Reviews in a nutshell
As a festive family offering, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them has all the charm needed to make it a satisfying viewing – and a must-see for Potter enthusiasts, kind of like a history lesson in Potter origins.
Some of the slower parts of the film go unnoticed because Cumberbatch always commands a presence and is immensely enthralling to watch.
Still consumable – if you haven’t seen the 1959 powerhouse version – as the two leads try their damnedest to command a real screen presence. However, the film itself lacks spirit. Bekmambetov’s subdued cinematography does make the whole affair feel rather ‘televised’, rather than like an old-school, silver-screen epic
Far from perfect and a wannabe imitation of a Scorsese film it aspires to be. However, Phillips has started ‘something’ of interest here, if he can just combine is skill of crafting bromances with a more developed and pitch-black script in the near future.
Still has the energy it needs to get you – and its star – through to the bitter end. We actually don’t want Bourne to disappear forever, or find out the punch-line. Hence, Jason Bourne can carry on searching and searching for a long time yet.
Its big emphasis on ‘team spirit’, which doesn’t require you to be a Trekkie or to have seen the other films to fully engage. It is a standalone space ride of thrilling entertainment.
Central Intelligence? plays by narrative numbers but has loads of Hart and Johnson to make it a bold choice for cinemagoers looking for a fun night out.
Apocalypse, though perfectly watchable, should feel like the beginning of the end (with more episodes to come) and invigorate the series. It really does feel like the emphasis lies firmly on the youthful new characters’ shoulders to keep things fresh.
Does have a natural energy and kinesis to it from the ever present danger of something erupting – good or bad. The subject matter makes for great movie matter anyway. With Fey at the helm, you do feel reassured of the journey you take into foreign territory – from a comfortable distance too.
