Joe Brassington

The Greatest Showman (2017) Dir: Michael Gracey As a film critic, I want to hate this film. It has sloppily fast pacing, odd direction and is about as accurate to the original story as O Brother Where Art Thou is to The Odyssey. But as a decent human being, I can't hate it. It's impossible. I feel as if I am a judge in a talent contest who was bribed by one of the contestants but I saw one act that was so amazing, so imaginatively perfect, so... wow, that I can't help but forget about the bribe and give into the magic. This movie has so much effort, so much vibrancy and just so many catchy tunes that I have to adore this. It. Is. Magical. Plot: ** Visuals: **** Meaning: **** 4.5/5 Overall: Welcome to the Greatest Show.

The Favourite (2018) Dir: Yorgos Lanthimos Adultery, violence, blackmail, hatred and vomit. This movie has all not and a lot more. The Favourite is by far one of Lanthimos' greatest films. I very much enjoyed it from beginning to end although I did find the overuse of fish-eye shots a bit jaring and some very Andersonion shots did distract me from the scene itself but other than that, perfect. Almost every joke in the film landed with me which is rather a hard thing to do since I just about never laugh during movies. The acting was superb and I will compliment to colour palette of this film. They tried their best to emulate the look of oil paintings of that time along with Lanthimos' ature like visual style. All I have left to say is that Lanthimos is definitely a director you have to keep an eye out for. Just not a fish-eye. Plot: **** Visuals: *** Meaning: **** Overall: Lanthimos, I'm waiting. 4.5/5

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Dir: Wes Anderson Before you begin reading this here review, please note that I am not the biggest fan of Anderson's newer style. It's not that I don't find it entertaining or beautiful, it's the very opposite. It just feels a bit off to me, that's all. In my last review I had a look at Anderson's 2005 film, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, I proudly said that we only saw a small glimpse at his full imagination. In this feature, we see about %98 of it. With daring use of colour in every shot, painter like precision in direction and a aspect ratio change that probably made several people pause the film then mess with the TV menu for sometime, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a must see. However. My issue with the film is that it often feels like a satire upon Anderson's work which bothers me quite a bit. Some visuals seem forced and uncomfortable and with the over stylistic visual choices it does take you out of the illusion of cinema. My most controversial thought about this whole movie is that I believe The Life Aquatic is a far better film. On the contrary, I will say it was a good film that takes great inspiration from the works of Orson Welles, Stanley Kubrick and several cake tins full of German Expressionism. Visuals: **** Plot: *** Meaning: ** Overall: Seriously. Somebody get me that cake recipe! 2.8/5

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) Dir: Wes Anderson Although it isn't Anderson's greatest film it absolutely shows the world a small glimpse of his vast imagination. With beautiful cinematography from David Yeoman mixed with Anderson's intricate eye for visuals The Life Aquatic is a turning point in his overall style which we see in many of his films today. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the characters, humour and oddly enough the action sequences. I would reccomend to any average movie goer but for a fan of Anderson's newer work... Not so much. Visuals: **** Plot: *** Meaning: ** Overall: Will have Portuguese Bowie stuck in your head. 3.8/5

BlacKkKlansman (2018) Dir: Spike Lee You need to watch this movie. I don't have anything to analyse or talk about. Just. Just see this movie. Buy it, stream it, find the original 35mm. Whatever. Just. See. This. Movie. Watch it with everyone you know or just yourself. Savour it. It is a landmark in international history. Plot: ***** Visuals: **** Meaning: ***** Overall: All the power, to all the people. 5/5

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) Dir: Sam Liu Giving a creative spin on the DC Universe, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is an ok film for any steampunk or comic fan. The film does have a lot of plot holes and some major historical inaccuracies which can be slightly disorienting if you begin noticing them. The twist at the end was rather surprising but it left me a slightly confused, I won't spoil it here but you'll know what I mean. All and all it's an ok movie. I wouldn't really recommend to anyone unless they bring it up or if their a fan of these things. It was ok. Visuals: *** Plot: *** Meaning: *** Overall: Meh. It was alright. 3/5

Although the visuals of the movie feel more like a Coke comercial than an ode to one of the greatest showmen of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody is definatly a must-see. Whilst the plot can be a bit dull and fast-paced in some scenes, the movie is worth the price of a ticket just for the music and effort of the actors. The directors tried their best to create a magical film that sadly isn't as magical as the band's music but it is as magical as the man himself. Visuals: ** Plot: *** Meaning: **** Over All: Definately not regicide. 3.5/5