The last movie I saw was...

[LeMarchand]

The Flash (2023) (£5 rental most places)

 

Distraught over reliving his mother's death and his father's likely continued (false) imprisonment for her murder, The Flash runs so fast that he discovers he can travel back in time, which means he could save his mum. But time travel works a bit differently in the (late) DCEU and things go very wrong.

 

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. There were some oddities, like Ezra Miller seemed to be playing Barry Allen as autistic in the early scenes and how Aquaman 2 will now fit in to the universe but it was generally quite fun with some nice cameos (some CG/AI) from past DC stars. It wasn't so good that I wished I'd seen it theatrically, though.

[FN-GM]

BlackBerry

 

 

I thought it was a good movie! I didn't know the story of the company so it was good to find out in an entertaining way. Even Mrs FN-GM (not married yet) liked it.

[LeMarchand]

Ek Tha Tiger (Prime Video)

 

India's top spy, Tiger, is sent to keep an eye on a professor based in Ireland who may be passing on secrets to those nasty Pakistanis. He doesn't count on falling in love with the professor's beautiful housekeeper.

 

After watching and enjoying Pathaan last week, we thought we'd start at the beginning of the "YRF Spy Universe". This one was set up as a series for Salman Khan's "Tiger" that was later retrofitted into the universe. Not a great movie unless you're an older guy who wants to dream that Dad Bod, Dad Dancing and lack of social skills are no obstacle to a much younger woman who is a gorgeous as Katrina Kaif falling for you. From the trailers for Tiger Zindi Hai (Tiger 2), War and the upcoming Tiger 3 this seems very much like the original "Fast" movie for people who aren't obsessed with driving fastly and furiously: The starting point that may be worth catching up on if you became a fan later in the game of something that evolved into a much more fun series . Watching out of order will involve spoilers, though.

 

Though if you ever wanted to see a Bollywood number set in Ireland, this movie has you covered.

 

 

We will be giving both Tiger 2 and War a go, as well as Tiger 3 (due Diwali).

[6Foot2]

Crawlspace (Channel 4. Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes)

 

A plumber gets trapped in the subfloor void of a remote cabin with a stash of money a criminal hid there.

 

We didn't expect much of it, but it was better than expected, with a few bright moments sprinkled in.

 

[LeMarchand]

You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah (Netflix)

 

BFFs Stacy and Lydia have been planning their Bat Mitzvahs like, forever but when a boy comes between them things start to go wrong.

 

For those who (like me) thought that Bat Mitzvahs were much like the Jewish version of Christian "Confirmation", apparently we're well out of date (this is based on a 2005 novel). A Bat Mitzvah, at least amongst rich Jewish Americans, seems require the budget and planning of a rich person's wedding. Adam Sandler is presumably still paying off his two daughters' BMs as they both star as his daughters in this, and his wife has a part as someone else's wife. It has its moments, but it's hard to feel too sympathetic towards someone who comes across as a spoiled little brat for much of the film.

[LeMarchand]

Jawan (Cinema)

 

Trailer surprisingly violent with suicide. NSFW.

 

 

Some time in the past, an injured stranger is taken in by a Himalayan(?) village. In the present, someone who looks a lot like the stranger takes a train hostage with a masterful plan.

 

My first Bollywood film at the cinema! Unfortunately, though the film is going great guns globally, it was just me and what appeared to be a couple of the older generations of an Indian family. Mme LeMarchand passed as she thought it would be took stressful but though there is one sequence that, when it's on Netflix (who seem to have put money into it) I'd probably have to fast-forward (children dying), it's more OTT comic book violence. If you enjoyed RRR, definitely worth a look at the cinema. If you thought RRR was "OK", I'd try this on Netflix. If you're new to Indian movies, RRR is still the gold standard and the one to start with, but this makes a good follow up. I'm going to see if I can convince Mme LeMarchand to give it a go at the cinema.

 

Oh, the trailer is very well put together and shows a lot, but doesn't give too much away; the reason why all those characters look alike does make sense eventually (well, about as much sense as possible in a film with song and dance numbers and action scenes that Zack Snyder would think were too OTT). The film also has a surprising political edge that, if they watched cinema from other regions, the "usual suspects" would take it to task for.

I can't believe that Netflix didn't flag up to me that they are now showing this in a (slightly) extended cut. It was released today, on star Shah Rukh Khan's birthday.

 

[LeMarchand]

Tiger Zinda Hai Tiger is Alive aka Tiger 2 aka YRF Spy Universe 2 (Rental many places)

 

 

After the events of Ek Tha Tiger (Once There Was a Tiger) Tiger and Zoya are living a quiet family life "somewhere in the Alps... Innsbruck". Well apart from the ravening wolves and armed robbers at the supermarket. When a bus transporting 25 Indian nurses in Iraq is seized by terrorists the US sees them as expendable and decides to bomb the hospital they are held in to take out the terrorist leader. With only a few days to rescue the nurses, only one man and his scarf are up to the task but it turns out that the bus also contained Pakistani nurses, so they too reactivate their best agent.

 

After the "romcom with action" style of the first movie, this is a full-on action flick, and much better for it. The "true events" it takes from are that Indian nurses were held, but it was all resolved fairly quickly through negotiation which wouldn't have made such a thrilling film. Worth a look if you're into Indian action movies though unless, like us, you're hoping to catch Tiger 3 at the cinema (out soon for Diwali) if you have Prime Video you may want to wait until they return it to their roster. I'm assuming that they have temporarily pulled it due to similarities to current events. There is a handy "interval" around 1/2 way through if you don't have time to watch a 3 hour movie in one sitting. Oh, and Salman Khan has certainly hit the gym since the first movie!

[Dos_Box]

I'm going to say something that might be very unpopular in a moment.

I took my 17 year old son to a Mad Max double bill on Saturday (1 + 2) as he's never seen them, and I certainly haven't seen the first film since the 80's!

And...well...I have to admit, the first Mad Max film is shockingly bad. The dialogue is just weird and stunted, the music sounds like it was lifted from another film* and the big bike gang at the beginning goes from about 30 bikers to 5 for the rest of the film. Oh, and it has non-existant world building.

Yes, it's a 70's film, and yes, it was low budget, but how on earth did it become so popular?

Oh, and the credits look like they were done on Notepad.

 

*It was composed by Brian May. Sadly not that Brian May.

Edited November 6, 2023 by Dos_Box

[LeMarchand]

I'm going to say something that might be very unpopular in a moment.

I took my 17 year old son to a Mad Max double bill on Staurday (1 + 2) as he's never seen them, and I certainly haven't seen the first film since the 80's!

And...well...I have to admit, the first Mad Max film is shockingly bad. The dialogue is just weird and stunted, the music sounds like it was lifted from another film* and the big bike gang at the beginning goes from about 30 bikers to 5 for the rest of the film. Oh, and it has non-existant world building.

Yes, it's a 70's film, and yes, it was low budget, but how on earth did it become so popular?

 

I'd say its popularity is down to the fact that, at the time, it was fresh and something that hadn't been done to death. Haven't seen it in an age, but I remember watching it multiple times on release and home release.

 

There are various versions of the movie, some with different sound mixes. Hopefully you got a "good" one. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079501/alternateversions/

[6Foot2]

Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose [included with Prime Video]

 

 

Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver, Christopher Lloyd, Paul Kaye

[LeMarchand]

 

The Marvels (Cinema)

 

After plot device shenanigans, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau find their powers entangled. Meanwhile a new Big Bad threatens the universe.

 

Entertaining but inessential Marvel movie. Iman Vellani is great as Ms. Marvel and I really hope that the likely failure of this movie doesn't mean plans for her future in the MCU aren't scuppered. As for the movie, it feels like this is the third part of a trilogy rather than the second in a duology, necessitating copious flashbacks. It will also leaving you with many "but why?". As for "Everything Changes": Not really. Ms. M may be the new Tony Stark from a pre-credits sequence and a mid-credits one may Xcite some, but still doesn't change a lot. There is a post-credit audio cue that is cute, but missable.

 

War (Prime Video)

 

 

When a RAW agent goes rogue (India's spy agency seems to have a major staff retention problem), his top trainee sets out to bring him back in.

 

This is the third entry in the YRF Spy Universe and surprisingly twisty. Anyone who found RRR overly homo-erotic might want to give this one a miss as it's hardly a "sub"text here, with seemingly everyone unable to cope with star Tiger Schroff's effect on their loins. If you want to watch this, avoid any synopses, reviews and even cast lists, some of which give WAY too much away. Worth a look if you enjoy Indian action movies. We're now up to date with the YRFSU ready for the fifth entry later this week (released for Diwali).

[LeMarchand]

Tiger 3 (Cinema)

 

 

A villain with a grudge against both Tiger and Zoya ensnares them in this evil plan to take over Pakistan and return it to its rightful state as a military dictatorship.

 

The YRF Spy Universe is really getting to be like an Indian version F&F films crossed with the MCU. The ridiculous stunts and action of the former and the inter-connectedness of the latter. You really need to have seen all the previous entries to get the full effect of this fifth entry, though you could possibly get away with just Tiger 2 (Tiger Zinda Hai) and Pathaan. I was feeling pretty down yesterday and this really lifted my spirits. Zoya gets an "origin story" set in what someone thinks London looks like (they don't even get the number plates right) and, despite his non-appearance in the trailer, Hassan isn't forgotten. I'd love to know where they filmed the main opening sequence, though - it looks like something out of the original Assassin's Creed. Lots of OTT action and stunts, with guest appearances from characters from the YRFSU and only 2 full-on songs - and very twisty. The only real negative, which is common to most action films with a lot of shooting, is that a lot of the opposing forces aren't all bad 'uns, just soldiers or cops etc doing their jobs. One of the twists doesn't make a lot of sense if you start to think about it, but it's not supposed to be an intricately plotted masterpiece. Worth a look if you've been following the series, and definitely when it's streaming (on Amazon?) if you can catch at least the two highlighted above. You had fast-forward through the songs then, if you must. There's a mid-credits sequence (after the final song) that sets up War 2.

 

Despite their online listing, I'm pretty sure that our cinema didn't show the cut UK version - the version we saw had an Irish Film Classification Office rating before the film, and seemed to run for the uncut time. Oh! We weren't the only non-Indians in the screen this time. We were the only people in the screen. (Though it's #5 at the UK box office).

[LeMarchand]

Book Club: The Next Chapter (Rental most services)

 

The ladies are determined to get out there after Lockdown and when Jane Fonda's character gets engaged, they hit on Italy for a bachelorette trip. Cue stunning locations and so-so laughs.

 

Not my choice and, after the intro about the suffering of these wealthy women being isolated (though two, possibly three, of the four seem to be living with their partners) and how tough it was for them being stuck at home with nothing to do during lockdown, I wasn't thinking that it be able to endear itself to me. I didn't hate it (apart from the intro) but not one to add to your "must watch" list.

 

Someone needs to make a film about people who were crushed by lack of income during Lockdown (you can have that one for free, Mike Leigh) or someone for whom lockdown made little difference apart from easier commuting who cracks after seeing yet another whiney Guardian column about how tough it was keeping mentally active during lockdown.

[Ditto]

Korean subtitled film Parasite on Netflix. I note earlier comments said uncomfortable viewing. A little gruesome at the end but in no way a horror film. I really enjoyed it's dark humour - an excellent watch for me.

[LeMarchand]

Studio 666 (Netflix)

 

TRAILER NSFW.

 

 

Seeking inspiration for a new album, the Foo Fighters take residence in a house that turns out to have been the site where a previous band were killed by their frontman. It isn't long before Dave Grohl starts acting strangely...

 

The Foos are pretty good sports and don't take themselves too seriously in this and, while none of them are going to be winning Oscars, I've seen much worse "band" acting*. Not a great film, but tolerably entertaining. Very sweary, though.

 

*Check out, or rather don't, ABC's "Mantrap"

 

The Shepherd (Disney +)

 

Xmas Eve 1957, a young pilot volunteers for a night flight so that he can make it home for Christmas. When his instruments fail he realises that he may not make it.

 

Based on a 1975 short story my Frederick Forsyth (a present to his wife) that John Travolta bought the rights to some time ago (he was originally going to play the young pilot) this is quite a sweet and moving short. Only some overly shiny CG and a misjudged sense of the passing of time during the flight stop in from being a stone cold Xmas classic. Trailer not posted here (I posted it elsewhere) as it gives a false sense of where the story is heading in parts as well as giving away too much of the story. Worth 40 minutes of your time.

[Dos_Box]

Took my son to see Tokyo Godfathers last night (his choice of film). It's a Japanese animation and not what I was expecting. I hadn't looked up the plot or any other information as I want the films he suggests to be a surprise. I thought it was going to be about gangsters.

It's a Christmas tale of three homeless people who find an abandoned baby and try and locate its mother. It was funny, warm and very Christmassy!

Highly recommended.

 

 

Certainly a lot more fun than taking him to see Saving Private Ryan on Wednesday!

[StevieM]

Took my son to see Tokyo Godfathers last night (his choice of film).

 

I saw this a few years ago when it was streaming on MUBI. Great Christmas film.

[pooley]

Went with years 2 & 3 to watch the new Wonka movie. Thoroughly anjoyed it.

[Simcfc73]

Took my daughter to see Wonka.. she is 8 and loved it and so did I.

 

Its not a classic but its just really nice and easy viewing with some funny bits in it.. actually liked the songs too.

 

There's alot of mixed reviews online which I really shouldn't take notice of.

[LeMarchand]

Blue Beetle (Rental most places)

 

Not he worst film I'vbe seen, but so forgettable that I forgot to most about it for over a week.

[LeMarchand]

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (Netflix)

 

Zack Snyder's Star Wars meets The Magnificent Seven. Possibly watching this exhausted in the Christmas run-up didn't do it any favours, but I struggled to stay awake and was surprised to see that it was only a bit over two hours long when I made it to the end. It looks great, but feels a bit hollow. I also feel that it is one of those rare movies that should have been a TV show, which would have given us more time with the individual members of the group. Hoping the second part will be worth the wait.

[6Foot2]

NOTE: NSFW

 

 

While studying at Oxford in 2006, Oliver and Felix meet and become friends. Felix invites Oliver to stay at Saltburn, his family home, for the summer.

 

Edit: Available to stream via Prime Video now.

Edited December 28, 2023 by 6Foot2

[Ditto]

NOTE: NSFW

 

 

While studying at Oxford in 2006, Oliver and Felix meet and become friends. Felix invites Oliver to stay at Saltburn, his family home, for the summer.

 

Edit: Available to stream via Prime Video now.

I was just posting about this film having watched a couple of days back. I thoroughly enjoyed it, including the twists and turns. Not for the faint-hearted and it divided critics, but for me it's up there with Parasite.

[3s-gtech]

The first Mad Max film.

 

I’ve never highly rated it, but want to work through to Fury Road (which I love) watching them with my parents.

 

Aussie slang is bonkers, glad we had subtitles on!

[LeMarchand]

Christmas As Usual aka Så var det jul igjen (Netflix)

 

 

When Thea takes her fiancé home to meet her family in Norway for Christmas the scene is set for a culture clash comedy.

 

Tolerably amusing romcom allegedly based on events from the director's sister's life. Hopefully she acted better than Thea, who comes across as a bit self-centred.