Howe's World of Film and TV

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – Review

A Walt Disney Picture, Written by Tony Gilroy, Chris Weitz, John Knoll, And Gary Whitta, Directed by Gareth Edwards.

This is an important tale of heroism in the face of certain death, and it retroactively improves the already great Star Wars: A New Hope.

The film is different to any previous Star Wars film at the time as it is darker, with a more gritty, real world feel, and doesn’t feature any Jedi or Lightsaber duels. However, what it does provide is a strong heist thriller set within the Star Wars canon, with a final 30 minutes that packs an incredible emotional punch.

The third act aerial battle is the most spectacular the franchise has ever done, and the battle on the ground is convincing too. The moment the Death Star appears over the horizon is the only time I have felt that the planet killing weapon was truly terrifying.

The cast are all good and do the jobs they were given, but due to the nature of the story, they are unable to do much serious acting or character progression. The two stand outs were the brilliantly evil Ben Mendelsohn, and the captivating Mads Mikkelsen, who had a much smaller buy pivotal role.

While the digital recreations of Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher were obvious and did stand out, they didn’t do so to the films detriment. It was a joy getting to see Darth Vader in his prime, being truly evil, and his massacre scene at the end is one of my favourite moments of the entire franchise.

Next up, the film that started it all…

Rating = 3.5/5

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – Review

A Walt Disney Picture, Written by Jonathan Kasdan and Lawrence Kasdan, Directed by Ron Howard.

This is an entirely solid but also entirely unnecessary movie. No one really wanted a prequel film about a young Han Solo, but there were no real burning questions to answer.

If treated on it’s own as a low key space western, it is a well staged, well acted, decent film that is easy to sit back for a couple of hours and enjoy. However, this is a Star Wars film, following from three consecutive huge billions dollar entries, and it was always destined to flop.

The behind the scenes drama made the budget ridiculously high for the type of film it was, and while Ron Howard does his best to deliver a really solid movie, I would’ve been fascinated what the guys behind The Lego Movie and Spider-Verse would’ve brought to the Star Wars universe.

Alden Ehrenreich deserved a better film because he actually makes for a good Han Solo and takes on the unenviable task of mimicking Harrison Ford. By the end of the film, Ehrenreich truly feels like Han and you believe that he will become Harrison Ford’s version in a few years time.

The other stand outs from the cast are Emilia Clarke, who is one of the most likeable actresses on the planet. However, she has proven now she should not star in generic action films, and that she is much more suited to comedies and dramas.

Donald Glover makes for a fascinating Lando, but he has very little to actually do and is mainly just used for comedic effect.

Overall, I feel this story would’ve been much better off being told on Disney+ than in the form of a film, and that it is simply too low key and inconsequential to be a Star Wars movie.

Rating = 3/5

Watchmen (2019) – TV Review

Watchmen is well known for being one of the hardest to adapt source material’s in existence, and yet Damon Lindelof has achieved the almost impossible, creating one of the best TV shows in years.

Throughout its 9 episode run, Watchmen has taken on race, sexuality, vigilantes, and much more, as well as gradually embracing the bonkers source materials. It came together like intricate pieces of a puzzle, with each huge twist being completely shocking but also making total sense and pushing the story forward in fascinating ways.

However, my personal stand out is Jeremy Irons. His version of Ozymandias was so spot on, so charismatic, so despicable, that you couldn’t take your eyes of the screen. As the season went on, he grew into it more and more, and it was a delight to watch.

This acted as a perfect story arc (and shockingly, the perfect origin of Doctor Manhattan) so it wouldn’t be a surprise if it was only one season, and it would be able to say it is one of the finest seasons of TV ever. However, the critical and ratings reception has been immensely popular, and there are so many story possibilities, that I have to assume we will see season 2 in 2021/22.

In conclusion, this is simply one of the most spectacular achievements in Television of the decade.

“My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my works, ye Mighty, and Despair!”

Rating = 5/5

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) – Review

A 20th Century Fox Picture, Written and Directed by George Lucas.

This is the film we were always hoping for from the prequel trilogy, and it took until the final entry to deliver it. We got the rise of Vader, the battle between the Jedi and the Sith, and a darker and more grown up movie.

One of the stand out aspects of this film are the lightsaber battles. There are multiple throughout, and all have their own special moments, but it is the final duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan that stands out the most. It is visually stunning, packed full of huge consequence, and the fight choreography is superb (and sold well by the two actors).

Speaking of the actors, this is Ewan McGregor’s shining performance in the franchise. The charisma and depth he brings to Obi-Wan results in one of best performances in Star Wars saga history.

Natalie Portman is relegated to an even smaller role here and it is almost entirely thankless, although she does deliver one of the franchise’s best and most chilling lines “So this is how Liberty dies, with thunderous applause”.

Ian McDiarmid is completely over the top and totally fantastic as the evil Palpatine. Hayden Christensen is better here than he was in Episode II but Anakin is simply a role that I think a great actor would’ve struggled with (Leo DiCaprio was offered the part) and unfortunately Christensen certainly isn’t a great actor.

This is still far from a perfect film, as it features much of the same cheesy dialogue and forced character motivation that plagued the earlier films. But what it is, is a riveting end to an imperfect trilogy.

Rating = 3.5/5

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) – Review

A 20th Century Fox Picture, Written by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales, Directed by George Lucas.

It’s certainly a good job that the original trilogy had already happened, because the first two sequels are really poor, and this is the worst of them all.

It is a mix of politics, romance, and fantasy action, but it never manages to successfully do any of this. It does advance the plot and feature much lore action that Episode 1, but it is so sloppily done on the most part.

The redeeming parts of this film are the multiple lightsaber battles that feature here, including the bold battle royale towards the end of the film. While it is not particularly well executed, it is a very interesting concept and I’m glad Lucas attempted it.

Ewan McGregor really comes into his role as Obi-Wan in this film, with his sarcastic attitude and ‘Jesus’ look gutting perfectly with what was needed, and he’s easily the best thing about the film.

Natalie Portman is made to go from playing Queen Amidala to ‘sexy padme’, and while she is obviously able to do this with ease, it’s a shame to see her become a character who’s main purpose is to act as someone for Anakin to lust after.

Speaking of Anakin, this is where the character is at his absolute worst in my opinion. He is whiny and miserable, often unnecessarily so, and is little more than a spoilt child. Hayden Christensen isn’t good in the film, but it’s very harsh to judge him on the poorly written role he is given.

My rewatch continues with Revenge of the Sith, and I’m actually looking forward to it.

Rating = 2/5

Charlie Says (2018) – Review

An IFC Picture, Written by Guinevere Turner, Directed by Mary Harron.

The story of the Manson Murders is one of the most fascinating, complicated, and tragic events in recent history. Within the last few years we have seen multiple versions (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, AHS: Cult, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and they have all taken different approaches, as does this one.

We see events from the retrospective viewpoints of some of the Manson girls who ended up with life imprisonment. It is an interesting premise that isn’t quite explored as much as it should’ve been.

It is an entertaining film at times, but it never quite digs deep enough into the source material to make it a really good film, especially from the groundbreaking director of American Psycho.

The film doesn’t back away from the uncomfortable sexual aspects to the story, and also hints at the racial hatred that was a strong and often unknown aspect of these events, but it just never fully goes far enough with the things it introduces.

Hannah Murray is good in the lead role, Merritt Wever is convincing in her role, and Suki Waterhouse is criminally underused. Matt Smith however is very well cast as Manson, and makes for a charming and yet chilling Charles Manson. He isn’t able to fully dig into the varieties of Manson’s twisted personality, but it is a good performance nonetheless.

This is a decent film, but due to the cast/crew/source material, I can’t help but think that this could’ve been so much better.

Rating = 3/5

Lady Bird (2017) – Review

An A24 Picture, Written and Directed by Greta Gerwig.

Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan are a match made in cinematic heaven. What they craft with Lady Bird is really impressive, especially given that it is Gerwig’s first film as a writer/director.

The film operates very well on the basic level of teen coming of age comedy by being really funny, focusing on friendships and sexual awakening, and having arguably one of the most talented young casts ever (Feldstein, Chalamet and Hedges 👀).

However, what differentiates this from the rest is the child and parent relationship, specifically between Lady Bird and her mother. It is complicated, realistic, and heartbreaking. However, it is also something that eventually proves incredibly cathartic.

This was a huge award nominee but didn’t win much, but it surely cannot be long until the incredible Ronan wins an Oscar, she is proving consistently she is one of the biggest talents in the industry. I can’t wait to see Gerwig and Ronan’s next collaboration, Little Women, in a few weeks time.

Rating = 4.5/5

The Edge of Seventeen (2016) – Review

A STX Entertainment Picture, Written and Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig.

In my opinion this is one of the best ever coming of age films, and while it is not underrated (because those who have seen it, love it), it certainly is criminally underseen.

It is one of the most down to Earth, funny, and entirely realistic films that the genre has ever produced, and has one of that particular year’s best scripts.

The film tackles relationships between family, friends, couples, and teachers/students in a way that is equally unique and familiar. It is packed full with examinations of teen sexuality, mental health, and the fear of growing up and fitting in.

Hailee Steinfeld gives quite simply one of the years best performances. Her Nadine is both hilarious and heartbreaking, and entirely relatable. Despite Steinfeld’s obvious stunning good lucks, she continues to make her characters feel very real and something everyone can connect to. Nadine’s specific look in this film; the cool trainers, fishnet tights with floaty skirt, and bright blue jacket are instantly iconic and one of my favourite looks in recent cinema.

The supporting cast are really good, specifically Woody Harrelson and Kyra Sedgwick. Haley Lu Richardson is the biggest supporting stand out as she has the tough task of making a character likeable even when some of her actions are not, and she manages to mostly hold her own against Steinfeld. She is another star to watch out for.

I wish more people had seen this when it came out and that the screenplay and Steinfeld had received more awards attention, but this will surely become a future cult classic.

Rating = 4.5/5

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) – Review

A Fox Picture, Written and Directed by George Lucas.

This isn’t a bad film necessarily, but what I would say is that if this was the first ever Star Wars film, there wouldn’t have been anymore.

This was the launching pad for a trilogy of films that would act as prequels to the original Star Wars trilogy and we were promised would show Anakin Skywalker’s progression from Jedi to evil Darth Vader. However, this film offers very little and is instead a effects heavy film about political processes, featuring Anakin only as a child.

Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are very well cast, although McGregor certainly grows into his role much more in the next two films. Natalie Portman is a really talented actress but never particularly impressed in this franchise, especially in this film.

It does have some very cool lightsaber battles, some of the best the franchise has done, and the pod race was unique and exciting at the time.

However, simply as a Star Wars movie, this didn’t work for me and for many others. My pre Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker rewatch will continue with *shudders* Attack of the Clones.

Rating = 2.5/5

Golden Globes Nominations – Movies

This is one of the major awards shows on the way to the Oscars and can sometimes help to show where the awards season is heading.

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Joker (Warner Bros)

Marriage Story (Netflix)

The Irishman (Netflix)

The Two Popes (Netflix)

1917 (Universal)

It is a huge deal for Joker to get nominated here, and it is also fascinating that Netflix has 3 of the available 5 nominations here.

Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Dolemite is my Name (Netflix)

Jojo Rabbit (Fox)

Knives Out (Lionsgate)

Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Sony)

Rocketman (Paramount)

I struggle to imagine anything but Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood winning, but Jojo Rabbit could always cause an upset.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Adam Driver – Marriage Story

Antonio Banderas – Pain & Glory

Christian Bale – Ford v Ferrari

Joaquin Phoenix – Joker

Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes

Just like the Oscar race, this is very clearly Driver vs Phoenix, and it could realistically go either way right now.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Charlize Theron – Bombshell

Cynthia Erivo – Harriett

Renee Zellweger – Judy

Saoirse Ronan – Little Women

Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story

The race seems very much a three horse race between Theron, Zellweger and Johansson, and this could be one of the first indicators of who is leading that race.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Daniel Craig – Knives Out

Eddie Murphy – Dolemite is my Name

Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood

Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit

Taron Egerton – Rocketman

This is surely a win for Leo, but it would be foolish to rule out Eddie or Taron here.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Ana de Armas – Knives Out

Awkwafina – The Farewell

Beanie Feldstein – Booksmart

Cate Blanchett – Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

Emma Thompson – Late Night

This is an odd looking category due to Awkwafina being the only major contender that is classed as comedy and not drama, and therefore will surely win. I’m so happy for Ana de Armas getting her nomination as her career continues to grow.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Pictures

Al Pacino – The Irishman

Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes

Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood

Joe Pesci – The Irishman

Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

This is very likely to be the main 5 for most of awards season, and it is incredibly close at the moment between Pesci and Pitt.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Annette Bening – The Report

Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers

Kathy Bates – Richard Jewell

Laura Dern – Marriage Story

Margot Robbie – Bombshell

It looks like Laura Dern will run away with this category but I’d love to see J Lo or Margot make a surge. The absence of Florence Pugh is a big surprise.

Best Director – Motion Picture

Bong Joon-ho – Parasite

Martin Scorsese – The Irishman

Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood

Sam Mendes – 1917

Todd Phillips – Joker

This is a hard to call category full of big names, but it’s a disgrace that in this year especially, no women were nominated for their great work.

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

Anthony McCarten – The Two Popes

Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won – Parasite

Noah Baumbach – Marriage Story

Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood

Steven Zaillian – The Irishman

Some very good scripts in here, but it seems like Marriage Story and Parasite could be the front runners.

Best Motion Picture – Animated

Frozen II (Disney)

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Universal)

Missing Link (United Artists)

The Lion King (Disney)

Toy Story 4 (Disney)

Disney is so dominate here that it could very well backfire and give How to Train Your Dragon the win over Frozen. It is also amusing how Disney didn’t even run The Lion King as animated but the HFPA nominated it here anyway.

Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language

Les Misérables – France

Pain & Glory – Spain

Parasite – South Korea

Portrait of a Lady on Fire – France

The Farewell – USA

This is an incredibly strong category but is obviously going to be a win for Parasite.

Best Original Score – Motion Picture

Alexandre Desplat – Little Women

Daniel Pemberton – Motherless Brooklyn

Hildur Guonadottir – Joker

Randy Newman – Marriage Story

Thomas Newman – 1917

The Joker score could take it here, but don’t be surprised to see the much hyped 1917 be successful here too.

Best Original Song – Motion Picture

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Taylor Swift (“Beautiful Ghosts”) – Cats

Beyoncé, Timothy McKenzie and Ilya Salmanzadeh (“Spirit”) – The Lion King

Elton John and Bernie Taupin (“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again”) – Rocketman

Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo (“Stand Up”) – Harriett

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (“Into the Unknown”) – Frozen II

This is a star packed category unlike we’ve ever really seen, but Frozen II will likely still triumph. Will Elton, Taylor and Beyoncé come to the Globes?

The HFPA have a history of being swayed by campaigns and big stars so this isn’t necessarily a great representative of the race in whole, but I think the major players are really starting to emerge, and it is going to be a fascinating race. Side note… with the amount of amazing films directed by women this year, it is an absolute disgrace that at least one woman isn’t nominated for director or screenplay, and things need to change fast.