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

'Doctor Strange' Review

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is striving in its impressive third phase. After 'Captain America: Civil War' got the phase off to a fantastic start, Marvel is looking to maintain their momentum by adding yet another hero into the mix with 'Doctor Strange'. A character much different to anything we've seen before in the MCU seemed to be a gamble, but thankfully, it was a gamble that paid off.

Dr Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is one of the top surgeons until a car accident leaves him with severe injuries to his hands that make it impossible for him to continue his work. Seeking help, Strange goes East to Nepal in order to find someone who could cure him. He is taken in by The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) who then informs Strange that she and many others are in a tough battle against dark forces who to destroy reality. Strange is forced to make a decision on whether to be selfless or use his new abilities to help save the world as we know it.

The Marvel formula seems to be gold at this moment as each installment in the MCU seems to be of a decent standard at the very least. The combination of fun, interesting characters, alongside cool abilities, great action and humour is hitting all the right notes for fans and critics alike and 'Doctor Strange' seems to follow that trend.

What seems to separate fans of Marvel and other comic book movie franchises is the use of humour and the general more light-hearted approach to the superhero genre. That may be the difference yet again in opinions about Marvel's latest film as the humour is ever apparent yet again. The film follows suit by using a lot of jokes throughout the film, even poking fun during some more serious scenes. For the most part, the humour works very well with Strange possessing the quick wit similar to the likes of Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark. The delivery from Cumberbatch with his jokes are a key part of the success, as well as the reactions from co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Benedict Wong. At times, the humour does feel a bit out of place or the joke just lingers on for too long, especially the moments with Strange's magical cape.

Benedict Cumberbatch is a name that seems to be linked with every role in Hollywood and with performances like this, it is easy to see why. Cumberbatch is very cool and humorous as Strange, showing great range as the character turns from being selfish to selfless. The talented actor was very impressive in his role where he was allowed to truly shine, and it may be my favourite role of his to date. Tilda Swinton does well as the very wise 'Ancient One' who seems to hold secrets from her followers as Chiwetel Ejiofor does well, especially playing off Cumberbatch.

Unfortunately, 'Doctor Strange' follows the Marvel formula once again when it comes to the villain Kaecilius. Mads Mikkelsen is a natural when it comes to playing a bad guy, as he shined as one the greatest Bond villains La Chiffre in 'Casino Royale' as well as pulling off the character of Hannibal Lecter very well in the TV series 'Hannibal'. Mikkelsen brings a cold ruthlessness to his performances but he wasn't really able to showcase this in the film. Instead, he is actually shown to be fairly weak throughout the film as he rarely shows dominance over our heroes. Kaecilius had the potential to be something great but like most villains in the MCU, he fell rather flat.

The origin story of Stephen Strange is fairly well established as it sums him up very quickly, showing he's arrogant and likes the finer things. Once we see him lose the ability to operate we see the vulnerability of the character which the film seemed to handle fairly well. However, the film seems to brush over Strange's learning of his new found abilities fairly quickly. We see him do some training, accomplish a feat and then seems to be a natural straight away. We don't see much of him trying and failing which made it seem as if he had been doing it for years, rather than a couple of days. There could have been so much more done with this which would have allowed them to flesh out the powers of the character a bit more as well. Due to this, there doesn't seem to be that big of a progression in Strange's skill level as the film goes on which shouldn't happen in the introduction of a brand new character.

What really allows 'Doctor Strange' to shine is the stunning visuals on show. These visuals may make you feel as if you are tripping on something at times as the film showcases the magic that these characters possess. What is even more spectacular is how they incorporate these visuals with the action in the movie. The film uses the manipulations of reality to create some truly jaw-dropping scenes that are like no other. This could've turned out to have been a complete mess if not done properly, but thankfully, these scenes were crafted incredibly well to allow us all to marvel at them.

Overall, 'Doctor Strange' is a worthy addition to the MCU, bringing a film that follows the same kind of formula, but also bringing new aspects to the series. Unfortunately, there are some aspects that hold the film back and sadly, it has to do with the villain once again. If you are a fan of the MCU then you should really enjoy this one.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen ' Doctor Strange'? 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