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Reviews
Boy Wonder (2010)
Not your average hero
I know what you're thinking, but no capes and masks were used in this movie. I came across this browsing for something new and was intrigued by the storyline. You could say this is a sort of superhero film, in that it explores weakness standing up to strength and power. To me, the most interesting element that Boy Wonder explores, is the dubious moral lines which are drawn by comic book heroes. I have always struggled with the vigilante nature of these characters, able to injure or kill with "right" on thier side. For a change, this presents more of an insight into motivations for a chosen path and leaves you to decide whether this is how judgement should be served.
Of note is the young lead, Caleb Steinmeyer who never overplays his hand and an assured performance from Zulay Henao, bringing a calm presence to the table as a career police officer, whilst still getting the better of her clumsy inappropriate sidekick. Not a big budget, but it is lit and shot as confidently as any feature.
At the close, it almost becomes a bit too clever for itself. Although this is not a "I'll never get that hour and a half of my life back" film, it did leave me searching for answers as to what it was leaving me with.
1917 (2019)
Devastating, immersive and a technical marvel
It took a minute or two for me to regain composure as this iMax experience rolled it's credits. Devastated would probably describe my state as I returned to the real world.
I wasn't sure how the first person (apparent) single shot structure of this movie would work out for me. I did enjoy, if that's the word, Dunkirk and the intimate view of the setting and characters. Immersive is the word of the decade and it can prove tiresome.
As the opening sets us on a journey, I was aware this was going to be a technical marvel. This is the frustration of being a cameraman. I literally hold my breath when an impossible move or a focus pull is executed. I know the pressure of having to get it right first time, but on these budgets it's ramped up to 110%.
I'm not averse to these techniques, Cloverfield and even the Blair Witch made it work really well. In this case I thought it was so beautifully executed, that after ten minutes, I had pretty much forgotten it and was totally drawn in.
Much of the credit must obviously go to the DOP, Roger Deakins and a team of grips that pulled this off so flawlessly, however the lead actors literally suffered through every step of the way and I take my hat off to them all.
George MacKay has been an actor I have watched grow through a variety of films over the last few years and I think he is destined for a long career. His deeply moving, but perfectly understated performance was the main cause of my emotional connection with the whole movie. He is in every single moment and you feel the brutality and exhaustion for the duration.
Incredibly, Mr.Deakins manages to create a series of beautiful frames, even though he is physically miles away from the camera for most of the time and the majority of the film is using available light. One particular series of shots is a masterclass in dynamic lighting and becomes a work of classical imagery evoking Turner.
For all these reasons I would advise this to be seen in an iMax if possible to achieve the maximum effect, it also proves that we really don't need 3D?
How the leaders of the World's nations even consider conflict after the last two catastrophic wars I will never understand. I can only assume they are too consumed with hatred for humanity to spare the time to watch a film like this and learn.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Ground breaking animation with a heart
Film of year for me. A combination of superb animation, perfect pace and timing can't be faulted. It barrels along, whilst still allowing all the characters time to develop. The animation is brilliantly observed and the technical detail from artistic style down to individual frame rates is exceptional. Ultimately however, it's just great fun
J'ai perdu mon corps (2019)
Touching and unique
A movie hard to imagine as live action as the grotesque would most likely overwhelm the story.
There is an innocence and tenderness to this tale of loss and experience and the subject doesn't seem in the least bit odd.
The haunting theme is used just when you need it most, gently teasing emotion.
There is an intimacy with the characters, sadly missing from so many movies of late, as is the perfectly crafted editing, expertly playing with time and location.
(Viewed in the original language)