17th Belfast Film Festival kicks of in style!

The 17th Belfast Film Festival which runs from the 30th March to the 9th April began last night in spectacular fashion with the gala screening of comedy spoof "Mindhorn" by director Sean Foley, with director and members of cast in attendance.
Thus begins a 10 day bonanza of cinema related events, the highlight undoubtedly being the presence of John Cusack for various Q&A's and screenings of some of his classic movies. Such was the John Cusack hysteria that these events were sold out in a nanosecond but there is plenty to entertain the masses over the running period of this amazing festival.
Terence Davies  "A Quiet Passion" , the biopic of Chilean poet "Naruda" by acclaimed Argentinian director Pablo Larrain, Onur Turkel vehicle "Catfight" starring Anne Heche and Sandra Oh and Aki Kaurismaki's award-winning comedy drama The Other Side of Hope are some of the feature highlights of the festival.
There are also some indcredible documentaries on show including Michael Winterbottom's Wolf Alice based documentary "On the Road", Leonardo Di Caprio and Fisher Stevens collaboaration  "Before the Flood" and Raoul Pec's powerful film "I Am Not Your Negro".
This year's festival also includes some unique events like the 'themed screening' I Demand to Have Some Booze: 30 Years of Withnail and I and a live read of A Fish Called Wanda featuring a local cast.
Adding in a sublime collection of short films and much more besides and with a full festival pass coming in a paltry £55 this years Belfast Film Festival in a "must" for film fans everywhere.
For a full list of events and further details please visit https://belfastfilmfestival.org/

Review: Why Him?

With a talented comedic cast including Bryan Cranston, James Franco and Megan Mullally and directed by John Hamburg who was the screenwriter of some modern day classic comedies such as Meet the Parents, Zoolander and I Love You Man , I had high hopes for Why Him? The comedy genre is one which has suffered in recent times with most comedies just blending into each other with formulaic gross out gags and predictable storylines. Surely with such talent on show, off and on screen, this movie would be the excepection rather than the rule of modern day comedies? Unfortuntately this answer is an overwhelming no!
Based over the Christmas holiday period an over-protective dad Ned (Bryan Cranston) and his family get to meet his daughter's new abbraisive and filter-less boyfriend (James Franco) and what transpires is the usual battle of wills between father and daughter's boyfriend!
The casting of Bryan Cranston and James Franco in the respective roles of Father and daughter's boyfriend cannot be faulted and I feel that had the source material been up to scratch that they both would have done it justice such is there undoubtable comedic talents. The plot however, is predictable and contains an oversubscription of gross out gags - some which land - the majority which don't!
It's real straight to DVD fare and even at only two hours still feels that bit too long! The rudeness and crassness of the script hides the casts talents and that is what is most frustrating aspect of this movie. Even though the storyline has been seen numerous times before - with a perfectly suited and more than capable cast this has to go down as a missed opportunity! A movie that enables the brain to shut down for nearly two hours - just don't expect a lot of entertainment alongside it!
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Review: Free Fire

As the opening feature of the Dingle International Film Festival "Free Fire" had all the ingredients required for a high thrills action film with a solid ensemble cast and a director and writer that seems to be getting better by the movie. I am pleased to be able to declare that it delivered on all expected fronts,and a few more besides.
Set in an abandoned warehouse and revolving around an arms deal that goes spectacularly wrong Free Fire's action sequences never dissappoint but it's the sassy one-liners and comedic aspects to this movie that really stood out for me.
Comparisons to Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs will be made and rightly so as it a lot of similar qualities to the early nineties classic. It is stylish, violent, humorous with great characters and explosive action sequences. Free Fire does however show glimpses of Wheatley's original style with a fantastic script from  writing partner and wife Amy Jump.
The performances of the cast including Sharlo Copley, Arnie Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Michael Smiley and Jack Reynor are incredible with each actor bringing their own unique qualities to this exceptional movie.
Given the well worn premise of a shootout gone wrong it's refreshing to see a talented director and writer but his own unique and at times quite funny spin on this particular genre. The humour in this movie is what will resonate with the viewer as some of the dialogue is instantly quotable and indeed some scenes will stand out as the funniest put to film this year!
As with all Wheatley movies, the audience is kept guessing as to how the tale will unfold and that combined with the action and humour make this one of the must see movies of 2017!
Highly recommended. 
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Why don't more people take a cinema road trip?

Last March as I packed up the car and readied myself to travel to West Kerry for Ben Wheatley's "Free Fire" the opening film of the Dingle International Film Festival, I suddenly asked myself? Why aren't more people doing this? Don't get me wrong - I know that film festivals are mainly very well supported but the idea of travelling to see a movie is not one shared by everyone - and I can't for the life of me figure out why not?
It's completely acceptable/normal to pack up your things to travel long distances to see a concert or show or sporting occasion but how come it's not as commonplace to travel to experience a film festival or catch that movie that isn't playing in your local cinema? Cinema sits alongside these other sources of entertainment quite nicely but maybe taken somewhat for granted. There is also the mindset of catching on DVD or streaming that particular movie but in my opinion that is kinda missing the point!
Film festivals are where you get to rub shoulders with the movie makers and creators and see what inspires them, motivates them and maybe discover aspects of the film or indeed the industry that you weren't aware of! You might unlock that gem of a film that you wouldn't have been aware of if you hadn't taken a chance and gone to that festival, similar to stumbling onto an exciting band just by hearing them live by chance.
It's not just film festivals though. Different surroundings can lead to new experiences - an IMAXX screening can bring new life to that big blockbuster flick you were looking forward to. Similarily, a trip to an authentic movie theatre can bring it's own rewards.
All of this can combine to serve up a great night/weekend of rock solid entertainment and isn't that why you also take the time to go to that match, concert or show - to be entertained!
So come on people - drop the movie snobbery and plan your next road trip to a night of entertainment coming soon to a theatre NOT near you!

Sun sets on another exceptional Dingle International Film Festival

As the sun set on Sunday evening with the final screening of Jim Sheridan's "The Scret Scripture" followed by a  Q&A with the director, Maurice Galwey and all concerned with the 11th Dingle International Film Festival  can be extremely satisfied with their efforts to bring the viewing public a film festival that just goes from strength to strength.

Director Ben Wheatley and yours truly at Free Fire screening

The Dingle Interantional Film Festival got off to an explosive start on Thursday night with the opening feature Free Fire along with a riveting Q&A with director Ben Wheatley and star Jack Reynor.
Friday saw the beginning of the always popular Animation Dingle as well as a list of high quality short films on show thoughout the town.
I caught the exceptional "Hopper:In his own words" in the incredible setting of St James Church followed by a Q&A with director Cassie Warner.

Cassie Warner was kind enough to answer any questions I had on her exceptional documentary on Dennis Hopper

Friday night was a return to the wonderful Phoenix Cinema and a showing of the fantastic Timothy Spall in numerous roles in Stanley:A man of Variety followed by a Q&A with director Stephen Cookson and producer Peter Keegan.

Director Stephen Cookson and producer Peter Keegan discuss Stanley:A Man of Variety

Saturday saw the first Dingle Film Festival POW WOW at Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir as creative minds of the film and TV industry shared their knowledge to a captive audience.

Independent filmmakers taking counsel at DIFF

The screening of Clint Eastwoods latest offering "Sully" with a Q&A with scriptwriter Todd Komarnicki in The Phoenix Cinema on Saturday evening was undoubtedly another highlight of the festival.

Todd Komarnicki taking questions from John Maguire at screening of Sully

With one last day of the Dingle Internantional Film Festival remaining, the programme for the Sunday of the festival was in keeping with the previous three days with lots of high quality screenings on show.
The screening of Late Blossom Blues and subsequent Q&A with director Wolfgang Pfoser Almer got the day off to fantastic start.

Director Wolfgang Pfoser Almer fielding questions at Late Blossom Blues screening on Sunday.

Such was the popularity of the Dingle Women in Film screening that a second showing of these exceptional short movies had to be organised to accomodate the massive interest.

Capacity crowd at Dingle Women in Film at St James Church

The Phoenix Cinema was the setting of the last two feature screenings of the festival, the first being Twice Shy, a modern coming-of age-drama, centering around a young couple on a road trip from Ireland to London because of an unplanned pregnancy written and directed by Tom Ryan and starring Pat Shortt and Ardal O'Hanlon. Tom Ryan, producer Fionn Greger and Pat Shortt were all at this screening and took part in a Q&A after the film.

Pat Shortt at the screening of his latest film Twice Shy at DIFF

The final screening of the festival was The Secret Scripture directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Jack Reynor, Rooney Mara and Eric Bana. Jim Sheridan was present on the night for an insightful Q&A session after the showing of the film.

Jim Sheridan at Q&A session of The Secret Scripture

As the curtain fell on another successful Dingle International Film Festival, vistitors to West Kerry were blessed with beautiful weather highlighting the wonderful setting of the region outdoors and treated to some highly informative and entertaining programming indoors!
Overall, yet another fantastic four days had by all at the 2017 Dingle Interantional Film Festival.
Roll on 2018!

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Life
 From director Daniel Espinosa and featuring a strong ensemble cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson and Ryan Reynolds this sci-fi film has enjoyed favourable reviews whilst also being accused of simply being an updated version of the classic "Alien" . Worth a look (especially for sci-fi fans!)





At Home: 

Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them
Another chance to look inside the brain of the highly imaginative J.K Rowling in a visually stunning tale dealing with the pre-Potter era. Eddie Redmayne does a fine job in the lead role but the stars of the show are the superb effects and those fantastic beasts. One for the whole family to enjoy!







On Telly

Changeling (TV3 Sunday 26th Mar 21:00 pm)
This heartbreaking movie directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich is a tough but well worth watch as this compelling thriller is heightened by Jolie's extraordinary performance under the guidance of a director on top of his game!

Explosive start to 11th Dingle International Film Festival

The 11th Dingle Film Festival got off to an explosive start yesterday with the opening feature Free Fire from renowned director Ben Wheatley thrilling a captive audience in the Phoenix Cinema.
A refreshing reception served up courtesy of Dingle Distillery was enjoyed by all before director Wheatley and one of the stars of the film Jack Reynor introduced the film Free Fire to an eager auditorium.
What followed over the next ninety minutes was a rip roaring action thriller including some of the best one liners you'll hear in a movie this year as Wheatley's tale of a guns deal gone wrong had the audience on the edge of their seats recoiling in horror and cackling with laughter in equal measure. The film itself deserves a proper in depth review which will appear in this blog in the near future but suffice it to say, it is already one of my films of the year and a must see when it goes on general release.

The Q&A that followed led by the always articulate John Maguire was both informative and funny as Wheatley and Reynor shared interesting stories about the shoot and in the director's case,moviemaking in general. There was also the added incentive to anyone who asked a question in this session of a free Free Fire t-shirt which now has taken pride of place in my wardrobe!

After the Q&A the party continued in John Bennys Pub in Dingle for the first Festival Club Night.
All this incredible entertainment, insight and opportunity to rub shoulders with the top brass of the movie industry for the highly affordable price of €15!
The opening night of the Dingle International Festival was a testament to Maurice Galwey and all associated for their tireless work behind the scenes providing nights like last night for the viewing public.
I implore anyone that is in the area (or not so far away), - the sun is shining, Dingle town will look especially picturesque and another day and evening of cinematic entertainment awaits, so what are you waiting for? Make your way back west for the Dingle International Film Festival as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed!

Top 5 Long Feature Films Worth Watching

The length of a feature film can sometimes discourage even the most avid of movie goers. A film of over three hours in length may be a struggle for the attention span and body parts! But some of these longer features are well worthy of those few extra hours investment and I have chosen five such movies:

5. The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King
Coming in at 3 hrs 21 mins The final installment is worth the extra running time investment as it is a film of superb quality. Visually stunning, emotionally powerful this marathon of a movie brings a concluding end to an iconic series. There is also an extended version for those who just can't get enough of Peter Jacksons trilogy!

4. The Godfather Part II
Another film that belongs to an (almost) classic trilogy the Godfather Part II is 3 hrs 20 mins in length but it feels like a movie of half that length. With powerful performances from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino it remains to this day the benchmark that all sequels aspire to but never quite reach.

3.Schindlers List
At 3 hrs 16 mins this film has been described as Steven Spielbergs masterpiece and it is the mixture of the horror of the Holocaust with the director's tender humanism that makes this one of the greatest dramatic pieces ever laid out on film.

2. The Deer Hunter
This powerful film from Michael Cimino comes in at 3 hrs and 3 mins but the strong performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep among others and Cimino's strong direction makes this 5 time Oscar winner a worthy entry to this list and indeed it is a film that almost improves with age.

1. Malcolm X
Including Denzel Washintgton in a career best performance as the civil rights leader Malcom X this epic biopic is 3 hrs and 21 mins in length. Bold, powerful and unshakeable this Spike Lee film is well worth those extra few minutes on the couch!

Breaking Out - A feature documentary about a man with a talent for music and for life

If I was to mention the name Fergus O'Farrell, it's quite possible that it wouldn't ring many bells with a lot of people. The band Interference may ring a few more bells, as would the song "Gold" from John Carney's Once. Yet the story of Fergus O'Farrell is an incredible one. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 8 years of age and told by doctors that he would be dead by 20, music gave Fergus "a talent for life".
His creative spirit and soulful voice raged on against a wasting disease and along with his band Interference,  became another of those great bands that never got the public recognition they truly deserved. They were however, respected and loved by their peers, with Glen Hansard of the Frames arguing strongly for Interference song Gold to be included in the soundtrack to Once which went on to receive international acclaim.
Fergus would eventually succumb to his disease aged 48 years of age, just two weeks after recording with Glen at his home in Schull in West Cork.
Director Michael McCormack a long time friend of Fergus shot footage in the ten years leading up to his death, capturing his amazing spirit and courage
. "Breaking Out" the story of Fergus O'Farrell is one of love, friendship, spirit and talent but is still 10% short of the appropriate funding required to bring this powerful documentary to it's completion.
If you would like to know more about this project or indeed contribute to it's funding please visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/breaking-out-music-film#/ for more details.

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What new release movie deserves your €6 this week?

This weeks sees two new additions to chose from for your Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex. Family classic Beauty and The Beast and for those interested in the comic/horror genre comes Jordan Peele directed Get Out - all for the princely sum of  €6!

Beauty and The Beast:
A live action retelling of the Disney animated classic that has enjoyed positive initial reviews thanks to  it's well crafted songs, talented cast and stunning visuals. Fans of musicals and Disney films will surely get great enjoyment of this remake from director Bill Condon.

Get Out:
Scary and funny with a satircal edge this impressive directorial debut from Jordan Peele which deals with the visit of a young African American man to his Caucasian girlfriend's cursed family estate, is already tipped to be one of the big sleeper hits of 2017.  Expect the unexpected!

Classic Films Revisited: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Rather than always reviewing new cinema and streaming releases, I have decided to revisit (or in some cases watch for the first time) old classics to discover what made them stand out as masterpieces, whether they have aged well and what is it that makes these movies hold their value many years after their initial release. The first in this series is the Stanley Kubrick classic Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
What initially strikes me on revisiting Dr Strangelove is that it's hard to believe that this is a Stanley Kubrick film , it differs so dramatically from anything else in his repertoire. Another clear sign of it's quality is that even though this film was originally released in 1964 it is as relevant today more than ever before. Given our current global political climate, stately satire from either the past or present now largely resembles reality and this film is no exception. The lampooning of the world leaders in this movie could be taken from the CCTV footage of a G8 Summit!
Of course, the brilliance of Peter Sellers in multiple roles makes the whole thing tick but credit has to also be given to a superb supporting cast including George C. Scott and Slim Pickens who enable the wonderful script to come to life.
It's a movie that requires repeated viewing such is the large volume of comedy and it's subtly that many gags could be missed first time around.
All in all, a clever, relevant, funny and scary in equal measure movie that is well worth another look.
Bona fide classic.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Get Out
 The tale of what happens when a young African-American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend's mysterious family estateand meets her parents for the first time. A wonderful combination of humour, horror and suspense culminate in this Jordan Peele directed movie which makes a strong political statement via thrills, shrills and humour.
Highly rated by critics and viewing public alike.





At Home: 

Nocturnal Animals
Multi award winning movie from director Tom Ford this movie will leave you haunted for days due to it's  unique narrative style, stunning visuals, subject matter and a cast that transcends the norm in what was undoubtedly one of the finest movies of the last twelve months. Well worth a watch.






On Telly

Good Will Hunting (ITV4 Saturday 4th Mar 23:00 pm)
Hard to believe that this movie is 20 years old but another opportunity to revel in the marvellous screenplay of a young Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, under the directorship of Gus Van Sant and bound together by the brilliance of the late great Robin Williams in an Oscar winning role.

Review: Logan

Heralded as Hugh Jackman's swansong as the unmistakable Wolverine and written and directed by acclaimed director James Mangold the big questions before the viewing of this latest comic book blockbuster adaption was would this be any different from movies of the same genre and would it ultimately be worthy of Jackman's final bow as a character he has more than made his own in movies spanning over 17 years. The answer to both is a resounding yes!
In a mood and style shift from the usual comic book movie genre, Logan relies heavily on it's dark tone, superb cast, extreme violence and palpable tension to serve up a movie more than worthy of it's place at the top table of any recent blockbuster movies.
Set in 2029,we revisit Logan as he cares for a very ill Professor X in a secluded stretch of the Mexican border. Mutants are extinct (or nearly so) but Logan's attempts at serenity are interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious woman seeking Logan's help in shepherding a little girl to safety and away from the clutches of some familiar dark forces.
What ensues is a film filled with high drama, top quality action scenes and extreme violence. All this coupled with a excellent script brought to life by an amazing cast with the always magnificent Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman quite clearly going out on top with the whole production tied together by a truly wonderful turn by newcomer Dafne Keen as Laura.
Logan largely exceeded expectations and is well worth a look. Just not for the overly squeamish!
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5 Great Movies to watch this month on Netflix

Ah! The proverbial movie goldmine that is Netflix! Packed to the rafters with quality (and not so quality) viewing. The problem is there is just way too much to sift through in the hope of finding that solid, enjoyable and entertaining movie. Fear Not! I have trawled through the annals of Netflix to present no less than 5 quality movies to enjoy this month. So don't spend your time needlessly scrolling through what seems to be the same 10 movies being suggested time and time again! Get the popcorn in and feast your eyes on these gems over the next few weeks:

5. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Critically acclaimed comedy drama from director Taika Waititi follows the manhunt of foster kid Ricky and cantakerous Uncle Hec as they rebel against the authorities who threaten to remove Ricky from foster care. A strong cast combined with a wonderful story which reminds us of the difficulty of having to grow up and those who help us along the way.

4. Sicario
A taut and tense thriller revolving around the drug war in Mexico from acclaimed director Denis Villeneauve is heightened by the extraordinary performances of Emily Blunt and the always reliable Benico Del Toro. Simply, one of the best films of 2015.

3.Whiplash
This feature from recently Oscar annointed director Damien Chazelle, tells the tale of the journey of aspiring jazz drummer Andrew, under the tutelage of instructor Terence Fletcher (played by an impeccable J.K. Simmons in an Oscar winning role) is a highly intense piece of drama that grabs a stranglehold on the viewer from the very beginning and never lets go!

2. Boyhood
Shot over 12 years with the same cast, this time travelling drama from Richard Linklater is an extraordinary piece of filmaking about the most ordinary of things as it captures the growing of a boy from childhood through to adolesence told in a highly original and groundbreaking manner.

1. Birdman
Technically superb this film from director Alejandro González Iñárritu is also worth a watch for some extraordinary performances, none more so than a role that Michael Keaton was born to play. Oscar winner in the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography categories this was basically the best movie of 2014!

A pool of filmmaking talent heading West for the 11th Dingle International Film Festival

With the beautiful backdrop of the Dingle Peninsula and eleven years of a successful run behind it the Dingle International Film Festival returns on the 23rd March. This four day event consists of an event filled programme to please visitors to and residents of West Kerry alike.
Despite the yearly challenges of funding which accompanies every film festival thanks to great support from the Irish Film Board, the Arts Council and locally from Udaras na Gaeltachta The Dingle International Film Festival has become a prestigious boutique festival that has just gone from strength to strength .
I caught up with Maurice Galwey the founder/CEO and Artistic Director of the Dingle International Film Festival and began by enquiring as to what were the predominant factors that makes this boutique film festival on the south west coast of Ireland such a resounding success.
Maurice strongly believes that Dingle's incredible location is a huge factor in the film festival's popularity. It's also home to one of Ireland's oldest independent cinemas in the Phoenix Cinema which was established back in 1937. The fact that many filmmakers also live in the area is another contributing element as well as West Kerry's obvious notoriety as a superb film location, used famously in the likes of David Lean’s Ryans Daughter, Ron Howard's Far and Away and most recently Star Wars The Force Awakens which was shot on Skellig Michael.
These are all important factors that add to the Film festivals appeal but Maurice also points out how diligent they have been with their selections of both feature and short film, and also in acquiring great talent to assess the voting and delivering their expertise, culminating consistently in a high quality programme for all to enjoy.
For the visitors to the Dingle International Film Festival, it's not all about the red carpet. This is also an excellent opportunity to experience Dingle's wonderful setting and hospitality and interact with these experts of the movie industry in a relaxed and warm environment.
The input and importance of the local audience is especially important to Maurice as he realises that due to time and financial constraints the locals will indeed make up a huge percentage of the box office. To ensure a strong festival and turnout, the importance of the programme cannot be underestimated and this years programme is full of high quality events.
This begins on Thursday 23rd March, with the movie "Free Fire" from critically acclaimed director Ben Wheatly and a Q&A session with the director himself, in what is a fantastic coup for the festival.
Friday 24th March sees another exciting event with the Irish premiere of "Stanley a Man of Variety" which also features a Q&A session with director Stephen Cookson and on Sunday 26^th March the screening of Jim Sheridan's adaption of the Sebastian Barry novel "Secret Scripture" also promises to be another very popular event with the movie going audience.
Dingle International Film Festival will also show, thanks to European Parliament support, the French film, Oscar nominated "My Life as a Courgette" which will be subtitled for the Irish language to cater for the local Irish speaking audience.
This year will also see the celebration of four female filmmakers living in Dingle with the screening of their short films. One of these films will be the newly crowned Chicago Irish Film Festival winner "Uisce Beatha" by Elaine Kennedy. Both "Uisce Beatha" along with ”Life is Short” by Colleen Grace Herlihy were both finalists last year in the Dingle International Film Festival Fisin Project which is a competition that encourages writing in the Irish language.
A new event to the Dingle International Film Festival  - POW WOW which is "aimed specifically at young creatives in the Film and Television industry, and will assist them in gaining knowledge of both film and television" takes place in Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir on Saturday 25th March and will feature such talent as Todd Komarnicki a prolific writer, producer and director of film and television, whose work includes Clint Eastwoods latest feature "Sully" and Michael Uppendahl, American Television Director whose work includes Fargo, American Horror Story, Ray Donovan, and Daredevil.
All those events, together with the always popular and already sold out "Animation Dingle" along with much more fantastic screenings and workshops too numerous to mention means Dingle is headed for yet another highly successful festival again this year.
A full list of events and further details can be seen on the Dingle International Film Festival 2017 website.

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What new release movie deserves your €6 this week?

After the glut of new movies over the last few weeks there are just two new releases in Tralee Omniplex for your Tuesday treat this week, from the big blockbuster movie to the period drama. It's up to you to decide which is worth your valuable €6.

Kong:
This Kong origins story starring Tom Hiddlestone and Brie Larson comes with positive reviews and a strong supporting cast.
This loud, special effects laden flick maybe just what the doctor ordered for a Tuesday Treat!
Also available in MAXX Screen for added price of €8!

Viceroy's House:
This drama piece starring Gillian Anderson and Hugh Bonneville centered around Lord Mountbatten's role as the last Viceroy enterusted with handing India back  to it's people has got fairly mixed reviews but if this is a period of history that maybe of interest to you and you are a fan of light drama at the hands of two professionals of the genre, then this just might be the movie for you.

Review: Hell or High Water

With an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Bridges behind it,my hopes were high for the latest offering from British director, David MacKenzie and I was not dissappointed.
Packed with a terrific blend of movie genres, from western to heist movie to moving drama and even a sprinkle of comedy mostly in the shape of zingers courtesy of Jeff Bridges this film had it all.
It tells the tale of bank robbing Texas brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) who decide to rob branches of the same bank that is threatening to foreclose on their land. In hot pursuit is near retirement Texas Ranger, Marcus (Jeff Bridges) looking for one last victory before his retirement and his parther Alberto (Gil Bermingham).
It's wonderfully crafted movie with the captivating cinematography adding yet another character to a piece that already contains so many excellent ones. It's refreshing that an independent movie such as this can get the recognition it truly deserves and rightfully stand alongside the big budget productions on the Oscar podium.
Strong writing, performances and surroundings combine to make this a film that keeps you guessing until the very end as it well worthy of your undivided attention. Excellent.
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