2023 is off to a strong start for films. So, with half term around the corner and the upcoming Borderlines Film Festival less than a month away.
By Lewis Pearce:
I wanted to share with you my thoughts on some of the biggest releases of the year so far and what I recommend for you all.
Babylon
I can see why the critics didn’t like it, but I thought this was an absolute riot! It doesn’t all work and the 3-hour run time means it runs out of steam but it oozes cool, amazing music, and unbelievable direction. Writer-Director Damien Chazelle (behind the sensational Whiplash and La La Land) has made an eccentric, excessive film but I had a lot of fun and the ending is brilliant. Think an insane mix of The Great Gatsby meets The Wolf of Wall Street. 4/5 Stars
Showing at The Courtyard Tue 28th Feb – Wed 1st March
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
This film had no right to be this good. A sequel no one asked for and arriving 11 years after the first, yet somehow this is one of the best-animated movies to arrive in quite some time. Delightful, mature, and fast-paced, this is family entertainment of the highest order. The action and various animation styles are incredible. Side note: The villain here will terrify young children. 4/5 Stars.
Currently showing at Odeon and will be at the Courtyard Fri 17th Feb – Sat 25th Feb
The Fabelmans
Legendary director Steven Spielberg’s latest is inspired by his own childhood, growing up as an aspiring filmmaker, and is a serious contender in this year’s Oscars race. In addition to directing, Spielberg co-wrote the screenplay with Tony Kushner and based the lead character Sammy Fabelman on himself. It is a touching and charming film that is an ode to the power of cinema, but I did leave wanting more. It’s beautifully made and I liked the first half a lot, but sadly the second half dragged. 3/5 stars.
Currently showing at Odeon and will be at the Courtyard Fri 17th Feb – Thur 2nd March
Aftersun
A beautiful film with two terrific lead performances, particularly Normal People’s Paul Mescal (who was Oscar-nominated for his turn). It didn’t quite hit me on an emotional level as I’d hoped but I loved how nostalgic it made me feel about holidays when I was a child. The minimal plot won’t work for everyone but it will stay with you long after the credits roll. 3.5/5 stars.
Showing at this year’s Borderlines Film Festival
The Whale
Not usually a fan of one-location films, but I was thoroughly impressed with The Whale and liked it a lot more than I thought. This is mostly due to Brendan Fraser’s heart-breaking and incredibly convincing lead performance, I really hope he wins that Oscar as he is phenomenal here. Some of the side character scenes didn’t entirely work and it’s a tough film to recommend (I am in no rush to ever see it again) but this is a great story and a deeply moving picture. 4/5 stars.
Showing at this year’s Borderlines Film Festival
Also, currently showing at the Odeon in limited showings:
Titanic (25th Anniversary) in 3D – 4.5/5 stars
Plane – 3.5/5 stars
Knock at the Cabin – 3/5 stars
Avatar: The Way of Water in 3D – 4.5/5 stars
Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania is out Friday 17th Feb.
More details and tickets can be found at the links below:
The Courtyard Cinema – https://www.courtyard.org.uk/the-courtyard-cinema/
Borderlines Film Festival 2023 – https://www.courtyard.org.uk/borderlines/
Odeon Cinema – https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/hereford/
