FILM OF THE WEEK

LIZZIE

Craig William Macneill’s chilling drama based on true events was one of the hottest tickets at the recent London Film Festival, where his previous film THE BOY- another atmospheric chiller – was also screened at the LFF a couple of years ago. The notorious axe murders of the Borden family in Fall River Massachusetts have been brought to the screen on several occasions – most memorably in the 1975 TV movie “The Legend of Lizzie Borden” with Elizabeth Montgomery. Now Chloe Sevigny is Lizzie, a free spirited but frustrated 32-year-old woman living under the strict rule of her deeply conservative father. She lives a solitary existence until Bridget Sullivan (Kirsten Stewart) comes to work for her family as a maid…

Macneill creates a suitable claustrophobic world which soon begins to crumble Lizzie’s dreams and sense of freedom where there is no way out. Most of the action is shot in giant close ups which enables the audience to identify with Lizzie’s predicament.

Sevigny and Stewart deliver remarkable performances and share a tremendous chemistry. The supporting cast including Fiona Shaw as Lizzie’s unfortunate mother and Dennis O’Hare as a vile suitor is also strong. Worth seeing!

 

AQUAMAN

The superhero movies come fast and thin these days. Director James Wan imaginatively brings to life the DC Comics Aquaman, who is born as Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) from a human father (Temuera Morrison) and an Atlantean mother (the ubiquitous Nicole Kidman). When Arthur grows up he finds out about his destiny and the underwater kingdom of Atlantis…

The story is fun but the CGI effects practically take over the whole movie. Even Aquaman’s parents are given youthful faces in the early scenes despite the fact that Nicole Kidman is ageless. Jason Momoa makes a credible hero and is well supported by Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Amber Heard as fellow Atlanteans.

It you want to see this try the biggest screen possible!

 

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

This highly inventive and unpredictable film by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller is one of the best animation features of the year!

Just when you thought Spider Man is alive and well reigning New York here comes Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales (voice by Shameik Moore), who develops superhero powers after he gets bitten by a spider. But he soon discovers he is not the only Spider-man in this new dimension – there is Spider-Man Noir (Nicolas Cage) for starters who only appears in black and white…

It is hugely enjoyable that will satisfy fans of the genre and gain a whole new generation along the way!

 

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

The most controversial film of the year from the provocative Danish director Lars Von Trier is finally here and uncut. It was crucified at Cannes and is now out for Christmas – the publicity claims.

Trier tells the story of Jack (Matt Dillon) an intelligent man who becomes a most violent and calculated serial killer over a 12 year period. He narrates his story which he splits into incidents and in number one he reluctantly gives a lift to a woman on a deserted country road with a flat tyre. It is a strong opening with a delicious contribution from Uma Thurman as the demanding woman on the road before the action becomes utterly nasty brutal and almost unwatchable.

It is deliberately shocking and verging on the misogynistic- definitely not for the easily offended!

 

MORTAL ENGINES

Christian Rivers began his career as a storyboard artist in many Peter Jackson films including THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE HOBBIT trilogies. He now gets his big break as director from producer Peter Jackson for this massive blockbuster despite his lack of experience. His attractive film boasts superb designs and impressive special effects but overall it is disappointingly confused.

A mysterious young woman Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar) is the only hope to save London, now a giant city on wheels, from destroying everything in this futuristic tale. One clever design after another not dissimilar to the Japanese 2004 animation HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE but no time for character or plot development.

 

Also out this week:

 

WHITE BOY RICK: The director of ‘71 Yann Demange changes pace for this true story which takes place in 1980’s Detroit. Teenage boy Rick (Richie Merritt) is lured by the FBI to become an undercover police informant during the War on Drugs epidemic. He is reluctant at first but soon becomes a drug dealer himself…It is a powerful story which takes some time to get going before the gripping finale.

MUG: This terrific Polish film from Malgorzata Szumowska was a worthy winner of the Jury Grand Prix at the 68th Berlin Film Festival. Her amazing film begins as a satirical and cleverly observed comedy on the state of her nation. Her leading man Jacek (Mateusz Kosciukiewicz) is a free spirited and fun loving young man until a tragic accident has an immense effect not only on his life but also for those around him… A compelling and highly original film worth discovering!

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: It must be Christmas! Frank Capra’s 1946 timeless classic is back in cinemas in a sparkling new 4K restoration. James Stewart is George Bailey the deeply humane man on the verge of committing suicide on Christmas Eve…The acting is first class while Dimitri Tiomkin’s superb score will touch your heart despite the number of times you’ve seen it. See this wonderful film on the big screen and marvel!

George Savvides

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