It Came From Outer Space (1953) Film Review

Rating PG
Length 1h21
Release 25.09.1953
Director Jack Arnold
About John Putnam, a stargazer, witnesses a spaceship landing in the Arizona desert, but none of the townsfolk believe him. Horror strikes, when residents begin to disappear.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV (under Cult Classics)
Trailer:

The Good

The music! I will never not love a good theremin tune and it works really well her to build tension.

How the film presents the alien POV; it’s quite majestic. In fact everything alien works. Particularly when you consider this was made in the early 50s. Not a single bit of CGI in sight.

The Bad

It’s a chilling film that makes use of sound to imply so much about the aliens that land and makes them out to be the scary big bad. In a modern film there’d be a closer resemblance to the xenomorph and people would die to create the scares. However this film is refreshing in that all the chills are implied upon human paranoia.
There’s the added element of chills brought about by the mob that’s formed as the film progresses and actually how real that would be.

The Ugly

I hate the “mock the person who says they’ve seen aliens”. Not believing him is one thing, but outright mocking him in the paper and on the radio?! Technically not this film’s fault, but after half a century of it being the go-to response in movies and me seeing a good chunk of them first, it bugged the hell out of me. Particularly when in-universe its all true.

Final Thoughts

A short and sweet look into 50s sci-fi. If you like the original Invasion of the Bodysnatchers you’ll enjoy this just as much.

Scent of a Woman (1992) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 2h37
Release 12.03.1993
Director Martin Breast
About A prep school student, who is in need of money, agrees to be the caregiver of a man with visual impairment while his family is away. Unbeknownst to him, the colonel has his own agenda for the weekend.
Moon: no moon sighting
Trigger Warning: Suicide plans/ Gun Violence
Where to Watch: More 4
Trailer:

The Good

I remember Al Pacino being rated number one in a list of 100 actors and I really didn’t understand how, or why. I’ll admit, my dislike of the American gangster movie and their epically long run times, means until recently I probably hadn’t seen too much of Pacino.
Now, though?! I get it. He’s not the man with range, but he’s the man who goes all in to provide authenticity and emotional connection.

Frank’s story arc is compelling. His story provides arguments for and against assisted suicide; the struggle, the loneliness both conflict with the confidence and life that’s still fighting within Frank. How the cause of Frank’s blindness, his bitterness and position within his family and his plans for the future are drip fed to us, provides an ever shifting opinion and it makes for quite a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story.

The Bad

I’m not completely sold on Chris O’Donnell in the role, or the development of the character. What got him into the school? He said it was a bursary, but what for? What was his aim? There was mention of Harvard, but not of what he wanted to do there. We’ve got a Roary Gillmore here, but nothing about the character tells me this. Just a few changes to the character; hell, have him hold a book, taking homework with him to his first day with Frank. Something that showed me that he’s having to work harder than everyone else because he’s still having to earn his place.
Then for Chris O’Donnell, the performance is just a little too timid with not enough growth by the end of the film. It feels a little too one-note and wooden for a young man in crisis and thrown into highly tense situation with a clearly depressed man.

The Ugly

You’re trying to tell me that the Principle of that Prep school didn’t recognise those voices on the tannoy? Given that this is what the B-plot hangs one; it’s fucking stupid. I’d have had more respect if the film acknowledged that the Principle knew who it was, but that he needed someone to confirm it.
Or not have the trio so obvious, watching from the window. So much of it points to the boys and it’s frustrating to have the plot play so dumb.

Final Thoughts

Dead Poet’s Society meets About a Boy. It’s certainly a well made film that everyone should watch once in their life, but it’s more cathartic than entertaining.

The Wedding Singer (1998) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h37
Release 05.06.1998
Director Frank Coraci
About When Robbie Hart, a wedding singer, meets Julia, a waitress, he promises to sing at her marriage, but unaware of what destiny has in store, the two plan on spending their lives with separate people.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

A plot that’s not too dissimilar to Serendipity (2001), a film I absolutely hated, The Wedding Singer shows how you can do a romance film in which both leads are with other people, yet you still root for them to be together.
Firstly, we don’t meet Robbie’s fiancé until she’s left him at the alter. As an audience, we already dislike her. Then, with Julia, we have a more traditional ‘doomed couple’ trope; she airs misgivings right from the get go, there’s outside social pressure, and in case we’re left in any doubt, Glenn is a sleaze ball of epic proportions.
Secondly, the friendship is built up first and we them gradually fall in love. The time spent together never feels date like. It also doesn’t feel cruel that Robbie is helping with Julia’s wedding plans given his employment. I do also really like that Robbie is held accountable by Holly and reminded that Julia is getting married. That doesn’t happen very often in films and all morality and ethics go out the window for the romance of it all.
Finally, there’s chemistry between the two. It’s commented on by a fair few people throughout the film and you can genuinely see the chemistry while the authenticity of them believing they are just friends works, even if others and the audience don’t.

The soundtrack is incredible. The best of the 80s for your listening pleasure. Not to mention the use of a String Quartet playing a pop cover… before it was mainstream. *chef’s kiss*

That final act on the plane is perfect. Funny, wholesome and satisfying. Most importantly. Robbie manages to get the girl without having to resort to telling her about Glenn’s sleazy antics.

The Bad

Fat and ugly jokes. It’s a common joke in Sandler movies. It sucks, but even more so in this because Robbie is a really sweet guy.

Did they really have Julia marry Robbie in the dress that was bought for her marriage with Glenn?! The marriage that caused a lot of heartache?! Come on, I know there’s the expense, but movie romance here…. give Julia another fucking dress!

The Ugly

It is an Adam Sandler shouty film. Not his worst, by any means, but it is the worst thing about this film. It’s early enough in his career so its not all one note, but it gets particularly loud towards the 45 minute mark.

Final Thoughts

A funny and sweet film that I cannot believe I’ve not watched more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Rating PG
Length 1h35
Release 23.11.1990
Director Steve Barron
About A quartet of humanoid turtles, trained by their mentor in ninjitsu, must learn to work together to face the menace of Shredder and the Foot Clan.
Moon: full moon while waiting for pizza delivery
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

The puppetry is amazing. Of course it is, it’s Henson productions. The Turtles are only surpassed for me by the full on puppet of Splinter. The characterisation of the team is spot for me.

The Bad

I’m not quite so sure what the plot is?! Shredder ratnaps Splinter, but he doesn’t know who Splinter is? What was the motivation? Why were the Foot stealing random shit? Too many questions about the story arc really and it stops me being entirely invested.

Not a fan of this iteration of April and I never thought I would say there’s a worse choice for one of my favourite characters than Megan Fox.

The Ugly

It’s really dark. Both physically and tonally. While it isn’t the modern ‘so dark you can’t see anything’, there’s still no reason for it to be as dark as it is. It’s probably why, despite this being one of my favourite shows growing up, I have only seen the film once before today.
Add to that, the violence, it does seem to indicate that the creatives weren’t too sure who they were targeting audience wise.

Final Thoughts

Nostalgia is sometimes left in the past. While I’m glad I took a rewatch, I can also see why this was not something that my parent’s allowed me to have on repeat.

The Birdcage (1996) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 1h48
Release 26.04.1996
Director Mike Nichols
About Gay lovers Armand and Albert disguise themselves as a heterosexual couple in order to meet and impress the conservative family of their son’s fiancee.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

Robin Williams in one of his understated performances makes for a rather charming and contrasting role. Not only in terms of his own body of work, but the performance really stands out against the delightful flamboyance of both Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria. Knowing that Williams could have equally nailed the part of Albert and would have been the audiences expectation, makes the role of Armand all the more impactful being in the hands of Williams.

On the most part, the comedy really lands. Particularly when it comes to the Conservative Family and this is one time in which the audience knowing something characters don’t.
The comedy really ramps up when everything starts to fall apart and utilises all of the tropes that come with a set up based on lies.

I adored the resolve. How they protect Gene Hackman’s senator from the media is charming. It’s also the only way I would buy the acceptance from the family. Which dies make me wish that the outro had been held back and we got to experience a sequel.

The Bad

I love Hank Azaria, I really do. The performance is funny and I love almost all of it. The except being the accent. It’s too ‘crafted’ like many of his other ethnic accents in the Simpsons. It just needed toning down slightly to make it more authentic.

The son, Val, and his fiancé are absolute dicks. What they ask of Armand and Albert is heartbreaking and, certainly for me, doesn’t work. They need to really have already met, and love, Barbara. The decision to fictionalise the Goldman’s lives also really should have come from Armand and Albert. There’s no way a Senator’s daughter who seems as intelligent as Barbra would ever think she could get away with such lies, particularly when the media have just uncovered a scandal.
By making this change, Val doesn’t come across as so entitled and cruel.

The Ugly

There’s no doubt, this film is a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community. However, the plot doesn’t come across as an LGBTQ positive film. The majority of the plot is about putting Armand into the closet and teaching Albert “how to be a man” and doesn’t scream positivity.
Then there’s the use of the word “fag” repeatedly. I’m aware that some words we now consider slurs are used by an intended community in a positive way, and that words have different means depending on the country of use. However, I’m pretty certain by 1996, the word “fag” was considered more slur than not. The use did make me wonder about the creation of this film, it’s predcessor and the play they’re both based upon and whether anyone involved was part of the community. It feels like gay representation by straight creatives to me. It just meant this wasn’t the uplifting film I thought it was going to be.

Side Note

This film made me think about the recent call for all gay characters being played by gay actors and why this is a very bad idea.

Nathan Lane is openly gay. Now.
Back in 1996? Not so much. Although he was almost outed on Oprah while promoting this film.
By enforcing the rule above, means you’re forcing people to out themselves when they’re not comfortable to. It also means you’re writing off a performance like the one Nathan Lane gives in this film.

Final Thoughts

This film, however flawed, walked so the LGBTQ genre could run and it’s a must watch for anyone who loved the amazing talent that is Robin Williams.

Fast X (2023) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 2h21
Release 19.05.2023
Director Louis Leterrier
About Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything — and everyone — he loves.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV
Trailer:

The Good

Jason Momoa is an absolute bat shit crazy delight. I want to see the film he was in because he was having a blast. From his styling to his talking to corpses during a little self care, he’s pitch perfect and funny as fuck!

John Cena is as perfect as always.

There’s a car that will envoke a certain theme when you see it and it is stunning. I would learn to drive to have that car. In black. Matte black.
It is a cameo car, but I’m still thinking about it now. That’s how good it is.

There’s an attempt to tie everything together and credit, where credit is due, I think the film does manage to not only incorporate the two decades worth of franchise, but it does a fair job at streamlining it all.

The Bad

The cold open really threw me out of the whole film in a way that no other instalment ever has. It was only after watching and upon checking wikipedia, I connected the dots. No movie, none at all, should ever require you to rewatch the previous films to follow what you’re currently watching.
Annoyingly, the cold open serves only as a rug pull later in the movie. The film would work just as well, if not better, without the opening. Mainly because it’s chopped up and replayed throughout as Dom works out what we’ve already been told. I don’t know why movies insist on putting the audience in a position where they know more than the protagonist and then have their perspective play like a mystery.
Oh, and what the fuck is it with no title card in that cold open, yet locations?! After establishing shots with landmarks?! Big fuck-off “LONDON”, or wherever they inexplicably find themselves.

Speaking of which, there are so many rehashes of the 9 previous films in various forms. Each one so fleeting that it’s never going to support any casual watcher of the franchise, and I can only imagine it’s a tad tedious to hardcore fans.

The Ugly

This film is trying to be Endgame. The problem with that? The franchise is a mess. There’s no consistency in how they number their sequels, let alone have a plan that connects all the characters and plots in a that Kevin Feige has done over in the MCU.
So what’s the alternative? Ram in as many cameos and callbacks as humanly possible until you create a bloated, convoluted and chaotic confusion put on celluloid? Even if that wasn’t the intention, it’s what was created.
For example, I welcome Helen Mirren reprising her role as Queenie, however the scene was nothing but exposition so it felt pointless. Also, didn’t Dom kill one of her sons?

It was an HOUR before we got a drag race. You know, the premise that built this bloody franchise?! Instead we get to watch the “family” scramble after a bomb that should have exploded way before the trigger was pushed (I don’t know much about explosives, but I’m damn certain THAT is not how they work).

Final Thoughts

The bad most definetley outweighs the good. That sad, Momoa is one big slice of good and Cena certainly makes everything easier. I would advise that you switch off your brains though: as much as leterrier has stated he was trying to bring it back to reality, the films still up there with taking a car to space.

Wild Wild West (1999) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h47
Release 13.0 8.1999
Director Barry Sonnenfeld
About Special Agent Jim West and inventive US Marshal Artemus Gordon are ordered by President Ulysses Grant to team up to save the world from Dr Arliss Loveless’s enormous steam-powered tarantula.
Moon: daytime full moon in the final act
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

First Thoughts

I loved this movie. It was the steampunk that hooked me. I also adored Will Smith, and once the credits rolled; Kevin Kline.

The Good

Kenneth Branagh is shit! Like, I get that this is his attempt at Rickman’s Sheriff, but it’s so far off the mark that it’s stinks. And that is beautiful! If it wasn’t for this performance, I would not have trusted Branagh as Lockheart in Potter.
To me, this was “The Stuffy Shakespeare dude” who “sang the theme tune, wrote the theme tune” when it came to his 1996 Hamlet and I just didn’t like what he represented. Until this. I knew he was (and is) and incredible actor. I appreciated what he was attempting in accepting the role and it showed me he wasn’t the perfectionist I thought he was. I will also point out; I didn’t know it was him until much later.

Kevin Kline provides a straight man foil of a similar ilk to Rimmer in Red Dwarf. Now, the chemistry between him and Smith doesn’t quite work. Smith is no Lister. However the only person who could have played it better would have been Chris Barrie himself.

The costumes, the steampunk and finally M. Emmet Walsh all make this film *almost* bearable.

The Bad

The element of Jim West’s story, the loss of his parent’s, comes in way too late. We’re way past the halfway mark when it is revealed why West is hellbent on apprehending General McGrath; played a little too well by Ted Levine. This motivation would have encouraged the audience to engage more with the character.

The CGI still stands up. Yes, that should be a good thing. However, it’s an indicator that the budget was not well distributed and more could have been diverted to the script. After all, what’s the point in having stunning visuals if no one will watch them.

The Ugly

The racism commentary and the casting of Will Smith.
I cannot even say that the film is attempting to create a revisionist history like Hamilton or Django Unchained. There are too many writers involved for it to be that clever. Or intentional.
Because of this, it fails where both Hamilton and Django Unchained succeeded. Instead of it being a commentary about racism, it simply presents a black character in a heavily racist landscape. The script then also attempts to “challenge” the racist commentary with “comedic” word play. At the time of it’s release this would have gone over my head, but watching it today; just because Jim West can counter Loveless’ passive aggressive “How nice you could join us and add colour to these monochromatic proceedings” with “When a fella comes back from the dead, I find it an occasion to stand up and be counted.” does not negate the racism, or the ableist intent either for that matter.
Without getting too deep into the social politics of this because I simply don’t know enough to truly comment, however by making a joke of confederative thinking, could confuse younger viewers on what is, and isn’t appropriate to say in society.

On a similar note, I would say much of the same applies to the treatment and commentary of women, particularly those of heavier body shapes. It certainly also applies to Artemus and his concealing himself as a woman during missions. It’s hard to know if we should see it as the art form of drag, or as being coded trans. Either way, the fact that the pay off is that James West mistakes a cis woman as Artemus, makes the whole thing in bad taste.

Final Thoughts

It’s a painful, problematic, film. I don’t know why it was a good idea to watch it again.

Arthur’s Whiskey (2024) Film Review

Rating PG
Length 1h48
Release 01.01.2024
Director Stephen Cookson
About Three elderly ladies discover a whisky which gives them younger bodies.
Moon: no moon sighting
Trigger warnings: spousal death, terminal illness
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)
Trailer:

The Good

The message leaves you feeling better than when you went in. It’s like a warm hug on a cold evening.

The story and the tone are that ideal blend of bittersweet realism and broad British humour. It’s Mama Mia meets Death Becomes Her by way of 13 Going on 30. That familiar feel with a new twist.

The film approaches a LGBTQ subplot really well and while I do wish it was explored a little more in terms of how times have changed and how social politics impact the decisions made by the characters, I must say that the story still fit really well into the film and I really enjoyed the dynamics of the main character and her son.

The Bad

I’m not 100% on the casting of the younger versions. Perhaps because in these “body swap” films there it normally only the one or two people and so focus and time can be spent on refining the character. As it stands, I find the younger counterparts are more theatre acting.

David Harewood was wasted in his fleeting role. Little unsure as to the point or purpose, I would have liked him to have been a romantic lead had the film progressed differently.

The Ugly

Niagara Falls! For the last act, I was a sobbing mess. Yes, it was cathartic tears… but tears non the less.

Final Thoughts

Despite the tears, this was the perfect January feel good film.

Dune (1984) Film Review

Rating PG
Length 2h17
Release 14.12.1984
Director David Lynch
About Paul, a duke’s son, leads an army of the indigenous population called the Fremen on the desert planet of Arrakis as they get ready to defend their land from the evil Harkonnens.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

For the time I think this is a most excellent attempt. Yes the graphics are shoddy, but it’s 1984. I’m going to give it a pass for that. The story is told, and it is mostly easy to follow. There’s parts that are unintensionally funny, but it only adds to the charm.

The acting is not winning awards, but that goes both ways. It’s not Razzie worthy either. The biggest indicator would be that even Sting gives a decent performance as one of many music stars throughout history who have taken to film.
The biggest win for the film is of course Kyle MacLachlan who is able to lead the film as Paul. Being a fated saviour is a hard task to bring to screen and MacLachlan is able to show a developed arc and growth for the character.

The Bad

That opening monologue is terrible, overly expositional and visually off-tone. The moment she fades out, to only fade back in when she remembers another point is something that you would expect to see from Holly in Red Dwarf.

The music, while is much better than the most recent version of this story, I was pulled out of the film because of how similar it sounded to a section of Scrooged’s score. Yes, this came first, but I’m more familiar with with the Bill Murray Christmas Carol offering.

The Ugly

The voice over narration. I’d say 9 times out of 10, I’d already figured out what then was whispered as a voice over “thought” so I get the feeling this was added after filming. It was too intrusive, too distracting and, on the most part, pointless.

The Baron killing the servant was stomach churning. The murder and assault are rather visceral and adding to it the audience and the repulsively of the Baron himself just leaves the whole thing nightmarish.

Final Thoughts

It is of its time and not something I’d rush to watch again. If you’re not a fan of Sci-fi, I would say clear of this as you will not survive the runtime.

Ghostbusters II (1989)

Rating PG
Length 1h48
Release 01.12.1989
Director Ivan Reitman
About Having gone bankrupt and out of work, the Ghostbusters have now retired. But their services are required again when a series of events involving ectoplasmic slime threaten the city and Dana’s baby.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime and Now TV
Trailer:

First Thoughts

This is a film that I don’t remember the first time of seeing it. I have seen it enough to pin point where the adverts fall in a circa 1993 VHS recording from ITV that included my most excellent cropping skills by means of the pause and record.
Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler was probably one of my first ever crushes; you know that sort of butterfly feeling you get before you even understand what crushes are. However, the biggest thing was; I wanted to be a Ghostbuster. Only thing I wanted to be more in my life was a Turtle, of the Teenage persuasion.

The Good

Bill Murray is king. Yes, my heart still belongs to Spengler and it always will, but it is Venkman who holds everyone’s attention. The humour is unique to Murray and I’d imagine is what many SNL alums aim for when making that move from tv to film. Very few manage to have the ability to make adlib as smooth and polished as he does.

I love the story. I know this sounds stupid, but as a little girl I loved the pink. As an adult, I’m even more at awe with this pink gelatinous villain. It’s genius. It’s a simple thing that pulls girls in, but by making it filled with evil it does not alienate the boys watching.

Lady Liberty is a really uplifting moment. I am not a New York native, but I understand what she stands for and why she’s what is needed for the final act. I must say, the graphics still stand up and the song choice is perfect.

The Bad

Winston Zeddemore gets the raw deal. Even Louis Tully has more to do than the OG Ghostbuster and its something that really should have been a priority to correct.

Ray makes all the same missteps from the first movie. I love that there was the attempt to go from the highs of the skyscraper to a subterranean foe. However, that only really becomes of note if you don’t have the same member make dumb choices that get in the way of success.

The Ugly

Tully and Melnitz making out like teenagers really gives me the cringe and really annoys me for the very fact that they pulled all the innuendo from the first film; most of which would go over a kid’s head. This make-out is visual, there’s no missing it. Gag!

Final Thoughts

This is my Aliens, my Gremlins 2; there’s a very different tone and it’s kind of what makes this the better of the first two outings.

Dune (2021) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 2h35
Release 21.10.2021
Director Denis Villeuve
About Paul Atreides arrives on Arrakis after his father accepts the stewardship of the dangerous planet. However, chaos ensues after a betrayal as forces clash to control melange, a precious resource.
Moon: moon(s) seen but not full.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

The cast collected for this epic?! It’s not just the choosing of the up and coming Chalamet or Zendaya, but also of incredible talent from Javier Bardem and Charlotte Rampling. There’s a risk of the production being hammy, but it’s able to keep an element of gravitas with the ensemble chosen.

Strange New Worlds’ Babs Olusanmokun steals the show for me. His voice, his presence is enough to claim MVP. Then his interaction with both Chamalet and Bardem proves that this man will be one to watch.

It’s a stunning film and on a par with James Cameron and Ridley Scott. You could pause the film at any point and before you would be a work of art ready for your wall. On a small screen it was incredible, so I can only imagine how breathtaking it would appear on Imax.

This film and this story, brings together all that we love about Sci-Fi and Fantasy and is incredibly lean despite its run time. The adventure of Lord of the Rings, the action of Star Wars and the beauty of Alien. It works so well because this gives us some of the concepts that have not worked in other franchises, Star Wars, Politics and control for example, and shows there is a place within the genre to explore these.

The Bad

Controversial, but Hans Zimmer’s score falls incredibly flat for me. Yes, I’m holding him in a high regard because of his iconic work on Christopher Nolan’s films. That said, there’s nothing that stands out, there’s no theme. Maybe they weren’t going for that, but then why hire Zimmer?

The Ugly

I’m so bored of “The One” storyline. Yes, the book was written in 1965, way before the emergence of Neo, Potter and the Skywalker family but here in the closing hours of 2023, it is over played. It’s not just the idea of prophecy, but it’s all that comes with it. Not initially knowing, learning to take on the burden of leadership, the loss of the mentor and the biggest bug bearer; are they, or are they not “the chosen one”.

Final Thoughts

An incredible film made from what I’d imagine Hollywood considered an untranslatable novel. I’d would, however, recommend that if you haven’t seen it and you have the stamina; wait for the release of the sequel and catch a double screening.

Harry Brown (2009) Film Review

Rating 18
Length 1h43
Release 11.11.2009 (In the US)
Director Daniel Barber
About Harry Brown, a retired Royal Marine, leads a lonely life with his only friend, Leonard Attwell. His life changes when Leonard is killed, following which Harry decides to seek revenge.
Moon: Full moon as the film enters the final act
Where to Watch: Disney+ and UKTV Play
Trigger Warnings: Gang violence, drug use, rape, debilitating illness
Trailer:

The Good

The cast and the acting is on form. Without Michael Cain and Emily Mortimer, this may not have had the impact it did. There’s an immediate attachment to Harry and what becomes his mission of retribution.

The story, while simple enough, holds enough back to give an impressive and surprising final act. It also doesn’t conform to the usual tropes and arcs; giving the narrative a more grounded and real-world feel.

I certainly got the impression this was green-lit on the back of the successful Taken. Harry Brown is an a-typical archetype similar to Bryan Mills. Making the character older, and a veteran has a developed understanding for most audiences and could put people we know into a new perspective.

The Bad

I felt as if the perspective of the Police Force could have been developed a little bit more. Yes, we get the idea that there’s politics and optics at play but I would have a little more than lip service to truly feel the impact of Frampton’s transfer come the final act.

The Ugly

The violence and drugs make this a tough watch. Don’t get me wrong, they need to be there and it’s that necessity which makes it all the worse. The culture that is grown within the community is one of shocking desensitisation and unfortunately, it is all too real. Not only that, the gang members never take responsibility for their actions and its a bitter pill to swallow.

There’s significant trigger warnings for this film, but I must expand upon the traumatic rape represented in one scene. Not only is the act filmed and being watched on repeat by the gang, the woman is drugged into unconsciousness and from my perspective it could be misconstrued as a snuff film. It is horrific, it will be triggering for survivors and the most chilling of all is that I cannot say with any conviction that it was unnecessary.

Final Thoughts

A powerful, all too truthful, watch. You won’t be viewing it for entertainment purposes, but this film takes everything of the vigilante comic book hero franchises and addresses it in a real world setting with an added layer of commentary about different generations and what they fight for.