Film Review: Mandy

Panos Cosmatos’ Mandy is quite the trip. At its best moments, the film is dazzling.

Red and Mandy live an idyllic existence in their secluded home in the forest. When a nefarious group crosses them, the couple are plunged into a nightmare… 

Director and co-writer Panos Cosmatos has crafted a revenge thriller with its own unique flair. The premise is fairly simple, but there are plenty of aspects that make the film memorable. The narrative is broken into chapters of varying length. Mandy starts with a laconic pace, setting the scene, ambience and the main characters. The pace increases after first third, as director asks viewers to surrender to the mania. 

The art direction is most striking. The use of colour and lighting give the film a distinctive look, and the cinematography offers some great framing. Allegory is important in the film, and this is exhibited throughout. The opening titles immediately set the tone, and hints towards the era. The film is very much in the mode of an 80s B movie, revelling in this style. The advert featured perfectly exemplifies the demented nature of the film. Sound in Mandy is equally striking, with Jóhann Jóhannson’s score enveloping viewers into a strange and unsettling world. 

Like Brian Taylor’s Mom and Dad earlier this year, director utilises Cage most effectively. Patience is the name of the game, and other characters take centre stage to begin with. Viewers have to wait for Nicolas Cage to go full throttle, and when he does, it is glorious. There isn’t really another actor with the same energy as him, and it is really something to watch. Andrea Riseborough is as good as ever. Linus Roache plays the part of Jeremiah well. 

Despite the simplicity of the plot, Mandy is a striking and memorable film. It is quite the ride.

Mandy is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2018.

Film Review: Battle of the Sexes

Battle of the Sexes is an entertaining and competently made film. Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris have leaned upon the modern resonance of the film to engage with audiences.

Based on the well-known tennis match, Battle of the Sexes has a wider remit beyond this. Principally the film focuses upon Billie Jean King and her championing of equality, as well as her personal life. The secondary strand is that of her opponent Bobby Riggs. The film spends some time exploring his family life, and his personality. The emphasis is clearly on King however.

The story is told in an engaging manner, with momentum building to the famous match. The film functions as a partial biopic of the two main characters, focusing on their lives at the time of the event. The overriding theme is the struggle for equality. The arguments over women’s pay in tennis is something that continues to this day.

King is a fairly well-drawn protagonist. Although there is activity in her relationships, the film’s focus, like King herself, is on the sport. Battle of the Sexes emphasises the player’s determination, and the reason behind her motivation. This is made clear through a few brief conversations; Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris are economical here with backstory, but this works overall.

A distinction is understandably drawn between the two players. King’s earnestness and hard work is set in contrast to Riggs’ braggadocio and relentless hustle. In some ways, King provides the heart and drama in the story, whilst Riggs provides the laughs. It is not quite as clear cut as this, however, as Riggs’ sensitive side gets a hearing.

Emma Stone delivers a strong performance as Billie Jean King. Steve Carell is larger than life as Riggs, and injects much needed energy into the film. Andrea Riseborough is a great chameleon, and is convincing as ever here. Sarah Silverman also stands out in a supporting role.

Battle of the Sexes highlights the achievements of Billie Jean King and others in the 1970s, but also how much further there is to go with regards to equality. The film is well made, but does not elevate beyond this.

Battle of the Sexes is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2017.

Previews: The Killing of a Sacred Deer Trailer, More!

Plenty to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Killing of a Sacred Deer trailer, Goodbye Christopher Robin, and more…

The Killing of a Sacred Deer Trailer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is the latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos. Director Lanthimos follows The Lobster with this horror-thriller. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, and Barry Keoghan. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is out in UK cinemas on 17th November 2017.

IT VR Experience

Adjust your headsets for this frightening journey into the world of IT. This VR experience gives a flavour of the film, which is based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel. It is pretty scary! Starring Bill Skarsgård, IT floats on to UK screens on 8th September 2017.

Goodbye Christopher Robin Poster

Here is the latest poster for the upcoming Goodbye Christopher Robin. The film is about the real life relationship between author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the world of Winnie the Pooh. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, and Kelly Macdonald. Goodbye Christopher Robin is set for release on 29th September 2017.

Call Me By Your Name Trailer

Based on the novel of the same name, Call Me By Your Name is a drama from director Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash). The film is about an Italian-American teenager whose head is turned when a twenty-four year old intern comes to stay with his family for the summer. Starring Armie Hammer, Timothée Chamalet, and Michael Stuhlbarg, Call Me By Your Name hits UK screens on 27th October 2017.

The Death of Stalin Trailer

The Death of Stalin is the latest film from writer-director Armando Iannucci. The film is a dark comedy which takes place in the days after the collapse of Soviet leader Stalin. The film features an enviable cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Paddy Considine, and Andrea Riseborough. The Death of Stalin is out in UK cinemas on 20th October 2017.

Previews: Pitch Perfect 3 Poster, Detroit, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions includes the latest Pitch Perfect 3 poster, Battle of the Sexes, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Detroit, and more…

Pitch Perfect 3 Poster

 

The Bellas are back in this latest Pitch Perfect 3 poster. The film sees the return of Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and the rest of the gang for one last hurrah. Expect more a cappella tunes as made popular by the first film. The trailer for Pitch Perfect 3 will launch on 25th June, and the film is due for release at Christmas this year.

Battle of the Sexes Trailer

Here is the new Battle of the Sexes trailer. The film is based on the real-life match between women’s number one Billie Jean King (played by Emma Stone) and former men’s champion Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) in 1973. The film also stars Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, and Bill Pullman. Battle of the Sexes is set for release in UK cinemas on 20th October 2017.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Poster

Here is the first poster for sequel Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Not much is know about the film yet, but the film sees the return of Jeff Goldblum as Dr Ian Malcolm from the first series (hence his famous quote being appropriated for the tagline). This sequel to Jurassic World also sees Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprising their roles. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is scheduled for release in June 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Trailer

One of cinema’s creepiest dolls is back for another instalment. Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to 2014’s Annabelle, and tells the origins story of the doll. The film is produced by James Wan and directed by David F. Sandberg, who helmed last year’s Lights Out. Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on 11th August 2017.

Daddy’s Home 2 Trailer

The sequel to 2015’s Daddy’s Home features even more dads. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg reunite for Daddy’s Home 2, and are joined by John Lithgow and Mel Gibson playing their respective dads. This film is set at Christmas, when the two families decide to spend the holidays together. Daddy’s Home 2 is set for release later this year.

Home Again Trailer

Home Again is a new romantic comedy from producer Nancy Meyers. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as a separated mother of two, who decides to take in three young filmmakers. The film also stars Nat Wolff, Michael Sheen, and Candice Bergen. Home Again will be released in UK cinemas on 29th September 2017.

Detroit Trailer

Detroit is about the civil unrest that rocked the city in the summer of 1967. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, and Jack Reynor. Detroit will hit UK screens on 25th August 2017.

Film Review: Mindhorn

Director Sean Foley’s Mindhorn is an inventive, silly, and very amusing comedy.

Richard Thorncroft is a washed-up actor, most famous for playing a detective with a robot eye that can ‘see the truth’. When a serial killer says he will only speak to Detective Mindhorn, Thorncroft must return to the Isle of Man to work with the police…

Written by Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby, the premise of Mindhorn is an amusing one. A has-been actor from television show is called to reprise his famous character in order to help police catch a killer. Humour works on a number of levels. The premise of both the film and the fictional television show provides a lot of humour. Furthermore, there is the character of Richard and his interactions with others. This is particularly the case with the ragtag group of former colleagues. Finally, the narrative offers lots to laugh at. The latter half of the film is a bit more serious, as naturally is the case with a film of this sort. Yet the filmmakers are able to generate laughs even in dire circumstances.

The setting of Mindhorn works well. Isle of Man seems like the perfect location for the plot. The setting needed to be parochial in order to generate the sort of action that unfolds. The narrative makes the most of its setting, offering a landscape that is beautiful is some places, and drab in others. The film is well paced, with the action unfolding steadily. Costumes are good, especially in recreating an 80s look for the television show segments.

Julian Barrett is amusing as ever as the title character. He plays the role with the requisite charm and flippancy required. Andrea Riseborough, Russell Tovey, and Essie Davis are decent. There are good appearances from actors in minor roles, including Steve Coogan.

The film has sufficient heart to balance the absurdity of the action. This is a winning formula. Mindhorn is a genuinely entertaining comedy.

Film Review: Oblivion

Science fiction blockbuster Oblivion is flawed, but entertaining nevertheless. Fans of the genre are likely to spot allusions to earlier films.

Following a war that ravaged the Earth, drone repair operative Jack is one of the few remaining humans on the planet. The rest of the surviving humans have made a new home elsewhere. With two weeks left before he joins them, an incident occurs which makes Jack question everything he believes…

Joseph Kosinski’s Oblivion circles around some interesting topics, although it never outright asks and answers the questions. Instead, the film is a sci-fi blockbuster which offers action, mystery and suspense, but lacks substantial depth. This is not catastrophic, although those looking for a film to really tackle philosophical aspects may be unsatisfied with Oblivion. The film works well in the sense that it successfully entertains viewers, even if does not leave them pondering.

The narrative of Oblivion is brimming with twists. Viewers may well be reminded of a number of other sci-fi films, but to make reference to them here may drop some spoilers.  The twists in the film are acceptable enough. However, it can seem like the film attempts to shoehorn too many ideas into its plot. Furthermore, when scrutinising the chain of events and the motivations of certain characters, holes do appear.

The production design of Oblivion is great. The film’s futuristic setting is identified in subtle rather than outlandish ways. Special effects are also seamless. The score also owes a debt to a few other film scores. Notwithstanding, it is highly effective at times. Casting for Oblivion is spot on, with Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko and Andrea Riseborough all delivering decent performances.

Oblivion has the look and feel of a sci-fi blockbuster. Kosinski’s film teeters on approaching some fascinating themes, but falters in its approach. In terms of entertainment however, Oblivion does the trick.

Stuff To Look At

A bumper edition this week, with plenty of releases for 2013…

Man of Steel

I have always been more of a Batman child than a Superman one, but I did love the Christopher Reeve movies (maybe not the last one). After 2006’s underwhelming Superman Returns, this new version looks more appealing. Henry Cavil stars as the title character in the first full trailer for Man of Steel, due for release in June 2013.

Oblivion

Ageless Tom Cruise has been getting action-heavy recently, with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Jack Reacher and now Oblivion. This futuristic thriller sees Cruise’s character Jack Harper battle to save mankind. Also starring Andrea Riseborough, Oblivion will be released in UK cinemas on 12 April 2013.

The Wolverine

The follow-up to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine is due for release in July 2013. The film sees Hugh Jackman reprise his role from the X-Men franchise. This adventure is set in Japan, as the above poster suggests. I’m sure a trailer for The Wolverine will be released shortly.

The Lone Ranger

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter together again, but not in a Tim Burton film? The emphasis in the above trailer is on the fact that it is the same team behind Pirates of the Caribbean. If executed correctly, The Lone Ranger should be a lot of fun, like the first film of that earlier franchise. The Lone Ranger is due for release next year.

The Croods

The latest animation from DreamWorks is The Croods, a prehistoric adventure film. The Croods features the voices of Nicholas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone. From the above trailer, I am liking the monkey. The Croods will be released in UK cinemas on 22nd March 2013.

Broken City

Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in Broken City, a crime thriller set in New York. My first thought on viewing this was ‘Russell Crowe’s weave!’. That aside, this tale of corruption could be quite good. Broken City is out on 1st March 2013.

The Last Stand

What is The Last Stand, you ask? Well it is Arnold Schwarzengger’s return to lead roles on the big screen. Schwarzenegger plays the sheriff of a small town where a notorious drug baron is trying to make his escape. The Last Stand, which also stars Forest Whitaker and Rodrigo Santoro, is out on 24th January 2012.

Hitchcock

Everyone loves a bit of Alfred Hitchcock, don’t they? The eagerly anticipated Hitchcock tells the story behind the making of Psycho. Anthony Hopkins stars as Alfred Hitchcock in the film which also features Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson. Hitchcock is released in UK cinemas on 8th February 2013.

Film Review: Made in Dagenham

Given director Nigel Cole’s previous work in Calendar Girls, it is unsurprising that Made in Dagenham is a film that concentrates more on the emotional side rather than the factual evidence of the 1968 strike by female workers at the Ford Dagenham car plant. As this film is a dramatisation featuring mostly fictional characters, that doesn’t matter too much; Made in Dagenham is an enjoyable movie which should do well, in the UK market at least.

Rita O’Grady becomes the reluctant leader of a campaign for equal pay for women in late-1960s Britain. As well as dealing with personal issues brought on by the strike, Rita and her band of campaigners have to contend with chauvinistic bosses, unhelpful union leaders, and numerous others in their quest to end pay discrimination…

Made in Dagenham is in many ways typical of mainstream British cinema. It is a feel-good film combining drama and comedy. The film features many well-known faces from the British screen. And the focus is on a very particular group on individuals; in this case a group of working class women living in Dagenham.

Although it ticks these boxes, that is not to say that Made in Dagenham is a tired film. Some of the characters are well-developed, and will be responded to accordingly by audiences. Others are featured more for comic value, but again this seems to work in Nigel Cole’s film. Whilst the film holds no great surprises, it is engaging enough to entertain viewers throughout.

Some may complain that Made in Dagenham follows a well-tread path in British film, eschewing realism for sentimentality. The film, however, functions on the level it intends to; a feel-good film that will appeal to audiences well-versed in the style of its predecessors. On this level, Made in Dagenham is effective. Whilst it may not be ground-breaking, it is enjoyable.

Sally Hawkins gives an excellent performance as Rita, the reluctant working wife and mother who, at heart, understands how important it is to stand up against injustice. Bob Hoskins is watchable as ever, in a role that does not stretch his capabilities in the least. Geraldine James and Miranda Richardson both add a necessary weight to proceedings, whilst Andrea Riseborough is immense fun as the outspoken Brenda.

Technical credits are good all-round. The 1960s soundtrack works well to transport viewers back to the late-1960s setting. Likewise, the costume department have excelled in this respect.

Some of the humour and references may be lost on non-British audiences, but for the most part Made in Dagenham has universal appeal, if taken on face value as the feel-good film it is.