Jess_Hill

Fourteen years of anticipation, the pedigree of Pixar, and this doesn’t disappoint. The vibrancy and panache of the original is furthered in this sequel with flair, and some of the action sequences are a joy to behold, with a delightful storyline and clever script. Tightly paced, with the mix of humour and drama nicely balanced, this is a thoroughly enjoyable experience to be appreciated on the big screen. 9.01/10

An absolute joy, this had the audience on stitches from start to finish, and made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Tight pacing, a witty script, and stylised action made what seems like an absurd concept into a surprisingly heartwarming comedy based on this true story. With performances that feel genuine, and a storyline that invites you along for the ride, this is a film well worth your time. 8.89/10

A unique visual aesthetic combined with some astonishingly visceral violence makes for a compelling action film that is both fun and disturbing. Whilst the pacing is more tempered than I was expecting, the set design and cinematography are accomplished, and the performances are solid all round. An enjoyable science fiction bloodbath well worth your time. 8.55/10

A heartbreakingly sublime journey into motherhood, Theron is superb as a woman dealing with the birth of her third child, and the subsequent effects on her physical and mental health. At times funny, and searingly honest, this is a phenomenal film that is visually and themically sophisticated, with beautiful cinematography, stylised editing, and a brilliantly sharp script. A fantastic film well worth your time. 9.89/10

With a stellar cast and exceptional pedigree, Aardman have created yet another delightfully charming film that is engaging, fun, and worth everyone’s time. Beautifully paced, with a storyline rife with opportunities for hilarity, this is a superbly crafted film that is both a send up of the 'sports film’ gene and a perfect example of 'family entetaintment’ done right. A film to lift the spirits, this is one to take the whole family along to the cinema to enjoy. 8.98/10

A film with which to hunker down into your seat and wear your heart rate monitor, this was a thrilling and tense experience that uses sound, and the lack thereof, brilliantly. The performances are accomplished, with the near total lack of audible dialogue requiring both creative visualisation and necessitating nuanced performances. The creature design is sufficiently chilling, and the cinematography is polished, allowing for some astonishing moments where no one is breathing both on and off screen. Compelling and tightly paced, this is a film to watch with friends in a dark and quiet cinema. 8.11/10

Films based on video games are rarely (if ever) a success, and one which is modelled on a particularly absurd arcade game with a giant gorilla, crocodile, and flying wolf would seem an odd choice. However, absurdity aside, the third act of this film redeems the sluggish opening somewhat, and there are many laughs to be had. The script is abysmal, though the clanging dialogue occasionally results in unintentional laughs, and The Rock is just charming enough to carry the ridiculous storyline to the epic conclusion. There is little substance here, and the cinematography often leaves much to be desired, but the final destructive sequences provide some thrilling moments, making for a silly yet occasionally entertaining film that is ultimately quite fun. 6.01/10

Schumer has produced a heart warming comedy for all ages with this positive and uplifting film, though it must be noted that the razor sharp and tawdry humour she is known for is very muted in this film. The performances are solid, and Williams is surprisingly funny, with a storyline that is compelling if predictable. This is a film which does what it says on the tin, and delivers a funny and entertaining experience that is perhaps more suited to home viewing, but still with your time. 7.02/10

A whimsical tale of maligned canines, this is Wes Anderson at his best, with the mix of absurdity and dry humour resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable and esoteric film. Beautiful design and painstaking detail makes for a visual treat, and the storyline is odd yet compelling, with the voice actors bringing the witty script to life. If you're not a Wes Anderson fan, this is certainly not for you, and a warning that this is not a children's film either, but otherwise it is a delightful and strange tale with laughs to be enjoyed. 8.77/10

Pehaps one of the most anticipated blockbusters of the year, with Spielberg at the helm, this is a film which had a very high bar. In all fairness, it could never have fully lived up to the hype as the novel on which it is based is far too difficult to fully realise on screen. Therefore, my expectations were tempered by the knowledge that it would be unreasonable to expect the film to cover everything. What I wasn't expecting was a film that failed to cover virtually any aspect of the novel with anything more than a thin veneer of respect for the source material. There is spectacle to be enjoyed here, though it is often visually cluttered, and the lighting fast pace holds the audiences interest. However, the script of merely sufficient, the soundtrack isn't as iconic as needs to be, the plot lacks all depth, and this fails to address any of the myriad social, gender, class, and economic commentary that made the novel so engaging. The basic concept of the novel is there, but the lack of complexity and thematic interest means this is never elevated above the superficial, making for a hollow and unsatisfying experience. 4.78/10

A film lacking charm, finesse, and a sense of fun, this is a thoroughly uninspired devolution of an iconic character rendered into stagnant mediocrity. The cinematography is laboured, the storyline utterly predictable, with lacklustre set design and dialogue that can only be described as sufficient, there is little to recommend what should have at least been a thrilling, if unsophisticated, adventure. Vikander is well cast, and her performance is solid, but this is a reboot that needed at least some moments of joyful violence, viciousness and flair, but ends up being a dour nothingness of disappointment. 4.37/10

A film that is disturbing in its evicerating commentary on marriage, and deeply unsettling as a stomach-churning psychological thriller, this is a claustrophobic tale superbly performed under what must have been excruciating filming conditions. With supernatural, psychological, and physical horror elements, not to mention the far deeper and painfully unnerving truth central to the plot, the storyline plays out in a manner which builds an almost unbearable tension with every scene. Carefully paced to elicit maximum unease, this is a film which is an exceptional example of the genre that is best followed up with a comedy and chamomile tea. 8.66/10

Who would have thought that the addition of British and American accents coupled with lighting fast pacing and dialogue could transform perhaps one of the bleakest backdrops in history into a riveting comedy? Iannucci has produced a delightfully buoyant account of the mad grab for power in the days following Stalin's death that captures the absurdity and hubris of those closest to him which, without shielding the atrocities from the viewer, sets a tone that allows the audience to laugh along at the sheer Machiavellian complexities on display. With excellent performances from the ensemble cast, and beautiful set design providing a sumptuous backdrop to the riveting storyline, this is a funny and irreverent experience that is thoroughly enjoyable. 8.78/10

A gripping and uncomfortable experience, this is a film exploring female power not to take lightly. Lawrence is utterly mesmerising, and the savagery she brings to the brutal action sequences, coupled with the cultivated vulnerability of her appearance is breathtaking. The pacing is slower than one might expect, though it quickens in the third act, but the true pleasure is to be gained from the twisted plot which truly keeps the audience guessing even in the final moments. There is a raw edge to this film, which makes the violence more visceral and disturbing than other recent genre pieces, resulting in a film which is more affecting than anticipated. 8.43/10

Sorkin once again provides us with a drama driven by a brilliant script and superb performances that barrels along at his signature cracking pace, making for a thoroughly enjoyable film. Chastain is brilliant as the eponymous Molly; Elba provides an excellent foil to her powerful performance, and it is this partnership coupled with a fantastic soundtrack, gorgeous costumes, and stylised visuals that combine to bring this fascinating story to the big screen. Intelligent, compelling, and polished, this is a fantastic based-on-a-true story well worth your time. 8.97/10

A sublime experience, this otherworldly fairytale is beautiful to watch, with exquisite performances and superb creature design allowing you to become entranced by this romantic story. As the compelling narrative unfolds, the delightful soundtrack and detailed set design ground the storyline in the era, and combined with careful pacing and stunning cinematography, this becomes an enchanting experience that keeps you enthralled by this moving and melancholy tale. A film for the mature and discerning viewer, this is an exploration of intimacy and connection that is well worth your time. 9.12/10

A prescient and powerful film that firmly reaffirms the vital role that fourth estate has in holding power to account in a democracy. The performances are superb, the storyline is compelling, and whilst the pacing is surprisingly measured, the cinematography makes up for the occasional lack of visceral tension. Given the pedigree of this film, it delivered on my high expectations without exceeding them, and it is an accomplished production that delivers an important story in a careful manner, without quite as much dramatic flair as might have been expected from a film of its calibre. A polished drama well worth your time, and with that, I'm going to bed. 8.74/10

A superb start to the year, this is a a sublime example of the excellence that can be achieved when a brilliant script and phenomenal casting come together to create a film. McDormand is at her most captivating, with an astonishingly moving performance, and the supporting cast are polished and carefully wrought, allowing for a poignant and complex exploration of grief and trauma. The script is a triumph, and the storyline resists easy resolutions, making for a profoundly satisfying viewing experience free from cliche. A considered soundtrack and steady pacing further enhance a film that will stay with you well after you've left the theatre; an exquisite drama worth supporting at the cinema. 9.37/10

Based on true events, this is a solid thriller that is both compelling and engaging, with excellent performances and some chilling moments. Williams is superb, and she carries the film, with Plummer and Wahlberg both providing polished support. The pacing needed to be quicker, and it feels sluggish at times, through the tension in the third act ramps up sufficiently to maintain the tension, and the cinematography has moments of brilliance. The plot make use of some well executed misdirection, making for an enjoyable film overall. 7.96/10

A film which neither exceeded expectations, nor fell beneath them, this is a fun adventure with some genuine laughs; an entertaining experience in general. The predictable script is saved by the excellent casting, and with fast pacing and some memorable action sequences, it's a perfectly acceptable genre film that is a solid update of the original. Whilst it tries to have its cake and eat it too with regard to some of the meta-commentary, which is irritating, overall it is sufficiently enjoyable to warrant watching, but is probably best suited to families on movie night. 6.37/10

This is a film which, like so many of its predecessors, suffers from poor execution and mediocrity. Wonder Woman, Flash, and Aquaman carry the rest of the characters, and it feels like an opportunity lost, as the fragmented storytelling, awful CGI, and unpolished cinematography detract from the storyline. The script has some fun moments, and the performances are solid, but this feels disconnected, with no sense of investment in the outcome. Continuing the tradition of taking itself far too seriously, there is no singular aspect that utterly ruins this, and it is fairly well paced, but overall it is a predictably mediocre experience. 4.83/10

A Christmas sequel that has many hilarious moments, this is an unecessary but generally entertaining film which is very thin on storyline, relying heavily on humour and performance to carry the increasingly ridiculous plot. The central theme of the complexity of mother-daughter relationships is the only real focus of the film, and there are moments with emotional resonance that captures the spirit of a 'holiday film’ with an endearing honesty which makes up for the sloppy pacing. Not quite a 'family film', though mostly because of language, this is a fun and silly film which had the audience laughing the entire way through. 6.34/10

Dripping with sentimentality, this is the epitome of the 'heartwarming family film with a message’ that is exactly what you should expect, but the pleasant surprise comes from the superb rendering of the novel on which it is based, with only very minor changes from the source material. The performances are excellent, and the storyline follows the original virtually beat by beat, which is satisfying, and surprisingly well paced on screen. The saccharine nature of the plot means it was always going to be a schmaltzy crowd pleaser, but thankfully it is also a poignant and generally polished experience that will tug at your heartstrings and resonate with a broad audience. 8.21/10

A beautiful film that examines the importance of memory and family, with exquisite visual design and an engaging storyline that is a delight to experience. The cinematography is excellent, the performances are polished, and the careful pacing allows for profound emotional resonance without losing momentum. From the opening sequence, it's clear this is a unique and considered narrative that makes for a perfect family film during the holiday season. A lovely film well worth your time. 8.89/10

Oh, hi Mark! This is a film with a premise that relies on you having have seen The Room - a cult ‘classic’ widely considered one of the worst films ever made - and explores the making of this disasterpeice by writer, producer, actor, and director, Tommy Wiseau. Franco gives a fantastic performance as the eccentric Wiseau, and he is supported by an all star cast who provide entertaining cameos and a sense that they're all in on an hilarious joke. The laughs are frequent, the pacing is tight, and the absurd scenario plays out with added drama knowing that The Room was actually made. An esoteric but well realised comedy, this is was a fun experience that almost (but not totally) made up for having sat through the film on which it is based. 7.89/10

A masterclass in glorious visual effects, stunning cinematography, and exquisite tension, this is an absolute must see at the cinema. With a storyline that is utterly captivating, and some powerful performances, this is a satisfying film for fans that delivers on its promises with ingenuity, providing some of the most awe inspiring cinema moments in recent memory that are sure to be revered in years to come. Whilst some dialogue is occasionally overly simplistic, the script is generally a delight that further endears us to characters we are now intimately familiar with, An experience that will stay with you well after you leave the theatre, I will certainly be seeing this again on the big screen. May the Force be with you. 9.46/10

A poignant and timely examination of the events leading up to the harrowing night at the Algiers Hotel in Detroit during the riots, this is a powerful film that underscores issues around race, police brutality, and civil rights that are still painfully prescient. The performances are exceptional, but the pacing is sluggish at times, and this hampers the experience overall. With superb cinematography and an excellent soundtrack, this is a compelling film well worth your time. 7.93/10

The Cohen Brothers have crafted a prescient and complex film which serves as a scathing response to the 'make America great again' sentiment which has plagued the current political discourse in the US, as well as bringing their esoteric style to yet another commentary on the nature of The American Dream. Moore and Damon are excellent, and the storyline begins slowly but from the second act, becomes utterly compelling, building tension to a nail biting conclusion. An entertaining and thought provoking film. 8.53/10

Part political thriller and part gritty action drama, this was a more subtle and complex experience than I was expecting. Chan's performance is superb, and the compelling storyline combined with the excellent action sequences make for a polished film. A considered and well crafted film well worth your time. 8.22/10

With stunning vistas and cinematography, this had a promising start, with the first act delivering a compelling storyline to become invested in, and a survivalist scenario that feels promisingly insurmountable. And then everything descends into cliched tropes, deviating from any kind of reality, culminating in a final act which is as predictable as it is irritating. Winslet and Elba give solid performances that are sadly hampered by a mediocre script, and ultimately they aren't enough to redeem this sanitised, lacklustre film. 5.31/10

Gloriously stylised violence and a constant stream of hilarity make for a worthy successor to the original. Moore is a fantastic villain, and the delightful script, unexpected cameos, pointed political commentary, and excellent action sequences ensure a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable experience throughout. The pacing is fast, and the cinematography continues with the unique cinematic approach of the first film, so this still feels fresh, and it also delivers again in successfully utilising a diverse cast. A ridiculously fun film with lines that will be remembered for years to come. 8.22/10

A compelling film that explores the passion and drive of Billy Jean King, and the events surrounding the infamous tennis match that was about so much more than sport. The performances are superb, and both Stone and Carell give powerful portrayals that are subtle and complex, and the richness of the relationships presented elevate this above a simple genre film. Well paced, and with cinematography that heightens intimacy for the audience, this is a well crafted story that is enhanced with a great seventies soundtrack and costume design to match. An excellent film with superb commentary of the era, and a poignant message for now. 8.79/10

A mediocre film that is ok; this was a somewhat disappointing experience. There are a few solid laughs. but the storyline drags, has clunky moral messaging, and the script lacks the subtle flair of other Lego offerings. Sadly, there is little in the plot to necessitate this being a Lego movie, with a lacklustre script, and the various big names seemed to be under utilised as well. The film looks great, and the cat is brilliant, but otherwise this feels like a marketing exercise to sell Ninjago Lego, rather than a polished and clever story that we've come to expect. 4.78/10

Exquisite. This is a beautifully crafted sequel worthy of the original, with the dystopian universe faithfully recreated and enhanced whilst maintaining the iconic aesthetic of the world. With perhaps the finest score of the year, stunningly sumptuous visuals, and superb cinematography, this is a sensory feast that is best enjoyed in a theatre. Gosling gives his most enigmatic performance to date, and the performances are polished and nuanced throughout. Carefully paced and edited, this takes time to allow poignant moments to breathe, resulting in a very long but satisfying experience. A sublime film. 9.94/10

A gloriously fun experience which has a refreshing nineties approach to the genre that revels in spectacular action sequences and clever dialogue. The performances from Jackson and Reynolds are superb; they have a delightful rapport on screen, and the pacing is excellent, with the storyline playing out with brilliantly choreographed violence and superb cinematography. The secondary characters are well rendered and add a surprising depth to this hilarious and highly entertaining film. Stylish, clever, funny, and delectably violent, this is an instant classic of the action genre that is well worth your time. 9.13/10

Phenomenal. But first, a disclaimer: You need to have an exceptional knowledge of the Bible (or at least the broad strokes) in order to 'get' this film. A stunning allegory on the nature of both the divine and humanity, the is an extended metaphor that is superbly crafted and deeply unsettling. Lawrence and Bardem are magnificent, and the intimate cinematography further enhances the unfolding horror at the centre of the plot. Dripping with symbolism and layered with intertextuality and subtext, this is a thoroughly difficult yet sublime experience. The trailer is both accurate and deeply misleading at the same time, and it is horrifying but this is not a horror film. 8.95/10

A film to cleanse the palate, this is a tense thriller with stunning cinematography and careful pacing which is utterly compelling and masterfully crafted. Renner and Olsen are exceptional, and the film has a devastating poignancy drawn from the isolation and social complexities of the setting. With a storyline that plays out with delicacy up to the gripping final act, this is a film well worth your attention and time. 9.02/10

A documentary that makes some pertinent points about the state of our world and leaves you with a heavy sense of despondency. With Trump looming as an ever present malevolent reminder that we are in dark days for tackling climate change, we watch as Gore valiantly tries to mobilise world leaders and local communities to do their part in trying to deal with the imminent threat. Whilst there is some important material covered, the pacing is slow and Gore as a personality is far to much of a focus which detracts from the experience somewhat. A solid film with an important message, and there is a strong call to arms with moments of real passion from Gore, but it's not the knockout experience that the first film was. 6.56/10

An exceptionally funny film with a heart of gold, this is a brilliantly subtle and delightfully clever comedy which is much more sophisticated than I was expecting. The script is superb, the performances are just the right side of caricature, and the story line is compelling and surprisingly moving at times. The pacing is less frantic than one might expect, but this serves to allow breathing room for the plot, and it's also a surprisingly family-friendly experience. Part love letter to Nascar, part commentary on the South, part classic heist romp, this is an endearing and intelligent film which is a unique and beautifully crafted experience that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone. 9.01/10

Having not read the books, I came to this without a wealth of knowledge about what is clearly a rich and complex universe, therefore I found this experience both frustrating and perplexing in equal measure. This an an entirely surface experience of a story without the slightest semblance of resonance or time for reflection of any kind. The pacing is so fast as to be almost absurd, and the plot tears through event after event with a superficiality that is at once briskly refreshing, yet fills you with a sense of loss at what is clearly only a thin veneer of what it should be. There is some marvellous cinematography, and it certainly doesn't drag, but the brusque script and some mediocre performances let this film down. There is dissonance here in that, whilst not actually a 'bad' film, neither does it have much to recommend it, and I anticipate that fans of the books would feel cheated by this adaption due to the lack of depth. The cinema equivalent of a fast food dinner, acceptable whilst consuming it, yet utterly unsatisfying upon completion. 5.63/10

Hilarious in parts, this is a film which has a number of very memorable moments interspersed with some very slow exposition and a storyline that is functional but mildly irritating. The pacing is too slow, and at two hours, this is a film which needed to be much sharper than it was. The laughs are fairly constant, and a few scenes had the entire cinema in fits of uncontrollable glee, but sadly there is nothing much more to recommend this. The performances are solid, but the commentary is painfully obvious, as is the sponsorship. A film to enjoy with your choice of poison at home with friends, but not a cinema recommendation. 4.89/10

The opening sequence of this film is a delight, with a montage that instills a heightened sense of curiosity about a rich and cosmopolitan universe. From such promise, however, Besson provides a film which falls so spectacularly short of expectations as to induce an incandescent rage at having to endure the inexorable torment of futile hope that something, anything, might redeem the experience and justify your time. The pacing is lethargic and the editing lacks coherence, the script is utterly woeful, and the chemistry between the lead couple is more akin to siblings than lovers (decidedly not of the Lannister variety!) making for some excruciating moments. Performances are wooden and without charm, and the desired social and political commentary languishes in unsophisticated banality, devoid of any emotional resonance. The storyline had some brief moments of promise, but the plot is a sieve, and whilst there is some excellent creature design and moments of cinematic grandeur, these are few and far between and fail to redeem the film from the inconsistent abyss of boring mediocrity in which it wallows. 3.23/10

A glorious spy movie that revels in expertly choreographed action sequences, sumptuous eighties styling, and costuming that is a delight to watch. Theron is superb, McEvoy is excellent, and the storyline is both compelling and every bit as twisted as you would expect from this genre. The cinematography has moments of brilliance, with the fight sequences notable for the refreshing clarity of the visuals, and the soundtrack is an unexpected joy. Violent, sexy, and intriguing, this is a brilliant addition to the genre that is a thoroughly entertaining experience. 8.89/10

Not being one for romantic comedies, I was nevertheless thoroughly charmed by this delightfully funny and poignant film. Based on the true story of how Nanjiani met Emily, the compelling storyline is driven by the exceptional script, with the dry humour and a unique cultural context ensuring that there are some moving and hilarious moments throughout. Nicely paced, with excellent performances, this is an entertaining and personal story that is well worth your time. 8.48/10

The third instalment of this trilogy had a high bar, given the quality of the last film, and ultimately this didn't disappoint. Serkis is magnificent as Caesar, and this is a performance that shows mastery of his craft. The storyline is epic in scale and the cinematography is excellent, though some of the CGI is distracting, and the inclusion of certain comedic elements throws the tone and tension out of kilter, which is jarring on occasion. Harrelson is excellent, if decidedly disturbing, and the portrayal of complex themes lends pathos to the story. An enjoyable film that will satisfy fans of the franchise. 8.02/10

A phenomenal experience that is utterly relentless and superbly crafted, this is a film to see at the cinema. Nolan's masterful use of sound and score enhances the exquisite tension that permeates the entire film, and the sublime cinematography is breathtaking to witness, with perhaps some of the best visual sequences of the last decade played out in a manner that is sure to delight WWII enthusiasts. With a sparse script, and a storyline focused across three converging timelines, this wasn't the updated Saving Private Ryan that I was expecting, but rather, a deft exploration of a WWII military failure told with striking clarity and complemented by some fine performances. An exceptional film. 9.01/10

Coppola has brought a sublime American Gothic story to the screen in this polished and unnerving film. With stunning cinematography and a sparse score, with mostly ambient sound enhancing the tension as the storyline unfolds, this is a careful and subtle exploration of the cloying shadow of the American Civil War for the women left behind during the conflict, as well as a commentary on the deep undercurrent of jealousy and desire that runs beneath a veneer of Southern gentility. The ensemble cast are exceptional and this is a masterful film well worth your time. 9.02/10

A glorious high octane romp, Wright delivers a fast paced action spectacle that is sure to be an instant classic. With a superb soundtrack that is expertly integrated with the action sequences, and a storyline that is compelling and original, this is a film which revels in the genre and does so with panache. The performances are excellent, the script is funny and clever, the cinematography is astonishing, and the editing actually allows for the car chase sequences to be fully appreciated. Whilst there was a disappointing lack of interesting female roles, it was refreshing to see some diversity of experience reflected in the film, making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience overall. 8.78/1

This film, tasked with bringing Spider-Man properly into the Marvel fold, is an entertaining experience with a refreshing joie de vivre which is accomplished by delightful performances and a determination not to take itself too seriously. The storyline is engaging and the script is at its best when having fun with the banter between the younger cast. The pacing is steady, and some of the action sequences are inspired, though the continued and deliberate fast cutting still manages to veer into disorientating territory as so many of these films seem to become enmired in. The soundtrack and pop culture references echo the lighter tone, and overall this reboot is the most successful rendering of this much loved character we have seen. Whilst I prefer my superhero hijinks more on the dark side, this is a polished and fun cinema experience worth your time, and stay until the end of the credits. 8.26/10

This is a film which truly embodies a quintessential leftist ideology wrapped up in a ham fisted storyline that beats you over the head with its agenda relentlessly; the messaging so painfully flogged that it constantly throws you out of the film with the sheer ludicrousness of what you're seeing and the manner in which it is delivered. The tone oscillates wildly, the creature design is great but poorly rendered, it's too long, and for god's sake don't show this to children. There were some delightful moments in the first act, but the jarring script quickly **** the illusion that this might be a whimsical cinematic journey. I don't know who this is for, and it feels like a sadly lost opportunity as the reliance on one dimensional caricature and a complete lack of subtlety utterly undercut what could have been an interesting and unique film. The phenomenal cast are done a disservice by the incongruence of the tone and message; Scooby-dooesque hijinks and childlike moments are interlaced with brutal cruelty and violence, but rather than providing a counterpoint or foil, this undermines what should have been an important and powerful message as the film becomes a poor parody rather than the commentary it seeks to be. 4.57/10.