Reviews

I don't think I have ever left the cinema feeling quite like I did after watching 'Joker'. The only way I can describe how I felt is shell-shocked. Not because of the violence but because of the disturbingly accurate and poignant reflection of our times.

Joker is technically brilliant. The cinematography is spectacular, and the 80's aesthetic works fantastically. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a career defining performance. He plays the role with an utterly watching and creepy intensity that will leave you on tenterhooks throughout. However, I feel that this film may be a little controversial for a best actor nod. Robert DeNiro plays the Murray Franklin character with a knowing ease and the scene including him towards the end of the film, although obvious, is still very shocking.

Todd Philips reaches new and surprisingly political levels with his direction. I am truly surprised that such a film could even be made in this day and age. The Joker is turned into a misunderstood 'hero' - a result of a broken society. This is a bold move. Philips has a lot to say and it seems he has found a platform to say it. The influences from films such as 'Taxi Driver' and 'A Clockwork Orange' are apparent. It is a return of the character study but with a separate agenda thrown in. I do wonder whether, much like 'A Clockwork Orange' people will be negatively motivated by this film or will people recognise it as a dark mirror?

If I were to side-line the political and social commentary of Philips and look at the piece purely as a work of cinema, I do have a few critiques. The Sophie Dumond character reveal isn't treated very subtly, and it so easily could have been. However, I do understand why they did this for general audiences. The shoehorning in of the Wayne murders was also a little clumsy and in an already busy film, slightly unnecessary, but again I understand this was probably to reassure financers.

Overall, I would say that Joker is the most pertinent film of our time. Never has a film so devastatingly represented the condemning and bitter nature of modern zeitgeist. Joker is a film that needed to be made but probably shouldn't have. I realise that this is a total contradiction but, in a way, so is the film and indeed the character of the Joker. I feel torn. I am a huge fan of the comics and the character of the Joker is utterly iconic. The film is masterful but yet I still am left with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm sure with time my opinions will settle but until then I am still in two minds. I have no doubt that this film will be studied and talked about for years to come.

Justice League sees some of the most iconic comic characters leap onto the screen in a dramatic fashion. The film features Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg who all bring their own individual motif. It is undeniable that the film is a visual spectacle and has some truly incredible special effects. For example, the scene in which Wonder Woman blocks bullets with her gauntlets. This is truly brilliant as it incorporates the comic book style onto the bring screen, which is enhanced by stunningly intricate costumes and well-fitting soundtrack.

My favourite parts of the film are the interactions between the members of the Justice League. For example, the scene when Bruce Wayne first meets Barry Allen. There is a good chemistry between all the actors in the film, but it is irrefutable that it is Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) who steals the show.

The film is fast paced but delivers a level of entertainment which is appealing. The film does have a few chinks in its armour, such as the muddled storytelling. You can tell that there was trouble directing and editing this movie. I also think that the villain wasn't very compelling, but it would be hard to match the boldness of the central characters. I think that, although slightly rushed at times, Justice League is still an impressive accomplishment that all those involved should be proud of.

Overall, I feel the film is entertaining, yet weak in parts. I feel that to improve it, the filmmakers should focus more on the ordinary to balance out the extraordinary. But the DCEU may be already taking a step in this direction as can be seen by the fantastic after credits sequence. I would also like to see Batman being more of a detective rather than just hanging around on the side-lines. I would give Justice League 7 out of 10 and would recommend it to anyone looking for good light-hearted comic book action.

Logan is a heart warming addition to the X-men franchise. The film is different to the rest of the X-men films – it is far more subtle. But it does not disappoint; it is an emotional thrill ride packed with action and presented in an 'R' rated format true to the original savage nature of Wolverine.

The acting in Logan is of course of a very high calibre. Hugh Jackman portrays a dishevelled Wolverine effortlessly. It is definitely one of his best performances to date. Patrick Stewart also returns in this film as Professor X. He also acts the part masterfully as he has done for many years. Dafne Keen gives a great performance which adds a really interesting dynamic to the film.

James Mangold's directing is excellent. The shots in the film all look incredible. It truly feels like Mangold cares for the source material and has poured his heart into every frame of the picture.

The film does play a little fast and loose with the mythology of Wolverine. Having said this, it is hard to hold a grudge against this film as it delivers on so many other levels. It really delivers an emotional punch!

I have grown up with the X-men films, so to see this film bring about an effective conclusion to the character arc of Wolverine is satisfying closure. I particularly like the father/daughter parts of the film as they are oozing with emotion. The ending of the film is very symbolic and marks the end of an era perfectly.

To sum up, I feel that the film is very good watch and I recommend it to everyone who love the character of Wolverine as much as I do. I would give the film 8 out of 10 as it is a poignant end to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice promised so much but only partially delivered. This film had moments of greatness and the Batman scenes did not disappoint, but the Superman and Lois Lane scenes, for me, were rather prolonged and felt very forced. The acting was of an acceptable standard with Jesse Eisenburg's portrayal of Lex Luthor being intriguingly idiosyncratic. However, he was fairly one dimensional as an evil scientist.

Zack Snyder's direction was all over the place. At one point the story would focus on Bruce Wayne's origin, the next something completely different. When the film came to the inevitable climax with Batman fighting Superman, something still felt like it was missing. In my opinion, the dialogue and plot needed some reworking to improve the end product. However, the fight itself was visually pleasing.

The lack of respect for the source material was criminal. Batman is seen using guns and killing numerous people, neither of which is true to the character of Batman. Having said this, Batman's scenes make the film worth watching, and I really look forward to seeing Ben Affleck's Batman confront Jared Leto's Joker.

For me, this film had a lot of potential but was overcrowded with disparate plot lines and too many characters. Overall, I would give the film 7 out of 10 because it transported me to the world of comic book heroes which I have grown up enjoying.