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IT Chapter Two (2019) – Review

‘IT Chapter Two’ has a lot to live up to after the first chapter. Many sequels have failed to successfully develop their storylines to make the story worth telling. However, with the legendary Stephen King overlooking the film, will this one be a must-watch?

If you hate blood and gore, you could consider ‘IT Chapter Two’ a horror; from rotting bodies to being drenched in blood, the film was more gruesome than scary. From the beginning we are exposed to violence, with a shocking opening scene of a gay couple being vilely abused by a gang of acne-ridden teens. Through opening the film in this way, we are already given a taste of all the blood spilled. Despite this, there were still elements of comedy that you couldn’t help laugh at (even if it was at the wrong time and the wrong place).

Whilst there were some jumpscares, audiences were almost prepared for when a ‘shock’ was coming. From still movement to slowly entering a room, the clique camera angles and movement gave away when a surprise was going to take place, reducing audience gasps. However, classic methods of shock did not let this film down when it came to the soundtrack; the eerie and suspenseful music added that extra edge to individual scenes, being as valuable as the theme song in Jaws.

After half and hour or so into the film, it became a struggle to identify which character was which. If there had been a little more flashbacks to draw those vital connections, characters would have been identified a lot more quicker. However, once the Losers were reunited and we began to delve into each individual, it became clear who was who and what a great experience that was.

Mike, Richie, Bill, Beverly and Ben reunite to defeat Pennywise.

Beverly’s Story was developed well as we see parallels between her childhood and adult life. However, I feel as though she had lost some of her strength and curiosity shown in chapter one; this time she appeared more vulnerable. This can, on the other hand, be explained by her difficult relationships with her father and her husband.

Ben, although now a bodybuilder, successfully maintains his sweet, lovable personality that we all fell in love with. Likewise with Bill, who still appears to be the gentle soul he was in Chapter One. The story covering the death of Georgie is also maintained well, as we see a sense of guilt and overwhelming grief build up inside Bill’s character. As expected, we are offered a little romance; a love triangle between Ben, Beverly and Bill is created, with audiences left questioning how the romances will end.

Whilst at the start Stanley’s story appeared to have disappeared into thin air, we are given a sense of closure at the end – a very emotional end. Eddie and Richie make a great duo bringing the humour to the ‘horror’. However, I did not feel as connected to their characters as I did the first time round, it felt as though we lacked the same amount of sympathy for them (as we did in the first film) – at some points even irritation came flooding in.

Mike’s character was wonderful. He was the wise, brave hero who appeared unstoppable despite the sickening fear haunting him. He remained dedicated to hunting down pennywise and getting rid of him for once and for all. Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise is flawless! Since Chapter One, I have struggled to think of another actor who could portray this killer clown as fantastic as Skarsgård. He has perfected the facial expressions, the body language and the chilling voice – which were all highlighted by the talented artists and costume designers who placed so much detail into his characters appearance.

Overall, audiences will leave cinemas feeling somewhat satisfied but feel sense a loss. I feel as though Pennywise could have done a lot more damage – his evilness has fallen lazy, leaving the insane Henry Bowers and a couple of zombies to do most of his dirty work. Despite the long running time, the film surprisingly zoomed past as we were left encapsulated with the gory scenes and insightful character relationships.

Things to look out for:

Stephen King’s cameo
The hidden symbolism
Character relationships (not just the love triangle)

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Crawl (2019) – Review

Disaster movies always leave audiences on the edge of their seats and questioning ‘what if it happens to me?‘. Does Crawl live up to this expectation?

Crawl (2019): Kaya Scodelario as Haley Keller.

When Haley’s father is missing, she goes to find him despite the warnings of a category 5 hurricane heading their way. Set in Florida, we are already aware of the dangers of natural disasters, as well as the terrifying creatures hidden within the murky waters …

From the beginning, we are given an insightful backstory to her relationship with her father through the use of flashbacks. This gives the film a more indepth feel and draws audiences closer to the characters. Furthermore, this relationship becomes key further into the storyline, with emotions becoming more prominent.

Tension is also already created with low underwater angles; similar to those seen in ‘Jaws’. Whilst it felt fast-paced at the start, it does slow down further into the film and drags on. However, tension is held throughout, with the use of dim lighting and use of torches.

Barry Pepper and Kaya Scodelario in Crawl from Paramount Pictures.

A powerful moment in the film was the symbolism in the use of the red safety beam, the great underwater shots of red light seeping in signalled danger, whilst reminding us of the pervious gory scenes featuring blood and violence.

There were heart-jumping moments, but also some that were a little predictable. Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper, who play father and daughter, prove their talent through impressive scenes that evoke fear and anxiety. Their characterisation and relationship is significant to the film, building on the importance of survival and strength.

“We may be stubborn, but we don’t give up.”
Dave Keller (Barry Pepper), Crawl 2019

The raising alarms of our degrading natural environment with the horror of natural disasters is brought to attention throughout ‘Crawl’; The increasing climatic and meteorological changes in modern day makes it the more believable. However, the likelihood of a clan of crocodiles remaining in one small area (around house) is highly unlikely.

The setting rarely changed, which made it less exciting. Whilst being trapped in a small space with a gang of crocodiles is terrifying, the film’s pace was slowed as a result, leaving us impatiently waiting.

Overall, the acting brought this film to life, however, with an intriguing storyline like this, more action could have been introduced to increase the pace and make the experience even more thrilling.

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Cats (2019) – Trailer Reaction

So here I am, sat on my laptop about to press play to watch the trailer to the upcoming movie ‘Cats’. As I am familiar with the musical, I can almost guarantee this film is not one for me; unimpressed already. But let’s see if this trailer can change my mind.

To begin, the use of lighting did catch my eye – the mysterious, dark theme has already been set through the silhouettes and shadows. The choice of ‘Memory’ as the main track supports this by bringing a delicate and mystical feel. However, what I’ve always disliked about ‘Cats’ is the freaky human-like cats that walk on all fours… legs too long and arms too short. It reminds me of children attempting to be animals in the playground, I just can’t take it seriously.

Okay, I do love Judi Dench and the fur itself appears realistic and detailed. But she looks like a golden lion monkey rather than a cat, and the other “cats” look like strange hybrid creatures. I know this is how it appears in the musical, but I was hoping for a little more movie magic to make this more bearable to watch.

Just another note – what is with that fur coat? There’s something disturbing seeing a cat (with fur) wearing a fur coat…

Again, another cat (with fur) wearing a fur coat… slightly uncomfortable. Anyway, it’s the powerhouse Jennifer Hudson, another actress who I love! The cast in this film is undoubtedly phenomenal, which hints that we are in for a treat when it comes to the acting and music. Not so much the rest of it though.

However, I must comment on the cinematography; the colours and tones, the lighting and generally the whole aesthetic is wonderful. It’s clear it has been well thought through, with it successfully creating the woeful atmosphere in each scene.

Now this is a great shot! Idris Elba, highlighted by red light, glaring down as the sky is swallowed up by an army of clouds – how dramatic! We are already given a taste of his character, an intimidating ‘master criminal’ – this is going to bring some excitement to the film.

The dancing is incredible, but what did I expect for such a well-known musical. Just from the trailer, it’s clear a large amount of effort has been put into the choreography and staging, which shows huge potential. On the other hand, the trailer does not really tease how they approached the actual storyline, which makes it questionable. What makes the film special? Why not just go and see the original musical or the 1998 film?

Although ‘Cats’ has never intrigued me, and this trailer hasn’t really changed my mind, with a cast list includes, Judi Dench, Ian McKellan, Jennifer Hudson, Idris Elba, James Corden, Rebel Wilson, Taylor Swift, Jason Derulo and many more, I would probably go and see the film for the overall performance. This is definitely a film for musical fans, but will also draw those who like a little craziness and madness; it’s like an extreme Tim Burton film that aims to haunt the dreams of its audience…

Overall, whilst the trailer did show off it’s A-list cast and great cinematography, it didn’t feel as though it were any different to the previous film (excluding the graphics). Furthermore, there were some strange decisions, such as scaling and costumes, which made the film off-putting.

So, what did you think of the trailer?

Talk of The Future

So I haven’t posted in a while and I thought I might post something to fill in that large gap. So, where to start?

I’m officially going to university this month and I cannot be more terrified! There’s a whirlpool of emotions swirling in my head right now – a mix of excitement, anticipation and fear. Whilst new beginnings are wonderful, I also despise change… so this is a huge challenge. However, I know that this is the start of my future and so many opportunities are ahead!

I will be trying to write on this blog when I get the opportunity, but in all honesty I have found difficulty finding the motivation to. As I will be studying Film this year, I am hoping my passion and ‘writers-mind’ will come flooding back; sometimes a long break can turn your brain to mush.

I do have a few screenings planned, one I will be seeing this week (I will try my best to document/review them all). I will also be doing some shorter posts from just general film talk and thoughts, to trailer reactions and ‘must-watches’. I hope you enjoy them!

This blog does mean a lot to me as it gives me a space to practice my critical, analytical and creative writing, as well as will help me discover new ways of exploring film.

So since my last post, I have seen ‘Blinded by the Light’ (2019), which was a phenomenal film that evoked emotion and soul. Whilst I did have a review planned for it, I never really got to writing it… oops. Other than that I’ve been enjoying my long break and been preparing for uni (ahh!).

That’s all for now, keep an eye out for another post soon!

10 Films to Watch on Halloween

Yes it’s August…but Halloween is in 3 months and we must prepare for another wonderful holiday! Here are 10 must-watch horror films for the lead up to Halloween:

1. Halloween (1978)

It was in 1963 when Michael Myers murdered his sister. After being in prison for 15 years, he escapes and hunts for new victims in his hometown in Illinois. The 1984 original is a masterpiece! If you have not yet watched ‘Halloween’, you have missed out on true horror. What’s better than watching this on halloween night?

2. The Conjuring

Here is the one horror film that actually gave me chills and a long sleepless night. If ‘The Conjuring’ isn’t considered one of the most sinister films, I don’t know what is. Set in 1970, paranormal investigators find themselves engulfed into the horrors and history of the Perron’s family home. Be prepared for sudden scares and nightmares! Fun Fact: it’s based of a true story – even creepier!

3. The Silence Of The Lambs

Gory, Gruesome and gut-wrenching, ‘The Silence of The Lambs’ is an enduring film that will revolt audiences. If you love a good bit of violence, this one’s for you! When Clarice Starling, a student, interviews psychopath and psychiatrist named Dr Hannibal Lecter, she gets a closer insight into the death of a young woman. The film quickly escalates down a dark path full of barbarity and shocks.

4. Insidious

A haunted home, a possessed boy. Is it a dreamworld? A parallel dimension? Or the place between life and death? ‘Insidious’ is an in-depth film that leaves audiences intrigued about the spiritual and earthly bonds, life and death, imagination and reality. We’re left to feel a sense of paranoia throughout, feeling shivers down our spine with the idea of eyes following us. An unforgettable film that will leave you unnerved.

5. The Purge

A dystopian beauty. Imagine the day where you have to lock all your doors and windows, hide in the basement and wait for the Purge to end; unless you’re very vengeful (or a psychopath) then you’ll be enjoying your bloody outing. What makes this film so enticing and fearsome is realism- it could happen! Pull out that blanket to hide under.

6. Psycho

This Alfred Hitchcock classic is full of blood, mystery and shocks with the shower scene being one of the most famous movie moments (in history!). When Marion Crane runs away after pocketing $40,000, she finds herself in Bates Motel during a thunderstorm. Later, she is brutally murdered by an unknown figure. As the film develops, the disturbing truth is revealed; watch and solve the mystery…

7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ explores the horrors of when nightmares become reality. Freddy Krueger, a child serial-killer, appears in the nightmares of four teenagers, killing them off one by one. When Nancy discovers that he can enter the ‘real’ world, she attempts to capture him; it’s a matter of life and death. A dark history is revealed that draws us closer into the storyline and leaves us routing for Nancy. Blood, gore and more!

“Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.”
Nancy, A Nightmare on Elm Street

8. Scream

Halloween would be incomplete without the Scream series. A serial killer on the loose goes on a hungry stabbing spree. Forget ghosts, ghouls and monsters, a human weilding a knife and wearing a mask is 10x sacrier. Watch you back.

“You forgot the first rule of remakes Jill, don’t fuck with the original”
Sidney, Scream 4

9. It (2018)

The 1990 original film is great but the graphics on the 2018 makes it just that little better. An evil clown that likes to terrorize and eat children is about to pounce after 25 years of hiding. It captures the fear instilled in Stephen King’s novel well and is likely horrify the coulrophobics out there. However, a little light is shed when Pennywise performs his meme-worthy dance.

10. The Boy

Although less scary than the previous films, and a little slow-paced at times, this weird but wonderful film will leave you stunned at the sudden turns and twists throughout this film. A babysitter travels from American to sit a young ‘boy’ in England. His (very old) parents leave her and the boy home alone in their mansion, with her only company being the grocery deliverer. Left with a set of rules to follow, will she obey them?

The Purpose of Film

When we think of film, the first words that come to mind are entertainment and Hollywood. But other than for enjoyment and fancy red carpets, what does film truly give us?

Besides the action, thrill and joy, film is a great method of expressing yourself and sharing a message. Take Forrest Gump or The Pursuit of Happyness, two beautiful movies that follow the life experiences of complex characters.

We can learn so much from these experiences, see ourselves in characters and understand the world around us; film awakens our minds to see more than just one perspective. They explore our troubled world, attempting to challenge and understand it.

Each individual filmmaker has their own purpose, whether its a personal response or a topic they feel passionate about, all films hold a meaning; a meaning the audience must decode. If we recognise this and embrace the message, we can all learn something valuable.

Consciously and subconsciously, at the end of a movie, we are left with a deep thought, a question, a miraculous realisation or just a strong feeling that will remain within us for a long time. We contemplate what we’ve seen and how we can relate it to our own lives, linking together experiences and wonder how we can learn from characters in the film.

Film, however, can also be an escape – often stories developed from novels, like the Harry Potter series. We are given the opportunity to escape reality and adventure into another magical world filled with wonderful madness. Personally, I see Tim Burton as being the father of creating imaginary worlds.

Therefore, film has a purpose beyond entertainment and glamour, it conceals meaning within its core and teaches us lessons we are unable to teach ourselves. The purpose of film is to unlock the mind.

Tomb Raider (2018) – Review

Lara Croft has been on our screens several times – from video games to movies, we can’t get enough! But did this one live up to our expectations?

Strong, brave and adventurous, Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) proved to be the ideal female icon in this action-packed and fast-paced film. ‘Tomb Raider’ is a gripping film that follows Lara’s trip to the coast of Japan. We witness her fight her way through the island and into the tomb, showing her strength and determination to solve her father’s disappearance.

We are introduced to wicked characters like Mathias Vogel, and honourable characters like Lu Ren, where it really is the battle between the good and the bad.

Thrilling and filled with apprehension; no matter how much you want to turn away from the gory and violent scenes, you can’t help but get a good glimpse! The variation of locations brings excitement to the film as it allows room for the unexpected to occur – chills, gasps, jumps, squeals. The stunts and injuries are so convincing you could almost feel the pain and fear that the characters are going through.

The settings are beautifully detailed with rich colours, careful engravings and subtle symbols. The lighting within the tomb itself really sets the scene; it creates a dark, trepidatious atmosphere that entangles the audience in the action.

The background stories of Lara and Lu Ren make this film more special – we’re given the opportunity to understand the characters on a more personal level. This also cleverly feeds the storyline and offers an interesting development of the characters and overall film.

Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft was the perfect casting. She embodies the female fighter that she is. From the beginning of the film, we see her as an already defined (determined and skilled) character. However, we do witness her character develop as her independence and knowledge grows. Intelligent and powerful, Vikander’s Lara Croft is a perfect display of female strength… a true role model.

‘Tomb Raider’ is a film bursting with action and excitement that I would highly recommend to adventure lovers and young girls/women with ambition.

Little (2019) – Review

Captivated by its comedic trailer(s) and appealing storyline, did ‘Little’ really have a big impact on its audience?

Penny Marshall’s Big meets Fox’s Empire: ‘Little’ is a hilarious and in-depth film that explores the life of Jordan Saunders.

Sassy and smart, Jordan is a great lead character but a harsh boss with an attitude. It is not until she becomes ‘little’ when she realises that changes need to be made for her to become a kinder, more considerate person. Her maturity and smart comments made as her child-self has a comedic effect that works tremendously. From Jordan ordering around her workers to flirting with her teacher, there’s not a moment of boredom throughout the entire film.

It’s impossible not to burst out laughing as she dances drunkenly on the table – still a child – or feel a squeeze inside your heart when she reaches out to the outcasts in school. As her character exerts confidence, she attempts to inspire them – recognising how she can positively influence others’ lives by learning from her own experiences. Whilst this is a comedy, it’s also an insightful and magical film that gives your heart a warm hug.

A significant character to point out is Jordan’s assistant, April. Issa Rae portrays her character remarkably, showing her intelligence and passion. Her character develops further when she gets the opportunity to help run the business. This a pivotal moment in her career as she can finally share her ideas and be the boss she has the potential to be.

The costume design was flawless for each character, the daring patterns and vibrant colours reflected the whole feel of the movie. The bold and fierce outfits April wears from Jordan’s closet displays her feistiness and potential to be successful. Likewise, Jordan’s iconic hot pink suit she wears when struts down the corridor, as though she were wearing a crown – a crown she deserves- sums up her character perfectly. Even Jordan’s spotless apartment mirrors her character – a perfectionist.

Overall, as a comedy film, ‘Little’ is a success, however, it would not make the list of must-watch films when comparing it to the other phenomenal films out there.

Celebrating Christopher Nolan

The incredible and creative Christopher Nolan celebrates his 49^th birthday today. As one of my favourite directors, I thought I’d to dedicate a post to him and his phenomenal works (happy birthday).

“I’ve always believed that if you want to really try and make a great film, not a good film, but a great film, you have to take a lot of risks.”
Christopher Nolan

From Inception to Dunkirk, Nolan’s films have deservingly won plenty of awards and will be remembered in history for their greatness. He is the director of our generation, inspiring young filmmakers to achieve their dreams and explore their imagination.

All his films capture such intensity that immerses us into the storylines – we can’t get enough! But what are his best movies? Here are my top three:

1. Inception (2010)

‘Inception’ is beautifully complex film that explores the labyrinth of dreams and confusion of reality. After winning four Academy awards, Nolan proved himself to be a true visionary and mastermind.

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

Unsettling but sensational, ‘The Dark Knight’ is undoubtedly the best film of the trilogy. The breathtaking performances are convincing enough to get your blood-curdling! Nolan certainly showed his ability to piece together a thrilling and thought-provoking work of art.

3. Memento (2000)

Nolan’s screenplay about a revengeful man with memory loss is magnetizing and insightful, with an almost hypnotic feel. The flash backs and reversal of the story immerse the audience in pool of questions that have shocking answers- a film you do not want to miss out on!

“Every film should have its own world, a logic and feel to it that expands beyond the exact image that the audience is seeing.”
Christopher Nolan

With 178 awards, 491 nominations and a CBE, his achievements as as a director, screenwriter and producer are certainly deserved. Nolan is a gifted filmmaker that sprinkles a touch of magic on to all his works – a pure genius.

To the talented Christopher Nolan, Happy Birthday! With a new film underway, his success is not stopping here. Let’s get ready for more Oscar wins…

Murder Mystery (2019) – Review

When Netflix first released the trailer for ‘Murder Mystery’, excitement spread across social media at the crime-comedy mix. But was it a gain or loss for Netflix? Did it really have the potential to be a success?

Netflix: Murder Mystery (Audrey and Nick)

When Nick and Audrey head off on their late honeymoon across Europe, they find themselves invited to a party on a billionaire’s family yacht – a peculiar invitation. Whilst they politely decline, their overcrowded bus (from hell) leads them to quickly change their minds and accept.

Although there are small segments that feel a little cliché, ‘Murder Mystery’ is a clever and well-plotted film that feels as though you’ve been plunged into a parody of an Agatha Christie novel. The A-list cast produce a comical and engaging performance, which leaves you investigating and seeking out the answer to who the murderer is. With some shocks and turns, the plot builds and develops well, leaving audiences rethinking their detective skills and reflecting on the clues.

Netflix: Murder Mystery (Nick, Audrey and Juan)

The characterisation of billionaire Charles Cavendish is superb; charming and ostentatious, but occasionally withdrawn. He constantly carries a sense of secrecy that leaves us questioning his character, but also intriguing us – the same way he intrigued Audrey on the plane. Whilst the use of the British billionaire family brings a classic feel to this murder mystery, it also places emphasis on the two Americans (Nick and Audrey) as they contrast the other characters.

Nick and Audrey portray the ‘relaxed’ working-class couple, who introduce the laughs to the film; their relatable characters draw us further into the mystery as we follow their journey to discover the truth behind the horrors. However, whilst there is strong characterisation, some of the character’s stories felt a little under-developed. For example, Colonel Ulenga and Sergei seemed to have a whole lot more to them than what was revealed. But I guess It is a mystery after all.

Netflix: Murder Mystery (Charles Cavendish)

The setting choice for where the murder takes place follows a similar idea to Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, where ‘Murder Mystery’ also uses a confined transport (a yacht) … we know the murder is in the room! Audiences are left to quiz the innocence of each character, raising the tension.

Tension, however, is reduced with the added humour that successfully lightens the mood of the film. This does lead to some moments being too overdramatic and contrived – it can appear so forced it removes the humour, which makes it difficult to remain focused on the plot and characters as it can be very distracting.

One scene that did have a perfect balance between suspenseful and funny is the one that takes place in the library. What makes this scene so thrilling is the edgy backing track and gunshots combined with comedic interludes. It explores the mystery murderer more closely, which sets audiences on the edge of their seats.

Overall, it was an interesting mix of crime, mystery and comedy – a rare combination that director Kyle Newacheck skilfully pulled together. The depiction of distinct characters, along with the plot, is what really made this film captivating.