I am OBSESSED with Stranger Things, and have been hanging on every episode of Season 5. (How they can drag these out is just cruel!)
I have noticed, however, some bold similarities between Season 5 of Stranger Things, and Harry Potter...
Before you attack me, please rest assured that I love both Stranger Things and Harry Potter equally. I am not accusing anyone of copying anyone. But I feel I must address this. Just as my dad felt the need to address the similarities between Star Wars and Harry Potter…
Or, perhaps Stranger Things is designed for Gen Z, Harry Potter is for the Millennials, and Star Wars for Boomers. Perhaps these cross-overs are simply reinventions for the newer generations, and comparisons shouldn’t really be drawn between them.
Nevertheless, here it is! The official NZ Film Freak list, highlighting the similarities of Stranger Things and Harry Potter.
Why? Because I can’t stop thinking about Stranger Things, so I must write about it to occupy myself until the finale.
The antagonists’ names are similar Vecna and Voldemort / Henry Creel and Tom Riddle
The antagonists have a similar look They both have long fingers/fingernails, bald heads, and no noses
Both heroes are magical Harry is a wizard, Will is labeled The Sorcerer
Both heroes acquire their powers by mistake Harry and Will both inherit their arch enemy’s powers – Harry is a horcrux made by Voldemort, Will becomes like a radio receiver of Vecna after the attack.
Harry and Will were their enemies’ first obsessions They were also both kids when they are first attacked.
Both heroes ‘feel’ when their antagonist is nearby Harry’s burning scar, and Will’s prickly neck
Both boys are ordinary until… Harry and Will are nothing special, until destiny finds them
Missed any? Add them in the comment section below!
A beautiful walk through the life of poet Mark Anthony Thomas; In Need of Seawater. It’s an absolute treat of a short film for any poetry lover.
“When I was 21 I wanted to reflect on life, so I started working on my second book called The Poetic Repercussion,” Mark begins.
“Everything I share with you tonight, I wrote between the ages of 21 to 24… it really tells the story of a young black man finding himself in this country. Everything I’ve done in my life, nothing is more meaningful than the experience of writing this book.”
In Need of Seawater is the performance of Mark’s early poetry works, read in the intimate setting of an apartment surrounded by friends. Poems such as Ink Blot Testing, The Declaration, and Even the Sky takes us on a stroll through his life.
Each poem is presented like a chapter, fantastically edited with accompanying music, and re-enactments by young actor Ziaire Mann. Directed by Richard Yeagley, the cinematography is stunning and an absolutely beautiful piece of art within itself.
We experience where Mark’s head was at when he wrote this poetry. Every poem puts a spotlight on a a turn point or important moment during his young adulthood – and we see it through his eyes thanks to his talent for the written word.
I noticed that it’s not only his talent of the written word that transports us, but his ability to perform his work too. I think that’s a rare quality in a writer; being able to speak up as well as he can write down.
In Need of Seawater covers topics such as stereotypes, self-discovery and even the security of a barbershop chair, which provides the opportunity to speak without judgement. This was a personal favourite of mine.
“In this shop, status means nothing; it falls like hair to the ground. At least it should.” – In the Shop.
This is not my first time enjoying the works of Mark Anthony Thomas. In 2022, I wrote about a performance of his – Folded Whispers – and I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to write about his work again.
In Need of Seawater is set to be released in January 2026. Check out the trailer below, and follow Mark on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Are you an artist looking for a promotional post about you or your project? Get in touch to see how I can help: beachmarketing.co.nz
“Make stuff that is fun, make stuff that can impact someone in a good way, make stuff that is ridiculous, be curious in others and everyday things outside of what you know.” – Julia Boddy // Actor
Julia and James Boddy are New Zealand’s hidden filmmaking gems who have recently returned to our shores from Ireland.
Former Hamilton police officer, Julia Boddy is now an emerging actor with formal training at Bow Street Academy (home to the acting coach whose clients include the likes of Orlando Bloom, Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp).
James Boddy hailed from Palmerston North, and graduated from the New Zealand Broadcasting School. His twenty five year long career was launched after writing a screenplay that won a national competition, and went on to work on the likes of our infamous L&P adverts, First Responders, and Location, Location, Location NZ.
“Dad owned a comic shop which is a pretty sweet way of immersing yourself into the narrative world,” James said. “Though my teenage brain wasn’t comprehending it at the time, a diet of comic books is one of the best teachers when it comes to writing for the screen.”
He is re-emerging into the film and television industry again after taking a step back to raise his daughter, Catherine Boddy who won New Zealand’s Young Designer of the Year in 2016. She has since settled in London as a fashion designer, so James has dived back into the film and television industry.
James and Julia have teamed up and operate under the name of Boddybag. Their freelancing outfit covers every basis of filmmaking, from writing to directing to acting.
The duo have been writing and developing new projects over the last two years. One of them is with Emmy winning and 2025 BAFTA nominated producer Liz DiFiore.
“We’ve been in this business for ages,” James said. “We know which way to point a lens, what lights not to stand under, what fade-in means, and where that clicking noise in the mag is from.”
They are currently filming a television series throughout New Zealand, but are available to work anywhere in the world.
“We have already been asked to return to Ireland in the New Year to work on a film in February and March. We are open to anything!” Julia said.
With a wealth of experience behind them, Boddybag are making fresh opportunities for themselves as creatives in their forties.
This new chapter in their lives has come with an upbeat and collaborative approach to filmmaking. Ensuring cast and crew are having a good time is essential to Boddybag’s signature environment on set.
“People always work at their best when they are able to have a laugh, have a voice and are actually valued as humans,” Julia said. “It’s so nice to have feedback that our projects are always a good time… People keep coming back, and want to collaborate together on their projects.”
Boddybag currently has availability in January 2026 for another project before they return to Ireland, so if you’re looking for a director, writer, actor or a hand on set, get in touch to see how the team can help via their website: boddybag.com
Otherwise, chuck them a follow on Insta to keep in the loop with their amazing work in New Zealand and beyond.
Are you an artist or a creative who wants their project seen? Get in touch with Jodie at Beach Marketing for a promotional article.
The grief of heartbreak is both a unique and universally relatable theme explored in the short film Lasting Flames. It perceives break-ups as a grieving process; mourning someone who is still alive.
Written and directed by Federica Alice Carlino – recently recognised as the most awarded director under 35 – Lasting Flames is a deeply personal project that almost wasn’t pursued.
“I wrote this project based on a very personal feeling and experience. It took me a while to decide whether or not to produce this short, as it came from a deep emotional place,” Carlino said.
Above: Federica Carlino
A story close to her heart, Carlino explained that as painters paint, and songwriters write, she processed her experiences through writing stories. She pursued the idea, knowing it was a universal experience many could relate to.
“It was an incredibly cathartic process for me, and I’m proud to have come to a place where I can share it with others… [As] I was explaining the concept to my cast and crew, I could see their minds travelling through their memories. Some of them told me they could definitely relate to it, and that was one of the first impressions that showed me I was on the right path.”
Lasting Flames follows ex-lovers Danielle and Jack, who have recently broken up and now experience the agonising loss of one another.
Above: Danielle and Jack played by Emeline Nsingi Nkosi and Jack Roper
However, through their emotional journey, the film explores the theme of hope.
As Danielle and Jack learn to live without each other, they find solace in cherishing their memories together, forever holding onto the love they once shared. The painful process of moving on is contrasted by the enduring power of love, memory, and the quiet promise that the past will never be forgotten.
Lasting Flames celebrates previous relationships that you look back on fondly. They’re the people who have taught you lessons that help you to become a better person for your future relationships.
“You learn to give your whole heart again,” Carlino explains. “This [short film is] for the good exes that you don’t resent in any way.”
Currently in pre-production, Carlino’s favourite part so far has been the casting process.
Danielle is played by Emeline Nsingi Nkosi and Jack is played by Jack Roper. Their new partners, Ashton and Mary are played by Nathan Bryant and Willow Zhao respectively.
Carlino will include English voiceover narration by Rory Kilgor from USA, and Italian narration by Michele Vitarelli from Italy.
“It was important for me to have it in my language as well,” Carlino said.
Born in Milan, Italy, Carlino first explored television before studying filmmaking, acting, photography, editing, visual effects, prothetics and makeup. In 2016, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she earned a BFA from the New York Film Academy. She further honed her acting skills at the Met Film School in Ealing, UK, and Pinewood Studios.
Despite living and working in Los Angeles, Carlino is shooting her new project in London, England. She had to start networking all over again and assemble a new crew to work with.
“The most challenging part is definitely finding my way in a new city. I had to find new people to collaborate with from scratch when I moved to London… Surprisingly it was smoother than expected, but it still had its challenges.”
Above: Ruby Ballantyne, Director of Photography.
Carlino always hoped to work with a predominantly female team, and on this project, it came together naturally.
The film is produced by Cameron Wight and shot by cinematographer Ruby Ballantyne. Gracie Herring handled hair and makeup, including the wig for Danielle’s character. Amy Reid (gaffer) and Chelsea Bernard (first assistant camera) played crucial roles in shaping the film’s visual style.
The film’s music is being composed by Victor Muñoz from Spain.
Being on set with the cast and crew is another of Carlino’s favourite parts of the process.
“I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years now, and it’s still the same feeling. There’s a sense of energy and creativity in the air, and it’s truly a magical experience to be a part of.”
Lasting Flames will be released on YouTube this year (2025), and within film festivals worldwide.
With Carlino’s professional influences including Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton and Greta Gerwig, this short film is sure to be an emotional and visually transportive experience for anyone who has ever been in love.
“I hope to reach broken-hearted people with my work [and] offer them some relief, as I found it for myself. I want them to know that what they feel is valid and it’s part of life, but there’s hope.”
I knew cinema hire was a thing for large private screenings or elaborate Hen Do’s, but I thought that was only by special request and at great expense. I definitely didn’t know it was a sparkly new service offered nationwide with its own website and all!
You can hire the whole theatre for a movie or to play video games with friends:
Bring your own console and video games, and up to 20 mates for the same price. The price varies between cinemas and times, but looks like it’s around £150, which is only £7.50 per person for two hours (if you’re lucky enough to have 20 friends).
(Although, one may argue that most multi-player games suit up to four people so make sure you take turns!)
More of a movie buff like myself? Rent the cinema to watch your favourite film ever without the riff-raff of strangers around you.
There’s plenty to choose from in every genre, so this is something that would suit audiences of all ages. Just browsing through the recently added, there are blockbusters like Interstellar, Die Hard and The Lion King, and oldies but goodies like The Holiday, Stuart Little and Pretty Woman.
However, you can always request a movie if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Again, prices can vary between cinemas and booking times, but you can get up to 20 people in your own cinema for just shy of £300. That’s £15 per person ticket (before popcorn and drinks), but I can definitely see the appeal.
Heck, if I had a cinema to myself and just my other half watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, my life would be MADE.
(I’d suggest booking in for a three-hour Peter Jackson feature to get your money’s worth!)
What’s super cute is you can add a 60 second personal message at the start of your movie to wish your better half a happy anniversary or your bestie a happy birthday.
Certainly a very cool new service that cinemas are delving into. It’s a creative solution to the move away from cinemas and toward home streaming services, and I think it would make a thrilling gift for someone special or reunion for friends.
Book the cinema to watch your favourite movie, or play your video games on the big screen here.
Mark Anthony Thomas is an economic development official in Baltimore, Maryland. However, he has an extensive creative background in writing. Thomas is a published poet and has recently released a short film documenting a live reading of his original poetry.
Folded Whispers is performed in Kelly Strayhorn Theater to friends and members of the Pittsburgh community. It captures a collection of his work that covers love, loss, race, identity, urbanisation and the pandemic.
This is his first performance in 15 years. Thomas explains that he wouldn’t be where he is now if he hadn’t started writing as a teenager. From humble beginnings, he described his childhood as his rocketship that helped him to develop his career as an economic development officer.
The poems walk us through poignant times in his life over the last decade and a half. The journey is vivid in his storytelling, touching on universal fears and experiences.
I will pray for rain. Open no blinds. Change no channels. Write no new testaments or disguise them as folded whispers. The day before will be my dissertation, and I’ll sleep in until my judgement is called.
End of the World – Mark Anthony Thomas
The journey with Mark Anthony Thomas begins with the End of the World, encapsulating what I believe to be the depression of the pandemic.
Superpowers seeking dominance will pray to Jesus and He’ll be answering no calls.
In this poem, I heard the fears from every walk of life being the same, with no one to save any of them. I think it’s the story of everyone being in the same boat, regardless of economic status or beliefs.
The performance ends with a pick-me-up, For Real. With the promise to himself that despite his wrongdoings, he will find love again. That he is not doomed to walk with bad karma on his back if he doesn’t choose to. That the only way forward is to believe in himself, instead of spiralling in his guilt.
“The aftermath can keep us tumbling. The repercussions can be endless journeys. Neither now appear to be my destiny.”
For Real – Mark Anthony Thomas
Having had a secret interest in poetry slams, Folded Whispers was of immediate interest to me. Check out his short documentary film below and let me know what interpretations you experienced in the comments.
Director: James Pratt Writer: James Pratt Released: 2021 Starring: James Pratt, Demitra Sealy, Hayley Gia Hughes, Jessica Ross and Aiden Mckenzie
Inspired by the writing style of the Farrelly Brothers’ (Dumb & Dumber), Malibu Crush is a labour of love by award-winning actor and director, James Pratt.
It’s a quirky Indie film about two best friends from Pasadena who pretend to be highly acclaimed film school students in order to declare their love for an ex-girlfriend living in Sydney, Australia.
With the physical comedy gags peppered throughout the movie, I can not only see the Dumb & Dumber-inspired sketches, but I’m also reminded of Seinfeld‘s Kramer. (Which, automatically makes me a big fan!)
I think the only thing it’s missing is a punchy soundtrack to set it apart a little more from other indies.
However, you wouldn’t know this movie was completed on a small but respectable budget (at least in comparison to mainstream Hollywood films) or during Sydney’s heavy Covid restrictions. Its high-quality camera work takes centre stage, and the bright colours steal the show.
James Pratt is the star of Malibu Crush, both on and off-screen. He was born in Sydney and attended the acting school there. In 2012 he made a $200 short film in the outback of Australia, which was a finalist at the 2012 NBC Universal Shorts Fest in San Francisco. Since then, he has since won more than 23 acting and directing awards in Hollywood.
Malibu Crush is a must-see Indie Comedy. It’s scheduled for release in Australia and NZ on 7 September 2022, and in October across America and Europe. Watch the trailer below!
Director: Christopher Nolan Writer: Christopher Nolan Released: September 2020 Starring: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh
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Well, right off the bat this movie screams IT’S THE SAME DIRECTOR AS INCEPTION. The familiar cast members, the editing, colour-scheme and the over-complicated storyline were just a few of the tell-tale Nolan signs.
However, as I am a massive Inception fan, I was not upset about this. In fact, I was hoping to see more of the same cast (where’s Leo at?).
This classically Nolan premiss is difficult for me to explain, so I’ve found the synopsis for you: Tenet is about a secret agent who embarks on a dangerous, time-bending mission to prevent the start of World War III.
(The word ‘Tenet’ is a palindrome, meaning that it’s spelt the same way forwards as it is backwards; a nod to the time-travelling theme of the movie.)
If you think you recognise the protagonist (John David Washington), you don’t, because Tenet was pretty much his debut on the big screen. He is the son of Denzel Washington though.
Also, if you recognise the super tall, elegant woman in the movie (Elizabeth Debicki), she’s from The Great Gatsby.
Robert Pattinson wasn’t as bad as I expected but he does pout his lips a lot, which is quite distracting. I’m pleased he was given the opportunity to do an action role and avoided being trapped as the heavy drama/romance actor. (I must point out that I think he was a very poor choice as our new Batman though.)
If I learnt anything about keeping up with complicated movies, it’s that you have to listen carefully to the dialogue as that’s where the storyline is explained, and Tenet is no different. The conversations between characters last across multiple locations within a scene, with lots of details being explained.
The complexity of the film is not to be shied away from, however. Considering the cinemas have been shut for MONTHS, Tenet was a welcome debut! It’s full of action and drama, which was a perfect balance for my husband and I to enjoy.
If you’re a time travel nut like I am, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the car chase scene, as well as all the little bits and pieces where they talk about travelling through time and debunking any holes in the science to ensure your suspension of disbelief remains firmly intact.
You may walk away from the movie feeling a bit confused over the details of the plot, but it’ll only leave you wanting to see it again to fully enjoy it the second time around. So strap on that mask and head to the cinema to see Tenet – it’s well worth it!
Jodie’s rating: 7/10
PS. If you’re seeing this in the theatres while heavily pregnant like I did, bear in mind that your baby will probably not like the scenes with all the guns and explosions. (Get ready to be kicked in the ribs a lot.)
Director: Rian Johnson Writer: Rian Johnson Released: November 2019 Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Christopher Plummer
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I love whodunnits!
My friend and I have read multiple Agatha Christie novels, and while we always try to figure out the culprit before the end, we never seem to be able to get into Agatha Christie’s head.
After hearing that Knives Out was a sort of Agatha Christie mystery, I decided that I had to watch it.
While it has all the tropes of a murder-mystery, it is in fact far from being a classic or typical murder-mystery.
As a result, I found it a tiny bit disappointing. Because Agatha Christie novels are perfect in every way, and Knives Out seems to try to one up her… Which is impossible to do without the story becoming over complicated or outlandish.
The thing is, the entire plot is given away too early – or at least that’s what I thought. As though we were told too much too soon. Of course, it all makes sense when the final twist at the end knocks you off your feet. But still, I was looking forward to be taken along for the Agatha Christie ride.
Nevertheless! The enormous amount of twists and turns are sure to keep you hooked, so long as your suspension of disbelief remains.
I loved the cast and characters – Toni Collette has always been a favourite of mine, and Daniel Craig did a surprisingly good job of being an investigator from the deep south! The mansion itself seems to be a character on its own too – the aesthetic is spectacular.
Overall, it’s a good popcorn movie that you don’t have to think about too much. Every scene has been carefully choreographed, with a huge attention to detail.
Director: Autumn de Wilde Writer: Eleanor Catton (Based on Jane Austen’s novel, Emma) Released: February 2020 Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart and Bill Nighy
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I took a little too long to get around to writing this review! So I’ll try to remember my first impressions…
I am a Jane Austen fan – despite reading all of zero of her books. But I do own the complete book series, which I might get around to reading one day.
It was actually the 2005 movie Pride & Prejudice featuring Kiera Knightley that got me hooked, followed with the 2007 movie The Jane Austen Book Club. Both movies have stuck with me ever since.
That’s why the movie Emma appealed to me so much. Also, the hilarity of Miranda Hart in the trailer.
Thanks to The Jane Austen Book Club, I knew the rough storyline already – that Emma was a match-maker who was too oblivious to notice her one true love was standing before her the whole time.
This version of the story certainly keeps the quirkiness and humour that I understand the book has, but the colour and dramatic stage play essence that director Autumn de Wilde brought to her debut film was brilliant.
I would have laid money on it that the director was Wes Anderson because of the similarity between Emma and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Identical in terms of pastel colours and swift camerawork.
I thought this was the debut movie for Anya Taylor-Joy who played Emma as well. But then I realised that I had seen her before; she’s in Split/Glass!
The only downside of Emma was that the funniest moments were in the trailer. The pacing was also a lot slower than I expected.
Nevertheless, the costumes were spectacular and the characters were all bright and bold!
Director: Jake Kasdan Writers: Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg Released: December 2019 Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Danny Glover, Danny DeVito
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As I mentioned in the first remake – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – you can in no way compare these modern day films to the 90’s Robin Williams Jumanji masterpiece. Nor are these parody movie intended to be.
With that said, let’s begin:
Jumanji: The Next Level was everything that I expected it to be. It was clearly capitalising on the success of the first one, with the story being an after thought. However, if you didn’t see the first movie then you’d still enjoy this second instalment.
In this movie, the characters from the first film are catapulted into Jumanji again. This time, Spencer’s (Alex Wolff) grandfather (Danny Devito) and his friend (Danny Glover) joined. This was the perfect opportunity to make fun of boomers, and they didn’t hold back!
It played on the most popular aspects of the first film: Jack Black pretending to be a teenage girl, Kevin Hart’s sass, crazy ways of losing one of their three lives, and hilarious one-liners.
There were new avatars such as a horse (yay) and Ming Fleetfoot, whose strength is thievery and pick-pocketing.
This movie was far more about the characters than the storyline, which was a little weak. But despite its predictability, it was another awesome kids’ movie with lots of action and comedic moments. While there was a generous sprinkling of cheese, the movie didn’t try to be anything more or less than it was; entertaining.
Would definitely recommend watching if you loved the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. If you didn’t see the first one, don’t worry, they explain the rules of the Jumanji game very well in this movie so you won’t get lost!
Director: Michael Engler Writer: Julian Fellowes Released: September 2019 Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton
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From the day Downton Abbey came on Lightbox, we have been binge watching it. We aimed to watch all six series by the time the movie came out.
We succeeded. On the final week of Downton being in cinemas, we got our $10 ticket and went!
I must say, after about a month of watching back-to-back episodes, we were a bit over it by the time we watched the movie. It was basically just another episode that started right where the finale left off.
It followed the same upstairs/downstairs troubles and triumphs, but with the backdrop of the Royals coming to stay at Downton. All the while, tying up the loose ends of the final series.
The movie was ho-hum, and plodded on in the same fashion as series 5 and 6 had (not much scandal or suspense). I think the writers had been running out of steam for some time, and the movie didn’t seem to show much difference in their creativity.
I seriously believe that the best storyline for the Downton Abbey movie would have been episode 3 in the very first series – Mr Pamuk’s scandalous death. Now that was a great episode, and that would have been a fantastic movie!
But in this movie, all the characters were as they had been and so were their circumstances.
Although, I can’t deny that the TV series and the movie are all high-quality in every way – from the acting to the costumes to the historical intricacies. It is a fantastic way to understand the era – it’s like we’re following the lives of real people of the time.
It seemed that not a single second could be spared, with our favourite characteristics of every character given their own fair-share of screen time. Maggie Smith had her famous one-liners, Mary had her sharp tongue, and Mrs Hughes kept everyone in their place!
I would recommend seeing the movie. You won’t be shocked or excited. But whether you’ve seen the series or not, there is still the human interest factor that would resonate with many.
What I wouldn’t recommend, however, is to binge-watch every episode within a month and then see the movie. Because that might make you bored of the characters and overall arching storyline…
Director: Jon S. Baird Writer: Jeff Pope Released: December 2018 Starring: Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly, Nina Arianda, Shirley Henderson, Danny Huston and Rufus Jones
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Stan & Ollie is a film based on comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.
It doesn’t follow the typical story line of a biopic of following the protagonist’s life from childhood through to death. Rather, it focuses more on Laurel and Hardy’s (Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly) friendship.
The relationship they had was not only heartwarming, but combined with the backdrop of the thirties and fifties, you’re left longing for simpler times where human interactions were not interrupted by technology.
The movie follows the ups and downs of the ageing duo, who are struggling for money as their careers on the stage and in front of the camera are winding down.
It’s heartbreaking watching the two struggle, especially with their manager (Rufus Jones) taking advantage of their need to earn money.
While you don’t need to have watched any Laurel and Hardy skits, I would strongly recommend it as you’d then get the subtle references throughout the movie.
John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan were the only choices possible for the roles of Laurel and Hardy – they truely were brilliant! They even went as far as learning the mistakes that the real Laurel and Hardy made in the films. Such a cool touch!
Their wives Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson) and Ida Laurel (Nina Arianda) were a shadowing comedy duo themselves. They were so much more than background characters as they were almost as much a part of the story as their husbands. They really did make me laugh!
I was going to include the quotes that made me laugh, but I’ve realised it’s actually how the lines were delivered that made me double over!
If you’re looking for a warm film that makes you laugh as much as it makes you cry, then you must watch Stan & Ollie.
You will choke up but still splutter out a giggle through your tears.
Director: Danny Boyle Writers: Jack Barth and Richard Curtis Released: June 2019 Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran and Kate McKinnon
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Yesterday is a movie exploring the world where The Beatles never existed. After a global black-out, the protagonist Jack (Himesh Patel) wakes to discover that he’s the only one who remembers The Beatles or their songs.
Thankfully, as he’s a struggling musician he’s able to bring The Beatles’s music back to life. But with the fame and fortune, guilt and doubt isn’t far behind.
Yesterday is an easy watch. It’s a great Sunday afternoon family film with a fantastic soundtrack.
I loved the little intricacies such as the incorrect lyrics because Jack couldn’t remember all the words – and who would? Put under pressure, I doubt you could name every single Beatles track and all the lyrics that go with it.
I also liked how the film explored what The Beatles would have endured if they had of been as famous as they were in the sixties today. It was particularly interesting listening to the comments and feedback from the record company – the White Album being rejected due to the racist title, for example.
Ed Sheeran makes an appearance. In fact, he’s in the film a fair bit! Coldplay’s Chris Martin was supposed to take this role but due to schedule conflicts, he wasn’t able to do it in the end.
Lily James is a favourite of mine – she’s perfect!
I loved the English comedy and the unexpected surprises in an otherwise cookie-cutter rom-com.
While it’s not a blockbuster it certainly is a sweet story, which is something we all need to watch sometimes.
Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Jeff Nathanson (Based on The Lion King (1994) by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton Released: July 2019 Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and James Earl Jones
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We had such a wonderful night out to see the remake of The Lion King!
While the original 1994 Disney version wasn’t my absolute favourite movie as a child (Sleeping Beauty will always be number 1), it was certainly a movie that was ingrained in my childhood.
I used to sit close to the TV with my Simba, Narla and Scar plush toys in front of me, and act out all the scenes alongside the movie.
It was a real treat to watch The Lion King for the first time again. However, its realistic live-action animation didn’t always work in its favour because it meant that the animals couldn’t physically do what the cartoon characters could do.
Such as Simba swinging from a branch and flipping into the lake, or Pumba’s big bottom getting wedged into a log when being chased by Narla, or Scar playing with a mouse that weaved through his fingers.
None of that is physically possible for animals, which this David Attenborough-esk remake showed.
While I was disappointed because it lacked the visual humour of the 1994 cartoon, I think younger children would be disappointed because of the visual complexity of the realistic animals. It’s not just colours and shapes with this remake; it’s a nearly a documentary style movie that I’m sure young children would get bored with.
Nevertheless, I’m forced to realise two things:
1. Just like Toy Story 4, this movie is first and foremost for my generation. The generation who remember the original so fondly and who grew up with Disney animation.
2. Kids these days are not impressed by cartoons because everything is so realistic now. So while I would have liked to see an animation that took advantage of what lions couldn’t really do, today’s children would want nothing less than an accurate representation of what lions are physically capable of.
I was also a little disappointed by the casting; it seemed like they’d spent all their money on Beyonce – who actually had a relatively small speaking role and only two songs! Although, looking back at the 1994 version, there weren’t tonnes of A-listers in that either. I just wish Rowan Atkinson remained as Zazu’s voice.
Despite how critical I’ve been, I really enjoyed it. There were some laugh-out-loud moments with the comedy duo of Timon and Pumbaa of course. (Although, there definitely could have been more funny scenes.)
The opening scene gave me chills and I loved seeing all the ‘real-life’ animals interacting. It was a lot of fun to hear the soundtrack again, which was spectacular.
I’m also pleased that The Lion King can be experienced by children for the first time again.
Director: Peter Farrelly Writers: Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie and Peter Farrelly Released: November 2018 Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini
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Sadly, Green Book was a somewhat shallow story that did not reach the emotional depths that I expected it would.
It’s about Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) who works as a bouncer before being asked to drive a successful (and rather pompous) African American musician (Doctor Don Shirley) around the deep south.
Shirley specifically asked Vallelonga to drive him from concert to concert, in part because of how dangerous it would be for him in the deep south, where racist views of the 1960s were at its most hostile.
To be perfectly blunt, I didn’t like either character.
Our introduction to Vallelonga was of him throwing drinking glasses away that two African American men drank from. Despite this prejudice, he was in no way racist or intolerant throughout the rest of the film. It was rather jarring, and also reduced the character conflict within the movie to next to none.
Shirley appears to be an extremely sheltered man who rides in the back seat of the car with a blanket over his legs, putting his nose up at deep-fried chicken, and looking down on any one who acts anything less than ‘upper class’.
I couldn’t identify with either character at all.
The movie speeds through concert after concert, city after city, lingering on a few well-thought-out racist clashes between Shirley and police or thugs in pubs. Making the film feel rather undeveloped.
The story is punctuated by the classical music that Shirley is performing, but I found this to be rather dull. I would have preferred jazz or honky tonk blues (a genre that raises its head in one of the final scenes!).
Just realised why I was disappointed with the music – the trailer features zero classical music! Only jazz and a pop song by Sam Smith… The whitest man on the planet.
Director: Bryan Singer Writer: Anthony McCarten and Peter Morgan Released: November 2018 Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Tom Hollander and Mike Myers
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Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic of Freddie Mercury’s life within the iconic band, Queen.
It’s an emotional journey with an epic soundtrack, mirroring the trauma and heartbreak of Mercury’s rise and fall in fame.
Rami Maleck plays the part of Freddie Mercury, and I think he was absolutely the perfect choice.
I didn’t realise until I was doing some research on him just now that I had in fact seen him in movies before: the pharaoh in Night at the Museum, and Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 as an Egyptian vampire.
He’s a remarkable actor.
What I like about this movie is that unlike Elton John’s biopic, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody retains the original Queen soundtrack. So it feels like a more accurate representation of Freddie Mercury and his music.
As I mentioned in my last review, Bohemian Rhapsody is quite dissimilar to Rocketman, in that it isn’t as theatrical or exaggerated. It’s down-to-Earth, which humanises the iconic Freddie Mercury in an almost documentary-style – especially since they recreated the Live Aid concert scene for scene (which I loved!).
I like how Freddie Mercury was represented. Whether it was accurate or not, it was fascinating to ‘get to know’ him in such a flattering light. He seemed kind, generous, and humble with flaws and all, which made it feel all the worse to see him being taken advantage of.
Whereas in Rocketman, Elton John was [perhaps unintentionally] portrayed in quite the opposite manner: as an egotistical, flaunting and intangible character.
I prefer more ‘human’, coming-of-age stories, which is why I think I resonated with Bohemian Rhapsody more.
If you love Queen’s music, and strong, heroic characters who rose to fame from such a familiar and common life, then you’ll love Bohemian Rhapsody.
Despite his incredible talent as a musician, Freddie Mercury was portrayed as someone like you and I. He was fantastically ordinary – and look what he achieved.
Loved it.
I’ve been playing Queen’s music non-stop since, and I’ve been singing the operatic section on the song Bohemian Rhapsody on the way home from work everyday.
Director: Dexter Fletcher Writer: Lee Hall Released: May 2019 Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard
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Firstly, I had a wonderful night out on my birthday! We went to see Rocketman at the movies, and it was very enjoyable indeed – thank you Sascha for organising it!
Rocketman was two hours of musical classics, sung by Taron Egerton who portrayed Elton John.
It documented Elton John’s childhood, which I found very interesting! His parents appeared to be very cold, with his nan being the only person to support him as an aspiring musician.
Then it followed him through the rise and fall of his fame and addictions.
Elton John: So how does a fat boy from nowhere get to be a soul man? Wilson: You got to kill the person you were born to be in order to become the person you want to be.
Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), the writer of Elton’s songs, is a forever friend of his. I think their relationship was the warmest and most authentic relationship in the movie.
The casting was spot on! I couldn’t believe how authentic Bryce Dallas Howard’s English accent was.
The child actors who played Elton when he was a child were absolutely one in a million finds. They were incredible!
However, Rocketman is the perfect example of why a biopic should not be made while the main character is still alive, let alone be made by the main character – Elton John – himself.
It was Elton’s self-indulgent, ego-swamped, boastful story of his own life.
Perhaps I wouldn’t have felt this way if I had not seen Bohemian Rhapsody recently, which was a humble reflection of the seemingly kind, gentle and generous Freddie Mercury.
In comparison, Rocketman was the total opposite.
So if you loved Bohemian Rhapsody, you would not necessarily love Rocketman, which is a theatrical, over-the-top stage show. Sort of like Mary Poppins: Returns meets La La Land meets… Well, the sparkling razzle-dazzle of Elton John.
However, if you haven’t seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet, or if you didn’t enjoy Bohemian Rhapsody, then I would encourage you to watch Rocketman. Because you’ll have a better chance of loving it.
Nevertheless, it certainly takes you on an out-of-this-world journey, which I loved.
Ultimately, it’s worth a watch if you are a fan of Elton John’s hits – which is everyone! The script includes inspirational quotes, and the costumes are outrageous.
Just be prepared for the theatrics and grotesque flaunt of wealth. An audience who has an interest in stage shows is advised.
Director: Rob Marshall Writer: David Magee, Rob Marshall and John DeLuca (based on story by P.L Travers) Released: December 2018 Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Dick Van Dyke ,Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep
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Well, I thought this was a scene-by-scene remake. That’s what the rumours said anyway.
However, as the title does actually suggest, this is a sequel. It follows the lives of Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane (Emily Mortimer) as adults – the brother and sister in the first film.
After the death of his wife, Michael’s repayments on the house lapsed. The bank demanded that he now pay up in full – which he can’t possibly afford.
Thankfully, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) arrives just in time!
It’s a good thing you’ve come along when you did, Mary Poppins.
I have been looking forward to see this movie for ever! So as part of my hen do, we all went to watch it. It was such a magical day.
It is a beautiful film; a real feel-good movie! I would absolutely recommend it to anyone needing cheering up.
I had to hold back the tears throughout most of the scenes because everything is just so beautiful!
Everything is possible, even the impossible.
Emily Blunt is 100% the only option to play Mary Poppins. Mary is a tough and tender character; maternal but fierce. And I think that’s Emily Blunt in a nutshell. Plus, who else is a triple threat – a singer, dancer and actress?
(Remaining ‘practically perfect’ on set was said to be difficult though!)
You’ll probably find that you adopt a frightfully posh English accent after the movie, and make promises to yourself that you will start dressing up and paying more attention to your hair style after watching Mary Poppins Returns.
Nothing. Such a useful word, isn’t it? It can mean anything and everything.
Apart from Mary, I’m sure the favourite character of many would be Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) the cockney street lamp lighter. He’s happy and smiley and fun and wonderful!
I adored Julie Walters too, but sadly Meryl Streep’s character was a tad too eccentric for my liking.
I’m not generally a musical fan, but I enjoyed this one. Every song is catchy and uplifting. Particularly ‘A Cover is not the Book‘ and ‘Trip a Little Light Fantastic‘, but the latter is 99% because of the choreography with the streetlights.
This is history in the making – you must go to see Mary Poppins Returns in the cinema. It’s simply the only way because it’s like a stage play.
Before you go to see it though, I’d recommend watching the original Mary Poppins as well as Saving Mr. Banks to fully appreciate the history of the Mary Poppins character.
I enjoyed the echoes in the first film, including the penguins, which were drawn in the traditional way – frame by frame – by the original Disney artists. Such a lovely touch!
Director: Jake Kasdan Writer: Chris McKenna Released: December 2017 Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Bobby Cannavale
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I was on the back foot about this film because I loved the ‘first’ Jumanji film so much.
I say ‘first’ film, but these movies are totally unrelated. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is very loosely based on the board game featured in the 1995 film, but updated to a play station game to target the newer generation.
The main characters are high schoolers who find themselves in detention together – not unlike The Breakfast Club. They are cleaning out the basement of the school when they come across this Jumanji game.
Each student picks an avatar based on the names provided. But they soon find themselves being sucked into the game and becoming the characters they chose.
Ironically, the school bully finds himself as Franklin ‘Mouse’ Finbar (Kevin Hart) – the nerdy avatar with no strength and only a giant backpack as a ‘special ability’ – and the nerdy little kid finds himself as the hulking Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson).
The character-switch is brilliant, particularly in the case of the girly-girl who finds out that her avatar is not a cute professor – Professor Sheldon Oberon – but a character represented by Jack Black.
Jack Black plays a teenage girl so well! Very funny. Especially when he teaches a fellow teenage girl how to be attractive.
“That was so intense. I like can’t even with this place.” – Bethany/Professor Sheldon Oberon (Jack Black)
Within the game they overcome lots of obstacles and dangerous hurdles. All the while being guided by an NPC (non-player character) called Nigel Billingsley (Rhys Darby). He’s pretty glitchy and repetitive, which was funny.
I thought this was going to be a cheap and nasty knock-off of Robin Williams’ Jumanji. I was ready to be offended on his behalf.
But actually, I laughed a lot! I loved it. I watched it on the plane from the UK to New Zealand – which is a long flight – and I didn’t fall asleep or lose concentration at all!
Cool concept, funny characters and a definite re-watcher!
Director: Steven Soderbergh Writer: Scott Z. Burns Released: September 2011 Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Ehle, Elliot Gould and Kate Winslet
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I’m 100% sure I have reviewed Contagion before… But I can’t find it anywhere so I must have only thought about writing about it. Anyway.
Contagion is almost like an apocalyptic film that explores what may happen in the event of a major epidemic that threatens to wipe out much of the population, similar to that of the Spanish flu that killed about 1% of the word’s population at the time (50-100 million people during 1918).
It plays on our fears of being vulnerable and desperate to protect ourselves and our family.
It follows the lives of multiple people such as an ordinary citizen (Matt Damon) whose [cheating] wife (Gweneth Paltrow) is affected by the epidemic (funny how the first person to die is someone who is guilty of having an affair), a doctor (Marion Cotillard) who attempts to trace the origin of the flu, and another doctor (Kate Winslet) who investigates the nature/behaviour of the virus. In the background is Jennifer Ehle’s character who is working hard to find the vaccine to this unknown flu strain.
Meanwhile, we see the ‘faces’ of the epidemic: Laurence Fishburne’s character’s professional opinion is sought after by the Centre of Disease Control, and he is asked to do interviews on the news.
“No one can know until everyone knows”
In the other corner is Jude Law’s character who is a popular conspiracy theorist who attempts to prove that the disease is a bio terrorism weapon used by the government to financially profit from the vaccines. He believes he has found a homeopathic cure for the fatal disease.
It’s so interesting – every opinion is represented by a character, including the medical industry, government and citizens. The conspiracy theorist – although shown in a negative light with little integrity or authenticity (even given a gammy tooth for good measure) – raises a lot of good questions that should be asked. Challenging authority in such situations isn’t necessarily dangerous, but spreading propaganda may well be.
A thrilling ride with lots of interesting ‘what if’ scenarios.
My only criticism is the music. It’s such bizarre music. It’s sort of indie-sci-fi and reminds me of the Blade Runner soundtrack. The noises certainly put you on edge, but I’m not sure it always works with the more emotional scenes.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan Writer: M. Night Shyamalan Released: January 2019 Starring: James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sarah Paulson and Samuel L. Jackson
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Okay. So. In order to enjoy this movie to the max, I strongly recommend you view the two prequels before heading to the cinema.
The very first movie in this trilogy (look at me assuming there’s only going to be three…) is Unbreakable. This came out 2000 and actually has a stronger connection to Glass than Split.
The second movie was Split, and this is important to understand the backstory of the ‘villain’ (James McAvoy) and the ‘brain box’ (Samuel L. Jackson).
I’m so excited about this film, I don’t know where to begin!
Okay, so if you loved seeing all the characters that James McAvoy played in the previous film, then you will feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven in this film. You will learn more about each of his personalities and understand Patricia a little more. But you must watch Split before seeing Glass if you want to understand and appreciate the relationship between the different personalities.
I know that everyone knows, but James McAvoy is just a remarkable actor! He portrays each personality so accurately that you swear you were looking at a different actor. Absolutely obsessed with this character! So amazing to watch. You’ll giggle with nervousness, and chuckle at the absurdity, but ultimately he’s the scariest villain I’ve come across.
Where Unbreakable was about the ‘reluctant hero’ (Bruce Willis), Glass is about the baddies. A psychiatrist (Sarah Paulson) has captured all three characters (Kevin Crumb/The Horde, Elijah Price/Mr. Glass and David Dunn/The Overseer) and locked them in a secure unit. They are unable to escape as each of their weaknesses guards their cell. What kryptonite is to Superman: water is to Dunn, flashes of light is to Crumb and a room void of mental stimulation is to Price.
How will they escape? Who’s really in charge?
There are tonnes of references to comic book tropes and character stereotypes, which I loved! Also, because much of the film is shot via security cameras within the secure unit, you feel like it’s a movie within a movie. Especially because Elijah Price almost narrates the film in third person, referring to each main character as the ‘villain’ and the ‘reluctant hero’.
“That sounds like the bad guys teaming up.” – Mr. Glass
A couple of presenters on either Coast or Radio Hauraki (I can’t remember which) only gave Glass 2/5. But one of the presenters hadn’t watched Split, and the other presenter hadn’t watched Unbreakable. So I think this was likely the reason for their low rating. They probably found it boring because they would have missed the interesting details and references.
You must watch this film if you love movies in general, comics or M. Night Shyamalan.
Director: Shawn Seet Writer: Justin Monjo. (Based on novel by Colin Thiele) Released: January 2019 Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney, Finn Little, Trevor Jamieson, Morgana Davies and Erik Thomson
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Storm Boy is a story about a boy who rescues three pelicans in an isolated coastal area of Southern Australia called 90 Mile Beach.
Once nursed back to health and released into the wild, one pelican stays behind with the boy and never left his side.
Why is it called Storm Boy? Because according to Aboriginal beliefs, pelicans are the reincarnation of men who died at sea so every time a pelican is killed, a storm is bound to follow.
This is a largely unknown and only briefly advertised film, which is a shame. However, I think anybody who has read the novel or seen the 1976 Storm Boy film will adore it.
It’s essentially a slow-paced, emotional drama. Sadly, it lacks the grunt I was expecting of it. As the undercurrent of the story is habitat destruction, I was hoping for anErin Brockovich sort of film with heated arguments about environmental law and protests in the name of the pelicans!
But none of that really happens, it’s just a quiet film about looking after birds.
My favourite character is the ‘oracle’ character in Storm Boy is an Aboriginal man named Fingerbone Bill (Trevor Jamieson) is a good anchor to the film. He’s the character who keeps the main character grounded and focussed. He also represents indigenous Australia, echoing the friction between Europeans and Aborigines as well as between man and nature.
My favourite actor though, was of course Geoffrey Rush. I became a fan of his after The King’s Speech. I loved the scenes where they showed his character remembering being a child on the beach, and they showed him sat next to his younger self. Such a tear-jerker!
I enjoyed it, but am not inclined to watch it again due to the lack of drama.
Director: Susanne Bier Writer: Eric Heisserer (screenplay). Based on book by Josh Malerman Released: December 2018 Starring: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Vivien Lyra Blair, Julian Edwards, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, BD Wong, Tom Hollander, Sarah Paulson and Colson Baker
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Firstly, if you’ve seen A Quiet Place, then you’ve seen Bird Box. It’s quite comical how similar they both are.
Nevertheless, that is not an excuse not to watch Bird Box – especially if you enjoy an apocalyptic film.
It’s about a mysterious force that if seen, will cause people to kill themselves or harm others. This results in mass suicides, turning the world into a survival of the fittest. No one can go outside without being blindfolded for fear of seeing the nearly invisible killer.
The movie follows a pretty predictable storyline, but that doesn’t stop it from being shocking and unnerving. Especially when the force tempts people to take down their blindfolds by echoing the voice of a loved one.
I’m actually surprised that the storyline didn’t cause mass outrage or offence, considering it’s about suicides. I thought there would be fears of copycat behaviour. From the point of view of mental illness, I also thought offence would be taken by the fact that clinically insane people can see the killer but not kill themselves. Instead, they turn into murderers.
At the very least, I thought offence would be caused by the main character Mallorie (Sandra Bullock) naming the two children she’s looking after Boy and Girl (which are very gender-specific names in this gender diverse world).
However, I despair at what has got people talking: The Bird Box Challenges.
People are posting videos of themselves doing everyday activities – such as driving – blindfolded to see if they would survive in the apocalyptic world that was depicted. This reaction to the movie has resulted in warnings being posted by Netflix.
Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.
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Nevertheless, I thought the movie was well cast – I love Sandra Bullock anyway – but she did so well portraying a desperate mother. I think Reese Witherspoon would have done a good job too.
The storyline moved quickly with lots of twists and turns, which kept you on your feet.
So take your blindfold off – Bird Box is definitely worth watching!
Director: Bradley Cooper Writers: Based on story by William A. Wellman, Robert Carson, Dorothy Parker, Alan Campbell. Screenplay: Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters Released: October 2015 Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott
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Believe it or not, this is the fourth version of A Star is Born.
1937 (Janet Gaynor and Fredric March)
1954 (Judy Garland and James Mason)
1976 (Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson)
2018 (Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper)
It’s about a rock star called Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) who is an alcoholic with failing hearing and a career that is winding down. He bumps into a waitress called Ally (Lady Gaga) who has some decent pipes and takes her under his wing. Before he knows it, she’s an even bigger pop star than him and fame changes her from a humble, ordinary girl into an unrecognisable star.
While she rakes in the money and wins all the awards, Maine’s alcoholism gets worse.
The two main characters’ relationship reminds me of Johnny Cash and June Carter as portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon in the movie Walk the Line. I liked how in love they seem – no wonder why it sparked rumours that Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper had a fling! They’re a very convincing couple.
Actually, in so few words: Walk the Line + Burlesque + two and a half hours = A Star is Born.
The movie itself has brilliant music in it, especially everybody’s favourite song ‘Shallow‘. Despite a few plot holes and weird twists and turns, I can certainly appreciate that this movie stands out from the bunch this year.
But while the first quarter of the film was giving me chills and teary eyes, that quickly faded as the pacing of the film was getting slower and slower, and the story was getting longer and longer.
I looked over at my friend (Sascha) who appeared to be thinking the same thing: ‘where is this story going, and when will it end?’
Thankfully, Lady Gaga’s stunning performance almost made up for the dragged-out shots and painfully slow story line – she was a brilliant actress. Bradley Cooper looked the part too, with his rough exterior, long hair and diesel-engine voice.
After the movie finished, I thought I’d check out Lady Gaga’s Instagram as I was excited to follow her and be a fan of her acting career. But then quickly changed my mind as her Instagram isn’t a platform to showcase her talent or personality, it’s an album of her near-naked photos.
Then I remembered there were at least four scenes where Lady Gaga was naked for no reason in the movie. I realised that she’s just a woman who likes to get naked at the drop of a hat and talk total nonsense in interviews. Which was disappointing.
I guess I really only liked the character she was playing, which I suppose is credit to her acting talent.
My verdict is that the acting and the music is top notch, and this remake will probably win all the awards and be known as a Hollywood sensation. But the pacing is so slow and drawn out that even the heavy emotion of the story simply isn’t enough to keep you focused.
Therefore, if you’re looking for an emotional film about musicians falling in and out of love, I’d recommend watching Walk the Lineinstead. It’s got all the perks of A Star is Born – hit songs, flawless acting and it still covers the same distressing issues (such as substance abuse). The difference being that the pacing is faster in Walk the Line and keeps you hooked.
The music, the performances and the cinematic beauty of this movie is wonderful. But the rest of it lets it down.
NZ Film Freak 