Film Review: The Grinch

Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier’s adaptation of The Grinch is an entertaining affair. The film should prove enjoyable to both children and adults, even if it is forgettable.

The Grinch hates Christmas. When he finds out the residents of Whoville are planning an even bigger celebration for the festive season, he puts a plan in motion to steal Christmas…

Illumination’s The Grinch is the third major adaptation of the Dr Seuss classic, after the 1966 television special and the 2000 live-action film. Directors Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier have created an entertaining feature; the film hits the spot for those looking for a bit of festive escapism.

The film distinguishes itself from earlier versions with a number of small changes. The title character in this new version is rather more sympathetic, in spite of his grouchiness. Cindy Lou Who meanwhile has a more integral role. Her modus operandi is laudable, even if the character is a little irritating at times. The change to the family setup gives the film a modern twist.

Running at under an hour and a half, The Grinch is well paced and does not outstay its welcome. The humour works well for the most part, even if some of the jokes are clearly aimed at younger viewers. In its more emotional moments, the film is pretty effective at conveying its message.

Benedict Cumberbatch is decent in the title role. Pharrell Williams’ narration is a nice touch, expanding on Dr Seuss’ original text. Rashida Jones is also a welcome addition. The animation is bright and appealing. The sweeping shots, particularly in the introduction, pull viewers into the fantasy world. Music in the film is good, with some alternative Christmas classic included.

With its familiar story, The Grinch offers sufficient festive fun, even if it is unlikely to become a classic.

Film Review: Hidden Figures

Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures is a feel-good film with great performances from its ensemble cast.

In 1961, the United States are in a race with Russia to see who can put a man in space. NASA finds untapped potential in a group of African-American female mathematicians working as human computers. Three of these women play a vital role in the space race…

Hidden Figures tells an important story about the achievements of three women with the odds stacked against them. Based on Margot Lee Sheerly’s book, the film gives worthy recognition to these women and their story. What makes Hidden Figures special is that it is incredibly entertaining, as well as informative.

Melfi’s storytelling makes the film a joy to watch. Hidden Figures first contemporary scene does a succinct job of making viewers aware of the social condition of the era, as well as giving a quick insight in the three main character’s personalities. As the film progresses, Melfi explores each of these characters with sufficient depth, taking place in the overarching narrative of NASA’s mission to put a man in space.

The film combines drama with comedy in a seemingly effortless way. Melfi offers humour throughout, although the film is punctuated by moments of drama and a tense climax. The romance strand is explored just enough, giving an insight into a home life for the extraordinary women. Katherine, Dorothy and Mary are portrayed as talented women who manage to break through an almost overwhelming hierarchy. However, they are each portrayed as characters in their own right, and with enough personal detail. There is an element of the benign father figure to Al Harrison, however this does not detract from the entertainment of the film.

Tara P. Henson delivers strong performance as Katherine Jackson. Octavia Spencer, Kevin Costner, and Kirsten Dunst are also good. It is Janelle Monáe, however, who stands out as Mary. Music by Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams (who also produces), and Benjamin Wallfisch ably sets the tone. Costumes and styling in the film are polished and appealing.

Hidden Figures gives rightful attention to the overlooked contribution of three African-American trailblazers of the 1960s. It tells their stories in a very engaging and warm manner.

Previews: Live By Night Trailer, Doctor Strange, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Live By Night trailer, Doctor Strange poster, and more…

Live By Night Trailer

Here is the new Live By Night trailer. The film is directed and scripted by, and stars Ben Affleck, based on Dennis Lehane’s novel. Set during the 1920s, Live By Night concentrates on gangster Joe Coughlin and the murky world of prohibition Boston. Also starring Elle Fanning, Bendan Gleeson and Zoe Saldana, Live By Night is set for release on 13th January 2016.

Doctor Strange Poster

This new poster for Doctor Strange looks wonderful. Benedict Strange stars as the title character in the latest Marvel movie.Cumberbatch plays an injured surgeon who who meets a mentor on his journey to recovery. Also starring Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Rachel McAdams, Doctor Strange hits UK screens on 25th October 2016.

Hidden Figures Featurette

Here is a featurette on the upcoming Hidden Figures. Producer Pharrell Williams talks about why he had to get on board with the film, which is about the black female scientists behind NASA’s space race. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. Hidden Figures is scheduled for release in 2017.

Collateral Beauty Trailer

Here is the trailer for Collateral Beauty, an ensemble drama. The film is about an advertising executive who experiences a tragedy, and the colleagues who attempt to help him. With a cast that includes Will Smith, Kate Winslet, and Keira Knightley, Collateral Beauty is out in cinemas on Boxing Day, 26th December 2016.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children Clip

This clip from Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children reveals a little more about the film’s antagonist. Director Tim Burton’s latest film is based on the best-selling novel. Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, and Samuel L. Jackson, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children hits UK screens on 30th September 2016.

Nocturnal Animals Poster

These Nocturnal Animals posters certainly are striking. Tom Ford writes and directs the film, based on Austin Wright’s Tony and Susan. The film stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michael Shannon. After Ford’s magnificent A Single Man,  hopes are high for this feature. Nocturnal Animals will screen at the BFI London Film Festival in October, and will be released in UK cinemas on 4th November 2016.

Amanda Knox Trailer

Here is a trailer for Netflix’s upcoming documentary Amanda Knox. The film focus on the prime suspect in the murder of British student Meredith Kercher. Knox has been convicted and acquitted of the crime twice, and this documentary explores events around the case. Amanda Knox will launch globally on Netflix on 30th September 2016.

Film Review: Despicable Me

Despicable Me is a light-hearted animated movie that audiences young and old will enjoy. It does not pack the same emotional punch as a film such as Up, but it is entertaining throughout.

Gru’s schemes to become the greatest villain don’t always pay off. In order to triumph over new villain Vector, Gru enlists the unwitting help of three young orphaned sisters. Gru get more than he bargained for, however, when he adopts the girls…

In an industry dominated by Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks, it is nice to see a newer company competing with the established few. Although this Illumination Entertainment production shares a number of characteristics with other animated films, it still has its own feel.

Much of the enjoyment of Despicable Me is due to its humour. Whilst there is enough slapstick and universal comedy to entertain young viewers, many of the jokes seem geared towards older audience members. Gru’s disapproval of the children’s book he is asked to read, for example, appears to have more resonance with an older audience. Likewise, some of the references in the film will be lost on younger viewers.

Despicable Me features a host of famous names voicing its characters. Steve Carell and Jason Segal bring the humour that they best known for, and Jermaine Clement makes an amusing Jerry the Minion. Teen favourite Miranda Cosgrove is sure to bring in a young audience voicing Margo, the oldest of the girls.

The animation in the film is faultless. The minions, in particular, are well designed; despite looking identical, they seem to have their own personalities. Screened in 3D, Despicable Me is restrained with its use of the third dimension. The result is a subtle use of the form, which is much more aesthetically pleasing than the pronounced way it is utilised in some movies.

The only gripe with the film is that there is nothing remarkable about the narrative. Despicable Me offers a pretty predictable story; there is no real detour or surprise to enliven the narrative. Nevertheless, the characters are likeable and the humour frequent enough to compensate for this shortcoming.

Despicable Me follows the recent trend of animated films that appear to be aimed at adults, though they are suitable for all. Like last year’s Fantastic Mr Fox, the humour isn’t adult, but makes references that will go over the heads of young children. Coupled with this is the soundtrack, which features well-known tunes as well as original music from Pharrell Williams. The music signals an appeal wider than a standard children’s cartoon.

Despicable Me is yet another indication that animated films are not only for the young. In reaching an older audience, however, the film does not neglect younger viewers, making it a perfect family film.