Quick Review #14: Oscars 2016 Edition

Below are some quick reviews/thoughts on some of the films I have watched recently that are in the running at this years Academy Awards. 

Bridge of Spies

I watched this film just before I went on holiday to Berlin in order to enlighten myself on some of the city's history and it did not disappoint. Spielberg and Hanks are always a winning combination. This film is an absolutely solid drama/thriller and piece if cinema.

4.5/5

Trumbo

A well-made, enlightening drama on a cause and a period of time that I had little knowledge about. It also made me want to write, which is never a bad thing.

4/5

Spotlight

This film is great. Solid performances, solid script, solid directing and a true story scarier than any horror film.

4/5

Room

I have not been invested in a film this heavily for a long time. This film had me gripped from start to finish. It didn’t take me long to care for these characters who were brought to life by the two incredible leads, both worthy of winning all the awards this season. This film was so powerful and it wasn’t just the obvious moments that I teared up over, it was the small moments, the one off comments that seem like they don’t mean much but in fact they mean so much more, these moments were so perfectly interwoven into the film that I am in awe of both writer and director for accomplishing a film just as good as this one is.

I can’t stop thinking about it.

I absolutely loved it.

5/5

The Big Short

I liked this film; it’s an intriguing take on what could have been a dull subject. I felt at times the film was trying too hard to be smart but overall I enjoyed it. I hope it doesn’t win best film at the Oscars, it doesn’t feel original enough to do so. Performances however are all on point.

3.5/5

Carol

I had a hard time with this film, between the meandering pace and the unlikeable characters I found difficulty investing myself into any of it. You can’t criticise the two lead performances but I went into this film expecting more and just came out feeling bored. I realise I am in the minority on this one but this film just didn’t grab me like it has obviously grabbed others.

2/5

Brooklyn

This film gets all the emotional beats just right, I’m not going to lie I was a bit of a wreck by the end of it. I’m sucker for a good romance and this is definitely one of those. A few odd character choices near the end didn’t make this one flawless however Saoirse Ronan’s performance definitely was. It’s between her and Brie Larsson at this year’s Oscars.

Loved this film!

4.5/5

So there you have it! I think it's pretty fair to say that if I wanted any film to eat up all the awards this year it would be Room, I absolutely adored that film!

Who are your favourites in the Oscars race? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

Deadpool

I had two worries going into Deadpool: One, would they get the character right? Two, would we be able to handle the character for an hour and a half instead of the twenty minutes that it takes to read one of his books. Thankfully I can report that the answer to question one is yes and question two is, yes you can, just about... Read on to find out why.

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Wade Wilson signs up for an suspicious cure that will also turn him into a 'superhero' however, when it turns out the company will be turning him into a weapon, he breaks free and uses his new found powers to seek revenge. It's rude, crude, sweary, sexy and violent, everything a Deadpool film should be.

It won't be for everyone, don't take your Mum to see this one however, if you're a fan of the comics then you're more then likely to be fan of this film! We live in a world where we see this crazy character realised on the big screen and they absolutely nail him from character to costume. You may have been worried about Green Lantern actor Ryan Reynolds taking the lead but worry not, he is perfect casting and without him you wouldn't get so many references to his previous mistakes as superheroes.

It's not always big belly laugh humour, its more giggles and sniggers but Deadpool is funny, stupid funny but funny none the less. The best and biggest laughs come from whenever Reynolds teams up with T.J Miller who plays Weasel. Yes, sometimes the constant commentary and quippage from Deadpool doesn't land and will get annoying but it can be forgiven because he is supposed to be annoying, all the other characters around him react to him in the same way any other sane being would. Talking of other characters, this is the best version of Colossus we have seen yet! Hopefully Fox will notice his potential and use him more in future X-Men films.

The story of Deadpool is where the film lacks but it knows this, it acknowledges that the villain of the piece is yet another generic British villain, it never strives to be amazing, it pokes holes at generic superhero tropes by being yet another generic superhero film, but this time with adult humour. At least I hope that's what it's doing... Some of the more serious moments drag though they can also be a breather to the constant humour that follows when Wade Wilson dons the suit.

The main thing though is that I had a lot of fun watching this film. I was smiling throughout and shaking my head at all the stupidity that the cast and crew got away with in this film. It will be interesting to see where they take him, and I'm looking forward to what the creators will come up with next.

It's not amazing but I, and probably you, weren't expecting it to be anyway. It's mainly a good laugh mixed with a generic story that will keep you entertained throughout. I am giving Deadpool a rating of 3.5/5.

What did you think of the 'Merc With A Mouth'? Love it or hate it, let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!