Tag: Sally Hawkins

BRING HER BACK (2025)

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Directed By: Danny Philippou & Michael Philippou 

Written By: Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman 

Cinematography: Aaron McLisky

Editor: Geoff Lamb 

Cast: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Jonah Wren Phillips, Stephen Phillips, Sora Wong, Sally-Anne Upton, Mischa Haywood, Katryn Adams 

A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.

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This is one of the most unsettling, yet memorable films of the year. As the film works on a psychological level but also has its fair share of gore that comes across too realistic at times. As everything is not what it seems. 

This is a bleak film and world that the Philippou brothers usually drop us into and make us find our way out and try to figure the right path to make it through. Though so far no matter what story they tell and u oversee they take us to. It cuts to the heart of the matter by the end. 

As just like TALK TO ME. Here we are dealing with characters who are in over their heads. Not knowing how deep or the magnitude of their actions and what they are messing with in other realms. These characters are usually lead by their emotions. As they don’t appear to be bad people or mean harm but turn blind eyes to others when thorns to what they want and in pursuit of it to resurrect or communicate with a loved one. As it deals with grief. 

As usual this film is off center, disturbing and confusing for the audience and the characters. While never offering up any easy answers. While usually ending tragically. Even when it appears there might be some hope by the end.

Surprisingly found this film more impressive than their debut film TALK TO ME. Even though this was harder to sit through, but even as this deals with similar themes and motivations. This feels more original, obviously more disorienting and less crowd pleasing. As this feels more like a mystery throughout. Even as we can easily see the rising manipulation and gaslighting. We still care about everyone.

It also feels like a smaller production and doesn’t involve too many characters. It’s a slow burn that is emotional and sudden. 

Sallybhawkns as always goes above and beyond in her performance which is u forgettable and not as briadnas one might expect.

Watching this film is definitely uncomfortable experience by design. Yet it’s hard to look away or abandon. As the story and characters are mostly dealing with trauma. Which the film indices in the audience as well. Truly making watching the film more of an experience than any kind of entertainment.

In the end it’s not a film you forget easily and will still probably haunt you for a while after. This isn’t a movie you simply shake off. 

Though it’s give the filmmakers credit. As originally it seemed like they were going to go more Hollywood and make a STREET FIGHTER movie. Where instead they decided to make a more original film that fit into their wheelhouse and allowed them to push a bit further then their previous movie.

This is something you have to see for yourself to fully understand. 

Grade: B

ETERNAL BEAUTY (2019)

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Written & Directed By: Craig Roberts 

Cinematography: Kit Fraser 

Editor: Stephen Haren 

Cast: Sally Hawkins, David Thewlis, Billie Piper, Alice Lowe, Myfford Clark, Rita Bernard-Shaw, Robert Pugh, Paul Hilton, Penelope Wilton

This movie follows Jane who, after being left at the altar, had a breakdown spiraled into a chaotic episode of schizophrenia lasting 20 years, in which love (both real and imagined) and family relationships collide. Things change when she begins a darkly-comic romance with Mike, a failed musician and fellow lost soul.

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Though it got no major release. Sally Hawkins’s performance in ETERNAL BEAUTY is amazing. Better & bigger than the movie, but the movie is what she needed to truly show her talents and as a showcase. Give the movie a chance. A deep look at mental illness.

The film isn’t bad but it feels like the runway for her character and performance to launch off. It works as a kind of case study file but where we get to see the outside influences that have helped to contribute to her mental illnesses. 

Not that Ms. Hawkins hasn’t Had plenty of great roles and performances since seemingly being introduced with the film HAPPY GO LUCKY. Thougbbshe had been in plenty of movies, television and theatrical productions prior. That film seemed to be her breakout role 

The film takes a Look at her paranoid schizophrenic character with a horrible family who only seems to inspire her condition to make it worse with their indifference or Using her  Where only one Family Member truly seems concerned but that character is influenced more by the rest of the family. To look the other way. Which also causes problems within her marriage. 

The first half plays out like a tragedy and the second act is more of a romance where the colors get richer and the style of the film becomes a little more surrealistic. It also becomes a bit happier though still downtrodden but hopeful 

It helps if the material is strong enough for them to base a performance on mention as they get older more is expected of them or a certain legacy is on them, and it is hard to live up to especially when you were just trying to do the work and work and more and more you’re not getting the roles you used to and the writing isn’t as strong. 

As the film goes along we learn that each of her family members has their drama  And dysfunctions as the film doesn’t  Seek to villainize any characters but shows them as human beings fallible 

The film is Advertised more as a romantic comedy between two people with mental illnesses it is deeper than that as it was kind of bait to hook More mainstream tastes seem more conventional for audiences. 

Grade: B

WONKA (2023)

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Directed & Story By: Paul King

Written By: Paul King & Simon Farnaby

Based on Characters Created By: Roald Dahl

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung

Editor: Mark Everson

Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Keegan Michael-Key, Sally Hawkins, Tom Davis, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Jim Carter, Natasha Rockwell, Kobna Holbrook-Smith, Rakhee Thatkar, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Freya Parker, Matthew Boynton, Rich Fulcher

Willy Wonka is the mastermind behind some of the most delicious and innovative chocolate creations the world has ever seen. But before shaking up the chocolate industry and making a name for himself as a confectionery genius, the ambitious young creator had to defy all odds. As a result, Willy transformed his wildest dreams into reality with a bold vision, determination, and unexpected help from new friends. After all, hard work and a dash of magic can make anything happen. Because, as Willy already knows, it only takes a dream to make a difference.

One thing I can definitely say about this movie is that it has its charms it won’t. It doesn’t erase the memory of the first WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY but it still feels more pure and miles above Tim Burton, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY  doesn’t feel as predictable. Nor as made by the committee.

The film is a musical, which was a bit unexpected, but makes sense, and it does use a few of the original films’ classics throughout, though in quite a different way that does instill nostalgia, but also tries to make it its own. 

At times, it does feel like a big Broadway musical, but under a greater production and a grander vision, you could easily see this making its way the reverse way and going from a movie into a Broadway show.

The film perfectly fits Director Paul King’s style as it feels like a fantasy and a living storybook come to life. It’s as big and silly as the two PADDINGTON films that he has directed so this one is a little less comedic, even with all of its outrageousness. Though no nightmare scenes as the previous two films had.

Can’t help, but put a smile on your face in Timothee Chalamet actually works in the lead role, even though he is tasked with pretty much always being happy no matter what throughout even when disappointed. he’s not as iconic as Gene Wilder Daffy goofy, but ultimately wise and quirky Wonka but again we’re at the origins of Wonka as a character so he has a happier disposition, and is still full of hope at the beginning of his career.

This is a film that is fun for the whole family. It’s pretty much an offensive and feels magical throughout. It literally is another generation’s version of Wonka, or as this is more of an original story than an actual remake or reboot, which is refreshing, even if it is still Dealing with an existing IP.

Hugh Grant is here as comedic relief as an Oompa Loompa, and he mostly works as this is the most we’ve ever really heard an Oompa Loompa speak other than singing. The film is full of quirky characters that feel straight out of a children’s book, and have outrageous looks to follow. though again, he seems to be relishing and playing a more comedic supporting role just as he did, and PADDINGTON 2 only here he is, isn’t the villain

The production design and visual effects are excellent. The songs are catchy, but not as memorable as the originals again, I say this now, but at heart eventually, time will tell, and also the fandom of this film, if there will be one as great as the classic film in which men grew up with.

It’s a film that is definitely worth checking out. It won’t leave you mesmerized, but if this is your type of movie, you won’t leave sad or disappointed. 

Grade: B 

SPENCER (2021)

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Directed By: Pablo Larrain
Written By: Steven Knight 
Cinematography: Claire Mathon 
Editor: Sebastian Sepulveda 

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, Sean Harris, Jack Farthing, Laura Benson, Wendy Patterson 

During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, Diana Spencer, struggling with mental health problems, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles.

I will admit this isn’t usually my type of film or the type I will run to, but I am glad I watched this film as I am a fan of director Pablo Larrain and his movies. Though not really that invested in the Royal family.  This is the second film about them that I find myself surprised by how engrossed I am by films about them.

Deep down this film is about exploring being trapped in your own fame. That you knew might be coming but not the amount of scrutiny. Especially when the people who are supposed to be in this with you. Have decided to freeze you out also but expect you to represent them in your behavior.

As throughout, the film feels like a suspense-filled horror film. Where she is constantly under attack and wondering if each action is an attack. As we watch a woman trapped in everything: a marriage, a family, a palace, where everyone seems against her including the help.

So that even when seeming to have it all. The riches, the family, the fame still has their own fair share of problems, especially when it comes to a historic reign of a particular kingdom and family. Where she can never go back to when it was quite so simple. As of now she is ruled and trapped inside a kingdom. Where there is constant talk of survival. 

Where no matter what she does it is never quite good enough. So that she begins to rebel and seems punished even more for it. So we watch the character of Princess Diana breaking down. 

Kristen Stewart comes off as very theatrical at first. Where one doesn’t know if that is her playing character or her instincts. As she always comes off as performing more. Though eventually, she comes into her own. Not to mention those who knew Princess Diana say her performance is spot on. 

She looks photogenic throughout like a model. Though I have to say this is one of her best performances. As she comes into her own, especially in the second half of the film. The more off-center she is the stronger the performance gets. Fighting against no matter how much they try to contain her 

At first, that seems what the film will be built around but as it goes along. The film develops not only into a character piece, But a psychological thriller, a location horror film, and a diabolical thriller all in one that is very symbolic. As it also exposes the tradition of even the help and the standard they are held to. 

The film seems more structured, but free to experiment more than the director Pablo Larrian’s Previous biofilm of a real-life character at a particular point in their life that lets them reflect on their life and legacy at a crucial time in the film JACKIE about Jackie Onassis. 

Though based on real-life characters it’s still surprising when other recognizable actors pop up in supporting roles. They are impressive but jarring as it partially takes you out of the film. Luckily, they play the help. Where we as an audience can’t compare to faceless counterparts. 

The film sets an atmosphere and tone. While also showing immaculately designed production and camera shots. As the film is artistically filmed to be personal and yet as beautiful as a perfume ad that feels like the inside of a fashion shoot. 

Grade: A-

GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS (2019)

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Directed By: Michael Dougherty
Written By: Michael Dougherty & Zach Shields
Story By: Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields & Max Borenstein
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Roger Barton, Bob Duscay & Richard Pearson

Cast: Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Charles Dance, Ken Wantanabe, Ziyi Zhang, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Aisha Hinds, Thomas Middleditch, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Straitharn, CCH Pounder, Joe Morton, Anthony Ramos

The crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.

The trailer made it look like a different type of film. Where it seemed like he formed a bond with Millie Bobby Brown’s character.

Now while this movie is cliche-ridden. It seems to have the mentality of if it ain’t broke why fix it and makes everything feel familiar. Especially since the film and title character is already well known. 

I can admit to not necessarily being a big fan of these films and have only seen a handful of them. Though I have seen the recent franchise of films. Plus it doesn’t help when also having seen the clones of this film. 

What is of interest is the casts of these films. Which are recognizable to get audiences interested or at least not make them so disposable and asks you to care about their peril more without having to write too much personal material for them. Here we get an international cast to interest and sell to foreign markets. 

The cast is here more for the human interest element and explains the mysterious monster nature that is like the animal kingdom. Which by now we watch and study, but sometimes as they are violent and excuse them. As it is in their nature. The same here with the monsters live amongst us and cause damage but when left alone. Just do what comes naturally.

With the grand casts, it feels like the modern equivalent of disaster movies from the 1969’s and ’70s. Where there is plenty of destruction to property. Mass deaths where you wonder who will live or die amongst the stars. While rooting for certain people to perish not because of the character they play.

The film feels like a battle ROYALE of matches for Godzilla to face off against. The greatest hits of enemies. Even though there is the main opponent. This again makes this feel like a wrestling card and how when you watch it. It feels like life and death only here the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Whereas in wrestling it’s the fate of the league wrestling world. This movie also allows them to set up sequels for other enemies for him to face.

Just as in wrestling she takes a major beating at first then comes through or at least goes full Hulk Hogan and adding the drama that is needed. There is even tag-teaming. As essentially this is a movie about a dinosaur fighting lizards and an alien.

The warm up fights seem to be a case of sending minions to weaken him. After the first battle. Where you know it can’t be over. As there are some after fight getting licks in to start a rivalry.

The film isn’t as visually interesting or stylish as the previous GODZILLA film. Though this one seems to have a love of blue filters. 

Again this is a better film to experience or watch on a big screen. As even for a popcorn movie this wants you to have more experience or interact with it. This is a film to have more fun with as it doesn’t move as fast and takes its time with the story but offers more of a science fiction element.

The film tries to be smart even with it’s more special effects, action-oriented scenes, and material. It’s a bit long and definitely bloated but stays entertaining 

As we wait for the build-up until the finale showdown, really the main event. Luckily the film never feels boring or bogged down even with a lot of exposition. Though luckily not THE MATRIX sequel’s level of exposition.

Will admit it feels strange like. G.I. JOE movie with this being Cobra’s newest plan and a joe’s family somehow involved and by the end must use their own monster Godzilla to battle the evil monsters that cobra has unleashed. 

Each new monster feels like a new toy or action figure and each presentation/Birth/Opening is an introduction of their nature and powers As well as strengths. They also provide mini practice bouts as Godzilla is like a gunslinger who shows up for fights and to save humans these monsters are the heels and he is a fan favorite trying to stop their reign or just trying to stop similar to his kind trespassing on his property and domain. So essentially like the animal kingdom marking his property. 

The monsters he faces seem like Pokémon. Collectible and have to Catch them all

Though Vera Farmiga’s character theory and plan don’t sound so crazy. Even if more a product of Stockholm syndrome to a degree. Just the means to go about it. Sort of like in AVENGERS: END GAME. Where it just seems a bit harsh. 

Her theory is right but the follow-through seems to become like a tournament for the title, with all the dramatic entrances. You have a doctor mind reader mad scientist type who is bent on a plan of world domination or would change the natural order of things. 

Many films have done less to affect the audience so you can appreciate the attentiveness and concern 

This is Kyle chandler’s second giant monster film. Interesting the sequel is GODZILLA Vs. KING KONG. He was in a remake of the later’s film. 

Grade: B-

SUBMARINE (2010)

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Directed By: Richard Ayoade
Written By: Richard Ayoade & Joe Dunthorne
Based on a Novel By: Joe Dunthorne
Cinematography: Erik Alexander Wilson 
Editor: Chris Dickens & Nick Fenton

Cast: Craig Roberts, Noah Taylor, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Yasmin Page, Gemma Chan 

Precocious Oliver struggles with being popular in school but when a dark-haired beauty takes interest in him, he’s determined to become the best boyfriend in the world. Meanwhile, his parents’ already rocky relationship is threatened when his mother’s ex-boyfriend moves in next door. Oliver makes some unorthodox plans to ensure that his parents stay together and that Jordana still likes him.
Now, this film is another one where I read the book first and greatly enjoyed the book and wished that they could incorporate most of the book into the film. It is smart and fun.

It takes what it can from the book to make a coherent story. It doesn’t fail to entertain to stand back and marvel at. It’s a film that will be criticized for copying or emulating the style of Wes Anderson.

Let’s face it any movie that has visual camera tricks. A Minuit style, colorful sets and contains a certain innocence in a cynical world, will be accused of copying the style. Wes Anderson didn’t create it. He liked and revels in it as an artistic choice. As it was there before so if another chooses to use a similar style as ling as it is its own story. Which is what director Richard Ayoade does here. One doesn’t see the problem to do the book justice. You would need that style.

The visuals in The film can be distracting but they are so abstract and creative. They never fail to amaze though after a while you tend to get used to them, but you are glad they are to really get to the heart of the scene.

I can admit story-wise there isn’t much at stake. There will be no great tragedy. No one will not be able to recover from, but just as it always will be when you are a teenager. Your emotions are so on edge. Everything even the small moments and decisions feels magnified and the wrong one feels like the beginning of the apocalypse.

It’s a quality film. The only weak spots I felt were the believability if our main Characters’ parents played by Noah Taylor and Sally Hawkins. Who are both good and heartbreaking but they feel in the movie more like characters instead of human beings.

Sally Hawkins seems too unemotional. While Noah Taylor is over the top emotional and you wonder how their characters even Fell in love, but that relationship of what could have been lies in perfect contrast to the main characters Oliver’s relationship with Jordan’s. What is supposed to be and where is this going as when he is romantic she doesn’t want to be close. When she wants to be close be is scared Away.

The film is directed and co-written by Richard Ayoade. Who is a British comedy writer, performer, and sitcom star. I gained an admiration for him. As he presents himself to be a thoughtful, witty, inventive, and talented filmmaker.

The film is magical it reminds you of the many off-kilter films about young outsiders. Over the years and I must admit, I am a sucker for stories about them. Which is what attracted me to the book in the first place.

The film Most reminds me of HAROLD AND MAUDE. Down to Craig Roberts resembling a young Bud Cort.

I believe this film to be a small gem worth seeking out. Definitely an addition to the film library. I only wish it was a criterion collection. Dvd. So one could know all about the production and the director’s choices. I’d even settle for an audio commentary

GRADE: B+