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

'I, Daniel Blake' Review

At aged 79, Director Ken Loach stepped up to receive his second Palme d'Or, the biggest award at the Cannes film festival. Describing it as 'very strange' to receive the award in such luxurious fashion due to the depressing nature and harsh conditions that are apparent in his latest film 'I, Daniel Blake'. With his realistic approach, Loach has produced one of the year's most powerful films.

Daniel Blake (Dave Johns) is a carpenter who has now been deemed unfit to work due to a heart condition. Due to this, he is in need of state welfare but the process is a nightmare for Blake as he is offered little help with it. He meets Katie (Hayley Squires), a young mother of two who has recently moved to Newcastle from London due to lack of housing. Together, the two struggle through the process as they look for help from the government to help provide for themselves and their families.

If you're looking for a film that is going to thoroughly entertain you, this most definitely isn't the one for you. This film is not one that will fill you with delight. In fact, it will do just the opposite.

Loach's brutally honest approach to the welfare system in the UK packs an incredible punch that will most definitely impact you. There's something that we can all relate to in this film; whether you have a relative who is suffering from a similar condition to the title character, or just have a relative who wouldn't be able to go through the online application processes that easily. Due to this, the film resonates with you as you couldn't imagine this happening to a loved one of your own. But the film oh so clearly shows that this is happening every day. It is infuriating to see these poor people being messed around, getting very little help when they desperately need it and being forced to waste their time. The process of these people goes through tests to see if their fit, as well as different tests from their doctors which do not coincide with each other, filling out countless online forms and pointlessly looking for work, despite not being cleared to do so, will most definitely light a fire inside of you. The system is shown to be broken and with very little being done to help these people, you will really feel yourself becoming more annoyed at the system as the film goes on.

The film doesn't just target the systems treatment of the ill, but of young families too. Blake comes across a young mother Katie whose story is equally as tragic as she struggles to provide for her children. Katie is then taken down a very dark route compared to Blake, all due to being late for one meeting at the job centre. Hayley Squires does a tremendous job in this role where she breaks down on many occasions and is forced to do terrible things in order to provide for her family. It is heartbreaking to see this unfold before your eyes and Squires captures this magnificently.

Comedian Dave Johns plays Daniel Blake in a film which only gives him a few moments to show his comedic talents. Johns brings that feeling of a true working class man to the character in an impressive first leading role. His reactions to everything that is happening is what you would expect from this kind of person who has the right intentions for everything. Realism is the main factor in Johns convincing performance as he would happily go back to work and isn't looking for an easy way out. His character looks to help out the struggling Katie by fixing up her home when the council is too slow to do so and even providing a sort of father figure to her kids. He looks to keep the children on the right foot, even getting huge improvements in the son's behaviour. His performance and likeability make you root for him but also makes the story that more tragic for the viewer.

In this film where it all seems doom and gloom, there are a few glimpses of hope that make Daniel Blake seem like a figure who could inspire a generation to really make a change. The graffiti scene will fill you with joy as you see Blake let off some steam against the establishment. Unfortunately, there wasn't much more of this with it not showing any other occasions where people stand up against what is going on. That is a damning look at our society today, showing that we aren't doing enough to force a change, which would allow these people to be more secure much more quickly. Loach seems to have intentionally done this to show that there should be much more support against the way the State runs certain things. A wake-up call before it is too late for many more people.

Due to the nature and tone of the film, there have been grumblings from people claiming that the film is boring. This isn't your typical film for sure as it clearly looks to tackle real life problems. If you're just looking for an easy, entertaining watch then you should probably stay away from this film as it won't fulfill that need for you. However, you should give it a chance to see the powerful story that has been crafted.

Overall, 'I, Daniel Blake' is an incredibly powerful film with subjects that most of us could probably relate to. It's safe to say that it can be depressing at times as this film packs a punch which will hopefully create a discussion for change. Johns and Squires are both fantastic in their roles in a film which will impact you for sure.

Final Verdict = 

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

By Angus McGregor