Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Movie Review … Spotlight



Investigative journalism currently seems a thing of the past.  With legal threats hanging over reporters and the insatiable lust for instant news, the chance for airing truth is distant.  That’s why it’s refreshing watching ‘Spotlight’.  A trip to the recent past where media moguls didn’t dictate what was said and free of bias, the featured reporters thrive on conveying facts.  Such journalists still exist and hopefully will again appear ready to unearth the truth behind one-sentence headlines.

A deep reporting unit of the Boston Globe newspaper, ‘Spotlight’ takes its time in developing stories.  Among the journalists are Walter (Michael Keaton), Sacha (Rachel McAdams) and Mike (Mark Ruffalo).  When new Editor-in-Chief Marty (Liev Schreiber) wants them to delve into allegations of underage sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, they are initially wary. Soon they discover a web of lies and decades of deception.  Taking on the powerful Catholic hierarchy, the ‘Spotlight’ team aim to reveal the murky underbelly some will hide at any cost.

‘Spotlight’ presents an excellent case for cinematic minimalism.  Free of the histrionics some dramas use, ‘Spotlight’ offers a straight-forward and absorbing narrative. The journalists are there to do their job and discover a cesspool of shocking actions.  A story of the abuse of power and how an institution tries to maintain it shows how a culture of secrecy can easily develop.  The statements from victims are sometimes harrowing to hear, such is a screenplay determined to present the outrageous acts for what they were.

Tom McCarthy’s steady direction ensures ‘Spotlight’ maintains an even pace.  The performers bring much gravitas to their roles, helping McCarthy to show their rage and singular determination in revealing ugly truths.  With the strong screenplay they’re given, they force the viewer to question their own attitudes and amazement at how such crimes could occur.  ‘Spotlight’ isn’t anti-religion despite its central motif but keenly wants to rail against how the exploitation of any authority should never be tolerated.

Less reliant on technological means and more on their analytical skills, the characters of ‘Spotlight’ make it worth watching.  Their efforts can only be applauded and makes one hope such crimes on a huge scale never happen again.

 

Movie Review Rating out of 10:  8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.

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Movie Review … The Hateful Eight



Quentin Tarantino can be an acquired taste.  The director of ‘Reservoir Dogs’, ‘Pulp Fiction’ and others often divided critics and fans alike.  Whilst his films have an abundance of quotable dialogue and some amazing performances, most haven’t gelled quite as they should.  ‘The Hateful Eight’ is an example.  Just as overly drawn-out and self-indulgent as previous works, ‘The Hateful Eight’ still amazes due to the acting.  Less is always more which Tarantino ignores even if being in the company of his latest characters conjures intrigue.

After the American Civil War, bounty hunter John (Kurt Russell) is on a stagecoach with his murderous prisoner Daisy (Jennifer Jason Leigh).  Whilst travelling to Red Rock to put her on trial and collect the reward, he picks up another bounty hunter Marquis (Samuel L Jackson).  With a blizzard settling in, they stop at a refuge where they meet several other men.  Striking an uneasy acquaintance, soon they discover a common link.  Events turn deadly as secrets are revealed with those among them not quite whom they seem.

Lovers of tough and gritty westerns should enjoy ‘The Hateful Eight’.  Filled with unsavoury characters and plenty of blood-letting, it fits perfectly with Tarantino’s directorial style.  You’re never quite sure where the multi-chaptered story will go but can be assured surprises will surface.   Like his other works, Tarantino injects lots of monologues and strong references to the era in which ‘The Hateful Eight’ is set.  Generally it’s engagingly done with the production design giving ‘The Hateful Eight’ a stage-like feel with only the props and characters fuelling genuine tension.

The percolating angst aids in making ‘The Hateful Eight’ watchable in spite of its over-long run-time.  Like many other recent films, it mistakes near 3-hour opus for quality when an editor’s eye could have made for a more compelling narrative.  What’s on offer is diverting but the meandering screenplay defuses much of its impact.  Russell, Jackson and company turn in fine performances regardless with cinematography bringing the harsh landscape to startling life.  The mix of drama, mystery and humour also works in creating a mostly interesting character-driven story.

‘The Hateful Eight’ isn’t something worthy of hate although high praise would be difficult as well.  An ‘impressive’ rather than ‘amazing’ effort from Tarantino, although even at this mid-level his ode to rough westerns enables one to feel grateful they didn’t live in such harsh times.

 


 Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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Movie Review … Room






The simplest movies have often been the best.  Discarding the ‘blockbuster mentality’ of Hollywood, films thinking outside the square are usually the most memorable.  ‘Room’ literally tries to do just that.  With its protagonists locked in a square room, their way out of it and consequent dealing with the outside world offers compelling viewing.  Free of the bells and whistles of big-budgeted productions, ‘Room’ provides an interesting look at humanity in ways not often seen.

Ma (Brie Larson) and her young son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) live in a small windowless room.  Held captive by Old Nick (Sean Bridges) for seven years, Ma’s resilience at being repeatedly abused by Nick is at breaking point.  With Jack having been born during captivity, Ma determines to escape and finally show Jack the real world.  Hatching a plan to escape, what follows changes their world forever.

‘Room’ is a film of two parts.  Initially an escape story, ‘Room’ morphs into a striking tale of discovery.  Their re-adjustment from enclosed world to an open one provides fascinating viewing.  Forced for so long to cope in a confined space, their ability to handle a newish world tests their confidence.  This is especially seen through Jack as he learns to communicate with others and expand his horizons.  Whilst the earlier section within the room is well handled, ‘Room’ effectively comes into its own once they come out of it.

None of this would work without the fine performances.  Tremblay and Larson make their roles believable with authentic reactions to ordinary situations.  You feel their character’s trepidation as they walk among others for the first time in years.  The low-key direction and moody photography ensure the story’s aim for realism works.  This makes it easier to invest in what we see with Ma’s and Jack’s emotional reactions often genuinely moving.

One can’t find a simpler concept than ‘Room’ but it’s one that succeeds.  The way it examines the human condition is fairly original and one to be grateful for in an increasing age of celluloid familiarity.




Movie Review Rating out of 10:  8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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Based on the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue