Abigail

A group of “professional” criminals each with their own special skillset kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful and rich man. What originally seemed like an easy job and a quick way to collect a $50 million ransom goes horrendously wrong when they realise the seemingly ordinary little girl is in fact a vampire. Now these strangers are forced to work together if they are to have any chance of surviving the night locked in a mansion with a monster. Cue the dramatic music.

Abigail is yet another example of a horror movie that would have greatly benefited from omitting a few key details from the trailers. Considering all the marketing for the movie was heavily promoting it as a vampire movie this was impossible and I imagine they wanted to make sure Abigail found its target audience. But hiding the fact that it is a vampire movie and revealing it as a surprise would have been a great opportunity. This also isn’t the first time a horror movie has done this before, another example being Jordan Peele’s Us, which also had a trailer that revealed too much. And if I’ve just spoiled the fact that Abigail is a vampire movie I apologise.

Getting past that, Abigail is your typical kind of movie that starts as one thing and then transforms into another. Absolutely blood drenched mayhem and lots of fun. Sure it doesn’t really bring anything new to the vampire genre but it’s very entertaining, funny and absolutely delivers on the gore. You won’t be disappointed I promise. As the story progresses, things escalate from crazy to manic to what the hell is happening. It does lose itself eventually and feels a little like the filmmakers had about three different endings in mind and said feck it we’ll do all three. So yes it gets a bit ridiculous towards the end but I enjoyed it.

The film succeeds at making you laugh and having a bit of fun with some old vampire movie tropes. But it’s also got a sharp set of teeth, the tone is on point, with a gothic setting and the continuous use of “Swan Lake” is a nice throwback to the Bela Lugosi era. Of course Abigail (Alisha Weir) also being a ballerina plays into this quite well. She’s perfect for this part, because you definitely believe that Abigail the ballerina vampire will absolutely tear your throat out. I’d love to know what the fake blood budget was for this movie because it is a bloodbath. The use of practical effects also goes down well and doesn’t have an over-reliance on CGI. The cast were the perfect combination of characters but it really seems like it’s Dan Stevens who’s having a blast with this part, he’s chewing the scenery but for this kind of film it works very well.

If you’re looking for a horror to see in the cinema, Abigail is a great choice. Whether you’re a diehard fan of vampire movies or it’s your first one there’s something for everyone. It’s clear everyone involved in making Abigail had fun filming it and it feels like it was made by people who genuinely enjoy horror movies. And lads they filmed it in Dublin so I know you won’t want to miss that. Recommended for vampire fans.

★★★☆☆ 

Civil War

Set in a dystopian future America, a team of journalists race against time to reach DC before the rebel factions descend upon the White House. Seasoned war journalists Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) end up with a couple of tag-alongs on their perilous journey to DC, aspiring journalist Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) and distinguished political writer Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Each and every encounter the closer they get to the capital is fraught with danger.

Civil War promised a lot and although it didn’t quite deliver, it’s disturbing and heart-pounding where it counts. It might have been my own expectation or the picture that the trailer painted but whatever the reason, Civil War felt like it didn’t live up to it’s full potential. For anyone who has yet to see it, be warned it’s not what the trailer makes it seem. It’s a character driven story about journalism as we witness the horrors of war through their camera lens. There are scenes that will no doubt have viewers on the edge of their seats. The stand out scene for many is probably the Jesse Plemons scene. And rightly so because it’s terrifying, he’s a great actor for making the best use of a small yet impactful role. The acting from everyone is honestly great but the clear standout performance is Kirsten Dunst. She is absolutely brilliant at portraying the war photographer clearly at a point where she has become desensitized to the ongoing violence. Compare that to the inexperienced journalist, Jessie, who becomes a representation of the viewer as we see these horrifying scenes for the first time.

With piercing gunshots that are quite deafening, the sound in Civil War is very effective in throwing you right in the middle of the conflict. I didn’t quite get the random music choices throughout but maybe that’s just me. Overall I was left feeling like the idea for this film was there but not as well executed as it could have been.

It’s generated lots of discourse and will continue to be perhaps 2024’s most talked about film and does seem to have divided lots of people. But if there’s one thing I think most people can agree on is it’s clear with its anti-war message. It may leave a lot unsaid and open to interpretation and it’s clearly drawn on some real life recent events in its depiction of a dystopian America. But even as I write this, the threat of WWIII is looming and I wish that was an over exaggeration but with the world the way it is today, the importance of honest journalism during times of conflict cannot be understated. Civil War reminds us just how important real journalists are and how dangerous it can be.

Civil War isn’t as good as Garland’s Ex Machina but it’s a lot better than Men. And even though all of Garland’s films may not land for everyone, he’s a great director and it’s sad to see he doesn’t want to direct anymore. Hopefully he stays involved in the writing side of filmmaking because I really do love 28 Days Later and Sunshine. Civil War is recommended for everyone, it’s a provocative and thought-provoking film that everyone should see at least once.

 ★★★☆☆

Monkey Man

Fuelled by an all consuming quest for revenge, a young man (Dev Patel) spends his time getting beaten bloody in an underground fight club. He infiltrates a high end establishment in order to get close to the city’s corrupt and elite. When the opportunity presents itself he unleashes years of rage and trauma to seek vengeance against the men who took everything from him.

Bone-crunching, violent and exhilarating from start to finish. Monkey Man is like John Wick meets Kill Bill meets The Raid. Full of fights, full of rage and full of energy. Set in a city where the little guy is continually getting crushed by the powerful and corrupt. It’s a real underdog story, and sure to find lots of fans in the cinema because if there’s one thing audiences will always enjoy, it’s a revenge thriller.

As these stories go it’s not reinventing anything, it’s a crime movie similar to many you’ve seen before but it’s stylish, brutal and gritty. It does have too much shaky camera work and at times is difficult to see through the chaos. This settles down eventually as the film progresses and while it’s full of energy there are moments when the pacing suffers. But overall it will definitely deliver on the action and the ferocious fight scenes. But what makes it unique is it’s decision to tackle issues like class, social conflict, and police brutality which makes it stand out from some other more generic action movies. It definitely had more depth to it than I was expecting.

Dev Patel is showing us all that he has a particular set of skills that he’s not afraid to use. And no it’s not just pummelling half of Mumbai to death but his skill as a director. Monkey Man is a very impressive directorial debut and has rightly earned its place among some of the best action/revenge stories. I hope Hollywood allows Patel to make more movies because it’s clear he has a real love of cinema. He’s an action movie star now even if he did have to go and create the role for himself. And it shouldn’t have needed to be saved from streaming by Jordan Peele but for a while there it did look like Monkey Man wouldn’t appear in cinemas at all. Well it’s here now so get out there this weekend and check it out. Highly recommended and a must see for action movie fans.

★★★★☆

Late Night with the Devil

Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) a late night talk show host for “Night Owls” on the cusp of falling down the rankings and desperate to revive his dwindling career puts on a unique, albeit unorthodox Halloween Special that no one will ever forget.

Jack Delroy’s guests consist of psychic Christou (Fayssal Bazzi), skeptic and former magician Carmichael the Conjurer (Ian Bliss), parapsychologist author June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) and June’s subject, Lilly (Ingrid Torelli). June’s book “Conversations with the Devil” and a live demonic demonstration with Lilly promises to be the highlight of the show and hopefully provide the ratings that Delroy so desperately craves. So now on Halloween night, the platform is perfectly planned for Delroy to play on people’s fears and have a night full of scares. Soon after the programme begins, a couple of events in the show appear to go awry but with the viewers increasing the show must definitely go on. Anything for the much needed ratings. Things eventually escalate, despite the crew becoming more uncomfortable with the strange occurrences as the night progresses. By the time we reach the highly anticipated live conversation with the demon, things take a very dark turn and will leave the studio audience and viewers at home traumatised. It’s an original take on the possession movies that let’s be honest, has been done to death and Late Night with the Devil is a breath of fresh air.

Here’s a horror that will effortlessly transport you straight back to the 1970s as we witness the broadcast along with behind the scenes footage from the commercial breaks. The production design was on point for absolutely everything. It captures the public hysteria around satanic cults and demonic activity that took hold in the 70s, this along with the sets, costumes, script and tone will make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all. Dastmalchian brilliantly emulates a 1970s talk show host, slick, charming and sleazy. With some genuine scares, great pacing and lots of tension, Late Night with the Devil is sure to delight many horror fans.

All the attention to detail is perfect in immersing you into this time period and speaking of attention to detail, eagle eyed viewers have spotted the AI generated art that appears in the backdrop and various cutaways. I’m aware it’s created some boycotting, and while I don’t agree with boycotting an indie movie over three images, this is a dangerous stepping stone for what is to come. It starts with something small like this and progresses to much more. Creativity should be left in the more than capable hands of humans and AI can keep well away from the arts where it belongs. So look I understand why people are angry about this and rightly so but it’s an independent movie with a lot of work that went into it and deserves to be seen despite the clearly poorly judged inclusion of some artwork that could have easily gone to a person instead.

Horror fans, Late Night with the Devil was made for us, it’s witty, dark, weird, and spooky with great performances and a chance to see David Dastmalchian in a leading role. All those quirky parts have led up to this moment and he knocked it out of the park. I loved it, highly recommended for horror movie fans. Not every cinema is showing this so be sure to see it before it’s gone.

★★★★☆

Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve’s epic take on the Frank Herbert novels continues in perhaps the most anticipated movie of 2024. Dune: Part Two has finally graced our screens after months of delays and with this much hype and anticipation has it lived up to expectations? Not only is it better than Dune Part One it’s probably one of the greatest sci-fi movies I have ever seen.

Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while he seeks revenge against the conspirators who massacred his family. Faced with a difficult choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he is determined to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

With every new movie added to his repertoire, Denis Villeneuve is further cemented as one of this generations greatest directors. Particularly sci-fi movies because Dune: Part Two is an actual masterpiece and so obviously made by a director who loves the source material. You can really feel when a filmmaker believes in and more importantly is allowed to make the movie they were hired to make. Every scene and every shot is carefully crafted and will leave the audience feeling exhilarated. It’s a sci-fi/fantasy movie that is still very much grounded in reality and keeps the focus on the characters, the politics and of course the good vs evil/oppressed vs oppressor theme.

All the groundwork laid in Dune 2021 comes to fruition now and it’s kicked up a gear. The roaring soundtrack, the spectacular visuals, production design and expertly choreographed fight scenes are absolutely enthralling. With so many moments where you know you’re watching a truly brilliant movie, stunning sequences and scenes that grip the audience. A sci-fi epic for the ages that absolutely needs to be seen on the biggest and loudest screen possible. With the amount of work Hans Zimmer has put into the score for Dune it’s worth it, I mean you might be a bit deaf for a while after it but it’s worth it I promise.

Dune: Part Two is packed full of terrific actors each giving it their all, maybe not you Christopher Walken who looks like he wandered off the set of another movie and no one told him to leave. The transformation in Timothée Chalamet from the beginning of the film to the end is a masterclass in character development. Also added to the cast in this sequel is Florence Pugh, with a small but impactful role. Yet it’s Austin Butler as Feyd, the psychotic nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) that really steals every scene he’s in. And yes if you remove anyone’s eyebrows they’re going to look a little unhinged but he really played a psycho killer to perfection. It’s not only a brilliant fantasy/adventure movie, it’s also got the deeply moving performances from all the cast that elevates the entire movie and will no doubt ensure it will always be ranked as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made.

While for me, Dune: Part One felt a little like half of a film, but Part Two has much more bite to it. It’s bigger, louder and angrier. This is pure cinema, a thrilling experience for every minute and for film fans it’s essential viewing. It’s already made more than it’s predecessor but considering the circumstances that’s not surprising. Dune: Part Two is the type of film that after you’ve seen it, you immediately want to see it again, so I expect after it’s cinematic run it will have done very well. Highly recommended for everyone and now we’re all eagerly awaiting Part Three.

★★★★★

2024 Oscar Predictions

As Awards Season comes to a close, it’s finally time for Hollywood’s biggest night as the Academy celebrates its 96th birthday. It really has been a great year for film, but for all the great movies, there can only be one winner so let’s look at the nominees and the predictions for the majority of the categories ahead of the Oscars on March 10th.

Best Picture:

• American Fiction
• Anatomy of a Fall
• Barbie
• The Holdovers
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Maestro
• Oppenheimer
• Past Lives
• Poor Things
• The Zone of Interest

Who will win?

I’ll be shocked if anything other than Oppenheimer wins Best Picture.

Best Actor in a Leading role:

• Bradley Cooper – Maestro
• Colman Domingo – Rustin
• Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
• Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
• Jeffrey Wright – American Fiction

Who will win?

Definitely leaning towards Cillian Murphy for Best Actor, we all know he deserves it. But it’ll be a close one between Murphy and Paul Giamatti.

Best Actress in a leading role

• Annette Bening – Nyad
• Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon
• Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall
• Carey Mulligan – Maestro
• Emma Stone – Poor Things

Who will win?

Emma Stone is looking like the clear winner here but you can’t rule out Lily Gladstone and Sandra Hüller.

The Zone of Interest

I’ll be hearing this film for the rest of my life. The Zone of Interest is one of the most haunting films ever made, and will stay with each and every one of you forever. Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) strive to build an idyllic life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp.

That was probably the most unsettling and monstrous movies I have ever seen. The banality of evil put on display for the world to see and feel. Because you really do feel every second of The Zone of Interest. Director Jonathan Glazer has tackled this subject by showing without showing and forces the viewer to fill in the blanks. With a filmmaking process that seems a little experimental but effective nonetheless and it’s overwhelmingly disturbing. The cinematography and sound particularly work together at creating a chilling and very immersive experience.

The Zone of Interest shows so little of the horrors but what it does capture is the sound. As the Höss family are literally right next to Auschwitz, they hear everything as they go about their merry lives as if they’re not committing some of the most evil atrocities to ever happen. It’s enraging, maddening and horrendous to witness but you’re practically pulled right into the movie with it. Which is why it’s so unbelievably unnerving. Everything about The Zone of Interest portrays inhumane evil that’s devoid of empathy. The sounds you hear and the music score particularly work so effectively in making you as uncomfortable as possible. The contrast between the mundane household and the picturesque garden while just over the wall is unimaginable horrors will make your skin crawl.

I absolutely never want to see The Zone of Interest again because it’s an endurance test for sure but it’s probably a movie everyone should see at least once in their lives. Just know what you’re in for beforehand. If you’re looking for a movie to distract from everything going on in the world right now then you’re best avoiding The Zone of Interest.

★★★★★

All of Us Strangers

 

Get the tissues out because you’re sure gonna need them. Heartbreaking, melancholic and devastating are just some of the words you’ll hear to describe All of Us Strangers and they’re all true because this film will hit you right in the feels.

Adam (Andrew Scott) is a screenwriter living in London and begins a relationship with his mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal). Adam finds himself dwelling on memories of the past and is drawn back to his childhood home only to discover that his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before.

Director Andrew Haigh has admitted this is his most personal film yet and wow does it show. Although an adaptation of the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada, Haigh has definitely put his own stamp on this story. A beautifully told tale that tackles loneliness, grief, heartbreak and of course the power of love. It reaches a hand deep into your heart and will tear out a part of you that you may not have even known was there. No matter what stage of life you’re in All of Us Strangers will have a sincere impact because in some shape or form we’ve all dealt with loss and this film makes you reflect on what it means to lose someone and think back to all the things we might have said. Few films can really capture the human fear of loneliness that lies within each of us and All of Us Strangers puts it on display for all to see.

 

Between Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell, this film is a masterclass in acting and they will all break your heart. Andrew Scott particularly plays this part beautifully. Just give the man all the awards already because he certainly deserves them. All of Us Strangers is also a great example of how to use music to elevate your movie because the song choices were on point. The entire film has an eerily haunting and magical dreamlike quality, resulting in a completely enthralling story which will make you forget you’re watching a movie. Films that feel real and affect so many people will stand the test of time and All of Us Strangers is a powerful and emotional movie that will stay with you long afterwards, it’s a cinematic masterpiece.

Look there’s only so many ways I can tell you how incredible this film is so what are you waiting for? The cinema awaits. You all know by now I don’t give five star ratings easily, highly recommended for everyone.

★★★★★

The Beekeeper

 

The Beekeeper is a mindless action movie that on paper sounds like complete rubbish and on the big screen it’s even worse rubbish. Sorry Statham fans, The Beekeeper is nothing more than a bland, boring mess.

The “Beekeepers” are a powerful organisation of highly skilled operatives that work completely under the radar to protect the hive. One former operative, Adam Clay (Jason Statham), spends his days as an actual beekeeper. It doesn’t seem like the other “Beekeepers” are actual beekeepers in their spare time so I guess that’s not officially part of the job description. Clay comes out of retirement and sets out on a brutal campaign for vengeance when his elderly neighbour gets scammed. I mean come on Jason it’s not like they killed your dog or anything. While Jason the beekeeper begins his vicious campaign the criminals at the top of the food chain are none too pleased that one man is disrupting their lucrative operations. But they don’t know the beekeeper is a former “Beekeeper” so when they try to fix the problem they inevitably anger the beekeeper even more and the bodies start piling up. But wait there’s more, also hot on his tail are two FBI agents who are probably two of the most idiotic FBI agents I’ve seen depicted in a motion picture This inevitably gives the beekeeper a free pass to dispose of all the criminals and restore order to the hive.

 

This is a short and quickly to the point action movie with a mediocre plot twist and lots and lots of references to bees. Jason Statham does his usual one dimensional act while punching absolutely everyone to a bloody pulp along the way. One by one he disposes of the generic bad guys until he finally reaches the centre of the hive. It’s completely ridiculous from start to finish and brings absolutely nothing new to the genre. You’ll honestly feel like you’ve seen this movie before and it only barely keeps you engaged.

Yes The Beekeeper is the type of mindless action flick where one must leave their brain at the door before entry because it most definitely is not required. But if there’s one thing the last few years has done to the action movie genre is raised the bar. Sorry Statham this “give me the pay-cheque” performance just ain’t gonna cut it anymore. Because when an action movie can look like John Wick, these types of bland “one man on a vengeance mission” movies aren’t good enough. The script is laughable, the plot is stupid but these can be overlooked if the action is entertaining. And I’m sorry to inform you, it really isn’t so if anyone was considering seeing The Beekeeper in cinemas then please see reason and find time for something else. We’re in the middle of awards season so don’t tell me there aren’t better options out there because I know there are. The Beekeeper is recommended for any die-hard Jason Statham fans, for everyone else skip it.

★★☆☆☆

 

The Holdovers

 

At last The Holdovers has been released in Irish cinemas. Set in the prestigious Barton Academy boarding school. A strict and unpopular history teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) gets the unfortunate job of minding the students who remain on campus over the Christmas holidays. Troubled student Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) finds himself in the company of Mr. Hunham and the cafeteria manager, Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Between the insufferable history teacher and a grieving mother it’s not exactly the Christmas vacation he was imagining.

The Holdovers reunites Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti after their previous drama/comedy, Sideways, which is definitely worth checking out for anyone who hasn’t seen it. Giamatti is playing a character that he was clearly born to play as his performance is absolutely effortless. He is such an underrated actor and this has to be one of his greatest movies yet. We’re also introduced to newcomer, Dominic Sessa and what a way to make a film debut. The character growth between the two over the course of the movie feels completely authentic and it’s wonderful to see an original story like this resonate with so many people. There are some great performances in The Holdovers that is sure to attract some award attention but if I’m confident of anyone winning it has to be Da’Vine Joy Randolph for Best Supporting Actress. She gives a heartbreaking performance and fully deserves all the awards coming to her.

 

In one way The Holdovers is a perfect holiday movie to watch over Christmas (though not if you live in Ireland due to the nonsensical release dates). But it’s also so much more as it touches on so many issues, like entitlement, seizing on the opportunities presented to you in life and of course grief. Some films find a way to get a strong emotional reaction for you and The Holdovers will have this effect on many people due to the nature of it’s subject matter. It hit a bit close to home for me and I know it’s a film I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It’ll make you reflect on your own life whether you’re relating to the grumpy teacher, the mischievous student or a grieving mother. Grief any time of the year is hard but at Christmas it’s especially difficult and The Holdovers captures this feeling to perfection.

I absolutely loved the attention to detail to make The Holdovers feel like it was made in the 70s, everything from the camera work, the sound and the locations gives the entire film a true nostalgic feel to it. If you’re the type to cry at the movies then get the tissues ready because you’ll be sobbing one minute and crying with laughter the next. The Holdovers is a wonderful comedy drama with an expertly crafted and witty story that will warm all the cold hearts out there.

A story of broken people forced together in unlikely circumstances leads to a truly beautiful story that’s highly recommended for everyone. Believe the hype, everything you’ve heard about The Holdovers is true. It’s a brilliant movie and no doubt has many awards coming to it.

★★★★★