My Top 5 Movies of 2018

Listing just 5 movies in a year full of quality is no easy task. 2018 again saw more and more reboot, superheros and franchises (even though largely to a higher level of quality than previous years!) but it also saw some highly original, compelling and exceptional film on show. Without further ado here are my picks for the best of 2018 (which hopefully contains something for everyone!) in an another eventful year in cinema.

5. Widows
Steve McQueens' multi-faceted heist thriller combining an all star cast with smart writing and a talented director results in a compelling thriller that had audiences and critics off their seats and showcased the dynamic and wonderful talent of an exceptional film maker. The anti-Oceans 8 with sophistication and drama top of the agenda. Read my full review here.

4. BlacKkKlansman
Critically and commercially applauded upon it's cinematic release, this latest offering from the legendary Spike Lee is undoubtedly his best feature in years. This historical recollection also resonates strongly with current events and with a cast that includes the always brilliant Adam Driver as well as John David Washington in a film that is already nominated for numerous Golden Globe and is sure to feature heavily come award season. Read my full review here.

3. A Quiet Place
Husband and wife pairing John Krasinksi and Emily Blunt both star (with Krasinski making his directorial debut) in this modern horror thriller feature where a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you! One of the most frightening yet entertaining cinema experiences of the year at Tralee Omniplex and the good news is that a sequel is on the way! Read my full review here

2. A Star is Born
A true gem from first time director Bradley Cooper was rightly lauded with lavish praise from critics and audiences alike on it's release. Lady Gaga is simply outstanding in her big screen debut in a film that is sure to feature strongly come Oscar night and is bound to be part of any movie fan's list of top movies for 2018.
Read my full review here

1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri
In my opinion, this years best films hands down, this highly decorated feature has more than a feel of the Coen brothers about it and Martin McDonagh with the help of some incredible performances from his cast, most notably Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell proving what an incredible talent he is.
Read my full review here.


Some movies that just missed out on the list: Coco, All the Money in the World, The Shape of Water , American Animals and Beast.

Review: Ralph Breaks the Internet - A fun filled feature for all the family!

This weeks trip to Tralee Omniplex was a family affair as both young and old took our seats in anticipation for a sequel that was very much on the radar due to the popularity of it's predecessor Wreck It Ralph, a wonderful imaginative journey into the world of arcade gaming that enjoyed critical and commercial success on it's release in 2012.
In it's sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet,  Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk everything by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope's video game, "Sugar Rush." Out of their depth, Ralph and Vanellope must rely on the citizens of the internet to help navigate their way, including an entrepreneur named Yesss, who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site BuzzTube.
Historically, lampooning the world wide web in an animated movie is no mean feat and if not executed correctly can end up a bit of a mess (just ask the creators of the Emoji movie!). Luckily in Ralph Breaks the Internet whilst ignoring the blatant commercialism of the whole production, thanks to some incredible and clever writing, impressive visuals and stellar work again by it's talented cast, this movie is a fun filled family adventure loaded with strong moral messages that also entertains all members of the family regardless of age.
John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman give the main characters the charisma, humanity and humour that worked so well in the first movie and the addition of some interesting characters and the updated source material give this feature an upgrade well worth catching.
Pop culture references are plentiful with a particular cameo sequence involving Disney princesses a big hit within my cinematic posse and worth the entry fee alone with some famous brand names also poked fun at throughout in hilarious and imaginative ways.
2018 has paled to 2017 in terms of the quality of family films but Ralph Breaks the Internet is definitely a highlight in what was at times a mediocre year for the PG rated movie!
Overall, with holiday season upon us and a family trip to the cinema a central part to the Christmas break, Ralph Breaks in the Internet is a film to bring a smile (and the odd tear) to faces of all ages and worthy of your attention!
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5 great Movies on the Telly this Christmas

Ah Christmas! A time when most terrestrial TV channels store up their best films like a squirrel gathering nuts and after months of mediocre movies blitz the viewing public with classic after the classic in the space of a glorious week of movie magic! With so much choice available at the one time it can be easy to miss the odd gem here and there so for your viewing pleasure I have listed 5 nuggets of film hitting your TV screen this Christmas that are simply too good to miss.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - (RTE 2 Monday 24th December 12:25)
Doubling up as a sci-fi adventure and portrayal of childhood this Steven Spielberg classic should be a movie staple of every home this Christmas in a timeless classic that has simply never lost it's magic!

Deadpool - (RTE 2 Tuesday 25th December 23:00)
A cracker for Christmas with Ryan Reynolds as the foul mouthed hero hitting our small screens as the fourth wall is constantly broken to great effect. Loud, brash and vulgar at times this may not suit everyone but is a fun filled superhero film that doesn't take itself too seriously and must be applauded for that.

Ant Man - (Channel 5  Wednesday 26th December 21:35)
A Stephen's Day Treat as Paul Rudd adds charm and humour to the lead role in another Marvel classic that is the perfect tonic to accompany the leftover roses! Lots of fun, this 2015 hit humour and heart and contains fantastic visual effects without taxing the brain too much. Perfect for this time of the year!

Searching for Sugarman - (RTE 2 Tuesday 1st January 23:45)
This documentary about the extraordinary true story of forgotten musician Rodriguez and the mystery surrounding his career is simply only of the most compelling documentaries in recent years. Oscar winner for Best Documentary and filled with some great tracks this is a must for any fans of  music,intrigue and mystery.

Creed - (RTE 1 Friday 4th January 21:35)
Breathing new life in to what was at the time a tired franchise, this 2015 film gave the Rocky saga a well needed kick start and a new direction. Featuring a Golden Globe winning performance from Sylvester Stallone this one is a must see for all fans of a good boxing movie this Christmas!

Review: Aquaman - Pleasantly surprising deep sea adventure with Jason Momoa in top form

This week saw another DC Comics adaptation hit Tralee Omniplex with Warner Brothers Studios hoping that Aquaman followed in Wonder Woman's successful footsteps after previous disastrous attempts with Justice League and Batman vs Superman guilty of both commercial and critical failure.
Aquaman reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him (and the audience) on the journey of a lifetime and one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy to be king.
Last years Patty Jenkins directed Wonder Woman showed after what was a lacklustre start for DC Comics movies that with the right direction, casting and storyline that these famous comic book heroes can (like their contemporaries at marvel) make great films. Aquaman whilst not hitting the hits of Wonder Woman does not thankfully sink to the depths of Justice League either with director James Wan delivering a rather fun and entertaining piece of cinematic escapism that will please the fans and pleasantly surprise the non-believers.
A lot of the films success is thanks to a perfectly cast Jason Momoa in the title role. Momoa brings a big screen presence, charisma and humour to his role as Aquaman and his leading man credentials will be given a well deserved boost for his performance here.
Director Wan also abandons previous brooding tones seen in DC Comics and releases that humour is a vital ingredient in this genre of film and there are laughs to be had throughout.
The visual effects are as you would expect top quality and a joy to behold on the big screen also.
Drawbacks to this production and what keep it from gaining a higher approval rate from yours truly include my usual bugbear of an overlong running time at 143 minutes, a hopelessly miscast Patrick Wilson as nemesis Orm and for a film that is ludicrously over the top it may annoy some viewers who may not buy into silliness!
Overall though, as holiday season popcorn munching big screen fun goes however, you could do a lot worse than Aquaman which left this viewer in particular whilst not off his seat applauding at least pleasantly surprised!
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This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

American History X - (ITV4 Monday 10th December 23:05)
A powerful and compelling drama from director Tony Kaye and featuring a career high performance from the magnificent Ed Norton this film is gripping and one that will stay in your memory long after the final credits roll. Worthy of repeated (if at times uncomfortable) viewing.

Love Actually - (ITV 2 Wednesday 12th December 21:00)
So sweet it may give you diabetes and cynics have critized it for this but leave the cynicism to one side get in the Christmas mood with a collection of sweet and funny tales brought together in the undeniable style of Richard Curtis. This all star cast seems to be really having fun with the script and it shows. Guaranteed to bring out a smile in its audience!

Ghostbusters - (Channel 4 Saturday 15th December 21:00)
A chance to take a trip down memory lane, this infectious blend of action and comedy, along with undeniable on screen chemistry between the cast and Bill Murray's famous deadpan performance ensures that this cult 80's classic has lived on long after it's initial release. A classic!

Golden Globe Nominations 2019

The Golden Globe Nominations for 2019 were announced today with Adam Mckay's Dick Cheney biopic Vice leading the nominations. Bradley Cooper's A Star is Born also features heavily with nominations for both Cooper and Lady Gaga plus a Best Picture nod. Irish interest lies heavily with Element Pictures produced The Favourite gathering a couple of nominations also.

The Full list of nominations are:

Best Supporting Actor:
Mahershala Ali, Green Book
Timothée Chalamet, Beautiful Boy
Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman
Richard E Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Sam Rockwell, Vice

Best Actress – Drama:
Glenn Close, The Wife
Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born
Nicole Kidman, Destroyer
Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Rosamund Pike, A Private War

Best Actress – Musical or Comedy:
Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns
Olivia Colman, The Favourite
Elsie Fisher, Eighth Grade
Charlize Theron, Tully
Constance Wu, Crazy Rich Asians

Best Actor – Drama:
Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born
Willem Dafoe, At Eternity’s Gate
Lucas Hedges, Boy Erased
Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody
John David Washington, BlacKkKlansman

Best Film – Musical or Comedy:
Crazy Rich Asians
The Favourite
Green Book
Mary Poppins Returns
Vice

Best Film – Drama:
Black Panther
BlacKkKlansman
Bohemian Rhapsody
If Beale Street Could Talk
A Star Is Born

Best Actor – Musical or Comedy:
Christian Bale, Vice
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Poppins Returns
Viggo Mortensen, Green Book
Robert Redford, The Old Man & the Gun
John C Reilly, Stan & Ollie

Best Director:
Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born
Alfonso Cuarón, Roma
Peter Farrelly, Green Book
Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman
Adam McKay, Vice

Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, Vice
Claire Foy, First Man
Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk
Emma Stone, The Favourite
Rachel Weisz, The Favourite

Best Song:
All the Stars, Black Panther
Girl in the Movies, Dumplin’
Requiem for a Private War, A Private War
Revelation, Boy Erased
Shallow, A Star Is Born

Best Screenplay:
Roma
The Favourite
If Beale Street Could Talk
Vice
Green Book

Best Foreign Language Film:
Capernaum
Girl
Never Look Away
Roma
Shoplifters

Best Score:
A Quiet Place
Isle of Dogs
Black Panther
First Man
Mary Poppins Returns

Best Animation:
Incredibles 2
Isle of Dogs
Mirai
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Review: Creed 2 packs a powerful punch!

This weeks trip to Tralee Omniplex saw Round 2 (or Round 8 if you count all the Rocky movies) of the 2015 hit Creed with our Adonis Creed and co returning to face a foe with historical and tragic ties in this latest Steven Caple Jnr directed feature Creed 2.
Over thirty years ago, Russian boxer Ivan Drago killed former champion Apollo Creed in a tragic match that stunned the world. Against the wishes of trainer Rocky Balboa, Apollo's son Adonis accepts a challenge from Drago's son - another dangerous fighter. Under guidance from Rocky, Adonis trains for the showdown of his life - a date with destiny that soon becomes his obsession. Now, Johnson and Balboa must confront their shared legacy as the past comes back to haunt each of them.
Building from the success of it's predecessor, Creed 2 again ticks all the boxes for fans of boxing films. Steven Caple Jnr replaces Ryan Coogler in the director's chair but not much else changes in this gritty sequel. Formulaic as it may be, if the formula works then why change it seems to be the remit here with the same charismatic cast returning with a few nostalgic additions.
Michael B. Jordan again demonstrates his considerable talent as Adonis Creed with a performance that is without doubt the best thing about the film. He is ably matched by Tessa Thompson who benefits from more screen time in this sequel and is responsible for the beating heart that is evident throughout, serving up most of the key dramatic moments admirably.
The fight sequences are also a key factor in the movies success with the choreography rivalling anything seen previously in a film of this sort and Vitor Drago the type of opponent that fills the screen striking fear into the attentive audience.
There are some drawbacks however. This is a film for fans of the genre and non-believers will see nothing in Creed 2 to convince them otherwise. It's formulaic and sentimental composition also doesn't throw up too much in the way of surprises just asks the viewer to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Overall though after last weeks disappointment in Robin Hood, Creed 2 is a welcome upsurge in quality and will please Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed fans everywhere!
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Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are just the two new releases on show this week at Tralee Omniplex. Two sequels are making their cinematic debuts this week. An eagerly anticipated animated feature and a follow up to a boxing reboot from 2015. With 8 screens and plenty of quality still available as well as the highly popular #bringitback series showing, why not catch a movie at Tralee Omniplex with the added bonus of all shows today just €6 as part of Omniplex Cinema's Tuesday Treat!

Creed II
Solid if unsurprising sequel to the popular Ryan Coogler directed 2015 feature, this time around sees Steven Cape Jnr in the directors chair but also contains the same ingredients that made the first film so successful.

Ralph Breaks the Internet
This well received sequel is the first of three John C.Reilly movies coming our way in the next month and is one that is bound to please all members of the family in the same imaginative way that the original did!

This weeks Top movies on the Telly

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues - (TG4 Monday 3rd December 21:30)
While it may not be as funny as the first movie there is some genuine laugh out loud moments throughout as the hilarious Will Ferrell and crew return for another adventure in a light hearted comedy film that won't disappoint!

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - (RTE 2 Tuesday 4th December 21:00)
Serving as a refresher before the home release of the latest installment shortly, this stylish and fast paced action thriller has all the exciting and high octane action sequences we've come to expect from this series as is silly over the top fun that simply entertains!

The Usual Suspects - (ITV 4 Thursday 6th December 22:00)
The bar setter for twist and turn thrillers, this Bryan Singer directed feature is incredibly 23 years old this year but still is as fresh as ever and as well as it's incredible all star cast includes one of cinemas great rug pull endings. Surely it's time for a rewatch!