birding john

The best movie in the current slate of films. For those with 'superhero fatigue' there is a good amount of storytelling and emotional performances to offset the action scenes so you buy into the film. Having a predominantly black cast worked in the first film making Black Panther an individual and welcome addition to the Marvel family, and that uniqueness is successfully explored here with a deeper look into the world of Wakanda. Angela Bassett gives a great performance and you do feel for all the characters as the storyline develops. The film also sets up some future Marvel adventures nicely too. Well worth a watch on the big screen.

What a way for Daniel Craig to step away from the role, from start to finish well paced and exciting. With twists and turns. Who can Bond trust? Will his happy retirement be short lived? Called back into the fray to rescue a kidnapped scientist, can Bond save the day by stopping a new deadly weapon? Beautiful locations, fabulous set pieces and stunts as you would expect. Women who are not just eye candy but also definitely players, this felt like a proper modern Bond. Grittier and more emotional than I was expecting the actors all put in great performances. Craig is especially good bringing a depth to Bond that you sometimes don't see. If I had one criticism it would be that the villain is somewhat one dimensional, although Rami Malik does a great job. Why do all baddies have a disfigurement and a basic back story? One day a writer will flesh one out a bit more I suppose. Anyway a fantastic romp, well worth seeing on the big screen. Will it be heartache and tragedy or a happy ever after for Bond? Watch this film to find out - it's a blast! Literally!

I have waited a long time for a decent cinematic version of Dune, and finally, here it is! After the disappointment of Lynch's attempt, which looked good but was scuppered by clunky dialogue and suspect acting, we finally have an epic version - fantastic sets, wonderful cinematography, great costume design and some outstanding acting by the cast. Not only is the scheming of all the factions brought to life, but also the character and emotions of the main protagonists. As a fan of the books I feel a great care has been taken in this film to do them justice and it really paid off. The Bene Gesserit sisterhood is suitably otherworldly and creepy in equal measure. My only small criticism would be that the film suffers from 'Fellowship of the ring ' syndrome. A journey through the film with an ending which doesn't complete the story. I suppose it leaves you wanting more ( I see many sequels ahead). I hope so, at least 5 books worth of amazing storytelling is a rich vein to mine. In short I loved it and I think you will too.