Dan’s Rambling Reviews

Dan’s Ramblings on Film, TV and any piece of storytelling that takes my fancy.

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Aliens, Grief et al

And now it is July. I have dubbed this month Alien month. Why? Well it is the month of Independence Day of course. A cultural landmark of a film from my childhood. So this month I will be watching a lot of alien based films.

It is now the 3rd July so lets first recap how I started this month.

Monsters vs Aliens - a mildly entertaining animation that doesn’t pull up any trees. A nice easy way to start the month. What it lacks in comprehension it makes up for in its silly comedy angles.

Men in Black 2 - I chose this just because I could. Fun fun fun. Not as good as the first but another staple from my childhood that I have watched many times.

So now it brings me to today. 3rd July 2023.

The last week or so I have been that numb that I could have been in hyper sleep for 50+ years, I guess it is what happens when you lose someone so close to you. Sudden death is horrible and stressful. The worst is the waiting to get things done to clean up what has been left behind.

So now I will watch Aliens with my cat and pretend I am like Ripley. Fighting the World whilst dealing with trauma of losing people close to her. Protecting loved ones that are left.

My cat is not as brave as Jonesy though. She runs and hides when someone knocks on the door.

Tomorrow will be Independence Day of course but the rest of the month I will plan as I go.

I have plenty of choice.

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Follow The Leader - A Review

The dice rolls and sometimes you get lucky. I feel like the dice have been rolling my way recently for a change. This is making life a little hectic but I am not going to complain. With this some of my more creative exploits are having to take a step back as I cannot give them the dedication needed to ensure the best version of it is seen.

That being said I will always find time to do my rambling reviews and I am back now to review the debut Novel of J.J. Maguire, Follow The Leader.

Follow The Leader tells the story of Lilith, a dedicated nurse and Mother who is caught up in the whirlwind of living in a fast paced society. Unbeknownst to her a cult have been preying on her young family, waiting for the moment to strike and take away the most important thing in her life, her Daughter Sam.

Follow The Leader is a short novel, coming in around 80 pages however this is not to its detriment. It’s punchy visceral onslaught ensures you are gripped from page one with the whole book being a first person journey into Lilith’s worst nightmare.

Primal fear is the novel’s biggest strength. The themes of home invasion and kidnapping are real everyday fears for the majority of people and Maguire taps into this successful with terrifying set pieces and realistic interactions all through the eyes of a working class protagonist.

Aspects of the novel reminded me of Paul Tremblay’s Cabin at the End of The World and Disappearance at Devil’s Rock which are both must reads for horror fans.

My only criticism would be that I would have liked an expansion on the side characters whether it would be through more dialogue or a switch of focus from Lilith to one of the members of the cult. I feel this could have created more mystery in the actions of the cult.

Follow The Leader is set to be released on March 15th on Amazon.

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Jingle All The Way

It is Friday! Nothing says being over 30 than celebrating the end of the week with a 90s film and a mint tea. It is 2nd December so everything is starting to kick into gear when it comes to Christmas. We have pulled the decorations down but have yet to put them up. I am a little itchy to put them up as the rest of our street seem to have decorated and are in full swing.

When it comes to Christmas films I do tend to try and start the season with the films that I enjoy but not are not staples in my Christmas diet. This is the case with Jingle All The Way.

Jingle All The Way is a film about the pitfalls of obsessive consumerism and its effects on the family dynamic.

So yeah that sounds like a serious film but in reality it is a very 90s slapstick comedy film with some shoddy set pieces, poor performances and awful dialogue. Yet there is something about it that makes me re-watch it every other year. Whether it be nostalgia from my youth or the ridiculousness of Arnold Schwarzenegger terrorising the city in search of the hottest new toy. Like Twins or Total Recall Arnold’s dead pan playing of his character is what makes the comedy work more than the lines or the situations themselves.

This is a good film I feel as a starting point before you get into the heavy hitters later in the month.

Remember the most important command. Put that Cookie Down. Now!

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Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

One of those days, a kind of day where you have spent all your energy and you are counting down the moments until you can close your eyes and return to void for the night. This desire does bring down your mood quite so I was definitely lifted when the Wife decided to make brownies.

I then got a gentle reminder that the Guardians of The Galaxy Christmas special was now on Disney plus. After my Marvel jaunt the other night (Black Panther 2) I did have trepidations however James Gunn rarely lets me down.

I can say that this 45 minute special did put a smile on my face. The main focus of this feature is Drax and Mantis attempt to save Peter’s Christmas by giving him Kevin Bacon as a present.

The wacky slapstick comedy of these two characters who have little knowledge or understanding of Earth and human behaviour makes for some real genuine laughs. I was happy as well to see Mantis get some real screen time to give her some more depth especially with Guardians 3 coming soon.

The film is not trying to reinvent the wheel. It is there to put a smile on peoples faces with some ridiculous moments and to that it really does hit the mark.

It has, combined with the brownies, improved my mood this evening and also ate some time towards my descent to the chamber of sleep.

I am hoping my sleep will be restful and will take away the desire I have to watch some Baz Luhrmann films.

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

The constant games of football have finally pulled me back into the cinema. Into the dark where I can envelop into someone else’s story for a couple of hours. Life recently has been hectic but now it is settling down I am finding more space for my own thoughts and with that the creative person inside of me is breaking out. I am finding time for myself and time to breathe and being able to venture to the cinema is such a relief for me.

The screen tonight is quiet but then the film has not been out for too long for a big crowd. Screen 8 at Cineworld is quite big for a screening this late in the run but I don’t mind. If I ignore the people behind me it is like I have my own private cinema.

I decided to go for Black Panther as it is the only Marvel product I have yet to consume and although my appetite is waning it is still there with hope it can take me out of the superhero malaise I currently have.

Now that I am home after a icy drive home I can say that the superhero malaise continues. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sits in at around 2hr 41 minutes and you really feel it. It is incredibly pedestrian in its pacing and gets itself lost in side characters stories that have open strands that it doesn’t follow up with. For example there is a whole side story with Martin Freeman’s Everett Ross going on in the background that introduces his ex-wife and her subterfuge around their relationship in the film. Yet there is no conclusion to this strand which I find utterly frustrating. Marvel are getting to the point now across the cinematic universe and across their TV shows where they would rather tease something for a future project rather than actually conclude an arc within the film itself.

What is commendable is the dedication of the film to Chadwick Boseman who was the shining beacon of the Black Panther franchise. These moments were the only moments that felt real and raw. It brought out the best in the cast.

Letitia Wright does a good job of taking up quite a mantel as the lead in this film but just doesn’t have the command of the screen like her predecessor. This isn’t helped by a character arc that is confusing and contradictory throughout. This coupled with the tortoise pace of the film makes for a really disappointing and dull instalment.

In general I do think that the superhero genre is starting to hit a wall that surely only an X Men/Fantastic 4 introduction can save.

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Eternals - A Rambling Review

As I enter the cinema mask and all I am fully aware that I am behind the curve when it comes to Eternals. It came out over a month ago and it has taken me this long to get my arse to the cinema to see it. Why? Lack of enthusiasm and a strong desire not to be tempted into cinema snacks when I am trying hard to loose weight.

Now I am here and waiting for the film to start. It has been too long.

So Eternals. The first foray into the realm of Superheroes for Oscar winner Chloe Zhao.

My first reaction is one of disappoint. It had so much potential but it really fails to deliver. I feel that the films major issue is balancing all the different characters. There are around eight Eternals plus the rest of the cast and even though the film is nearing three hours I feel like it needed more time to build and establish relationships between the characters and the audience.

The structure also hinders the film with it jumping back and forth from different times making it rather confusing especially in the first third.

The deviants are so generic CGI monster that they are boring and just a distraction that distract from the actual storytelling.

The action sequences are dull and repetitive with a finale that falls flat as the action tried and fails to keep across all the characters.

What Eternals does manage to do is open the door to new opportunities going forward even if it isn’t with the same characters.

All in all the film is not a classic and will not be high on my list of rewatches mainly due to the lengthy lead time. To put it short Ikaris flew way to close to the Sun.

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Birds of Prey Rambling Review

So it has been a while. What is great about doing these ramblings is that I don’t feel pressure to always write one for every film I watch. Sometimes I feel like writing one sometimes I don’t.

So now Tuesday is going to be my allocated Cinema day. The day I venture on my own to Cineworld to watch whatever takes my fancy. Today it is Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of one Harley Quinn (Try saying that when you are drunk. Expect me to shorten it to Birds of Prey for the rest of piece) So as I sit here in the pretty empty screening waiting for it to start I wonder, Where the hell is everybody? I know we are on the hangover of Ciara but this screen should be packed and there is about 25 people here at most. Lets see if they know something I don’t about this film.

Birds of Prey (No! I am not typing it all again) follows Harley Quinn moving on from The Joker after they have broken up. She finds her invincible life is no more as word gets out that she no longer has the protection of The Joker. What transpires next is a maelstrom of violence,profanities and action set pieces that drink from the same playbook as the Deadpool films.

Does it suffer because of this? Not in the slightest. The DC universe is starting to understand how to make a comic book movie. Since the disaster of Justice League (I do not want to see a Snyder cut 🥱) the DC movies have really come on leaps and bounds. Shazam! is brilliantly funny and engaging and Aquaman was a pleasant surprise. So what do they have to do to get people to see this? Market it better? The trailers and TV spots for this have been minimal and poor which is an unfair reflection on the film itself. I have barely seen any physical media coverage around Manchester for it (Buses, Billboards, etc) so going into Valentines weekend you would have hoped it had some hype about it.

I do like to give some constructive criticism so here it is. There wasn’t enough of the main characters all together. When they were it was magic. A sight to behold and hopefully something we will see more of in the future. But in this film it was very fleeting like a shot of luminous tequila.

Overall I am going to rate Birds of Prey Bruce. Because we all need a little Bruce sometimes.

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Green Fingers: Episode 1. A Rambling Review.

So it has been a while but I am back on the reviews.

I have made it home after a very long day and after getting swatted by Storm Brendan at its height. My goal tonight? To inform you about a new show on Amazon Prime.

This show is called Green Fingers. It is a pilot for a sitcom created by the team at V-Pac Productions. Never heard of them? Well you are missing out. They are the minds behind Lit Laughs which are short comedy sketches around the ridiculousness of life situations in the 21st Century. You can find them on Facebook and Youtube under Lit Laughs.

Anyway back to Green Fingers. The episode is directed by and stars Velton Lishke alongside Pete Bennett, who people may recognise from his naughties stint in Big Brother.

For me one of the most important aspects of a sitcom is characterisation. Every character has to be defined and exaggerated to an extent where you pick up their traits quickly. All good sitcoms do it. Only Fools, Fawlty Towers, Not Going Out, etc. Green Fingers gets this down to a tee. By the end of the episode you have a strong gauge of most of the characters and you want to see more.

What you have to remember when going into this episode is that it is only a pilot. It isn’t perfect. Is anything?

It is rough around the edges and has early problems with pacing. There is also a scene involving the lead and his wife which was very strange and out of place for me however it may work for others.

The chemistry between Velton Lishke and Pete Bennett as the leads is the heartbeat of the episode and it lays seeds for further progression if they decide to continue to create more episodes. They seem to play off each other naturally and genuinely seem to be enjoying performing together.

Overall I would say give the show a chance. You will probably enjoy it and laugh a few times. Spot the potential there and give the creators the benefit of the doubt for anything you think doesn’t work. Given its chance this could be a very good low budget sitcom in the future.

I rate it budding. Like a budding flower waiting to blossom.

Catch Green Fingers on Amazon Prime.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B083JX3BZL?pf_rd_p=f20e70b1-67f9-48d1-8c78-ba616030b420&pf_rd_r=REQ7H5YZ7M5W97H2C790

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2010-2019. The Top Ten Movies as seen by Me.

So lets get things straight before we start. This is only my opinion based off my experience with these films. Their may be better films that have been made but these are the ones that left an impression on me and what I return to.

So this past decade has been full of ups and downs for myself and for the film industry. This happens every decade so don’t make it a big thing guys. Life is Karma. The good comes with the bad. Sometimes you may think the bad outways the goods or visa versa but over a lifetime it tends to balance itself out.

So onto my favourite films of the decade. This list is not in any order. That is too difficult a task.

10. Nightcrawler (2014)

This, for me, is Jake Gyllenhaal’s finest performance. He is a sponge with no morals and he plays it perfectly. The film creeps up your spine with the sensitivity of a tarantula and by the point you realise how fucked up it all is the spider is on your face. This was recommended to me by Steve Balshaw back in the day after gushing about a similar driving experience movie. He wasn’t wrong in saying that I would love it. Not exactly a film you would want to rewatch too many times due to how uncomfortable it makes you feel however definitely a film that lingers in the mind for a very long time.

9. The VVitch (2015)

The VVitch is just a masterpiece in genre film making. My favourite horror from the past decade, there are not many films that can evoke the dread I get watching this movie. Films have tried to replicate it since but have failed to even get close. If you haven’t seen this yet then make sure it is one for the new year. You won’t regret it.

8. Pitch Perfect (2012)

I am allowed guilty pleasures so don’t judge. This packs so much fun and music in and hits all the right spots for me. I literally could watch this film over and over again and never get bored. The sequels don’t match up in quality but the original is definitely one of my favourite films from the past decade.

7. Moana (2016)

What can I say except You’re Welcome!

I am a Disney junkie and this is definitely my favourite from the past decade. As with Pitch Perfect I can sit and watch this over and over without losing interest. So lets move on from my guilty pleasure films now so I can restore the heart of Te Fiti.

6. Drive (2011)

Stuntman who barely says a word. Cliff Martinez’s enthralling score. Wonderful night time cinematography and awesome car chases. What is not to love about this film. I partially love Cliff Martinez’s score as its texture is so hypnotic it sucks you right back in. The action in this film is never forgiving and the emotion from the characters is very natural and effortless. One of my favourites of all time.

5. Roma (2018)

Alfonso Cuaron has been my favourite director for almost 15 years. Since I first laid eyes on HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I then explored Y Tu Mama Tambien and have been on board for all his films since. Roma was the first time Alfonso had made a film without his cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and I had my trepidations going in. However Roma blew me away. Yes it was long form storytelling. There are scenes that most would find dull but it was all there for a purpose and the emotional feeling you get at the climax of the film felt organically composed through this long form approach.

4. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Mental health has been a big part of my life for the past ten years and this film has helped me through some tough times. The perfect characterisations from the likes of Cooper, Lawrence and De Niro, to me, set this film apart from others in the way it talks about mental health. There are no easy fixes and people deal with their own minds in different ways. If you struggle with mental health then watch this. It may help you.

3. Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (2017)

Now I have only watched this once but it left a lasting impression on me. Defining performances from the leading cast coupled with a beautiful score and interesting cinematography placed this film in a special place in my heart.

2. Avengers: End Game (2019)

It was a massive piece of storytelling that led us to this film and what a way to end it. Yes there will be more films but this arc lasted over 11 years with so many major characters. To work the climax so perfectly so that it delivered a satisfying end point took some doing. There are other comic movies that were close to making it into this list but none compare to the magitude of this installment.

1. Gravity (2013)

My best experience at a cinema bar none. We caught a late night IMAX 3D showing on original release and I was blown away. Queasy also but that is to be expected. The experience of this film is lessened on a small screen but it still is a majestic piece of film making. The perfect soundtrack by Steven Price completes a piece of delicately constructed cinema from Alfonso Cuaron that will go down as one of the greatest pieces of cinema in our lifetime.

Honourable mentions

Carol (2015)

La La Land (2016)

Paddington 2 (2017)

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Whiplash (2014)

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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - JJ Abrams

As I sit in anticipation of watching the new Star Wars film I think back onto my history with the franchise.

When I was eight I was bought the original trilogy on video in a groovy case the shape of Darth Vaders head. I would watch the films religiously,as well as other films in my collection, on a continuous loop. This explains why I can recite the majority of Batman and Robin of by heart.

I loved them and was so excited as an 11 year old boy for the release of The Phantom Menace. Oh boy. After that film my love for Star Wars was diminished. Not to the point where I wouldn’t watch them but to the point where the religious following ended. So with the new films in the past few years I have been keeping my distance. Enjoying them for the storytelling but sitting back and waiting for the total arc to be played out. I mean until you know the end you can’t really judge a story can you?

Lets get into it. I am going to be blunt. The new trilogy is substandard storytelling. All Disney have done with this new series is tell the same story from the original series but with some small amendments. I understand that the ‘studios’ want to bring Star Wars to a new audience but it is very clear to me now that they didn’t want to do anything but cash in on the fandom that surrounds Star Wars. The Force Awakens is beat by beat exactly the same as New Hope. However its nostalgia and comedy sections based around Finn in the main helped that film be likeable. Then comes Last Jedi. A very devisive film among moviegoers. Last Jedi was a character piece that inter grained seven different arcs and wove them into one beautiful piece of cinema. Rian Johnson took risks and it paid off. Critics loved it. Why? Because it told a story and it progressed the narrative. Die hard fans, in consensus,however hated it with a passion. A passion that went too far and really left a sour taste in my mouth.

Now here comes JJ back, like the fans wanted, to deliver to us the final chapter in the ‘Skywalker’ arc.

The Rise of Skywalker pretty much ditches most of the narrative points made in Last Jedi and ignores the characterisations that had been built up. Instead it sets off on a non stop rollercoaster of planet hopping, blaster pewing, lightsaber waving nonsense that is coupled with badly timed comic relief and nonsensical nostalgic moments that seem increasingly tired and contrived. And where do you end up by the finish? Exactly the same place we were at the end of the Return of the Jedi. What was the biggest shame was the handling of Carrie Fisher’s last scenes. Because the film was going at 110mph it couldn’t slow down effectively to handle the emotion that should have been felt in that scene. Honestly I could go on more but I would then have to venture into spoilers and I won’t do that.

Honestly I think the original Star Wars trilogy was a fabulous piece of cinema for its time but efforts since to recapture that magic has been in vain.

I am going to rate this film Jar Jar Binks. No explanation needed.

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JoJo Rabbit (2019) Taika Waititi.

As I canter up for numerous stairs in screen 7 (The biggest screen in Bolton) I curse my decision to choose row S. By the time I have reached my seat I am out of breath highlighting the fact I need to get back in shape (Was I ever in shape?). The screen is pretty empty but this could be due to the fact I am 10 minutes early of the screen time and sane people like to arrive once the trailers and adverts are almost over. Tonight is a perk of being a Cineworld Unlimited member. A preview screening of a hotly anticipated movie. They even give you free stuff, tonight was Coke or some Chocolate. I chose the Chocolate to pass onto the Wife. My bodies inability to digest lactose makes eating chocolate a less than fruitful endeavour. The screen eventually fills to a modest crowd, the main savages are awaiting Star Wars on Thursday clearly, who hush as the lights go down and the film rolls.

JoJo Rabbit follows JoJo, a 10 year old Hitler youth whos imaginary friend is Adolf Hitler. After an accident at training camp JoJo comes home to discover his Mother is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa, in their house.

Now let me make this clear. This film is satire. With that being said I can imagine that it will recieve a polarising reception upon its cinematic release in the new year. Upon first glance it could seem crude and callous to a point where at times it is bordering anti semetic in nature. However I feel like this is the point of the film. There is the absolute insanity of Taika Waititi’s imaginary Hitler alongside the eccentric local Nazis, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen and Rebel Wilson ,and all the mad nonsense they fill JoJo’s head with about Jews and the war. This is then juxtaposed against the real relationships forged on love and trust between JoJo and his Mother and JoJo and Elsa. It is then a battle for JoJo to decide,as a ten year old boy, what is more important to him. The love of another human or the glory of insanity. The film manages this balance well. After an initial first half an hour of over the top satirical arsing around that would make Borat blush the heart of the characters seeps in and the satire drains to a murmour as the real storytelling takes place.

Taika Waititi is known for his outlandish style and fun filled scripts but where his strengths really lie are in the heartfelt moments. The soft mellow moments between characters that really engage with the audience. This is true of Thor Ragnarok, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and now JoJo Rabbit. It is a part of his style that is often overlooked but it is such an integral part of his films.

There are great performances from all the cast especially Sam Rockwell who never ceases to amaze me in everything I watch him in. He manages to capture the balance of the insanity and love and bring it together in one outstanding showing.

I will rate this film as Marmite on Toast. Not everyone will like it but it will leave a taste in your mouth that you will not forget.

P.S Fuck hate speech and anyone who spouts it.

This film is released in the UK in January 2020. I would expect USA around the same time but who knows.

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Late To The Party Review- The Grinch (2018)

The rain patters down on this miserable day. Christmas is coming and the election has gone away. On this couch here I lay. Watching The Grinch as I stew in dismay.

One thing you must learn about me. I have a distain for remakes, reboots and unnecessary sequels. So you can imagine my reaction last year when I learnt of a new Grinch film. I mean isn’t two enough. So I gave it a miss. I have a cineworld card but I just couldn’t bring myself to go out and watch it. However a year has now passed and my stance has softened. Yes I like the original cartoon version. Yes I have a special place in my heart for the eccentricities of the Jim Carrey live action version. Is there a special place in my heart for this version or is it two sizes too small?

The Grinch (2018) brings something new to the table. Emotion and heart. It is truely a modern day adaptation that captures the true spirit of Christmas. Family, love and kindness. Does it capture the same magic as the Jim Carey adaptation? Not quite but it brings something different. The Carey version is like a strange Burtonesque Christmas dream where the characters are so left field that it is difficult to emotionally connect. Yes we can all get on board with The Grinch’s stubborn melancholy as it is an extreme version of how we feel at times however I doubt many people would truely describe themselves as a Carey Grinch. A Cumberbatch Grinch however I can see in all of us. This Grinch is much more relatable and by the credits you are completely invested in his journey.

The film does have pacing issues at points and sections do seem a little contrived especially in the first act. However as soon as you hit middle of the second act the pacing seems to correct itself and you are finally taken on a journey that leaves you with a little warm feeling inside your chest.

I will rate The Grinch (2018) as Hot Chocolate. Warm, comforting and sweet.

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Marriage Story - Noah Baumbach

(Disclaimer. My views are my own and not a reflection on how the film may be recieved by others. We are all individuals and we all percieve things differently. Rejoice in indviduality and equality of thought!)

As I lay on the couch with only the Christmas lights filling the room I decided that I would watch Marriage Story on Netflix. (Yes its on Netflix guys. You know that streaming service that is so full of content that you only watch what Netflix wants you to watch.) I had heard good things and after deciding to do this I thought it would be a good starting point. This was going to be a lone watch as The Wife had disappeared upstairs to wrap presents and I knew I wouldn’t see her for a couple of hours.

So lets get down to the nitty gritty. Straight up. Is this film worth watching? I would say yes. Is the film perfect? Is anything? (Other than The Shawshank Redemption)

The film follows Nicole and Charlie as they go through a painful and disastrous divorce that is complicated by a custody battle over their Son.

There is a certain type of film that is released at this time of year. The stylist, beautiful looking, character pieces that are courting for award recognition. Is this film any different? Nope. There is a real disconnect between the ordinary cinemagoer and the connoisseur when it comes to Oscar nominated films and Marriage Story does little to bridge this divide. The main characters are completely unrelatable for the ordinary human being. I mean how many people can say they have a role in a TV show in LA or have won the Mcarthur Grant. Who can say they can afford to fly every week from New York to LA whilst never really being seen to be working. (It is mentioned that they are working but nothing explicit is show in action) It is a plague that has hit previous Oscar hits such as LaLa Land and Birdman.

Yet there is something. When the two characters are together the performances of the actors pulls you in. You are watching a breakdown of love between two people who have created a life together. It is painful, it is harsh and it is extremely relatable for many many people. Family break ups are systematic of the ‘American Dream’ world that we are subject to. We are always reaching for an impossible target and if we eventually grab that brass ring a second appears that you are encouraged to grasp. It is horrific and inhumane. The leading cause of break ups and this is documented perfectly within this film. Charlie has his own goals in life and Nicole has hers. One has to compromise to make these happen for the other.

The performances are what lead this film, without them it would be increasingly forgettable.

Adam Driver puts in a performance that is gut wrenchingly powerful and worthy of the award speculation. Bouncing well off Scarlett Johansson for the majority of the film their conflict is epitamized in a stormy slinging match of threats and language that cumilated into Charlie (Driver) breaking down uncontrollably.

Scarlett Johanssons performs well too but nothing that stands out to me. I mean there is a lot of hype over the monologue she gives to Laura Dern in the first act however I find this unwarranted. This could be because I couldn’t relate to her in any capacity. I was definitely in Team Charlie. Well for the most part. There is no excuse for certain things he has done. (No spoilers on here)

Overall I enjoyed the film and it was my first experience of Noah Baumbach. I will keep an eye out for his previous works. Do I feel that it is deserving of award talk. Not really. But the film is decent and definitely worth a watch.

I don’t do ratings, well not sensible ones anyway. I find the star ratings confusing. Therefore I rate this film Hedgehog. Cute in parts with prickly edges that can cause you pain. In the end you know it will get runover and be forgotten about.

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I love storytelling. I love it in all forms. Music, Film, TV, Books, etc. When I was growing up I embraced all these aspects. It helped me grow and understand the World and how different people are. I love to talk about the things I have experienced and have previously ventured into reviewing. My issue with reviewing, they are just so god damn boring to write. I hate the structure of a review, I mean it is a piece of writing that is supposed to be informative yet creative but the structure really sucks the creativity out of the writer. Well this was my experience anyway.

With this in mind I am going to start writing my own pieces. Write with a flow that represents something of a game of kerplunk. My aim is in part for self help. Writing in any capacity helps my mental health which at times can be fragile. It would be nice if people read and enjoy my ramblings but it is not the stick I will beat myself with if it doesn’t happen.

So buckle up who knows what might happen.