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Reviews
Tomorrowland (2015)
Nostalgic fun
This film is by no means perfect, but it was much better than I expected it to be. It has a distinctly nostalgic feel, that reminded me of a 50's B movie. The world is going to self destruct, but somehow nothing really dreadful, gory or violent ever takes place. There is no real menace in the movie. The storyline is one of hope and the power of the "anything is possible" youthful, idealistic dream. It's great to see the world saved by girls for a change. Both leads, but especially Raffey Cassidy, are great. She will surely go on to great things. Having read a ton of reviews I can see that the CGI generation (especially young men) are very disappointed with it. Conversely, I see that lots of older (40+) people appreciate the films old school, simple charms. We don't need (or want) tons of realistic violence in a film that we understand is meant to be a flight of fancy. Yes, there are plot holes in the story, but that doesn't matter. It's meant to be a fun, light hearted romp where the viewer suspends disbelief. In my opinion it achieves what it sets out to be.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Astonishing and heartbreaking
I just saw this at LFF. It is a brilliant piece of cinema. Clearly it's central theme is slavery, and the depravity human nature can so easily reach; but it has many other small moments that trigger thoughts about wider issues - the role of religion being one for example. It is violent, and in some respects awful to watch, but this is the story of Solomon Northup told truthfully. There is nothing saccharine about the way Steve McQueen presents this and that is what makes it so astonishing. You cry because what you witness is truly terrible, not because the violins are out and the director's tugging on your heart strings. All the acting is first rate, as is the score by Hans Zimmer. This really should be essential viewing for everyone old enough to understand it.