The Counselor
What it’s about?
Filmmaker Ridley Scott and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) team up for this thriller about a respected lawyer’s (Michael Fassbender) one-time involvement in an illegal drug-trafficking deal that spirals out of control.
What did we think?
Hilary says: The cast alone – Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt – is undoubtedly a crowd puller and the vivid characters they play (especially Malkina by Diaz) is definitely a highlight of this film, but this is McCarthy’s first-time screenplay and it shows. The Counselor’s slick, good looks can’t make up for the fact the story is tediously indulgent and incomprehensible for the majority of its two-hour running time. But it does contains some of the best monologues in recent memory, and you won’t want to miss Diaz’s auto-erotic sex scene and the recounting of it by Bardem.
Fruitvale Station
What’s it about?
The tragic true story of 22-year-old Oscar Grant III, who was fatally shot by an Oakland transport-police officer on the morning of New Year’s Day, 2009, following an altercation on a train. Viral video footage at the scene showed he was completely apprehended and posed no threat.
What did we think?
Alex says: We follow Grant (Michael B. Jordan, who fans of The Wire will remember as the equally ill-fated young Wallace) on what is to be the final day of his life. He’s no angel and has done time in prison but he is turning his life around and genuinely cares for his girlfriend and daughter. After his mother’s (The Help’s Octavia Spencer) birthday, Grant and his friends celebrate a fateful New Year’s Eve on the town. A very well-acted dramatisation that is thoroughly deserving of its two Sundance awards. Not a feel-good hit.
The Butler
Rising from a boyhood of slavery in the cotton fields of Georgia to enter into domestic service and eventually becoming a butler serving eight presidents at the White House, an African-American man clashes with his son, who is involved in America’s burgeoning civil rights movement.
What Did We Think?
Marnie says: Historical epic The Butler paints an important, moving picture of the effects of injustice and systemic oppression by showing one uniquely placed man’s sacrifice and dedication to providing for his family against a backdrop of a radically changing America. An overlong, occasionally heavy-handed script’s quest to visit every historical signpost pushes its trajectory towards potted history lesson, but the film rightfully brings attention to the stories of the courageous, inspiring individuals who fought for racial equality in the United States.
Captain Phillips
What’s It About?
The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.
What Did We Think?
Rebecca Armour says: A chilling depiction of the hardships endured for those in third world nations, Captain Phillips wastes no time with boring introductions and has you on the edge of your seat within thirty minutes. Complete with moments of laughter to break the overwhelming tension, Captain Phillips is sure to take you on a heart-wrenching endeavour of survival.
About Time
What’s it about?
A young man discovers, at the age of 21, he can travel back in time. He obviously uses this to search for love.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Stupid movie made me cry. And by stupid I mean delightful, intelligent and whimsical.
Richard Curtis (4 Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, Notting Hill and the Vincent episode of Dr Who) gives us a simple yet entertaining romantic comedy about time travel. Admittedly it’s not a common genre combination but it works and delivers some simple messages without getting preachy.
It’ll keep you both chuckling and thinking. Not a blockbuster but simply endearing.
2 Guns
What’s it about?
A DEA agent and a naval intelligence officer find themselves on the run after a botched attempt to infiltrate a drug cartel. While fleeing, they learn the secret of their shaky alliance: Neither knew that the other was an undercover agent.
What did we think?
Eleisha says: It’s like cops and robbers, except the cops are robbers. Cons: No real character development and a lot of questions left unanswered. Pros: Great movie for those looking for action and excitement. The cast (Denzel and Marky-Mark) make for the perfect companions in this comedic film with the occasional touch of seriousness. A little formulaic but the chemistry (and explosions) make up for it.