KNIVES OUT - 2019's newest whodunnit thriller by Rian Johnson

RATING: 5 Stars

As their backs are turned, these A-List celebs become slay-list in Rian Johnson's new whodunnit mystery flick.

Featuring a coveted cast led by Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas and Christopher Plummer, and then incredible supporting performances from Lakeith Stanfield, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson and Katherine Langford.

Following the anonymous hire of P.I. Benoit Blanc (Craig) to discover the truth behind the mysterious death of Harlan Thrombey (Plummer) who was found dead in his home library with a slit throat. Supposedly, a suicide but Blanc suspects there's more to this death than meets the eye.

Enter the affluent Thrombey family, living life by the millions, working in the family business and all of whom were present on the night of Harlan's death. Also present were housekeeper Fran (Patterson) and nurse Marta (de Armas).

Thus antics ensue as each present member of the Thrombey family and company are interviewed by police detective Elliot (Stanfield) and mystery-thriving Wagner (Segan).

Unlike other Cluedo-style films previously, Knives Out isn't afraid to keep it simple, creating twists and turns that are logical yet still surprising. So carefully and cleverly plotted, you, much like the detectives are just as intrigued when Blanc uncovers new pieces of the puzzle. All leading to the classic drawing room reveal of the person behind it all, the conclusion is just so satisfying and perfectly laid out.

For a film running for two hours and fifteen minutes, it is a long one but will continue to keep you guessing. You'll find yourself thoroughly enjoying the unrecognisable Southern 'CSI KFC' drawl of Craig's, the boyish cheekiness brought out by Evans, and de Armas hypnotic but such expressive eyes as a true show stopper.

And the score is absolutely fantastic and the tone it sets as Blanc uncovers the mystery could not be more spot on. Composed by Rian's cousin, Nathan Johnson, the two grew up together and would create home movies - hence why the score is so in tune with the film as the two cousins are with each other's creative style.

Knives Out is the ideal film for those who love a thoroughly enjoyable mystery with some on-point sattire thrown into the mix. Rian Johnson has written the perfect whodunnit reminiscent of Agatha Christie's work. Keeping the viewer quite literally on the edge of their seat and whispering to their fellow moviegoers about who was behind the heinous murder. I, myself, will certainly be going back to watch this movie whilst it is still in session.

Knives Out in cinemas from Thursday 28 November, don't miss your chance to see one of top movies of 2019!

Think lovely thoughts xo

JOKER - A thought provoking origin story of the Clown Prince of Crime

Rating: 4.5 stars

Following the controversial film of Suicide Squad in 2016, Todd Phillips’ Joker focuses in on DC’s most well-known villain and the story of how he came to be the coveted Clown Prince of Crime. From the first shot to the very end, audiences are treated to a gritty, fine-tuned, sophisticated woven tale of Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian seeking connection in the streets of Gotham City. Much like his comic counterpart, he wears two masks – one where he puts on a show and paints his face as a clown-for-hire at his day job, and the other projecting his attempts to fit in with society despite being bullied, isolated and disregarded. As society’s views on him become more and more obvious, Arthur slowly begins his descent into a dark world of madness, vengeance, and betrayal, ultimately transforming him into the criminally insane mastermind known as the Joker. 

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a phenomenally, gut-wrenching and thought-provoking performance as the titular character, from the way Arthur interacts with society to the inner thoughts shared in both his journal and with his social worker. He never misses a beat.

Joker presents a whole new controversial origin story for the iconic DC villain, one where Todd Phillips’ loosely makes use of a real-life medical condition to explain the criminal’s infamous laugh. The Pseudobulbar Affect or PBA, is an emotional disorder where the person’s outward emotions are completely disconnected to that of their inner emotions, manifesting in uncontrollable fits of laughter or weeping in situations deemed inappropriate.

Now, I personally am on the fence about using real-world mental conditions in films to portray the struggle of characters – particularly those considered villainous – and their isolated connection to society. But I will say, Joker plays this out really well by using Arthur’s “condition” as a way of enhancing the character’s disconnect with the real world around him, people seeing him as ill and essentially giving more reason for his journey down the dark path and why he would later end up in Arkham Asylum.

Given the story follows a lonely, disturbed man in a dark, chaotic and unconventional city such as Gotham in the early 1980s, it’s important to be able to capture both the darkness and sensitivity of the city and its titular character.

Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir creates an eerily beautiful soundtrack for the character, full of melancholy to reflect the inner torment that Arthur experiences throughout the film. ‘Call Me Joker’ is a theme often played throughout the film when he starts what could be this enchanting almost metamorphosis of a dance. Phoenix himself even credits Broadway performer, Ray Bolger – most well-known for his role as Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz – where Joaquin takes inspiration from Bolger’s The Old Soft Shoe.

“There’s this odd arrogance almost to his movements” and this is something that Arthur portrays in his movements when dancing up and down the steps or in the grimy bathroom.

Joker is truly a fantastic piece of cinema – depending on where you stand. It plays around with the idea of the iconic DC villain, taking a more twisted turn in way of his origin story and how he became to be the leader of Gotham’s underbelly. In some strange way, it’s bleak and gritty but at the same time is able to bring those uplifting undertones of finding his freedom amongst Gotham City and its chaos.

BLAST OFF WITH ROCKETMAN

Rating: 5 stars

Much like 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, 2019 has been treated to yet another musical biopic in the way of Rocketman. Following the story of a young Reginald Dwight, a piano prodigy who would grow up to become one of the world’s biggest stars, Elton John. From his childhood in the 1980s through to the present moment, Rocketman takes the audience on a whirlwind of emotions as the reality of Elton’s life with substance abuse, coming to terms with who he is and ultimately accepting that.

Whilst I may have been born a 90s kid, I will forever be listening to the older jams of the 70s and 80s. As a child, I loved listening to these throwback songs and whenever Elton John would come on, I’d want that music blasting and I’d be shaking it every which way!

Elton truly is a star full of life, love and one heck of a story.  Aside from his music, he’s real and honest about how he became the star we all know and love and the obstacles he overcame to get to where he is today.

In Rocketman, Elton is portrayed by the uber-talented Taron Egerton – best known for his roles in Eddie The Eagle and The Kingsman films. He oozes Elton’s charisma; his voice is incredible and he really does take to this role with a grain of salt in hand.

Taron previously made a tribute to Elton by belting out ‘I’m Still Standing’ in 2016’s Sing, which most certainly aided him in attaining such a big role and capturing the attention of Elton. The creative decision to have Taron actually sing Elton’s biggest hits and not just lip-sync is what brings this film to a whole other level.

Over the course of the film, audiences realise that Taron isn’t doing an impression of the rockstar but has thrown himself fully into the mindset and life of Elton. It truly is remarkable. The physical resemblance between the two is uncanny and through each of the elaborate costumes worn in the film, it cements it even more. Almost feeling like you’re not watching a film about Elton John but actually going back in time to witness where he was when he was younger to the present day.

Aside from the ridiculously talented Egerton, there are so many other wonderful stars thrown into this film. Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, songwriter for Elton, giving a high-quality performance and taking up almost an angel-like position in Elton’s life as he hit his downward spiral with fame and substance abuse. On the other shoulder sits the all-consuming devilish Richard Madden as lover and manager of Elton, John Reid. Madden puts on a stunning performance, seducing not only Elton but also the audience with his devilish ways, his smooth-talking, and melodic voice.

The cherry on top of these incredible co-stars is the one and only Bryce Dallas Howard who steps out in the role of Elton’s problematic mother; a selfish woman of sorts who very deep down does hold some love for Elton but is blinded by her own life to really show how much she cares.

 

This overall standard of this cast is ridiculously high given the story being told, able to move from a lighter tone to a darker one almost in the flick of a switch. Taron is undoubtedly the star of this film, but these other fabulous stars cannot be overlooked for the captivating performances they hold as people who have either helped Elton or pushed him down in his life.

Unlike Bohemian Rhapsody where Queen’s songs were simply featured every now and then to help the story progress further, Rocketman takes it further and uses the songs to tell Elton’s story. This was one of my personal favorite points in this film. The film opens to Elton in a group therapy session wherein after strutting into the session in his flamboyant attire, he proceeds to have a breakdown and use his hit ‘ The Bitch is Back’ in which audiences see a young Elton outside his childhood home, being called for dinner and really serving as the perfect introduction to Elton and his life with his self-absorbed mother, inattentive father and lovingly supportive Nan.

Having music play such a bigger role in Rocketman opens up the story for some wonderful development as it moves from lighter times in his life to the darker times. And as his career climbs higher, Elton’s dependency on drugs and alcohol becomes more apparent and unfortunately takes a harsh but sad turn. One key moment in the film is when Elton’s iconic ‘Rocketman’ is used in such a moving tone, where audiences see his struggle with substance abuse which eventually leads him to try to drown himself in his pool. It’s incredibly moving, emotional and heart-wrenching to see this bright, vivacious star go through such a rough period and hard downfall in his career.

Rocketman as a film takes so much depth in making the brave decision to steer clear of a PG-13 rating and take on a darker tone with sexual references, use of drugs and alcohol, and offering a film with a far darker – and more realistic – approach to the rockstar lifestyle. There’s something about the grit and honesty of Rocketman that is just so appealing and gives the film a lot more substance than expected in a musical biopic.

As a fan of Elton but also just a fan of this film and the way it has been done, I highly recommend watching it, jam out to the songs and enjoy the rock and roll of Elton John’s biggest hits.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME - AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

Over the past 11 years, the MCU has given us some of the best films in cinematic history. Whether they made us cheer, whoop for joy, weep or broke our hearts, there’s no denying the crazy rollercoaster that the MCU has sent us on.

Endgame however was the pinnacle of the rollercoaster, where we really were thrown off balance and hit us harder in the feels than Infinity War did – and boy, was that rough!

Looking back at the recent addition and the end of MCU’s OG Avengers era, I’ve picked 10 moments (in no particular order) from Avengers: Endgame that really had me - and I’m sure many others – overwhelmed by feelings.

10.Natasha’s determination to carry on

As we all know, the aftermath of Thanos’ snap was pretty significant and obviously hit hard for many of our beloved MCU heroes. However, one that soldiered on despite all the hardship and pain was our badass tough as nails Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow. We watch as the time jump occurs, and she is still persevering in keeping the world safe – it’s what she does. It’s a really tough position to be in, a lonely one at that and we as an audience can see and feel that when she speaks of Clint and everyone else, they’d lost. Her determination and strength to carry on is one that truly shines through and shows us that she truly has found her family.

 

9.    Tony Stark and his family

After Spider-Man: Homecoming hit the big screen, we were enlightened to the hilarious yet adorably awkward father-son-like relationship between Tony Stark and Peter Parker. It pretty much has taken off and has been referred to as a canon relationship of sorts – Marvel kinda hinted at how Tony feels about it in Endgame anyway.

But we all know that beneath the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist exterior of Tony Stark, lies the biggest heart in the world. He only ever wants the best for those closest to him, in particular for Pepper. It was so special to see him living a more wholesome life with Pep and their beautiful little girl Morgan. Although he, of course, did still have that guilt about Peter, he was able to put that into the back of his mind and enjoy being present with his family.

8.    New Asgard

The last time we saw Thor in Infinity War, it had been a pretty rough time for him; he’d watched Heimdall, and his brother Loki be killed in front of him, Asgard was no longer existent and on top of all of that, they’d lost the battle against Thanos. Needless to say, Thor wasn’t doing too well, and we see the effect all of this has had on him in Endgame.

After the rest of the Asgardians found their feet on Earth, they cultivated a New Asgard to live out their days in during the five years of the snap. Thor, once a leader to the people of Asgard, had taken an unfortunate downward spiral into a depressive state. For many, his larger figure and more laidback lifestyle of playing Fortnite on the PlayStation was one to laugh at. And whilst it was rather entertaining, it was really interesting to see just how much his life had changed and how much of an effect the snap had on our God of Lightning.

7.    Tony & Steve

They’ve always had a bit of banter between them, so much that Marvel made a film called Civil War, but Tony and Steve’s relationship developed even further during Endgame. After Tony is safely back on Earth, he has a breakdown and predominantly blames Cap for not being around when he needed him. He lashes out in pain and grief, assigning the blame to Cap for what happened and whilst it is tough to watch, it really does ring true after the events of Civil War.

Fortunately for us as viewers, these two MCU heroes aren’t at each other’s throats for much longer as Tony eventually comes to his senses, races up to the Avengers HQ ready to offer his help. As he says “Turns out resentment is corrosive, and I hate it” to which Steve agrees and it’s a big moment for the two of them. Tony returns the shield to him; they reconcile ending their civil war and move forward as teammates to rectify the effects of the snap.

6.    America’s Ass

As the team plans to travel through time to stop the snap from happening, Scott, Tony, and Steve return to 2012’s Battle of New York to get a hold of the Space Stone. The majority of the scenes that follow are purely for fan-service but boy was it worth it! One particular scene post-battle sees Tony and Scott watching on as the 2012 Avengers relish in the defeat of Loki and his army. During said scene, Stark makes a passing comment about “that suit doing nothing for your ass” to which Scott rebuts with what probably is one of the best lines to come out of Avengers: Endgame:

“I think you look great, Cap. As far as I’m concerned, that’s America’s ass.”

 Especially when Marvel decided to throw in a cheeky quip at Cap’s famous one-liner “I can do this all day” during a 2023 Cap vs 2012 Cap fight ending in the former admiring the past version’s rear.

“That is America’s ass.”

5.    Steve & Peggy

It would be impossible for me to share my thoughts and feelings on Endgamewithout mentioning my power couple, Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter! I was beyond happy to see the two on the big screen again, especially after the way things were left at the end of The First Avenger.

In Endgame, we get a brief glimpse of Peggy and her work life with S.H.I.E.L.D. during Steve and Tony’s time travel back to the 70s. It was a truly touching moment as Steve looked on at Peggy whilst she fussed around the office, only separated by a pane of glass at one point. Pulling on the heartstrings further as we see Steve’s reaction to seeing her again, his love for her still stronger than ever.

To add to this beautiful moment, Steggy fans get the moment we’d been eagerly wishing for so many years to come true. In the post-credit scene for Endgame we see that during Steve’s time in the past that he and Peggy reunited, they finally had their dance and the look on both of their faces is something to truly be treasured.

4.    Vormir

There were many moments in Infinity War and Endgame that broke our hearts but nothing hurt more than the events that occurred in the eerie planet of Vormir. Located at the center of Celestial existence within the universe where the Soul Stone is kept is Vormir, presently guarded by the Red Skull – seen in The First Avenger.

As Thanos’ goal in Infinity War was to collect all the Infinity Stones in order to wipe out half of all living things, he journeys with Gamora to Vormir in order to retrieve the Soul Stone. However, a trade is never that simple. In order for one to gain the Soul Stone, one soul must be traded for the stone. Most of us know that Thanos did the selfish act of murdering his daughter by pushing her off the cliff in order for him to retrieve the stone.

In Endgame, Clint and Natasha travel to Vormir to do the same unbeknownst to them about the cost of the stone. After several minutes of fighting it out, Natasha is dangling off the cliff held tightly by Clint to which she sacrifices herself and breaks all our hearts and souls in the process.

3.    #Worthy

I don’t think we could have asked for a better punchline to one of the greatest jokes in the MCU. In 2015’s Age of Ultron, whilst almost all of the Avengers could not lift Mjolnir, Cap was the only one who made it budge a little, hinting that he may have some worthiness within him. For many fans, it went over their heads but for some eagle-eyed comic book aficionados, this was a BIG deal. And boy were they correct!

Cap is the one man left standing during his, Thor and Tony’s face-off against Thanos in Endgame. He’s been kicked to the ground, Thanos is currently pressuring Stormbreaker into Thor’s chest when Cap rises up, and the moment we all waited for had finally arrived. Mjolnir flies past Thanos and into the hands of America’s son, crowning him W O R T H Y.

And the scene just gets better as an almost-defeated Thor watches on with pure pride and joy – just like us in the audience – and utters the words we all were thinking: “I KNEW IT!”

Leave it to the MCU to take a joke referenced in a past movie and turn it into one of the best revelations in this incredible cinematic universe!

2.    “On your left”

Following the aforementioned hammer-wielding events, we see Steve yet again on his own, a broken shield but not a broken spirit as he stalks towards Thanos ready to give it all he’s got…and out of the silence we hear the three words we never expected.

“On your left.”

And cue the craziness as portals are opened left right and center around our American hero, all the Avengers enter the barren wasteland of Titan. Every single one of our favourite heroes joins the battle alongside Cap and says the magic words that we have waited 7 years to hear:

1.     “I love you 3000”

There are a lot of moments in this film that warm our hearts, break them, make us laugh or make us cry. But one standout sequence that threads its way from beginning to end is a message Tony pre-recorded for Pepper and Morgan. By the end of the film, after Tony’s heroic but tragic death, the message is continued, and he finishes it by echoing the words Morgan said to her dad in the beginning:

There are so many other moments I could talk about as this film was a true cinematic masterpiece, one that had me sobbing from start to end, but that would honestly give me a whole book worth to write about!

What were some of your favourite moments in Avengers: Endgame?

Think lovely thoughts xo