WONKA

Here is another magical film from Paul King the creator of PADDINGTON, which is based on Roald Dahl’s wonderful character from the classic children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The first screen adaptation of the story was WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY back in 1971 with Gene Wilder as the eponymous hero before Johnny Depp stepped into Wonka’s shoes for Tim Burton’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY in 2005. Now in this prequel to the classic tale, it is Timothee Chalamet who plays the young Wonka before he becomes the world-renowned inventor, magician and chocolate-maker. Wonka has lovely memories of his mother (Sally Hawkins), who always inspires him to pursue his dreams, but his innocence and naivety is fully exploited when he arrives at the city run by greedy chocolatiers. His Dickensian landlady Mrs Scrubbit (Olivia Colman) makes him sign an agreement which gives her power to keep him working for her forever, until little orphan Noodle (Calah Lane) comes to his rescue…
Chalamet is terrific as the young protagonist and sets up the tone of this delightful film from his very first entrance, when he steps down the ship all singing and dancing and dreaming of opening a chocolate shop. King’s assured direction creates a very believable world and draws excellent performances from his stellar cast, and a scene stealing one from Hugh Grant as Oompa-Loompa.
It is one of these rare films where everything from cinematography to music and designs gel together most perfectly. Ideal entertainment for the whole family particularly for chocoholics!

ANSELM 3D

The celebrated German director Wim Wenders follows with his 3D camera and 6K resolution one of the most brilliant painters and sculptors of our time. Anselm Kiefer in unlike any other artist – his work is inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology and religion and is delivered on a vast scale in empty spaces as well as in his studio in France. Wenders spent more than two years talking to this unique artist about his work, visiting his giant installation exhibits and capturing his art for eternity.
Like Wenders’ previous 3D documentary PINA this is also one for posterity. A rare treat for art lovers!

THE PEASANTS

This remarkable film which is using an advanced oil painting animation technique is Poland’s entry for next year’s Oscars. Like the brilliant LOVING VINCENT, writer/directors DK & Hugh Welchman’s striking film is a feast for the eyes. It is based on Wladyslaw Reymont’s Nobel Prize winning story of Jagna, a fiercely independent young woman living in a small country village during the late 19th Century Poland. Most men of the village desire her and are prepared to put their marriage, as well as friendships, on the line to possess her…
It is a brutal, strikingly beautiful film, unlike anything you have seen before. An oil painting comes vividly to life in front of your eyes!

YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE 2

The original film was released exactly a year ago and was one of the surprise hits of the year. Director Jim O’ Hanlon and writer Tom Parry bring back the young lovers James & Hayley (Asa Butterfield and Cora Kirk), who both in the original story decided to switch trains at the last minute and surprise each other, but inevitably they both spend Christmas away from one another. This time James’ father Humphrey (Alex Jennings) has invited both families to spend Christmas at a luxury sky resort in Austria and as fate would have it, each family ends up at the wrong accommodation, where chaos soon begins to ensue…
It is a fun premise with many enjoyable set ups. It is a charming, likable film which, like the original, works thanks to the careful casting and the winning chemistry between the two leads. The only absentee from the original cast is Harriet Walter as Humphrey’s housekeeper, but this time Jane Krakowski comes along the ride as Humphrey’s American girlfriend. (Prime Video)

THE DEEPEST BREATH

This stunning documentary written and directed by Laura McGann focuses on the life of Italian freediver Alessia Zecchini and her quest to break a world record with the help of her expert Irish safety driver Stephen Keenan. Alessia is encouraged by her father Enzo to follow her dream from a young age and here Enzo talks eloquently about his daughter’s passion and strong determination to succeed. Equally Stephen’s father Peter talks about his son’s upbringing in Dublin before his passion led him to Egypt and other magnetic freediving destinations.
Even though both athletes come from different backgrounds, the bond between Alessia and Stephen is inevitable, and the film unfolds beautifully as a celebration to the sport as well as a love story. It is perfectly complimented by striking cinematography and a deeply moving score. It is compelling and unmissable! (Netflix)

A STITCH IN TIME

This sweet and tender film marks the assured debut feature of Australian writer/director Sasha Hadden, who sets the action in Sydney and follows the story of 80-year-old Liebe (Maggie Blinco). She is a former dressmaker who decides to leave her abusive partner of fifty years and start making dresses again especially after meeting Hamish (Hoa Xuande), a young Chinese fashion designer…
It is a charming film worth catching thanks to Blinco’s sympathetic presence even though it is occasionally filled with saccharine sentimentality.

THE RAT CATCHER

Another instalment in the series of short film based on Roald Dahl’s stories, directed by Wes Anderson and featuring his repertory actors. Ralph Fiennes excels as the Rat Catcher, a creepy man who looks and sounds like the vermin he has been assigned to exterminate.
Like in the previous short, THE WONDEFUL WOLRD OF HENRY SUGAR, Fiennes also plays the writer Roald Dahl and his dead pan performance is perfectly complimented by David Ayoade and Rupert Friend as the men telling this weird story.
Anderson’s mischievous direction and the stillness and ease of the performances make this such an enjoyable short.

RESTORE POINT

This ambitious Czech futuristic sci-fi by Robert Hloz was screened last week at the BFI IMAX as part of the 27th MADE IN PRAGUE FESTIVAL. The action takes place in Central Europe in 2041 and follows the story of Agent Em (Andrea Mohylova), who begins an investigation to solve the case of a murdered couple. There are no clues especially as one victim’s restore point has been erased but thankfully the husband’s digital backup is restored…
It is an intriguing premise accompanied by strong production values and decent acting. The script may be repetitive and occasionally too explanatory for its own sake but overall, it is quite a watchable blockbuster.
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