Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  Wicked 2024

  Watched 06 Dec 2024

  This made me so happy. Just joyful. It took the challenge of adapting a stage musical to film and made it feel really effortless. It’s faithful to the original but makes some very clever, considered, adaptations to fit the new form. 

  The cast blew me away. At points Ariana reminded me of Kristin Chenoweth, which I do not say lightly. Cynthia Erivo was so compelling, doing loads with small expressions and gestures. 

  Loved the cameos. Didn’t expect them and they made my day. 

  It’s really good. Loved it.

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  Only the River Flows 2023

  ★★★ Watched 17 Aug 2024

  I loved so much about this. The cinematography is controlled and mesmerising. I loved the colours. So much atmospheric rain. Grizzled detectives who smoke and can’t let go of the case: what could be better? However, as the film goes on, it moves further and further away from this classic formula and honestly… I wish it hadn’t.

Popular reviews

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  A Banquet 2021

  ★★★★ Watched 15 Oct 2021

  I saw this at the film festival with a Q&A with the cast and director. I had no idea that was happening so I’m chuffed to bits. I was genuinely star struck by  Lindsay Duncan. 

  As for the film, I really loved that too. It’s just full of beautiful, baroque shots and the scenes of food and cooking feel so tangible and evocative. The family dynamics are really well done. Each character’s perspective is recognisable and they are each flawed…

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  RRR 2022

  ★★★★★ Watched 04 Nov 2022

  It just doesn’t stop! Every scene is just pure kinetic, maximalist, brilliance. The best action I’ve seen in ages, a bromance that makes a mockery of all others, and for one brief moment, a wonderful rom com. The songs are relentless. The imagery is mythic and epic in the truest sense. The British costumes defy belief. Are they regency? Victorian? Disney princess? I would give an Oscar to the tigers. It reminded me a little bit of Touch of Zen…