Review: A Simple Favour - Mysterious thriller with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster ride!

This weeks movie at Tralee Omniplex sees Bridesmaids director Paul Feig serve up a feature quite removed from his usual comedic fare with A Simple Favour, a dark thriller filled with numerous twists and turns.
In this stylish post-modern film noir piece, the story centers around Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance. Stephanie is aided by Emily's husband Sean (Henry Golding) in this thriller filled with twists, betrayals, secrets and revelations.
Renowned for his comedic prowess, Feig does include overtures of dark comedic moments throughout A Simple Favour, buy viewers be warned Bridesmaids revisited this is not! There are extremely dark moments contained within this feature helped in no small part to two fantastic central performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, with both actresses clearly enjoying their respective roles and giving everything in their performances.There is plenty of sass, style and most importantly substance on show as the director creates a mysterious tale that keeps its viewer guessing right to the end.
Where this unique production falters slightly is that the director is so drawn to twists in his plot that you feel he can't help himself at times and adds in maybe one or two many plot shifts resulting in almost farcical proportions by the end of the film. It is unsurprising that this movie has split critics and audiences alike with complaints of the over complicated plot being the main reason of discontent whereas other viewers are more forgiving of the multiple twists and turns and just enjoy this film for what it is, an edge of the seat, tense yet entertaining thriller.
Overall, whereas it may not please all, this unique mystic movie of mystery is worthy of your attention for the simple fact that it differs from usual big screen offerings on show and contain two extremely strong lead performances from actresses on top of their game!
✸✸✸1/2

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Night School
A highly talented comedic cast including Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish from the director of Girl Trip, Malcolm D.Lee hasn't exactly been exciting the critics but may please those in search of a light hearted comedy!




Streaming: 

Wonder (Netflix)
This heartfelt and charming drama from director Stephen Chbosky based on the New York Times best selling novel is alleviated largely due to some terrific performances form its cast that includes Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts and Jacob Tremblay and makes it's debut on Netflix this week! Read my full review here.



On Telly

Shaun of the Dead (RTE Two Friday 28th September 21:35)
First in the Edgar Wright Cornetto trilogy, this superb horror/comedy works due to the smart writing, clever tricks and strong on screen chemistry between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. One to watch over and over again, this is simply a film that never appears tiresome. Simply brilliant!.

5 movies to watch on Netflix before they expire this month!

Everyone is well aware of the great new releases available on Netflix at the start of every month but what viewers tend to forget, that,as a new bunch of fresh movies and TV shows make their way onto the Netflix catalogue for our enjoyment, a host of other titles have to make way! Suddenly that TV series we were almost finished watching or that movie that we never got around to seeing have disappeared out of sight leaving feelings of frustration and regret. How do we counter act this? Firstly, it's always wise to keep account of titles that are expiring every month to avoid repeat let downs. These lists are readily available from such websites as Vodzilla  and keep streaming audiences well informed of what is coming and going on online streaming platforms. You can also regularly check this blog or my facebook page for updates on the best of what is coming and going on Netflix.
With that in mind, I have made a list of 5 titles that are expiring very soon and are worth catching before Netflix unceremoniously dumps them for newer features.

Here are my 5 movie picks to catch before they expire:

5. Captain America: Civil War (expires 29th September)
Perfect prequel Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America's second outing is worth viewing for its superhero compilation mash up half way through alone. The special effects drive this movies ratings up a notch and with Anthony Russo at the helm you are guaranteed a snappy  script with an engaging cast and swashbuckling effects.. Catch it before it disappears!

4.The Blues Brothers (expires 30th September)
Last chance to catch this timeless classic which contains arguably the greatest soundtrack ever produced for a motion picture. Farcical to the highest degree and helped by a formidable cast this is one worth viewing over and over again.
A Classic!

3. Jaws (expires 30th September)
43 years on and still the benchmark in the ability to deliver tension filled blockbuster horror and thrills. The perfect pacing, compelling writing and excellent cast made this the iconic movie that it has become. Interesting to see how it has aged in the years of special effects saturation that have followed. Catch it before it disappears from the Netflix catalogue.

2. Knocked Up (expires 30th September)
Written and directed by Judd Apatow is that rare beast in Hollywood in modern times - a comedy that's actually funny. A razor sharp script and some wonderful performances from Seth Rogen, Katerine Heigl,Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd combine to make this one of the better comedic efforts of the last few years. Highly enjoyable!

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (expires 3rd October)
After a year on Netflix, this textbook strong moral message drama finally bids farewell.
Gregory Peck's turn as Atticus Finch is worthy of repeated viewing and has aged remarkably well but hurry as this will leave Netflix in a week's time. You have been warned!

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

There are three new releases on show this week at Tralee Omniplex. A fantastical family film, a twisty turny thriller and a loud brash action thriller.
Plenty of choice on offer at Omniplex Tralee then with the added bonus of all shows today just €6 as part of Omniplex Cinema's Tuesday Treat!

The House with a Clock in it's Walls
The king of gore, Eli Roth takes a detour into the world of family film with mixed critical results. The inclusion of Jack Black and Cate Blanchett as well as a dominant sense of fun suggest this one may a film of family fun (albeit a bit too scary for the littler ones!)

A Simple Favour
Another film maker switching genres this week as Bridesmaids director Paul Feig goes dark in this suspenseful comedy thriller full of twists and turns and featuring two strong lead performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Initial critical reviews have been strong and this just may be the pick of the bunch this week!

Mile 22
Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg team up yet again in this action thriller that brings the loud action sequences but very little else in a film that has left critics and audiences alike cold. Disappointing!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Rocky - (ITV 4 Monday 24th September 23:00)
Predictable yet timeless rags to riches tale that has become the baromter for every boxing film since. Best Picture Oscar winner in 1977 and featuring a young scriptwriter/actor Sylvester Stallone in his best acting performance to date.

Brooklyn - (RTE One Wednesday  26th September 21:35)
Heartfelt drama that rightly earned Saoirse Ronan a deserved Oscar nomination this John Crowley directed feature is a simply story told beautifully, aided in no small part by dazzling cinematography and some exceptional performances from it's talented cast.

In Bruges - (Film Four Saturday 29th September 21:00)
A Martin McDonagh masterpiece, this feature is filled with clever dialogue and incredible performances in a film that switches regularly from dark comedy to tense thriller. A sign of things to come from this talented director!

Review: Crazy Rich Asians - a charming film that gives a well needed boost for the rom com genre!

The beloved rom com has taken a battering in recent times with such a severe decline in quality that it was doubted that it could ever return to it's former glory with films highlights of the genre such as Pretty Woman and Bridget Jones Diary becoming just distant memories from a bygone era. Thankfully this weeks film of the week at Tralee Omniplex, Crazy Rich Asians, as well as addressing diversity casting issues within the film industry gives a badly needed shot of life to this jaded genre and somewhat resembling the two rom com gems mentioned above thematically makes for a very entertaining two hours of entertainment and possibly the sleeper box office hit of the year!
Crazy Rich Asians follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick's family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention that he is part of one of the country's wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors and it soon becomes clear that while money can't buy love, it can definitely complicate things.
Visually stunning with the magnificent Singapore serving as an able backdrop to wealth that will make the viewers eyes pop in a way that we once marvelled at Dallas or Dynasty, Crazy Rich Asians is much more than a stylish, materialistic ocular treat with some sharp script writing and solid performances elevating this production to lofty heights.
The support cast in particular are worthy of a special mention as the likes of Awkwafina and Ken Jeong add excellent comedic moments to this charming tale with Michelle Yeoh excelling as the steely prospective mother-in-law.
Social structures, family dynamics and wealth are dealt with throughout this alluring feature that even though revisits old ground genre wise, has a fresh and invigorating feel to it.
Crazy Rich Asians contains all the ingredients that other rom coms in recent times have forgotten to add to the recipe. It's charming, heartfelt, funny and ultimately a likable romp that will please fans of the rom com movie.
✹✹✹1/2

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

A Simple Favour
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig goes dark in this suspenseful comedy thriller full of twists and turns and featuring two strong lead performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively!




Streaming: 

Quincy (Netflix)
Directed by his daughter Rashida and Alan Hicks, this documentary profiles music and culture icon Quincy Jones, offering unprecedented access to his private life and stories from his unparallelled career.




On Telly

Inglorious Basterds (RTE Two Friday 21st September 21:35)
An often over looked Quentin Tarantino gem featuring one of the greatest opening scenes ever put on film, this 2009 film features an all star cast and an iconic writer/director in full flow. Highly recommended!

A free feast of film on show in Kerry this Friday as part of Culture Night 2018

This Friday 21st September is Culture Night throughout Ireland with all corners of the country holding cultural events free of charge for the public to highlight the richness of culture available to us in this grand country of ours.
All counties are highlighting some cinematic delights and County Kerry is no exception. An Academy award winning short film, a civil rights documentary and two locally screened horror films in association with KFest  are just a sample of the fantastic events on offer for film fans county wide.
Have a look below at what Kerry has to offer on Culture Night and be sure to check out these great FREE events this Friday 21st September!

"The Silent Child" & "Little Bird" - Killarney Cinema (6.30pm - 7.00pm)
Kerry Film Festival and Cinema Killarney present 'The Silent Child' and 'Little Bird', two short film screenings
The Silent Child is a 2018 Academy Award winning short and tells the story of a deaf four-year old who lives in a world of silence until someone teaches her the gift of communication.
Little Bird is set against the backdrop of 1941 London and explores how far one young woman will go to create a new life for herself.

Bernadette: Notes On A Political Journey -McCarthy’s, Upper Main Street, Dingle (8pm - 10:00pm)
A documentary by Irish filmmaker and campaigner Lelia Doolan revisits the life of Bernadette Devlin McAliskey. A civil rights leader from Tyrone, Bernadette was elected to Westminster when she was 21 years old.

"Tulaigh Bheag Woods" & "Brackenmore"  - The BarN, (Paud O’ Neills) langford Street, Killorglin (8pm - 12.00pm)
For Culture Night 2018, K-FEST are screening two locally made horror films.
Tulaigh Bheag Woods (a short by Mark Riordan) – A young girl is jogging in the woods… (Premier screening).
Brackenmore (Caragh Lake films) - A story of festering family history and enigmatic traditions, Brackenmore is a suspenseful thriller that weaves together the exploration of occult ritual with complex human relationships.

Mo Spiorad Eilifinte/My Elephant Spirit  - Pictiúrlann An Phoenix, Lána an Dá Gheata, An Daingean (6pm - 7.00pm)
Gearrscannáin Rince stúirtha ag Maria Svensson. Scannaíocht le Mark McLoughlin. A short dance film directed by Maria Svensson, shot by Mark McLoughlin.

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

There are three new releases on show this week at Tralee Omniplex. A highly rated rom com, another 80's franchise reboot and a true life crime drama with an all star cast.
Plenty of choice on offer at Omniplex Tralee then with the added bonus of all shows today just €6 as part of Omniplex Cinema's Tuesday Treat!

Crazy Rich Asians
Highly acclaimed rom com that is satisfying the critics and performing well at the box office giving a well needed jump start to a jaded genre. Dazzling visuals, terrific performances and all the right ingredients for what may just be the sleeper hit of 2018.

The Predator
Another attempt at rebooting what was once a popular franchise has fallen foul of critics and audiences alike as even the midas touch of Shane Black can't resuscitate a series of films that are best remembered for the nostalgic gems that they were and left in the annals of movies past!

The King of Thieves
Even an all star veteran British cast can;t seem to rescue this true life heist tale from mediocrity as initial reviews have been less than kind for what is the second film in recent times based on the Hatton Garden diamond heist.

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Gascoigne - (RTE Two Tuesday 18th September 22:10)
Compelling yet tragic insight into the life and times of one of the UK's most famous and gifted footballers, this riveting documentary written and directed by Jane Preston gives us a deeper look into the life of a footballer sadly unable to cope with the pressures of fame and fortune.

Oceans Eleven - (SKY One Wednesday  19th September 21:00)
Stephen Soderberg's classy heist movie is incredibly 17 years old this year but still beams style, substance and slickness as an all star cast deliver strong performances in roles that they are obviously enjoying. Pity about the sequels though!

The Iceman - (Channel Four Friday 21st September 00:40)
A true life crime drama that largely succeeds due to a strong turn from the excellent Michael Shannon. This film could have done with a stronger director and script but Shannon holds it all together in one of his most mesmerising performances to date. Recommended!!