Boy it felt like it’s been ages since I actually wrote reviews. Naturally because of my short film project I haven’t had time to watch a ton of films, but I did go to a few screenings. Though Jan/Feb are considered dead months at the movies, but I did see some good ones! Since I won’t have time to do a full review, I’m including mini reviews of some of them here.
New-to-me Movies
A United Kingdom
Director Amma Assante has done it again! I absolutely love her work in the period drama Belle from a few years back. A United Kingdom is another tale of forbidden love… and it’s beautifully done! David Oyelowo played Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana, who caused an international stir when he married a white London woman Ruth (Rosamund Pike) in the late 1940s. Both Oyelowo and Pike are wonderful in their roles, they have a lovely chemistry and both conveyed the emotion of their tumultuous relationship beautifully. The political aspect and the romance collide beautifully, done in such an elegant way with a touch of humor. Assante has definitely become one of my fave filmmakers now.
Project Eden Vol. 1
Glad I got to see this indie sci-fi on the big screen a couple of weeks ago. Read my recap of the Minneapolis premiere, quick thoughts about the film & my interview w/ the duo filmmakers. The film is not perfect but still, it’s got an intriguing vision and gave us enough to anticipate the sequel. The two MN actors in the lead (Emily Fradenburgh and Peter Hansen) are both terrific in their first big-budget indie film roles.
LEGO Batman Movie
The trailer made me laugh SO hard! I think the film is funny, with some really thigh-slappingly-hilarious moments, but I don’t think it’s as good as everyone’s been saying. I actually think the first LEGO movie is more entertaining overall. I just think some of the jokes are just goofy and silly that it actually stopped being funny. It’s also way too bombastic, especially towards the end. Still it’s a hoot to watch and the animation is great. My favorite parts are definitely the one between Batman (Will Arnett) and Alfred (Ralph Fiennes in another fabulous comedic role!), wish there were more of those. I LOVE the moment Batman accidentally kicked Alfred that sent him flying to his grand piano!! 😂
Finding Dory
I finally got a chance to see this one. It’s pretty enjoyable and the ride Dory & co. went on was fun albeit predictable. I have to say I think Finding Nemo is eons better and made a much more lasting impression on me.
I will have reviews of these two later in March… but I absolutely LOVE both of them. Interesting that both bad-ass heroes, John Wick and Wolverine, got completely beat-up in their respective movies!
John Wick Chapter 2
LOGAN
Rewatches:
I only got time to rewatch one movie and I went with my absolute favorite… Ang Lee’s Sense & Sensibility never fails to lift up my spirits whenever I’m in a gloomy/melancholy mood. Everything I learn about love and life I learned from Elinor Dashwood and her sensible restraint.
Movies I’m hoping to see in March
Kong, Skull Island
Beauty & The Beast
Wilson
Personal Shopper
MOVIE OF THE MONTH
Hands down the best X-Men film, and one of the best films of the superhero genre to date. That’s all I’m going to say right now, definitely see this even if you’re not a fan of comic book films.
Well that’s my viewing recap of February. What’s YOUR favorite film(s) of the month?
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FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
For me, it’s my Blind Spot assignment in Hoop Dreams which I was just wowed by. Another film I saw recently that I liked, though a review of it will have to wait for a while as my laptop is currently in the fritz (using my father’s laptop temporarily at the moment which is why I’ve been making comments), is A Bigger Splash. The image of Ralph Fiennes dancing to the Rolling Stones’ “Emotional Rescue” has been in my head for a while. He needs to be in more films where he’s allowed to be loose and funny. Plus, he’s naked for part of the film which I’m sure the ladies will enjoy.
Ooooh you saw A Bigger Splash! Yes Ralph was phenomenal in that film and that scene you speak of is fantastic!! I agree, I wish he did more roles like that more, he’s absolutely a joy to watch. I also love the chemistry between him and Tilda, scorching!!
I was very busy at work last month and only saw one new movie at the theater, John Wick 2. I really enjoyed it but I prefer the first one. The only other “new” movie I saw was Southbound, an anthology horror film that got some good reviews and I decided to give it a watch. Wasn’t that good and kind of boring, reminds me why I gave up on the genre.
I’m seeing Logan tomorrow night, can’t wait! From some of the reviews I skimmed through, it sounded like this is the film that The Wolverine should’ve been had Aronofsky directed it.
Yeah I think John Wick 1 is a better film though I enjoyed the heck out of the 2nd one and would probably watch it again. I think the rewatchability factor is high for John Wick movies, I mean it’s just so fun to watch Keanu being such a killing machine. But he also got beat up quite a bit here, just like Wolverine in Logan. I’m glad James Mangold redeemed himself after the previous Wolverine movie, that was awful!
Saw Logan last night, still thinking about it. Definitely one of the best super hero films even though it didn’t feel like a super hero flick. It has the feel of a 70s action thriller/western that I love and it also felt like a superhero film that Sam Peckinpah would make if he’s still alive. Seeing it again this weekend.
I’m not sure I would recommend it to people who aren’t familiar with the X-Men franchise though. My friend who saw it with me didn’t know much about the other X-Men films and was a little confused as to what people talking about in movie, so I had to explain the timeline to him. He liked the movie though.
Hidden Figures! I’ve only had time to watch it a week ago but I absolutely loved it. It’s inspirational and while at times a bit cliche, it’s still a very warming and powerful film. I admire those women so much and I’m definitely gonna complain a whole lot less about work now haha.
Hi there, welcome to FC! I LOVE Hidden Figures, that’s one of my top 10 of 2016. It’s so uplifting and fun despite the heart-wrenching subject matter of the racism of that time. Yes those women are definitely true heroes!
I agree! Love your blog btw 🙂
I’m looking forward to Logan. I haven’t liked an X-Men movie since X2 but this one looks so good.
Oh yeah this is even better than X-2, and definitely much darker and more violent. It’s also very emotional.
A United Kingdom. Glad you saw it and approved. I look forward to watching it as I love both actors who star.
As you know I’m such a huge fan of BELLE and therefore I’ll see anything Amma Assante’s done. She picked the perfect actors to portray the leads in A United Kingdom, I think you’ll love it, Cindy!
I enjoyed reading this blog post so much because it mentions lots of movies with small personal details… It was just fun!
I personally wanna watch A United Kingdom so badly. It looks damn impressive and well-made. As for Finding Dory, I would have to agree with you. It was good, sure, but was nowhere close to Finding Nemo, which definitely was more impactful.
Hey Shivani! Thanks for reading and commenting, as always.
A United Kingdom is so well-crafted… everything about it just works. I love Oyelowo and Pike together, it’s one of my fave onscreen pairing of late.
Glad you agree about Finding Nemo, which I consider a modern classic!
I hope your short film project is going well Ruth! Will look out for your review of Logan, based on what you write here does sounds like a must-see.
Jan/Feb aren’t quiet months for me as I get to see Best Picture films late. Favorite new-to-me of Feb are Moonlight, Scorsese’s New York New York, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s (of Amelie fame) debut feature Delicatessen.
Thank you Chris! Well I’m working on my short every day as I’m involved in practically every aspect of it, except for the acting & directing.
LOGAN is excellent but be warned, it is VERY violent.
Glad to hear you have seen Moonlight and loved it. Ooh I should see Delicatessen soon, it’s been recommended to me before.
Ugh I really wanted to see Logan this week but stupid distributor made a version with dubbing and because of it the version with subtitles has terrible showing times
I just wanted to see shirtless Hugh, what is this bullshit
Hello Margaret! Ah bummer you didn’t get to see LOGAN yet, but it’ll be well worth the wait. Ahah well shirtless Hugh isn’t as um, glorious as he once was, he’s quite bloodied and beat up in this one.
Logan as movie of the month, eh? Wow, really looking forward to this now! Glad you got to see A United Kingdom; really enjoyed it myself.
Finding Dory lost some points for me with its very silly ending. Can’t wait to see Logan.