Keith Leon's Film Reviews

⭐⭐⭐ This 60s-esq family superhero film is a sequel 14 years after The Incredibles . Not sure why there was such a long gap between films, especially as this carries on pretty much immediately after from the end of the first film.  I have come to really enjoy Pixar films because even though they are "kids" films they are very much catered for adults too. E.g.  Toy Story 3 had a message about growing up and moving on. Inside Out was about the trials and tribulations of puberty and dealing with your emotions. I was excited for Incredibles 2, however this is very much a kids action summer film. It has got great set pieces, especially when Elasta Girl stops a high-speed train. There is no "message" but it was a good action caper. The film is still very enjoyable and funny.  The role reversal is a good twist, where Mr Incredible who is used to being centre of attention, has to stay at home and look after Jack-Jack, who it turns out also has many supe...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This film is fast paced and talkative and that is an understatement, as this is an Aaron Sorkin film and what we have come to expect from him (i.e. West Wing and The Social Network),  in this case, this is his directorial debut too.  It stars Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom, an ex-Olympic skier who had a freak accident and ends up working in LA as a waitress and PA, despite her over-bearing father's huge disapproval. As a PA, she finds herself organising a poker game for her bullish boss, which she discovers she has a surprising knack for. Molly soon evolves the games, making them bigger and better and eventually the most exclusive poker game in the world with a $250k buy in, where A-list movie stars and possible Russian mafia played... ...and this is where everything catches up with Molly. She gets arrested by the FBI because of her close encounters with the Russian mob and Molly (Jessica Chastain) hires a lawyer, Idris Elba to defend her and prove that even if she was ...

⭐⭐⭐ I had very low expectations for this film,, but it it surprise me, it was pretty enjoyable in parts. Zack Snyder directed this, he also directed Batman vs. Superman which is an horrendous film, it was so bad, I should have walked out of the cinema. That doesn't mean I didn't feel dissapointed in some parts. This film has become the superhero cliché, loud, crashy-bangy with lots of CGI explosions, however I was impressed with some of the character development, especially Ben Affleck as Batman, I think he's a really good dark knight and one of the best Bruce Wayne's. He develops the most in this film as he's the conductor of the group. He is also human compared to the other literal superheroes - Affleck is beefed up but still is vulnerable, hence the reason for all the gadgets, tanks and body armour. Henry Cavill was again rubbish as Superman, he's so wooden as an actor - luckily he's not really in the film much! Lord knows why they CGI'd out his m...

⭐⭐⭐ This film starts as it means to go on, with the foot on the throttle. The first scene opens with Van Halen's Jump , where we meet Parzival, the avatar of Wade Watts who is plugged into the OASIS, an online virtual reality world where you do what you want and be who you want. Hence why he's at the race start line, driving a Delorian from Back to the Future and his avatar has silver/blue hair. He, along with everyone would rather live in the VR world than the dilapidated and dingy real one. This film is based on the book of the same name by Ernest Cline - I really enjoyed the book, it was so written by a nerd of the 1980s who was obsessed with arcade games and films. I didn't get all the references but it was fun, unique and bonkers. I'm not sure it was really filmable to be honest, as there is alot to cover in 2 plus hours. Too much perhaps. The premise of the film / book is that James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS (VR world) has died and started an onli...

⭐⭐⭐ An Indian jail scribe from Agra is sent off to England (mainly because he's tall) to present Queen Victoria with a coin (mohur) in honour of her golden jubilee. There begins a relationship like no other and the two become kindred spirits. Abdul teaches her Urdu and Hindi, introducing her to curry, which was a daily item on the royal menu - and eventually he becomes her highly decorated secretary. The Queen became so enamoured with all things indian, she had The Durbar Room in Osborne House created in an Indian style, with a peacock throne and Abdul's portrait hangs there too. All this hugely displeases the Queen's son, Bertie and her household at Osborne House. I did think that perhaps Queen Victoria had lost the plot slightly, knowing Abdul wouldn't be warmly received yet mollycoddled him anyway. Not a huge amount happens in this film as the main focus is on the relationship between the two protagonists, which is very sweet and sincere. Judi Dench plays...

⭐⭐⭐ This film looks at the last year (2016) of the Obama Presidency and follows three key players: Secretary of State - John Kerry, Ben Rhodes - Deputy National Security Advisor and Samantha Power - United States Ambassador to the United Nations, as they navigate through a hectic foreign policy and diplomatic schedule. It was bitter sweet seeing Obama in Office and it's 2018, I almost thought Trump hadn't become his successor but I dream, sadly. The staff couldn't believe it either, there is a poignant scene where Ben Rhodes is sitting outside The West Wing when Trump has just won, he is litteraly lost for words. As we all were. Throughout his tenure Obama did have a difficult time: fighting two wars, dealing with an awful financial burden - did American citizens think he didn't do enough? Did he cause Trump's success? I wonder if Obama's staff thought this too..it is a sobering thought. This film did feel like a greatest hits of the Democrats foreign policy...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am not normally a horror fan but I had heard such amazing things about this independent film that I was intrigued. I am glad I watched it. I thought it was more a psychological thriller with horror elements. 'Get Out' is about an African American called Chris played so well by the Brit, Daniel Kaluyaa. Chris is visiting his white girlfriend's (Rose) parents for the first time. Like any guy meeting the parents, you're nervous, but Chris is extra cautious as he's a black guy in America (so sadly he's always nervous as racism is still very much previlant). Chris is there a matter of minutes before he notices very weird and uncomfortable things, mainly that Rose's parents have black servants, a gardener and house-keeper. If Rose's parents say 'they would have voted for Obama a third term' why then have black staff? (It feels like 60's segregated America). These are the things grappling with Chris and we the audience are questioning the...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This film is directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh where he also plays the enigmatic and overtly eccentric Hercule Poirot - is this egotistical or impressive? The jury is out on this one. The film as a whole is a delight. I hadn't seen the original 1974 film with Albert Finney so I can't compare.  This version has definitely more bang for it's buck, taking you across the lavish European continent and sampling a taste of luxury and class aboard the Orient Express. The production value on this does show and makes the film better for it. This was a good romp, which had me grilled on who dunnit? The main bug I had with this was there are far too many characters and not all of them get a fair amount of air time. Johnny Depp and Josh Gad stood out for me as they had enough lines to act with. If there are future films, the razzmataz cast list might be a worthy promotional tool but I think that distracts at times and they should focus on the plot than spe...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a rambunctious action film starring Charlize Theron, as Lorraine Broughton an MI6 spy trying to uncover a "list" in 1989 cold war Berlin, while working with her colleague, an undercover James McAvoy, who has gone rogue. This is a film where style over substance outshines, but that's fine because the action is top notch. The plot doesn't quite add up but you are not really there for it, it's the epic fight scenes! This film was directed by David Leitch, he's mainly known as a stunt coordinator and did the John Wick film's, which are lovely and violent. Due to Leitch's action pedigree, I knew this film wouldn't disappoint. Charlize Theron is awesome in this, you feel every punch and face smash. There is one particular standout scene where the camera continually tracks a fight in a building, where she single handedly takes out 5 guys. It's brutal but so impressive, how they filmed it in one take and how utterly compellin...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am writing this review while I’m watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, which is very appropriate.  I had never seen this film beforehand. I wanted to know why this film is held in such admiration so much, and to see the inspiration for La La Land. Singin’ in the Rain is a true classic and an absolute feel good movie. I was surprised it was so funny and it genuinely is.  To be honest I am a bit hesitant when watching classic films, as the pace is slow compared to contemporary ones today. How wrong was I! The dancing is phenomenal and you watch in awe at how talented they are. The scene that stands out is when the main three stars are dancing in synchronisation up and down the stairs. The only misdemeanour and it’s a minor one, would be the elongated dance dream sequence, which was obviously an excuse for Gene Kelly to show off his dancing prowess - but it doesn’t move the plot along at all and it does drag...

⭐⭐⭐ I know I am watching this film long after it was released back in January, but I am glad I didn't see it then. I remember seeing the posters that had many stars emblazoned all over it with reviews and critics hailing it from the Hollywood hills. I could have easily got sucked into that over-hyped vortex but I stayed back from the cinema and 7 months later rented it from LoveFilm (segue: LoveFilm was a great service which meant you got the latest film releases before they went on streaming outlets. Where will film buffs go to now? The cinema is far too expensive and it takes 12 months plus to appear on Netflix or Amazon if at all! LoveFilm was affordable and offered great choice, I'll feel lost without it and know others will too. Streaming will get far too expensive, especially if the big productions companies set up their own, just as Disney will be.) Now back to my review: I thought this film was miss sold and people/reviewers got carried away with the style...

⭐⭐⭐ I did have high expectations before seeing this film on the back of The Lego Movie, which was an unexpected blast of high energy and buffoonery. Everything was awesome in that film, even the over priced coffee! Batman featured and he was hilarious (voiced by the extremely monotone Will Arnett), he was over the top and arrogant, he could do no wrong...because he was Batman of course. However, when it came to the animated film focusing solely on the dark knight, albeit a self a deprecating, self referencing one, he still wasn't that funny over all. Don't get me wrong there are some great moments particularly when they make fun off all the past Batman incarnations over the years, from the flamboyant Adam West to the way too serious Christian Bale/Ben Affleck. But again all the best jokes were in the trailers and they don't land as well when you see the film properly, probably because the trailer was everywhere and repeated too the max. Don't get me wrong, the an...

⭐⭐⭐ This film annoyed me slightly and it is mainly down to the trailer. Like in all trailers, they tend to spoil the film for you. However, the trailers for Baby Driver had all the best driving sequences in it. On a larger note, do trailers even work these days? I think people have already made their mind up about what films they are going to see beforehand based on actors and directors, if a person's previous work was good, you can more or less guarantee you're in safe hands again. Isn't it a case of less is more?! Why do film studios not take this advice on board - instead they shove the film down your throat with trailers on youtube, posters on the tube, on buses in train stations - it's far too much. Apart from the poor marketing campaign for Baby Driver, the film was very good. The stunts and action sequences are superb, and to do them synchronised to music is even more impressive and original. Edgar Wright directed this film and he has such a unique style t...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Logan, aka Wolverine - played by Hugh Jackman for the 9th time in the X-Men Universe (if you count all the cameos). The year is 2029 and Logan is old, has a drinking problem, is a chauffeur and not healing very well, so already in the first few minutes of the film, this is a completely different depiction of the adamantium legend we are used to. He is doing all this in order to pay for medication for Charles Xavier, played by Patrick Stewart in such a vulnerable and tender role. The medication is for his dementia and to control his seizures, which for a mutant who can control people's minds, is detrimental to all when he has them. Another character is Caliban, an albino mutant that is sensitive to sunlight, he used to track/help hunt mutants but has now reformed and is nurse to Charles. Caliban is played by Stephen Merchant surprisingly well, I did not expect the lanky comedian to be in this type of film, but he does a good job. As it is 2029 b...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was excited to see this film and it didn't disappoint. Like all Marvel films there was much hype. Apart from it being a superhero film it offered more, a new refreshing take on a superhero who isn't your typical white, male, arrogant protagonist. The Black Panther was first introduced in Capt ain America: Civil War. This time he gets a proper solo outing. T'Challa is the Black Panther but he has to prove himself as the new King of Wakanda after his father, T'Chaka was killed in Civil War . Wakanda is a camouflaged country based in Africa, posing as a Third World country, because it has the resource vibraniam, a valuable mineral that can make indestructible metal (Captain America's shield is made from this) and it powers the technologically advanced Wakanda and the Black Panther suit. This film is unique being based in Africa and having a predominantly black cast with 50% female leads. It is odd celebrating this fact especially in 2018, but n...

⭐⭐ This is the sequel to Kingsman : Secret Service , an over the top Bond with even more outlandish gadgets and inappropriate banter. The first film was very enjoyable, the action, how it was filmed felt very fresh and original. The cherry on the cake was seeing Colin Firth gun-fu his way out of a tight spot in a church - shooting everyone in graphic fashion. This was so shocking and unexpected, especially for Mr Darcy! The second film however is silly cartoon rubbish, with over used bad CGI, lewd jokes that are really don't land and are just too offensive. Plus it has such a ridiculous far-fetched plot with a very star-studded cast that don't really have much to do except chew the scenery. Yes, the action does impress and looks cool but when you rely on these set pieces throughout the film and not focus on plot, the film as a whole will inevitably get boring and repetitive. I think I have spotted why Matthew Vaughn's film do so well initially but then the sequels...

⭐⭐⭐ This is it the 8th film or 2nd in the new version? I don't know or care that much, let me start by saying that I was never really a huge fan of the whole saga, I think I watched them because my parents liked them. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the original 3 and I think I even went to the cinema to see the prequels; I was young and naive then and know a lot more now. I was impressed with JJ Abrams aim of revitalising the franchise with The Force Awakens – although that is too similar to a New Hope. But JJ did a very good job of reinvigorating the franchise, with great spectacle and brilliant special effects; all the while keeping the essence of Star Wars, introducing new characters and believable villains. I was therefore actually looking forward to the next Star Wars installment: The Last Jedi, especially to find out how the characters had progressed and finally seeing an aged Luke Skywalker (that the previous film kept promising and hyping up, but we o...

★★★★ This is a political thriller staring Jessica Chastain (Interstellar, Zero Dark Thirty) as Elizabeth Sloane, a Washington DC lobbyist taking on a pro-gun group. I didn't know much about the film before watching and I suggest the same for all, try and not watch any trailers as this is a very good thriller, with great twists and turns. Although I did have to watch the film with the subtitles as the dialogue is fast and snappy (it reminded me of The West Wing) and I didn't want to miss any vital plot points. This film has a John Grisham quality to it, like The Firm or Pelican Brief keeping you guessing throughout and keeping you on your toes. Jessica Chastain is in nearly every scene and she really drives the film, she is such a brilliant actor in this, playing a strong determined, if sometimes unlikeable character, but she nails it!

★★★★ This films’ focus is on the American newspaper, The Washington Post and whether they will publish the Pentagon Papers, a report about the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War, and how the government knew they couldn’t win, but kept sending troops anyway. This film is very subtly directed by Steven Spielberg and is an antidote to his big blockbuster films; he lets the acting do the talking and boy does this film have a lot to say. This isn’t the  most exciting film and is ultimately about if the paper can meet a deadline, but it is the potential ramifications that add a lot of the tension and drama, that keeps you engrossed. The first half of the film mainly focuses on Meryl Streep’s character Kay Graham, the Publisher of The Washington Post at the time and her trying to persuade a boardroom full of old men to put her newspaper on the stock market. I thought this was a really nuanced performance by Streep, she is a very vulnerable character not fully con...

★★★★  This is the second prequel to Ridley Scott's Alien and the sequel to Prometheus. These films are trying to tell the origin story of the infamously terrifying xenomorph. Prometheus got particularly panned, mainly because there was a distinct lack of any aliens that audiences had come accustomed to and oddly love - instead there was a random creation story line. Alien: Covenant is meant to be the answer to this criticism, trying to stay true to the fr anchise, all the while adding something original. However, I think it fails at being original but excels at being a creepy, terrifying horror film with chilling and gruesome scenes. Often ones I had to look away from because it was too bloody and graphic for me. You can't help but marvel at Scott's creativity and direction skill, as this film looks particularly good; the scenery, spaceship design and even the aliens look stunning. This is an excellent scary film that stays true to the tagline 'in space n...