A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

In 2018, the documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? was released on the streaming site, Netflix, and focused on the life and guiding philosophy of Fred Rogers, who was the host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. It received acclaim from critics and audiences. It shows viewers why Mr. Rogers was so beloved by many who grew up watching his television series and why he still has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts, even after almost two decades of his death from stomach cancer in 2001. Now, a fictional film has been released, however, those looking for a biopic that focuses on Mr. Rogers will be disappointed and are better off watching the documentary. 

In Marielle Heller’s latest film, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) is a supporting figure in the life of journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who interviews the legendary TV presenter for an article. Prior to meeting Mr. Rogers, Vogel has his doubts, however, the two end up forming a friendship.

The stand-out aspect of A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is definitely Hanks’ portrayal of Mr. Rogers. He brings to life the late presenter’s genuine and friendly personality. He is currently nominated at this year’s Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Rhys also impresses as Vogel, who, at first, thinks that Mr. Rogers is just a characterised version of the real Fred Rogers but is surprised by how genuine he really is. Another performance worth mentioning is that of Chris Cooper who portrays Vogel’s father, Jerry. The relationship between the father and son ended after Jerry abandoned his son and wife when she became ill. Vogel has never been able to forgive his father, however, Jerry tries to make amends. What I liked about this was that, even though he clearly made a big mistake, Jerry is never seen as the villain of the film, he’s simply a father trying to reconnect with his son and get his forgiveness. This is because he’s dying from cancer. With Mr. Rogers’ help, Vogel is able to forgive his father for his actions and spend time with him before his death.

Last year, Heller released the critically acclaimed drama, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, which starred Melissa McCarthy in one of her best dramatic performances that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Leading Actress. With her latest feature, A Beautiful Day In TheNeighborhood, Heller continues to impress as a director. She clearly has a lot of admiration for Mr. Rogers as he is shown in a positive light. I think that this is a great tribute to the late presenter as it shows audiences, who aren’t familiar with him, why he was so beloved. At first, Mr. Rogers is shown from Vogel’s point of view and he struggles to understand why he’s so popular. A scene shows him watching a recording of an episode where Mr. Rogers is hiding behind a set and pretending to be a puppet, a bear named Daniel. While the young viewers watching at home will be focused on Daniel, Vogel’s focus is on Mr. Rogers. I liked this scene as it showed the puppet of Daniel from two different perspectives, that of a child and an adult. Over the course of the film, Vogel warms to Mr. Rogers and the two end up forming a friendship.

While I thoroughly enjoyed A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, I think it will be enjoyed more by people who grew up watching Mister Roger’s Neighborhood as they’ll feel nostalgic when watching it. To create an authentic recreation of the television series, the crew consulted with the original crew members and also brought in the same broadcast cameras and monitors used in the original production. Filming also took place in Fred Rogers Studio at WQED (TV) where the late television host recorded Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. This is an impressive aspect of A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. 

Most films that are released only appeal to certain viewers of a specific age group, however, I think that A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is one of those films that can be enjoyed by anyone. Adults will feel nostalgic when watching it and children will also find the character of Mr. Rogers amusing.

While A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood can be described as a feel good film, Heller doesn’t shy away from the saddest aspects of Vogel’s life, including his  conflict with his father and struggle to show emotions. Those who grew up watching Mr Rogers will know that he told children that it’s okay to feel sad and be emotional at times. Something Vogel has difficulty doing is showing his emotions and opening up to Mr Rogers, who wants to help Vogel fix the relationship with his father. Because of the presenter, Vogel and Jerry are able to forgive each other and finally repair their relationship before the latter dies. Those who can relate to Vogel may be encouraged to fix their own relationship with family members they’ve fallen out with. The later scenes that focus on Vogel and his dying father are moving.

Because I’m in my early twenties, I had no idea who Mr. Rogers was, however, you don’t need to know who he is in order to enjoy A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, a heartwarming film that will leave you with a smile on your face and tears in your eyes.

7/10

RICHARD JEWELL REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Although he's best known for appearing in iconic Westerns such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Dirty Harry, recently, Clint Eastwood has been doing more work behind the camera as a director. Most of his features tell interesting and compelling stories and feature strong performances from its cast. With Richard Jewell, Eastwood brings the true story of its titular character to the big screen.

Richard Jewell is a story of what happens when what is reported as fact obscures the truth. "There is a bomb in Centennial Park. You have thirty minutes." The world is first introduced to Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) as the security guard who reports finding the device at the 1996 Atlanta bombing-his report making him a hero whose swift actions save countless lives. But within days, the law enforcement wannabe becomes the FBI's number one suspect, vilified by press and public alike, his life ripped apart. Reaching out to independent, anti-establishment attorney Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell), Jewell staunchly professes his innocence. But Bryant finds he is out of his depth as he fights the combined powers of the FBI, GBI and APD to clear his client's name, while keeping Jewell from trusting the very people trying to destroy him.

While Richard Jewell is far from one of Eastwood's best features, it's still a solid drama that tells the story of an ordinary man who performed an extraordinary heroic act and saved hundreds of lives. Unfortunately, instead of being praised, he is treated as a suspect by the FBI, lead by Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) and the media with journalist Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde) writing the stories 

Because Richard Jewell takes place in 1996, a year before I was born, I was unfamiliar with this news story and I found it to be an unpredictable watch for most of its 123 minute runtime. I can imagine there will be a lot of people who, like me, don't know who Jewell is or why his story has been made into a film directed by Eastwood. At the time of the events of Richard Jewell, the titular character was an ordinary security guard who was simply doing his job when he discovered a suspicious backpack that had been left unattended at a concert in Centiennial Park and his suspicions are confirmed when an explosives expert discovers that it contains three pipe bombs. Before the bombs go off, the security, including Jewell, are able to clear the area, with hundreds of lives being saved. This quickly becomes a major news story, with the media praising Jewell's actions, unfortunately, the FBI are quick to label him as a suspect and believe he planted the bombs in order to get attention. Because we know that Jewell isn't guilty, we side with him and feel his fear that he may be sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. He loses his privacy with the FBI invading his privacy and his home. 

In many films, including Spotlight, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 2016, the media has been portrayed in a positive light, however, with Richard Jewell, Eastwood shows another side to the world of journalism. Scruggs is a struggling journalist who quickly reports on Jewell's story, however, she sides with the FBI and portrays him as a suspect. This proves that not every story you hear about on the news or read about in the newspapers is true as Scruggs is more interested in making money instead of getting to know the truth and whether or not Jewell is actually guilty. The obsession from the FBI and media has an impact on Jewell who can't even leave his house without being harassed by a group of journalists. 

Like most of Eastwood's films, Richard Jewell features a cast of talented actors who all deliver solid portrayals of their characters, with Rockwell and Kathy Bates standing out as Jewell's attorney, Bryant, and his mother, Bobi, with the latter earning a Best Supporting Actress nomination at this year's Academy Awards. Her best scene takes place towards the end when she delivers a moving speech about her son. However, it's Hauser who impresses the most with his sympathetic portrayal of the titular character. The actor has made small appearances in I, Tonya, BlacKkKlansman and Late Night, however, his portrayal of Jewell proves that he's capable of handling a leading role. When the project was first announced in early 2014, producers Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill were attached to star, with the latter portraying Jewell, While I think both are talented actors, I don't think either would've been right to portray the characters as they're too well known. Because Hauser isn't well known, his performance of Jewell is convincing.

Judging by the trailer, you'd be understood for thinking that Richard Jewell was a serious drama, which it is, however, Eastwood includes moments of comic relief, including Bryant's many digs at Agent Shaw. Jewell's social awkwardness makes for some funny scenes, including when the FBI search his home and he is a little too honest and helpful to them, despite Bryant telling him not to speak.

I found Richard Jewell to be similar to Just Mercy as both films focused on an innocent individual who is accused of being a suspect or guilty of a crime. While I think the latter had a stronger emotional impact, the former still provides solid drama and tells the interesting story of an ordinary man who, after performing a heroic act, is accused of being a suspect by the FBI.

While it's far from one of the best films Clint Eastwood has directed, Richard Jewell is still a compelling drama and tells the extraordinary true story of its titular character with an impressive performance from Paul Walter Hauser.

7/10

THE IRISHMAN REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

While its 209 minute runtime may prevent people from watching it, Martin Scorsese's latest feature, The Irishman, is worth watching for his directing and the strong performances from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. 

This biographical crime thriller follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro) as he recalls his past years working for the Bufalino crime family. Now older, the World War II veteran once again reflects on his most prolific hits and, in particular, considers his involvement with his good friend Jimmy Hoffa's (Pacino) disappearance in 1975.

At the time of writing this review, The Irishman has received an impressive ten nominations at this year's Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese and Best Supporting Actor for both Pacino and Pesci. It's not surprising that it's received so many nominations as it's the type of film that gets recognised by the Academy, an epic drama that tells an original and compelling story and features stand out performances from a cast of talented actors and great work from one of the best filmmakers. While it's tough to say what awards it will win on the night of the Oscars, I can't imagine The Irishman walking away empty handed. 

The stand out aspect of The Irishman are the performances delivered by De Niro, Pacino and Pesci. As Sheeran, De Niro delivers one of his best dramatic performances in recent years. The story is told from his character's point of view and is given the most background. With this role, De Niro proves that he's at his best when he's working with his friend, Scorsese. The Irishman marks the first time the two have worked on a feature-length film since Casino which was released in 1995. It may be hard to believe but The Irishman also marks the first time that Pacino and Scorsese have worked together. As Hoffa, Pacino delivers an unforgettable portrayal and, as expected, dominates every scene he's in. Pesci is best known for his role in Scorsese's film, Goodfellas, which was released in 1990 and earned him his first Oscar. In The Irishman, Pesci reunites with the director and leaves a lasting impression with his portrayal of Russell Bufalino. It's difficult to say whether Pacino or Pesci will win an Oscar, however, I think that the winner will most likely be Brad Pitt for his supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, as he's won at previous award shows including the Golden Globes.

The Irishman showcases Scorsese at his best, creating a compelling crime-based drama that, despite its three and a half hour runtime, rarely loses its viewers' attention. The Irishman marks the first time the director has created a film for the streaming service, Netflix, however, I think that the film is better suited to home viewing, where the pause button is available for those who find it difficult to watch long films in one sitting. Although I've only seen a few of Scorsese's most recent features, including The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and Hugo, I can understand why he’s considered to be one of the best filmmakers. The Irishman has encouraged me to watch Scorsese's previous features, including Goodfellas, Taxi Driver and The Wolf of Wall Street, which have been described as his best work. 

An issue for some people may be the 209 minute runtime, however, I can understand why the length of The Irishman is so long as the story can't be told in under two and a half hours. The story focuses on an elderly Sheeran looking back on his life, with the majority of the film taking place in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Scorsese succeeds in keeping the viewer’s attention. The characters are all interesting individuals and the story covers important events from the past, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This event is shown from the point of view of Sheeran and Hoffa, who hear about the news on the television. The news of Kennedy’s death shocks everyone in the room, including Hoffa who, for once, is speechless. 

The story for The Irishman is based on Charles Brandt's book, I Heard You Paint Houses, which is a mob term for killing people, the paint being the blood  that splatters when bullets are fired into a body. The book was first published in 2004 and contains 71 pages of backmatter largely detailing independent corrobation of Sheeran's confessions. While a lot of films take roughly two years to make, The Irishman has been in production since 2009 when Brandt received a phone call from De Niro. This lead to a meeting a month later between the two of them, Scorsese and screenwriter, Steven Zaillian. Getting Brandt's book made into a film wasn't an easy process. Because the story for The Irishman is based on real people and events, De Niro has had to defend the writing process and stated that they're not telling the "actual" story. While The Irishman includes scenes that imply what happened to Hoffa, Scorsese isn't saying that this is what happened as no one knows for sure.

While The Irishman explores aspects of Sheeran's life, including his job, I felt that it didn't explore his relationship with his daughter, Peggy (Anna Paquin), enough for it to have an emotional impact. With its long runtime, I do feel like Scorsese could've spent more time focusing on the relationship between Sheeran and Peggy. An issue with The Irishman is that it lacks strong female roles, with actresses such as Kathrine Narducci and Aleksa Palladino filling out the "faithful wife" parts. Paquin is a talented actress, unfortunately, she is underused. 

Although I was apprehensive about The Irishman prior to watching it, mainly because of its lengthy runrime, Martin Scorsese's latest feature beat my expectations and proved to be an engaging crime-based drama with strong performances from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

8/10

1917 REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Following the impressive success of his 1999 feature film, American Beauty, which won a total of five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, Sam Mendes has continued to impress critics and audiences with his films, including Revolutionary Road, Jarhead, Away We Go and Road To Perdition. He has also directed two films in the James Bond franchise, Skyfall and Spectre. However, his latest feature, 1917, may be his most impressive work yet.

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Lance Corporal Will Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers, Blake's own brother among them.

While there have been a lot of war films, most of the ones I've seen, including Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan and Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, have been about the Second World War, which took place from 1939 to 1945. 1917 is one of the best films about the First World War and, while it’s difficult to watch at times, it’s definitely a film that needs to be experienced on the big screen as, when watched at home, the impact won’t be as big. With 1917, Mendes succeeds in creating a film that captures the horrors of the First World War. 

Those who have seen a lot of war-based films won't be surprised by what happens in 1917, however, this won't prevent them from appreciating what Mendes has created. Although two soldiers are sent to carry out the mission, given to them by General Erinmore (Colin Firth), due to how dangerous it is, it's not surprising when one of them, Blake dies, however, this scene is no less heartbreaking. The rest of 1917 focuses on the lone soldier, Schofield, who is left to complete the mission. The intensity increases as viewers are left unsure as to whether he will succeed. The sequence that sees Schofield race across the battlefield past a group of charging soldiers is where 1917 is at its most intense as he is nearly killed by nearby bombs going off. 

1917 has received ten nominations at this years Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Mendes and Best Cinematography for Deakins. If 1917 should win any awards, I think it should be for Deakins’ extraordinary cinematography, which is also another reason why it needs to be watched at the cinema. 1917 was shot and edited to appear as a single long take that takes place in real time with almost no breaks. This is the most impressive aspect of the film. This technique is at its best towards the end when Schofield is racing across the battlefield as the charging British infantry are bombarded by German artillery. Because of this single-take method, all actors had to rehearse every movement months in advanced. While the one-shot method has been used in films before, including in the 2014 film, Birdman, which won the Best Picture Oscar, it can be a challenging technique, however, it's used effectively in 1917. Because the camera follows the soldiers, it makes viewers feel like they're on the dangerous mission with them.

Apart from the cinematography, both MacKay and Chapman impress with their performances as the two brave soldiers chosen to take on this dangerous mission. Chapman portrays Tom Blake who is the leader and his main motivation for completing it is his brother, Joseph (Richard Madden). While Schofield would rather think things through and make a plan, Blake doesn't want to waste time. After Blake's death, Schofield becomes increasingly determined to finish the mission. Solid supporting roles come from Firth, Mark Strong as Captain Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch as Colonel Mackenzie. However, although these notable actors only appear in one scene, they understand the seriousness of the film and this is shown in their performances.

As well as Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography, the score, composed by Thomas Newman, is also nominated at this year's Academy Awards. Newman has previously collaborated with Mendes and composed the score for his previous films, including Skyfall, Road To Perdition and American Beauty. He has also composed the score for films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Saving Mr. Banks and Bridge of Spies. Despite being nominated fourteen times, Newman is yet to win, however, I think that his score for 1917 is a worthy winner. When the tension in the film increases, the music changes so to fit the mood of the scene. 

While the story for 1917 is a fictional tale about two young British soldiers carrying out a dangerous mission, the script is written by Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns and inspired by stories told by the director's grandfather, a native of Trinidad who was a messenger for the British on the Western Front. 1917 is clearly a personal film that means a lot to Mendes and it's a film that he can be proud of. 

Featuring outstanding camerawork and cinematography from Roger Deakins, brilliant directing from Sam Mendes and impressive performances from its two leads, 1917 is one of the best films about the First World War.

8/10

JOJO RABBIT REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Getting the balance between comedy and drama can be a difficult challenge as the genres are very different. If a film is too serious, it can make the humour appear out of place. However, with his films, Taika Waititi manages to get the right balance. His latest feature, Jojo Rabbit, is no different. Making a comedy that is set in Nazi Germany during the Second World War was always going to be tricky, however, Waititi has succeeded and created a film that will make you cry tears of both laughter and sadness.

Jojo Rabbit is a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy, Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.

Prior to watching Jojo Rabbit, I didn't know what to expect as I had only seen one of Waititi's previous features, Thor: Ragnarok, which is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fortunately, Jojo Rabbit beat my expectations and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. This lead to me watching Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which Waititi directed and released in 2016, and I can now understand why he's considered one of the most creative directors. 

Jojo Rabbit feels like a Waititi film so those who enjoyed his previous features will not be disappointed. Aside from directing and portraying Hitler, Waititi produced and wrote the screenplay, which is based on Christine Leunens' novel, Caging Skies, which told the story of a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany. After reading the novel, Waititi became interested in making a feature as he felt that it was necessary to keep reminding people about the Second World War. There have been a lot of films made about World War II, however, Jojo Rabbit is a fresh take as it shows the war from the point of view of a ten-year-old boy. This is where most of the comedy comes from as Jojo believes everything the Nazis tell him. Jojo's conversations with Hitler are also amusing and it's clear Waititi is having fun with his over-the-top portrayal of Hitler.

While Jojo Rabbit works as a comedy and is very entertaining for the majority of its 108 minute runtime, it doesn't shy away from the darkest aspects of the Second World War. In his research, Waititi discovered that WWII Germany was very vibrant and fashionable, and was interested in shying away from traditional war films showing it as dreary and dark, instead presenting the town as a seemingly celebratory place and dressing characters as stylishly as possible. He liked the idea that everything seems happy, but just underneath the surface "the third Reich is crumbling, and, you know, the dream is over". The second half of Jojo Rabbit effectively shows the impact World War II had. 

While Jojo Rabbit is mostly a tongue-in-cheek comedy, there are a few tense moments, including when the Gestapo, led by Captain Deertz (Stephen Merchant), visit Jojo's house. While this is one of the most intense scenes, Waititi manages to include elements of humour, including a repetition of "Heil Hitler!". This perfectly shows that Waititi can create a scene that is both intense and funny.

For the majority of Jojo Rabbit, Jojo is certain that everything the Nazis told him about the Jews is true, however, after meeting Elsa, he soon realises that they were wrong. After he discovers the Jewish girl hiding in his attic, he's more afraid than she is. Because he doesn't want to get his mother into trouble for hiding a Jew, Jojo agrees to keep Elsa safe and asks that she reveals secrets about Jews for his book. This leads to an unlikely friendship forming between the two.

The strongest aspect of Jojo Rabbit is Davis, who leaves a lasting impression with his portrayal of the titular character. It is definitely one of the best performances I've seen from a child recently. Equally as impressive is McKenzie as Elsa who is witty and outsmarts Jojo. Waititi's portrayal of Hitler is one of the many highlights of the film. Although he doesn't have much screen time, I think that Archie Yates delivered a memorable performance as Jojo's friend, Yorki, and had a few amusing one-liners. Solid supporting roles come from Johansson as Jojo's mother, Sam Rockwell as Captain Klenzendorf, an Army officer who runs a Hitler Youth camp, Alfie Allen as Finkel, the second-in-command to Captain Klenzendorf and Rebel Wilson as Fräulein Rahm, a brutish instructor in the Hitler Youth camp.

Following its recent release in the UK, Jojo Rabbit has received two nominations at the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Davis. It's also currently nominated at the BAFTAs for six awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Waititi and Best Supporting Actress for Johansson, and I can imagine it being nominated at this year's Academy Awards. 

By combining tongue-in-cheek comedy with touching drama, Jojo Rabbit showcases Taika Waititi at his best and features an impressive lead performance from Roman Griffin Davis.

8/10

PARASITE REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it was awarded the Palme d'Or award, Bong Joon-ho's latest film, Parasite, has received critical acclaim, with many praising its "brilliantly layered look at timely themes". Since then, Parasite has received positive reception from viewers of the film. Because of its impressive reception, it quickly became one of my most anticipated films of 2020, however, I was lucky enough to watch it at an early preview screening. My expectations were high for Parasite and, fortunately, it doesn't disappoint. It ends a year of great films on a high and is a must see.

The Park family are the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim family are rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kim family sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo (Woo-sik Choi), the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist, to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kim family provide "indispensable" luxury services while the Parks obliviously bankroll their entire household. When a parasitic interloper threatens the Kim's newfound comfort, a savage, underhanded battle for dominance breaks out, threatening to destroy the fragile ecosystem between the Kim family and the Parks.

With a film like Parasite, I think it's best to view it without knowing much about the plot. By avoiding reviews and trailers, I knew little about what was going to happen and found Parasite to be an unpredictable watch for the majority of its 132 runtime. Prior to watching, I was worried about the language barrier and having to read subtitles for the entirety of the film, fortunately, this wasn't an issue. Parasite and Alfonso Cuarón's Roma have encouraged me to watch more foreign films as they provide a unique viewing experience. 

With Parasite, Bong has created a thought-provoking film. I can't imagine anyone seeing this film and not having an opinion of it. It's definitely a film that will divide audiences, especially the ending which takes a shocking twist. A lot of people will also have different opinions on the actions by the Kim family. In order to get jobs for the whole family, the Kim family lie and pose as sophisticated skilled workers, unrelated to each other, and integrate themselves into the lives of the Parks. It's easy to understand why the Kim family do this as they're desperate for money and aren't earning enough by folding pizza boxes. It would've been easy to portray the Park family as the antagonists simply because they're wealthy, however, Parasite portrays them as ordinary individuals who have a lot of money. In the beginning, they come across as friendly, unfortunately, towards the end, they make comments that reveal how blind they are to the real world. After a flood leaves the Kims family homeless, a member of the Park family comments on the nice weather due to all the rain from the previous evening. This small comment clearly shows how oblivious the Park family are to the real world as they're unaware of the suffering the Kim family are experiencing. 

Parasite effectively shows the divide between the rich and the poor and shows the contrast between the two lives. The Kim family live in a small semi-basement apartment, working low-paying temporary jobs and struggling to make ends meet. However, they are very close and grateful for what they have. When Ki-woo gets a job working for the Park family, we can instantly see how different their lives are. While the Kim family are down to earth and don't take anything for granted, the same can't be said for the Park family. At first, they come across as friendly and, unintentionally, hire the Kim family, however, it's clear how oblivious they are to the real world. I can imagine a lot of people empathising with the Kim family, however, they're far from perfect individuals as they lie in order to get themselves a job. Others will probably be able to see the story from the Park family's point of view and struggle to understand the Kim family's actions. This is why Parasite is one of this year's must see films as everyone will have a different opinion and it will provoke many interesting conversations from audiences.

Prior to watching Parasite, I did see a few comments regarding the ending and how shocking and violent it is. While Parasite is an engaging and compelling drama for most of its runtime, the story takes a surprising turn when a former employer of the Park family, who lost her job because of the Kim family, returns and threatens to reveal their secret. This leads to a violent outbreak that takes place at a birthday party. While I do recommend Parasite, those who struggle to watch violence may want to avoid it as it gets intense towards the end.

Parasite starts off as a gripping drama with the tension increasing. When the Kim family decide to live inside the Park family home whilst they're away camping, an intense sequence occurs when they return home early, with the Kim family hiding and struggling to leave the house without being discovered.

Parasite currently has a rating of 99% on the review aggregation website, Rotten Tomatoes, with over 300 critics giving it positive reviews. This is very impressive as most films divide critics and it's rare for a film to achieve this rating. It also won the Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival and became the first Korean film to ever win this award. It's also currently nominated for three Golden Globes including Best Director and Best Screenplay for Bong and Best Foreign Film. I can imagine a lot of people overlooking Parasite and not seeing it simply because it's a foreign film which is unfair. I see a lot of complaints about unoriginal films, such as superhero films, sequels and remakes, being successful at the box office yet those same people don't give unique films like Parasite a chance. The themes that feature within the narrative for Parasite couldn't be more relevant, including the contrasting lives between the wealthy and poor. 

With Parasite, a thought-provoking drama that features a narrative with relevant themes, Bong Joon-ho has created his most successful film yet.

8/10

KNIVES OUT REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

For a mystery-based film to succeed, it has to keep the viewer guessing throughout and make it hard for them to correctly predict the outcome. If the revelation is correctly guessed before its revealed, it can lead to a boring watch. Fortunately, this wasn't the case for Rian Johnson's latest feature, Knives Out, a highly entertaining film that features a star-studded cast.

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.

Johnson is best known for directing the underrated sci-fi feature, Looper, which was released in 2012, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which received a mixed reception from fans of the franchise. Although I like both films, I think that Knives Out is Johnson's best feature yet. In 2010, he expressed interest in making a murder mystery film and planned on making one following the release of Looper, however, he went on to make The Last Jedi. Johnson cited several classic mystery thrillers and mystery comedies as influences on Knives Out, including Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, Something's Afoot, Deathtrap and Clue. His script pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie so fans of her novels will certainly enjoy what Johnson has created with Knives Out, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. Knives Out succeeds as a mystery as it keeps its viewers guessing throughout and, because of the many twists and turns that feature within the story, it makes for an unpredictable watch. 

What I liked most about Knives Out was that it didn't take itself seriously. The tone is very tongue-in-cheek with its over-the-top and eccentric characters. The humour makes Knives Out all the more fun to watch, despite the serious themes of murder and suicide. 

The stand-out aspect of Knives Out is the star-studded cast, with Craig delivering an amusing portrayal of Detective Blanc. His performance makes you forget that he's also the most famous spy, James Bond, a role he's set to reprise in No Time To Die, which is due to be released next year. Familiar names include Chris Evans, who is perfectly cocky as Ransom, Jamie Lee Curtis as Harlan's eldest daughter, Linda, Michael Shannon as her brother, Walt, Don Johnson as Linda's husband, Richard and Toni Collette as Harlan's daughter-in-law, Joni. With this many famous names in one film, it would be easy for the film to feel overcrowded, however, each actor delivers a strong portrayal of their characters and they all get their moment to shine.  While the Thrombey family are affected by the death of Harlan, the story focuses on his caretaker and nurse, Marta (Ana de Armas), who vomits every time she tries to lie, however, Blanc believes she knows more about Harlan's mysterious death. Jaeden Martell's character, Jacob Thrombey, who tweets hate speech online, was inspired by angry Star Wars fans on Twitter that Johnson encountered following the release of The Last Jedi.
A marketing scheme that is used to promote a film is interviews with the cast. It's an effective method at getting people interested in the film as they hear the cast discuss what it was like on set and reveal details from behind the scenes. Judging from what I've seen from interviews with the cast for Knives Out, they all worked well together and that's why the film itself is such a success. It's not hard to see the actors having fun with their characters they're portraying which makes it fun for the audience to watch.

Following its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, Knives Out has received critical acclaim, with the majority of them stating that the film shows Johnson at his best. Because of this and its impressive ensemble cast, it quickly became one of my most anticipated films and, fortunately, it didn't disappoint.

8/10

LE MANS '66 REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Prior to watching Le Mans '66 (which is also known as Ford V Ferrari in the United States), my expectations were quite high as, following its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in August, the critical reception was mostly positive. Critics praised the performances from Matt Damon and Christian Bale and the racing sequences that feature in the film. Because of this, it quickly became one of my most anticipated films.

Le Mans '66 is based on the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), who together battled corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

Earlier this year, I watched Ron Howard's 2013 drama, Rush, which focused on the rivalry between Formula One drivers, James Hunt and Niki Lauder. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did as, because it focuses on Formula One, I thought I would find it boring. Fortunately, that wasn't the case and, because of its rivalry between the two main characters and thrilling racing sequences, Rush beat my expectations. The same can be said for Le Mans '66, which shares similarities to Rush, including themes of rivalry, strong performances and the exhilarating racing sequences. 

The story for Le Mans '66 focuses on the Ford Motor Company hiring Shelby and Miles to build a car that could beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours race in Le Mans. Because I'm in my early twenties, I wasn't aware of this event and found Le Mans '66 to be a mostly unpredictable watch. Those who are more familiar with the race will probably be able to guess how the film ends, however, that doesn't prevent them from enjoying it.

The standout aspect of Le Mans '66 are the performances by Damon and Bale. Like most of his roles, Damon brings a charm and likability to his portrayal of Shelby and he becomes increasingly determined to build a car that will finally beat Ferrari. Earlier this year, Bale impressed with his portrayal of Vice President, Dick Cheney, in Adam McKay's drama, Vice. Because of his weight gain, the actor looked almost unrecognisable. In Le Mans '66, Bale has shed the weight, simply by 'not eating' as he told Damon, and, as Miles, delivers another strong performance. It's hard not to respect Bale's dedication to roles by gaining and losing a lot of weight. Because Le Mans '66 is being released during Oscar season, when Hollywood studios begin releasing films that have potential to be nominated at the Academy Awards, there's a lot of talk surrounding the two lead performances and whether they'll be nominated. While both actors both deliver strong performances and thoroughly deserve to be nominated, I think that it's too early to say. Solid supporting roles come from Tracy Letts as Henry Ford II, Jon Bernthal as the vice president of Ford, Lee Iacocca and Caitriona Balfe as Mile's wife, Mollie.

If Le Mans '66 is likely to be nominated for anything, my guess is the cinematography by Phedon Papamichael. The film is at its best during the racing sequences as it makes it all the more exciting to watch. Le Mans '66 features a lot of close-ups and shots from the driver's point of view to make you feel like you're in the car racing alongside them. I can imagine a lot of viewers will struggle to resist the urge to drive fast on their way home from watching Le Mans '66. The final race is intense as it focuses on the racers driving over a period of twenty-four hours and facing all sorts of weather conditions, including rain, making the race all the more difficult. Because of its exhilarating race sequences and impressive cinematography, Le Mans '66 is definitely worth watching on the big screen.

While Le Mans '66 has received a mostly positive reception, most of the criticism has gone towards its runtime which 152 minutes. Prior to watching Le Mans '66, I was concered about the runtime and worried that it was going to drag at times. Fortunately, this wasn't the case. While 152 minutes may seem long, there's rarely a dull moment to be found as Le Mans '66 keeps its audiences entertained throughout, with interesting characters, thrilling racing sequences and compelling drama. To me, it hardly seemed like over two hours had passed by the time the film ended.

While I knew that Le Mans '66 wasn't going to be a serious drama, I wasn't expecting it to be as funny as it was. There are a lot of amusing scenes, including a fight between Shelby and Miles and Ford's emotional reaction to being driven in the Ford GT40 by Shelby. The humour added to the overall enjoyment of Le Mans '66.
The strength of Le Mans '66 lies in its exhilarating race sequences and the performances by Matt Damon and Christian Bale.
8/10

JOKER REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Because of his twisted personality and unpredictable actions, the Joker is probably one of the most well-known villains. The character has been portrayed by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's 1989 film, Batman, Heath Ledger in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight and Jared Leto in Suicide Squad. Of the three, Ledger's portrayal is the most memorable because of his dedication to the role. Sadly, the actor died prior to the film's release, however, he was received a posthumous Oscar. Each actor delivered their own unique portrayal of the Joker, however, the film themselves never explored his background or how he became the iconic villain we all know him as.

Todd Phillips' Joker is a suitably dark and disturbing thriller that shows the man behind the clown-like make-up. That man is Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a mentally ill, impoverished stand-up comedian disregarded by society. The story focuses on Fleck and shows audiences how he became the Joker.

While I still think that Ledger delivered the best portrayal of the Joker, Phoenix's performance is, undoubtedly, the strongest aspect of Joker. He is considered one of the most versatile actors working today and has played a wide range of characters, however, I think that his portrayal of the Joker might be his most impressive. By losing 52lbs and covering his face with vibrant clown-like make-up, Phoenix's appearance changes drastically and becomes the iconic villain. I respect actors who dedicate themselves to a role and take drastic measures such as losing weight as it can't be easy. Because of Phoenix's weight loss, filming could only be done once, with no opportunity for reshoots. The Joker's laughter is a known trait and Phoenix has said that perfecting that iconic laughter was the toughest part. However, by watching videos of those suffering from pathological laughter, Phoenix has succeeded in recreating the Joker's laugh. Despite being nominated for three Oscars for his performances in films such as Gladiator, Walk The Line and The Master, Phoenix is yet to win. However, I can definitely see him receiving another nomination at next year's Academy Awards where hopefully he'll be recognised. The supporting cast includes Robert DeNiro as talk show host, Murray Franklin, and Zazie Beets as Fleck's neighbour, Sophie. Unfortunately, neither has enough screen time to leave much of a lasting impression.
Unsurprisingly, Joker has caused controversy since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival at the end of August, mainly for its heavy use of violence and take on mental illness. I understand why people will want to avoid Joker as it is very dark and disturbing and there is a lot of violence towards the end. I'm not the biggest fan of violence, which is why I've always avoided Quentin Tarantino's films until recently as his films are known for being extremely violent, however, I mainly wanted to watch Joker to see Phoenix's portrayal of the villain. I had also read a lot of positive reviews. While I didn't love it and wouldn't watch it again because of the violence, I do think that it's a well-made film. However, without the violence, I don't think that Joker would have left as much of an impression. This is why Suicide Squad and Venom were disappointments as, to reach a wider audience by having a certification rating of PG-13, the violence was toned down. This was a bad decision as the comic books, that the films were based on, are known for being violent. The character of the Joker is known being dark, twisted and disturbing so it's only right that the film should be, too. As for its take on mental illness, I think it was portrayed in a realistic way and shows how differently society treats those struggling. We see Fleck frequently visiting a social worker and opening up about his feelings, however, the funding for the mental health facility is cut off, which means he can't get access to his medication. Joker shows how much harder life is for those with a debilitating mental illness and how badly they get treated by society. In other films that featured the Joker, I always perceived him as nothing more than a comic book villain, however, in Joker, I saw him more as a human being.
Joker succeeds at being thought-provoking. I can't imagine anyone watching this and then not talking about it. It's probably one of the most divisive films this year. However, while not everyone will like it, it's definitely got people interested which is why it's currently making a lot of money at the box office. I also find it amusing that people are arguing over someone who is a fictional character from a comic book. The world that Joker is set in feels so real that you forget that. With films like The Dark Knight, you know you're watching a superhero film as it feels unrealistic, however, that wasn't the case for Joker.
What I also liked about Joker was that it's a stand-alone film with no intention of a sequel being released. I think that there are too many unnecessary sequels that lack the quality of its predecessor. While Joker has an ambigious ending that will most likely have audiences talking, Phillips has confirmed that there will be no sequel and that Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker won't be appearing the DC Extended Universe. It's refreshing to see a mainstream Hollywood film, based on a popular character from a comic book, that isn't part of a larger story or cinematic universe. Joker functions as a masterful stand-alone story and conveying everything we need to know about Fleck in just over two hours. Joker can also be watched by those who are unfamiliar with Batman and the titular villain as it's set in 1981, when Bruce Wayne was a child. From their viewing perspective, Joker can be seen as a film about a failed stand-up comedian who is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure. There are brief glimpses of Wayne and the scene where his parents are murdered in front of him is shown.
The story focuses on Fleck's downward spiral as he and the city around him descend into chaos. It's full of twists that I didn't see coming and succeeds at being unpredictable for the majority of its 122 minute runtime. I think that Phillips has created the perfect origin story as it's suits the Joker's personality, who is known for being unpredictable.
Although I didn't love Joker and wouldn't watch it again, mainly because of its violence and dark and disturbing tone, I'm glad I watched it as I understand why it's being talked about. It's not the easiest film to watch, however, I think that it's worth watching for Phoenix's unforgettable portrayal of the titular villain.
8/10

JUDY REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Whenever I think of Judy Garland, I always picture her role as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 film, The Wizard Of Oz. However, Rupert Goold's latest feature, Judy, focuses on Garland's later life and her performances in London in late 1968, six months before her tragic death six months later at the age of 47. 

Judy Garland (Renée Zellweger) arrives in Swinging London to perform a five-week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through. Even her dreams of love seem undimmed as she embarks on a whirlwind romance with Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock), her soon-to-be fifth husband.

Growing up, The Wizard Of Oz was one of my favourite films to watch as a child, however, I wasn't aware of the abuse and mistreatment Garland experienced during filming. Judy frequently cuts to flashbacks to Garland on the set of her most famous film. These scenes show how strict Judy's life was as she was told what to eat, when to sleep and how to behave. She was also given amphetamines to help her stay awake during filming and barbituates to help her sleep. Because I wasn't that familiar with Garland's personal life, I was shocked by the abuse she received from the co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B. Mayer (Richard Cordery), who produced The Wizard Of Oz. The abuse clearly affected her as an adult and lead to her being addicted to barbituates and suffering from depression. 

Judy effectively shows the realities of being famous and that it's not as great as a lot of people imagine it to be. In the beginning, we see Judy performing with her two youngest children, Lorna (Bella Ramsey) and Joey Luft (Lewin Lloyd), however, when they return to their hotel, she is told that her room has been 'released', leading to her leaving her children with their father and her ex-husband, Sid (Rufus Sewell). Because she's homeless and has hardly any money, Judy is struggling to keep custody of her children. In order to earn money, she is sent to London to perform a series of sold-out shows. Unfortunately, not everything goes to plan, with her alcoholism and diva-like behaviour leading to her being late. However, when she begins performing, we can see why she was considered a star and is still known as an icon, fifty years later.

The strongest aspect of Judy is Zellweger's portrayal of the titular icon. She captures Judy’s mannerisms and diva-like personality, however, she is at her best when she’s performing Judy's classic hits, including 'The Trolley Song' and 'Come Rain or Come Shine'. She also delivers a moving rendition of Judy's most famous song, 'Over The Rainbow'. While Zellweger has proven herself to be a talented singer in the Oscar winning musical, Chicago,  she spent a year training with vocal coach, Eric Vetro, before production began in order to perfect her vocals and the hard work has paid off. It's an unforgettable performance that is likely to see her nominated at the Oscars next year. In terms of supporting roles, I was most impressed by Jessie Buckley who portrays Judy's assitant, Rosalyn Wilder. Ironically, Buckley impressed with her leading performance in the similar-named Wild Rose. Aside from being Judy's assistant, Wilder also provided support to the star when she was struggling.

Whilst Judy is a solid drama, the film is, undoubtedly at its best during her performances as they show off Zellweger's incredible vocals and the star's ability to connect with her audiences as she reveals details of her life. She also isn't afraid to respond to audience's comments and delivers several witty remarks. While 'By Myself' isn't one of Judy's most famous songs, it's one of the more memorable scenes in the film as Judy opens up about being alone. It's also where she's at her most vulnerable as she's away from her children. In order to make her portrayal of Judy as authentic as possible, Zellweger would have Judy's performance on an iPad propped up and she would perform in front of her mirror. It's a technique that works as, if you compare Zellweger's performance to that of Judy's, there's not much difference.

Judy provides an interesting insight into Judy's personal life and shows a side to her a lot of people won't be familiar with. While she was famous for her classic films including The Wizard Of Oz, A Star Is Born and Meet Me In St. Louis, and her powerful vocals, behind the scenes she was struggling a lot, with her mental health, alcoholism and addiction to barbituates. When she's asked by a doctor if she's had anything to treat her depression, she jokingly replies, "four husbands", however, they didn't work. This doesn't prevent her from falling in love with Mickey Deans, who is a nightclub owner. After a whirlwind romance, the two marry in London, with Deans promising Judy a record deal and a chance to be with her children. Unfortunately, because of Judy's behaviour at the London shows, she is turned down by the record company. Her relationship with Sid is also rocky, with both wanting full custody of their children. However, there is one relationship that is undeniable and that is the one that Judy has with her children. More than anything, she wants to be with them and becomes determined to get full custody. Judy clearly shows that, underneath the diva-like personality and the glitz and glamour, she was a devoted and caring mother who would do anything to be with her children.

Since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival at the end of August, Judy has received a positive reception from critics, with most of the praise going to Zellweger's portrayal of the titular icon. Those who simply know Judy as Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz may be surprised when they watch Goold's feature as it provides a glimpse into her private life and shows a side to her not many people will be familiar with.

7/10

TOY STORY 4 REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Since the release of Toy Story in 1995, Pixar Animated Studios have released over twenty animated features, with the majority of them impressing critics and succeeding at the box office. While I think that Pixar are at their best when they're releasing original films, the Toy Story sequels are just as good. Toy Story was a breakthrough as it was the first full-length animated feature to be created using computer-generated imagery. Its first sequel was released four years later and it matched the quality of its predecessor. For over a decade, Pixar focused on creating original films before releasing Toy Story 3 in 2010. Ir ended with Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and the rest of Andy’s toys being passed on to Bonnie (Emily Hahn). It was an emotional ending and, for a while, it served as an conclusion to the franchise. However, at the end of 2014, Pixar announced that there would be a fourth instalment. I was surprised by this news as I think that Toy Story 3 had a perfect ending and worked really well as a conclusion. Despite this, I was still excited for Toy Story 4.

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that's Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie's beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as "trash" and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family's road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo's adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they're worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that's the least of their worries.

Because Toy Story 3 was successful, both with critics and at the box office, there was a lot of pressure for director, Josh Cooley, to create a sequel that lived up to expectations and matched the quality of its predecessors. Fortunately, with Toy Story 4, he has succeeded.

The majority of the story focuses on Woody searching for Forky and trying to reunite him with Bonnie. His search leads him to an antiques shop where he meets a doll called Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) whose voice box is broken and wants to steal Woody's. At first, she is seen as the main antagonist and she does seem quite menacing, however, she is soon redeemed by the end. This is what I found refreshing about Toy Story 4 as, unlike in the previous films, there's no villain. 

The antiques shop is also where he reunites with Bo. Since her absence, Bo has enjoyed her independence and what I liked most about her character is that she's developed more into just Woody's love interest and she is also given a lot more to do. 

Those expecting to see more of their old favourite toys such as Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Mr and Mrs Potato Head (Don Rickles and Estelle Harris) and Slinky Dog (Blake Clarke) may be disappointed as they don't feature much in Toy Story 4. While I was surprised by their lack of screentime, I can understand why the writers wanted to introduce viewers to new characters. The story mainly focuses on Woody trying to reunite Forky with Bonnie. A subplot involves Buzz trying to find Woody which leads to him ending up on a local fairground. This is where he meets Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele), two toys who aren't as cute and cuddly as they appear to be. Forky is a unique new toy who believes he's trash. He provides most of the film's humour and I wouldn't be surprised if younger viewers began making their own Forky after watching the film. Another memorable new character is Duke Kaboom (Keanu Reeves), who is a Canadian daredevil toy.

The most impressive aspect of Toy Story 4 is its animation, which has definitely improved since the first film. With each new animated feature, Pixar continues to pride itself as a exceptional studio willing to tell fresh, enriching stories and bring new, invigorating ideas to the forefront — even when those feature familiar, well-established characters. From Toy Story to Toy Story 4, you can see how Pixar has grown significantly as a top-tier animation house. To look at the animation from Toy Story 4 is to see how Pixar has come so far in a little under 30 years time. The animation in Toy Story 4 is some of the best in the company's history, matching Finding Nemo and Wall-E in terms of shot composition, lighting, framing and realistic designs. It's obvious that Pixar has continued to develop its animation skills, with advancing technology allowing them to excel with each new film. The result is a gorgeous-looking animated feature with an emotional heart tug to really bring into focus how far we've come.

While I didn't think Toy Story 4 was necessary as I think its predecessor ended perfectly, I can understand why the filmmakers wanted to create another sequel as the characters are still so beloved, despite it being over two decades since the release of Toy Story. I found this to be a satisfying conclusion to one of the most successful animated franchises. I was also surprised by the ending, which sees Woody leaving Bonnie's toys behind to live a more independent life with Bo. I think I should have seen this ending coming as the film hints at it near the beginning where Bonnie plays with her other toys instead of with Woody. 

Overall, Toy Story 4 features impressive animation, a story that is thoroughly entertaining and is a satisfying conclusion to the franchise.

8/10

ROCKETMAN REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Based on Elton John, Rocketman successfully captures the highs and lows of his life. I can't imagine fans of John being disappointed with what the director, Dexter Fletcher, has created. It covers all of the important aspects of John's life, including his childhood, his relationship with his father, his sexuality and his struggles with alcohol, drug and sex addiction. However, it's not a straightforward biopic as Fletcher tells John's story in a unique way, which makes sense, considering the singer was far from ordinary. In an interview at CinemaCon, Taron Egerton, who portrays John, stated that Rocketman would be a fantasy-musical. This method works and, throughout the film, characters frequently break out into song, singing some of John's classic hits, including 'Your Song', 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting', 'Tiny Dancer' and 'I'm Still Standing'. Characters randomly breaking out into song can seem out of place for a lot of films, however, it works for Rocketman and a lot of the songs matches the mood of the scene they feature in.

While I do know who John is and many of his most successful songs, there was a lot I didn't know about him, including certain aspects of his life. I think that even the biggest fans of John may be surprised about certain revelations, including his struggle with depression and suicide attempt. Rocketman succeeds at showing depression in a realistic way. From an outsider's perspective, it can seem like John's life was perfect but Flexter's biopic shows that it was far from it. One scene that stood out shows John trying to put on a happy face before one of his performances. This shows that, while John may have appeared to be happy on stage, behind close doors, he was struggling. I really respected John, who co-produced Rocketman, for not shying away from the most difficult aspects of his life. 

While Rocketman clearly shows John's darkest moments, this doesn't prevent it from being inspiring, uplifting and a celebration of his life and music. Throughout Rocketman, we learn about the stories behind some of his most successful songs, including 'Your Song', 'Rocketman' and 'I'm Still Standing', which he co-wrote with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). Many people will know Taupin as the writer behind John's songs, however, the film shows that he's more than just a songwriter, he's John's best friend. Rocketman shows their friendship effectively and reveals that, in the fifty years they've been friends, they've never had an argument. 

The strongest aspect of Rocketman is the acting. Since making his breakthrough performance in Kingsman: The Secret Service in 2014, Egerton has continued to impress in films such as Eddie The Eagle, Sing  and the Kingsman sequel, The Golden Circle, which also featured John. In Sing, an animated feature about a singing competition, Egerton voiced a gorilla named Johnny, and sings 'I'm Still Standing'. As John, Egerton gives his best dramatic performance yet. He captures John's eccentric personality, love for music and also his vulnerability. He is supported by a strong ensemble cast including Bell as Taupin, Richard Madden as John's manager and love interest, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as John's mother. While each actor gives a strong performance, it's Egerton who leaves a lasting impression with his portrayal of the singer.

Rocketman features many of John's most successful songs and uses them in creative ways. They're worked into his story seamlessly, with some of them acquiring new meaning, given the circumstances they're used for. The most memorable musical numbers are 'Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting', 'Rocketman', 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' and 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. The songs appear during the most appropriate scenes, with 'Rocketman' being sung by John shortly after he overdoses and falls into his pool. 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' is sung by John as he leaves before one of his concerts and enters rehab. 

Apart from his songs, John is known for his many over-the-top costumes and outfits. The attention to detail in Rocketman is impressive, with the costume design standing out. The make-up and costumes contribute to Egerton's already impressive performance as he does resemble the singer when he's wearing John's costumes. 

By effectively showing the highs and lows of Elton John's life and career, Rocketman is a successful biopic that features an impressive dramatic performance from Taron Egerton as the singer.

8/10

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

It's been almost a decade since Dreamworks released one of their most serious and successful animated features, How To Train Your Dragon. Prior to its release, Dreamworks were best known for films such as Madagascar, Bee Movie and Kung Fu Panda which, while enjoyable for younger viewers, were hard to take seriously by adults accompanying young children. However, How To Train Your Dragon proved to be suitable for the whole family as it told a simple story about the unlikely friendship between a young Viking, Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) and a Night Fury dragon, Toothless. After impressing critics and succeeding at the box office, a sequel was released four years later and was an improvement over its predecessor in terms of animation, character development and story. Its success lead to a third and final instalment being released, however, is it a fitting conclusion to the How To Train Your Dragon franchise?

Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid (America Ferrera), Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they've known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destinies are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together-to the very ends of the Earth-to protect everything they've grown to treasure.

Prior to watching the first How To Train Your Dragon film shortly after its release in 2010, I was skeptical as I thought that it was going to be a boring and predictable film only enjoyed by younger viewers. Fortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong and it beat my expectations. Despite enjoying the first film, I didn't see the first sequel as I didn't think it would match the quality of its predecessor and, again, I was wrong. I was really impressed by how seriously the writers took the film and how they weren't afraid to take risks and dumb down the narrative for younger viewers. I was very surprised when a main character was killed off halfway through. I think that this is why the How To Train Your Dragon films will appeal more to older viewers as, while there are lighthearted and entertaining moments throughout, there are a few scenes that may be too intense for younger viewers. The third film, The Hidden World, has the same tone as its predecessors and it ends the franchise on a high and is a thrilling and emotional conclusion.

The narrative follows Hiccup as he struggles to keep his people and the dragons of Berk safe. He remembers that his father, who was the previous Chief, spoke of a 'hidden world' and Hiccup becomes determined to find it. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and the task of keeping everyone safe becomes even more difficult after being threatened by Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham), a dragon hunter who wants nothing more than to capture and kill Toothless. While the narrative is fairly similar to its predecessor (an evil villain wanting to capture Toothless), I still found it to be a compelling watch. Grimmel made for a good antagonist as his actions were unpredictable and I was never sure what he was going to do next.

An aspect that has improved with each How To Train Your Dragon film was its animation and that hasn't changed with The Hidden World. It's an animated feature that deserves to be experienced on the big screen as the animators have clearly worked really hard. The animation is at its best when Hiccup and Astrid discover the titular hidden world, a home for dragons. The scene is filled with vibrant colours and is impressively designed, much like the dragons themselves. 

In the first How To Train Your Dragon film, Hiccup was an awkward individual and struggled to live up to his father's expectations. However, since then, he has developed into a true hero. Now the Chief of Berk, Hiccup must make important decisions, including finding a new home for his people and dragons. What I liked most about Hiccup's character is that he's not perfect, however, he is still determined to keep everyone safe. A highlight of the How To Train Your Dragon films is the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless. After discovering a female Night Fury, named 'Light Fury', Hiccup and Toothless begin drifting apart after the latter becomes close with the Light Fury. Hiccup feels lonely without Toothless and tries to keep him but he soon learns that the only way to keep Toothless and the rest of the dragons safe is by letting them go and live in the Hidden World. It's a heartbreaking decision that leads to a bittersweet ending, however, it's the right decision as the Hidden World proves to be the perfect home for the dragons.

Most of the actors from the previous films return to voice their characters and they each give a solid performance, including Baruchel as Hiccup, Ferrera as Astrid and supporting roles from Kristen Wiig as Ruffnut, Jonah Hill as Snotlout and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs who each bring comic relief. Cate Blanchett returns as Hiccup's mother, Valka, unfortunately, she doesn't get as much screen time as she did in the previous film, and Abraham brings intensity to Grimmel.

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World matches the quality of its predecessors in terms of animation, character development and its ability to tell an engaging story that is thrilling and full of adventure. There isn’t a dull moment to be found in its 104 minute runtime and, with a runtime of under two hours, it moves at a brisk pace.

The ending is moving and those that have spent the past nine years supporting the How To Train Your Dragon franchise will find it very emotional. Overall, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

8/10