Supernova performance

This month has been another quiet month for theatrical releases, as studios continue to save their blockbusters for the ‘post-pandemic’ period.

Some studios are trying to recover cash by sending their films straight to streaming, with the delay of the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, triggering the temporary closures of all of Cineworld Cinemas. Against this backdrop, I was lucky enough to attend the London Film Festival (which actually did take place) at the BFI Southbank, and I attended seven premieres.

Some of these films will be released in December or January, but one film, Supernova, will be reviewed in this piece. Cinemas that are open, Vue, Everyman, Curzon and Showcase are showing limited releases and some classics often at reduced prices. So please support cinema on the big screen by still visiting if you can, many of which are showing Halloween classics this October.

Movie of the Month

Supernova: 15

4/5 stars

I was very lucky to get the chance to watch this film at the London Film Festival this month. This film stars Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth as a couple who are taking a trip to the country and their struggles after Tucci’s character was recently diagnosed with dementia.

This emotional film is quite a lot to take in, especially on a first viewing – the subject matter will touch many viewers. What I will say is that both Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci are amazing in the movie, in particular Tucci who gives maybe his best ever performance. The movie is well shot and presented but as I said it can be very moving especially if you have had someone close suffer from dementia.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film and highly recommend watching.

Supernova

Back next month with a few other recommendations of films I watched at the London Film festival and hopefully some good news on major releases. In the meantime, I am planning to go see two classics Halloween & Scream and support the big screen.

Matthew Farrelly









Reviews by Matthew Farrelly

This month’s other movies

On The Rocks: 15

Stars 4/5

On the Rocks is the latest film from director Sofia Coppola and reteams Coppola with Lost In Translation star Bill Murray.

The movie tells the tale of a woman played by Rashida Jones who begins to suspect that her husband (played by Marlon Wayans) is having an affair behind her back. When her father played by Bill Murray finds out about her suspicions, they resort to start spying on the husband.

This film, much like Sofia Coppola’s other films, is very uniquely presented. Unlike most films like this which are shot bright and loud, this film is presented very natural and life-like which is exactly the goal Coppola was going for.

Both Murray And Jones work excellently off each other and the screenplay also written by Coppola does a great job of telling the audience to expect the unexpected. I overall found this movie to be pretty great, I was lucky enough to see the movie in theatres, from 23 October the movie will be available on Apple TV+, so check it out and let me know what you think.

Out now: on Apple TV+

The Trial Of The Chicago 7: 15

Stars 3/5

Right from the start of the year, this was one of 2020’s most hyped and anticipated movies. The Trial Of The Chicago 7 is written and directed by Aaron Sorkin (Newsroom, A Few Good Men). Originally planned as a wide theatrical release, the film was taken off the release date due to the pandemic and was bought by Netflix back in June.

The film tells the true story of the Chicago Seven trial, a case against seven civil rights leaders and Vietnam War protesters involved in a riot in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic Convention. The protesters are charged with inciting the riot by new Nixon Administration.

Throughout the runtime of the film you learn about each character and their reasoning for attending the protest. From a performance and writing level, this film is really amazing, with stand-out performances from a cast that includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance and Frank Langella. The film includes an amazing soundtrack by Daniel Pemberton. The movie is very culturally relevant, given recent protests in America. Fans of courtroom dramas or those wishing to learn more about the political landscape of 1960s America will not be disappointed.

The biggest misstep this movie makes is the ending, without getting into spoilers it’s very cheesy and a bit Hollywood. Overall, I would say it is an enjoyable movie with great performances and writing. Whilst critically acclaimed, I was a little underwhelmed…maybe it was the hype, maybe the ending. Though screening in some cinemas the movie is now available on Netflix.

Out now: on Netflix

Reviews by Matthew Farrelly