Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – Astounding Sci-Fi, Netflix

by Cedric | Jan 6, 2019 | Film & Television, General, Miscellaneous

Now, usually I do not review Netflix films. Partly because there aren’t many films worth reviewing on Netflix, but also because I prefer to go to small cinemas and support them whenever I can. Reviewing films from places such as The Electric in Birmingham, where I saw The Wife, is more meaningful to me. However, this so deeply impressed me that I feel a duty to bring it to your attention, so that you, too, may be astounded.

In the mid-26th century, special agents Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) must deal with a mysterious threat to the cosmically cosmopolitan deep-space metropolis of Alpha, home to millions of lifeforms from a thousand different worlds — while also dealing with their growing attraction to each other. Empire

Admittedly, plot-wise this film is not strong. the characters have to transport an adorable pearl-shedding space creature (below) from one place to another. That is the essence of the storyline. Bear this in mind when optimising your comfort level prior to diving into this film. If, however, you are not hardened and bitter like me, you can enjoy this film for what I believe it is: an extraordinary foray into the supernatural. I speak endlessly about the scope of my favourite albums in music. It is perhaps time that I transpose this discussion to film. Regardless of the missing plot, Valerian does boast a vast scope.

With jellyfish that eat memories, aquatic monsters the size of cathedrals and a bazaar so bizarre its exists simultaneously in different dimensions, it’s like Guardians Of The Galaxy might have turned out if James Gunn were a being made of pure mescaline. Empire

Of course my favourite scene was the Cabaret-esque Rihanna shape shifting strip show. As you can see from the cover photo, Rihanna is effecting a clin d’œil (or nod) to my favourite musical, Cabaret (1972). The importance of the chair in her routine was not lost on this reviewer.

Valerian is absolutely appealing. the ambit of Besson’s directorial prowess cannot be understated. This film could be described as Star Wars on crack. It would be hard not to recognise the contribution to astronomical cinematography which Valerian has made. One could almost say it is on par with the Fifth Element, Besson’s most acclaimed work. In all, I am impressed with this film in spite of its misgivings. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Grinch 2018 – Marvellously Modern Remake

by Cedric | Nov 16, 2018 | Film & Television, General, Miscellaneous

I’ll set the scene for you. A cold evening in early November, my friends Tesharna and James were slaving away in a basement, trying to comprehend Real Estate VAT laws. Out of a chasm of desperation, Tesharna suggests we go to the cinema. After a brief peruse of the local venues, we settled on the Cineworld in Five Ways to watch The Grinch.

To tell you the truth, this movie moved me. I was in a fragile state when watching it, for reasons those close to me will know. The particular emphasis on familial proximity and generosity espoused in this film warmed my heart. Now, I know this story. Every person of my generation has their own memory of The Grinch. Probably Jim Carrey’s iconic portrayal of the Green Ghoul. But in the 2018 version, with Benedict Cumberbatch at the helm, one sees this wonderful tale in a new light.

The sheer lavish magnificence of Whoville in this animated version was impressive. Mr Grinch had to go to some extraordinary lengths to try to ruin Christmas, and he had his own reasons for doing so. But, at the centre of this film, one message is clear.

Christmas is not about gifts or decorations. The familiar feeling of pressure one gets at this time of year, where companies desperately try to equate Christmas’ success with the size of the gift box under the tree, is done away with. the true value of Christmas lies in unity. I’m going to repeat that. Christmas’ value lies in unity. Bringing people together for a short while and revelling in each other’s company is the true meaning of Christmas. No amount of ridiculous posed photography surrounded by mounds of presents in good lighting can take away from that.

Funnily enough, this tale of misapplied anger self-imposed exile affirmed the central message of the upcoming holiday season is togetherness. This film does wonders to remind us to look around and appreciate the things we already have. We should be thankful for each new day, loving all our friends and our families.

The Grinch reminded me how fortunate I am to be here. And it will remind you, too. I hope you’ll go and see it. Smiles are guaranteed.