Month in the Movies: April

April was another busy month for myself at the movies, with myself being able to see 11 new films at the cinema. If you aren't sure what this post is about, each month I look back at the movies I seen in that month and rank them based on a combination of how good the movie was and how much I enjoyed it.  Now that's been explained, lets get started with the list!

11. Jane Got A Gun

What could of been a great time to build a great female character, Jane Got A Gun really failed to capitalise on its concept. The film also doesn't use its strong cast to their full capability in what was a drawn out western.

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review for Jane Got A Gun here

10. Midnight Special

A highly anticipated movie for me that turned out to be quite meh. Very slow paced with not a lot happening and then a very bizarre ending didn't quite connect with me as I hoped it did. The same goes with the impressive cast which was a big part of making me excited for this film. For me one of the biggest disappointments of the year so far. 

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review for Midnight Special here

9. Hardcore Henry

The first person action movie was fairly entertaining at times and did feature some very impressive work. However the style does get old after a while and really does lose its effect. A poor ending as well contributed to its downfall. The reason it is higher than Midnight Special and Jane Got A Gun is due to enjoyment of the film with some great action as well as fantastic work from Sharlto Copley.

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review for Hardcore Henry here

8. Huntsman: Winters War

I definitely feel I'm in the minority when it comes to this film. I had a good time with this one and I feel this was quite a lot down to the cast. Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain delivered with Nick Frost bringing in the humour in which most others have heavily criticised. It's not a masterpiece but I feel there's definitely enjoyment in this film.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review for Huntsman: Winters War here

7. Friend Request

I went into this film thinking it was going to be complete garbage. However I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. A good lead along with a new take on witchcraft lead to some creepy scenes throughout. The film undoubtedly could've been better if it had not used so many loud noises for scares.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review for Friend Request here

6. Bastille Day

Idris Elba's James Bond audition went very well and has cemented himself as a main contender to be the next 007. A highlight of the film also featured his charisma and chemistry with co-star Richard Madden made for some very funny moments. Some nice action scenes as well made Bastille Day a pleasant viewing.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review of Bastille Day here

5. Miles Ahead

A very interesting look at a famous musicians life in what was lead actor Don Cheadle's directorial debut. An impressive debut to say the least with some good work from co star Ewan McGregor. The film slows down at parts which gets in the way of it being a great film. However Miles Ahead is worth checking out for sure!

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review of Miles Ahead here

4. The Jungle Book

The live adaptation of The Jungle Book was a huge success with possibly the most impressive uses of CGI in film history. That wasn't the only good thing about the film with the stellar cast putting in wonderful performances in each of their voice acting. This film may of convinced me that these live action films might be a good idea and well worth my time.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review of The Jungle Book here

3. Green Room

This indie horror-thriller is one of the surprises of the year for me so far. This incredibly dark film is full of suspense throughout the run time and has you gripped. Anton Yelchin and Imogen Poots bring some fun to the film with Patrick Stewart leading the sinister villains as it balances tones incredibly well. Well worth checking out, I was fortunate enough to see a pre screening for this great film!

Final Verdict = B+

Check out my review for Green Room here

2. Eye In The Sky

Eye In The Sky is possibly the best thriller of the year. Morally complex to the core and full of dilemma's, this movie will most definitely create discussion to those who watch it. A fantastic cast really deliver in what is a thrill ride from start to finish. One of my favourite movies of the year and one that I have seen twice in the cinema!

Final Verdict = A-

Check out my review for Eye In The Sky here

And my number one movie in April is...........

'Miles Ahead' Review

'Miles Ahead' brings us yet another biographical drama however one we have never seen before. Also how many people in their directorial debut will also be the lead and portraying an iconic figure in music? Well that's exactly what Don Cheadle did which is a very brave move. Fortunately for him, he was able to pull both off.

Cheadle brings great character and commands the film, stealing the limelight in every scene with his unpredictable and reckless ways. In his directing debut, Cheadle does a great job at combining responsibilities whilst creating an interesting lead who demands your attention in every scene. Well every scene in the storyline surrounding Miles Davis (Cheadle) and journalist Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor).

The film is split into two sections that take turns in telling their stories. One follows Davis and Brill coming together to talk about Davis' potential comeback, leading to a stolen tape which leads to the unlikely duo becoming partners trying to get the stolen record back whilst in the face of danger. The other follows Davis' love life with Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi). Clearly one of these has much more excitement and with that comes the more interesting part of the story. The problem with having quite a difference in tone, with one being high octane and the other not so much, it makes you want to go back to the more entertaining aspect whenever it switches.

It is safe to say that the aspect of Davis' life after his fame and leading to a return is the more interesting part and will keep your eyes glued to the screen. There is a lot of fast paced action throughout the film which wasn't really what I expected from this. However it adds to the craziness of Davis and shows how reckless he was in order to get his tape back. He will do anything to get it back, even threatening death to those who stand in his way. This leads to some very entertaining scenes where Cheadle and McGregor play off each other very well.

However the film suffers as it switches as the aspect of Davis' love life doesn't grab the audiences attention. We get a look at Davis' controlling ways and due to this, it is hard to think why they should be together which in the end makes the audience lack sympathy towards Davis. Along with this, it really isn't as interesting and the audience isn't as invested as before. This most definitely slows the film down and doesn't really improve the story. It adds to Davis' life for those who didn't know of him but that's it really.

The switches being the two stories is done very fluently and also very creatively. The film uses some very cool looking switches where something will happen in one aspect in the story and the result will end up being in the second part allowing thee film to move on instantly. Quite impressive and a bold risk for Cheadle to take in his directorial debut but fortunately for him, it worked.

In a movie based on one of the great musicians, you would expect the film to contain some great music. That is most definitely the case within 'Miles Ahead' and this is more than evident in the finale where Davis is back playing and you don't want it to ever end. A great end to the film where we see one of the greats being brought back to life one last time.

Final Verdict = 

A fairly good attempt from Don Cheadle as he combines directing and acting. However the split of the two stories does make the film suffer at times. Worth checking out though!

So have you seen 'Miles Ahead'? If so what did you think of it? Once again thank you for reading this review, it is much appreciated!