Simian Rivalry

Last time we left Caesar he was in a bit of a tight spot. Having just made enemies of a number of humans, war against the apes was certain. Was it fair that the actions of a few apes had turned humans against them, would the few humans on the side of the apes be able to protect them? Such were the questions we were left with as the credits started to roll and we feared for the future of our (pri) mates. Fast forward to War for the Planet of the Apes and we are thrown into the thick of the predicted battle.

There is a rumor going around that the great Caesar is in the process of building and strengthening his army in a hidden and well protected stronghold. The humans find that this is at least partially true, and yet are surprised to discover that the aim is defence and peace. A powerful act of mercy on the part of the apes teases a tentative chance at harmony between the not-too-different species, and yet once again it is the humans who foolishly seek out a fight. 

Fear and its cruel collateral damage threaten to shake the great leader's core principals, and he finds himself separated from his apes and his home, out in the wilderness on a doomed mission along with a few of his closest allies, some new (very cute) friends, namely Bad Ape; and a young girl infected with a disastrous disease threatening to wipe out the human race as we know it.

Caesar soon discovers his fatal flaw in leaving his people to pursue an act of revenge, something which haunts him just as keenly as the ghost of Koba. A very emotional series of events ensue, with Caesar both trying to save as many apes as possible and fighting a battle within himself.

Once again I am very impressed with this latest addition to the Apes universe. This film is intensly emotional and gritty simultaneously, and convinced me once again to feel for the plight of the apes despite the human race being the opposing force. I am inclined to even go so far as to suggest that this is the best in the series yet and cannot wait to see what the creative team has in store for future additions, of which the director has promised there will be many.

Well and truly sold- five stars.

  

     

Web-Slinging Surprise

Spider-Man Homecoming. It alluded to a lot through its title alone- it was the centre of great expectation and discussion, there were some in full support from the first mention of its impending arrival, and others doubting... so what was the epic about a man-spider hybrid like? (the fifth or sixth time around)

When Marvel announces an addition to their ever-expanding and aptly named Universe, the excitement butterflies begin to flutter. In a testament to their loyalty to and appreciation of fans, they never disappoint, but I must admit, I was a bit concerned when I heard they were giving Spider-Man, a new, new Spider-Man I might add, another movie. I assume that I was not alone in thinking it would be hard to consider the new-kid-on-the-block as Spider-Man, since we've had so many swing into the role in recent years.

With characters like Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor, who we get to follow from their beginnings, we're able to connect with their story and plight, but with Spider-Man's future seemingly always in "hanging-in-the-balance" mode, it's been hard to welcome him into the family.

Cue sigh of relief here- this new Spider-Man made it clear from the beginning that it wasn't going to be a remake, it wasn't going to pretend that the origin story had never been told and go through Uncle Ben's downfall- no,it was going to be independent and very, very clever.

Homecoming finds Spider-Man anxiously waiting to hear from Iron-Man about his next Mission, but like all internships, nothing is happening in a hurry. So a 15 year old Peter Parker very bravely decides to take on tackling crime in his own way. 

From the onset, it must be mentioned that Tom Holland is an exceptional actor who takes on the role, makes it his own, and brings new dimension to both the humanity and super-heroism of Spider-Man. With Holland at the helm, the film and character are new and more believeable in many ways. So too, when things go pear shaped, it's hard not to feel sorry for the kid, whose idol doesn't seem to want him involved in the action anymore. Couple this with unrequited love and a best friend too excited about his mate's alter ego to keep a secret, and he's got a lot on his plate- not to mention a new villain set on destroying him and a lot of other things. 

There is a perfect balance of comedy, heart felt moments, and action in this film, and not once do you feel as though the story has been told before. The pace is maintained by uncertainties, a new Spidey suit that keeps our hero on his toes, and a determination from the characters to give the story new life through believable interaction. 

Hopefully this new Spider-Man is here to stay, as I daresay it will be an impossible feat to replace him AND maintain any sort of following. With at least one sequel already confirmed, fingers crossed Marvel recognise a good thing when they see it.

Four out of five.    

Out of the jungle into the tiger's jaws

The jungle book is a treasured classic. It sees Mowgli (Neel Sethi) the man cub finding his place in the world when Shere Khan (Idris Elba) decides that he's too much of a danger to hang around. It's the classic case of once bitten, twice shy, but Khan takes it to... erm... extremely violent levels.

Behind you Mowgli!... Ths isn't a made-you-look thing.

When the wolf pack, Mowgli's surrogate family, faces certain death for harbouring him, they send him to the man village with the wise Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) to begin a new life. Yet as can be expected, the journey isn't smooth, and before long the two of them are violently separated. 

Are you sure you don't eat human?

Trusting in the only thing he knows, Mowgli goes deeper into the jungle and meets a few new friends along the way, including Kaa (Scarlett Johansson) and Baloo (Bill Murray). In a mesmerising sequence of events, he discovers how he came to live in the jungle, and discovers what he must do to stop Khan.

What big eyes you have...

From the tallest trees to the blades of grass, this film ensures that every detail of nature is projected with the most natural of qualities. What's also interesting to note is the way the animals are incorporated into this film. Each is so believable as one you could stumble across in a real jungle, yet have their own unique characteristics to bring to the story. For the keen eye... and ear, there are flashbacks to earlier portrayals of the story which will delight both old and new fans of the classic. 

This is definately a movie to see in 3D for an immersive experience. Fantastic and to be throughly enjoyed by old and young- and a special mention to Neel Sethi too, so believable.

Five Quills out of Five.

Wayne v Kent

My first impressions upon hearing about this film were- how exciting, so many superheroes in one film, kind of in a similar style to Marvel's avengers, but with more of the single character films coming later. Then I was feeling a bit unsure as to whether I wanted to see two good guys battling it out. Ultimately, the film was EPIC. 

*Side note: From the onset, there is quite a bit of flashback involved in this film. I didn't find it annoying or frustrating, but some viewers might, and some of the flashbacks may not make too much sense if you haven't seen the introductory film of our new Superman. 

The film begins with a familiar back story and gradually introduces both of our central characters into the piece. Superman's significant other finds herself in a very precarious position, and must be rescued by her caped hero, yet the distinction between good and evil is not as clear cut as is usually the case.

Gradually, as is regretfully often the case, society begins to turn on the heroes that have served them so selflessly, and because of their representation in the media, both Batman and Superman begin to see each other as foes, and by extension, barriers to peace. 

Enter Jesse Eisenberg, AKA Lex Luthor.

Lois describes him as psychotic and she would not be wrong. He's a different kind of scary. On the one hand he is somewhat reminiscent of public figures that we are all too familiar with. He has a way with words and convinces most that weaponising an extremely dangerous radioactive element is the best chance for society. He also comes across as childish and oddly friendly, before it's realised that to  destroy Superman, he is prepared to kill countless innocents and stoop to the lowest levels. 

Superman is soon faced with an impossible decision. To save the life of one he loves, he must do the unthinkable. The conclusion is both shocking and heartening all at once.

Wonder woman makes an appearance (however brief) and hints are given at who else will feature in the up-and-coming Justice League. 

When everything comes to a head, the ending leaves you gasping, wondering, and excited for more (also, I get super excited about the fact that Superman is a Journalist, and I'm studying to be one, so it's pretty cool, and I was secretly or not so secretly on his side during the fight!). 

You should see this... seriously 

Four Quills out of Five.

Wondrous Windex

My Big Fat Greek Wedding Two is a follow on film of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. If you haven't seen the first film- you'll still understand this one, but it won't be as enjoyable. Spoiler alert: the first film is about a Greek girl from a very traditional Greek family, who falls in love with someone who isn't Greek, and as you can imagine this causes a lot of problems- and laughs.

Fourteen years later, My Big Fat Greek Wedding Two has been made, and it's a continuation/repeat of the first. Toula and Ian's (the aformentioned forbidden couple from the first film) daughter begins to feel overwhelmed by the pressure put on her to get married to "a nice Greek boy" and to go to a college close to home. Familiar faces arrive to offer "guidance", Toula's parents find out their marriage certificate wasn't officially signed by the priest, and Toula and Ian have marriage problems of their own. The result is chaos.

There are some funny moments, humorous because of personal experience and nods to the first film. In places however, the film falls flat, there are periods where nothing much happens, and the plot 

line is pretty predictable for the most part. However, there's a lot of heart in this film, and sometimes it's nice to watch something lighthearted. Without giving too much away, one of the final scenes is really beautiful, and quite emotional, really tying the whole film together in a sweet way.

I would recommend this film if you're looking for something light hearted and heart warming to watch. In terms of originality of concept and complexity of storyline, it misses the mark a bit, but it's good fun.

Three Quills out of Five.

To Brooklyn and back

Brooklyn is a heartfelt film which tells a tale of struggle, hope, loss and love. It deals with a plethora of situations and emotions that everyone will experience in some way, at some point in their life, whether it be through personal experience, or by holding concern for someone close.

Set in the 1950's, Eilis, with the help of her sister Rose, makes the brave decision to leave her home in Enniscorthy to live in Brooklyn, where she hopes to achieve her career goals and create a life for herself.

The journey there is trepedacious in itself, and she soon feels very alone in the world. While there she experiences a great many trials and joys, each tearing at the heartstrings of Eilis and the audience alike. 

When a great tragedy brings her back to Ireland , she is forced to consider where her heart and home truly live. 

The story is at the same time familiar and unexpected. It warms the heart and is portrayed so beautifully by accurate costuming, stunning natural lighting and filming, a lovely accompanying soundtrack, and wonderful actors that bring a lot of heart to the film.

This film is one of those unexpected gems. It tells a relatively simple story so elegantly, and touches the audience in different ways. As I left the cinema, I heard one elderly woman express how tormented she would have felt had her daughter left for another country, one such instance that proved there was so much dimension to this film.

This film isn't even shown in every cinema, but if you have the opportunity to reach one, I strongly encourage you to see it - just be sure to bring a friend, or a family member, and a box of tissues, you'll need the whole box for this one.

Five Quills out of Five.

Chewy, we're home...

As the classic title music began and the traditional opening plot introduction rolled down the screen, I couldn't help but smile. It really did feel like coming home, like meeting up with family members you hadn't seen in a while, and yet their warm smiles made it feel like yesterday. Throughout the film the classic star wars transitions, wimpy generals of the dark side, mighty heroes we love, and the general feel of the planets and battle scenes were maintained, and it was fantastic.

I felt goosebumps as Chewy and Han entered the scene, and at that point, it really felt like I was watching one of the original films. I was so excited about the fact that my most favourite original Star Wars characters were playing a major role in the film, and it was also an interesting experience to meet the new crew. The new fighters are brave and selfless, and as they fought alongside the originals, there was a sense they would fit in very well as legends of the Star Wars Universe.

The plot was equally enthralling, from many twists, unexpected family connections, wonderful flashbacks to flights and conflicts of the past, and even hints at cherished creative aspects from previous films.

There was one part of the plot that I wasn't happy with at all, it resulted in the death of one of my favourite characters, and brought tears to my eyes, I really wish things didin't turn out that way. I feel that Star Wars won't be the same without this character, unless they are brought into the story in some other way. Hopefully the other characters will come close to how great this character is, and continue to do justice to the Star Wars universe into the future. 

The film ended on a cliffhanger, quite literally, and I am eagerly anticipating what will happen next in this story in a galaxy far far away.

I am awarding this film four out of five quills, definately a must see(it loses a quill as a direct result of the death of one of my favourite Star Wars characters). May the force be with you.