Film Reviews by JR

A slow film that seems to paint a dismal picture of Helsinki and the dead-end jobs people have to do to survive.

The loneliness of the two main characters is explored, and, although neither lead is portrayed in a sympathetic light the viewer ends up caring. The wink at the end is worth waiting for. Probably not a film for those who like action movies!

There were some delightful moments in this gentle film and the scenery was wonderful. The acting was excellent and the young girl was particularly charismatic.

The film was obviously trying to compare the pull of city life verses traditional life in a remote village and perhaps draw attention to the disappointments that occur in modern life. In trying to make these points in a subtle way it perhaps missed an opportunity to be more forceful.

This film is very slow- long lingering shots of the father on the balcony plus lots of shaky home movie clips as they record their holiday together. There is some suspense as the girl gets drawn into a more grown-up world but basically, it is shots of a holiday in Turkey. The grown-up girl seems rather wistful and sad. It is an interesting study of a father-daughter relationship but there is a better film in there somewhere!

The filming style took some getting used to as it used a lot of odd angles and there was a lot of mumbling. However, the rather tragic story was told well. Tom Hanks was amazing as the cunning and rather creepy agent. Most of him was prosthetics and he was acting with his bulked-out body and eyes. The young man playing Elvis was also brilliant.

It was an entertaining film but over-long.

This was very entertaining. Enjoyable romp with Nicholas Cage sending himself up in a most amusing way.

Stupid plot and lightweight film carried by the sheer acting ability and charisma of the two leads. Worth seeing for Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts alone but don't take it seriously!

The film opened with the reclusive Nicolas Cage clearly fond of his pig. When it is stolen he begins a search and went back to his old haunts - a city and gradually it is revealed that he was once a highly-regarded chef. The reason for his life-style choice of supplying truffles instead of cooking with them is not really clear. There is a strange and cruel fist-fight scene of no relevance at all. The dialogue is mumbled.

The film is unsatisfactory on every level and a waste of a couple of hours.

This film was engaging from the first moment. The colours of the amazing African costumes and the matter-of-fact depiction of street life formed an interesting contrast revealing the quest for dignity as well as survival. The story of the young and gifted chess player is a true one and the cast appears with the people who they represent at the end of the film. The chess scenes are fast moving and may not resonate with chess players but the tension, class snobbery and emotional turmoil is well portrayed. A feel-good film.

I chose this film as we had walked the Camino in 2017 as we love walking and it seemed a great way to see the country. The idea of following a group of strangers was a good one but the film did not really bring out their motives (although I nearly cried for one lady). Neither did it show much scenery, architecture or celebrate the customs or food / wine as you crossed the various regions. At times it was unrealistic with people walking in flip-flops and without back-backs and going to night-clubs. I presume these people were on an organised trip rather than doing the pilgrimage using the numerous hostels and sampling the Camino Menus. It was simply not clear and I would recommend 'The Way' as a more authentic film (with a little bit of American sentimentality). If you are considering walking the Camino then this film is not a good indication of what to expect. You will get blisters, encounter huge dorms with snoring, but will meet people from all over the World and find the regions of Spain very varied. Buen Camino!

There was a surprising amount of humour in this film and it movingly depicted the drudgery of royal duties and isolation of an elderly monarch. Judi Dench was excellent as usual and convincingly portrayed a youthful zeal for a new interest in learning the culture of India via a handsome young Indian. I would watch this again.