Film Reviews
FILM THE WEEK
TRUE THINGS
Harry Wootliff made a huge impression a couple of years ago with her award winning feature film debut ONLY YOU – a beautifully observed modern love story. Now Wootliff adapts Kay Davies’ 2010 novel “True Things About Me” and follows the story of Kate (Ruth Wilson), an extremely bored office worker at an unemployed job centre, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a charismatic stranger enters her world. Blond (Tom Burke) is fresh out of prison and meets Kate at her office when he attends seeking work. There is a strong sexual chemistry between the two strangers at first sight and Kate is prepared to neglect her job duties in order to fulfil her desires…
Ruth Wilson is outstanding as the free spirited, sexually liberated civil servant and shares a powerful chemistry with Burke, who is also excellent as the dangerously attractive stranger. Hayley Squires provides strong support as Ruth’s colleague Alison, exasperated with her friend’s totally irresponsible behaviour at work. Wootliff’s direction is subtle, sensitive and actor friendly. Her engaging film was one of the highlights from last year’s London Film Festival and is very much worth seeing not just for the spellbinding performances but also for Wootliff’s solid direction.
AMBULANCE
Michael Bay’s overblown remake is an exercise in excess whereas the 80 minute Danish original is an exercise in restraint. AMBULANCEN made in 2005 goes straight into action and tells the story of two brothers who make a bank robbery in order to pay for their mother’s medical treatment.
Bay spends over half an hour introducing multiple characters before the brothers seek refuge in an ambulance after their heist goes terribly wrong. This time it is Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who needs the money for his wife and it is his brother Danny (Jake Gylenhaal) who lures him into the robbery. The ambulance nurse Cam (Eliza Gonzalez) is introduced long before the heist and becomes a key member during the runaway.
It is exciting stuff but sadly Bay never knows when to stop – explosion after explosion and its repetitive action becomes truly tiresome by the end. See the original on Netflix instead!
THE BAD GUYS
This enjoyable caper animation feature boasts fun, crazy characters and provides solid family entertainment. It is based on the New York book series and follows the story of notorious criminals Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Piranha, Mr Shark and Ms Tarantula as they prepare for another challenging heist. But after they get caught they need to prove to Professor Marmalade that they are good citizens after all…
It is a bright, colourful, full of energy, an adventure told with originality and with a couple of genuine twists for good measure. The voice work is good particularly from Sam Rockwell as Wolf, Awkwafina as Tarantula and Richard Ayoade as the Professor.
CRIES AND WHISPERS
Ingmar Bergman’s 1972 classic is screening at selected cinemas including the BFI National Film Theatre as part of a Liv Ullmann retrospective called FACE TO FACE. The Norwegian actor, director and writer has collaborated with Bergman on several occasions and here Ullmann shines as Maria, one of three sisters, who returns to the family’s rural home along with her other sister Karin (Ingrid Tulin) in order to spend some time with their dying sibling Agnes (Harriet Andersson).
A fascinating portrait of a family in crisis where past secrets and uncomfortable memories are revealed. Bergman’s intelligent direction is perfectly complimented by Sven Nykvist’s striking cinematography while Ullman is as luminous as ever amongst a stunning ensemble of actors.
COACH TO VIENNA
A classic from director Karel Kachyna made in 1966, which still stands as one of the most harrowing and striking films from the Czech New Wave. The action takes place during the last days of the World War II and follows the story of a young Czech widow forced to take two German soldiers on her carriage to the Austrian border. Her husband has just been executed by the Nazis and the widow is hungry for revenge…
The premise is deceptively simple – a journey through the forest – Kachyna’s film is a masterclass in building atmosphere and suspense without the need of much dialogue. It is superbly photographed and this striking black and white 4K restoration provides food for thought in the most unexpected and gripping way. Not to be missed! (Blu-ray from Second Run)
LUCY AND DESI
Amy Poelher’s intelligent, well researched documentary on the life and career of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is the perfect companion piece to Aaron Sorkin’s recent film BEING THE RICARDOS with Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem. Their ground-breaking and most beloved television show “I Love Lucy” changed Hollywood and was not only a National but also an international phenomenon.
This brilliant film also boasts terrific clips from the show plus rare archive material from this remarkable couple’s private life. (Prime Video)
DEAD & BEAUTIFUL
Dutch filmmaker David Verbeek sets the action of this slick horror in modern day Japan and follows the story of a group of filthy rich friends who after a night out they mysteriously get thirst for flesh and blood…
An attractive, stylish film with strong production values – a welcome addition to the vampire genre! (Shudder)
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