If you’re anything like me a good TV or film recommendation is a handy thing to have. Here are my watches in January….
by Darren Caveney
Well in cold, dry January we all need some decent viewing. And it turned out to be more than decent if you need some recommendations…
Cinema
Femme
I’d describe this an anti-revenge movie. The story centres on a horrible homophobic attack and its aftermath. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so there isn’t too much I can say other than I had knots in my stomach all the way though this film. And the movie stayed with me well into the following day.
Amazing performances from its two stars, George Mackay and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett 8.5/10
The Holdovers
What an absolutely lovely film and well worth its five Oscar nominations. The handovers are the people left behind at a fancy boarding school over Christmas because they have nowhere else to be. They are set for an uncomfortable time bumping up against one other for two weeks. Its stars Paul Giamatti - who I love and who gets one of the Oscar nominations - as grumpy and curmudgeonly teacher Mr Hunham who ends up in charge. Go see it at the cinema whilst you can.
It might make you cry, it will definitely make you smile 8.5/10
Film
Guy Richtie’s The Covenant (Amazon)
You know when you take a flier on a movie and it pays off? Well this was an example. Based on true-ish events it’s the story of US Army sergeant, John Kinley, who gets trapped deep inside Afghanistan following an attack on his patrol by the Taliban. Badly injured he is saved by his Afghan interpreter, Ahmed, who goes to incredible and desperate lengths to return Kinley to base. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal who has put together a very good CV now.
Loved it 8/10
Foe (Amazon)
Sci-fi silliness starring Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan. I didn’t understand it and I cared even less. Both actors are better than this. Avoid 4/10
TV
The Continental (Amazon)
Now if you liked the John Wick movies – and I did very much - you’ll love this. The Continental is the origins story about how the hotel - the key location is the film – began. It’s smart and stylish and action packed just like the Wick movies but this time set in the down at heel New York of the 70s. There’s a surprising turn by Mel Gibson as the hotel’s original manager. But that doesn’t spoil it! 7.5/10
Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITV)
The drama which captured, shocked and angered the nation. ITV did a great service to many in producing this one. Like many others I watched all of the episodes at break neck speed. 8/10
Reacher – Season 2 (Amazon)
Entertaining yarn. It can never be as good as the books but they made a decent stab at capturing Lee Child’s iconic retired military police sergeant, Jack Reacher 7.5/10
Darren Caveney is creator and owner of comms2point0 and creative communicators ltd
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