Review: The Commuter - A tiresome journey that you'll want to disembark long before it reaches it's final destination

With the weekly diet of high profile Oscar contenders in our cinema screens at present sometimes it can be nice to switch off and enjoy a good old fashioned brain relaxing action packed blockbuster. A film that has zero expectations on arrival and can pleasantly surprise on departure! On first glance The Commuter seemed like just the tonic for those in need of a high octane nail biting big budget feature that sees Liam Neeson takes the reins in another Takenesque type role that he seems to churn out on a frequent basis but still has an eager audience lapping it up!
In this action-packed thriller, Liam Neeson plays Michael, an insurance salesman, whose daily commute home quickly becomes anything but routine. After being confronted by a mysterious stranger (Vera Farmiga), Michael is blackmailed into finding the identity of a passenger on his train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the riddle, Michael is caught up in a criminal conspiracy that carries life and death stakes for himself and his fellow passengers.
Reuniting once more with director Jaume Collet Serra to say Neeson is in familiar territory here would be a vast understatement. The problem is however that since the runaway cult classic Taken hit our screens every copycat since has seen a slight decline in quality which at this stage sees these particular type of movies sink to farcical depths where even the explosive action sequence can't save it.
This feature could have been so much better as it had a reasonable premise, a decent start and a cast filled with quality actors. The problem is that is seemed to get more ludicrous as it ran on, with every scene that bit more far fetched than the last, to the point where it largely seemed that the director was just winging it by the time it came to an exhausted end!
Corny dialogue, clunky fight scenes and over the top action sequences all combine to ensure that after a few solid weeks of quality features in our cinema screens, we now welcome the arrival of the first bona fide turkey of 2018. Disappointing!
✸✸

5 Classic Romantic Films to enjoy on Valentines Day

For the day that's in it I have listed 5 of the best romantic movies that can be enjoyed time and time again. Some are unconventional, funny, clever and even at times cheesy but sit comfortably within this list of romantic films. Feel free to add your own choices via the comments box or social media.

5. The Big Sick
Best Film winner at the Nantucket Film Festival and one of the best films of 2017  this rom com delivers some funny, intelligent and heartfelt moments and gives this cliched genre a new original angle and comes highly recommended!

4. When Harry Met Sally
Rob Reiner's 80's gem set the bar for romantic comedies and was a runaway hit largely thanks to the chemistry and performances of the two lead actors Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. A romantic classic!

3. Love Actually
So sweet it may give you diabetes and cynics have critized it for this but leave the cynicism to one side and you have 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!

2. Casablanca
An undisputed masterpiece and Hollywoods ultimate tale of love and romance this 1942 feature is currently undergoing a rebirth for a newer (and older audience) as part of Omniplex Cinemas #Bringitback series. An absolute classic that has aged remarkable well!

1. Gone With the Wind
Four hours of epic romance is to the forefront of this 1939 classic feature in as Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh combine to give us one of Hollywood's greatest ever romantic tales and one that simply has never been matched since. Iconic!

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

There are three new releases for your consideration for this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex. A true story thriller, a origins comic book feature and the last outing in a weary franchise. Surely something for everyone as well as the high calibre of film currently on show at Tralee Omniplex with all shows today just €6!

The 15:17 to Paris
Clint Eastwoods retelling of an incredible act of heroism includes the real life individuals in a bold move by the veteran director. Not enjoying the best of receptions by the critics but rarely does this well decorated director make a bad film so may still be worth a look!

Black Panther
Comic book season arrives with a bang as this Ryan Coogler directed Marvel feature has thrilled all the critics for it's absorbing story line and fresh take on what can sometimes a worn out genre. May just be the pick of the week!

Fifty Shades Freed
This jaded and tiresome franchise thankfully comes to a close in a trilogy that even the cast seem to wish to forget about. Best thing to say about this film is that mercifully it's the last in the series. One strictly for fans of the first two films and novels only!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Fruitvale Station - (Film Four  Monday 12th February 23:20)
Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize for dramatic feature and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, this true story written and directed by Ryan Coogler is a passionate and powerful piece of film that contains an incredible performance from Michael B. Jordan in the central role.

The Wizard of Lies - (Sky Atlantic  Tuesday 13th February 21:00)
Directed by Barry Levinson this account of financier Bernie Madoff's orchestration of one of the largest frauds in U.S. history sees a somewhat return to form from Robert De Niro in a feature that may not break new ground but is highly informative and extremely watchable!

Sleepless in Seattle - (Film Four Wednesday 14th February 23:20)
For the day that's in it , this romantic tale written and directed by the late Nora Ephron makes the most of the undeniable on screen chemistry between the two lead actors in what has become the text book date movie. A rom com extraordinaire!

Review: The Post - A masterful nostalgic yet timely piece of film that won't disappoint

Combine the magnificent iconic acting talent of two Hollywood heavyweights in Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, with the skills of one of the worlds most decorated movie makers in Steven Spielberg to retell a poignant, nostalgic yet timely tale and it's no surprise that both critical and audience reaction to The Post has been so overwhelmingly positive.
This thrilling drama tells of the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post's first female publisher Katharine Graham (Streep), and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents.
The timing of the release of this movie is anything but subtle as it's cinematic release is quite rightly at a time when the Award committee's will be casting their collective eyes on the features worthy of critical acclaim and this undoubtedly falls into that category.
Politically, also this film which may deal with a time gone but also contains certain messages, lessons and nods to the current landscape in which we now dwell with the battle of press versus politics as relevant as ever in modern life.
Strong moral themes aside, this is also a spectacular piece of film making that has all the prints of the giants of the industry at work. Streep is again unflappable as Katharine Graham bringing gravitas and poise to her role as she always does and if not for Saoirse Ronan or Frances McDormand would definitely be bringing home another Oscar to add to her collection this March. Tom Hanks too is exceptional here also capturing that never give up attitude shown to Ben Bradlee to perfection and can count himself unlucky that his name was not included in the recent list of Academy Award nominees. Both actors are joined by a stellar supporting cast including Bruce Greenwood, Bob Odendirk, Sarah Paulson and Bradley Whitford who all contribute to bring this wonderful piece of film to life.
It is in the hands of iconic director Spielberg however, that this film truly soars as he builds tension in a way that only he knows how, disctreetly giving the viewer a clever civics lesson whilst simultaenously entertaining them with all the thrills and spills that every movie should contain.
Overall, The Post is an important yet highly entertaining piece of film filled with fantastic performances  delivered by a wizard of the movie world who shows no sign of letting up anytime soon! Highly recommended.
✷✷✷✷

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

The 15:17 to Paris
This Clint Eastwood directed true life tale has been gained some negative reviews from the critics but has been viewed more favourably by audiences as he takes the bold step of casting the real life individuals involved in this feature. Surely worth seeing for that fact alone!



Streaming: 

Zero Dark Thirty (Netflix)
Kathryn Bigelow directs this brilliantly crafted, tense and gripping dramatisation of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden that works largely to it's attention to detail and a strong central performance from Jessica Chastain. Highly recommended!




On Telly

Spy (Channel 4 Saturday 11th February 21:00)
Melissa McCarthy is in fine form in this Paul Feig directed spy spoof from 2015 which enjoys it's network TV premiere this weekend but it's undoubtedly Jason Statham that steals the show (now that's a line I thought I'd never write!!) walking away with every scene he's in. A lot of fun!

Some great offers available at this years upcoming Dingle International Film Festival

This years Dingle International Film Festival takes place this March and are currently running a Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to help in the organising of their renowned POW WOW event as well as an Outdoor Screening.
The Pow-Wow event will have a number of inspiring panel discussions; with actors, directors, writers and producers and is a daylong event open to all festival attendees and is FREE to all selected filmmakers screening at the festival. Held in the stunning Ionad an Bhlascoid Mhoi this event includes, dialogue, chinwag & banter events where industry experts share knowledge, assisting upcoming filmmakers.
Dingle International Film Festival are also planning a new event this year - a FREE outdoor screening event, offering a unique cinematic experience, with the dramatic backdrop of Dingle Bay.
Already confirmed for what promises to be another quality packed programme this year is opening feature The Camino Voyage/Iomramh an Chamino directed by Dónal Ó Céilleachair this film features Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, Glen Hansard, Liam Holden, Brendan-Pháid Ó Muircheartaigh and Writer and Poet; Domhnall Mac Síthigh (1951-2017).
Also showing at the festival is Oscar nominated animated feature The Breadwinner directed by Nora Twomey, a movie that has just won Best Independent Animated Feature Film at the Annie Awards and continues the long tradition of high quality programming on show at the DIFF.
Add in the strong selection of short films confirmed and you already have the makings of another great event in West Kerry.
Combine all that with some wonderful offers available (all which enable the best experience for the attendees) and all roads must surely lead to Dingle this March.
For further details on how to avail of these great DIFF offers or to support what is a wonderful event please the DIFF indiegogo page at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dingle-international-film-festival-cinema#/  or for full details of upcoming events and the programme visit http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/