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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
I am ... Raccoon?!
Vol. 3 has James Gunn complete his Guardians journey with one of Marvel's best stories yet. It's hard to know where to begin - it tackles hard hitting themes without loosing any of the fun filled sci-fi action we've come to love from our galaxy's favourite rag-tag crew, and the whole plot benefits greatly from the hours spent on make-up, prosthetics and impeccable CGI.
There is no hiding from the fact that Guardians of the galaxy Vol.3 is a tear-jerker. Rocket's battle with death gives way to a heart wrenching origin story that non of us were prepared for - from his first spoken word ... "hurts" ... to his reunion with Lylla, Floor and Teefs, we're reminded so vividly of our cruelty and lack of compassion.
Despite the focus on Rocket, there is so much to love from the rest of the gang. There are brilliant set pieces with a notable one-take fight sequence which is always awesome to see. Drax is his hilarious self as always but not to be mistaken as purely comic relief. Nebula telling Drax he is meant to be a dad is just beautiful, especially as the Guardians' family part ways to find their own meanings.
There are plenty of moments to enjoy in Guardians of the galaxy Vol.3, Adam Warlock's few scenes are especially quaint alongside Cosmo the telekinetic Spacedog. It's not possible to recall everything, I haven't even mentioned Chukwudi Iwuji's High Evolutionary. A truly haunting Marvel Villain - but that's just one of the many reasons I think people should go and see this film.
Vol.3 is what we've been missing, a fresh take on the super hero genre and a loving tribute to the extents we'll go to be with our loved ones - "My beloved raccoon, the story has been yours all along, you just didn't know it."
Barbie (2023)
Pretty Pink
Barbie is a beautifully heart-warming extravaganza for both boys and girls alike. A gloriously pink, joy-filled experience that I can't wait to go and see again. From the wonderful set design and perfect casting to the brilliant soundtrack and story to match, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
I can't pay more respect to the cast, Margot Robbie as stereotypical Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken are the obvious standouts, they certainly delivered on the hype - but I was pleasantly surprised by Will Ferrell's short but hilarious moments on screen as well as Michael Cera as Alan (a true unsung hero).
As mentioned, the set design is really quite stunning. Gazing upon Barbie land in all it's pink glory is pure joy, there is no doubt the set design is one of the films greatest strengths. But Barbie doesn't just look great, it sounds great with its vibrant collection of tracks and performances (including Ryan Gosling and his guitar).
Barbie wraps up all the fun and colour with a solid story and strong positive message that fits perfectly in the world Greta Gerwig created. Of course some people may not enjoy the social commentary that pervades Barbie but I believe Greta Gerwig laid out the foundations for such a message perfectly, empowering girls and boys of all ages.
Barbie feels like a must see movie, it built the hype and then delivered exceptionally. If you haven't been tempted yet you're missing out on all the fun that this beautiful movie has to offer.
Alien (1979)
In space no one can hear you scream.
Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) is a masterpiece. From the terrific poster, the tagline and of course Sigourney Weaver, you can't go wrong with this horror classic.
2 years after Star Wars: A new hope was released audiences experienced Alien for the first time and I can only imagine how it must have been to go to the cinema and be totally blown away by all the ground breaking innovation Ridley Scott achieved. From the wonderful use of miniatures, incredible set design onboard the Nostromo and Jerry Goldsmith's eerie score, Alien sets the standard not only for claustrophobic survival horror, but horror as a genre in of itself.
Alien wouldn't be Alien without the infamous Xenomorph, an acid-blooded extra-terrestrial stalker of the most efficient kind. There really isn't many cinema villain/monsters that even come close to the iconic status acquired by such a well designed hunter.
From the moment the Nostromo crew first step foot on LV-426, and John Hurt's Kane looks into that fateful egg, audiences bare witness to a well crafted story of survival filled with fear and dread. The Xenomorph truly is a classic and Sigourney's Ellen Ripley rises to the occasion as an equally (if not more) iconic protagonist and cementing the horror genre's excellent cast of strong female leads.
Alien (1979) stands the test of time without faulter, it is a classic through and through and I can't say a word wrong about it. As an all time great, Ridley Scott's Alien will never cease to frighten and inspire movie-goers and movie-makers alike.
Evil Dead (2013)
Bloody thrill-fest
Evil Dead (2013) is totally wicked. I've seen it a couple of times now and it is such a joy to both watch and experience with others who haven't seen the terrors that pack out this hour and a half of blood soaked madness.
After watching Sam Raimi's original trilogy (with the perfection that is Bruce Campbell), I was really excited to see that the Evil Dead had been given a fresh, new horrifying reboot. I was even more excited, however, to have been totally wowed by how exceptional this piece of horror turned out to be.
The story isn't mind blowing, but it didn't need to be as the familiar cabin in the woods trope was made plenty claustrophobic with Mia's interesting character and her attempting to overcome drug addiction (again), with of course all that entails in any Evil Dead movie. The kills are brutal, the blood is plentiful, and the twists and turns leading to that all so glorious finale will not disappoint.
Jane Levy's performance as Mia certainly deserves serious praise. As the core character she thrives in both her horrifying portrail of possession and in selling Mia's desperate state. I can't sing her praises enough, she takes this film to new heights and I couldn't see anyone else in the role.
The Evil Dead is a wonderful franchise and I believe Evil Dead (2013) is a great instalment in developing the more brutal side of what can be unleashed by the Necronomicon. Closing the curtains and turning out the lights couldn't be more thrilling with Evil Dead on the screen, this is a must watch for all horror fans alike.
The Flash (2023)
Speed. I am speed.
This is a really fun film - not a perfect one, but a very enjoyable watch. 'The flash' is packed full of colour, heart and of course speed. This guy is fast, like really fast and it's a joy to watch Barry Allen zip around in a storm of fiery lightning.
As mentioned, this is not a perfect film - it's true that the CGI is poor in parts, and this can take you out of the experience, however in the vast majority of this film the visual effects are slick and clean. The big boss battle against general Zod's army was particularly striking and wonderfully backed by a rendition of 'salute your solutions' by The Raconteurs.
I'd also like to praise the films tackling of 'time travel' and it's consequences. I won't go into detail but I thought it was note worthy to mention that this take on 'time travel' felt a lot more grounded than other films like Avengers Endgame (whose time travel appears to only have minor consequences and so lowers the stakes of the movie).
Overall 'The Flash' is a great film to go and see with your friends, it has a little bit of everything (including Michael Keaton's Batman!!) and I was pleasantly surprised with how it all panned out.