Showing posts with label 7 Rated Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7 Rated Film. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Weapons (2025) Review

Weapons (2025) Review 


Over the last few weeks, Weapons has been the most popular film in the world and though this usually wouldn't be a film that interests me, I decided to check it out and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees 18 students mysteriously disappear with a community looking to find out what exactly happened and why. 

Main Character

There are a lot of characters in this film but I would say Julia Garner as Justine is the main character here and she does a great job. She is the most interesting character and really struggles with the situation. Garner really shines and is quickly becoming a household name that we will see more and more of as the years go on. 

Supporting Characters

Josh Brolin plays Archer and he is also great. He is the main parent who is frustrated with the situation and he really delivers on this. Brolin really brings the intensity and it is great to see him in a role like this. 

Alden Ehrenreich plays Paul and even though I found his part in the film to be quite jarring, I thought he was very good in it. He plays a cop that is loosely linked to the overall plot but it is pretty interesting seeing this guys life go slowly downhill during his part of the film. 

Cary Christopher plays Alex, the only child in the class that doesn't go missing. He is great and really delivers especially for a child actor. As you learn more about him and what he is going for you see just how complex the predicament that he is put in and Christopher does it very well. 

Benedict Wong and Austin Abrams get their chapters as Marcus and James and though smaller roles they both did good jobs in their roles. 

Story

The story is segmented into chapters which focus on one of the characters and the film isn't in chronological order. This added some unique feeling to the storytelling and intrigue to what exactly was going on. The first act really had me sucked in and wondering what exactly was going on with the kids and the adults that are being focused on. But the second act gets a bit distracted in a sub plot and the third act falls flat with a pretty ridiculous and laughable ending that really went against the tone of the rest of the film. 

Script

The script was okay. Similar to the story, I feel like the writing for the first act was sharp and interesting but it definitely falls down in the later parts of the film as the film isn't quite sure how to resolve the situation they put themselves in. 

Style 

The film does a really good job of building suspense and intrigue with its filmmaking and style. There were some really tense scenes that you weren't sure what exactly was going to happen. However, I feel like the film was at its weakest when it went with the horror film tropes and they made me sigh as it took away all the intrigue and suspense. I also think the film could have cut one or two of the chapters and expand some of the more interesting ones to aid with the pacing of the film. 

Overall

Overall, Weapons is a good film that does a somewhat good job of building intrigue and suspense. Just don't expect this to be the film to revolutionize horror as it really isn't that. Probably one you can wait till it comes onto a streaming service. 

Rating - 7/10 

Friday, July 25, 2025

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) Review

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) Review


After many years, Marvel Studios finally have the rights back to The Fantastic Four. It is pretty well known that the history of The Fantastic Four on the big screen has been pretty poor, so in preparation I was hoping that this could be better. Here is my review for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The premise of the film sees The Fantastic Four, who are celebrities and well liked facing their biggest test when a Herald arrives setting up their planet for destruction. 

Main Character

When Pedro Pascal was cast as Reed Richards I was sceptical as I have got a bit tired of him. But he was great in this role and really delivers as Reed. He nails the intelligence and darkness of the role and I think this is the most interesting that the character has been. Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm and she is also great, the film puts her front and centre and she really delivers. This is more of a co-leadership this time around and both of the actors nail it. 

Supporting Characters

Joseph Quinn plays Johnny Storm and he is great in the film. This is a very different performance to what we have seen in previous iterations. He really gets the chance to show his intelligence and value to the team, he also probably gets the most action scenes and it is cool to see his powers on show. 

Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm and he is also very different, he probably has the least development of all of the characters. For the most part he seems to have accepted his transformation and is loved and enjoys it. It means there is less complexity but I can't help but say that this is a fun performance and a fun interpretation of the character. 

Ralph Ineson plays Galactus and after a disappointing previous version of the character, I am happy to report that he is awesome as Galactus. He isn't on screen loads but they nailed the design and the voice. He is an interesting character and a character I have been waiting to see on the big screen for a long time. 

Unfortunately, there is one element of the cast that I didn't care much for and that is Julia Garner as The Silver Surfer. The actress does a good enough job and the design is great but the character is super dull. They rush through her character arc and we don't spend anywhere near enough time with the character and the film doesn't give a good enough reason for me to care about her. 

Story

The story is good, I really liked how this version of the characters were really sold as a Family and felt like people who have been doing this for a while. The chemistry between the actors is great and I like how the film focused on the groups relationship with the people and how they really want to save them. However, I think this plot isn't as big as it wants to be, it falls flat in terms of conveying its stakes and I wanted to see there be more peril considering Galactus is planning on destroying the planet. 

Script

The Script is okay, there are some funny moments and occasionally the drama does work. However, similar to the plot I think that the writing just falls a little flat. There aren't too many memorable moments and huge character moments. 

Style

The film has a very colourful style and I really liked it, the costumes are great and the action sequences are well done. Especially when the team comes face to face with Galactus which feels like something straight out of a comic book. However, this film does have a pacing issue, it feels quite long and the first act is really slow which made it difficult to get into the film. 

Overall

Overall, The Fantastic Four: The First Steps is a good movie and is easily the best Fantastic Four film. It has a lot of enjoyable things and is worth a watch, but I don't think this is the ground-breaking film Marvel Studios wanted and would say it isn't one to rush out and go watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Monday, July 7, 2025

Heads of State (2025) Review

Heads of State (2025) Review


This film has been making waves this last week and I have finally got around to watch Heads of State and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees The President of The United States & The Priminister of The United Kingdom go on the run after they are targeted by Terrorists. 

Main Character

John Cena plays Will Derringer and Idris Elba Plays Sam Clarke and they really fit this film well. Cena is the over the top American who really grinds on his British counterpart. Whereas Elba plays the straight man well and is clearly frustrated at dealing with Cena throughout the film. They have worked together before and their chemistry is great being the real highlight of the film. 

Supporting Characters

Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Noel and she is good in the film. It takes a while for her to properly get involved but she is an entertaining third wheel to the major protagonists. Her character takes part in some of the best action scenes and she was an effective fit for the role. 

Jack Quaid has a small role as a special agent here and I loved his performance. He was so much fun and he just showed that he is a great actor that he could take this already entertaining film and make himself a really memorable part, even with limited screen time. 

However, other actors don't get as much to work with. Paddy Considine plays the villain and he is bland here. He is a great actor and the story gives him some decent motivation but the film really fails to capitalise on it and he is just like many villains in comedy action films, bland. 

The rest of the cast just fill out their roles but offer nothing to really stand out Even Carla Gugino as The Vice President is a boring character. 

Story

Look, this film doesn't take itself too seriously and thus the story isn't exactly Citizen Kane. However, it does a good job showing the dynamic between these two guys who don't like each other and how they can learn from each other. But at the end of the day it is a really generic film that follows pretty much every trope known to man and that is a shame as I think there was some potential to make things a bit better with ideas that they half bake. 

Script

Similar to the point above, don't expect this amazing script. I mean it lacks real drama and does have some eye rolling comedy. But, overall this film is pretty funny and I laughed quite a few times during it which I believe was the point of this film, so I was happy with it. 

Style

The film has a really fun style. It has some genuinely great action sequences that range from the ridiculous to something you might see in more serious films. It is paced well and I was thoroughly enjoyed throughout and never got bored. 

Overall

Overall, Heads of State is a good film that is a lot of fun. You have to know that you are in for a silly action film but if that is right up your street then give Heads of State a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Ballerina (2025) Review

Ballerina (2025) Review


Following the very profitable and successful John Wick franchise we have started to see the franchise expand. First we got the Prime show The Continental and now we have the first film spinoff in Ballerina, I saw this film yesterday and here is my review for Ballerina. The premise of the film sees a young women trained in the world of assassination in order to get revenge on the man who killed her Father. 

Main Character

Ana De Armas takes over the lead role as Eve and she is great in the role. Her motivations were incredibly simple but it was well conveyed by Armas and I wanted to see her succeed. She is also great in the action scenes and is super believable in taking out these guys that are trying to kill her. Eve is a worthy addition of protagonists in this franchise. 

Supporting Characters

Might as well start with it, Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick and it is so much fun to watch him back on screen. Though, I had some issues with how the character is used, you cannot deny that seeing The Boogeyman in action is a great sight. 

Ian McShane is back as Winston and he is fun to watch but he is a really small part of the film and doesn't have anywhere near as big a presence as he did in the previous films. Also a shoutout to Lance Reddick who has been in all of these films and this is his last appearance due to his untimely death. 

Angelica Huston reprises her role as The Director and I just think her role didn't hit the note that it could have done. I just think the relationship between her and Eve is kind of forgotten about and not given the real depth it deserved. 

Gabriel Bryne plays The Chancellor who is the main villain here and he is just such a weak character. There is nothing interesting about this guy and his motivations just didn't work for me and that is a shame. 

Also Norman Reedus is here in a role and he is really wasted and it just feels like he did this as a favour to someone while he was filming his latest Walking Dead show. 

Story

The story is a pretty simple revenge story and that is fine with me and I did like how that was conveyed. Also it was pretty cool to see some of the training that Eve had to go through, though I wish this had been a bit longer. Though, the film starts to try and throw twists at the film that make no sense and there is a bigger focus on John Wick that does take away from Eve's final revenge. There is also a big plot involving a young girl and it could have been completely removed from the film and it would have been no different. 

Script

The script is okay, there is enough drama and some dry humour here that makes Eve a cool character. But the overall writing isn't great, character motivations and those unnecessary twists feel forced and that they didn't need to be there. 

Style

The film has a really cool style to it. These John Wick films have been known for their amazing action scenes as one person destroys a group of enemies in creative ways and this film really delivers there. It is dumb and silly but it moves at a good pace and has some truly brutal kills here. 

Overall

Overall. Ballerina is a good action film and though it maybe doesn't reach the heights of the best John Wick films it is a worthy addition to the franchise and is a good action film to watch and turn your brain off for. 

Rating - 7/10

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

The Accountant 2 (2025) Review

The Accountant 2 (2025) Review



It took 9 years but we finally have a sequel to The Accountant. I went and watched the film today and here is my review. The premise of the film sees The Accountant team up with his brother Braxton in an attempt to uncover a conspiracy that might have a personal connection. 

Main Character

Ben Affleck reprises his role as The Accountant and he is once again great in the role. He is probably a bit less interesting as we learnt the majority about his character in the first film but he added some extra humour and humanity to the role and he was also great in the action scenes. If this franchise continues then it could end up being his John Wick. 

Supporting Characters

Jon Bernthal plays Braxton and he is given much more to do here and is great. The chemistry between him and Affleck is the best part and Bernthal really oozes charisma. There is an argument he is getting slightly type cast as The Punisher but he is just so entertaining that I didn't care. 

Cynthia Addai-Robinson is back as Marybeth Medina and she is better in this film. She gives a solid performance and it is much better seeing her actually with Affleck & Bernthal and part of the case that is going on. 

The cast definitely doesn't have the star power of the first one and it does suffer in terms of its villains. They are incredibly forgettable and a really weak part of the film. There is a female character that flutters in and out of the film who could have been really cool but I do think they fumble her. 

Story

The best part of the story is the relationship between Affleck & Bernthal and how their different personalities cause conflict but they do really care about each other and want to support each other. The clash of beliefs with Medina also works pretty well and is better then the previous film. But the actual plot is pretty dull and the motivations for our main characters feels lacklustre and it doesn't really have the interesting parts that the first film had. 

Script

The script is good. As I mentioned before this film has more comedy and though it wasn't hilarious it did enough to made me laugh a few times. It also had some decent drama between our main protagonists. But as mentioned the story wasn't that interesting and this film suffers with the exposition dump problems that the first film had. 

Style

The film really embraces its place as an action film and has way more action scenes in it then the previous film and all the action is really well filmed. It is just really enjoyable to watch and because of this choice the film just flows much better. 

Overall

Overall, The Accountant 2 is a good film with lots of action and enjoyable lead performances. It still has issues that it had in the first film that if there is a third film I hope it really improves in these areas. 

Rating - 7/10

Monday, April 28, 2025

The Accountant (2016) Review

The Accountant (2016) Review


I am going to see The Accountant 2 tomorrow but it has been a long time since I have seen the first film so I decided to re-watch it and here is my review for The Accountant. The premise of the film sees a unique accountant hired by a company to go through their books which leads to some violent consequences. 

Main Character

Ben Affleck plays The Accountant and I thought he was great in the film. His character has plenty of quirks about him and he seems to encapsulate the role really well. He is fantastic in the action scenes and though I didn't feel loads of sympathy for him I enjoyed watching his journey and performance in the film. 

Supporting Characters 

Anna Kendrick plays Dana and I really liked her performance. She is pretty high energy and the chemistry between her and Affleck is great and they really bounce off of each other well which aids both of their characters. 

JK Simmons plays Ray King and he was fantastic in this film. He really cares about his performance and he really rises this quite generic character and makes him one of the best parts of the film and that is due to the quality of the acting. 

Cynthia Addai-Robinson plays Medina and she is good in the film. I don't really care about her part in the plot but I think Robinson adds to the scenes that she is in and does a decent enough job. 

Jon Bernthal, Jeffery Tambor & John Lithgow are all in this film in smaller roles but they are all entertaining to watch. Especially Bernthal who has been doing some great work over the years. 

Story

The story of The Accountant is fascinating, as we see and find out more about him he becomes way more interesting and I really enjoyed this aspect of the film. I also really liked the dynamic between Affleck & Kendrick and I think it was a great part of the film. However, this films complete plot of the bad guys is super generic and was clearly the afterthought. Also, the investigation by Simmons & Robinson really goes nowhere and I do think if that part of the film was cut then it would be no different. 

Script

The script actually has some pretty good dialogue, even some little chuckle worthy moments that I wasn't expecting. But this film really suffers with an exposition problem and the way that it is presented is really weak and affects how the film flows. 

Style

The film has some great action to it. It rivals top action films like John Wick and seeing Affleck take down bad guys is really satisfying. However. the film has some real pacing issues and makes it feeling longer then it is. 

Overall

Overall, The Accountant is a good film that has some great performances and action scenes. It does have some issues but is a fun watch and I hope the sequel is at least as good if not better. 

Rating - 7/10

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Review

Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Review


The biggest film in the world right new is Captain America: Brave New World and yesterday I had a chance to watch the film and here is my review for the first Sam Wilson Led Captain America Film. The premise of the film sees Captain America trying to work with the new president when a ruthless plan is put into place to take them both down. 

Main Character

As mentioned above, Anthony Mackie plays Sam Wilson and he fully embraces his role as Captain America and he is really great in this film. He slips into the role extremely well and is a really likeable character here. They do their best to progress his character and though it isn't perfect, I am happy with how it ended up for him in the role. 

Supporting Characters

Harrison Ford takes over the role as President Ross from the late William Hurt and is fantastic. He really adds a lot to the character and is given a great character arc which is enhanced by Ford really trying his best and being enthused in the project. 

Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres & Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley see their roles enhanced after the events of The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. Torres is trying to become the new Falcon and he is a good partner for Sam and has his own character arc. It is nice to see the position Bradley is in at the beginning of the film and he has a lot of adversity to face throughout the film. 

Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as Samuel Sterns from The Incredible Hulk and he was a good villain here. They give him reasonable motivations for his actions and sells the creepy character that he has become. 

Shira Haas plays Ruth Bat-Seraph and her casting and character caused a lot of controversy but It didn't distract me from the film and didn't offend me. Her character was functional for the film but didn't really stand out. 

Giancarlo Espositio plays Sidewinder and usually I wouldn't mention him but Esposito is a tremendous actor and he nails it in this small bad guy role. 

Story

The story has good character development for its main characters and does a pretty good job of selling the espionage angle and keeps the audience guessing throughout. However, this film does feel more like a sequel to The Incredible Hulk then a Captain America Film, Sam Wilson sometimes feels like an afterthought in his own movie and that is a shame. Also the last act feels really rushed and doesn't hit the levels that I wanted with my high expectations. 

Script

This film takes itself more seriously then the majority of Marvel films but does have some chuckle worthy moments and some moments of drama that feel worthwhile. But it never hits the level where I really got invested or fully cared about the characters and story and that is encapsulated by the ending. 

Style

There are some excellent action sequences in this film. It feels really grand on screen and seeing Sam Wilson as Captain America allows for some different action scenes then previous Captain America films. As shown in the trailers we get Red Hulk and when he is on screen, he is awesome and causes plenty of destruction but he just isn't on screen enough. The film has an issue with pacing, the last act is really rushed and I think this film needed a longer runtime to really deliver on what it promised. Also, some of the VFX Effects leave a lot to be desired, especially for a big blockbuster action movie. 

Overall

Overall, Captain America: Brave New World is a good film that ahs plenty of positives. It maybe doesn't hit the really high expectations that I had for it but I would say if you are a fan of super-hero films then you will enjoy this film and what is here. 

Rating - 7/10

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Gladiator 2 (2024) Review

 Gladiator 2 (2024) Review


After 24 years, Ridley Scott has decided to release a sequel to his much acclaimed film Gladiator. It is an amazing film and I was very excited to go watch this film and here is my review for Gladiator 2. The premise of the film follows a man see his homeland invaded by Romans and everything taken from him. To get revenge he is recruited to become a Gladiator. 

Main Character

Paul Mescal plays the lead and he is good in his role. He can't quite live up to Russel Crowe but he does a decent job and really gets better as the film progresses. I liked his characters development throughout the film and he was a good protagonist here. 

Supporting Characters

Denzel Washington plays Macrinus and he is a lot of fun to watch, I mean he just plays himself but he is super charismatic and entertaining to watch. He oozes charisma on the screen and I really loved watching this generational actor do his thing. 

Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla from the first film and she does a great job. She has clearly gone through a lot since the first film and it is really easy to sympathise with her in the situation she has been put in and it is nice to see her back here. 

Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius and I thought he was fantastic. I was expecting him to be this generic Roman General but he really wasn't. They give so much character to him and Pascal absolutely nailed it making the most of his screen time. 

Joseph Quinn & Fred Hechinger play the two Emperors and they are a lot of fun to watch. They aren't as good as Joaquin Phoenix was as Commodus but they were fun and crazy. 

Story

The story does a good job with Pescal's character and thought it is pretty simple it is handled really effectively and aided with his development. The film does embrace its more political side and I think this story was handled well and showed that these fights are about more then just bloodshed. But this film does have a slight issue with really nailing the emotion in the story, it has the right ideas but just misses the mark. I also thought this films ending is a bit abrupt and doesn't quite deliver on what I was hoping for. 

Script

The script is a mixed bag and does feel like it is written by two different people. There are some cool speeches and as I mentioned they deal with the political side of Rome really well. But there is some silly writing here and some moments just don't work and don't add to the film. 

Style

For the most part the film looks fantastic, the action scenes are really well realised and the violence is on point if not a little bit stylised. Despite the film being pretty long it flowed nicely and I was never bored throughout. But the film has some really noticeable CGI and it really took me out of the film and I just wish there could have been a bit more practicality and grit to the film. 

Overall

Overall, Gladiator 2 is a good film but falls flat compared to its predecessor. It is still an enjoyable film and I think it is a worthy film to see at the cinema and can recommend it but maybe just slightly lower your expectations. 

Rating - 7/10

Monday, September 30, 2024

Speak No Evil (2024) Review

Speak No Evil (2024) Review


I haven't been to the cinema for a while and I saw this film being marketed so I decided to go today and watch Speak No Evil and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a family invited to spend a weekend with a family that they met abroad but everything is not quite as it seems. 

Main Character

James McAvoy plays Paddy and he is fantastic in this film, he is one of the best actors working today and roles like this clearly proves it. He is so charismatic and just the way he delivers his lines are fascinating and he is giving a brilliant performance that you just want to learn more about him and see him more on screen. 

Supporting Characters

Mackenzie Davis plays Louise and Scott McNairy plays Ben and they are the couple spending the weekend with McAvoy and his family and they are really great. They play their roles really well and even though they are frustrating at times it works for this film and Davis in particular really shines in her role and I want to see her in more things. 

Aisling Franciosi plays Ciara and is the wife of Paddy and she is really good. Even though McAvoy is the clear standout she has great chemistry with him and she delivers a strong performance and she added so much to the tension and drama that is going on. 

Even the child actors are great, Alix West Lefler as Agnes & Dan Hough as Ant really deliver on their roles. In fact Ant is one of the more interesting parts of the film and when we meet him we see why he is a bit different and how difficult a role this is and how well he really did. 

Story

The story is interesting, the film takes its time in getting you invested and make you care about the characters in this film. You see the different characters perspective and you know it is building into a big reveal towards the end and it delivers on that well. I just think the film ends really abruptly, I understand why but it did leave me feel like I didn't really get any answers. 

Script

The characters are written extremely well and they are interesting and really fleshed out, the way the film progresses is really well handled and you gain a greater understanding of the circumstances. But the film did make some of the characters a bit stupid at times and some of the storytelling devices are slightly repetitive. 

Style 

I really like how the film presents itself and the way the film uses tension to bring in the viewer and make this a pretty scary situation. It isn't a horror film and uses minimal horror tropes which I am really thankful of and made me enjoy it more. However, the film has some slightly odd pacing. It just takes ages to really get going and I feel like this film would have been even better had it been cut down by like 10 mins and more killer, less filler being in the film. 

Overall

Overall, Speak No Evil is a good film and a pleasant surprise of 2024. It's not perfect, but keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout and McAvoy gives a truly special performance. I think if you have some spare time then Speak No Evil is a worthy time at the cinema. 

Rating - 7/10

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Alien (1979) Review

Alien (1979) Review


I am off to see Alien: Romulus tomorrow, so I thought it was about time to rewatch the film that started the franchise and the film that takes place before Alien: Romulus chronologically in Alien. So I watched it today and here is my review for a film considered a classic. The premise of the film sees a crew answer a distress call which ends up with them encountering a deadly lifeform.  

Main Character

Sigourney Weaver plays Ripley and she is great in this film. She is a strong character and is one of the most famous female lead characters of all time and this film introduces us to the awesome performance. She gets plenty of time to shine in this film and she was a great lead character. 

Supporting Characters

A young Ian Holm plays Ash and for me he is the most interesting member of the Nostromo crew and Holm absolutely nails it in the role. He is the science officer of the crew and there is just a lot of intrigue about his character and Holm really excels here. 

The rest of the crew are good and involve some big actors such as Tom Skerritt as Dallas & John Hurt as Kane. They are decent but their characters are never really fleshed out but they fill the roles well and do well with what they are given. 

The Alien itself is such an interesting design and I love how this film conveyed The Alien as a true threat to the crew and its lack of screen time actually added to that effect and made every time it does appear feel special. 

Story

The story does a really great job of showcasing a predator hunting down its prey and these humans really struggling to deal with it. There is another interesting story that comes into play in the film which is pretty interesting but isn't particularly the focus here. The issue is that the film doesn't really make you care too much about the majority of the characters and spends a bit too long building atmosphere and tone instead of a plot. 

Script

The script is fine, there are one or two scenes that are pretty memorable and have some good dramatic dialogue. But I never really felt the relationship between the characters and as I mentioned above I never really cared about anyone and the lack of interesting dialogue plays its part. 

Style

The film does a really great job of building tension and atmosphere. You have no idea when The Alien is going to strike next and the film really delves into its horror vibe in order to keep the viewer on edge. But, I have to be honest this film is really slow, especially for the first act. It takes way too long to get going and doesn't do enough in that build up to add to the complexity of the majority of the characters. 

Overall

Overall, Alien is a good film that nails its atmosphere and the objective that it wanted. I know it is probably a controversial opinion to say this film is a bit overrated but I kind of feel like it is, but it is still a good watch especially if you are a fan of horror. 

Rating - 7/10

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) Review

 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) Review


9 years after the release of Mad Max: Fury Road we finally have the release of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, unfortunately it has been suffering at the box office but I managed to watch it last night and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees the origin of Furiosa and how she would grow into the character we meet in Fury Road. 

Main Character

Anya Taylor Joy takes over the role of Furiosa and I thought she encapsulated the role perfectly. I truly believed that she was a younger version of Charlize Theron's interpretation of the character. It does take a while to introduce her in the film and she doesn't have too many lines here but similar to Tom Hardy's performance as Max she gives a very physical performance which just works. Also credit to Alyla Browne who plays the even younger version of the character for the first hour and she she does a great job too. 

Supporting Characters

But the star of this show has to be Chris Hemsworth playing the villain Dementus. He absolutely owns every scene that he is in and is this over the top Australian leader who is oozing charisma and charm and Hemsworth is clearly having a load of fun and he gives one of his best performances here. 

We get Immortan Joe back here, though he is played by a different actor called Lachy Hulme but you wouldn't realise that from the film. It is cool seeing a younger version of the character and you do realise why he has all the devoted troops to his cause. 

But the rest of the cast aren't particularly great. Tom Burke plays Jack and he is incredibly dull, he is kind of introduced as a companion of Furiosa but he adds nothing to the film and this guy delivers his lines in super boring fashion and I did not care about him at all. 

Story

The story is really good, I criticised Mad Max: Fury Road for its lack of story but this film is totally different and tells a really engaging story where we grow to really care and support Furiosa even if we didn't know her from a previous film. This is clearly a revenge tale and it does slightly take its time but I appreciate how Furiosa develops and becomes an interesting character. 

Script

The script is okay and I would say that it is better then the previous film especially when Hemsworth is just monologuing and giving these great moments. But the film lacks true dramatic moments and moments that will make a viewer care. 

Style 

The film once again looks fantastic, the visuals are some of the best you will see in any film out there. The action scenes are good and do their job effectively, though they do feel like they have been lessened and aren't anywhere near as grand and crazy as Fury Road. The film also has some slight pacing issues in its first act which means it takes a while to get going. 

Overall

Overall, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a good film and serves the character of Furiosa well. If you are a fan of that character and this universe then you will like this film. I would say go support this film as it needs to be doing better at the box office as I wouldn't mind seeing more stories in the Mad Max universe in the future. 

Rating - 7/10

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

The Fall Guy (2024) Review

The Fall Guy (2024) Review


So even though it has been out for a bit of time I have finally found the time to watch The Fall Guy and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a failed stuntman sent to find the big movie star of his ex lovers film. 

Main Character

Ryan Gosling has been on quite a role lately and he plays Colt Seavers and he is just great here. He basically plays himself and is clearly having a great time with it, Colt is a fun character and Gosling oozes charisma and charm throughout the film. His character does have a story arc and it kind of works but Gosling takes everything he has and just makes it work. 

Supporting Characters

Emily Blunt plays Jody Moreno and is the main love interest and she is great too. The chemistry between herself and Gosling is amazing and it makes every scene they have together really entertaining and Blunt adds a lot to it. 

Winston Duke plays Dan Tucker and is basically Gosling's Stunt Boss and he was really funny here. He is constantly quoting films and it just gave me a chuckle with how many he chucked in here and Duke has the natural charisma that just makes it work. 

Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Tom Ryder who is the film star that goes missing and he is entertaining when on screen though he doesn't really have too much to do but he feels like a natural part of the film. 

The one performance that annoyed me was Hannah Waddingham as Gail Meyer, she is a talented actress but she as really annoying here and not for the right reasons. It seemed like she saw everyone else having a great time and thought she would raise it even higher and become even more of a parody then this film actually is. 

Story

The story is fun, it is a good love story between Gosling & Blunts character and their chemistry together makes it easy to care about them and really believe in their dynamic. But the rest of the film kind of falls flat, there is no meat to the story and it becomes a bit too convoluted and like they were writing the film as they were shooting it as the film's last act just doesn't quite work. 

Script

The dialogue in the script is quick and sharp, it makes these characters seem more interesting and helps build the relationship between the two main characters and fun references to other works. But the film again lacks the drama and has quite a few different twists which doesn't really make sense and kind of over complicates this film. 

Style

The film looks great, it really puts the spotlight on the role of the Stunt performer and it does prove that these guys deserve way more credit for the work they do. The action scenes are absurd and over the top but there is no denying that they were very fun. But this films pacing is all over the place, it takes too long to get going and then goes on way too long. The 2nd act is strong but the 1st and 3rd don't live up to those levels. 

Overall

Overall, The Fall Guy is a good film. It is just an exciting film that showcases the unsung heroes of film and even though it isn't overly memorable it was a fun time at the cinema and I think if you get the chance and enjoy fun action films then maybe give it a chance. 

Rating - 7/10

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) Review

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) Review


Probably one of the most anticipated films of the year sees the fourth film in the new Planet of the Apes franchise as we get Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and I saw it yesterday and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film is set hundreds of years after the previous films event and sees an ape go on a journey to try and rescue his clan. 

Main Character

Owen Teague plays Noa who is the main Ape here and I thought he was fantastic. It was big shoes to fill after the great work of Andy Serkis as Caesar but I thought Teague knocked it out of the park. You see him really learning and having to step out of his comfort scene in order to help the other apes and forge his own personality. There is a clear character development and Noa's journey is easily the most interesting part of this film. 

Supporting Characters

Freya Allen plays Mae and I thought she did a good job in the film. I do think there were issues with her character and the way she was written but Allen did good work with the material. She had good chemistry with Teague and I thought she was decent. 

Peter Macon plays Raka and I thought he was an enjoyable character. He was mainly used as an exposition dump but he managed to do it in a fun way and again I thought Noa & Raka had good chemistry together and his charm was a welcome addition. 

Kevin Durand plays Proximus and is an awesome villain here. He isn't really in the film enough but he is so charismatic and intimidating in all the scenes that he is in. Durand absolutely nails it and feels like this cult leader really has control and is actually pretty scary. 

The rest of the apes are all really cool too. The apes that are part of Noa's clan are really fun and the chemistry between Noa and his two friends is one of the best in the film and I feel like the film missed an opportunity to keep them together more. There is also a villain ape that was awesome too and a real threat in all of the action scenes. 

Story

The story of Noa and the apes is really good. Noa goes on this journey as a reluctant hero and I really thought his development was well handled. I also liked the villains psychology and how they use Caesar's beliefs in order to push their own agenda which I really liked. But this film has an issue with the whole human story, it is confused about how much it really wants to push the human story and trying to make it overshadow the ape story. It doesn't make much sense and it was less interesting and it makes me kind of wish there were no humans in this film and the focus was fully on the apes. 

Script

The script is okay, I thought the drama was sometimes conveyed well and there was actually a few chuckle worthy moments which I enjoyed. But this film doesn't have too many stand out emotional moments that rise it above and this film has like 15 mins that is just a huge exposition drop about the previous films and it just wasn't handled very well at all. 

Style

This film looks amazing, the CGI for the Apes has improved so much and the apes looks life like and it really helps in making you care about the apes on screen. The settings are great too and the film just is beautifully shot and looks fantastic. But this film has a real problem with its pacing, the final act is really good but it is a bit of a a slog to get there and I feel like the film would have been better had it cut a good 10 mins off of it and sped up the second act. 

Overall

Overall, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a good film and an enjoyable addition to the franchise. It falls a bit short of previous films of the franchise but it was a good watch and I think fans of the franchise will enjoy it and it is even a good launching pad for people who are new to the franchise. 

Rating - 7/10

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

One Life (2024) Review

One Life (2024) Review


I managed to see this film last week and I am finally getting around to review One Life. It is getting around award season which means films like this are released more frequently and this is the one I am starting with. The premise of the film is based on the true story of Nicholas Winton who during WW2 managed to save a large amount of children from hostile environments. 

Main Character

Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the older version of Winton and as usual he is fantastic. He just has such an aura towards him and Hopkins nails the trauma that this man has been through, the film focuses on him more then I thought it was going to and that definitely helps the film because of the overall quality of his performance. 

Johnny Flynn plays the younger version of Winton and is also very good in his role. It is interesting seeing him at work during the awful conditions of a Nazi occupation and how he was convinced that he could help people without looking for any praise himself. The two actors fit the role really well and I actually felt like it was the same person in both parts of the film. 

Supporting Characters

This film has some strong actors in it. Lena Olin plays Winton's wife and she is a good support system for him during the hard times that he goes through. The scenes between her and Hopkins are well realised and they just have good chemistry too. 

Helena Bonham Carter plays Winton's mother in the flashback scenes and she is pretty good too and I think that is down to the strength of her as a performer, She worked well with Flynn and they did some really good work. 

The issue here is that this film doesn't care much about the supporting cast of this film, it is all about Nicholas Winton. To clarify that isn't a bad thing, but it is hard to really care about any of the other people in the film when the film doesn't exactly give them any time. Take Jonathan Pryce, a great actor who only has one scene in the film, it just feels like there isn't much depth there. 

Story

The story works well enough. The story of Nicholas Winton is realised incredibly well in this film, it is an emotional story that makes you care about this man and the hopes and dreams that he had to help other people. The fact that he is a real person and a lot of this film is based on truth tells you how incredible it can be. It is just the execution of some of the elements that don't quite work, for example the film maybe doesn't fully show the horrors of war and kind of falls a little flat in that way. Also as I mentioned above, the other characters in this film aren't really given much to work with or really make you fully care. 

Script

The film is well written. I really ended up caring about the overall story and wanted to learn more about the heroic acts of Nicholas Winton. It can be pretty emotional and nails that as it gets towards the end of the film. It has its moments of charm too and I think it is pretty well done here. 

Style

The film is well made and it looks good, it nails both time periods pretty well and does have some atmosphere. It uses camera techniques to convey emotion well and to make you care about the serious content. But the film has a slight pacing issue, especially in how it balances the flashbacks and the main story. It is a bit jarring at times and like there isn't a complete connection between the two especially with the flashbacks being stopped pretty abruptly. 

Overall

Overall, One Life is a good film behind an amazing story and man. If you have any interest in the subject and the feel of the film then I would say it is worth a watch for sure, but I do wonder in other circumstances this film could have been even better. 

Rating - 7/10

Friday, December 22, 2023

Wonka (2023) Review

Wonka (2023) Review 


This film has been in the making for a while now, but Wonka has finally come out and I have watched it so here is my review for the film. The premise of the film shows the origins of Willy Wonka as he looks to create a chocolate shop that will brighten up everybody's life. 

Main Character

Timothee Chalamet plays the titular character and he does a fantastic job in the role. You can just see that he is having a blast in the role and for a film like this it really helps having a protagonist that you care about and an actor that clearly cares about it. Without comparing him to previous incarnations of the character, I thought Chalamet was charming and charismatic as Willy Wonka. 

Supporting Characters

This cast is huge, which means I won't be able to go through everybody but I will say everybody seemed to have a blast here and it adds to the film. 

Calah Lane plays Noodle, a character that works with Wonka in order to try and achieve success together and she gives a really strong performance. The chemistry between her and Chalamet is really good and believable, it feels like two siblings working together and it is executed well. 

Paterson Joseph plays the villain Slugworth and I thought he was a fun villain. I mean he is over the top and ridiculous but he knows it and decides to make it more campy and cheesy but for this film it just works and he is a fun part of the film. 

Olivia Coleman & British Comedian Tom Davies plays some of the more minor villains but they are a highlight of the film and really do a great job of treating Noodle and Wonka poorly to make you sympathise for the protagonists. 

One of the highlights of the film was the performance of Keegan-Michael Key as the Police Chief. The guy is super funny and the way his character progresses throughout the film is the funniest gag for me and Key nails it. 

Lastly, even though its a smaller role Hugh Grant makes a pretty memorable performance as the Oompa Loompa. It was controversial casting and Grant himself wasn't overly happy with the role but I liked his character and the fact that he isn't in the film that much probably makes it better. 

Story

The story is okay, it does a good job in setting up the character of Willy Wonka and what we all imagine he will become as he gets older. It is a simple good vs bad and you care about the protagonists and dislike the antagonists so works for the family film it is. It does get a bit much towards the end of the film and slightly convoluted, it also takes a bit of time to wrap up the film when it could have been a little shorter. 

Script

The script has some pretty funny and heartfelt moments that fit the overall feel of the film and I was enjoying it. But it definitely has some weaker bits that look at the lowest common denominator of humour and some reveals at the end don't quite hit like the film wants it too. 

Style 

The film looks fantastic, it is incredibly colourful and vibrant which is really fitting for the character of Willy Wonka and the vibe of the film. One thing that I haven't mentioned is that this film is a musical with lots of singing. I found it a bit of a mixed bag, some good musical numbers but some not so great ones that won't be very memorable. 

Overall

Overall, Wonka is a good film that was definitely a fun watch. This is a great family film and I think young kids will enjoy watching Wonka for sure. 

Rating - 7/10

Sunday, November 12, 2023

The Marvels (2023) Review

The Marvels (2023) Review


I think most people can agree that this isn't currently the best time for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and some of their projects haven't got the best responses. The next film to come out under this banner is The Marvels and I saw it the other day and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Captain Marvel get her powers entangled with Kamala Khan & Monica Rambeau forcing them to work together in order to try and save the world. 

Main Character

Ever since she was cast as Captain Marvel it feels like Brie Larson has received a bunch of unnecessary criticism and I am going to say that I thought she was really good here. It seemed that she was actually having a lot of fun here and she made Carol Danvers a likeable character and one that I actually cared about. She has progressed as a character and the film does a good job in making her less over powered then she has been in previous films. 

Supporting Characters

I wasn't a huge fan of the Disney+ show Ms Marvel but I can't deny that I really enjoyed Iman Vellani's performance as Kamala Khan in this film. She is a complete fangirl here and she added so much energy to the film and was really fun as part of this larger project. 

Teyonah Parris reprises her role as Monica Rambeau and I thought she was very good too, she is the most serious of the three characters and the film does an okay job of showing that but Parris sells it well and makes you care about how her character has been affected by other characters actions. The chemistry between these three characters is what carries this film. 

Samuel L Jackson is once again back in the role of Nick Fury and he is clearly having the blast. The serious character from Secret Invasion is gone and he is here for comedic relief and though that is a little frustrating I can't deny that it was fun watching him here. 

Zawe Ashton plays the main villain Dar-Benn and she does a decent job, this won't be one of the most memorable MCU villains but I thought the character was pretty well written and Ashton did the best she could with the amount of screen time she had. 

Story

The story is okay, I think it does a really good job of establishing the three characters in case you haven't seen the Disney+ shows that Kamala & Monica are in. It establishes a bond between the three main characters and the issues that concern them, they also give the villain an interesting motivation that makes some sense. But the issue is that none of it is developed enough, it feels a bit rushed and like certain arcs aren't given enough time to shine and that holds the film back a bit. 

Script

The script is also just okay. There is some pretty good humour and some moments of conflict that hit hard but there just isn't quite enough. It doesn't take many gambles and is quite generic which leaves it a little short. 

Style 

The film looks pretty good it avoids the CGI issues of some previous MCU films and has some fun action sequences that due to some certain story choices allows for some real creativity. It's more of a pacing issue that the film has, it takes a bit of time to get going and then seems to rush at other times which makes it a little jarring. 

Overall

Overall, The Marvels is a good fun film. It will not save the MCU but it is a quick and easy fun film to go see, I think the reviews have been pretty harsh and I think it is worth a viewing especially for comic book fans. 

Rating - 7/10

Monday, October 30, 2023

A Haunting in Venice (2023) Review

A Haunting in Venice (2023) Review


I was a fan of the Murder on the Orient Express that came out a few years ago so I finally got around to watching A Haunting in Venice and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Hercule Poirot in retirement, reluctantly accept to go to a seance. When a murder takes place it is up to Poirot to figure out who the killer is and whether they are from this realm or beyond. 

Main Character

Sir Kenneth Branagh plays Hercule Poirot for the third time and he also directs the movie. He is clearly passionate about the role and I thought he was great in the film, he encapsulates what I would expect from Poirot with his intelligence and the way he deduces crimes. But this film also looks into his character and how he is dealing with something new and how it makes him really question his faith which I thought was a nice addition here. 

Supporting Characters

Like the other films in this franchise it has a big cast and they pretty much all do a really good job. I was really surprised that Tina Fey was in this film and is actually a major part of the film. She has good chemistry with Branagh and doesn't go too much into the comedic area which was nice to see from her. 

Jamie Dornan plays a doctor here and they do a good job in showing his character off and spending time in making us care about the situation he has been in. Dornan is a really good actor and it is nice to see him move on from his 50 Shades of Grey stigma. 

Kelly Reilly is an actress that I haven't seen do enough but she is great in this film. She is the owner of the house that the seance takes place in and Reilly's character has plenty of depth to her and she does a good job with it. 

The rest of the cast are also effective and as you see Poirot interviewing everybody you learn more about them and the motivations they have for being there and why they might be the killer. 

Story

The film is a good old fashioned whodunnit and when it comes to that style of film it really works and kept me intrigued throughout. There are many suspects and all of them are intriguing and the film keeps you on your toes as it goes on. It also nails the final reveal in my opinion, it is explained really well and makes sense with the overall arc of the film. However, there is one specific element of the story that falls a bit flat and by the end of the film I kind of felt like it wasn't resolved which was a bit frustrating. 

Script

The script in the film is okay. The drama was well delivered and as I mentioned above the actual writing for all the twists and turns was well done and well realised. But without going into spoilers I felt like the more supernatural stuff wasn't particularly well written and was my least favourite part of the film. 

Style

The film looks really good, it is pretty creepy and Venice as a setting feels like a character on its own. The film is also paced well, it is a pretty short film but it is slower paced and makes you pay attention to what is going on in the film. However, like most films that have an horror element there is an overuse of jump scares here. I am fine with 1 or 2 but there were just too many and it loss its value as the film progressed. 

Overall

Overall, A Haunting in Venice is a good film that did its job effectively. It is a solid whodunnit and if you are a fan of films like that with a bit of horror chucked in there then this is a film for you. 

Rating - 7/10

Monday, August 14, 2023

Gran Turismo (2023) Review

Gran Turismo (2023) Review


I have an interest in all sport and that includes motor sport as that is a big thing going on in my household. So when Gran Turismo was announced to be made into a film, I knew I was going to be watching it. Yesterday, I watched it and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a young man who is one of the greatest Gran Turismo players in the world given the chance to become a professional race car driver. 

Main Character

Archie Madekwe plays the real life person of Jann Mardenborough and he is okay in this film. He is a pretty easy person to relate to and want to see succeed. The whole premise of this persons life is insane and I think Archie managed to convey that and he had some really good scenes with some of the stronger actors. But I also think there were a few missed opportunities, where he is meant to take charge and it doesn't quite work, he mumbles and you can tell he hasn't quite nailed it yet as a leading man. I think this is a good step for him and hopefully we can see more of him in the future. 

Supporting Characters

There is an experienced but small supporting cast. Dave Harbour plays Jack Salter, the chief engineer of the team and he is truly fantastic in this role, you can tell he is super passionate about this film and this role and he delivers a memorable performance and one that shows his strength as an actor. 

Orlando Bloom hasn't done much the last few years but he is good here playing Danny Moore who is the marketing and head of the programme. He is charismatic and also looks like he is having a great time, he doesn't have as much depth as some of the other characters but he is just a fun addition of the film. 

Djimon Hounsou plays Jann's father and he is great in his smaller role. There is a clear conflict between the two of them in terms of Jann's aspirations and dreams. But Hounsou delivers some strong scenes and even though he isn't in the film a lot he is pretty memorable. 

Story

The story is pretty crazy and the fact that the majority is true is even crazier. Don't let the title of the film trick you, this is not a video game movie. It has a strong story that sees this young man look to get his dream, it is a pretty simple underdog story but it is done well enough for sure. They squeeze his rise into this one film and I am sure there is more to the plot but I appreciated how the story was told. But I felt like everything not involving the racing was a bit dull, for example there is a romance which is really underdeveloped and the two characters barely share scenes together so it made me wonder why I should care. 

Script

The script is a bit of a mixed bag. This film takes itself very seriously and for the most part it is done effectively, you care about the people and the situations they are in. The humour is chuckle worthy and it doesn't overstep and the balance is well down. There are just parts of the film that aren't written as well and that I didn't care about as much. 

Style

The film looks great, all the driving scenes are well filmed and make it feel like you are in the car with the characters. It incorporated the video game aspects well that it didn't overbear the film and allowed the focus to be on the actual driving. The film was paced pretty well too, keeping me interested for the majority of the film. 

Overall

Overall, Gran Turismo is a good film. It doesn't matter if you have ever played the video game or even are a fan of the sport, I think this could be a film you enjoy and should give a chance. 

Rating - 7/10

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) Review

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) Review


We have made it to the 31st film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the start of Phase 5 Ant-Man & The Wasp Quantumania, I have watched it now and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Ant-Man, The Wasp & their family sent into The Quantum Realm, where they come face to face with Kang The Conqueror. 

Main Character

Paul Rudd is back as Scott Lang and I think once again he does a great job. He has plenty to do this time and his character has truly progressed since his first film. He is more confident as an Avenger and this shows in how he acts. His character has a clear progression and it is great to see Rudd deliver this really fun performance. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for The Wasp played by Evangeline Lily. The only reason I am putting her as a main character is because her name is in the title but she is given nothing to do in the film. Lily has shown that she can give development to Hope Van Dyne but she is really pushed to the side for other characters as that is a shame. 

Supporting Characters

The real star of the film for me though was Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror, Majors knocks it out of the park and provides a chilling and charismatic performance as this new antagonist. He has huge shoes to fill from Thanos and I was worried he would be saved for his future appearances but he is in this film a lot and he is given a chance to thrive and give a glimpse of what could be to come. Michael Pfeiffer plays Janet Van Dyne and she is given so much screen time here, we learn more about her time in the Quantum Realm and Pfeiffer does a great job in fleshing out this character that we have barely seen on screen. Kathryn Newton is the recast for Cassie Lang and she is a fun character here, the dynamic between her and Rudd is well realised and she is given plenty to do here which I mostly like. Michael Douglas is back as Hank Pym and despite having less to do, he is still enjoyable and still seems to have his passion for the character and the role. 

Story 

The story was okay, my favourite parts were learning more about the backstory of Kang and what exactly Janet was up to during her time in The Quantum Realm. It was nice seeing some progression and development in Ant-Man from his actions in Endgame. But as I mentioned before, the film completely underuses Wasp and as a major character that is a big shame. Also, the final act makes some decisions that I am not sure works for what the audience are told in the film with way too much taking place. 

Script 

The script was good. With it being an Ant-Man film there was plenty of humour here and the majority worked for me. It also had good drama and for the most part the two tones are separate and work well together. 

Style 

The film is mostly set in The Quantum Realm and that means there is plenty of CGI here and for the most part it looks great. The visuals are very striking and colourful which makes it interesting and dynamic. The film is also paced pretty well, with the runtime feeling appropriate. But I felt like the action scenes could have been filmed better, there was a lot of shaky cam going on especially early on that made it hard to focus. 

Overall

Overall, Ant-Man and The Wasp is a good film that does an effective job of delivering an interesting film that sets up the future of The MCU. It probably fits in the middle in terms of quality of Ant-Man films but if you enjoy these films then it is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) Review

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) Review


After a long break, I am back reviewing films and last night I watched the newest release in The Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Dumbledore and Newt Scamander attempt to rally and stop Grindelwald and his plan to start a war between Muggles and Magic Users. 

Main Character

Eddie Redmayne has been the showpiece of the Fantastic Beasts franchise as Newt Scamander and he is good in the film. He is just a pretty likeable character and he is very charming in the role. He shares more of the screen time this time around and it means we maybe don't get as much development with his character but I still think Redmayne does enough in the role. Jude Law's role as Dumbledore is more expanded in this film and I thought he was really good here, he was charming and charismatic. There was depth added to his character and it does feel like eventually he would become the character that we would see in the Harry Potter franchise. 

Supporting Characters

Dan Fogler as Jacob for me has been the best part of the Fantastic Beasts films and he is another great standout here. He is the comic relief and he is just fantastic at it, he is so funny and charming but this film adds some character there and develops him well. After the controversy involving Johnny Depp, Grindewald was recast as Mads Mikkelsen and he does a good job. He is more controlled then the previous iteration and feels less over the top which I personally preferred out of the villain. Jessica Williams makes her debut as Lally and I thought she was a really fun addition to the group, she is just entertaining to watch and has good chemistry with the rest of the cast but especially with Fogler. The rest of the cast didn't quite work for me, Ezra Miller is back as Credence and if you take the off screen issues out of it, I feel like he was underutilised. It felt like he was going to be a huge part of this film but he ends up being a side plot and Miller's stoic and dull performance does nothing to help. Another character wasted was Queenie, she was a big part of the previous films but it feels like she only does a little here and her character could have been more in the forefront especially where she was left in the previous film. There are some other characters here such as Newt's brother that doesn't add to much to the film and I feel like there was probably a few too many characters here. 

Story   

The story is okay, it is fun seeing the group of wizards and Jacob going after Grindewald and seeing the interesting things they have to do mixed with the fun personalities on screen. But the issue is in the overall grand plan of the film. like the Credence/Dumbledore plot line doesn't get enough depth or screen time and Grindewald's grand plan doesn't quite work for me with an ending that doesn't quite feel earnt enough to me. 

Script

The writing is actually one of the highlights of the film. This film does a good job in both the humour and drama. Fogler in particular is hilarious but other characters also have their moments of being funny. The drama was good enough too, it continues the relationships and dynamics from the previous films and does enough to make it interesting and feel like a continuation. 

Style 

The film looks pretty good, the action scenes are exciting and shows how wizard powers manage to work. It is a pretty fast paced film which for me made it a more enjoyable film. But I felt like the film had a tone issue, despite having some good writing it confuses when to use humour and drama which made it feel strange to me on whether I was meant to care emotionally or laugh. Also some of the background CGI isn't very good and occasional action scenes were filmed poorly despite the excitement. 

Overall

Overall, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a good film that is probably the best of the franchise. It still has issues that hold it back but overall I had a fun time with it. 

Rating - 7/10