claire francis

I bought it. So I did like it but it 4 stars rather than 3 only because I want a sequel. A very enjoyable film, with all the excitement of being drawn into the MIB world and almost as much fun. Thompson and Hemsworth are great together and could be even better if they’re given a decent story. Unfortunately they weren’t given a particularly funny or clever plot/script this go round, but the film is still enjoyably watchable more than once. Perhaps the sequel needs to take a few risks and remember what made MIB I succeed, but I’d still look forward to it. They could make more use of O in the next one, have fewer pointless laser fights, show more of H’s responsible side and let M drive more. I’d watch it. When’s it happening?? I mean, aren’t you going to show H (us) how the universe works, finally?

This is the most enjoyable, comedic and clever version to date. Wonderfully light hearted yet still touching in its portrayal of Dickens’ semi autobiographical tale. There is a touch of whimsy and surrealism about this almost theatrical interpretation. If that’s not your style, you probably won’t like it. However, if it is, you’ll absolutely love it (hence the polarised 5 vs 1 star reviews). Dev Patel is just perfect for this role and it would have been a shame to rule him out purely on the basis of race. The whole cast works and that should be the only thing that matters in a film that is about anything but historical accuracy.

Beautiful, authentic film. People who say it’s repetitive don’t understand drug addiction. It’s not a subject which can be represented by a 3 act film with punchy dialogue, so don’t expect one. Expect a hard slog, hopes being raised and dashed repeatedly, and crucially but rarely for this type of addiction, a non tragic ending. My heart goes out to all affected by these issues. This was a necessary film.

High quality, high concept. Love it!

I both loved and disliked this film. There’s much to criticise in the subject matter and it *does* perform something of a whitewash on the scandals hitting the church at that time, while asking us to get sentimental over popes who like pizza. But purely as a film, the dialogue is well written and it’s beautifully acted. It’s a shame to put such pure talent to such impure use. Would have liked a bit more daring and critique from the story as a whole but it’s basically a buddy movie, meant to make us love the main characters, which we do, even though one of them covered for paedophiles on a grand scale...and that’s what I can’t quite forgive the film for.

I didn’t want to like it. Gangster is so overdone. Was expecting another dreary ‘tough guys’ gangster film. This film totally won me over. Not only did I like it, I loved it. For me, this is the film that most exhibits Scorsese’s genius, and genius it is. This is a standout film in so many ways. Beautifully crafted masterpiece all the more hard hitting for its subtlety and softness. I loved the dry, understated humour and rhythm to the whole film. I particularly loved the ending, the last 10 minutes or so, because although what was shown was very simple, the groundwork had been laid for the audience to experience a rich empathy and understanding that could never be achieved with mere words. You’re practically doing your own storytelling by that point and here’s s a team whose writers leave ample room for the actors’ storytelling. The film is so much richer for it. The CGI rejuvenation tech was tastefully and skilfully used, not overdone. We were able to see the actors exactly as they really were 20-30 years ago. It was magic. Passed a lovely afternoon watching this with family today, who shared with me their memories of Hoffer etc. We must have paused it about 3 times: once for dinner and twice to shout some politics at each other. Only the best films can be watched this way, like an ‘all day event’. Will always remember watching this. Just a great film. Thank you Scorsese, Deniro, Pacino and Pesci but also a BIG thank you to NETFLIX because without them this film wouldn’t have been made as no studio wanted to touch it. Bravo! 👏