At Your Service: Review of Kingsman

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Director: Matthew Vaughn

By Alex Watson

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a certainly a movie that provides fun, its just a shame similar focus wasn't given to its story. While Matthew Vaughn's swift style gives the movie a coat of gloss, underneath it feels like an incomplete portrait. Saddled with numerous plot holes and a pretty laughable villain, this second instalment tries too much into one movie. Although it recaptures some of the spirit of its predecessor, Vaughn pushes things a step too far.

Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is now a fully fledged member of the Kingsman. However, one day his entire organisation is literally blown to pieces by drug baroness Poppy Fields (Julianne Moore) leaving only Eggsy and mentor Merlin (Mark Strong) as survivors. Desperate to stay alive they make contact with US affiliate Statesman led by Champagne (Jeff Bridges).

The first Kingsman movie was a retread of a diamond in the rough coming good. Kingsman: The Golden Circle on paper seems like as fun of an experience, but no amount of finesse can disguise the flaws. The main problem seems to come down to the direction of the story. Having this picture as a straight up fight between Golden Circle and Kingsman would have made a more concise effort. Things start heroically with a thrilling duel inside a taxi speeding through London. Sadly Vaughn seems to lose his picture in numerous and unnecessary subplots. The first concerning Eggsy's unconvincing romance with his hookup from the last movie, Princess Tilde (Hanna Alstrom) which just gives the story deadweight. Then there's the return of Harry Hart (Colin Firth)- now an amnesiac who believes he's his former before Kingsmen self. The explanation for his magical reappearance while test even the biggest Kingsmen fan.  His road to recovery should have been one of the main devices, instead, he's left simmer on the back burner.

Including sister agency Statesman (known for their whiskey) adds little to the movie's story. Head honcho Champagne (or Champ to everyone else) is a good ole southern boy but is only wheeled out for group meet and greets. Likewise, Channing Tatum's Tequila who gets precisely zero to do other than a couple of brief scenes. Ginger Ale (Halle Berry) is the US equivalent of Merlin so spends most of her time looking at computer screens. There are some fine scenes with the underrated Pedro Pascal as Whiskey- a lasso carrying agent whose moral compass seems unclear. Vaughn's command of the action sequence is a hit and miss affair. While he does a manage a joyous finale shootout, there is also an overblown and frankly ludicrous scene set on a cable car. This instalment doesn't seem to know where to set the limits, though you can tell Vaughn is having a blast directing this.

The real weak link in Kingsman: The Golden Circle comes from its poor villain. Poppy is a forever peppy international drug dealer who spends the majority of her time behind a counter at her diner styled hideout. Given little presence onscreen other than looking like a drug-dealing version of Martha Stewart, Vaughn invests little in the villain stakes. Elton John in a hilarious extended has far more impact and is given an impressive array of fancy costumes. Plus the idea of Poppy having a pair of murderous robot dogs will make anyone squirm. It's a real mystery how this sequel could have all the ingredients for success but still end up burning the cakes?

Taron Egerton gives things his best shot and as usual, he has the charisma to pull off this character. Asking him to go deeper is where his performance unravels and Egerton struggles to find the romantic side of the character. Colin Firth is completely wasted on his return. So important first time out, in this instalment it feels like a misstep to resurrect this character. The real hero of Golden Circle is Mark Strong's Merlin. Coming off as the real brain of the organization, this time he is given sufficient screen time. In one particularly potent moment, Strong firmly stamps his important on this sequel. A-listers Bridges, Tatum and Moore are all cast in decidedly underwhelming and thankless roles that require little outside of showing up. With all this supporting talent on display, why were they not given meatier roles?

Kingsman: The Golden Circle will go down as one of the more disappointing sequels we will see in 2017. Although I guarantee you will tear up each time you hear 'Country Roads' by John Denver afterwards.

Family Business: Review of Logan Lucky

Logan Lucky

Director: Steven Soderbergh

By Alex Watson

When he's not in between movie retirements, Steven Soderbergh does remind us what a great director he is. Logan Lucky might not be his strongest outing, but it still showcases what great character's he is capable of creating. The plot might be a little confusing in places, but there is a method in what Soderbergh and writer Rebecca Blunt are doing. On fun alone, this picture makes for great viewing.

After losing his mining job, West Virginia native Jimmy (Channing Tatum) resorts to pulling off the ultimate heist. Bringing along his one armed brother Clyde and sister Mellie (Riley Keough), the trio plan to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600 Nascar race. However, for their job to be successful they must recruit the imprisoned explosives expert Joe Bang (Daniel Craig).

Soderbergh is selective in the information he gives to his audience. We know enough to keep us viewing and this allows the story to go along, but don't expect an inch more. Jimmy is a former college football star who is down on his luck- adored by his daughter and hated by his ex-wife (Katie Holmes) he is barely scraping by. The two brothers are a continual source of amusement, Clyde, in particular, has a sharp sense of humour that totally offsets his dimwit presentation. Only having one-arm after serving in Iraq, Clyde believes fully in the 'Logan Family Curse'. Joe Bang is the character that will stick in the memory longest. A hulking, bleach blonde lunatic, Bang is essential to the plan due to his experience blowing up bank vaults. Grumbling about having to eat 'fake salt' with his beloved boiled eggs, there is an impressive set of brains underneath that will prove vital.

The heist itself rumbles along a furious pace and we are continually having to stop and check our knowledge. Being rookie bank robbers, the family is constantly having to readjust the plan. Jimmy, fortunately, has insider knowledge but even he has not accounted for the little details. One humorous moment sees Bang and the brothers arguing over whether one of the money slots is 20 or 30 yards away? "We're dealin' with science here!" moans our blonde criminal. Soderbergh refuses to hit the breaks and even the smallest details could be so crucial to our knowledge. This is a mostly well-oiled machine and when it fires Logan Lucky becomes his best outing in some time. Unfortunately, it is his fast and furious approach to the story that lets this picture down somewhere.

One of the most frustrating aspects of this movie is that there is a number of minor characters who spring up to do absolutely nothing. What precisely was the point of Seth MacFarlane's unlikeable British millionaire? Except being brash and obnoxious, this character adds little. Likewise the excellent Sebastien Stan and Katherine Waterston who pop up in brief unexplained cameos and promptly disappear. There is a closing investigation with a heavily underused Hilary Swank which only runs out the clock rather than adding another dimension. Soderbergh, for the most part, has made a solid thriller but all these unnecessary extra's only confuse everyone.

Channing Tatum again proves that underneath that well-toned body lies an actor with a lot of talent. As Jimmy, he is the beefcake out to snag the big prize. Once again Tatum is able to appeal to the likable side of a character and his dopey smarts are a joy to behold. Adam Driver again is on dazzling form as loyal bro Clyde. Coming off as the idiot brother bartender, underneath there is bravery and wit in spades. One of the more watchable modern actors, Driver almost steals the film. Daniel Craig however, takes the acting honors and his Joe Bang is a mile away from 007. Few actors alive can mix charisma with sheer menace, but Craig carries it off effortlessly. It's a big reminder of what a great actor he is no matter what suit he puts on.

Logan Lucky is a movie that despite its shortcomings demonstrates why cinema is all the richer for having Steven Soderbergh.

Age of Empires: Review of Hail, Caesar!

Hail, Caeser!

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen

By Alex Watson

Once more the Coen Brothers turn towards Hollywood's Golden Age in their picture Hail, Caesar! Making great use of constant star cameos, this makes for a great satire picture. Running a major studio can bring all kinds of headaches and there are smart nods to the scandals involving such greats as Clark Gable and Esther Williams. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War where suspicions were heightened and showing the studio system beginning to break down the Coens return to this land is a success.

Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is a 'fixer' for Capitol Pictures who has just run into a major problem. Hail, Caeser! is set to be their biggest picture of 1951 starring Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), the problem is the actor goes missing and a group called 'The Future' is demanding a ransom. Eager to get back Whitlock before all hell breaks lose, Mannix must also deal with pregnant star DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson) and struggling cowboy actor Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich).

Although Hail, Caesar! is filled with different story lines, somehow it manages to juggle them all without dropping the balls. The scandal and scare-filled nature of the 1950s are present and correct and Mannix has hands full dispelling rumors. The Coens in their film studio world are able to give nods all kinds of productions such as cheap westerns, well choreographed dance films and lavish aqua themed sets. The kidnap plot is almost secondary to everything else, who precisely are The Future? The big reveal shouldn't surprise many but the bickering between numerous intellectuals will for sure entertain. Mannix knows he has a headache on his hands because Whitlock is known for his binges and affairs but this one might be beyond his control.

The hints towards different scandals show off the Coens movie buff knowledge. DeeAnna wants to adopt her own unborn child to avoid a scandal while Hobie is struggling to play a straight role in contrast to his usual 'singing cowboy' job. Ralph Fiennes shows up here as the thespian director Lawrence Lorenz and incredibly gives a masterclass in comic relief attempting to direct his undertalented star. Also, there is the issue of power hungry identical twins and Thora and Thessaly Thacker (both Tilda Swinton) who are both Hedda Hopper type gossip columnists. With cameos popping a mile a minute including Channing Tatum as Gene Kelly type musical star and Jonah Hill as a cynical surety agent, the Coens are having a blast.

While Hail, Caesar! sings and dances well, there is also the issue of too many cooks spoiling the broth. The third act is possibly the weaker the picture and while it is typically random and unpredictable it perhaps doesn't completely satisfy. However, this is a minor blemish on the Coens good work and they succeed in keeping us entertained. Their ability to be able to hop between both deathly serious and light as a feather touches has really marked them out over time. Delving back into the scandal and red threats of the olden days has been the picture spark into life. Mannix may be always questioning his life, but he cannot function without the thrill of the unknown.

Josh Brolin makes for an engaging and capable lead, his dour yet excitable edge makes Mannix come alive. Smartly linking his guilt for continually abandoning his family for the chase to this devout catholicism, Brolin is the very presence the Coens need. Supported ably by George Clooney who is a wonderful mix of arrogance and cluelessness, his Baird Whitlock is a great nod to leads such as Kirk Douglas. His gradual reawakening to a new found cause sets him on a slippery slope. The real star of the picture is Alden Ehrenreich because easily he matches the big stars blow for blow and comes out with the pictures strongest performance. Hollywood take note of this one.

Hail, Caesar! may not win the battle of the box office against Deadpool or Zoolander 2 but it is still a funny and smart picture that deserves your attention. The Coen Brothers are always unpredictable, who knows what era that will focus on next time?

After The Fox: Review of Foxcatcher

Foxcatcher

Director: Bennett Miller

By Alex Watson

After winning the Best Director award at Cannes this year, director Bennett Miller returns to our screen with his critically acclaimed movie Foxcatcher. Based on the true of former wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz and their charismatic yet mentally unstable coach John DuPont, this could make for one of 2014's most riveting drama's!

John DuPont (Steve Carrell) is a millionaire wrestling enthusiast who is desperate to bring glory to his team 'Foxcatcher'. To get closer to his aim of winning a gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, he recruits wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) who despite past glory lives in shadow of his brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Although he is giving both men a chance of a life time, soon it appears that DuPont may not be the man he seems. Fatal consequence will soon follow on the grounds of Foxcatcher Farm!

Foxcatcher is a superb return to the screen for Miller and from an early stage the slowly cooking tension grabs us and refuses to let go. At the heart of the story is a tale of two brothers living under the constant uncertain gaze of their rich benefactor. From the get go, Mark is a man who is continually depressed at being second fiddle to successful brother Dave. Despite also being an Olympic Gold Medalist in the 1984 Los Angeles games, no one around seems to care and only seems to tolerate him to please Dave. His older brother is always affectionate and loving towards Mark, but the pent up tension is always hovering and is best demonstrated when an early warm up session between siblings turns into a minor battle!

When DuPont seemingly seeks out Mark to be the new face of his mission, the guy cannot believe his good fortune and their somewhat bizarre father/son relationship gives him a new found belief. Throughout Miller's movie, John's intentions for Mark remain ambiguous and the most electric part is the parts that are left unseen. Although there is a seemingly sexual undercurrent to their relationship, it soon appears that like before, John might just be using him to get Dave on board! The moment that Mark realizes that his benefactor prefers older brother, his world begins to fall apart. One sequences seems him easily lose an Olympic trial then gorge himself in frustration, only an extreme work out from Dave will save him here.

But it's the mysterious millionaire himself who provides Foxcatcher's real fuse. John DuPont's is an difficult and aristocratic figure who is a unique mix of charm yet an isolated figure among the big grounds of his Pennsylvania home. His persona is almost identical to a spoiled man-child because whenever he doesn't get his way, his top tends to blow. At first he seems to sympathize with Mark's feelings as he himself is forever under the disappointed stare of his mother Jean (an excellent Vanessa Redgrave) who chides him for participating in a 'low sport'. His level of control and money invested allows him to manipulate and control Mark as he pleases, Dave is also forced to play nice and indulge his boss despite his concerns.

In this absorbing and pulsating film, we are given a triumvirate of brilliant performances, which is led by a career best turn from Steve Carrell. Almost unrecognizable under prosthetic's, Carrell excellently captures DuPont sense of agony with himself and his edgy and almost vague personality. Throughout this film his actions become increasingly erratic and his presence immediately strikes up an unbalanced feel. Carrell here emerges as a strong contender for the big prizes come awards time and for anyone who doubts his ability, this role will provide a strong case for him.

Channing Tatum is equally strong as the frustrated Mark and through minimal use of words, he brings to light the disappointment and anguish he feels within. But it is his ability to bring forward the sad and exposed feel of his character that makes this performance so memorable. Mark is firmly the one our sympathy lies with but we know we cannot stop his slide. Mark Ruffalo once more proves to be a reliable supporting man and as loving brother Dave he gives the movie a more warm and emotional feel. But his love for his younger sibling is not firmly reciprocated, his attempts to break through this draw us to us to Dave for the duration of Miller's film.

Foxcatcher is a movie that deserves the fine praise heaped upon it so far during release. Boasting some Oscar worth direction, it is a movie that proves to be gripping mixed with an immense feeling of sadness mixed with loneliness. Highly recommended!

Three Movie Picks for November

Interstellar (Director Christopher Nolan) 

Chris Nolan's long awaited return to the screen post Dark Knight Rises has been one of great speculation throughout 2014 and through a series of cleverly planned trailers, we have only glimpses of a plot. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, we have learned that the story concerns an environmentally destroyed earth and a group astronauts having to navigate a worm hole in space to save it from total destruction. Nolan has yet to put a foot wrong and this looks likely to continue his fine run of form.

Release Date: November 7

Foxcatcher (Director: Bennett Miller) 

After grabbing serious attention at the Cannes Film Festival this year, Moneyball director Bennett Miller returns with a movie that has some serious awards contention. Based on the tragic story of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and his notorious relationship with his paranoid coach John Du Pont (Steve Carrell), this movie has proved to be an intense and captivating ride for critics. Featuring possible career best turns by Carrell and Tatum, this could well start making an appearance on award lists soon.

Release Date: November 14

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One (Director Francis Lawrence)

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is back on screen Hunger Games fans and she is aiming to make folks in the capital Panem sweat after the events of Catching Fire! So far this franchise has proven to be one of the most exciting and well made of years gone by and has found admirers in both teen and adult markets! Although some may be annoyed that the final story is split over two parts, no one can deny that watching Katniss and her band of followers slowly breaking down walls will be electric to watch!

Release Date: November 21

Five TIFF Movies to Get Excited About

From September 4th -14th, the Toronto Film Festival will be upon us in the province of Ontario and I am looking forward to my time volunteering at this prestigious festival no matter capacity that may be! With stars such as Denzel Washington, Julianne Moore, Tom Hardy, Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Cumberbatch paying us a visit it is hard not to get excited. Here are five movies that I will definitely seeking tickets to,

Foxcatcher (Dir: Bennett Miller)

Winner of the Best Director award at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Moneyball director Bennett returns with what could prove to be one of this years most absorbing movies. Based on the real story of Olympic wrestlers John Schultz (Channing Tatum) and his Gold Medalist brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo) and their troubled relationship with schizophrenic coach John Du Pont (Steve Carrell). With an excellent cast (including a break out turn from Carrell) and a superb director this promises big things come awards time!

Maps to the Stars (Dir: David Cronenberg)

One of Toronto's most loved names returns with a movie that is currently making waves and has been selected to be one of the festivals closing night films. With a star turn from Julianne Moore as an egocentric actress living on the edge of insanity,  along with Mia Wasikowska and John Cusack protraying a father and daughter with a troubling past- from the rave reviews it received at Cannes, this could well be another feather in Cronenberg's already established modern day cap!

Men, Women and Children (Dir: Jason Reitman)

One of the more low key arrivals the festival, but after its trailer has finally arrived it has firmly grasped our attention. The story is surrounded in mystery, but from its impressive ensemble cast including Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner, Dennis Haysbert, Ansel Elgort and errm... Adam Sandler! Jason Reitman's movie could be an engaging look at the dark secrets that people we know hold inside and the potential dangers of using the internet! Reitman's track record has been spotless so far and this movie seems certain to continue that tradition!

Wild (Dir: Jean-Marc Vallee)

Dallas Buyers Club director, Jean-Marc Vallee, makes a welcome return to the festival circuit with another hard hitting drama that focuses on addiction and the 1100 Pacific Crest Trail hike of Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon). Montreal native, Vallee has proven able to find heroes the most unlikely of places and with its redemptive theme and what appears to be a career best turn from Witherspoon, this could be one of the underdog bets come awards time!

Mr Turner (Dir: Mike Leigh)

Mike Leigh always to come up trumps when it comes to awards season and he has now succeeded in grabbing the publics attention once more with Mr Turner. Based on the life of celebrated British painter JMW Turner (Timothy Spall), whose eccentric methods helped change the way we view art forever, Leigh seems to have found a story in which construct a compelling and emotionally charged story. With a Best Actor winning turn at Cannes from Timothy Spall, this piece has rightfully earned it's Special Presentation Gala slot at TIFF!