Film Pick UK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Uplifting and absorbing, My Generation is a documentary which tells the story of the sixties from a kaleidoscope of angles. It is the culmination of a five year project started by Michael Caine and Simon Fuller. The film, narrated by Michael and told from his unique viewpoint is a journey through an era which will be a nostalgic delight for those who lived it and an inspiring, colourful tale for those who weren't even yet born. We are presented with a collage of archive material, cleverly cut between clips of Michael's early films to him speaking now. Whilst being a history of popular culture that encompasses art, music, fashion, film and photography it is clear that one of the things Michael wants us to understand, are the challenges he and some of his contemporaries faced in breaking through the class barrier. It is the cultural narrative of our working class hero who says in the film: " We were taught at school about respecting our bette...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This film is so good, so long overdue and so needed. Echoes of John Hughes quickly fade from my mind as Greta Gerwig makes her directorial debut. This film is different, this film is special. Lady Bird played by Saoirse Ronan is in her final year of High School and as such her life is about to begin, the future beckons. Lady Bird has plans, big plans, she doesn't care that she isn't the cleverest in her class or even the most hardworking, she doesn't care that her family have little money, all things that she is continuously reminded of by her Mother. Her immediate sights are set on escaping, from home, from Sacramento, the dull city she has grown up in. Without telling anyone she applies to a University in New York. The message Gerwig is sending loud and clear to us and our daughters is that you can do anything you want, you don't have to be pretty, popular, privileged or even clever. You don't need other people to believe in you as long as you b...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri -   Frances McDormand rips through this film like a forest fire as Mildred, an avenging Mother trying to find out who killed her daughter. This disturbing story is not without humour which is dark and deeply satisfying.  Call Me By Your Name - An exquisite film by Luca Guadagnino adapted from Andre Aciman's novel. He focuses on moments of awakening, desire, first love, jealousy and longing.  Languorously drawn out against the sensual summer backdrop of Northern Italy. Beautiful. Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool - B ased on the book by Peter Turner, a memoir of his affair with the film star Gloria Graham. The film reflects on their romance whilst dealing with the brutal reality of her illness and refusal to succumb to it. A touching film, sensitive but not sentimental. The Party - A star studded gem by Sally Potter who draws her observations of the left wing political elite with scalpel like precision...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  I attended the gala showing at this years London Film Festival with more than a little curiosity and perhaps if I am honest a little scepticism. Everything about this film seemed as extraordinary as its title. Lets start with the pairing of Annette Bening and Jamie Bell, an improbable combination to say the least but one that not only works, it works like a charm. Of course this is an extraordinary story, a true story. The film is based on the book by Peter Turner which is a memoir of his affair with the film star Gloria Graham. Unlikely? Yes, but true none the less and it is the truth that makes it so touching, romantic, tender, sexy, funny and sad; beautifully, heartbreakingly sad. This film is all those things. It begins at the end of Glorias life and then moves seamlessly into the past and the telling of the history between these two people. Just as we find ourselves swept up in their beguiling romance the film returns quietly to the present. Dipping i...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spending my teenage years in the cultural wasteland that is Romford, Madness occupied a special place in my heart. In the late seventies, early eighties a bygone era pre dating social media, music and clothes defined us. The outward display of who we were and who we were mates with. I loved the look and the sound of the boys. Doc Martins, Ska beats and a humour reminiscent of the silent films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, who incidentally we all knew because they were still showing those films on TV. We know the band, and who doesn't love Suggs? But what about the nutter on Sax, swinging around in mid air? That one is Lee Thompson the subject and star performer of this absolute gem of a film. Jeff Baynes the camera man has known the band since their early days and shot the videos for Baggy Trousers and House Of Fun (By the way, he also has an Emmy and a BAFTA nomination for his, ahem, more serious work) The film shows a lot of those old videos and footage fro...

My intention was to write a top ten Christmas Film List but after careful consideration I couldn't in all honesty find 10 films that I would want on my list, which surprised me, but there we are. Then I thought, well I could write a top five Christmas Film List but I have six films. Dear me its all falling apart, so I may as well get the next bit over with and that is; my list does not feature 'Its a wonderful Life' because, well, I just don't like it. Yeah I said it, so damn me to hell. Films that also failed to make my list were those that claim to be Christmas Films but aren't, for instance; Die Hard, Planes Trains and Automobiles and Trading Places. A Christmas tree and cold weather do not make a Christmas Film. What I have here for you is six of the best. Christmas Films that for me embody the spirit of the season; Peace, Love and Misunderstandings. Home Alone 1990  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The McCallister family are gathered together as they will be flying to F...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  A girl is raped and murdered in a small town and nobody is particularly interested in finding out who did it. Except her mother Mildred who finds a way to make the local police sit up and take notice. Played by Frances McDormand Mildred is a force to be reckoned with and the audience are with her all the way. The film tackles some very serious issues but does so with a humour that is exquisitely dark and deeply satisfying. Martin McDonagh skillfully ends the film on a poignant and thought provoking note. © Theresa Collins