Month in the Movies: July

The summer movie season has been quite a huge disappointment with some even calling it the worst summer for movies in a long time. There hasn't been that many hits with more controversial movies taking centre stage. July featured everything from original movies to reboots, sequels and continuations so there was a wide range, unfortunately, not all of it was quality. I was lucky enough to see 11 films this month, some very good and some very bad.

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. Absolutely Fabulous

Quite possibly the hardest movie to get through this year, 'Absolutely Fabulous' was absolutely dreadful. Painfully unfunny with horrible characters, this movie is one of the worst that I have seen so far this year. A movie that I most definitely will never return to.

Final Verdict = F

Check out my review for 'Absolutely Fabulous' here

10. Ice Age Collision Course

The FIFTH movie in this franchise which was hard for me to believe and understand. I'm not entirely sure how this is still going on as the movies have got worse and worse but it still must attract the younger audiences. The movie has elements that have potential to create a good story but it fails to do so. Children may enjoy it but adults will definitely not do so as much.

Final Verdict = D+

Check out my review for 'Ice Age Collision Course' here

9. Now You See Me 2

I completely forgot that I saw this movie in the last month which says a lot about the film. The cast bring it once again- apart from Harrelson's bizarre performance as his normal characters twin brother. In the end the film is quite anti climatic and there isn't enough that amazes you in what seems to be a very drawn out film. 'Now You See Me 2' is an alright watch but unless you loved the first one, a film that you don't have to rush to see.

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review for 'Now You See Me 2' here

8. Ghostbusters

'Ghostbusters' was nowhere near as bad as many expected it to be which is a good thing. The film featured some good moments with the leading ladies doing a good job especially Kate McKinnon. However the comedy was not as consistent and a very weak villain hold the film back quite a lot. Although there is no need for this film to exist, it is still an enjoyable viewing that should bring you entertainment.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review for 'Ghostbusters' here

7. Keanu

Key and Peele deliver comedy phenomenally well and 'Keanu' is a great example of that. This movie is incredibly funny and the pair shine as they look to recover their new kitten. This movie will no doubt have you in stitches. The movie does tail off at times and loses focus becoming a complete action movie at times. The execution asn't quite there at all times but Keanu is a very entertaining and enjoyable movie.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review for 'Keanu' here

6. The Legend of Tarzan

The gritty continuation of the character Tarzan that nobody really asked for did bring me quite a bit of entertainment. Although some problems with the CGI, I really enjoyed the performances throughout the film such as Christoph Waltz as Leon Rom who proved to be a highlight of the film for me. Some great action really helps the film as well in what was overall an enjoyable film.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review for 'The Legend of Tarzan' here

5. Central Intelligence

Kevin Hart and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson were phenomenal in this movie together. The pairs chemistry was incredibly good and they have to work together again. The comedy in this movie works incredibly well as does most of the action. 'Central Intelligence' is a very good action comedy and will have you wanting more from the two leads. One of the funniest movies of the year and one to check out.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review for 'Central Intelligence' here

4. Jason Bourne

Matt Damon is back with a bang- sorta. Jason Bourne is a fine action movie in its own right but does not compare to the previous three Bourne films that Damon was a part of. The story wasn't as interesting as others but once again the action lives up to expectation and creates some phenomenal scenes. Damon is great as the title character with good performances also coming from the likes of Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles and Tommy Lee Jones. A fine addition to the franchise.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review for 'Jason Bourne' here

3. The BFG

Steven Spielberg certainly delivered another great family film as he brought Roald Dahl's classic novel to life. Mark Rylance was great as The BFG which is one of my favourite performances of the year. A real good fun movie from the excellent mind of Steven Spielberg as The BFG is a film that is enjoyable to all ages. Not a Spielberg classic but still a good watch.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review of 'The BFG' here

'The BFG' Review

As a kid growing up in Scotland, Roald Dahl's books were one of the few that I chose to read as a kid. Great stories such as 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' and 'James and The Giant Peach' were a couple of my favourites alongside another one of Dahl's famous novels, 'The BFG'. Steven Spielberg is my favourite director of all time, creating some of my favourite movies of all time like 'Jaws' and 'Jurassic Park'. You could only imagine my excitement when I found out that Spielberg would be taking control of a live action BFG movie.

10 year old Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is mysteriously abducted and taken to a strange land. Scared at first, she soon realises that she has been taken by a big, friendly giant who is caring and gentle, unlike the other giants who live amongst him. The other giants pick on the BFG (Mark Rylance) and pose a threat to not only Sophie but children all over the world. The unlikely duo now must travel to get help from a higher power before it is too late.

In an ideal world, this combination would lead to what would be one of my favourite movies of the year. However despite nostalgic feelings and really rooting for this to be another one of Spielbergs classics, it didn't quite happen. Maybe the story doesn't resonate with me as much as it used to. In no way is that saying that the film is bad however. Just not quite reaching the levels it could have. When you have an adaptation and it is being brought to life by one of films greatest ever directors, there is a level of expectation already there and I think that 'The BFG' definitely suffers from this.

'The BFG' most certainly isn't a bad movie. It actually works really well as a family fantasy movie that does cater very well to a younger audience. The characters are enjoyable and fun to watch throughout the runtime. Spielberg creates a great world where the giants roam with quaint elements that are charming to both younger and more mature viewers. The home of the BFG is interesting enough as he makes use out of anything, even boats for human use. The land where the dreams roam is also enchanting and really beautiful to the eye which will keep the audiences attention.

Mark Rylance truly shines as the giant in what seems to be a blossoming partnership with Steven Spielberg after his Oscar winning performance in Bridge of Spies. The 5ft 7 actor is transformed into a 20+ ft giant and he brings that feeling of humanity to the role that makes his performance something to marvel at. Rylance also shines with his voice work as he does an incredible job as the stumbling giant who wants to speak correctly but it just doesn't end up coming out as he had intended. He brings heart to the role and makes you care for the giant as he shows his true kind and caring nature.

Ruby Barnhill is the only human character who appears in the whole runtime and deserves credit for her performance. It's never easy for child actors and for her to produce a solid performance without having lots to interact or bounce off of is a credit to the young actress. It's not a completely mesmerising performance but Barnhill captures the innoncence of Sophie as a helpless, kind hearted and brave girl who is in a world unlike any other.

Bizzarely I feel that the problem with the film comes with the story. At times the pacing wan't great as it also has its moments where nothing really that exciting is happening. In a fantasy film like this, it probably could have done with some more adventure of the world that we were in. Instead we spend most of it in The BFG's home which is nice but you'd like to explore the world even more. The film also suffers in the final act as it really seems to slow down for the time being as Sophie and her giant friend look for help. This was probably the weakest part of the film for me as it wasn't really as exciting or humerous like the film had been before.

It is a fine addition to Spielberg's list of films but won't be making anyones 'Best of' lists any time soon. It is a good family film that does seem to be catered to those who are younger which may be the reason for this. However if you are looking for a film that the whole family will enjoy, 'The BFG' should create an enjoyable experience that will have you satisfied.

Final Verdict = 

An enjoyable family film with Mark Rylance really shining.

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

By Angus McGregor

UK Summer Box Office Predictions!

Summer movie season is almost here! There is a lot in store this summer with their being some potentially great comedies as well as other instalments in past franchises. Earlier in the year me and a couple of friends decided to predict the outcomes of the 2016 Oscars and had a great time in doing so! So to try and recreate what we did, we felt it would be good to predict who will be the top of the summer box office. 

To be eligible for our lists the film will have to have come out after the 31st of May and before the 1st of September. The summer in the UK really isn't that long and with the weather, you would think that it lasts less than the three months in the boundary. We decided to only allow films that come out between this timeline as an extra challenge as we all know that the likes of Captain America: Civil War and X-Men Apocalypse will be up their at the end. Also with the UK releases, some may not be actually out during the summer like they are in America. All the films in our lists will be from the UK releases which means that the likes of TMNT 2 and Warcraft narrowly miss out.

This time in our predictions it will be featuring five different people with five different predictions. It will be myself Angus-obviously- as well as the returning Michael and Drew. Also returning is the winner of our Oscar predictions Billy who will be looking to make it 2/2 when it comes to predictions. Joining us this time will be our fellow classmate Conor who makes his first appearance.

Scoring System

To decide who the eventual winner is, we will use a scoring system. If one of us predicts that a film will be in the top 10, they will get one point. An additional two points will be giving to the competitor if they guess the film in the right position.

The Lists

Billy

Starting off is Billy, the winner of our Oscar predictions back in February. His list has Central Intelligence the highest in anyone's list at number two. Billy's list also features The Secret Life of Pets in it's highest position at number four. He is also the only one to have picked Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates which could tip the result into his favour or even possibly cost him.

Number 1: Finding Dory

Dark Horse: Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

Full List

1. Finding Dory

2. Central Intelligence

3. Suicide Squad

4. The Secret Life of Pets

5. Ghostbusters

6. Independence Day: Resurgence

7. Star Trek Beyond

8. The BFG

9. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

10. The Conjuring 2

The Dark Horse for Billy; Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

Conor

Next up is the complete new entrant to our predictions Conor. Like Billy, he has Finding Dory at the top of his list expecting the Pixar sequel to dominate. He has Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe's The Nice Guys the highest at number four and also putting great faith in Steven Spielberg's The BFG by placing it in third place. 

Number 1: Finding Dory

Dark Horse; The Nice Guys

Full List

1. Finding Dory

2. Suicide Squad

3. The BFG

4. The Nice Guys

5. The Secret Life of Pets

6. Independence Day: Resurgence
7. Ghostbusters
8. Now You See Me 2
9. Jason Bourne
10. The Conjuring 2

Conor has The Nice Guys at number 4, the highest of anyone in the predictions.

Michael

Third in our predictions is Michael who has the most potential to cause an upset. If the likes of The Nice Guys and Now You See Me 2 as well as Ice Age: Collision Course do well at the box office, he could end up sitting comfortably in the lead. Michael has also put the most faith in Paul Feig's already controversial Ghostbusters placing it in third place. Possibly the most interesting list in the competition. 

Number 1: Suicide Squad

Dark Horse: Ice Age: Collision Course

Full List

1. Suicide Squad

2. Finding Dory

3. Ghostbusters

4. Independence Day: Resurgence

5. Central Intelligence

6. Star Trek Beyond

7. The BFG

8. Now You See Me 2

9. Ice Age: Collision Course

10. The Nice Guys

The strange but possibly effective decision to include Ice Age may be vital for Michael.

Drew

Like Michael, Drew has also put his faith in the likes of Jared Leto and Margot Robbie as he looks for Suicide Squad to top the box office. He also has Jason Bourne highest out of anyone expecting it to finish third overall as Matt Damon returns as the titular character. The inclusion of the remake of Ben-Hur may be the most surprising in all of the lists but it's too soon to rule it out of contention.

Number 1: Suicide Squad

Dark Horse: Ben-Hur

Full List

1. Suicide Squad

2. Finding Dory

3. Jason Bourne

4. The BFG

5. The Nice Guys

6. Star Trek Beyond

7. Ghostbusters

8. Independence Day: Resurgence

9. Central Intelligence

10. Ben-Hur

The most surprising entrant in all of the predictions, Ben-Hur

Angus

Last of all is my list, the most likely list. I have put my faith in Independence Day: Resurgence despite Will Smith not returning with it at the highest position of anyone at number three. Finishing my list I have The Conjuring 2 as well as being the only one to have Sausage Party in their list at number ten.

Number 1: Finding Dory

Dark Horse: Sausage Party

Full List

1. Finding Dory

2. Suicide Squad

3. Independence Day: Resurgence

4. Ghostbusters

5. The Secret Life of Pets

6. Jason Bourne

7. The BFG

8. Star Trek: Beyond

9. The Conjuring 2

10. Sausage Party

The Rated R animated film Sausage Party was picked only by myself (Angus)

Overall Breakdown

Angus	Billy	Conor	Drew	Michael
1. Finding Dory	1. Finding Dory	1. Finding Dory	1. Suicide Squad	1. Suicide Squad
2. Suicide Squad	2. Central Intelligence	2. Suicide Squad	2.  Finding Dory	2. Finding Dory
3. Independence Day: Resurgence	3. Suicide Squad	3. The BFG	3.Jason Bourne	3. Ghostbusters
4. Ghostbusters	4. The Secret Life of Pets	4. The Nice Guys	4. The BFG	4. Independence Day: Resurgence
5. The Secret Life of Pets	5. Ghostbusters	5. Secret Life of Pets	5. The Nice Guys	5. Central Intelligence
6. Jason Bourne	6. Independence Day: Resurgence	6. Independence Day: Resurgence	6.Star Trek: Beyond	6.Star Trek Beyond
7. The BFG	7. Star Trek Beyond	7. Ghostbusters	7. Ghostbusters	7. The BFG
8. Star Trek Beyond	8. The BFG	8. Now You See Me 2	8. Independence Day: Resurgence	8. Now You See Me 2
9. The Conjuring 2	9. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates	9. Jason Bourne	9. Central Intelligence	9. Ice Age: Collision Course
10. Sausage Party	10. The Conjuring 2	10. The Conjuring 2	10. Ben Hur	10. The Nice Guys

So as you can see there is quite a lot of differences between each of our lists. Positioning could easily be the deciding factor with films such as Finding Dory, Suicide Squad and Ghostbusters making everyone lists in different positions. The exclusions of films before June made this much harder than it could of been and did pose a challenge at times. This has most definitely added a bit more spice to this summers movies and I look forward to seeing who comes out on top in a couple of months.

During the time period, all of these movies will be reviewed as well as many more so make sure to keep reading my blog. I'd like to know who you think will top the box office in your region and also what you think of our lists. Once again thank you for reading, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor