10s Movie Review - Filth

Director: Jon S. Baird
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, Imogen Poots

Description: A corrupt, junkie sop (James McAvoy) with bipolar disorder attempts to manipulate his way though a promotion in order to win back his wife and daughter while also fighting his own inner demons.

I WATCHED THIS FILM FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 18: A FILM WITH JAMES MCAVOY
 
Review: Bruce Robertson possesses every bad trait you can think of: he is manipulative, negative, vulgar and hates everyone. When he hears that he can get a promotion to police inspector, he wants to do everything he can to get this job. He is convinced that this way he can restore his relationship with his wife and daughter. Then he puts everything into defeating his competitors and pits his fellow police officers against each other. In between, he drinks, smokes, fucks and uses drugs on a regular basis. And Bruce is getting worse and worse.

There is a reason why James McAvoy is one of my favorite actors and here is another one. In “Filth” he is fantastic. His character Bruce is irredeemable, he is so unlikeable because of everything he says and does. It becomes increasingly difficult to sympathize with Bruce. But somehow he manages to turn this around right at the end. And McAvoy steals the show and carries the entire film.

Would I recommend “Filth”. Not to everyone. If you’re into sarcasm, dark comedy and a highly unlikeable and disturbed main character, this is for you. If none of this speaks to you, you’d better skip it. This is a typical case of you hate it or you love it.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Review - The Father

Director: Florian Zeller
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Olivia Williams, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Mark Gatiss

Description: A man (Anthony Hopkins) refuses all assistance from his daughter (Olivia Colman) as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of hid reality.

Review: Anthony suffers from Alzheimer’s disease so his memory is beginning to fail him more and more. He doesn’t want to admit and accept that he needs care in his old age. He lives in with his daughter Anne and we see his condition getting worse.
Alzheimer’s disease has left so much suffering and grief. It’s a mental illness, there is nothing you can do but stand by and watch helplessly as someone you love slips away from you to the point that they may not even recognize you. “The Father” attempts for the first time to make the illness tangible and visualize it by highlighting the perspective of someone who suffers from it.
“The Father” manages to break free from the conventional way of storytelling in order to present us with something unique. All facets of film are pulled out to make us as disoriented as this broken old man who is slowly losing grip on reality.
The his ingeniously shown by playing with different aspects. Scenes are not entirely in chronological order, conversations can be partly fabricated in Anthony’s head, there are hallucinations of certain people who may not be there at all and even the furniture in Anthony’s apartment changes subtly throughout the film to show that he feels increasingly alienated from the outside world.
This angle tries to give us the most realistic look into the mind of someone with Alzheimer’s/ dementia. Like Anthony, you are frustrated-confused and along with him you are challenged to puzzle out to correct course of action. I have never seen a film that comes so dangerously close in depicting the mental state of someone with this horrific disease.
The film is carried by the Oscar-winning role of Anthony Hopkins. He is a veteran actor, in his eighties, but he still manages to win us all over. In everything he does, he is believable. Hopkins shows a range of emotion, where he can change in a fraction of seconds between being nice, funny, confused, sad and anxious. His final monologue leaves you heartbroken. And this perfectly describes this movie.
The film forms a fantastic whole, but also leaves room for your own interpretation. A great piece of cinema with a lesson in acting from Anthony Hopkins. A movie you seriously need to see!

Rating: 5/ 5

TV Show Review - I Know This Much is True (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Drama
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2020
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Kathryn Hahn, Melissa Leo, John Procaccino, Rosie O’Donnell, Juliette Lewis, Imogen Poots, Archie Panjabi, Bruce Greenwood

Description: Middle-aged Dominick Birdsey (Mark Ruffalo) recounts his troubled relationship with Thomas (also Mark Ruffalo), his paranoid schizophrenic twin brother, and his efforts to get him released from an asylum.

Review: If Mark Ruffalo doesn’t get an Emmy for this, I don’t know anymore. In the drama series “I Know This Much is True”, Ruffalo plays a double role.
The first episode of “I Know This Much is True” is a test whether this series is for you or not. This mini-series shows a lot of misery and misfortune and if you can’t handle that, skip it. The brothers Birdsey, both portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, don’t have a happy life.
We come to know that the twins never found out who their biological father is. Dominick and Thomas were raised by their mother and their harsh stepfather Ray. Thomas is schizophrenic and extremely paranoid, which dominate Dominick’s life and it always had a negative influence on his life. But a new low is reached when Thomas cuts off his hand in a library and he is send to a strictly guarded institution.
“I Know This Much is True” is based on a book, which was edited by director Derek Cianfrance, who is know for movies like “Blue Valentine” and “The Place Beyond the Pines” (also not very happy stories). Cianfrance doesn’t hold back in showing everything the brother go through and that makes this drama very heavy. That’s why this series is not for everyone. But when you do sit through it, you are rewarded with a beautiful story.
The care for his brother has been a burden for Dominick all his life. And every time he wants to distance himself, it seems something bad happens. His marriage suffers from it as well.
But he is not alone. When he needs help, there are his ex Dessa, his best friend Leo, his brother’s doctor and even his stepfather. He also has a manuscript that was written by his late grandfather, that is being translated from Italian to English, where he tells the story of how he came to America. That way, Dominick tries to put all the pieces of his family history together. He hopes his depressing life will be given more meaning.
This is a series that you don’t let go easily. And you really need to sit down and focus for this in order the be able to take it all in. Mark Ruffalo is amazing. I can see that Ruffalo gave his all while portraying both the struggling Dominick and schizophrenic Thomas. You actually see two different people, instead of just seeing the same actor twice with a different look. This is a lesson in acting.
Trust me, don’t miss this series, if you can handle it.

10s Movie Review - Fright Night

Director: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Horror/ Comedy
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Dave Franco

Description: Teenager Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin( suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.

Review: The horror movie “Fright Night” from 1985 isn’t one of the most well known movies from the 80’s. On the contrary, it’s a typical, very underrated genre film that got a cult status from a limited group of fans. Building of the tension, the atmosphere and the traditional vampire mythology make the original “Fright Night” an enjoyable film.
So there was a lot of skepticism when they decided to remake this horror classic and give it a modern twist. Thankfully the makers of “Fright Night” don’t make the same mistakes as predecessors that decided to make a modern version of a classic horror flick. The original source material has been handled well. Off course the setting and characters are spiced up a bit and are translated to the 21st century. The neighborhood this movie is set on, is well chosen. A place where many people work nights, a perfect place for a modern vampire. Director Craig Gillespie also succeeds in combining horror and humor together.
The star of the film is Colin Farrell. The flamboyant Irishman easily creates a memorable movie vampire, that can’t be compared to any other vampire. Jerry is a seemingly charming guy, but also a very self-assured killing machine. Fun fact is that Chris Sarandon, who played the role in the original, has a cameo. The British David Tenant also has a remarkable role, as horror magician Peter Vincent. Sometimes mocking, but has enough charm to not overdo it. Only the transformation from cynic to vampire slayer is a bit unbelievable. The movie also loses its tension towards the end.
Aside from some small negatives, “Fright Night” is an above average horror film. It’s not a movie you’re constantly comparing its predecessor, it has enough power to stand on its own. Finally a remake that manages to succeed and has the perfect balance between horror and comedy.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 105: Need For Speed

Director: Scott Waugh
Genre: Action/ Crime
Runtime: 131 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Rami Malek, Dakota Johnson, Michael Keaton

Description: Fresh from prison, a street racer (Aaron Paul) who was framed by a wealthy business associate (Dominic Cooper) joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.

Review: Movies based on videogames don’t have a good reputation. When it’s a race game where the story barely even matters, the fans are skeptic. But “Need For Speed” has some tricks up its sleeve: a big budget, a talented cast and an ambitious director.
“Need For Speed” is based on the game with the same name, where the first part came out in 1994. The story is about Tobey Marshall, the owner of a garage and a talented street racer. When his garage has financial struggles, his arrogant rival Dino Brewster gets him to join an illegal street race, where the winner gets a large amount of money. The race ends up in disaster, when one of the cars makes a fatal crash. Dino gets out before he gets in trouble, but Tobey gets the blame for it. After two years of prison, he is determined to clear his name and take revenge on Dino.
Action movies like this don’t really need an intelligent plot or a surprising course of events. Beautiful cars and spectacular races and chases are enough. Director Waugh experimented with angles while filming those races: from the first person, from the sky, far away and up close. And he manages to make you feel that speed. And the stunts are real, no green screens. “Need For Speed” is visually very well done.
Aaron Paul does a good job and I really liked his chemistry with Imogen Poots. But the dialogue is so silly and clumsy sometimes. Michael Keaton is one of my favorites, but his role is a bit strange and I don’t know why he is in this film. His character seems unnecessary. And that strip scene by Rami Malek didn’t belong here either.
“Need For Speed” is filled with clichés, but this film does have something. The film never bored me, even though I have no connection with cars whatsoever. Maybe it was Aaron Paul…

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 109: 28 Weeks Later

Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Genre: Drama/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Robert Carlyle, Catherine McCormack, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Imogen Poots, Idris Elba, Harold Perrineau

Description: Six months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of Great Britain, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for the survivors to repopulate and start again. But not everything goes to plan.

Review: When it comes to horror sequels, they seldom succeed. Most of the time it’s nothing new and just a a repetition of the previous film, but then worse. “28 Weeks Later” is the sequel to the fantastic film “28 Days Later” and it’s one of the few good horror sequels.
In “28 Days Later” the British population is completely extinct by a mysterious zombie virus and the American army has taken over control. 28 Weeks after these happenings they want Brittain to repopulate.
The original was very scary, those zombies are terrifying especially because they are so fast. “28 Weeks Later” also has that, but adds a bit more gore to it all. It’s visible that Danny Boyle didn’t direct this film, the camera work is a bit more chaotic and much quicker. But it’s a good way to add effects to the film.
“28 Days Later” is still the better movie, but I think “28 Weeks Later” is a strong horror sequel with a good cast.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 106: Green Room

Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Horror
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Alia Shawkat, Patrick Stewart, Mark Webber

Description: A punk rock band is forced to fight for survival after witnessing a murder at a neo-Nazi skinhead bar.

Review: A punk rock band accidentally witnesses a murder in a neo-Nazi skinhead bar. From that moment on, the group of musicians has to fight for survival.
I heard many things about this movie before seeing it, it made me curious. The setting is interesting and the movie is fast paced. There isn’t a lot of build up, although the story starts calmly. Director Jeremy Saulnier know what story he wants to tell, even before the characters say a word you know a lot. And there is no scene that feels it doesn’t belong there.
“Green Room” is not your typical horror. It’s more a thriller with horror elements. The violence in this movie is always sudden, shocking and confronting.
Patrick Stewart plays a strong role, but his talent is underused. Anton Yelchin, unfortunately no longer with us, is the highlight of the film. His performance is so intense and realistic.
“Green Room” is not a movie for the weak stomach. It’s pretty raw and graphic. But I think it’s a fantastic film, sadly it didn’t really get any attention in my country. A hidden gem.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Favorites: Jane Eyre

Synopsis: After a bleak childhood, Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) goes out into the world to become a governess. As she lives happily in her new position at Thornfield Hall, she meets the dark, cold, and abrupt master of the house, Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender). Jane and her employer grow close in friendship and she soon finds herself falling in love with him. Happiness seems to have found Jane at last, but could Mr. Rochester's terrible secret be about to destroy it forever?

 

 

Unique Selling Point: Although the story has been told many times, it does the classic novel justice. It’s filmed beautifully and the actors have plenty of room to show their skills. It’s great to see how efficiently the hundreds of pages of the book are made into a film.

Most Valuable Player: Michael Fassbender as Rochester, the handsome and charismatic man with a dark edge.

Best Moment: Every hopeless romantic would go for the part where Rochester asks for Jane’s hand in marriage.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 123: A Late Quartet

Director: Yaron Zilberman
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanir, Imogen Poots, Wallace Shawn

Description: Members of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and insuppressible lust.

Review: “A Late Quartet” centers around the Fugue string quartet, that travels the world successfully for already 25 years. Daniel Lerner plays the first violin, Robert Gelbart plays the second violin, Roberts wife Juliette plays the viola and Peter Mitchell the cello. Peter took a step back after his wife passing. At the start of their rehearsal Peter feels how much effort he has to put in. After visiting the doctor, its determined that he is in the early stage of Parkinson decease. Peter’s illness changes a lot in the group.
A special dynamic is unleashed. Hidden emotions, suppressed ambitions and secrets. Robert has always adapted to the quartet, but wants to play the first violin now. Juliette doesn’t back him up and a break between her and Robert is in sight. Peter is already looking for a replacement and Daniel also shows some weaknesses. Egos collide.
“A Late Quartet” has been shot in New York and the camera has made some magical and atmospheric shots that show New York at its best.
The cast is fantastic. Philip Seymour and Catherine Keener show us amazing skills and convince as the struggling couple. Mark Ivanir is solid, but it’s Christopher Walken that is brilliant. He really touched me, just with a single look. And that last scene with him and the rest of the quartet really gave me the chills.
It takes you some time to get into “A Late Quartet”, but the dialogues are strong and the characters are deep and interesting. Sober, introvert and convincing. A movie that probably will be overlooked, which is a shame. It’s a great movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 122: That Awkward Moment

Director: Tom Gormican

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Runtime: 95 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, Jessica Lucas

Description: Three best friends find themselves where we've all been - at that confusing moment in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So...where is this going?"

Review: Everyone knows it. That moment in a relationship where you have to decide where it’s going. Is it serious or is it better to end it? All in all a great opportunity to see which goals and ambitions you both have in life. Three friends, Jason, Daniel and Mikey are at that point.

When Mikey finds out his wife has been cheating on him and leaves him, his friends do anything to get him back on his feet again. They make a pact: to stay single as long as possible. Off course, not surprising at all, love is lurking around the corner. Will the threesome go for the romance or do they stay faithful to the pact?

The careless selfish manners of the guys don’t give you much sympathy for them. They say it themselves: “They call us the selfish generation”. They are actually very disrespectful towards women and they show no ambition what so ever. This problem makes the viewers not as involved as they should be.

The humor is okay, but not of a high standard. It’s what American’s are good at: poop and sex jokes. It’s the awkward situations the guys get into that make you laugh the most.

“That Awkward Moment” looks fine and the acting is pretty good, but the lack of relatable characters and really strong humor make this movie not to the comedy it could have been. It was fun for once, but it was a pretty disappointing romantic comedy and never gets above average.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 116: A Long Way Down

Director: Pascal Chaumeil

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Runtime: 96 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, Aaron Paul, Sam Neill, Rosamund Pike

Description: Four people meet on New Year's Eve and form a surrogate family to help one another weather the difficulties of their lives.

Review: Former TV Show host Martin is standing on top of a tall building, waiting his moment to jump. Maureen interrupts him, but she has the same plan. Totally in tears and seemingly desperate, the young Jess arrives and she’s in a hurry to end her life too. And pizza boy J.J. is the fourth person to join them. Four complete strangers, different people all with their own reasons, form a pact: not to commit or try to commit suicide before valentine’s day. With this pact an unlikely friendship arises.

The novel is written by author Nick Hornby, who previously had his books “High Fidelity” and “About a Boy” made into films successfully. Hornby is a master at writing books which combine wit and light drama perfectly. Although the theme, suicide, is very heavy, the story never feels like that. Hornby did a fantastic job. Sadly, the movie didn’t do it justice.

The movie is little over 90 minutes long. There is hardly any character development, when the book did this so wonderfully. It’s the books strength and it’s an essential point in the story. You want to get to know them and relate to them, but it’s almost impossible. The story feels rushed.

The actors aren’t the problem. It’s a good cast and they did a solid job. They all tried their best. Imogen Poots is probably the eye catcher, as troubled Jess.

The movie isn’t terrible, it’s average and very watchable. But it couldn’t live up to the great novel by Nick Hornby. The director had the material: a great story and good actors. He simply didn’t do enough with it. Sad…

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 113: The Look of Love

Director: Michael Winterbottom

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 101 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Steve Coogan, Anna Friel, Imogen Poots, Tamsin Egerton

Description: The life of Paul Raymond (Steve Coogan), the controversial entrepreneur who became Britain's richest man.

Review: “The Look of Love” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in januari 2013. It’s a visually good looking movie, a light biopic that is enjoyable even without knowing about Paul Raymond. The lightness of the film is both its strength and weakness. Raymond is portrayed by Steve Coogan, a role perfect for the comedian. The comedy part is solid, Coogan doesn’t disappoint. It’s the dramatic side of the film that doesn’t have enough depth. The sparkle of the first half is totally lost in the second half.

Imogen Poots, who plays Raymond’s daughter Debbie, isn’t experienced enough to give “The Look of Love” the balance between drama and comedy. And even Steve Coogan struggles more with the more dramatic scenes, while he sets the tone for the film very well.

“The Look of Love” reminds you of movies with a similar theme like “Boogie Nights”. Off course you can’t compare them, because “The Look of Love” isn’t anywhere near the success “Boogie Nights” had. A fun film, basically thanks to Steve Coogan, but not very memorable.

Rating: 2,5/ 5