Change Your Image
julianmoorhead25
Reviews
Years and Years (2019)
Broken...
...broken hearted having just watched episode four of this ground breaking show and broken is vey much the state of the world portrayed in 'Years and Years'...which isn't as far fetched as it should be. The show is set in the near future and while things look bleak, they're presented in an everyday way through the eyes of one family. Rather than take a 'shock horror' approach to events as they chillingly unfold, the family simply live it day to day, as we would, with warmth and humour. This normalises the horrors of this future world and that packs a far greater emotional punch, because there is a real beating heart at the centre of everything. I can honestly say that I've never seen anything quite like this on television before. Each episode kinda pulls you in for a hug, then rips your heart out. 'Years and Years' is clever, nuanced and absolutely not-to-be-missed. Even in the midst of what seems like despair it still manages to be endlessly entertaining and never dry or dull. I dare you not to be challenged by this, in the best possible way. More of this kind of story telling/social commentary please.
F (2010)
An education in horror.
It seems I'm late to the party, review-wise. However, I just watched this movie on TV and felt compelled to write this, due to the bad rep this film is getting on here. I'm really surprised it has such a low rating as it ticked most boxes, for me. First of all, I should say that this film is very much a Brit-flick. This is not intended to be a blockbuster on any level, which is fitting due to the claustrophobic setting. Possibly the mistake some viewers have made is walking into this with an idea that it will be full of spectacle and effects-laden. It is not, and thank goodness for it. Instead, the film is character driven, in particular the character of Robert, a traumatised man who has become jaded with his role as both teacher and father. I won't give too much away, but the flaws in his character are used as a clever plot device when events begin to take a gruesome turn, but nobody heeds Robert's warning due to his questionable history of alcohol abuse and violent outbursts. The bulk of the movie takes place in a school, which is besieged by a group of anonymous youths seemingly wreaking revenge on both staff and students. Usually, there would be a lazy portrayal of good and evil, however this movie resists that, and is all the more believable because the victims themselves are shown to be deeply flawed. As a result, we get a real sense of each character, which keeps us interested in what happens to them next. As for the ending, all I will say is that some people have been brainwashed by Hollywood into thinking that a film isn't complete without a neat and tidy ending, complete with gift wrapping. This film certainly provides us with a tense, uncompromising ending that completely gels with the rest of the movie. All of the answers aren't handed to us on a plate, but there is genuine suspense, a feeling of creeping dread and a fresh, relevant twist on the genre. If you have imagination and a thirst for something a little less obvious than the usual slasher fare that's out there in droves, then this little movie will draw you in and provide some big scares.
Fleabag (2016)
Surprising, irreverent gem.
I have just watched Episode 1 of the new comedy Fleabag and it prompted me to write my first review here. Why? Erm, because it was damn funny! It focuses on a single girl in her late twenties/early thirties navigating her way through life in a pretty awkward, skewed fashion (that's an understatement, btw). This formula is fairly standard, on the surface. However, the way in which Waller-Bridge engages with the camera feels borderline intrusive, but also makes us feel like we know the character intimately from the opening scene. In just one episode we learn a lot about how she ticks and quickly we realise that this woman is not entirely functional. However, despite a jet-black tinge to the humour, Fleabag manages to be almost constantly hilarious. I watched it alone, and laughed out loud like a slightly mad person quite a few times, which rarely ever happens. Comedy, in general, has become pretty generic; what's always described as "gentle comedy". The kind of thing that makes you chuckle a bit. Fleabag essentially gives the middle finger to "gentle comedy" and stamps its personality on you instantly. The language is ripe and the content is, I suppose, quite graphic. You know, like actual life, only concentrated. So, if you can handle that, give this a watch. It's ace!