IT ###-1/2
Taking its cues directly from the pages of Stranger Things, this long awaited remake of a Stephen King classic revels in the nostalgia of the Eighties (rather than Fifties, when the original plot was set). Its excellent cast of misfit pre-teens captures the essence of the decade. The danger of seeming long-winded is averted with moments of brutal honesty, demonstrating the reality that some children unfortunately face. The way the film placates that by forcing the protagonists to confront their greatest fears I found noble and necessary, especially when depicting the crazed clown killer, Pennywise. At times, the number of horror movie elements thrown into the script can seem formulaic, but overall, there is a sense of depth that made this film great… sequel? Yes please!
Churchill ####
Having premiered in Barcelona several months ago at the Sant Jordi Film Fest, this bio on Winston Churchill debuts with a soft but mighty force. Brian Cox’s performance culminates when addressing the nation on BBC Radio with the words that captured the hearts of Britain. It is near-impossible not to be moved by his command and sheer desire to save the country. It’s odd then, that he was viewed by some if not many in Parliament as annoying, foppish and demanding. At one point, a general is even instructed to tell Churchill what he wants to hear…to shut him up, so to speak. However, what the film portrays is a man who, although heinous on the eye, proved a leader in the fight for liberty and democracy.
The Limehouse Golem ###-1/2
Having premiered at last year’s Sitges Film Fest, this is one of those historical horror flicks that combines real-life events and people with fiction. Actor Douglas Booth’s character, Dan Leno, is based on a real-life singer and comedian who lost his mind. The Limehouse Golem murders however, set in 1880s London—obviously influenced by the Jack the Ripper case—are pure fiction. Does it hurt the film to know which portions are true and which are not? Not at all. The brilliant Bill Nighy plays John Kildare, a seasoned Inspector who has been assigned the Limehouse Golem case. Limehouse refers to a notorious, crime-ridden district in Victorian London, while ‘The Golem’ is a scary creature from Jewish folklore. This film is pure Victorian fantasy and lots of fun. It probably won’t win any awards but it’s still worth a watch.
VOD FILM ALERT! Whitney: Can I Be Me ####
From now on, A Bitter Life Through Cinema will bring you a small weekly review on a new Netflix, HBO, Showtime or other Video-on-Demand film, starting with this documentary film. Documentary director Nick Broomfield’s latest film on Whitney Houston pulls no punches as he takes the viewer through unseen footage, archival reels and interviews. Formerly accepted truths are drawn-out and explained in a way that makes it hard not to get swept up in the story of her life. The documentary shows her progression from a church girl leading a choir with mama Cissy and famous relatives, to the superstar she became before her death in 2012, aged 48. What the viewer takes with them is a true study on the frailties of celebrity life and the necessity for tough love in families…A potentially upsetting watch so be warned!