Netflix Friday - Volume 74

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: 1917 (2019)
April 6^th, 2917. As a regiment assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, tow soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.
 

Drama: Darkest Hour (2017)
In May 1040, the fate of  World War II hangs on Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman), who must decided whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.
 

Comedy: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) is an advertising executive and ladies’ man who, to win a big campaign, bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days. That woman, Andie (Kate Hudson) is about to write a story on how to lose a guy in 10 days.  
 

Animation: Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas (2015)
Shaun the sheep gets the Farmer to bring home three llamas from the County Fair.
 

Romance: The Girl Next Door (2004)
A teenager’s (Emile Hirsch) dreams come true when a former porn star (Elisha Cuthbert) moves in next door and they fall in love.
 

Horror: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
On Halloween 1968, Stella and her two friends meet a mysterious drifter, Ramón, and uncover a sinister notebook of stories.
 

Science Fiction: Men in Black (1997)
A police officer (Will Smith) joins a secret organization that polices and monitors extraterrestrial interactions on Earth.
 

Crime: Red Riding: In the Year of Our Lord 1980 (2009)
A team of investigators attempt to stop a serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper from claiming his next victim, but uncover something far more terrifying.
 

Thriller: Endless Night (1975)
A working-class Englishman marries an affable American heiress, but their marital bliss is soon interrupted when they begin constructing a home on a land alleged to be cursed.
 
Documentary: Western Stars (2019)
Love concert performance of Bruce Springsteen singing songs from his album “Western Stars”.
 
Family: Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
When a massive fire kills their parents, three children are delivered to the custody of cousin and stage actor Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), who is secretly plotting to steal their parent’s vast fortune.

Movie Reviews - Darkest Hour

Director: Joe Wright
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Stephen Dillane

Description: In May 1940, the fate of Western Europe hangs on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman), who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire.

Review: After the audio visual spectacle “Dunkirk”, there is “Darkest Hour”, an opposite in the theaters. The same historical turning point, but a smaller film with a more intimate setting. And director Joe Wright exchanges the harsh realistic atmosphere, for a more melodramatic feel.
Winston Churchill has been portrayed by many actors: Brian Cox, John Lithgow, Timothy Spall, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Gambon and many more. And then there is Gary Oldman, the man who won an Academy Award for his portrayal. Although Oldman doesn’t look at all like Churchill, the make-up artists did a masterful job in transforming him into the former British Prime Minister.
Oldman had to be creative with his voice and body language, to become Churchill. And he does this very well. He mumbles, has a lisp, tramps. It’s hard to see Oldman, and easy to see Churchill. Which means Oldman succeeded. Only when he raises his voice, it’s very clear Oldman. But it’s focused on subtlety, which was very cleverly done by director Joe Wright. And in this subtlety, there is room for Oldman to be eccentric and funny. Oldman’s performance is well balanced.
“Darkest Hour” works a bit too hard sometimes, to win over the audience. But the cinematography is impressive and consistent. As is the make-up and editing.
This is an ‘acting movie’ with a lot of talking, that is good because of its leading actor. Without him, this would be a mediocre and forgettable film.

Rating: 4 / 5