The Movie Year So Far: Surprises

Since we've had a slightly negative look at the year so far, it is only fair to look at some of the highlights. I've decided to leave my list for the best/my favourite films until the end of the year so had to come up with something different but still interesting. So I thought it would be good to look at the films that really surprised me this year with just how good they were. There have been some shocks this year that I would've laughed at if you said that these would be some of my favourite movies of the year. Thankfully these films have been just a few of the highlights of the year and are ones that I didn't expect to have as big an impact on myself. 

5. Room

I actually saw 'Room' the morning after Brie Larson won her Oscar for her magnificent performance in this film. Due to that I expected the film to be at a very high standard and to deliver a satisfying viewing. I didn't expect this film to have nearly as much of the impact it had on me. I didn't think this would end up being one of my favourite movies of the year but the emotion in this film really struck me. The story based off of Emma Donoghue's novel with incredible performances from Brie Larson and child actor Jacob Tremblay. I've never ever been so affected by the emotion in a film before and 'Room' is incredibly heart-breaking at times yet heart-warming at others. One of the most powerful movies of the year which surprised me in just how much I enjoyed it.

4. Zootropolis (Zootopia)

Again, like Room, I did expect 'Zootropolis' to be of a good standard. Coming from animation giants Disney, you always have a high hope that they will produce something fantastic. Despite this, I would say Zootropolis is more like a Pixar film not only in the style of animation but also with what the film is like. By taking creatures that cannot talk in reality and having it from their perspective- a la Finding Nemo- like Pixar usually do, they were able to create a fantastic story to how this was able to be possible with all of the different kinds coming together in harmony. 'Zootropolis' also managed to create a much deeper meaning by tackling issues like discrimination and racism. What's even more impressive is that they were able to do so whilst creating a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious movie that is Disney's best film in over 20 years. I didn't expect 'Zootropolis' to be nearly as good as it was and I will be very surprised if this doesn't end up in my best of the year list.

3. 10 Cloverfield Lane

A film that was a surprise to people just in the fact that it was being made. When it came out, audiences were mainly thrilled, including myself. I enjoyed the original 'Cloverfield' but didn't have a great love towards it. '10 Cloverfield Lane' outclasses the original in every way as it takes a look at the disaster in a very different way. Gone is the found footage style and the outside world. Trapped inside the confines of a bomb shelter we are for the majority of the run time as 10CL brings one of the most tense thrillers of the year. Great performances from the cast especially from John Goodman made this film a lot better than I expected it to be. A great thriller that had you continuously guessing what was really happening, '10 Cloverfield Lane' really surprised me on just how great it was.

2. The Conjuring 2

The newest film on this list came from the great mind of James Wan. I'm not the biggest fan of the horror genre but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying 'Th Conjuring 2'. James Wan's genius shows in this film as it is incredibly well crafted and really delivers. The performances within the film are also fantastic with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga combining fantastically well with some child actors. I never thought for one second that this film would have been one of my favourites of the year but I cannot stop raving about this film and am eagerly anticipating seeing it for a second time. Frightening, well acted and crafted, 'The Conjuring 2' is one of my favourites so far this year which I didn't expect at all.

1. Sing Street

I seen the trailer for 'Sing Street' a number of times in my visits to the cinema and I thought that it looked alright. In fact the part that excited me most was that it was featuring music from so many great bands. When I went to see it, I didn't expect that this film would be one of the most entertaining movies of the year. The film shocked me in just how good it was with great comedy and music as well as some more deeper moments. The music is incredibly catchy and it is great fun to watch this group of Irish misfits jam together and then bring their art to life in form of their music videos. I went and saw this for a second time and loved it just as much. This seems to be a certainty for even the top 5 of the year for me as I had such an amazing time watching this film and cannot wait for the Blu-Ray release to watch it again and again.

So that concludes my list of the movies that have surprised me positively so far this year. I'd like to know what films have surprised you so far and what your thoughts are on the films that I have listed. Once again thank you for reading my blog, it is much appreciated! 

By Angus McGregor

Month in the Movies: March

So March was a very busy month at the movies for me. In the month of March I seen a total of 15 movies in the cinema. I started this segment off last month and only had 5 movies in my list for the month of February. If you missed my post last month explaining this, it is simply me going through the films I seen in the month, ranking them in order depending on a combination of how much I enjoyed the film and how good it was overall. So lets get started!

15. Rock The Kasbah

In last place it is 'Rock The Kasbah'. What a terrible movie this is. How sad it as to see the likes of Bill Murray and Bruce Willis in such a travesty of a film. There aren't really any redeeming factors to this film at all. What was supposed to be a comedy came a boring and forgettable film.

Final verdict: F

Check out my review for Rock The Kasbah here

14. Truth

'Truth' could've worked almost as well as 'Spotlight' did. Unfortunately the film lacked the interesting plot or characters needed to really care about the film. A total bore the whole way through that could have been so much better,

Final verdict: C-

Check out my review for Truth here 

13. Grimsby

The latest comedy from Sacha Baron Cohen certainly did have its moments that were funny. However a lot of it consisted of gross out humour that wasn't really for me. If you're into that kind of stuff, you'll probably love Grimsby.

Final verdict: C

Check out my review for Grimsby here

12. London Has Fallen

Despite not having a lot of substance, London Has Fallen was a fun action movie that wouldn't go amiss in the 80's. Don't go in and expect anything other than just an action film or you'll just be disappointed.

Final verdict: C

Check out my review for London Has Fallen here

11. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

The biggest film of the year so far hit the big screen but not in an entirely positive way. A boring start along with some terrible plot holes and writing made Batman v Superman a disappointment. Ben Affleck as Batman was phenomenal along with some good action elevates the status of the film a little.

Final verdict: C

Check out my review for Batman v Superman here

10 Cloverfield Lane Review

'10 Cloverfield Lane' according to executive producer J.J Abrams is the 'blood relative' to the orginal 'Cloverfield' in which he directed. It is set in the same universe as the found footage, monster film that received positive feedback from both fans and critics alike. But would '10 Cloverfield Lane' be able to follow in the footsteps set by the original?

'10 Cloverfield Lane' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr during the aftermath of the events in 'Cloverfield'. After her leaving her fiancée, Michelle (Winstead) is in a car accident and when she wakes up, she is locked up in a prison like cell. She is then confronted by Howard (Goodman) who claims that he has brought her here for her own safety. Michelle then meets Emmett, a man who witnessed the attack who fled to the bunker for safety. Unsure whether or not something big has actually gone down or if she is really safe inside Howard's bunker, Michelle is conflicted to staying or trying to escape the bunker. Many twists and turns throughout as Michelle looks to find the truth both inside and outside of the bunker.

The best way to start this is to address how it fits in with 'Cloverfield'. The film only has a few things in it that really connect with 'Cloverfield'. Don't go into this film expecting a direct sequel to 'Colverfield' because you will be disappointed and it won't be what you expected at all. The nuclear fallout from the end of 'Cloverfield' is only one of a few things that are really relevant to the first film. As the film goes on it is clear that they are in the same universe but isn't directly linked at all. Go in with an open mind to this film and you'll have a great time. You'll also find a film superior to the original.

The start of this film is absolutely fantastic. It starts with Michelle driving through and suffering her crash. Through doing this, it creates a fast paced sequence that stops every couple of seconds showcasing the companies behind this project such as 'Bad Robot'. It was a really unique start and was doing phenomenally well. The start adds a lot of mystery as you are unsure to if this was planned due to a previous interaction of some sorts. It sets up the film brilliantly and also does not give anything away. From the start you are hooked and are drawn into the film, already wondering what has happened. A fantastic opening. 

The film has a whole bunch of mystery surrounding it and to great effect. There are so many twists throughout the film which always keep you guessing. It toys with you so that you are unsure if it is safe inside the bunker or if the events that Michelle has been old about outside are true. Also there is a great mystery surrounding John Goodmans character Howard. With all the events that happen in the film, you are unsure to whether or not he is helping these people or not. Also his sanity and whether or not he is stable is questioned a lot throughout the film. The film will keep you guessing at all times through its great twists that all work fantastically. They all work great and add to the mystery incredibly well.

The film only really has three characters and they are all fantastic. John Goodman is probably the standout in which he is phenomenal. Throughout the film the audience is always conflicted to if he is genuinely just a good Samaritan who has taken these people into his bunker or if he is unhinged and is capable of horrible things. Goodman's performance as Howard is brilliant and at times will make you feel quite uncomfortable. A brilliant performance from Goodman, that statement really isn't a surprise though is it?

John Goodman was fantastic as Howard

Mary Elizabeth Winstead is also very good in the film as Michelle who is being held against her own will inside this bunker. Due to not knowing about what happened outside she finds it hard to believe and isn't convinced by Howard that she is here for her own good. Throughout the whole film she is looking for more answers for both inside and out of the shelter which leaves her in tough predicaments and not knowing what to believe. As the main protagonist, you really felt for her during this time in which would be a terrifying situation to find yourself in. There is also quite a large character arc for her character which works very well. John Gallagher Jr is more of the comic relief in this film and he is also very good. He is funny when he needs to be and brings a character that isn't always serious despite what has happened to the world. A great addition and a good contrast against Goodman and Winstead's characters.

There is one huge problem with the film and that is the ending. Compared to the rest of the film, the ending is awful. I won't spoil it but the ending is so out of place and is overall just really bad. There is a point in the film where it really should have just ended. It definitely seemed like they needed to extend the ending to make for a longer run time. In saying that though, it did at the dying moments manage to make up for it a little bit and made me leave feeling very excited. That doesn't take away from the fact that the last 15 minutes or so of this film is nowhere near the standard set by the rest of the film.

Final verdict: 10 Cloverfield Lane = B+

A fantastic movie that you should definitely see. One of my favourite movies of the year so far but the ending isn't up to standard. Because of this, the overall score does take a hit.

So have you seen 10 Cloverfield Lane? If so what did you think? If you plan on going to see it, I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did. Once again thank you so much for reading, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor