Directed by Stephan Gaghan Everything that can go wrong with Hollywood is amplified in the disastrous Dolittle. It’s a $175m vanity project built around Robert Downey, a personable actor who had a few lucky breaks,
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Emma.***
Directed by Autumn de Wilde Do we need another Jane Austen Emma? Probably not, but Emma. (note the full stop) is a frothy confection with a winning cast which runs through the plot with ease.
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The 25 Page Rule
I used to read books I didn’t enjoy to the bitter end. Time, however, is running short. If it hasn’t caught my interest by 25 pages, it’s off to the charity shop or back to
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Top Ten of the Century
After reading the Empire list of the best films of the Century, it seemed a good idea to put together my own list. The criteria is simple. These are all films I would happily watch
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Parasite*****
Director Bong Joon-ho Picking up on themes from his Snowpiercer, Boon delivers a clever critique of the inequalities in society without resorting to the soapbox. There are echoes of Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden’s Tale with
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Atlantics ****
Director Mati Diop Set in Dakar, Senegal, Atlantics at first seems a story of unrequited love as young Ada prepares for a loveless arranged marriage whilst her true love Sulemaine, despairing of his prospects, joins
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1917****
Director Sam Mendes A quest war film were two messengers must traverse a vast no man’s land to prevent a regiment making a suicidal charge. Verdict After Dunkirk, British directors seem to cornering the market
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The Personal History of David Copperfield***
Directed by Armando Iannucci It takes about 30 seconds to buy into Dev Patel as Dickens (and ipso facto David Copperfield). He embodies the spirit and the enthusiasm which led his early death. Iannucci loves
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