Month at the Movies: October

September got us back on the right track in terms of movie quality so I was hoping that October would only continue that. At times, October matched the quality with some real quality films. Unfortunately, there were some stinkers within the month too. I was fortunate enough to see 11 different films this October in what was a mixed month. 

If you aren't aware of this series, I pretty much go through the month and rank the movies that I saw that month based on a combination of quality and how much I enjoyed the film. So lets get into the list! 

11. Keeping Up With The Joneses

We start the list off with the action-comedy 'Keeping Up With The Joneses'. This films writing was ultimately the downfall as the comedy wasn't funny and there wasn't enough good action to make this viewing worthwhile. The cast tries their best but they can't save this film from falling short. There aren't many highlights to this film and it most certainly isn't one that you should be rushing to see.

Final Verdict = D+

Check out my review for 'Keeping Up With The Joneses' here

10. Inferno

Boy, was this a dull film. A film which takes our protagonist all over the world to solve clues before the end of the world should be very exciting. 'Inferno' most definitely was not that. Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones do well in their roles and the film looks great, as it showcases some beautiful places in the world. However, the story is not handled well at all, with twists that make no sense. I'm really surprised that a big budget film like this, with the talent on board, was as bad as it was. Hopefully, they take more care next time if they continue the Robert Langdon series.

Final Verdict = D+

Check out my review of 'Inferno' here

9. The Girl On The Train

Much like the first two films on this list, the cast isn't the problem with the film. Much like 'Inferno', this is another case of a fairly big budget film failing. The film based off of the successful book had the claim of 'The thriller that shook the world' being associated with its advertising. The film was anything but that as its messy story failed to deliver big time. Emily Blunt does a good job as does the rest of the case, but in the case of 'The Girl On The Train', you should probably just stick to the book.

Final Verdict = C-

Check out my review of 'The Girl On The Train' here

8. Trolls

They'll make a movie out of anything you remember as a child it seems. Unfortunately, 'Trolls' is very much targeted towards children, leaving very little entertainment for adults. A decent soundtrack with Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick doing well in their roles were the highlights but that is as good as it got. Kids will surely love this one and if you are looking for something to entertain little ones, then this film should fit the bill.

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review of 'Trolls' here

7. Blood Father

Mel Gibson is back yet again acting and he is back kicking ass! Gibson is great in his role as a father that you definitely don't want to be messing with. The film very much reflects Gibson's return to film after a few shaky, problematic years and to good effect. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast don't deliver as well as he does and neither does the action. Hopefully, Gibson can continue to improve and partake in better films in the future as he is a true talent.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review of 'Blood Father' here

6. Queen of Katwe

One of the most uplifting films of the year comes in the form of 'Queen of Katwe'. The true story is a remarkable tale and will make you cherish everything you have as well as make you realise how lucky you are. Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo both do incredible jobs in their roles whilst working with a lot of first-time actors. However, the film does linger on a bit at the end and the film can be accused of having too many subplots, that makes it lose focus at times. I can't see myself watching this film again, but it is more than worthwhile to see at least once.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review of 'Queen of Katwe' here

5. Ouija: Origin of Evil

'Ouija: Origin of Evil' is a huge step up from the first film in the series 'Ouija'. A fantastic build up with the character Doris being one of the creepiest characters from a horror movie that I have ever seen. There are some very effective scares in this film that was much better than it looked. It provided a great late 60's/early 70's feel that really helped elevate the film. However, the film loses a bit of control in the final act where ridiculous things start to happen. The small budget does start to show as things start to look poor in the end. 

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review of 'Ouija: Origin Of Evil' here 

4. Doctor Strange

Marvel's latest instalment was yet another fun, great superhero movie. The film looks fantastic, showing a different look than other Marvel films. It does follow the same sort of formula, but once again, it works. Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton shine in their roles, adding more great characters to the MCU. Like other Marvel films, the movie's villain is very weak. They didn't use Mads Mikkelsen to his full potential which was very disappointing. Overall, an entertaining film and if you like superhero movies, you should enjoy this one!

Final Verdict = B+

Check out my review of 'Doctor Strange' here

3. I, Daniel Blake

One of the most powerful and realistic films of the year is 'I, Daniel Blake'. The film is brutally honest with how some of the systems are run here in the UK. Ken Loach does a fantastic job with this film that will surely make you angry. A film that is creating discussion, although those with the ability to change things are too ignorant to look into it. The film is a bit dull at times and repetitive with what it does which does effect it at times. Also, another film that I can't see myself watching again, however, it was more than powerful enough once.

Final Verdict = A-

Check out my review of 'I, Daniel Blake' here

2. Storks

Although I gave this a lower rating in quality than 'I, Daniel Blake', I am giving 'Storks' the edge due to how much I enjoyed it. I was so shocked by this film as it is genuinely one of the funniest films I have seen this year. The jokes are so clever, such as the scenes involving the wolves. It does a great job at handling family aspects and the cast is great. Andy Samberg and Stephen Kramer Glickman are fantastic in their roles, with Glickman's 'Pigeon Toady' being one of the highlights of the film. One of my favourite animated movies of the year and one that you should give a chance.

Final Verdict = B+

Check out my review of 'Storks' here

'Blood Father' Review

The movie 'Taken' starring Liam Neeson seems to have inspired or spawned many other films very similar to it. Mel Gibson is back in his first role since 'The Expendables 3', returning to the action genre once again and having his own shot at saving his daughter. 'Blood Father' isn't a carbon copy of 'Taken' straying away from the story that has been done to death in a fairly good story. Despite setting up something good, 'Blood Father' just seems to be lacking that special something.

Lydia (Erin Moriarty) looks to be in deep trouble as she hinders a robbery by accidentally shooting her boyfriend Jonah (Diego Luna) and fleeing. She looks to get help from her ex-convict father John (Mel Gibson), who is out on parole. John is now drawn back into the drama as Jonah's thugs attack his home looking for Lydia leading the pair to go on the run. They are now targeted by a vicious drug cartel who won't stop until they are dead. John won't go down fighting as he looks to protect the daughter he never got to raise.

'Blood Father' showcases Mel Gibson back again as a badass and does a great job surrounding his character. In many ways, the character John Link reflects Gibson himself. Link looks to make up for past wrongdoings and looks to be on a path of righteousness. Gibson looks to be cleaning himself up in recent years and with this film and upcoming project 'Hacksaw Ridge', he looks to be doing so which is fantastic news. Gibson shows that he will do anything for his daughter and genuinely cares about her as he looks to make up for not being there. Gibson does bring a good performance that does allow him to branch out in scenes where he can let off some steam, much like you would do if someone was trying to kill you and your loved ones. An entertaining performance with room to still improve but it is a step on the right foot once again for Gibson.

Erin Moriarty plays the very troubled Lydia and is an interesting character. She is very flawed as she makes bad decisions due to influences such as boyfriends and drugs but you can see that she wants to change this and be free from the trouble. At times, Moriarty sold this fairly well and others not so much. It was an inconsistent performance for me but with some work and possibly better guidance, Moriarty could shine in another supporting role. The rest of the cast features your basic looking Mexican drug cartel thugs led by Diego Luna who does a fine job but nothing to really get you talking about. William H Macy is good working with Gibson as his sponsor who always has his back and even brings some badass and humorous moments. 

The trailer showcased this as a gun blazing action packed film which seems to be misleading as it focuses mainly on the relationship. There are some decent action scenes throughout the film but not as much as you'd expect. Due to this, the film does seem to slow down a lot and loses a fair bit of its tension. The performances aren't that compelling or dramatic enough to fully support this which does seem to hinder it. I do feel that they couldn't decide whether or not to go full out or keep the film fairly grounded. Instead, they seem to do both which isn't fully effective.

The ending to 'Blood Father' does elevate the film as it really gives you what you want. Clever with great action, the film delivers in the last act with their being apparent stakes. It doesn't follow the usual action ending which felt very fresh amongst the typical endings. This allowed the film to end on a high and effective note in a way that not many seem to be doing so right now. 

Overall, 'Blood Father' is a fairly entertaining movie which Gibson really helps with. Without him, this could easily have not been nearly as effective as he did a great job as John Link. Some minor problems including the focus but a strong ending has you leaving the theatre pleased with what you saw.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Blood Father'? If so, what did you think of it? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the movie. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor