Reviews

The problem with many prequel movies is that you are always aware how the story will eventually play-out. The First Omen does what a lot of prequels fail to do, as it intices the viewers in to the point that you forget there is a whole movie franchise behind this story.

It delivers on so many levels. It doesn't rely on modern day jump-scares, and instead builds up a creepy and sinister story over the space of two hours. Likewise, the story telling and cinematography are an ode to the traditional 1970s style of horror film many fans of the genre are used to.

While it is not a star-studded cast, despite the sporadic appearances of British acting stalwart Bill Nighy, all eyes are rightly fixated on the phenomenal acting performance of Nell Tiger Free. Seemingly carrying the movie in parts, Nell's stellar portrayal of this troubled nun-to-be has cemented herself as a 'one-to-watch-out-for' in the future.

Combining the fine acting, raw cinematography, and gripping story, The First Omen provides viewers with a sharp overview of the Omen origin story and ties nicely into the overall franchise.

Bradley Cooper does not fail in giving us an insight into the incredibly complex life of the great Leonard Bernstein, through the lens of his masterful cinematography.

Perfectly cast, Carey Mulligan is bound for award glory with her portrayal of the iconic Felicia Montealegre - Bernstein, proving the ideal match along side Cooper's well-studied execution of Bernstein.

Seemingly Cooper, along with the film's producers Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, chose not to highlight the famous activism activities of the couple which spanned throughout many key civil rights issues in the 20th century, rather focusing on the Maestro's enigmatic relationship with his wife amidst his sensational rise to the top in his musical remit.

Oscar bait or not, those even remotely aware of the life of Leonard Bernstein must recognise the justice Cooper has served in this performance.

I saw this at the Cork International Film Festival, so seeing 2 Irish leads like Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal performing as they did was a tantalizing factor for me and those watching.

The film brilliantly captures one man's complex processing of grief and loss, with the protagonists particular story holding different factors for viewers to latch on to. It is a raw watch, which touches on the themes of loss, pain, and love.

The 2024 awards season should look favourably on Andrew Scott's performance in this film. His portrayal of this mans intriguing, yet sensitive approach of coming to terms with such tragic events in his life could not have been played better by any other actor. An enormous amount of credit must to go Andrew Haigh's directing and writing, who produced a flawless ensemble to play off of a script where every scene and word was situated perfectly.

A fast-paced thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey sounds good on paper. The Negotiator proves it is even better on the big screen. Fighting for his life, Lieutenant Danny Roman (Jackson) takes no chances in clearing his name against the powerful U. S. Police Department. Fighting against betrayal and corruption for the sake of justice, Danny puts his situation best; "When your friends betray you, sometimes the only people you can trust are strangers."

Released in 1998, director F. Gary Gray uses his clout from his earlier 1990's directorial success from his films 'Friday' and 'Set if off' to dive into the thriller genre of movie with ease, bringing a star-studded cast together of Jackson and Spacey, along with the likes of Paul Giamatti, J. T. Walsh, and Ron Rifkin.

Films like Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, and Romeo + Juliet have allowed us to see Baz Luhrmann directing talent over the last few decades. Seemingly the best way for Luhrmann to showcase a combination of music, drama, and entertainment is most suited for this biopic of the greatest and most tragic performer of all time, Elvis Presley.

Many of us came to watch this film for the music from the King of Rock we all know and adore, however viewers are kept to their seats watching in a unique way the story of his career be partially told through a narrated lens of Tom Hanks playing the infamous Colonel Tom Parker. For most, first seeing Hanks weight gain and detailed prosthetic work to give him am uncanny resemblance to Parker is overlooked by his heavy Southern American with tints of Dutch accent. Upon re-listening to Colonel Tom Parker speak, we are reminded by Tom Hanks incredible acting talent with his accuracy in matching Parkers details.

While the likes of Hanks give uncanny performances of real life figures in this film, none can match the stellar performance Austin Butler gives us in this role. With pin-point accuracy, Butler has evidently well-studied the vocal tones, body movements, glaring stares, and every other aspect of Elvis physical and mental wellbeing to give a performance of a life-time, and prodigious tribute to Presley himself. Seeing Rami Malek win Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury, as well Jamie Foxx taking the Oscar for his performance of Ray Charles should give Butler full hope in already being a contender for an Academy Award next year, adding to the great performances of famous entertainers.

While watching this film as an Irish (EU) citizen, I was very well-informed on how the Brexit referendum played out, and what has come to pass since the vote in 2016. However Toby Haynes's movie gave me a Hollywoodized, yet raw look into how the referendum actually passed. If anyone could pragmatically portray what Dominic Cummings initially sought to achieve through this referendum, Benedict Cumberbatch was undoubtedly the right person for this role. 92 minutes in length, the film felt like 2 minutes due to how fast-paced it moved. It almost feels surreal that Channel 4 were allowed make such a movie. It's politics from the thriller perspective. While taking a dramatic and witty view of how Brexit came to pass through the use of people's data, it showed what is already happening in the political sphere, and how successful it can be when replicated.

Lens presents us with a compelling look at the dangers the digital age presents on all levels. While the plot might strike one as being logistically convoluted, the film entices viewers to the point where one can see this happen to anyone. With stellar performances from Anand Sami and Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan, Lens is the perfect thriller that will keep you glued to the screen.

Now a days when we hear the name 'Paul Gascoigne' buzz words enter our head to fit the meaning of that name. Words such as "druggie, alcoholic, mad, crazy, and legend". Although he made his mistakes in the past, like anybody else, we should all never forget the amazing footballer he once was.

I personally think director Jane Preston has done a wonderful job in this documentary by making us all remember the heroics on and off the pitch of the legend that is, Paul Gascoigne. With fitting tributes in this feature by the likes Gary Lineker, José Mourinho and Wayne Rooney all sharing their admiration of the talent Gazza is.

Gascoigne talks to the camera for the majority of this documentary as he speaks joyfully, fondly, happily and at times emotionally about his career. If you are a fan of football, a fan of Paul Gascoigne, a fan of sporting heroes, then I ensure you, this is a must-watch for you.

Before I started watching Red Rock I had seen a headline using a quote from an actor in the series saying they couldn't wait to be "knocking Fair City off their perch" with this new show. I taught this was mad as Fair City bad and all as it is, is still the main Irish soap opera around. After watching the first 6 episodes of Red Rock, I am sure it will knock Fair City "off their perch".

As the show opens with the death of a young man from a local feuding family we are drawn into every detail going around about the death as if we were members of An Garda Síochána. The show has so far shown how close the community is and has indicated at what the future holds with locals in corruption, law breaking Gardaí, the re-igniting of feuding local families the 'Kielys' and 'Hennessy's', behind closed doors relationships and the hopes and dreams of some members of the Gardaí being crushed.

While the show is still in it's early days and TV3 has commissioned the continuing drama for the next two years with 160 episodes to come. I hope to be for a long-haul of excitement, with every episode already ending on the note of the typical soap cliffhanger.

It was Once said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what do you get if the picture moves?, you get Seven Pounds. The film that proves to me that Will Smith really is able to act and has come on leaps and bounds since is very work. An extra-ordinary tale written Grant Nieporte who should write more. This also isn't Director Gabriele Muccino first time working with Mr. Smith as they previously paired up for 'The Pursuit of Happiness', which tells me Muccino really does bring out the best in Will Smith. Smith plays Ben Thomas in this film, a man with a plan. Who will stop at nothing along this journey that really pushes him. I don't want to say anything else so if you're a fan of Will Smiths movies this is one to take a look at.

7/10

The Sitter is Mary Poppins meets the hangover. Jonah Hill does good in this comedy. There movie is enjoyable but not an outstanding movie more something you'd watch with your friends, The movie could have had more but the length isn't long (81 mins). Funny scenes through out and doesn't drag on which is good. This isn't the Jonah Hill you'd have scene in Superbad but is very close. I also taught the movie had a funny start which led to me continuing to watch the movie. Director David Gordon Green does do a decent job with this film and is a typical comedy just like his films Pineapple Express and Your Highness. Comment on this to tell me what you all taught of the film.