The Shape of Water

Set in Baltimore in 1962, The Shape of Water follows a mute custodian (Sally Hawkins) at a high-security government laboratory who befriends a captured humanoid-amphibian creature (Doug Jones).

A beautiful fantasy drama with an outstanding cast and production design makes The Shape of Water a mesmerising film. Director Guillermo del Toro (Crimson Peak, Pan’s Labyrinth) has outdone himself creating an original fable that will melt your heart and will leave a lasting impression.

A heart-warming and visually stunning film that’s a must-see.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Shape of Water is in cinemas now!

 

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Molly’s Game

The true story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), who becomes the target of an FBI investigation of the underground poker empire she runs for Hollywood celebrities, athletes, business tycoons, and the Russian mob.

An impressive directorial debut from screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The Social Network). Though the movie stretches out, the writing is exceptional and the acting is superb.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Molly’s Game is in cinemas now!

Phantom Thread

Last year Daniel Day-Lewis announced he was retiring from acting. The three-time Oscar winner’s decision was a shock for movie lovers and fans of Day-Lewis. His last film Phantom Thread won’t disappoint his admirers.

Set in London’s fashion industry in the 1950’s, renowned fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) who falls in love with a young waitress Alma (Vicky Krieps). The couple’s relationship alternates between affection and distance until they finally learn to live with one another’s differences.

Daniel Day-Lewis leaves his final film on a high note and gives the best performance of his career. He and co-star Vicky Krieps give remarkable character-driven performances. Both actors work well together and share a beautiful and intense chemistry. The supporting cast is solid with Lesley Manville in tow as Cyril, Reynolds’ sister.

Writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) delivers a masterpiece. Phantom Thread draws you in from beginning to end with Day-Lewis and Krieps’ intoxicating romantic tension. Anderson achieves a well-paced and steady narrative with dialogue is excellently written with a touch of humour.

Serving as his own director of photography, Anderson’s cinematography is visually stunning along with its exquisite and lavish production design and costumes.

An elegant and engaging drama, Phantom Thread is one of best films of the year and of the award season. Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps give compelling performances. The film draws you in with their characters complex love story.  As Day-Lewis’ last film, this won’t disappoint his fans. A must see.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Phantom Thread is in cinemas now!

Stronger

Based on the memoir of the same name by Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter. Stronger follows Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal), who loses his legs in the Boston Marathon bombing and must adjust to his new life.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives a likeable performance and emotionally draws you in with his character. He is surrounded by a solid ensemble cast. Director David Gordon Green manages strong and touching performances from his cast.

Though predictable, Stronger is an uplifting film. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an excellent performance. Worth a look.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Stronger is in cinemas February 15

The Post

The Post depicts the true story of The Washington Post journalists and their attempts to publish the Pentagon Papers, classified documents regarding the 30-year involvement of the United States government in the Vietnam War.

The film features a well-rounded cast led by Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Streep is a standout as conflicted owner and publisher of The Washington Post Katharine Graham who lacks confidence in her ability as a woman to lead the newspaper and overruled by more assertive men who advise or work for her.

Hanks is brilliant as The Post’s editor in chief Ben Bradlee who risks his and Katharine’s careers to expose the U.S. government secrets.

Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List) directs this compelling drama about journalism and integrity. The direction is outstanding as Spielberg manages character-driven performances from his cast. The screenplay by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer is brilliantly written and draws you in from beginning to end with its excellent and well-detailed narrative.

The cinematography by Janusz Kamiński is perfectly shot with great editing by Michael Kahn and Sarah Broshar accompanied by a great music score John Williams makes The Post a perfect film.

One of best films about journalism and one of my favourite movies of the award season, The Post is a must see. An intriguing story about risking your job and freedom to help bring long-buried truths to light that audiences will find entertaining and captivating.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Post is in cinemas now!

 

All the Money in the World

All the Money in the World depicts J. Paul Getty’s (Christopher Plummer) refusal to cooperate with the extortion demands of a group of kidnappers from the organised crime Mafia group ‘Ndrangheta, who abducted his grandson John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) in 1973.

A stellar crime thriller. Michelle Williams and Christopher Plummer give stand out performances. A well-made film by director Ridley Scott (Alien).

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

All the Money in the World is in cinemas now!

 

Viceroy’s House

Viceroy’s House tells the story of the Partition of India. In 1947, British statesman Lord Mountbatten (Hugh Bonneville) serves as India’s last Viceroy and is charged with handing India back to its people but meets with conflict as different sides clash in the face of monumental change. Downstairs in the servants quarters, Mountbatten’s new manservant, Jeet (Manish Dayal) falls for the daughter’s assistant, Alia (Huma Qureshi) and all manner of obstacles are put in their way.

Solid performances from the cast led by Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson. Supporting actors Manish Dayal and Huma Qureshi steal the film with their characters’ complicated romance in the backdrop of India’s transition to independence.

This is a departure for writer/director Gurinder Chadha who is known for comedy films such as Bend It Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice. Chadha has made a charming film. She’s created this upstairs/downstairs atmosphere along the points of view from Lord Mountbatten and Indians on their long-awaited independence from Britain which is fascinating to watch.

The script is well written by Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges and Moira Buffini. The cinematography by Ben Smithard is exquisite along with the editing by Victoria Boydell.

A splendid film with a superb cast, Viceroy’s House is worth a look. If you’re a fan of Gurinder Chadha, check it out.

Rating 4/5 Stars