rtqfkc Reviews

True Spirit (2023)

Inspirational Stuff

[7/10 · 8 February 2023]

I tried to get my kids to watch this, hoping the inspirational story line would give them ideas beyond sitting and playing games on the iPad. But I failed so I watched this myself. It follows the true story of 16 year old Jessica Watson attempting to fulfil a (let's face it) very short, life long dream of being the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The film delivers, albeit in a bit of a lightweight way. The danger elements were few but done well. The sea does look scary at points, but I wanted a little more edge of the seat stuff. But this is aimed at the 10-16 crowd, so perfect in that respect.

The film is almost 2 hours long, but it takes a long time for the world journey to actually start and the pacing of the film from that point is a bit too quick. Half way round The world in the blink of an eye. It is a true story and I can't believe it was all plain sailing (excuse the pun) for that half of the journey. It would have been nice to have a few more elements of danger and drama.

It's always great to see Anna Paquin, but young Teagan Croft was excellent as the young protagonist sailor. I originally thought she was a bit too wide eyed and perfect teeth for the role, but at the end of the film you do see footage of the real Jessica Watson on the original boat and they are actually very similar in looks, so good casting in that respect.

If you can get your kids to watch this, I would highly recommend!

Matilda: The Musical (II) (2022)

British and Brilliant

[9/10 · 26 November 2022]

Fittingly this is a British cast and filmed in the UK. Roald Dahl would have been proud. The exception to the rule being Tim Minchin. But his music transposes from stage to film excellently, allowing for an even greater visual feast playing with his clever lyrics.

My biggest issue with the 1996 version being Danny DeVito playing Mr Wormwood as well as being the narrator. But this film avoids the obvious pitholes and is a huge step away from the original, music aside.

The casting is well thought. Emma Thompson playing Miss Trunchbull with little effort it seems as she is obviously enjoying every evil second of it. I don't mean to be mean to Ms. Thompson, but it really didn't look like she was wearing much in the way of prosthetics, but I mean this in a good way. Nanny McPhee simply looked like Emma Thompson wearing loads of plastic.

You know Stephen Graham always delivers but my only criticism is that he was on screen too little. Andrea Riseborough was new to me, but again, too little screen time. I guess being a musical, they had to devote more time to the musical numbers. The two main hitters being "When I grow up" and "Revolting Children" These were well presented and brilliantly re-worked for the big screen.

When I first saw Alisha Weir (Matilda) I was a bit worried that she wouldn't deliver, the role of Matilda being a lot more complex than it first appears. But I was very quickly blown away by her ability to bring pathos and the next minute show that she was no pushover no matter the consequences. I was also glad that she was not your typical stage kid. Her performance being understated and effective in the process.

The standout performance was for me Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey. She deserves awards galore for this role. If she doesn't make you cry then you are made of stone.

This will undoubtedly be a classic and there is the appetite for strong female protagonists right now - Wednesday Addams put that meal on the table! A great family favourite made even better than the original.

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

Odd film saved by Pugh and Pine.

[6/10 · 27 October 2022]

The cinematography and the 50s picture postcard Americana setting is immediately captivating. But the writing let's this down. I think Olivia Wilde can't direct for toffee, but she was very lucky to have Pine and Pugh, who are way too good for this film. Pugh in particular is utterly compelling. She looks stunning and her naturalist acting sits comfortable with her character. I love Gemma Chan, but her styling looked odd in this and for me it jarred. So finally on to you know... him...

Harry mumbles his first few lines. You can't tell what accent he's trying to pull. It's almost like they shot some of it with him using an odd American accent and finally someone decided he'd be a Brit (as it was easier). There is a bit where he has to do an American accent (not giving the plot away) and it's not good. He has an odd shouty scene where he gives it some, but it's not convincing especially when he is outclassed by Pugh. Overall an odd film, but not a complete dodo. It has an interesting story, just written very badly and it seems to be lacking something. Maybe some clever editing could save it if it were ever re-released as the run time feels excessive.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

Feel good fluff - but lots of fun

[9/10 · 11 August 2022]

The cinematography immediately captures you with its warm soft glow. You are then drawn in further by the locations, amazing apartments, 50s London and of course Paris. Everyone looks amazing and beautiful. Lesley Manville is perfectly cast as Ada Harris and adds a real sparkle to the film. Alba Baptista and Lucas Bravo (Emily in Paris) provide a further love interest and of course they are both off the scale good looking. The fashion is at the core of the film always. Dior is worthy to be front and centre in every decade, but 50s Dior was the best.

The film moves at a good pace, providing some good belly laughs and plenty of feel good. This film appeals across the board. Go get your popcorn, sit down and enjoy.