Payday is around the corner, and what better way to see in the weekend than with a trip to the cinema? Here are the movies we’ve seen, and would highly recommend!
Back To Black
A celebration of the most iconic – and much missed – homegrown star of the 21st century, Back To Black tells the extraordinary tale of Amy Winehouse. Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, Back To Black honours Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.
“As a big Amy Winehouse fan, I was both excited and apprehensive to watch this film. She is such a complex character to play, and her voice is unique: I was worried it wouldn’t do her justice. I was absolutely delighted to discover that not only is Marisa Abela the perfect person to portray Amy (she nails her voice, accent and mannerisms), but the film is respectful and beautiful. It showcases the highs and the lows without judgement and perfectly encapsulates the time, the place and the person that was Amy Winehouse. It’s a must-see for fans, but I think Amy’s story is enjoyable for everyone – even those who didn’t follow her journey.” – Anien, Editor
Monkey Man
Oscar® nominee Dev Patel achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.
Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash.
After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
“Monkey Man is thrilling from beginning to end. It takes us on an action-packed journey through India – past and present – to learn more about the protagonist’s painful past, and his quest for revenge. Dev Patel is a joy to watch – his fight scenes are skillfully crafted and each emotion experienced by his character is raw on his face.
The cinematography is a visual feast, with the sights and sounds of his surroundings brought to life for the viewer, and the stark contrast between the poorest of the poor, and the wealthy, highlighted. The score is brilliant, and despite the serious subject matter of the plot, there are several funny moments that bring much-appreciated, light-hearted relief. This action-packed and thought-provoking film is certain to enthrall movie enthusiasts and give them a newfound appreciation for Dev Patel, who not only stars in the film, but who also wrote and directed it.” – Anien, Editor
Abigail
Children can be such monsters. After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.
From Radio Silence comes a brash, blood-thirsty new vision of the vampire flick, written by Stephen Shields (The Hole in the Ground, Zombie Bashers) and Guy Busick (Scream franchise, Ready or Not).
“Abigail took me by surprise – I started watching the film thinking I was watching a thriller, but it quickly transcended into a slasher-type bloody horror. If you’re into gore, this one’s for you, because there is plenty of it! Alisha Weir’s performance as the ballerina-turned-vampire is impressive, especially at her age, and I found her believable in all her different forms. I liked that the script incorporated some humour in between the violence and found the characters interesting, however, I didn’t establish a connection with any of them, and I feel the movie would have benefitted from introducing the audience to their back stories in more detail. The setting is really beautiful (the old home they’re stuck in is a visual feast) and I enjoyed the clever way in which the film incorporated the ballerina aesthetic into the story.” – Anien, Editor
