Month in the Movies: June

The summer movie season has finally got underway and to say it's been a good start wouldn't be true. It's been a slow start this summer with not so many crackers hitting the big screen. Hopefully we're just getting the bad ones out of the way. However it would be unfair to say that there hasn't been some quality so far with a few films saving the season from being terrible.  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. So lets get into the list!

10. The Boss

Simple as it is, 'The Boss' is the worst film I have seen so far in 2016. This was painfully unfunny to the point where I was so close to leaving the theatre. Peter Dinklage has the worst performance of the year within this film too which is painful to say but it is true. 'The Boss' is a disaster which for your sake, you shouldn't ever watch. Lets just hope McCarthy's next venture 'Ghostbusters' is much better than this turd. 

Final Verdict = F

Check out my review for 'The Boss' here

9. Gods of Egypt

For some people, this is their worst movie of the year and I can't blame them. A uninteresting story, bland characters, poor acting, mediocre CGI and terrible casting were only a number of things that went wrong in this 'epic'. 'Gods of Egypt' may become one of those "it's so bad, it's good" movies which isn't necessarily a good thing. 'Gods of Egypt' is truly awful but is lucky that there was a film I thought was even worse in the month of June.

Final verdict = F

Check out my review for 'Gods of Egypt' here

8. Independence Day: Resurgence

20 years after the original we got a sequel that people wanted back in the 90's. Unfortunately for us, the film came nowhere near the original in terms of quality. The film failed to replace Will Smith as the new characters were not interesting or charismatic enough. The heart of the original wasn't there either as 'Resurgence' became the 'Terminator: Genisys' of 2016.

Final Verdict = D

Check out my review for 'Independence Day: Resurgence' here

7. Mother's Day

A film about a holiday that here in the UK isn't celebrated to quite the same standard as shown in the film. There was potential for this comedy to succeed as it does have some characters whose stories would make for an interesting movie. However, it is filled with and focuses on some of the most terrible characters of the year who are the main focus which makes the film hard to watch at times. Like most comedies this year, it fails to create a funny movie which is unfortunate considering some of the cast members.

Final Verdict = C-

Check out my review for 'Mother's Day' here

6. The Angry Birds Movie

The movie based off of the hit mobile based game seems to have come a few years too late. The movie is clearly aimed for kids which may explain to why I didn't get that much enjoyment out of the film as it wasn't targeted to me. However there were a few decent jokes despite all the bird puns as well as some nice animation that the film deserves credit for.

Final Verdict = C-

Check out my review for 'The Angry Birds Movie' here

5. Mr Right

'Mr Right' is a really fun movie to watch with some good comedy and performances from the two leads. However the story isn't made that well with a lot of things happening only to allow the film to progress. It's a fun movie just to sit and switch your brain off with but no more than that unfortunately. I wanted more from this movie and although it is entertaining at times, there isn't a great deal of quality the whole way throughout the movie.

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review for 'Mr Right' here

4. The Secret Life of Pets

Much like 'The Angry Birds Movie', TSLOP is a film that is targeted for kids. This comes at no surprise as it comes from the creators of 'Despicable Me' and 'Minions'. However the difference between this film and TABM is that the comedy works a whole lot more in this movie. The jokes led by Louis C.K and Kevin Hart do land a lot more which does make this kids movie a lot more enjoyable to watch. It isn't one of the animated films that will blow audiences away but it is a fine movie to say the least.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review for 'The Secret Life of Pets' here

3. Me Before You

'Me Before You' is one of the biggest surprises I have had the cinema this year. I really didn't expect this movie to be good at all and was pleasantly surprised. The film is very charming and has some good comedy within it. The two leads do very well which creates an enjoyable viewing. The emotional parts could have been done a little better especially the finale which seemed to have been rushed. Regardless of that, 'Me Before You' was one of the better movies this month.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review for 'Me Before You' here

The Movie Year So Far: Surprises

Since we've had a slightly negative look at the year so far, it is only fair to look at some of the highlights. I've decided to leave my list for the best/my favourite films until the end of the year so had to come up with something different but still interesting. So I thought it would be good to look at the films that really surprised me this year with just how good they were. There have been some shocks this year that I would've laughed at if you said that these would be some of my favourite movies of the year. Thankfully these films have been just a few of the highlights of the year and are ones that I didn't expect to have as big an impact on myself. 

5. Room

I actually saw 'Room' the morning after Brie Larson won her Oscar for her magnificent performance in this film. Due to that I expected the film to be at a very high standard and to deliver a satisfying viewing. I didn't expect this film to have nearly as much of the impact it had on me. I didn't think this would end up being one of my favourite movies of the year but the emotion in this film really struck me. The story based off of Emma Donoghue's novel with incredible performances from Brie Larson and child actor Jacob Tremblay. I've never ever been so affected by the emotion in a film before and 'Room' is incredibly heart-breaking at times yet heart-warming at others. One of the most powerful movies of the year which surprised me in just how much I enjoyed it.

4. Zootropolis (Zootopia)

Again, like Room, I did expect 'Zootropolis' to be of a good standard. Coming from animation giants Disney, you always have a high hope that they will produce something fantastic. Despite this, I would say Zootropolis is more like a Pixar film not only in the style of animation but also with what the film is like. By taking creatures that cannot talk in reality and having it from their perspective- a la Finding Nemo- like Pixar usually do, they were able to create a fantastic story to how this was able to be possible with all of the different kinds coming together in harmony. 'Zootropolis' also managed to create a much deeper meaning by tackling issues like discrimination and racism. What's even more impressive is that they were able to do so whilst creating a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious movie that is Disney's best film in over 20 years. I didn't expect 'Zootropolis' to be nearly as good as it was and I will be very surprised if this doesn't end up in my best of the year list.

3. 10 Cloverfield Lane

A film that was a surprise to people just in the fact that it was being made. When it came out, audiences were mainly thrilled, including myself. I enjoyed the original 'Cloverfield' but didn't have a great love towards it. '10 Cloverfield Lane' outclasses the original in every way as it takes a look at the disaster in a very different way. Gone is the found footage style and the outside world. Trapped inside the confines of a bomb shelter we are for the majority of the run time as 10CL brings one of the most tense thrillers of the year. Great performances from the cast especially from John Goodman made this film a lot better than I expected it to be. A great thriller that had you continuously guessing what was really happening, '10 Cloverfield Lane' really surprised me on just how great it was.

2. The Conjuring 2

The newest film on this list came from the great mind of James Wan. I'm not the biggest fan of the horror genre but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying 'Th Conjuring 2'. James Wan's genius shows in this film as it is incredibly well crafted and really delivers. The performances within the film are also fantastic with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga combining fantastically well with some child actors. I never thought for one second that this film would have been one of my favourites of the year but I cannot stop raving about this film and am eagerly anticipating seeing it for a second time. Frightening, well acted and crafted, 'The Conjuring 2' is one of my favourites so far this year which I didn't expect at all.

1. Sing Street

I seen the trailer for 'Sing Street' a number of times in my visits to the cinema and I thought that it looked alright. In fact the part that excited me most was that it was featuring music from so many great bands. When I went to see it, I didn't expect that this film would be one of the most entertaining movies of the year. The film shocked me in just how good it was with great comedy and music as well as some more deeper moments. The music is incredibly catchy and it is great fun to watch this group of Irish misfits jam together and then bring their art to life in form of their music videos. I went and saw this for a second time and loved it just as much. This seems to be a certainty for even the top 5 of the year for me as I had such an amazing time watching this film and cannot wait for the Blu-Ray release to watch it again and again.

So that concludes my list of the movies that have surprised me positively so far this year. I'd like to know what films have surprised you so far and what your thoughts are on the films that I have listed. Once again thank you for reading my blog, it is much appreciated! 

By Angus McGregor

'The Conjuring 2' Review

Recently over the last few years, I've had quite a change in thought when it comes to horror movies. I've never been a big fan of the genre and rarely looked forward to any scary movies coming out in the cinema. However this has soon changed with the likes of 'The Babadook', 'It Follows' and this years 'The Witch' to thank for doing so. Another film that impressed me was James Wan's 'The Conjuring'. 3 years later, it is now time for a sequel and we all know how hit or miss they can be.

Despite looking to potentially end their journey as paranormal investigators, Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) are brought to Enfield, a borough in London where a family are being terrorised by an evil presence. There they meet the Hodgson family with mother Peggy and her four children including daughter Janet who shows signs that she is being possessed. As they try and banish the evil spirits, the demons start to set their sights on hurting the Warren's themselves.

James Wan returns to the sequel of his successful horror film 'The Conjuring' and it clearly shows that this man knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to the genre. With the previous film in the franchise as well as helming the Insidious and the original Saw movie, Wan shows his experience and uses it incredibly well. The man truly knows how to frighten people and doesn't need to just have loud noises and jump scares to do so. He creates an atmosphere that is chilling and creates tension that leaves you anticipating the scare, which almost always delivers. His timing is fantastic within his scenes and he knows the right moments to strike to get the best effect. Wan also does a great job of not giving too much away so you don't ever know exactly what is going on and it frightens you in ways that you don't expect. Wan also uses a wide range of shots showing his talents as a filmmaker and also in many ways on how to set things up. The use of beautiful continuous shots as well as aerial shots are great and shows his capabilities. 

James Wan in between his two leads Patrick Wilson (left) and Vera Farmiga (right)

The film definitely succeeds as a great horror film by creating so many scenes that really hit the mark. This thoroughly helped by the atmospheres that alone are creepy enough. Everyone as a child had moments where they were scared within the comforts of their bedroom. This gives the audience something that they relate to as they remember how their mind used to play tricks on them in the dark after hearing a noise that had spooked them. The jump scares are actually done incredibly well in this and actually are frightening. I jumped pretty high in the scene where Ed and Peggy go into the depths of the home in what was pulled off very well and to great effect. And due to this film, I'll be a lot more wary of scary artwork in what was one of the more terrifying parts within the film.

In this instalment of the Warren's lives, the film features and focuses quite a lot on the children in this. Out of the 4 children, Janet is the one who finds herself unlucky enough to play host to the demonic spirit. Young actress Madison Wolfe puts in a very good performance as the 11 year old who's helpless in this situation. I was impressed by her in this role and she deserves a lot of praise for her work. The other children do well throughout the film and genuinely seem terrified by everything that is going on which is vital to make it seem as believable as possible. Sometimes with child actors it can damage the film but thankfully here, not only did they deliver but overall made the film even better.

The unfortunate Janet

You can't speak about this film without talking about our heroes the Warrens portrayed once again by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson. The pair are fantastic once again and really enjoyable to watch. They are believable as these paranormal experience and really deliver in these roles. Wilson is fantastic and shows the bravery and courage as well as the light hearted, family man that Ed is. Farmiga has a bit more of an emotional role in this film as she is starting to want to get away from the supernatural occupation and seems to be starting to crack. She is also shown to be avery caring woman and really works well in the scenes where she has heart to heart talks with Janet and then one when pleading with Ed that is heartbreaking. I really enjoyed watching these characters and due to them, I am fully up for a third film involving the pairing.

One of the biggest problems I have sometimes with horror films is the poor and low quality production. However that most certainly isn't a problem with this film as everything is created incredibly well from the settings, the effects and even the acting. Everything seems real which helps oh so much in these types of films because if you don't make it seem realistic, the films just gonna fail miserably. 

I only have one gripe with this film and it does have something to do with the story telling and in particular the scenes where it involves having to prove the activity of the spirits. There seems to be a lot happening that would suggest what's happening but they don't seem to take action to capture concrete evidence. Also they try and rubbish it off at one point claiming Janet is faking the whole thing which makes you question, why didn't they take into consideration of her being possessed to do things like each other time? This did bother me at the time but really is the only gripe I have with the film.

Final Verdict = 

A thoroughly enjoyable and fright filled film, I would highly recommend this film. I'm not the biggest horror fan but this film really amazed and surprised me. Great work by those involved from the director to the whole cast.

So have you seen 'The Conjuring 2'? If so what did you think of it? I hope this review was helpful for if you were planning on seeing the film and if you do choose to see it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Once again, thank you so much for reading my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor