Spotlight (2015) ★★★★★

Spotlight diverts from the conventional route in this serious, but enthralling crime drama.  Based on a true story, Boston Globe’s Spotlight team, consisting of Robby Robinson (Michael Keaton), Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), and Matt Carroll (Brian d’Arcy James), dig deep to solve the shocking scandal of child molestation allegations within the Catholic church in 2001, spanning as far back as…

Top Twenty: Best Films of 2015

And yet another remarkable year in the film industry…Hence, I must share my favourites with you all! The chances are, I will end up changing this list around if I happen to discover films I have missed out on from 2015. But nonetheless, I highly recommend everything on this list. So, sit back, dim your lights and…

Anomalisa (2015) ★★★★★

A suffocating view of humanity. Directed and produced by Charlie Kaufman, based on his own eponymous play, comes the story of the delusional Michael Stone (David Thewlis), a British author who’s forte is customer service. He soon finds himself in the hotel room of two women, both fans of his work who are in town to hear him speak. Michael sees something different in…

The Peanuts Movie (2015) ★★★★☆

Hollywood did this one right, Charles Schultz would be pleased. He’s back, and this time, attempting to get through the school year. Charlie Brown (Noah Schnapp) finds a new crush, and takes part in a talent show with the help of his friends and his beloved dog, Snoopy. How lovely that a whole new generation are…

Top Ten: Worst Films of 2015

Here is the worst of the worst my friends, so you can choose wisely when the time comes for watching a smashing film! Be sure to check back soon for my ‘Top Twenty: Best Films of 2015’. Before we begin, some dishonourable mentions include: Unfinished Business, Victor Frankenstein, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, American Ultra, Chappie, Vacation, Serena, Seventh Son, Insurgent, Hot Pursuit,…

Carol (2015) ★★★★★

Makes one long for the days of hats. Set in the 1950’s, a shy shop assistant, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) begins an intense friendship with a woman named Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), after being of her assistance over the counter during the Christmas sales at a department store. Both women however, are confined to their heterosexual roles. An unpleasant battle between…

Golden Globes Predictions 2016

Yes, it’s that time of the year again – awards season! The Golden Globe nominees were announced last night. The show however, doesn’t air until 10th January 2016. But, discussing the nominees a month early is exciting, right? Once again, it’s a tough year… Best Drama:  Carol Mad Max: Fury Road The Revenant  Room (pictured)  Spotlight  My Prediction: The Revenant or Carol I’d…

The Lady in the Van (2015) ★★★★☆

Fans mourning the loss of Downton Abbey will thoroughly enjoy Smith’s performance. This year’s dose of Alan Bennett comes in the form of an adaptation of his West End play, The Lady In The Van. A peculiar period in Bennett’s (Alex Jennings) life is told, when an elderly woman (Maggie Smith) decides to park herself in…

Black Mass (2015) ★★★★☆

Depp at his most dismal.  Based on a true story, Black Mass looks back upon the crimes of one of the FBI’s most wanted, James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp) in South Boston, 1975. John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), an old friend, appears to take an interest in him, but not to take him down. Told in a…

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 (2015) ★★★☆☆

(Does contain mild spoilers!) The rotten apple of the bunch.  Picking up almost immediately from the last scenes of Mockingjay: Part 1, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) is rescued from the Capitol, though brainwashed, as proved after attempting to murder Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence). Meanwhile, Gale is wasting no time in trying to win Katniss back. The fight continues, though Katniss has something different in…