I guess it was always a big ask to continually keep getting better when your two big screen directorial debuts were the outstanding American Beauty (1999) and Road to Perdition (2002), and looking through Brit director Sam Mendes resume it's unfortunately been a slow descent into mediocrity ever since. Alas, this latest self penned effort from the Brit Hollywood heavyweight continues the slow downward spiral.
Oscar winner Olivia Colman takes top billing and although she is stellar as the mentally challenged duty manager of the piece, she ultimately can't save this one from flopping at the box office.
Despite some typically great cinematography from 12 times Coen Brothers alumnus Roger Deakins the whole feel and screenplay is like something you'd see as a watershed mini-series on the BBC back in the day. Aside from Colin Firth the rest of the supporting cast is also distinctly B-movie level.
The 80s setting mostly inside a stunning art deco Margate cinema amuses, especially if you were around back then, but the film itself meanders and drags failing to grab you and pull you in both spiritually or emotionally.
Things eventually peter out to a rather drab ending that much like stale popcorn and flat cola leaves you yearning for something much more substantial.... A one watcher at best i'm afraid.
Oscar winner Olivia Colman takes top billing and although she is stellar as the mentally challenged duty manager of the piece, she ultimately can't save this one from flopping at the box office.
Despite some typically great cinematography from 12 times Coen Brothers alumnus Roger Deakins the whole feel and screenplay is like something you'd see as a watershed mini-series on the BBC back in the day. Aside from Colin Firth the rest of the supporting cast is also distinctly B-movie level.
The 80s setting mostly inside a stunning art deco Margate cinema amuses, especially if you were around back then, but the film itself meanders and drags failing to grab you and pull you in both spiritually or emotionally.
Things eventually peter out to a rather drab ending that much like stale popcorn and flat cola leaves you yearning for something much more substantial.... A one watcher at best i'm afraid.