RufusWatches

So, I just finished watching "The Fall of the House of Usher," this eight-part series that dives into the mess of a rich family falling apart. It's about greed and vanity among siblings, a dark and twisted tale. And let me tell you, it gets better with each episode, thanks to Mike Flanagan's storytelling skills. The last episode? Total standout, a rare high note for a series ending.

The production is top-notch, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the insanely rich. It makes you think what's the real value of all their wealth? The cast, with familiar faces like Mark Hamill and Carla Gugino, who are always great.

You have to be patient as the story unfolds, and it takes a bit, but it's worth it. The series seems to be doing the rounds on Netflix, while also pulling inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe, with similarities to a family drama series like 'Succession.' The updates to Poe's stories keep it interesting, even if the poetic moments feel a bit forced sometimes.

It is a storytelling marvel, diving into the messed-up lives of high-end folks. The direction, performances, and writing are on point, and Bruce Greenwood's really great. Overall, it's a binge-worthy ride, got me pumped for whatever Flanagan cooks up next.

"Talk to Me" breathes new life into horror, spinning a captivating tale about friends stumbling upon an eerie ritual involving a ceramic hand that connects them to the spirit realm. From its gripping start to its satisfying conclusion, the film boasts originality.

Balancing jump scares and memorable moments, it keeps you hooked. Graphic scenes are strategically used to amplify the story's impact, generating lingering unease. Despite a few clichés, the characters feel real, grounding the supernatural horror. Stylish direction and sound add tension, though it's more eerie than terrifying.

While some concepts could've gone further, the film's strengths outweigh minor shortcomings. In a genre often disappointing, "Talk to Me" shines as an innovative gem, blending an original idea, relatable characters, and effective storytelling.

It's not for everyone, but its unique take on the supernatural and chilling atmosphere offer a compelling cinematic experience.

I went in blind to a screening of this film from a passing recommendation at Irish Film Festival London. Admittedly I was not expecting much from this film which has definitely worked to its advantage, giving it a favourable review.

Aisha is a girl who has been through the ropes. Bad luck, tragedy and mental scarring. While seeking refuge in Ireland, she befriends a security guard who shows her empathy. She lives under the threat of being exiled, interview after interview from the pencil pushers, with no end in sight.

The truths it shows about Ireland could never be more true, while the people of Ireland are selfless, the government itself is selfish. This juxtaposition is what most countries deal with. A decent watch if you are interested in current socio-political topics.

I caught a screening of this a film several weeks ago, without expecting much but also expecting something, it certainly gave me some food for thought (mandatory pun)

Each character represents of the types of personal tastes that walk in the door of restaurants. It reflects the good, the bad and the pretentious types to the point of being displayed as archetypical characters. This film is certainly not literal, nor should it be perceived that way. It works as a satirical allegory.

The direction is excellent, the characters are entertaining and the tension is present. I would definitely recommend this feature to any and all A24 fans.

An Cailin Ciuin,

It goes to show you can have an interesting character that says next to nothing in terms of dialogue, and still be captivating. Much like the title of the film, it has a very quiet mood. It also has a very traditional feel and modest budget, the Irish language aspect of this film is charming and investing.

I could see a-lot of film-goers switching off halfway through, it has a very slow burn feel. If you can, see it through to the end. The film as a whole, gives you more food for thought, long after watching it. A delightfully unexpected film.

A great step up from Kenneth Brannagh's last cash-in outing "Artemis Fowl"

A semi-bioautographical piece, about Brannagh's own experience growing up in Belfast in 1969. While this film has a bit of heart and is coming from a very personal place for Brannagh, it feels empty in places where it doesn't seem to go anywhere. Several dialogue pieces of wisdom from Ciaran Hinds, who is great as the grandfather.

Belfast is a 'nice' movie was far as it goes. Its simple, effective to its audience and its usage of popular songs to distract from where it should be more substantive.

As for a few distracting and obvious inserts, there is close up shots of Brannagh's previous filmography hamfisted in there as a wink wink to the audience, in the form of a 'Thor' comic book and 'Agatha Christie' novels. We get it Kenneth... You are the young boy in the film.

A pleasant little film I got to watch recently through a festival screening. Its by no means amazing but I did appreciate its charm and its ability to be a film for young people with the underlying philosophical aspects of life, death, self worth and morality. How two people pitted to be mortal enemies can find resolve through their differences, while also turning the cat and mouse game on its head by inverting the roles.

Well where to start on this, it starts out as a very beautifully atmospheric film, the vistas are stunning, the atmosphere is present, the cold is felt. The story very quickly jumps to the idea of parenting a sheep-human hybrid without question and progresses slow. Noomi Rapace is great, the brother character felt a bit left field for the sake of additional subplot. But the ending... it bluntly shows it as what you would expect. I understand its a folktale, but I never thought it to go so far to take that quite literally when everything built up before was so focused on the family and the relationships.

All in all I thought it was good. But, I can't help thinking the idea for this film came first in the form of " a human body with the head of a lamb in a cute sweater" in the form of a visual and then a story based around it.