The majority of individuals enjoy spending their free time watching movies. And it gets much more fascinating when it comes to intriguing genres like thrilling, action, and romantic drama. And this week’s WhatsOn editorial Colin McIlwaine has come with reviews of interesting films to make your weekend worthwhile.
1. A Man Called Otto
Tom Hanks gives his usual excellent performance as a grumpy and anti-social man. A man who turns out to have a good heart in this thought-provoking film. Otto initially appears as someone who is determined to keep everyone at a distance and even, to pick an argument at every available opportunity. The truth is that Otto has been deeply affected by the death of his wife. It is Marisol, the mother of the young family who has moved in beside him who finally manages to penetrate his defenses and bring out a softer and kinder side to him. As the film moves forward, we see a very different Otto and we are challenged to think about neighborly relationships and perhaps, the less attractive aspects of our own personalities
2. M3GAN
This was a film that I approached with a degree of curiosity, wondering how the story would pan out. M3GAN is a four-foot-tall, lifelike robotic doll, who begins as a child’s toy and takes on the role of her “friend”. But who soon turns out to have a much more sinister and dangerous side to her personality? Cady, the child in question, has lost her parents in a car accident. And it is her aunt and now guardian who has created M3GAN. Fantasy and reality walk closely together in this film and we are constantly wondering when good will triumph over evil and when this creation that has gone badly wrong will get her comeuppance.
3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody
I had been looking forward for some time to seeing the Whitney Houston biopic. And it was certainly a great film. If at times harrowing and sad, I reflected on a life that ended far too soon and in such tragic circumstances. We first meet Whitney at an early age, as she grows up in the company of greatly talented artists such as Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick. Also including her own mother, Cissie. Whitney is influenced by her involvement in the Church and encouraged by family and friends to make good use of the singing talent which God has given to her. As she grows, we see her struggles with her own sexuality, the pressure of other people’s expectations, and the demands of her rapidly burgeoning career. Marriage and motherhood seem to add to the pressures and at times.
It is sad to watch this clearly very talented entertainer trying to cope with all that life throws at her. British actress Naomi Ackie captures her troubled personality and also her ability to captivate an audience with her beautiful voice. A film worth a watch and indeed, more than one.
4. RRR
For someone who has become increasingly interested in films made on the Indian sub-continent, this one made for a fascinating few hours on New Year’s Eve.
Set in India in 1920, during the period of the British Raj, it is the fictional story of two revolutionary heroes and their adventures as they take on the might of the Empire. The film is at times quite explicitly violent. At the same time, extremely amusing, as we see people running faster than tigers, kick-flipping over motorcycles, and flying through the air. There is an enjoyable musical score and the prolonged dance sequence is particularly entertaining. The film is over three hours long and yet, it seemed to pass quickly. This is a film that is well worth a watch. Especially if someone wants to get away from reality for a little while.
5. Wild Mountain Thyme
I recently discovered this 2020 film on Netflix. Set in County Mayo in the Irish Republic (a lovely part of the world which I know well). It features Northern Ireland’s own Jamie Dornan and British/American actress Emily Blunt as Anthony and Rosemary. They are an introverted pair in their thirties. And they live on neighboring farms and seem to be made for each other. But they always beat around the bush and try to avoid expressing what is really going on inside their hearts and minds. It is only when his wealthy American cousin, Chris attempts to get fresh with her that Anthony is forced to confront his true feelings for Rosemary. Also, his difficult relationship with his father, Tony. It is an interesting story, full of dry humor and a good exploration of human emotions and interaction.
