Hello everyone!
I went back to college today after just having half term. Siiiiiigh.
It was so cold today too, I would’ve rather spent all day in bed.
(Well I nearly did, I didn’t go to my 2nd lesson because I felt too faint to sit in a lesson for an hour and a half blah.)
Over half term I binge watched a bunch of films.
Now, I know not everyone has access to on demand platforms such as Netflix and SkyGo. A couple of these films are also good to pick up if they’re cheap in a DVD retailer though :’)
Here are my mini reviews! 🙂
1) Filth.
Source: Netflix
Certificate: 18
Based on the novel ‘Filth’ by Irvine Welsh, we follow James McAvoy as Bruce who manipulates his way through a murder investigation to become a Detective Inspector.
I have to warn you though, this is not for the faint hearted. Some of the sex scenes are graphic. There’s a lot of bad language used and drugs are frequently used throughout the film.
It’s a very interesting story and goes from very thrilling and fast paced to slow moving at odd points throughout the film. However, the film is worth watching just for James McAvoy’s performance alone. The emotional range this man presents. Bruce isn’t the most likeable character. There are many elements as to why Bruce is the way he is, which you find out in the film, and James McAvoy nails it throughout the film.
I found a few similarities to Dom Hemingway in the sense of a man trying to redeem himself. If you enjoyed that film or Irvine Welsh’ novel or if you like James McAvoy then I’d recommend it!
Source: SkyGo
Certificate: 15
Spike Island is a film about a local up and coming indie band who travel to Chesire to see The Stone Roses perform on Spike Island in 1990.
I enjoyed this film! It’s one of those ‘what you see is what you get’ films and we also get to see the back of stories of the individuals in the band.
It’s an absolutely great film with stellar performances from Elliott Tittensor, Nico Mirallegro, Jordan Murphy and Emilia Clarke. The cinematography is really beautiful too, as if the film was actually filmed in the 90’s and best represents that decade. So many films that have been released recently are set in, for example, the 19th century but are filmed in the most high definition equipment, that I feel it takes the audience away from the setting. *cough cough* Les Miserables *cough*
Source: Netflix
Certificate: 15
Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan star in a film about a murder that connects poets from the Beat Generation.
This was a solid film. I found myself bored at some points though. This film is good but also I feel was overhyped when it came out. Critics were raving about it when it came out. I think this is because people were surprised Daniel Radcliffe kissed A BOY OOOOOH
Dane DeHaan is amazing in this as is Daniel Radcliffe. Their performances are worth watching.
If you’re into the poets/writers of The Beat Generation or of that time period then I’d recommend this film.
4. Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Source: Netflix
Certificate: 15
A new twist on the fairytale ‘Hansel and Gretel’ where they become professional witch hunters after defeating and burning a witch as a child.
I really enjoyed this, okay.
I remember seeing the trailer when it came out in the cinema and thought it looked awful. But it was actually pretty good!
Yeah it’s super cheesy at some parts and it’s a bit predictable but I found it to be a really interesting take. They even have a ‘fan’ come up to them and ask them to sign, what I think is a, map for them!
Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton were badass in this too.
It certainly made my Halloween anyway!
Sorry this was long! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Hayley Sprout 