Eleanor Reviews

***** When their husbands are killed in a botched heist, four widows form an unlikely alliance to overcome the debt left behind. In the hands of a less skilful or sensitive director, Widows  could have easily become a film rife with cliches and eye-rolling parody. Instead, with Steven McQueen behind the camera, this unassuming film has become, almost undoubtedly, one of the movies of the year. An articulate study of grief, social politics and female determination (as well as an impressive explosion or two along the way), Widows  makes for a gripping, emotionally intelligent piece of filmmaking. This isn't just a heist movie with females at the helm - it's a smart depiction of women under pressure, as well as the juxtaposition of the haves and have nots, and the corruptible nature of power. From the very opening, we are plunged into a world of violence and ruthlessness. Juxtaposing contrasting scenes of home life with the drama of a heist gone wrong, we find

**** Living off-grid in a vast forest, Tom and her father have a quiet but happy existence. One day, a small mistake puts their way of life in jeopardy... Today, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a part of public consciousness - no longer is it a shameful thing, but something that we, as a society, openly discuss and try to understand. Take BBC's record-breaking Bodyguard as an example - our central protagonist is suffering the effects of the life and experiences he endured in conflict and, at the show's conclusion, PTSD charities hoped that other sufferers would feel empowered to come forward and receive help. This is just one of the many on-screen depictions of PTSD in recent years, and now Leave No Trace can be added to that catalogue. However, the decision to view the world through the eyes of a thirteen-year-old girl (newcomer Thomasin McKenzie) makes this exploration into the aftermath of war a far more subtle and delicate affair. In fact,

*** On July 20th 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. In the years preceding this most iconic of events, he, NASA and his family overcame incredible odds - this is that story. It's a strange feeling to watch a film that you really, really wanted to see, only to find it to be somewhat disappointing. I want to make it clear from the start, however - First Man is in no way a bad film, it just failed to live up to my high expectations. And what expectations they were: a star-studded cast; an award-winning director; a real life story of love, loss and tragedy; and engrossing trailers with the enigmatic voice of John F. Kennedy telling us that we do these things 'not because they are easy, but because they are hard'. It held so much promise, and yet I found myself propelled from moments of wonder and tension, to scenes that almost made me fidget with boredom. Let's start with the good bits. It can't be denied that the scen

*** After inadvertently becoming the host to an alien symbiote, Eddie Brock is forced to embrace the powers of the new being inside him in order to save the world from invasion. To say I have issues with Venom would be something of an understatement, so prepare yourself for something of a 'ranty' review. It's not that Venom is a bad film, it's just that it could've been so much more!  OK, first of all, let's talk about the rating. As it stands, this theatrical release has been awarded a 15 certificate, but it's clear from the way that the film has been cut and edited that some scenes or segments have been removed to obtain this rating. In short, the 'powers that be' have played it too safe, which juxtaposes the character of Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Venom entirely. In comparison, Logan (also classified by the BBFC as a 15, but teetering on the edges of an 18) pushed the audience in terms of violence shown, which made it a brave,

DVD Release/Available to stream ***** In 2001, 'Spotlight', a team of investigative journalists at The Boston Globe , uncovered the huge abuse scandal that the Boston Catholic Archdiocese had kept hidden for years.  It seems strange to us now, but at one point there was a time when the story of Catholic priests abusing children wasn't part of the public conscience. Based on the Pulitzer-winning investigation, Spotlight reaches back into 2001 and the key work done by journalists to launch the crimes of the Church into the public sphere, and not just in Boston. Today, we have heard a plethora of stories relating to this systemic abuse - so many, in fact, that the articles aren't even front page news anymore. It's to the immense credit of writer/director Tom McCarthy, then, that Spotlight manages to shock us all over again.   Spotlight is not an action-packed film. Reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing , it centres on a group of highl

***/**** (3.5 stars) In 1971, Ron Stallworth became the first black officer to join the Colorado Police Department. After making contact with the local Ku Klux Klan, he recruited a white officer to help him infiltrate the group and thwart their destructive plans. Can some topics ever be funny? Perhaps I should rephrase the question: should some subjects ever be made into comedies? It's an emotive topic, and one that could (and probably has!) spark many a debate. From The Wipers Times of World War One Europe to Chris Morris' controversial Four Lions , the want to laugh at events or situations that scare or discomfort us is one that pops up again and again.  A film loaded with almost unbearable poignancy, Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman takes the terror instilled by the Ku Klux Klan and attempts to make it into something funny. It's a problematic set-up from the off, and the film battles with which tone to adopt throughout. Based on a true story, there is no

DVD Release/Available to stream ***** In the not-so-distant future, civilisation has fallen. Destroyed by monstrous creatures who hunt using sound, the world has fallen silent. In this bleak and noiseless setting, two parents aim to protect and raise their growing family... You know him as Jim in the US version of The Office . You might even know him as the latest cuddly-to-chiseled actor to transfer from funny man to Hollywood hunk, but did you know that John Krasinski is also a director? And for just a third foray behind the camera, A Quiet Place is an extremely assured piece of film making. Today, with how much we invest in speakers and headphones, it seems like a strange premise to base a film almost entirely around silence. And yet, when sound is taken away, it becomes all the more unnerving. When was the last time we truly heard nothing? Aside from the odd rattle of pills in a jar and the muffled sound of bare feet on the ground, the opening ten minutes or

***** When Elastigirl is hired to reverse the world's opinion on superheroes, Mr. Incredible is left to look after their children, including the mischievous Jack-Jack.   In 2004, Greece hosted the Olympic Games, the Spirit Rover landed on Mars, and Tony Blair was still the Prime Minister. It was also the year that The Incredibles was released - I was 12. In the intervening fourteen years between that film's debut and the coming of the second installment, it's fair to say that a great deal has happened, but Brad Bird's action-packed tale of a superhero family has successfully stood the test of time. Would the long-awaited sequel match that legacy? In my opinion, Incredibles 2 is a worthy follow-up: it's bursting at the seams with action; it's funny; the characters are relatable and true; and it's ultimately very engaging. As a study of an all-too-recognisable family (albeit with a few extra superpowers...), it's a very witty and kno

**** The situation on the U.S/Mexico border has escalated, with humans replacing drugs as the most trafficked commodity. When terrorists manage to cross the border and create havoc in Texas, federal agent Matt Graver calls upon the  sicario, Alejandro, to help him win the war. When I watched Sicario , I was at home, hiding behind a cushion for the majority of the film for fear of what would happen next. Taking to the cinema to see the long-awaited successor, Sicario: Day of the Soldado ( Sicario 2 ) managed to thrill, excite and grip me, but if you're looking for the shocks of the first, you won't find them here. Taking up his pen again, Taylor Sheridan has written a story that's undeniably different in tone to the first - whilst there were only hints of compassion and empathy to be felt there, the arch of this tale is a far more about humanity. Less bitter and far more forgiving than the first, Sicario 2 focuses on the changing relationship between Matt G

**** The once-dormant volcano at the heart of Isla Nublar is once again active, and it threatens to destroy all life there. Reuniting with raptor trainer Owen (Chris Pratt), Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) returns to the island to track and save the remaining dinosaurs, but the operation isn't all it appears to be... One night, when I was a child, Jurassic Park was on the TV. Allowed to stay up late (it must have been a weekend!), I remember sitting in my pyjamas and watching the fuzzy, pixelated as a helpless goat was slowly lowered into a pit to be munched on. At that point, I decided I didn't really like dinosaurs and was hurriedly escorted to bed. It wasn't until later that I watched the whole film, and even then it terrified me! Fast forward to now, and the thought of being chased and eaten by a ferocious reptile is still thrillingly scary, as I discovered when my heart rate reached dangerous levels whilst watching Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom . With

**** When her assumed-dead husband returns suddenly from an undisclosed mission, Lena finds herself drawn to the strange, fantastical world of The Shimmer. Joining forces with a small group of fellow scientists, she sets out to discover what lies within the unknown realm. In his directorial debut, Ex Machina , Alex Garland discussed the tricky themes of humanity: what does it mean to be human? When does an AI become human? Taking similarly ponderous topics in his visually stunning follow-up, Annihilation focuses on the frailty of mankind: the self-destructive tendencies that can be found all the way from our foundations, our cells, to our emotional reactions and relationships. Set, once again, against a science fiction backdrop, these discussions are intertwined with moments of wonder, fear and confusion, making for a tale that's as multi-faceted as The Shimmer itself. Far less a story of the phenomenon, or catalyst, itself and more a study of human nature, Annihi

*** Before he was the captain of the Millennium Falcon and a part of the Rebellion, Han Solo lived as part of the criminal underworld. Taking part in his first big heist, Han hopes to earn enough money to return to his homeland and rescue his long lost love, before jetting off into the stars... The Star Wars universe has given birth to many a memorable character, from Darth Vader to Yoda, Princess Leia to the infamous Jar Jar Binks (yep, we couldn't miss him out!). Arguably the most iconic of the extensive list, however, is Han Solo. The role that launched Harrison Ford's career, this space King of Cool with a heart of gold is as enigmatic as he is unforgettable; as problematic as he is forgivable. Stepping into the boots of this pop-culture hero is relative-newcomer Alden Ehrenreich, previously seen in Beautiful Creatures and Hail, Caesar! . Exuding something of a young Leonardo DiCaprio, he brings both swagger and playfulness to the role, but, ultimately, he

***** After venturing out past night fall, Kubo finds himself hunted by the fearsome Moon King. Tasked with finding the magical suit of armour worn by his legendary father, he sets out on a fantastical adventure. The word 'artisan' is used all too frequently these days. Walk along a trendy high street, for example, and everything from coffee shops to bakeries and jewellers claim the prefix, and you have to wonder at how accurate the description is. In terms of Kubo and the Two Strings , however, the term is wholly justified. The work of exemplary craftsmen and women, this charming (at times terrifying!) tale of a young boy on a dangerous quest is a masterclass in artisanal practice, and it's a joy to behold. Using stop motion methods throughout, each frame represents the single snap of a shutter before the characters were ever-so-slightly moved to create a sense of seamless movement: when you observe the ruffles in Monkey's (Charlize Theron) fur the pur

*** For years, Thanos has planned to take control of the universe and all life within it. Determined to collect the six Infinity Stones, which will provide him with unimaginable power, he travels from planet to planet, wreaking havoc and devastation in his wake. Turning his attention to Earth, however, and he comes up against a formidable foe: the Avengers and their allies. It has, as the extended Marvel logo prefix informs us, been ten years since the beginning of the cinematic MCU. In that time, we've met a plethora of different characters, sat through hours of comic book action and stayed late for numerous post-credit scenes. We all have our favourites (who can forget the Team Tony versus Team Steve situation?), and it's introduced us to the most lovable villain of all time - Loki. In all, it's been a pretty impressive story arch of intertwining threads. Could the long-awaited culmination of all these different strands possibly live up to the expectation

***** In the not-so-distant future, all dogs are exiled from Japan to the 'trash island' just off the coast. Desperate to be reunited with his beloved pet, a young boy, Atari, sets out to find his dog among the many canines abandoned there.  Wes Anderson has a style of film making that can only be categorised as 'Wes Anderson'. A quirky director with an eye for the symmetrical, bold colour palettes and finer details which add up to make a wonderfully realised whole, he has crafted a back catalogue of films that can only be described as polarising: whilst some revel in the whimsical charm, others find them frustrating and irritating. Into this mix comes Isle of Dogs , a wholly original tale of a young boy in search of his pet, Spots. Utilising all the idiosyncratic Anderson tropes, it marries a rag-tag group of mutts to a child with an aeroplane bolt in his skull in a perilous adventure across a littered landscape - and it's brilliant. Emotive, t

***** Tasked with cleaning a lab in a top secret research facility, a mute janitor befriends the strange, mythical being that's imprisoned there. Determined to free the creature from his torture, Elisa hatches a dangerous plan...  It's a strange thing going to see a film after it's won the Academy Award for Best Picture - obviously, you go in with exceptionally high expectations and think of all the other brilliant movies of the past year that could have won the title too. However, after settling back into Guillermo del Toro's typically quirky storytelling and film making, I found myself swept up in a touching fairy tale that takes the fantastical and horror-inflected elements of Pan's Labyrinth and classic Grimm tales into Cold War America. It's a bold move, but one that works, and this is mostly down to del Toro's tender and insightful depiction of his human characters.  Some critics have accused the film of being too 'black and

*** Ascending to the throne after his father's death, T'Challa looks to rule over a peaceful Wakanda. However, he finds his position under threat when an outsider appears, bringing with him news and ideas that could jeopardise the secretive nation's way of life.  Black Panther is, without a doubt, a ground-breaking film. Boasting a cast of black actors and actresses, a black director, and discussing the treatment of black people throughout history, it brings a breadth of diversity to the screen that is wholly refreshing and impossibly important. It's a shame, then, that the film itself is nothing more than average - passably enjoyable but wholly forgettable once the credits have rolled. It brings me no pleasure to write this, as all the ingredients for a good action movie were there - it just never quite pulled it off.  Let's start with the positives. Taking up the helm after his brief appearance in Captain America: Civil War , Chadwick Boseman pr

***/**** (3.5 stars) Recently appointed Prime Minister, Winston Churchill must make a crucial decision for the future of Great Britain: fight on against the overwhelming Nazi force, or engage in peace talks with the enemy. There is no shortage of depictions of Winston Churchill on film and TV. A behemoth in our world's recent history, his presence on screen is one that we have become used to. Taking on the Prime Minister after his appointment during World War Two, Gary Oldman offers us a somewhat tender, unusual perspective on the cigar-smoking icon. Much like the depiction of Adolf Hitler in Downfall , we witness a frailty here - a sense of doubt and misgiving that has been overlooked of late. Jumping from tyrannical-esque outbursts to moments of quiet solemnity, Oldman's performance offers a very human insight into a man grappling with himself, his past choices and the weight of his new position, all the while maintaining a touch of humour too. This sense of i

DVD release/available to stream ***** Attending a job interview so that he can claim his benefit, Driss unexpectedly ends up being hired by an aristocrat quadriplegic, Philippe. After transferring from the projects to his new employer's stately home, an unlikely relationship blossoms the two men, who discover they have much to learn from one another. Life is rarely black and white: usually we navigate a world that is differing shades of grey, and nowhere is that bittersweet balance captured more than in The Intouchables. Based on a true story, it focuses on the growing friendship between a man who has everything and yet cannot move, Philippe (Francois Cluzet) and another who has spent their life in the projects and yet bubbles with an undeniable lust for life, Driss (Omar Sy). Although both their lives have been touched by tragedy, both men are able to find humour and joy in the everyday. Admittedly somewhat light on plot (there is no real beginning, middle

*** DVD release/available to stream After a young Native American woman is found murdered in the snow, a veteran tracker and FBI agent team up to find those responsible. If you've seen the intense, atmospheric trailer for Wind River , you'll probably have experienced the same 'ooh, that looks good' feeling I did. However, be warned - the two or so minutes of the trailer are far better than watching the film itself, which actually turned out to be wholly unremarkable. After the discovery of the girl's frozen body (guess what? She's been brutally raped too!) and the introduction of new-in-town FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen, doing her best with an underwritten role), the film settles into the cliches that we're all so used to, from tracker Cory's (Jeremy Renner) traumatic past, to the estranged son battling a drug problem and the wizened police chief who's 'too old for this shit'. In a strange and somewhat ridiculous

**** After months without answers as to who murdered her daughter, Mildred hires three billboards outside her home town of Ebbing, Missouri, in the hope of focusing the minds of the local police department on the case. What follows is a string of events that no one could have foreseen... Martin McDonagh is an exceptional screenwriter and storyteller. In his debut film, In Bruges , he transplanted two mismatched hitmen into the aforementioned city and allowed us to watch as the bizarre events unfolded. His follow up, Seven Psychopaths , was similarly outrageous, this time focusing around the kidnapping of a beloved pooch. In Three Billboards , the decision to apply questioning slogans upon a set of run-down signs sparks a dramatic fall out. Never one to shy away from an odd initial set up, what links McDonagh's films is his ability to fuse reprehensible characters with moments of shocking violence and laugh-out-loud dark humour in one seamless flick of his pen. Add th

**** Tasked with escorting a Cheyenne chief and his relatives across the rugged and brutal terrain to their homeland, legendary Army captain Joe Blocker sets out with a small cohort. On their perilous journey, the uneasy party meets the recently bereft Rosalie Quaid and a rogue sergeant charged with the brutal murder of a Native family. Described by some critics (and stated as such on the above poster!), Hostiles has been mis-categorised as a 'Western'. Yes, there are some elements of what you might expect to find in a classic Western herein, but Scott Cooper's latest is more existential journey than swaggering cowboys and extended shoot-outs. A meditation on the traumas of war and the brutalities of man, this deeply philosophical film ponders death, hatred, forgiveness and redemption, all set against the sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies of 1892 America. My point? If you're expecting lengthy action pieces and drawn out fight sequences, you may