The Family Stone
An uptight businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family’s annual Christmas celebration and finds that she’s a fish out of water in their free – spirited way of life. An all star cast which they all convince in their roles. The story and the idea behind this film is superb, but unfortunately the film itself not as memorable, it doesn’t leave you a lasting impression on you. It feels too sentimental and rather forced; I don’t want to be too harsh on this film as it got some potential, it didn’t quite deliver.
Juniper (2021)
When a self – destructive teenager is suspended from school and asked to look after his feisty alcoholic grandmother as a punishment, the crazy time they spend together turns his life around. One of those film which has got a good story. It never feels forced and that is the key to this film, for me personally it doesn’t offer you anything new or fresh, it feels too safe and too predictable, this isn’t a bad film as it can be powerful, this is a slow burner type of film.
The Woman In The Yard
A mysterious woman repeatedly appears in a family’s front yard, often delivering chilling warnings and unsettling messages, leaving them to question her identity, motives and the potential danger she might pose. Gorgeous looking film that will draw you in from start to finish. this is unpredictable with twist and turn, it feels rushed and you never get to know the characters, it lacks the psychological elements and it can feel slightly overcomplicated. This isn’t a perfect film with these flaws, despite that the film itself is certainly memorable.
Misbehaviour
Opposing the unbridled patriarchy, body shaming and unattainable beauty standards showcased in pageants, a group of feisty women storm the 1970 Miss World contest. Being based on a true story it certainly inspires those people behind this film. It is well casted and they all convince in their roles, it is another film that doesn’t offer you anything new or fresh, it can feel too safe and too predictable, this isn’t a bad film as this silently a pretty good film.
The Friend (2024)
When a solitary writer adopts and bonds with a Great Dane that belonged to a late friend, she begins to come to terms with her past and her own creative inner life. The chemistry between Naomi Watts and Bill Murray is superb. It never feels too predictable and that is the key, this isn’t too sentimental as it can feel quietly powerful, it is sad and heartwarming type of story. It doesn’t gel or flow together as much, that is the only thing as this is silently watchable.
Happiest Season
Abby, a lesbian, plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper, in front of Harper’s family members. But she is in for a shock when she learns that Harper is yet to come out to her parents. Funny and heartwarming film that will capture people heart. the chemistry between the two lead is spot on, the start and the end is perfect, it just the midsection falters just a little bit but it recovers in time. It will move you as this is quietly powerful, this film will surprise people.
MDC Reviews 