RATING: 8/10
Australia 2019
Dir: Mirrah Foulkes
IMDb
Big hit at the 2019 London Film Festival and now on a limited release in the UK this is a must see movie. Hugely entertaining and highly original take on the misogynistic Punch and Judy puppet show this is an impressive first feature from the writer/director. The two leads, Damon Herriman and Mia Wasikowska are the puppeteers in this vivid, stylistic, dark fairy tale which is both rousing and inventive. The music is particularly good and plays a large part in the success of the film. Bizarre, unconventional but a gem. Recommended.
RATING: 10/10
USA 2019
Dir: Martin Scorsese
IMDb
Outstanding film of epic proportions. From his nursing home Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran (Robert De Niro) recalls his life from truck driver to gangster. Army vet Sheeran, friend of mafia boss Russell Buffalino (Joe Pesci) and union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) are all vividly brought to life by masterful performances by the three leads. In addition, a virtually wordless Anna Paquin shines in a minor but important role as Sheeran's grown-up daughter. Compelling throughout it's 209 minutes run time this is one of the director's best. Cinematography, screenplay, production design, editing and score are all superb. I had no problem with the de-aging process. For me a modern classic. Unmissable.
UK 2019
Dir: Ken Loach
★★★★♡
Hard-hitting drama is a devastating account how a married couple face insurmountable obstacles in bringing up their children whilst they are forced to work under zero-hour contracts. Superb screenplay by Paul Laverty and unflinching performances by a mostly unknown cast. Special mention to Debbie Honeywood who won the Best Actress award at the 2019 Chicago International Film Festival for her role as mother, wife and care worker in trying to keep her family together. A difficult watch but essential viewing.
USA 2019
Dirs: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
★★★½♡
Small, feel-good quirky film is a real charmer with a lots of heart. Zak is a young man with Down syndrome who wants to follow his dream to become a wrestler. He escapes from his care home, meets and befriends Tyler a fisherman and small-time crook. The pair set off on an adventure meeting a variety of strange characters. Zak's carer Eleanor joins them before they reach their final destination. The three leads all give terrific performances and there is a fair amount of comedy in the impressive script. Recommended.
Colombia - Argentina 2019
Dir: Alejandro Landes
★★★½
A group of armed youngsters keep guard over a female hostage on a remote Colombian mountain. Visually stunning, breathtaking scenery combined with a brilliant score this is a film for the senses. The plot doesn't quite match the superb production design.
UK 2019
Dir: Gavin Hood
★★★½
Political drama based on actual events the film opens with Katharine Gun, British whistleblower working at GCHQ appearing in Court following charges relating to the Official Secrets Act. Through flashbacks we learn how she came to be arrested. Took me a while to engage with the film as I found the early scenes not very interesting and dialogue-heavy. It does improve and develops into a solid, compelling movie due mainly to fine acting from Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Matt Smith. Wanted more courtroom scenes.
BEST FILM
By the Grace of God (Grâce à Dieu) - France
PERFORMANCES
Renée Zellweger (Judy)
Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
