep going back and forth. Still, it's a better start to a franchise than The Philosopher's Stone. 7.5/10
Passengers
It’s not as intelligent as Arrival, but it’s still decently entertaining. There appears to be one plot point that’s ruined the film for a lot of people, but I don’t really agree. The main issue with the film is it plays everything too safe; the ending is especially contrived and, as a result, the film’s ideas are never explored in as much depth as they deserve. On the other hand, Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence are as good as you’d expect, although I’m pretty sure I’m going to get bored of them soon. 6.6/10
Rogue One review coming soon, as well as the top 10 some point at the end of the year/start of next year.
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